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Thursday 15 November 2012 1 Muharram 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5519 Price: QR2

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OPINION Child education initiative launched Syrian revolution Sheikha Moza announces ‘Educate a Child’ project for poor and underprivileged children will end soon his BY FAZEENA SALEEM with traditional communities week, such as Kenya’s Masai where edu- TQatar : A global initiative to cation for girls is often cut short spearheaded bring primary education to poor due to cultural influences such as a remark- and marginalised children was child delivery or early marriage. able effort launched by H H Sheikha Moza Representatives of some to topple bint Nasser yesterday at the projects funded by the ‘Educate the oppres- Khalid Al Sayed World Innovation Summit for a Child’ also shares their on-the- sive regime EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Education (WISE) under way ground experiences. of Syrian in Doha. Saud, head teacher at Kakuma President With 61 million children refugee camp in Northern Kenya, Bashar Al Assad. The four-day deprived of basic education and who received a special men- marathon talks held in Doha 28 million of these in the conflict tion about her work by Sheikha aimed to form a united oppo- zones, the initiative ‘Educate a Moza at the ‘Educate a Child’ sition that will head various Child’ seeks to bring high quality launch said, “I have been living rebel groups to lead the upris- learning to them, together with in Kakuma for 10 years, I studied ing. The Western governments specialised organisations from here, went to college on a scholar- welcomed the move, which around the world. ship. Now I have over 1,400 learn- was seen as a positive step to “Educate a Child will reignite ers and 25 teachers in my school, end the four decades-old rule the world’s commitment to the without education my life would of Assad’s family. hardest-to-reach children, the have been miserable, but my edu- At the end of the talks, forgotten children. Our mission is cation has really helped the com- the , to turn attention back to the dis- munity and family,” the main political opposi- advantaged children of today, who Together with Gordon Brown, tion, signed an agreement to could become confident adults United Nations Secretary form a new coalition called tomorrow, able to fulfil their General’s Special Envoy for Global ‘Syrian National Coalition for potential, if we just give them the Education, ‘Educate a Child’ Opposition and Revolutionary opportunity,” said Sheikha Moza, H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser listening to a panel discussion at the launch of her new global initiative, Educate partners Irina Bokova, Director Forces”. announcing the initiative. A Child. Also present is Gordon Brown (2nd right), former British prime Minster and United Nations Secretary General for UNESCO, represen- The opposition finally She made the announcement General’s Special Envoy for Global Education. (AR AL-BAKER) tation United Nations Secretary agreed under mounting pres- on the second day of the WISE General Ban Ki-moon, Antonio sure to accept other Syrian summit being held at the Qatar education due to extreme poverty, partnerships, with the help of a many schools and learning cen- Guterres, High Commissioner, rebel groups, who were unwill- National Convention Centre conflict, natural disaster, discrim- truly fruitful collaboration and tres for refugee children who have UNHCR, Filippo Grandi, ing to join their ranks due to under the theme ‘Collaboration ination or other reasons. And it mutual learning,” said Sheikha fled fighting or disasters such as Commissioner-General, UNRWA, inefficiency and inaction. for Change.’ The meet concludes is seeking further partnerships to Moza. drought and famine, to enable Carol Bellamy, Chair, The Global In the initial deal, SNC today. reach out to more children who ‘Educate a Child’ is working them to continue their education Partnership for Education and agreed to elect Ahmed Moaz ‘Educate a Child’ is already are deprived of the fundamental with Unesco, Unhcr, Unrwa, The in spite of having left their homes. Rakesh Mittal, Chairman and Al Khatib as the head of supporting 25 projects and ben- right to education. Global Partnership for Education The projects varies from low CEO, Bharti Foundation in a panel the newly-formed bloc, with efiting 500,000 children in coun- “This is just the beginning and and Bharti Foundation as strategic cost one-room schools in Indian discussion shared their role and prominent dissident Riad tries across Africa, Middle East for me it not enough, because partners and together has funded urban slums, to floating boat contribution towards ‘Educate a Seif and opposition figure and Asia where many children you imagine how many we can $152,696,645 into all ongoing schools in flood-driven areas in Child.’ THE PENINSULA Suhair Al Atassi as Khatib’s don’t have access to primary reach as we continue to build our projects. It is working to support Bangladesh, to projects working See also page 2 deputies. Continued on page 4 PM in Boeing 787 Dreamliner No breakthrough in GCC-Russia Israel attack kills talks on top Hamas leader RIYADH: Russian Foreign GAZA CITY: Israel yester- Minister Sergei Lavrov con- day assassinated a top Hamas Egypt recalls envoy demned the bloodshed in Syria military commander in a strike as “outrageous” yesterday and on Gaza City, prompting out- from Israel urged opponents of President rage from militants who said CAIRO: Egypt recalled its Bashar Al Assad inside and the Jewish state had opened ambassador from Israel yes- outside the country to form a “the gates of hell.” The killing terday after Israeli strikes united front to end the crisis. came on the eve of the Islamic on the Gaza Strip killed Lavrov met with foreign min- new year— 1434— which begins Hamas’ top military com- isters of the six-member Gulf today. mander and at least six other Cooperation Council (GCC) for Israel confirmed the kill- Palestinians, presidential more than two hours in Riyadh ing of Ahmed Jaabari in an air spokesman Yasser said. but failed to reach common strike on a car in Gaza City, and See also page 12 ground on how to end the blood- warned it was only the start shed that has claimed more than of an operation to target mili- and its armed wing, the Ezzedine 38,000 lives in Syria. tant groups across the Hamas- Al Qassam Brigades, chanting for Qatar’s Prime Mnister and controlled territory. It also revenge in and around the Shifa Foreign Minister H E Sheikh warned it was prepared to launch where his body was taken. Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al a ground operation “if necessary.” Jaabari’s bodyguard was also Thani said no breakthrough was The assassination followed a week- killed in the strike, a spokes- made in the talks. end of bloodshed, which saw Israel man for the Hamas-run Interior “We have spoken at length on kill seven Palestinians as militants Ministry said, indicating that the situation in Syria and how to fired more than 120 rockets over another four people had also been find solutions,” Sheikh Hamad bin the border. Jaabari’s death sparked killed as Israel pounded the ter- Jassem told journalists after the The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani being shown Qatar furious protests in Gaza City, with ritory with more than 20 strikes. talks. “We have a point of view Airways’ new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which arrived in Doha yesterday, by the airline’s CEO Akbar Al Baker. hundreds of members of Hamas AFP and our friends in Russia have See also page 4 a point of view and they did not converge.” Lavrov was hoping to raise Moscow’s profile in a region where its influence is at risk after block- ing three United Nations resolu- Relatives angry as Villaggio fire case hearing postponed tions meant to put pressure on Assad to end the bloodshed. DOHA: A criminal court try- of the deaths occurred. The duo to be physically present since this another lawyer who didn’t want number of accused in a criminal “We believe the bloodshed ing the May 28 Villaggio Mall is based overseas. was a criminal case. his name in print said since the case. Only the Prosecution can should be stopped,” Lavrov told fire on Tuesday put off hear- The trial was originally sched- Meanwhile, a source told this Prosecution had already filed the make a request to that effect to a a joint news conference with ing in the case for the fourth uled to begin on September 6 but newspaper yesterday that some of charges in the case after inves- court,” the lawyer said. the Bahraini Foreign Minister, straight time leaving the rela- was postponed due to the absence the relatives of the mall fire vic- tigations the number of accused The parents of the 13 small Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed tives of the 19 deceased disap- of the same duo who did not tims want the list of the accused could only be increased if it (the children who died in the illegal Al Khalifa, after the talks in the pointed and enraged. appear on Tuesday as well. They in the case to be expanded due Prosecution) was convinced of the nursery in the mall said in a joint Saudi capital. The hearing was adjourned could not be served the summons. to the nature and scope of the need in the interest of justice. statement issued on Tuesday that “What is happening in Syria is to November 29 due to repeated Asked if the absent duo could case. Citing an example, he said If the prosecution decides to they are angry and disappointed outrageous,” he added, speaking absence of two of the several be represented by their defence at least the owner of one shop add to the list of the accused it as the same defendants in the through an interpreter. accused who are husband and counsels, a prominent lawyer not needed to be included among the would need to launch further trial failed to show up. REUTERS wife and owners of the ill-fated wishing to be named replied in accused. investigation. “The court has THE PENINSULA See also page 2 Gympanzee nursery where most the negative and said they needed Contacted for comment, no prerogative to increase the Continued on page 4 THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Six projects receive WISE awards PM in Riyadh Awards presented for making positive impact on societies and education

DOHA: WISE 2012 awards pre- H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Innovation Summit for Education. RoboBraille in Denmark, Satya sented yesterday to six winning presented awards to winners Solar-Powered Floating Schools Bharti School Programme in projects for their innovative at an event held at the Qatar in Bangladesh, Cristo Rey India, PSU Educarchile in Chile approaches and positive impact National Convention Centre Network Corporate Work Study and Cambodian Children’s Fund on societies and education. on the second day of the World Programme in the United States, – Generational Change through Education in Cambodia were recog- nised for their contribution toward educating children. ‘Floating Schools’ in Bangladesh This year’s awardees were selected under the theme of ‘Transforming Education’ and each was presented with a cash prize plans to broaden its services of $20,000. A seven-member jury selected this year’s winners from BY FAZEENA SALEEM the 20 finalists. Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of WISE, DOHA: The floating schools was the chairman of the jury. in Bangladesh, Shidhulai Solar-Powered, Floating Schools Swanirvar Sangstha initiative, ensures year round education to which was judged to have best students from flood affected areas provided innovative financing in Bangladesh. Boats serve as both of primary education among classrooms and school buses, taking the six WISE award winners, students to and from school. is expecting to broaden its In India Satya Bharti School The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem services. Programme delivers high qual- bin Jabor Al Thani with Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Prince Abdulaziz The organisation is looking ity, holistic education to under- bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz at Riyadh International Airport yesterday. The forward to expand its work and privileged children in rural India. Prime Minister is in Riyadh to participate in the second joint meeting of provide people with more ‘float- It influences positive community the GCC Foreign Ministers with their Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, ing’ services as the country’s 17 organization and provides local to discuss the Syrian crisis. percent of land is in a danger of income support through school- eroded by sea. based job opportunities. “If we get support we would be Children study in a solar-powered floating school in a flood-prone area Cambodian Children’s Fund able to scale up,” said Mohamed in Bangladesh. The ‘Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha’ initiative is one of Generational Change through Rizwan, Founder of Shidhulai the winners of the 2012 WISE Awards. Education in Cambodia is a com- Former Australian Prime Minister Swanirvar Sangstha. munity-based programme for the This year, one of the WISE thousands of children who were to speak at SFS-Q lecture today Awards is for a project that, the people by boats. They intro- cannot go to school. If the chil- forced to live and work in the gar- in addition to ‘Transforming duced the solar-powered floating dren cannot come to the school bage dumps. Cristo Rey Network DOHA: Kevin Rudd Stoll, Associate Dean for Education’, has best provided schools in Bangladesh to ensure for lack of transportation, then Corporate Work Study Program in (pictured), MP and Academic Affairs, SFS-Q. innovative financing of primary children’s uninterrupted educa- the school should come to them,” United States provides quality pre- 26th Prime Minister of As Prime Minister and education. tion even during the height of explains Rizwan. paratory education to low-income Australia will share his Foreign Minister, Rudd The winning project was the monsoon in 2002. The solar-powered, float- students from 25 high schools. insights on “What the took the lead in mak- Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha, “The Northeastern part of ing schools ensures year round Robo Braille in Denmark is a Change in Communist ing sure that Australia where solar powered floating Bangladesh is often flooded. I saw education to students from flood free web-based device that converts Leadership says about engaged with and schools ensure year-round pri- my friends and relative denied affected areas in Bangladesh. educational materials into formats China’s Future” at a the wider region. mary education to students in going to schools due to these Boats serve as both classrooms such as Braille, mp3 files, audio distinguished lecture In his lecture Rudd flood-prone areas, even dur- floods,” said Riwan, explaining and school buses, taking stu- books, e-books, and visual Braille. to be held today at the will speak about the chal- ing the height of the monsoon how the schools started to float. dents to and from school. PSU Educarchile in Chile is the Georgetown University School lenges that China poses, as well as period. Being an architect, it took Classrooms contain a shared first online high school programme of Foreign Service in Qatar offer thoughts about the future of Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha four years to build the boats with laptop, mobile library, and solar- to prepare students for the manda- (SFS-Q). the Asia-Pacific. Rudd will also realised that the rivers do not the support of Global Fund for powered lanterns for night class. tory University Admission Test. It “SFS-Q is delighted to wel- outline his proposal for the lead- have to be barriers to informa- Children. Almost 70,000 chil- The initiative inspired solar provides free educational materials, come former Prime Minister ers of United States and China tion, they can be communication dren have benefited since the water farming practices, stimu- mobile podcasts, and collaborative Kevin Rudd to campus as part of to formulate a five-year strate- channels. Shidhulai is working to start of the project in 2002. lating economic growth and chil- software to low-income students. its continuing mandate to stimu- gic roadmap for future relations improve quality of life in flood- “With roads impassable dur- dren’s nutritional health. The programme supports 1,200,000 late discussion about important between the two countries, based prone areas by taking services to ing the monsoon, students THE PENINSULA students per year. developments within the inter- on a regional rules-based security THE PENINSULA national community,” said Daniel order. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Qatar condemns Cabinet hails deal Israeli raids on Gaza DOHA: Qatar has strongly condemned Israeli raids and atrocities on the Gaza Strip, Ministers approve draft law on Qatari flag; nod to grant air services to Cameroon which killed and injured a number of Palestinians, stress- DOHA: The Prime Minister representative of the Syrian The cabinet considered topics financial cost of establishing a services between and beyond ing that the series of attacks H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem people. tabled on the agenda as follows: health insurance company in their respective territories. constitute a continuation of bin Jabor Al Thani presided The Cabinet welcomed the First: Approved the draft law Qatar. Fifth: Took the neces- the Israel’s policy of aggression over the weekly regular Cabinet important and constructive relating to the Qatari flag and 2 - A Cabinet’s draft decision sary measures to ratify a against the Palestinian people. meeting held this afternoon at outcomes of the Syrian opposi- to forward it to the Advisory amending some provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding Qatar urges the interna- the Emiri Diwan. tion meeting in Doha held from Council. decision No. 35 for 2010 forming (MoU) between the governments tional community, especially Following the meeting, the November 8 to 11, during which Second: Approved the imple- the Rental Disputes Resolution of the State of Qatar and the the Security Council to shoul- Deputy Minister of State for an agreement was reached to mentation of the provisions of Committees. International Criminal Police der its responsibilities and take Cabinet Affairs, H E Ahmed establish the National Coalition the Law No. 24 of 2002 on retire- 3 - A letter by the Ministry Organisation (Interpol) on the firm measures to protect the bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud of the Forces of the Syrian ment and pensions for Qatari of Business and Trade on audits recognition of the Interpol travel Palestinian people by stopping announced the decisions of the Revolution and Opposition as employees at the Sheikh Jassim of financial statements of the document. these brutal attacks. Cabinet. an important development and bin Mohamed bin Thani Social General Tourism Authority for Sixth: Joining the Vienna Qatar reiterates its support At the outset of the meet- a major step, and looks forward Welfare Foundation. the financial year 2011/2012. Convention on Road Traffic 1968. and its stand by the Palestinian ing, the Cabinet reaffirmed the to taking next steps towards a Third: The Cabinet reviewed Fourth: Approved a bilateral Seventh: Approved a proposal people in their struggle to attain State of Qatar’s recognition of quick political transfer of power the following topics and took the air services draft agreement by the General Civil Aviation their legitimate rights and estab- the National Coalition of the in order to achieve the aspira- relevant decisions: between the governments of the Authority to conduct talks on air lish their independent state with Forces of the Syrian Revolution tions of the Syrian people and 1 - The Ministry of Economy State of Qatar and the Republic transport with some countries. Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. and Opposition as the legitimate lead to ending the bloodshed. and Finance’s estimation for the of Cameroon establishing air QNA QNA THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Sponsor demands QR40,000 for exit permit 787 Dreamliner arrives in Doha

DOHA: Qatar’s national human rights watch- Qatar Airways has the youngest, most technologically advanced fleet: CEO dog has said it has come to the rescue of a foreign worker who was not allowed to travel overseas DOHA: Qatar Airways’ the most technologically as his sponsor demanded QR40,000 to issue him first Boeing 787-8 advanced fleet of aircraft in an exit permit (a sponsor’s formal permission Dreamliner landed on Doha the skies and the acquisition required by a foreign worker to travel abroad). International Airport yes- of 787 proves Qatar Airways’ The chairman of the National Human Rights terday, marking a historic commitment in next genera- Committee (NHRC) cited the above example in a lec- milestone for the national tion aircraft. ture he delivered earlier this week to highlight what carrier becoming the first “Comfort and space are he said was the lopsidedness of the sponsorship law. airline from the region to the hallmark of the 787 but “We need to strike a balance between the rights take delivery of the 787. we have gone an extra mile of foreign workers and those of their sponsors,” said A total of 60 aircraft are on to provide the highest stand- Dr Ali Semaikh Al Marri, criticising the existing order for delivery in phases ards of service excellence that sponsorship rules. over the next three years, four people deserve,” he stressed. The lecture was held at Qatar University’s College of which would be delivered The 254-seater 787-8 of Education on “Human Rights issues in Qatar”. before year end, according Dreamliner features specially Talking about human trafficking, Al Marri said that to Chief Executive Officer, designed interiors, spacious there might be some cases of trafficking due to the Akbar Al Baker, speaking cabins, custom-made seats alleged sale of ‘free visas’ and there might also be at a press conference after a and the latest inflight tech- some cases of ill-treatment of workers. Such cases 13-hour flight from Seattle, nology across its Business and fall within the purview of the National Committee the US west coast home of Economy Class. Furthermore, for Combating Human Trafficking which is an inde- American aircraft manufac- it boasts as the world’s first pendent body, he said. turer, Boeing. fully connected 787 with wire- There are 1.8 million people in the country and He was joined by almost less facilities for passengers imagine that a vast majority of them — 1.4 million 100 passengers during the to remain in touch with their — are foreign workers, said the NHRC chairman, journey, including interna- friends and loved ones on the hinting that he did not rule out the possibility of a tional media, senior manage- ground. A striking feature few cases of human trafficking or ill-treatment of ment from Qatar Airways and of every seat throughout the workers taking place here and there. Boeing and third party suppli- aircraft is the award-winning Al Marri, talking about the exit permit rule, said ers from companies involved touch screen Android system, that the case that involved a Qatari sponsor demand- in the 787 project. where passengers are able Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker with the US Ambassador to Qatar Susan Ziadeh onboard Qatar ing QR40,000 from his foreign worker was a rare Responding to a query, Al to navigate through a truly Airways’ first Boeing 787 Dreamliner after it landed at the Doha International Airport yesterday. thing to happen. “Such things happen in a few cases.” Baker said Qatar Airways is interactive service offering The NHRC chairman said that a committee has also interested in acquiring more than 1,000 movie, TV been set up by the State Cabinet to study the spon- 787-10, a larger version of the programmes, music and gam- telephony, sending both text Tom Aitkens and Chef Nobu is cleaner and healthier than sorship law to make it balanced — a legislation that Dreamliner being considered ing entertainment options and MMS messages, with Matsushisa – have joined many other aircraft. would do justice to both the employers and their by Boeing as well as the 787-9 in a sophisticated and user each seat equipped with forces with the Doha-based The 787 will spend a few foreign employees. which is under development friendly way, just like the lat- USB, MP3 and other charger airline to create a new range days positioned at Doha Al Marri pointed out that since most of the com- and to enter service late 2014. est smart phones. ports, including laptop power of signature dishes. International Airport giving plaints the Committee gets relate to issues that fall “We have the opportunity The touch-screen control outlets. The new Boeing 787 In addition, dynamic mood staff an opportunity to tour within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior, to switch from the current to unit has a unique dual screen Dreamliner is also comple- lighting and the composite the aircraft before it enters the latter has set up a human rights department of future variant to be offered by interface allowing passen- mented with a recently-intro- design of the Dreamliner with commercial service for a few its own. The chairman reiterated that the plight of Boeing,” he said, adding they gers to play games on their duced new inflight culinary lighter materials will ensure weeks on selected Doha – children of Qatari women married to foreigners was target 170 jetliners and nearly handheld device while enjoy- menu being rolled out across passengers are less fatigued flights from November at the heart of the NHRC and recently a draft of a 170 destinations in the next ing a movie on their personal all services. Four award- and more refreshed as the 20 and then deployed long- legislation had been prepared by it, which, if imple- three years. screen. Passengers are also winning culinary ambassa- cabin pressure is 2,000 feet haul on one of the five daily mented, would confer equal rights on them, or, in Qatar Airways, he said, able to be fully connected dors –Chef Ramzi Chwayri, closer to ground level with an Heathrow services. other words, they would be treated as Qatari citizens. now has the youngest and through Wi-Fi and GSM Chef Vineet Bhatia, Chef air purification system that THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Call for clear and swift justice Continued from page 1 Obama must resume Syria mission the defendants are making of Qatar’s “The delay in the legal system is courts is prolonging our pain and grief beginning to shed an unfavourable light as we seek to find the answer as to why Continued from page 1 that they can fulfil their mis- Israel. Recently, an air strike further due to Russia and on the country and the courts. Justice our beautiful children were killed,” said The US-backed agreement sion. Prior to this progress, and bomb attack by Syrian China vetoing sanctions on should be clear and swift… The mockery the letter. THE PENINSULA stated that the parties agreed Assad appeared on a Russian government killed 16 people Syria. In September, Turkish to work for Assad’s overthrow television channel last week to in the opposition-held town Prime Minister Recep Tayyip and reject any dialogue with show his firm grip on power of Ras Al Ain, sending scores Erdogan said the US is yet to the government. and vowed to ‘live or die’ in of civilians to refugee camps in address the Syrian crisis and It also authorises the estab- Syria where he had lived from Turkey. The Turkish govern- is only giving ‘non-lethal sup- lishment of a national judicial birth. ment said it will take meas- port’ to the opposition due to commission. Furthermore, it His words were aimed at ures to defend its territory and presidential elections. outlined that after the opposi- the international community, avoid the spread of violence. US President Barack tion body gains international who repeatedly called for an After unity talks in Doha, Obama’s failure in managing recognition, a provisional end to his military rule. Assad the UN Secretary General the Syrian revolution shows government will follow, and a signalled that he is neither Ban Ki-moon urged Israel the weakness of his foreign transitional government will stepping down nor leaving and Syria to exercise restraint policy. Now that Obama has take place when the regime Syria, and instead, warned after Israel responded by fir- been re-elected, US should falls. the west to refrain from med- ing warning shots when a step up efforts to expedite the Qatar’s Prime Minister H E dling in Syria’s internal affairs. mortar from the Syrian side fall of Assad and boost sup- Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem If it continues, the price of the hit the Israeli-occupied Golan port to the opposition group. bin Jabor Al Thani said that invasion will be more than the Heights. The attack came Time is right for Obama to he would lead discussions world can bear, he said. after Israeli Prime Minister resume his mission in Syria, with Arab League foreign Since March 2011, the upris- Benjamin Netanyahu said and he must learn lessons ministers, the United States ing has claimed 37,000 lives the state was ‘ready for any from the past four years of his and European allies for the in Syria and the number is development’, referring to the administration. new coalition to obtain full expected to surge as long as Syrian crisis. Iran, Syria’s closest ally, will recognition. Assad is in power. The inter- Syria’s neighbours back the soon elect its next leader to Through international rec- national community fears that international community, par- succeed President Mahmoud ognition, the opposition group the civil war would spread to ticularly the US, on the need to Ahmadinejad. would be granted the status neighbouring countries, fur- enforce a no-fly zone to restrict Whoever wins the 2013 of a legitimate government ther deepening the conflict Assad government’s air power elections, both countries will in Syria or in exile. The alli- that threatens the fragile sta- so as to prevent a spillover of face greater challenges. For ance was promised arms and bility of the Middle East. the conflict to nearby coun- Tehran, more restrictions humanitarian aid by their Violence has already spilled tries. However, foreign powers will come on their nuclear international supporters so into Lebanon, Turkey and have been reluctant to proceed ambitions. For Syria, it will be a crucial stage for them considering the after- math of the revolution. Over the years, the Middle East countries have struggled to achieve political reforms. The in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen proved that only time will tell when a coun- try is ready to face real change. Former dictator Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled for 42 years, was beaten to death by angry rebels. On the other hand, former President , who ruled for 30 years, was sentenced to life imprisonment. After Syrian President Bashar Al Assad’s ‘live or die’ declaration, it is clear to us that it will only be a matter of time when a ruler will be ousted from power. Having gone through the dark days of Syrian revolution, as we come to the end of the year, it is time to say that enough of the Assad regime. The future is bright for Syrians. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Qataris urged to take up jobs

DOHA: Qatar Foundation, through added. Only 25 percent of the students at He admitted that the low salaries of He underlined the need for a compre- the University of Calgary-Qatar (UC- Calgary University are Qataris and their nurses in the public and private sectors hensive community-based approach to Q) is promoting a multi-dimensional ratio is even smaller at the Weill Cornell is a major factor hindering Qataris from promote the nursing profession among approach to attract more Qataris to Medical College in Qatar - between 20 joining the profession. Qataris. the nursing profession and change the and 25 percent. “We are seriously working with the “We should tell our children about society’s attitude toward nursing. “The Calgary University currently has Supreme Council of Health (SCH) to the importance of nursing in and According to Dr Mohammed Fathi about 300 students and 12 of its students address this issue. There is also the need Islamic history and introduce to them Saoud (pictured), president of Qatar are graduating next Sunday. Our goal is for more flexibility in the procedures for the successful Qatari examples in nurs- Foundation and chairman of UC-Q’s Joint to develop the university as a world class employing the UC-Q graduates in jobs ing. There was a Qatari male nurse Oversight Board, the severe shortage of institution with more than 1,000 stu- at the HMC and the primary at HMC, who is now holding a senior qualified nurses in the country could be dents, in the next few years,” said Saoud. health centres,” said Saoud. administrative position. However, few addressed only through developing a He said there was a nursing school in All the students at UC-Q are spon- people know about such people and their dedicated and competent team of Qatari Qatar that produced a good number of sored by the SCH or the HMC. After achievements.” nurses-both men and women. nurses, with secondary degrees, but there graduation they will join as trainees at “Nursing is a noble profession that “Qatar Foundation, under the leader- were concerns about quality. Worldwide, one of the public healthcare facilities. requires a passion for the job and com- ship of H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser is the nursing profession is undergoing a “The most important thing is to mitment from those who practice it,” providing high-quality education to ful- radical change, with a bachelor’s degree change the people’s concept about nurs- added Saoud. fil some of the most significant require- becoming a minimum requirement for ing. We need to take away the stigma He said the Calgary University had ments of the country. Medical education nurses in several advanced countries like that nursing is only about patient care,” started field visits to schools to raise is one of those requirements and the the UK and Canada. said Saoud. awareness among students about the sig- Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar “UC-Q was established to fill this gap. “The role of nurses in the health sector nificance of nursing and encourage them and the Calgary University - Qatar were Currently it is offering diploma and bach- is changing worldwide. Nurses are now to join the profession. established to meet the growing demand elor’s degrees and a post graduate degree actively involved in medical researches Along with efforts to change the soci- for qualified medical professionals,” said will be introduced in January next year. and administrative jobs. We have some ety’s approach toward nursing, there is Saoud, in an interview with The Peninsula We are also planning to launch a doc- Qatari nurses at HMC who are now also the need to promote a clear career yesterday. torate in nursing in three years,” added holding senior management positions. path for nursing. economic benefits of taking up such jobs,” “There is a huge demand in the mar- Saoud. About 60 percent of the professionals “Qataris are not attracted to medical said Saoud. ket but the number of Qatari nurses and He said the Canada-based Calgary who applied for top positions at the Sidra professions mainly because of the nature “At Calgary, we are following a con- those from other Arab countries is very University was selected as it was one of Medical and Research Centre are nurs- of the job and the long years required tinuous education programme, to pro- small. Shortage of qualified nurses poses a the top institutions in the world offering ing graduates from reputed institutions to complete the studies. Our children duce highly qualified nursing cadres,” he major risk for the sector,” he the most advanced model of nursing. in the US,” he said. must be educated about the social and concluded. THE PENINSULA

Qatar placed 6th at World Robot Olympiad

DOHA: Qatar was placed sixth at the a partnership between the College of the can make a positive contribution that sup- 2012 World Robot Olympiad (WRO) North Atlantic – Qatar and Maersk Oil ports development in the State of Qatar” open category competition second- Qatar which promotes and develops inter- he added. Dr Theodore Chiasson, Dean of ary level, the only country in the Mena est in science, technology and engineering School of Information Technology at CNA- region to place in the top 8 in any in schools. Q, who is the National Representative for category. “Maersk Oil is proud of the great results the WRO in Qatar, said: “With Maersk Over 400 teams from 30 countries of our teams from Qatar at the World Oil’s support, we were able to expand the competed last weekend in the 2012 WRO Robot Finals. This is an exciting event and number of teams competing in the World Finals held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. a great opportunity for students to raise Robot Olympiad Finals. In 2011 only three Qatar team from the American School of Qatar’s flag and highlight the talented teams were able to take part in the World Doha was placed 6th in the Open Category young people we have here,” said Sheikh Finals whereas this year it has more than competition at the Secondary level, while Faisal Al Thani, Maersk Oil Qatar Deputy tripled in number.” the team from Nasser bin Abdullah was Managing Director. “Qatar is really just at the beginning in placed 34th in the High School Regular “Maersk Oil is fully committed to sup- this competition – for example, over 3,000 category beating more than half the teams porting the Qatar National Vision 2030, teams competed in Malaysia’s national in their category. our social investment activities are largely robot Olympiad, as compared to 112 teams Qatar had 10 teams competing in six focused in the areas of health, education, at the Qatar National Robot Olympiad,” he Teams that took part in the 2012 World Robot Olympiad. categories at the world finals as part of and the environment – where we believe we added. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME HMC staff promote well-being at walkathon Treat awaits DOHA: About 45 employees of and went for a thirty-minute “We wanted to motivate people the Hamad Medical Corporation walk around the compound. The to come out of their offices and (HMC) donned their sports- walkathon was also joined by accommodations and take part wear and joined a walkathon senior administrative leaders at in some beneficial exercise for 30 recently organised by HMC’s HMC such as Dr Huda Al Naemi, minutes as they enjoy the after- children at Occupational Health and Safety Executive Director of Occupational noon breeze and the pleasant sur- Department. Health and Safety which initiated roundings of Hamad Medical City,” The participants assembled in the walkathon, and Hamad Al said Leo Dote, Safety Instructor at Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City Khalifa, Group Chief of Facilities Occupational Health and Safety. film festival near the Building 18 parking area and Workforce Development. THE PENINSULA DTFF lines up seven different films

DOHA: Seven films on children a 23-year-old orphan, whose will be shown at the upcom- parents perished in wartime, ing fourth Doha Tribeca Film struggles to keep her delinquent Festival (DTFF), the annual younger brother on the right cultural celebration of Doha side of the law; and Radu Jude’s Film Institute (DFI), which will Everybody in our Family, the lat- be held from November 17 to 24. est offering from the powerhouse Assistant Chief of Staff Logistics, Spanning diverse narratives of contemporary Romanian cin- Brig Nasser Mohammed Al Ali, and genres, the films are powerful ema. Excellent camerawork and addressing the forum. creative representations of how standout performances capture the most vulnerable segment of the absurd results of a darkly the society – the children – react hilarious family get-together gone to the events happening around terribly wrong. High level them. Two films presenting this Dominga Sotomayor’s Thursday unique perspective are competing Till Sunday, narrates the story of presentations in the Festival’s Made in Qatar 10-year-old Lucia, her parents, and Arab Film Competition and brother and their holiday in HMC staff that took part in the walkathon. segments. the north of Chile, which results mark end of Jan Xavier Pacle’s Angel in in broken familial bonds, ending June, in ‘Made in Qatar,’ nar- in an emotional farewell and a rates the story of 13-year-old family in crisis. defence forum Angel, a kind and altruistic girl David Siegel and Scott DOHA: The second annual who busies herself with making McGehee’s What Maise Knew, Qatari campaign to Qatar Defence Logistics and the world a better place, despite is a contemporary interpreta- Al Meera to open branch at Barwa’s Support Forum drew to a close developing symptoms of a terri- tion of the Henry James novel, help Syrian refugees on Tuesday after a the day ble illness. The film is inspired by ‘What Maisie Knew,’ a critique Mesaimeer housing complex soon high level presentations and real-life events and takes place in of a self-involved divorced couple DOHA: The Qatar Center discussions. the Filipino community in Doha. who thoughtlessly manipulate DOHA: Al Meera Consumer services. Al Meera is expected to for Voluntary Activities has Not only did the event serve as Contesting in the Arab Film Maisie, their young daughter. The Goods Company will soon open open its store in the first quarter launched a six-month campaign a learning platform for all those Competition’s Narrative seg- story, told entirely from the clever its branch at the Barwa’s hous- of next year, he added. to collect clothes and other aid involved but enabled the numer- ment is Playground Chronicles, by six-year-old’s point of view, sees ing complex in Mesaimeer, It is however not clear why the to support Syrian refugees on ous international and regional Brahim Fritah, following 10-year- Maisie coming to recognise who sources at Barwa said yesterday. other shops at the complex have the Jordanian border. forces to debate best practice and old Brahim, who is increasingly in her life really cares for her. ABC Mart, the existing super- also been closed. A laundry and Through the campaign, the a roadmap for the future. These aware of the complexities of the Another representation is market at the complex will down juice stall continue to function, centre aims to collect clothes, discussions were complimented by world around him. By setting the Majid Majidi’s classic Children its shutters, likely next month, while most other facilities includ- shoes, tents, blankets, among oth- the strong industry attendance. simple trials and jubilations of of Heaven part of the Special to give way to the new shopping ing a barber shop and pharmacy ers. “We want to provide support The conference was opened by youth against a backdrop of social Screenings line-up, which tells facility. Most of the other shops have already downed their shut- to the hundreds of Syrians who Brig Nasser Mohammed Al Ali, turmoil, the director imagines the story of Ali and his family providing various services at the ters, a tenant said yesterday. fled the turmoil in their country Assistant Chief of Staff Logistics what childhood treasures Brahim and their lives in an impover- sprawling housing complex have The residential complex and are staying on the borders of Qatar Armed Forces, who spoke will take with him into the future. ished quarter of Tehran. When also been closed. offering affordable houses has Jordan, ahead of the forthcom- to over 100 delegates on the Four films are part of DTFF’s he accidentally loses his beloved A Barwa official said yesterday nearly 1,000 apartments, rented ing winter,” said Yousuf Ali Al importance of logistics in Qatar Contemporary World Cinema younger sister’s only pair of shoes, that the supermarket has been out to families from different Kazim, General Secretary of the and during coalition operations, line-up. These include: Aida the children must devise ways to closed following repeated com- nationalities. organisation, while announcing which the Qatar Armed Forces Begic’s Children of Sarajevo, nar- hide the loss from their parents. plaints from tenants about the THE PENINSULA the launch of the new campaign. are continuing to support. rating the story of how Rahima, THE PENINSULA The centre has deployed a team The second day started with of volunteers in 29 localities in Vice Admiral Gauzolino exam- Qatar to collect the donations. ining lifecycle management and It is working in coordination the importance of designing ships DCMF-QU with members of the Central with the next 50 years in mind. Municipal Council (CMC) from Continuing the naval theme Rear studying each locality. The centre has tied Admiral Wang looked at coalition up with two Jordanian organisa- operations and maximising the tions to distribute the aid among utilisation of scarce resources. Qatari media the Syrian refugees. The first con- The discussion panel closing the signment will be sent by the end day agreed that both a change in DOHA: The Doha Center of this week, said the official. mind-set and closer work through for Media Freedom “We are not collecting money. coalitions were the way forward (DCMF) in collaboration Those who are interested to and that forces should start con- with the Qatar University donate can buy clothes or other sidering themselves one coalition is conducting a study on the items and deliver them to our vol- with a mutual goal. Qatari media. unteers,” he added. On the final day, focused on The research aims to He said the centre had sent a joint logistics, delegates took a study the extent to which letter to the Arab League inform- look at the best practice in this Qatar’s media environment ing about the campaign and urg- area, with examples from the ensures freedom of expres- ing it to encourage other Arab French MoD, Royal Navy and sion, plurality and diversity of countries to follow suit, he said. Italian Air Force. media using Unesco’s Media THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Development Indicators (MDIs). The MDI method- ology was endorsed in 2008 by the Intergovernmental Council of Unesco’s International Programme Civil Defence holds safety for the Development of Communication. The MDI framework cov- workshop for engineers ers all aspects of the media environment and is struc- DOHA: A specialised workshop He explained the importance of tured around five categories: on safety is being held for engi- the workshop saying that it will Regulation; Plurality and neers and consultants in Doha focus on latest requirements of diversity of the media; Media by the General Directorate of building safety. as a platform for demo- Civil Defence (GDCD). The workshop discusses many cratic discourse; Professional The 10-day workshop is held as important subjects on build- capacity building; and a part of improving safety at con- ing safety and issues including Infrastructural capacity. struction sites. A group of safety basics of safety and security, ideal MDI assessments have experts from US National Fire number of exits required, emer- been conducted in Arab coun- Protection Association (NFPA) gency lighting, fire extinguishing tries such as Jordan, Egypt is conducting the workshop which systems for the building, differ- and Tunisia but it will be the is attended by a number of engi- ent types of fire pumps, how to first of its kind in the GCC neers, consultants and specialists take control of pumping system region. from companies, engineering con- in cased of fire, quantity of water “Unfortunately, the local sultancies and other concerned required for each building, testing media in Qatar has not authorities in the country. the fire system and its mainte- received enough attention The workshop was inaugurated nance and the common mistakes from researchers around the by the Director of Fire Prevention that will block proper working of world like Aljazeera network Department at the GDCD Brig the system. did,” said Roos Meertens, Aman Saad Al Sulaiti. THE PENINSULA Senior Coordinator of the Research Department at DCMF. Dr Mahmoud M Galander, Associate Professor and Acting Chair of the Department of Mass Communication at Qatar University said, “Qatar is emerging as one of the most vibrant countries in the region; and as the prominence of Qatar in international poli- tics is on the rise, it becomes important to monitor and evaluate the state and per- formance of its media in such a period.” THE PENINSULA Engineers and consultants taking part in the Civil Defence workshop. THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Food shortage threatens 51 countries: Al Attiyah Two-day international conference calls for innovative measures to ensure food security

DOHA: With the world food Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad, demand set to rise by 70 per- chairman of the conference, cent over the next thirty years, QNFSP chairman Sheikh Fahad experts at the International Bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Conference on Food Security in among other dignitaries. Dry Lands (FSDL) yesterday Fahad bin Mohammed Al called for innovative solutions Attiya said that the conference to ensure food security. is being held at a time when Addressing the conference, prices of food are going up in the organised by Qatar’s National international market. In a video Food Security Programme message, the Secretary General (QNFSP), Chairman of Qatar of United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, Administrative Control & said that climate change and food Transparency Authority security are closely linked. (QACTA), H E Abdulla bin “The effects of climate change Hamad Al Attiyah said that food are particularly evident in the dry shortages threaten around 51 lands, which occupy more than countries embracing one thirds 40 percent of our planet’s land,” of the world’s population. he said. The UN official said that “Due to similarity in food secu- 18 million people in the Sahel are rity challenges in other world struggling through their third countries, Qatar has launched drought in less than 10 years. the initiative of Global Dry Land “The Sahel crisis also points to Alliance (GDLA) to serve as an the broader threat climate change Chairman of Qatar Administrative Control & Transparency Authority (QACTA), H E Abdulla bin Hamad Al Attiyah, and other dignitaries at the International umbrella for joint work between poses to development, peace and Conference on Food Security in Dry Lands (FSDL), yesterday. these countries,” Al Attiyah said, security,” he said, adding that adding that it will find innovative droughts such those in United solutions to the problem. States, Kazakhstan, Russia, Brazil which will be announced at the on food security, water resources, in the Arab countries also need We need to focus on the culture of The two-day conference was and India also raise prices in the end of the FSDL conference. demand and management of these to look at their consumption consumption and reduce waste to held in collaboration with a marketplace, which have serious They called on increase in the resources as well as responsible patterns. maximum,” Al Kabeer said. number of national, regional and economic, political and security investment in sustainable agri- investment. “We need to look at how much Qatar will host the Climate international partner institutions. ramifications. culture and to build innovative H H Prince Sultan bin money and food is wasted in cel- Change Conference (COP18) later The opening ceremony was Meanwhile, experts called on partnerships among farmers and Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer, ebrations, such as for weddings. If this month, which will discuss the attended by President of Qatar a definite solution to agricultural governments. The FSDL confer- who also spoke at a panel discus- there is a 40 to 50 percent spillage impact of climate change on food University (QU) Professor practices in the Doha Declaration, ence, which ends today, focuses sion yesterday, said that people of food, then we need to stop it. security. THE PENINSULA

‘My Diabetes Story Community’ launched

DOHA: Qatar Diabetes the population in Qatar who can affect each patient differently, Community is more than a net- Association (QDA) yesterday live with diabetes a platform to we believe that by bringing them work for diabetics to meet. It is launched ‘My Diabetes Story reach out to others in similar together they will have the oppor- a safe haven, where they don’t Community’, an online patient circumstances. tunity to draw strength from each have to feel uncomfortable talk- community led by diabetics for They will be able to discuss the other and find comfort, knowing ing about their challenges or even diabetics. issues that matter the most to there are others who face the share the small victories they The community, which is led them and share tips and recom- same challenges and have over- achieve in their daily lives. Aside by QDA and supported by Sanofi, mendations on how to live suc- come them.” from that as an Ambassador, I is one of the outcomes of My cessfully with their condition. The gatekeepers of the com- can now reach out to more people Diabetes Story program that aims Across the region, various munity are six My Diabetes and provide them with support to provide meaningful support diabetes societies and patient Story Ambassadors who repre- and lessons I have learnt through and advice through patient-to- groups have joined together sent different countries across my life, basically be their shoulder patient communication. The com- to manage the community. Dr the region. Mohamed Khalid Al to lean on.” munity is also endorsed by leading Abdullah Al Hamaq, Executive Saadi, the Qatari My Diabetes The community, which mem- diabetes associations across the Director of Qatar Diabetes Story Ambassador, has lived bers can join by invitation only, Middle East. Association, said: with diabetes since he was five acts as an open forum. Once Roof solar system at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The My Diabetes Story “Diabetes is not just an ill- and believes that through his members join, they can engage in Community is a closed network ness, it becomes a lifestyle, and experiences he can inspire and conversation related to hot topics, for patients only and aims to pro- most patients feel restricted by it. help others come to terms with pose questions, post news articles, QNCC to harness solar vide patient-to-patient support Many of my patients feel alone in their condition and lead fulfilling images or videos and even build and advice. It is a secure forum their situation, until they realize lives with diabetes. friend groups. energy for climate meet that provides the 16 percent of that they are not. While diabetes “The My Diabetes Story THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Qatar National December 7 with an estimated Convention Centre (QNCC), one 17,000 participants attending the of the most environmentally- Doha round of talks. Civil Defence holds mock friendly large scale event ven- QNCC is the first of its kind ues of its kind in the world, is designed and built to achieve harnessing the solar energy to Gold Certification from the drills in 36 schools help power the crucial COP18/ United States Green Building CMP8 climate talks. Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in DOHA: The General as per the civil defense procedures. The first of its kind in the Energy and Environment Design Administration of Civil Defence Prior to mock drills safety region, the Centre’s design (LEED). As a result, the building has organised 36 mock drills officers visit the school and includes 3,500 sq metres of solar is designed to be 32 percent more since the start of the current inspects safety equipments and paneling which will provide up efficient than buildings of similar academic year and until the fire extinguishing systems and to 12.5 percent of the Centre’s size, scope and usage. middle of October. These include other requirements. The drill is energy needs across the complex Adam Mather-Brown, General various schools of all stages sec- supervised by civil defense offic- each day during the UN Climate Manager of QNCC said: “Energy ondary, intermediate, primary ers in order to identify any short- Change Conference (COP18/ efficiency was a specific consid- and kindergarten children. comings. It also includes practical CMP8). The roof’s impressive eration during the design and Evacuation officer at GDCD training on how to use fire extin- solar energy system produces build phase of the project. Qatar Capt Khamis Salem Al Suwaidi guishers and an explanation of 1,225 MWh of electricity and off- has a desert climate and cooling explained that the Department its types and methods of use and sets 1,140 tonnes of carbon emis- systems are of paramount impor- attaches great importance for other safety measures. sions annually. This equates to an tance. The Centre was designed mock drills and there a well- Captain Khamis Al Suwaidi impressive 40.8 MWh of electric- and built to the highest environ- studied plan to cover the largest said there was great cooperation ity produced during the 12 days of mental standards and conceived number of schools in the state to from all schools in order to take the COP18/CMP8 event. with a focus on sustainability, a train students and school staff advantage of the drills, stressing QNCC is the landmark venue feature that complements the on evacuation process. It is also that the Civil Defence will continue for the Conference, scheduled to objectives of COP18/CMP8.” aimed at ensuring that schools in its awareness plan among school Civil Defence personnel making preparations for a mock drill. take place from November 26 to THE PENINSULA country have safety requirements students. THE PENINSULA

Ashghal announces Collection management conference begins

road closure DOHA: The 1st Middle Eastern collection manage- DOHA: The Saad bin Obad ment user conference opened Street at Gharafa -between yesterday at the Museum of Al Meera and Um Al Zubar . The conference is street - will remain closed sponsored by Qatar Museums from today, the Public Authority (QMA) in partner- Works Authority (Ashghal) ship with KE software and announced. facilitated and organised by The closure will be for six Information management months, until completion of division. the second phase of drainage “QMA has made a long-term Mansoor Al Khater, Chief Executive Officer, QMA, speaking at the network at Gharrafa. investment in using EMu to conference. The project involves resto- manage our collections. This ration of a drainage network conference give us an oppor- with 200 mm diameter along tunity to network, collaborate, valuable, relevant technical the opportunity to meet and 2300 meters and another share hands-on experiences tools for diverse organisations, network with technical docu- network with 400 mm diam- and learned lessons, which are museums and individuals, mentation specialists from eter along 1500 meters, in extremely beneficial to us as we working to implement, improve the Middle East and overseas, addition to 780 inspection continue to use the EMu sys- and enhance usage of EMu share professional experience, chambers. tem,” said Mansoor Al Khater, (Electronic Museum) system discuss current problems in THE PENINSULA Chief Executive Officer, QMA. through workshops and train- the field and keep abreast with The two-day conference was ing sessions. emerging technologies. designed to provide advanced, The participants were given THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

Editorial

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN: SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: KHALID AL SAYED Israeli aggression E-MAIL: [email protected] ACTING MANAGING EDITOR: HUSSAIN AHMAD E-MAIL: [email protected] The assassination of Hamas commander EDITORIAL: TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 by Israel has shattered the fragile peace. FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR. E-MAIL: [email protected] HE assassination of the commander of Hamas’ military wing such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. According to reports, calls for revenge ADVERTISING: TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 is an act of wanton aggression and arrogance by the Israeli were broadcast in Gaza after the air strikes. “Israel has declared war Tgovernment of Benjamin Netanyahu. It will not only seriously on Gaza and they will bear the responsibility for the consequences,” CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] rupture the tenuous peace which has existed after the peace process Islamic Jihad said. As Hamas’s armed wing warned Jabari’s assas- SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY went into a coma, but will also have consequences in the region. sination “had opened the gates of hell”, and Israel was braced for a Ahmed Jaabari, the operational commander of Hamas’s armed surge in rocket fire from Gaza aimed at towns and communities in the TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, was killed along with his south of the country. E-MAIL: [email protected] bodyguard, Mohammed al-Hams, in an initial Israeli strike on a car The escalation in crisis also will divert attention from Syria, where in Gaza City. Shortly afterwards, Israel pounded the Gaza Strip with the revolution against President Bashar Al Assad is in its final stage. SUBSCRIPTION RATES another 20 air strikes, killing five more people, two of them children. Assad’s regime seized the opportunity given by the attack and con- ANNUAL QR 675 The killings have caused shock in the region and come at a time when demned the act. 6 MONTHS QR 340 Middle East is caught in Arab Spring turmoil. The Israeli attacks are in retaliation for the rocket attacks from The killing has the potential to trigger action beyond its borders. Gaza, but by choosing to eliminate a senior official of Hamas, the Egypt recalled its envoy in Israel to register its protest after the attack Netanyahu government is intending to wreak havoc. Also, the hawk- and the incident could fracture Israel’s shaky relations with the post- ish prime minister could be looking at improving his position as the revolution government in Cairo, which has good relations with Hamas. country is preparing for elections. Netanyahu’s image has suffered badly Solidarity attacks from jihadist groups, which Israel says are operating after the re-election of Barack Obama as he had backed his rival Mitt in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula and from in Lebanon could not Romney. The killing will help divert attention from his humiliation. PUBLICATION be ruled out. But that would depend on how the crisis develops. Israel The killing of the Hamas leader must be condemned and the inter- is determined to continue its attacks, and Hamas and other militant national community, especially the United States, must persuade organisations have threatened to retaliate. They could deploy longer- Netanyahu to desist from doing anything that will further escalate range missiles, some of which can reach major population centres the crisis.

We call on our Arab brothers, and especially Egypt ... and The other side the new Egyptian presidency, to suppress this barbaric campaign in defence of Gaza Quote of and its people. Climate Science vs. Washington Ismail Haniyah PEAKER John Boehner has made some encouraging statements the day The Prime Minister of Hamas since last week’s election, pointing toward productive policy- Smaking. This was not one of them: “I don’t think there’s any doubt that we’ve had climate change over the last 100 years,” he told USA Today. “What has initiated it, though, has sparked a debate that’s gone on now for the last 10 years.” The Ohio Republican continued: “I don’t think we’re any closer to the answer than we were 10 years ago.” President Obama recently sounded some positive notes on climate change, perhaps the most neglected big issue of the 2012 campaign. His comments rekindled hopes of environmentalists that his second term will see more aggressive policymaking to combat global warming than did his first. Boehner’s words, which appear to mischaracterize the scientific debate on global warming, indicate that blinkered Republican opposition to doing much of anything about the problem may persist. Climate science is complicated, but the basic physical principles on which the scientific consensus is based are not. Gases such as carbon dioxide trap the energy that pours down on the Earth from the sun, making the Earth habitable. Since the middle of the 20th century, scientists have studied the warming effects of adding large amounts of additional heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere, and they have made great progress since then in describing how and why the world is warm- ing, and how that trend is likely to play out years and decades from now. Scientists use real-world observations to describe the climate’s past, recent and distant. Then they build complex models that reflect those and other observations and run them on supercomputers. After decades of this, nearly every expert agrees that global warming is a problem and that a chief cause is the oil, gas and coal burned by humans. The biggest question now is not whether human-produced greenhouse emissions have an effect but how significant that effect will be. In Boehner’s “last 10 years” alone, the models and the quality of the information that feeds into them have gotten progressively better. Just last week, the journal Science published a study from two climate researchers at the National Center for Atmospheric Research that addresses the behavior of clouds in different climate models, one of the primary sources of continuing uncertainty about how sensitive the cli- mate will be to increased levels of carbon dioxide. Using satellite meas- urements of relative humidity, they determined that the models that predict relatively modest warming did not reflect the satellite record as well as those predicting much more alarming outcomes. In other words, the more pessimistic models are likely to be more accurate. THE WASHINGTON POST Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Syria’s new opposition coalition still has its old problems

BY PATRICK SEALE has managed to bring together most destructive suicide bomb- – it placed all its hopes on a regime’s abuses would trigger could well tax French resources. more than a score of political ings in , Aleppo and western military intervention such an intervention on human- So what does the future hold HE Syrian opposition has factions as well as hundreds elsewhere. These men dream on the Libyan model. itarian grounds. This strategy for Syria? It seems likely that a new leadership – the of individual activists, who of establishing an Islamic state. The Libyan precedent seems has not worked, in part because the US, Britain and France will TSyrian National Coalition. until now had seemed as keen They will not willingly submit to to have led the rebels astray: Russia and China vetoed secu- opt for what might be described This umbrella group was formed to fight each other as to over- external control. they were certain the US and rity council resolutions that as “intervention-lite”; that is in Doha on Sunday under pres- throw the Syrian regime. This is This is not the end of the new its allies would spring to their might have authorised the use to say, they will arm the rebels sure from Qatar, its main an undoubted achievement. But coalition’s problems. It will now defence and bring down Assad of force, but also because there while their secret services will financial backer, and Turkey – the road ahead will not be easy. seek to form a transitional gov- as they had Muammar Gaddafi. is no appetite in the US, Europe do what they can to sabotage the country that first gave the There is no clear sign that ernment in the hope of winning They were encouraged to think and Turkey, or among Syria’s the Syrian regime and encour- opposition house room – as well this body of civilians, many of international recognition and so because they were convinced Arab enemies, to put “boots on age defections. A few months ago as from the United States and them exiles, will be able to win support. Stealing a march on that the western powers – and the ground” in Syria or take on the French secret service man- other western countries eager to the allegiance of Syria’s silent the US and Britain, President Israel – wanted to destroy its air defences by attempting to aged to smuggle General Manaf see President Bashar Al Assad majority, deeply worried at the François Hollande said this week the Syrian regime in order to establish a no-fly zone, or even Tlas out of Syria. A fairly promi- toppled. The president of the destruction of the country and that France would recognise weaken and isolate Iran, and so-called humanitarian corri- nent commander, he is the son of new coalition is Moaz Al Khatib, still undecided whether to cast such a government as the sole reduce Syria’s ability to project dors, which would involve push- Mustafa Tlas, the long-serving a moderate, soft-spoken Muslim its lot with the embattled regime legitimate representative of the its influence into Lebanon ing back Syria’s armed forces. defence minister of Bashar Al who until recently was the imam or risk an unknown future with Syrian people. He also said that through Hezbollah, and into The prevailing mood in the Assad’s late father, the former of the great Umayyad in the rebels. France would “study” whether Gaza through Hamas. US is to withdraw from Middle president Hafez Al Assad. Damascus. He is to be assisted An even bigger challenge for to arm the opposition. He added, The rebels were also very East conflicts, not to get sucked This policy can only prolong by two vice-presidents – Suhair the coalition is whether it will be however, that France could not much aware that without such into new ones. France, which has Syria’s agony. It will also under- Al Atassi, a female activist from able to command and impose its consider military intervention an external intervention they been verbally bellicose towards mine the peace efforts of the UN a once-prominent Syrian politi- will on the many armed groups without the authorisation of the were most unlikely to defeat the the Syrian regime, is already and Arab League envoy Lakhdar cal family, and , the who are fighting and dying in UN security council. large and air force, committed to providing logistical Brahimi, as well as some recent former head of a textile company Syria itself. Of these, the most This highlights the real prob- as well as the regime’s paramili- support to a west African force sensible suggestions by Russia – both of whom have served jail lethal and determined consist lem facing the Syrian opposition. tary groups – several hundred that is hoping to oust Islamic and China. The west cannot sentences as brave critics of the of jihadis or Islamic holy warri- From the very start – when thousand men in all. fighters and Touareg rebels from pay lip service to the notion of Assad regime. ors, both Syrian and non-Syrian its main institutions were the From the start the rebel the vast empty wastes of north- a ceasefire while arming the It is a highly respectable lead- – some with ties to Al Qaida, Turkey-based Syrian National strategy was to press for for- ern Mali, seized from the gov- rebels. ership. But will it be effective? It responsible for some of the Council and eign intervention. It hoped the ernment. The coming war there THE GUARDIAN THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 For Obama, scandal makes it hard

woman whose complaint about as officials initially wrestled with In an attempt harassing emails from Petraeus the question of whether Al Qaeda biographer Paula Broadwell led operatives were involved. to stabilise his the FBI to uncover the affair Rice and the administration between Broadwell and Petraeus. first said the attack appeared to The Allen revelation threatens be a response to a YouTube video national security to fell another of the military’s that offended Muslims; later the biggest names and suggests the White House acknowledged Al controversy involving Petraeus — Qaeda’s involvement. team and get the a retired four-star general who The last thing Obama, fresh had Allen’s job in Afghanistan from his re-election victory over scandal behind before moving to the CIA last Republican Mitt Romney, wanted year — was far from over. Obama to do was head overseas with his put on hold Allen’s nomination for national security team in disarray. him, Obama the coveted Nato post, for which Some Asian leaders already are he had been expected to win easy skeptical of US military commit- may decide to confirmation by the Senate. ment as part of a strategic “pivot” The cloud over Allen’s future toward the economically dynamic comes at a key moment for wind- region to counter an increasingly accelerate key ing down US involvement in the assertive China. They are look- unpopular war in Afghanistan. ing for reassurance that fiscal personnel moves Allen had been expected to problems in Washington won’t take a lead role in making the impinge on that strategy. case to Obama in coming weeks “It’s bad optics for what might that could ripple on how many troops to keep in otherwise have been a victory lap Afghanistan as part of a residual for the president,” said Feaver, a through his force after the drawdown of most former National Security Council combat forces by the end of 2014. official in the administrations Commanders on the ground are of Democrat Bill Clinton and administration. widely known to favour keeping Republican George W Bush. a larger contingent behind than Asked whether the scandal many of Obama’s aides support. was an unwelcome distraction BY MATT SPETALNICK In addition to affecting the mil- for Obama so soon after his re- itary, the scandal has implications election, Carney told report- week after win- on how much flexibility Obama ers: “I certainly wouldn’t call it ning a second term, will have in shuffling chairs in his welcome.” President Barack national security and diplomatic The uncertainty surrounding Obama faces a wid- apparatus. Obama’s national security team ening scandal within Before his fall, Petraeus had also comes at a time when the Ahis national security team that been due to testify at closed-door defence establishment is on edge complicates plans to reshape his congressional inquiries this week over impending deep spending Cabinet and could reverberate US General David Petraeus, with his wife Holly seated behind him, testifies at his Senate Armed Services Committee into the attack on the US consu- cuts that will hit the military through decisions on the war in confirmation hearing to become commander of US forces in Afghanistan on Capitol Hill in this June 29, 2010 photo. late in Benghazi, Libya, on Sept as well as social programmes at Afghanistan, the fight against Al 11, when Ambassador Christopher year-end if the Democratic presi- Qaeda and efforts to prevent Iran director, Michael Morell. Senator John Kerry, UN top Nato commander in Europe is Stevens was killed. Republicans, dent and Republicans in Congress from getting a nuclear bomb. Obama “has confidence in the Ambassador Susan Rice and nixed, that could ripple through in the final weeks of the presi- fail to avert a looming “fiscal cliff.” The White House sought on military to carry out the various national security adviser Tom the military’s hierarchy. dential campaign, had accused the James Carafano, a war his- Tuesday to limit the fallout from missions that he has asked them Donilon are among those likely Quick changes could be risky, administration of not providing torian with the conservative an FBI probe that led to the res- to carry out,” Carney said. to get consideration. especially at a pivotal time for enough security to the consulate Heritage Foundation think tank ignation of CIA director David Even so, the scandal — which Defence Secretary Leon the troubled Afghan war effort. and then mishandling the after- in Washington, said Obama would Petraeus because of an extra- comes as Obama already was Panetta has long been rumoured But they also could give Obama a math of the incident. have to move quickly to find a per- marital affair, and now involves preparing to fill other key vacan- to be leaving; among those men- chance to get fresh eyes on foreign Petraeus, who had long been manent replacement for Petraeus. General John Allen, the top US cies in his national security team tioned as possible replacements policy and national security issues admired on both sides of the polit- CIA data analysis is crucial to commander in Afghanistan. US — makes for an embarrassing are Kerry, Panetta’s deputy that are likely to be significant ical aisle, might have been able to Obama’s decisions on a wide range defence officials are looking into a sendoff to the president’s first Ashton Carter, and Michele parts of his presidential legacy. lend credibility to the administra- of security matters, including series of “flirtatious” emails Allen post-election trip abroad, a three- Flournoy, who was Panetta’s pol- “It’s a ‘Rubik’s Cube’ of deci- tion’s account of what happened. determining how close Iran is to sent to a woman at the centre of nation Southeast Asia tour start- icy chief before stepping down this sions to make on who sits where, His testimony as CIA chief also achieving nuclear weapons capabil- the Petraeus case. ing this weekend. year. Flournoy would become the and figuring out the solution is might have helped Rice, a front- ity and whether Al Qaeda is mak- White House spokesman In an attempt to stabilise his first woman to serve as America’s getting more complicated,” said runner to succeed Clinton as sec- ing progress in regrouping in places Jay Carney rejected the notion national security team and get the defence chief. Petraeus’ CIA job is Peter Feaver, a political scientist retary of state. If he is ordered such as North Africa and Yemen. that the scandal could under- scandal behind him, Obama may now open. Morell, now the act- at Duke University. to testify anyway, Petraeus’ “These are matters of war and mine Americans’ safety. He said decide to accelerate key personnel ing CIA director, is likely to be a The latest twist in the scandal appearance would be an awkward peace,” Carafano said. “The infor- Obama had confidence in Allen moves that could ripple through top contender for the permanent came on Tuesday, when it was moment for the administration. mation the president receives and to continue “ably” commanding his administration. job along with John Brennan, the revealed that Allen was under Rice had been singled out by the relationship he must have US forces in Afghanistan while He must pick a successor for White House’s chief counter- investigation for alleged “inap- Republicans as a misleading voice with a CIA chief is so important the investigation proceeds and departing Secretary of State terrorism adviser. And if Allen’s propriate communication” with for the administration in the early that you can’t go long without a expressed faith in the CIA’s acting Hillary Clinton. Massachusetts now-frozen nomination to be the Jill Kelley, the Tampa, Florida, days after the Benghazi attack, director.” REUTERS The military’s role in a less violent world

evolutionary low in violence. . . . State- The drastic drop in violence seems his logic is correct, the world should have this widely-held claim. The marked decline on-state conflict is far less likely than counterintuitive given the unrelenting witnessed a growth of all forms of conflict There are targeted countries where it has been in the past. The problem is news coverage that promotes and sensa- as lethal technologies and modern com- US military, intelligence, and capacity- in human violence that other kinds of conflict, other kinds tionalises terrorism, ethnic violence and munications expanded over the centuries, building efforts played some role in of violence, are exponentially more likely deadly riots around the world. As Pinker but in fact the opposite has happened. marked declines in violence. For exam- was made prominent as technology spreads, as the information notes, “We tend to estimate the probabil- The number of ways to kill a person is ple, between 1991 and 2010, the homicide age allows organisations and individu- ity of an event from the ease with which innumerable, and over time such innova- rate in Colombia fell from 83 per 100,000 als, middleweight nations, if you will, to we can recall examples, and scenes of tions have been adapted and improved people to 33.4. Over the same period, the by Harvard University have capabilities that heretofore were carnage are more likely to be beamed into upon to create increasingly lethal weap- United States spent upwards of $10bn in the purview of major nation-states. So our homes and burned into our memo- ons. At the same time, thanks to rail- Colombia on military, police, judicial, and professor Steven it’s a paradox . . . large conflict is less ries than footage of people dying of old roads, the telegraph, transoceanic cables, development assistance. likely... but the chance of violence and age.” The statistical evidence that Pinker telephones, airplanes, and the Internet, Not only have humans never been those using violence for ideological and summarises, however, shows that people communication is now near instanta- less at risk from dying at the hands of Pinker in his book, other purposes is exponentially greater. have never been less at risk of dying at neous. Why would this trend reverse another human, but we know more and It is worth unpacking this observa- the hands of another person than today. itself now? more about what early risk factors make “The Better Angels tion, because it presumably underpins Dempsey is also correct that the Perhaps most importantly, the vast individuals more likely to use violence his remarkable claim that the world is number of armed conflicts — and par- majority of all deaths have nothing to do and which preventive efforts are most of Our Nature: Why more dangerous than at any point since ticularly state-on-state conflict — has with armed conflict. The latest Global effective at reducing criminal violence — (at least) 1952. As Dempsey declared in trended toward a historical low after Burden of Armed Violence report offered by far the leading of all non-self-inflicted April, “I believe I’m chairman at a time reaching a zenith in 1992. Armed conflict this snapshot from 2004 to 2009: “At least deaths. It boils down to four major pre- Violence that seems less dangerous, but it’s actu- is defined by the Uppsala Conflict Data 526,000 people are killed each year as a vention strategies: developmental (inter- ally more dangerous.” However, recent Program as a “contested incompatibil- result of lethal violence. This includes an ventions in early development when Has Declined.” data about armed conflict trends to paint ity which concerns government and/or estimated 55,000 direct conflict deaths, criminal potential is identified), situa- a very different picture and has impor- territory where the use of armed force 396,000 intentional homicides, 54,000 tional (reducing opportunities to commit tant implications for the proper role of between two parties, of which at least so-called ‘unintentional’ homicides, and crime and increasing the risks of criminal BY MICAH ZENKO the US military in preventing, mitigating one is the government of a state, results 21,000 killings during legal interven- activities), community (fostering positive or responding to such violence. in at least 25 battle-related deaths [per tions.” The latter category consists of social conditions and institutions), and en Martin Dempsey, chairman of The marked decline in human vio- year].” In 1992, there were 53 ongoing deaths of civilians by law enforcement criminal justice. If policymakers were the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has lever- lence was made prominent by Harvard armed conflicts around the world. By and state security forces in routine polic- interested in protecting people from “the Gaged his authority to tackle some University professor Steven Pinker, 2010, this number had fallen to 31, though ing. In short, just over 10pc of all deaths chance of violence,” as Dempsey terms it, tough questions. Much like his predeces- whom Dempsey has quoted directly. In it increased to 37 in 2011. Moreover, for are the result of armed conflicts, political they might want to divert their time and sor, Adm Mike Mullen (and the former his 2011 book, “The Better Angels of Our the past 67 years, the great powers have violence, and terrorism. resources away from aircraft carriers and vice chairman, Gen James Cartwright), Nature: Why Violence Has Declined,” not fought wars directly against one Given that levels of violence have fallen into these preventive programmes. Dempsey has not shied away from con- Pinker draws on a seemingly inexhaust- another, in the “longest period of major across virtually all categories (with the At the end of the day, despite Dempsey’s troversial topics, ranging from what the ible survey of research to demonstrate power peace in centuries,” according to notable exception of suicides) and 90 per- security paradox warnings, the US mili- Israeli military could do to Iran’s sus- that “violence has been in decline for long the Human Security Report Project. cent of all lethal violence is not related tary plays a minimal role in preventing, pected nuclear weapons programme stretches of time, and today we are prob- When armed conflicts do erupt, they are to armed conflicts, this raises a larger responding to, and addressing the vast (delay “probably for a couple of years”) ably living in the most peaceful time in far less bloody than in the past. Among all question: What is the role of the US mili- majority of lethal violence in the world. to the growing scourge of sexual assaults our species’ existence.” This trend applies state-based armed conflicts, the number tary in preventing violence? The US-led Yet the US remains predisposed to seek in the military (which “deeply scar our to interpersonal violence, criminal vio- of battle deaths has fallen dramatically. alliance system, based on its unmatched military, rather than developmental or profession”). You might question some lence, pogroms and war. (The one form of After peaking at 596,086 deaths in 1950, conventional military assets and reliable diplomatic solutions to many foreign- of what Dempsey says, but he deserves violence that has increased substantially there were 153,485 in 1975 and 92,485 in second-strike nuclear weapons capabili- policy challenges, including reducing the credit for raising the public profile of is self-inflicted. According to the World 2000. To put it another way, in the 1950s ties, have likely deterred some interstate likelihood and severity of lethal violence. critical issues to a degree that is rare Health Organization, global suicide rates there were 65,000 deaths per conflict/per wars, though deterrence is inherently dif- In an April 2009 exchange about how to among his civilian counterparts. increased almost 50 percent for men and year; now there are less than 2,000. ficult to prove. Through theatre security deepen cooperation between the Pentagon One of his favourite and oft-repeated 33 percent for women between 1950 and Dempsey also claims that the infor- cooperation plans, regional combatant and the State Department, Gen. David issues is the security paradox, which 2000. Framed another way, for every one mation age and the spread of technology commands claim that their military- Petraeus acknowledged: “Sir, again when he expanded on in a public speech in person who is killed by another person, increases the likelihood of organisations to-military engagement and soft-power it comes to the conflict prevention, that October: two more kill themselves — for a total of or individuals using violence. There is just activities “shape” the regional order — one I have to put my thinking cap on and We live in an era where we’re at an 1 million global suicides each year.) one (big) problem with this argument. If though I’ve never seen data to support figure out.” WP-BLOOMBERG

THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Egypt recalls envoy in Israel over Gaza killing Hamas leader urges Egypt and others to help stop barbaric attack; Israel prepared to expand Gaza operation: Netanyahu

CAIRO: Egypt recalled its people,” Ismail Haniyah, the prime later this month. “It seems that ambassador from Israel yes- minister of Hamas’ Gaza govern- Israel prepared a wide-scale terday after Israeli strikes on ment said in a statement. “I call for aggression against the Gaza Strip, the Gaza Strip killed Hamas’ an urgent Arab summit to confront despite Egyptian efforts to reach top military commander and the brutal aggression,” he added. a calm,” Palestinian negotiator at least six other Palestinians, Palestinian president Mahmoud Saeb Erakat said. “There was a presidential spokesman Yasser Abbas slammed a series of Israeli clear Israeli plan to assassinate Ali said. strikes on Gaza which killed a top Jaabari and massively bomb the “President Mohammed Mursi Hamas commander and six oth- Gaza Strip,” he said. has followed the Israeli brutal ers, demanding an immediate end Israel sent a “clear message” to assault in which a number of mar- to the bloodshed. Hamas through the killing of its tyrs and sons of the Palestinian “President Abbas condemned top military commander and is people were killed,” Yasser Ali the Israeli aggression on Gaza,” ready to widen its operation in said in a statement on television said a statement carried on the Gaza if necessary, Prime Minister and on his Facebook website. official Wa fa news agency which Benjamin Netanyahu warned “On this basis he has recalled was issued shortly after an Israeli yesterday. “Today we sent a clear the Egyptian ambassador from strike hit a car in Gaza City, kill- message to Hamas and other Israel; has ordered the Egyptian ing Hamas military chief Ahmed terrorist organisations, and if it representative at the United Jaabari. “Abbas warned of the becomes necessary we are pre- Nations to call for an emergency seriousness of the Israeli escala- pared to expand the operation,” meeting at the Security Council ... tion and demanded an immediate he said in a televised address. and summoned the Israeli ambas- end to the aggression. Speaking several hours after a sador in Egypt in protest over the “Abbas asked the secretary major wave of air strikes pounded assault,” the statement added. general of the Arab League, Nabil militant targets in the Gaza Strip, The leader of Hamas in the Al Arabi, to call an emergency killing top Hamas commander Gaza Strip called on Arab states, meeting... to discuss the danger- Ahmed Jaabari and six other especially Egypt, to halt Israel’s ous Israel escalation and brutal Palestinians, Netanyahu vowed assault on the Palestinian enclave, aggression on our people in the Israel would not tolerate any fur- Palestinians taking part in a candle vigil in support of the people of the Gaza Strip and against Israeli air strikes, which was launched earlier yes- Gaza Strip,” Wa fa added. ther rocket fire on its territory. in front of the Church of the Nativity at the West Bank city of Bethlehem, yesterday. terday. “We call on our Arab The statement was issued from “Hamas and the terror organ- brothers, and especially Egypt ... Switzerland, where Abbas was isations have chosen to escalate Israeli citizens are threatened by said the strike was only the begin- rocket-firing capabilities and and the new Egyptian presidency, holding meetings with officials their attacks on the citizens of rocket fire,” he said after consul- ning of an operation whose goals stamp out attacks on southern to suppress this barbaric cam- ahead of a bid to seek enhanced Israel in recent days. We will tations with his security cabinet. were to strengthen Israel’s deter- Israel. paign in defence of Gaza and its membership at the United Nations not tolerate a situation in which Defence Minister Ehud Barak rence, damage militant groups’ AFP

Iran and Turkey Syria slams France, says opposition declared war pledge support to

DAMASCUS: Syria’s regime Damascus hit out at the deci- countries siding with the oppo- Moaz Al Khatib has called on it saw the alliance as “the legiti- rebuild Somalia unleashed tank fire and air sion and said the Qatar meeting sition and insisted Moscow was world powers to arm Assad’s foes. mate representative of the Syrian MOGADISHU: Top govern- strikes on rebels yesterday as it at which the dissident factions staying neutral. The United States said the opposition”. ment officials from Iran and slammed France for recognis- united on Sunday amounted to a “We don’t support anybody in new National Coalition was “a On the ground, tanks moved on Turkey arrived in Mogadishu ing an opposition bloc formed in war declaration. this conflict, neither President legitimate representative” of the Yarmuk refugee camp and the yesterday on a one-day visit in Qatar that it said amounted to “The Doha meeting was a dec- Assad nor the rebels... but unfor- the Syrian people, but stopped neighbouring Damascus district a bid to bolster diplomatic and a “declaration of war”. laration of war. These people (the tunately, the point of view of short of recognising it as the sole of Tadamum after battles in the economic ties with Somalia Tanks shelled two Palestinian opposition) don’t want to solve some states is more one-sided,” representative. area late on Tuesday, said the as it emerges from decades of refugee camps in the opposition the issue peacefully through the Medvedev told Finnish newspaper US analysts said questions Observatory. civil strife. Leading the two del- bastion of southern Damascus, mechanisms of the UN,” Syria’s Helsingin Sanomat. remained over the new coalition, Shells struck a second refu- egations were Iranian Foreign while fighter jets bombed Maaret deputy foreign minister, Faisal President Francois Hollande highlighting that a Kurdish body gee camp east of Yarmuk on Affairs Minister Ali Akbar Al Numan, a town near Turkey Muqdad, said. said Paris recognised the coali- had still not joined, and pointing Wednesday morning while fighter Salehi and his Turkish counter- that rebels captured last month, “We read the Doha document tion as “the sole representative of to deep concern about weapons jets bombarded the Idlib prov- part Ahmet Davutoglu. a watchdog said. and they reject any dialogue with the Syrian people and thus as the and cash falling into the hands ince town of Maaret al-Numan, Salehi told journalists at the But rebels killed at least 18 sol- the government.” future provisional government of of militant groups hostile to the which rebels seized on October 9 airport on his arrival that Iran diers as they overran a military Reacting to the French move, a democratic Syria, allowing an West. and the army has since sought to would soon establish a diplo- post near Ras Al Ain, a town also Muqdad said: “Allow me to use end to the Bashar regime”. The French move came after take back. matic presence in Somalia. “Our on the Turkish border that the the word, this is an immoral posi- The question of arming the the Gulf Cooperation Council - The latest clashes, which killed purpose in coming to Somalia armed opposition seized on Friday, tion. They are supporting killers, rebels would now “have to be Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, at least 18 soldiers near Ras al- is to keep extending our broth- said the Syrian Observatory for terrorists and they are encourag- necessarily reviewed not only in and the United Ain, on the border with Turkey, erly hand to the Somali peo- Human Rights. ing the destruction of Syria.” France but in all countries which Arab Emirates - recognised also left dead three rebels and ple. We are delighted to be in A day after France became the Prime Minister Dmitry will recognise this government,” the coalition. The Arab League wounded other combatants, said Mogadishu today and very soon, first Western nation to recog- Medvedev of Russia, a strong Hollande added. stopped short of granting the the Observatory. the Iranian government will open nise the newly united opposition, Damascus ally, also criticised National Coalition chief Ahmed bloc full recognition, only saying REUTERS the Embassy of Iran in Somalia,” Salehi said. Ahmet Davutoglu for his part told the recently consti- tuted Somali parliament that Bashir backs home Ankara would help Somalia in its rebuilding effort. “You are not alone, we are always with you and will help you rebuild this country,” Davutoglu said. The two minis- ters pledged the support of their respective countries in improving Somalia’s infrastructure, with Iran planning to construct a hospital and Turkey offering to build a road. In May, representatives from 54 countries who gathered in to map out a better future for Somalia called for a broad international reconstruc- tion effort. Dubai nabs man with heroin in stomach Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al Bashir and his wife Widad Babiker are greeted by supporters on DUBAI: Customs officials at arrival at Khartoum airport yesterday. Bashir returned home from Saudi Arabia after undergoing vocal Dubai airport have arrested cord surgery in the kingdom. an Asian man attempting to smuggle 1.58kg of heroin worth $1.2m in his stomach, local media reported yesterday. “The contraband was stuffed in 133 Jordan risks instability capsules concealed in the guts of an Asian passenger” who arrived at Dubai International Airport, local daily Khaleej after lifting subsidies Times reported.

AMMAN: Facing the spectre staples were one of the main cash handout to keep Jordan of bankruptcy, the Jordanian grievances last year in the Arab afloat last year, was unwilling to Smuggling bid: Man government lifted fuel sub- Spring protests across North repeat the gesture, officials say, sidies to avert economic Africa and the Middle East. adding to pressure to act fast. swallows 220 diamonds collapse. But the Western- Jordan’s government, mindful “If we the delay this further JOHANNESBURG: South backed kingdom now risks of public fury that exploded into we would have faced a catas- African police yesterday said instability after long averting street clashes in the depressed trophe and insolvency,” Prime they had caught a Lebanese the Arab Spring unrest that south of the country after price Minister Abdullah Ensour said man who swallowed 220 pol- shook its neighbours. hikes in 1989 and 1996, had been in a televised address to the ished diamonds in an auda- The sweeping subsidies deci- reluctant to raise fuel prices. nation. “We should have made cious bid to smuggle them from sion, which took effect yes- But a higher energy bill this decision two years ago but Johannesburg to Dubai. Officers terday after repeated delays, after the disruption of cheap successive governments could arrested the 25-year-old at sparked scattered protests gas supplies from Egypt and not do it for political reasons.” Johannesburg’s international across the kingdom. Skirmishes a steep drop in foreign grants Ensour said slashing subsidies airport carrying the gems, broke out in the heart of the have brought the aid-depend- and instead channelling money worth an estimated $2.3m. capital when anti-riot police ent kingdom to the brink of to poor households was crucial “We nabbed him just before dispersed hundreds of angry economic disaster. Mounting to winning donor support and he went through the security young men who occupied a budget deficits reached $3 bil- International Monetary Fund checkpoint,” said Paul Ramaloko, major traffic intersection. lion, or 11 percent of GDP. financing. He did not give figures spokesman of the South Africa Price hikes caused by cuts Saudi Arabia, which pro- on how much the decision would elite police unit, the Hawks. in subsidies for fuel and food vided a last-minute $1.4bn save. REUTERS AGENCIES THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Russia brings Petraeus’ paramour had secrets on computer WASHINGTON: A compu- ter used by Paula Broadwell, the woman whose affair with CIA director General David new law Petraeus led to his resignation, contained substantial classified information that should have been stored under more secure conditions, law enforcement and national security officials said on treason yesterday. The contents of the classi- fied material and how Broadwell Rights groups slam legislation acquired it remain under inves- tigation, said the officials. They MOSCOW: Russia introduced as much control over citizens as spoke on condition of anonymity a new law broadening the possible”. because they are not authorised definition of treason yester- The law was backed by the to comment publicly. day, alarming opponents who Federal Security Service (FSB), But the quantity of classified say Vladimir Putin will use it the main successor of the Soviet material found on the computer to silence his critics and that KGB, and landed on the desk of was significant enough to war- almost anyone in contact with longtime KGB officer Putin after rant a continuing investigation, foreigners will be at risk. being approved by both houses of the officials said. The legislation allows Russians parliament in the space of nine President Barack Obama told representing international organ- days last month. a news conference yesterday isations to be charged with trea- The FSB, in a rare public com- that there was no indication so son, as well as those working for ment, was quoted by state-run far that any classified documents foreign states and bodies, and news agency Itar-Tass as saying had been disclosed as a result of expands the range of actions that the law had been updated after the scandal but said he will not can be considered treasonous. being unchanged since the 1960s prejudge the investigation results. Putin signed the law on Tuesday because “foreign intelligence As a reserve officer in mili- and it took effect yesterday when agencies’ methods and tactics tary intelligence, Broadwell it was published in the offi- for gathering information have — co-author of a biography on cial gazette, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, changed”. Petraeus — had security clear- US President Barack Obama faces reporters during his first news conference since he was re-elected, at the despite a promise by the president Putin whipped up anti-US sen- ances that gave her access to White House in Washington, yesterday. on Monday that he would review timent during his campaign for classified material, several offi- it. Political opponents and rights the March presidential election, cials said. However, government discovery of the affair between statement since he announced Republican who heads the House activists say the legislation is the and Russian officials have said the rules require classified material Petraeus and Broadwell, both his resignation as CIA chief on Judiciary Committee, wrote FBI latest in a series of laws intended law is needed to help prevent for- to be stored in secure locations individuals denied that Petraeus Friday. Director Robert Mueller asking to crack down on the opposition eign governments using organi- or computers. had supplied her with any clas- The retired four-star Army for both a timeline and whether and reduce foreign influence since sations in Russia to gather state Two officials familiar with the sified information and the FBI general has agreed, however, Petraeus is the focus of a crimi- he returned to the Kremlin in secrets. case said that one question inves- accepted those explanations, law to testify to Congress about nal probe. May for a six-year third term. “Citizens recruited by inter- tigators are asking was whether enforcement sources have said. the attack on the US consulate Has the FBI concluded that “It’s an attempt to return not national organisations acting Broadwell followed government Law enforcement officials also in Benghazi, Libya, that killed General Petraeus is not the just to Soviet times but to the against the country’s interests rules for handling classified have said that they believe the four Americans, amid questions subject of any criminal or intel- Stalin era, when any conversa- will also be considered traitors”, information. continuing FBI probe into the over the CIA’s actions before, ligence-related investigation?” tion with a foreigner was seen as Rossiyskaya Gazeta said in a com- On Monday, FBI investigators matter is likely to end without during and after the assault on Smith asked in the letter. a potential threat to the state,” mentary on its website. searched Broadwell’s residence criminal charges. If Broadwell is September 11, 2012. Earlier yesterday, US Defence said Lyudmila Alexeyeva, 85, a Putin has frequently accused in Charlotte, North Carolina, an found to have mishandled classi- Senate Intelligence Committee Secretary Leon Panetta, speak- former Soviet dissident and vet- Western nations of seeking to action that officials said occurred fied information, she could face Chairman Dianne Feinstein said ing in Perth, Australia, warned eran human rights activist. undermine Russia’s security with Broadwell’s consent. action under administrative secu- Petraeus was willing to testify against jumping to conclusions She said it would probably be and weaken the nuclear-armed Attempts to reach Broadwell, rity regulations. about the Benghazi attack but the over the actions of Allen, a day used selectively against Kremlin nation, and has suggested they who has remained mainly out of Still, the latest developments timing had not yet been decided, after placing him under inves- critics and others “who irritate use non-governmental organisa- the public eye, have been unsuc- could quash hopes among some a spokesman for the California tigation in connection with the the authorities”. tions to do so. cessful. She was seen late on at the Justice Department and Democrat said. Petraeus scandal. Allen, who Dmitry Oreshkin, a political Moscow ordered the US Agency Tuesday at her brother’s home in in Congress for a quick end to Meanwhile, US lawmakers denies any wrongdoing, is being analyst sympathetic with anti- for International Development Washington, DC. a scandal that this week also also are demanding to know investigated for potentially inap- Putin protests this year, said the to cease its Russian opera- It is unclear where or how ensnared the commander of US more about the timeline of the propriate communications with motivation behind the law was tions in October, accusing it of Broadwell acquired the clas- and Nato forces in Afghanistan, FBI’s probe into Petraeus’ affair Jill Kelley, a Florida social- that “the state is more important seeking to influence elections. sified information. During the Marine General John Allen. with Broadwell. Representative ite who is at the centre of the than its citizens, so there must be REUTERS FBI investigation that led to the Petraeus has made no public Lamar Smith, the Texas Petraeus case. REUTERS Ivory Coast Anti-austerity protests hit life across Europe president BRUSSELS: Hundreds of impressed by the show of force. sharp increase in unemployment. thousands of Europe’s belea- “We must nevertheless do what The zone of the 17 countries that dissolves guered citizens went on strike is necessary: break open encrusted use the euro currency is expected or snarled the streets of sev- labour markets, give more people to fall into recession when official eral capitals yesterday, at times a chance to work, become more figures are released Thursday. government clashing with riot police, as they flexible in many areas,” German Unemployment across those coun- demanded that governments Chancellor Angela Merkel said. tries has reached a record 11.6 per- ABIDJAN: Ivory Coast’s stop cutting benefits and create “We will of course make this clear, cent, with Spain and Greece seeing President Alassane Ouattara more jobs. again and again, in talks with the levels above 25 percent. dissolved his government in a Workers with jobs and with- unions.” With no end in sight to Europe’s surprise move yesterday, citing out spoke of a “social emergency” Spanish Economy Minister economic hardship, workers were a lack of solidarity within his crippling the world’s largest eco- Luis de Guindos spoke of “a long trying to take a stand yesterday. coalition cabinet. nomic bloc, a union of 27 nations crisis that has meant sacrifice “There is a social emergency in Ouattara became president in and half a billion people. and uncertainty,” but said: “The the south,” said Bernadette Segol, the West African state after beat- The protests were met with government is convinced that the secretary general of the European ing incumbent Laurent Gbagbo in tear gas in Italy and Spain, but path we have taken is the only Trade Union Confederation. a 2010 run-off election with the were largely limited to the coun- possible way out.” “All recognise that the policies backing of other parties. Gbagbo tries hardest hit by the austerity To combat a three-year finan- carried out now are unfair and rejected the results, triggering a measures designed to bring gov- cial crisis over too much sover- not working.” Spain’s General brief civil war last year. ernment spending into line with eign debt, governments across Workers’ Union said the nation- “The president of the republic ... revenues. Wealthier nations like Europe have had to raise taxes wide strike — the second this year ended the functions of the mem- , the Netherlands and and cut spending, pensions and — was being observed by nearly bers of the government,” Amadou Denmark saw only small, sedate benefits. As well as hitting work- all workers in the automobile, Gon Coulibaly, Ouattara’s secre- A demonstrator runs away from police in front of the Parliament building demonstrations. ers’ incomes and living standards, energy, shipbuilding and con- tary general, said following a cab- during a rally against austerity measures and troika in Lisbon, Portugal, Governments backing the line these measures have also led to a struction industries. inet meeting in the commercial yesterday. of stringent austerity were not decline in economic output and a AP capital Abidjan. He said the decision was taken after Ouattara’s coali- tion partners in a parliamentary Nailing the tree committee voted against a gov- ernment-proposed change to the country’s marriage law that the Cable snap hits Russia space link government said aimed to boost the rights of married women. MOSCOW: Russia’s space site northeast of Moscow. Japanese astronaut from the sta- The proposal advanced despite agency scrambled to refigure RIA cited its source as saying tion, scheduled for November 19. the opposition of some coalition communications with civilian the broken cable would not be Kuznetsov said the incident members. satellites and the International repaired for at least 48 hours. It had not affected plans for their “That poses a problem of soli- Space Station yesterday after a also cited a separate source saying undocking and return to Earth darity within the alliance, and cable broke outside Moscow, but military satellites had not been from the station, a $100bn com- support in parliament for the said the satellites and the sta- affected. plex funded by 15 nations that government created through this tion were operating normally. Due to the break, the source currently hosts a crew of six. alliance,” Coulibaly said. The space agency, Roskosmos, said, contact with facili- A few hours after the initial The dissolved government was offered assurances after state- ties on the ground around reports, RIA cited an official headed by Prime Minister Jeannot run news agency RIA cited an Russia that communicate at the private company Akado Kouadio Ahoussou, a member of unnamed source as saying Russia with civilian satellites had Telecom as saying the cable break the PDCI party of Henri Konan lost the ability to control most been lost. Specialists have lost occurred in the Moscow suburb of Bedie, who was one of Ouattara’s of its civilian satellites and send the ability to control civilian sat- Mytishchi - near Korolyov, where rivals in the first round of the commands to its segment of the ellites and issue commands to the Russia’s mission control centre is 2010 election. Ahoussou had been space station. Russian segment of the ISS,” the located - but the exact location named prime minister as part of a “The cable break ... is not affect- source was quoted as saying, add- had not been pinpointed. deal that saw the PDCI throw its ing the functioning of Russian ing: “They see crew and can speak Russia’s space programme support behind Ouattara in the satellites and the International to them.” He said the cable break has suffered a series of humili- run-off election against Gbagbo. Space Station,” Roskosmos “did not lead to loss of control of ating setbacks since last year, PDCI members of parliament spokesman Alexei Kuznetsov said. orbital facilities, including the marring celebrations of the 50th were among those who voted He said the agency was able to ISS, because reconfiguration of anniversary of the Soviet Union’s against the revisions to the mar- communicate with the satellites the operations of ground-based triumph in putting the first man Joe Balku, who donated the 2012 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, riage law, which for the first time and control them. control facilities was conducted”. in space in 1961. Industry vet- hammers a pin into the base of the tree while it is prepared to be placed would put men and women on Kuznetsov said a cable had bro- RIA cited a source as saying the erans blame the problems on a outside Rockefeller Center in New York yesterday. This year’s tree is equal legal footing within mar- ken during work by a construc- problem could delay the departure decade of crimped budgets and a an 80-foot tall Norway Spruce from Flanders, NJ. ried couples. REUTERS tion company at an unspecified of a Russian, an American and a brain drain. REUTERS THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES China congress sets Xi on leadership path Vice President Xi renamed to the Central Committee

BEIJING: China’s ruling new central committee of the making a surprise political come- Communist Party closed a piv- party and replaced older leaders back, while the other faction com- otal congress yesterday that with younger ones.” prises Hu’s allies. put Vice President Xi Jinping a The main business of the con- Xi is seen as a consensus figure step closer to taking power for gress, which is held every five who leans toward Jiang, while Li the next decade in a landmark years, was to select a new circle is considered to be in Hu’s faction. transition. of leaders at a time when China Analysts say that despite rival- The week-long Communist faces major economic challenges ries between the camps which Party gathering in the cavernous and growing scrutiny from its are largely divided on patronage Great Hall of the People ended citizens. lines, they broadly agree China after its 2,200 delegates from The party did not immediately must reform its economy away around the country selected a release the full Central Committee from a dependence on exports, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (centre) raises his hand to vote for the reports at the closing of the 18th Communist new leadership committee of list but state news agency Xinhua while maintaining a firm hand Party Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday. roughly 200 party members. reported the appointments of a on dissent. Xi was renamed to the Central number of officials from each of Xi’s ascension has been Committee, a widely expected the two main factions believed expected since 2007, when he was development that was singled out jockeying for power. given a position on the standing Beijing appoints economist to fight graft by state media, suggesting he was They included several tipped for committee. That indicated his firmly positioned to be announced further promotion to the powerful status as heir apparent to Hu, BEIJING: China appointed a “attaching greater importance to Chinese Politics at the University as the party’s top leader today. Politburo Standing Committee, who officially relinquishes party respected economist to head its conducting oversight of cadres”, of Sydney, told the reporters. The week-long forum ended China’s highest decision-making control this week. anti-graft drive as it sought to Xinhua said. “He’s very capable, so his capac- with a show of unity by the body which currently has nine Commentary on the congress stress its resolve in fighting the During the congress, delegates ity being put to work in this area delegates in the red-draped members but could be slimmed on China’s popular social net- rampant corruption identified selected a roughly 200-strong new shows a slight readjustment to hall, who stood and sang the to seven. working sites was tightly control- as one of the biggest challenges party Central Committee and emphasise the corruption issue,” “Internationale,” the socialist The elite committee is expected led, with many entries blocked, for the Communist Party. made other appointments to key he said. anthem. to be headed by Xi, with second but some managed to circum- Wang Qishan, China’s top party bodies such as the discipli- The party has been stained by The last word went to President place going to Vice Premier Li vent controls to post cynical finance official, will head the nary commission, which is tasked a series of high-profile corruption Hu Jintao, who had opened the Keqiang who is slated to become comments. party’s Central Commission for with keeping officials in line. scandals in recent years, most meeting with an address warn- premier in March. “Hurry up and close, I want Discipline Inspection, the state- Wang also looks poised to recently the spectacular downfall ing the party faces “collapse” if However, analysts said only the Google back,” one user wrote, run Xinhua news agency said, as take a seat on China’s top deci- of senior politician Bo Xilai, who it cannot halt the rampant cor- make-up and pecking order of the referring to reports of recur- the party’s five-yearly congress sion-making body, the Politburo faces trial on charges of corrup- ruption that has undermined its standing committee -- which will ring problems accessing the came to a close in Beijing. Standing Committee, which now tion and abuse of power. legitimacy. be revealed today when members search giant during the congress Wang is best known for rep- has nine members and is set to President Hu Jintao said at a “I now announce that the walk out before the media -- will which has been widely blamed on resenting China in key economic be unveiled in Beijing tomorrow. keynote address to the congress 18th Chinese Communist Party provide certainty on the factional censors. talks with the United States and “Its an interesting decision, last week that a failure to tackle Congress has come to a victorious outcome. Leading dissident Hu Jia posted European Union. as Wang is best known for rela- corruption by party officials could conclusion,” said Hu, the outgoing In one corner is octogenarian an online letter criticising the The congress also approved tions with America and being a cause “the collapse of the party party leader. former president Jiang Zemin, party. an amendment to the party con- well-thought-of economic special- and the fall of the state”. “The congress has elected a who is seen as a kingmaker after AFP stitution to include a call for ist,” Kerry Brown, Professor of AFP

No Japan-China-S Korea meet planned at Asean S Korean president’s

TOKYO: There are no plans spokesman Cho Tai-young said: taking place this year in Cambodia the two were in Cambodia. for a Japan-China-South “No agreement has been reached are seemingly small, with rela- The Asean summit will come at son to face tax probe Korea summit on the side- among the three nations to hold tions soured by separate territo- a sensitive political time for the lines of a regional gathering, a a Korea-China-Japan summit rial disputes. three nations, which are all going SEOUL: South Korean pros- the president’s son Lee Si-Hyung Japanese official said yesterday, on the sidelines of the upcoming Seoul and Tokyo are at odds through leadership changes. ecutors said yesterday they and the presidential security amid continued strained rela- Asean meeting.” over a pair of islands in the sea In Beijing, the ruling would refer President Lee service, which would have had tions between Tokyo and its “At this point, there is no plan between the two countries, while Communist Party has been hold- Myung-Bak’s only son to the to house its agents on the site to neighbours. to hold a summit,” he added. Japan and China are in dispute ing a congress since last Thursday tax authorities as they handed protect the former leader. China, the putative host of this The leaders of the three East over a small archipelago in the to select its new leadership slate, down indictments over a land But prosecutors said the cost year’s talks, has not yet organised Asian giants have held the three- East China Sea. with Vice President Xi Jinping deal for Lee’s retirement home. was not split evenly, with the the customary annual meeting at way talks almost every year since Japan’s nationalisation of the seen as the most likely person to Although Lee Si-Hyung was security service paying too high the upcoming get-together of the 1999 on the sidelines of the annual islands in September infuriated lead the world’s second largest not among the three people a price from public funds for its Association of Southeast Asian Asean summit meetings. China, where violent street dem- economy for the next decade. indicted, prosecutors said his tax share while Lee’s son got a below- Nations (Asean) in Cambodia, a The exception was 2005, with onstrations damaged Japanese South Korea’s presidential elec- records would be checked for pos- market rate for the residential Japanese diplomat said. only a “warm” conversation businesses and consumers have tion is also in a full swing with sible evasion of gift tax on finan- plot. “China, as the chair nation, among the three, with China subsequently boycotted Japanese voting scheduled for December 19. cial help he received from family In the course of their probe, is the one that should make and South Korea angered by the products. Japan’s Noda yesterday said he members to help buy a plot for the prosecutors grilled the presi- arrangements for the meeting continued visits to a Tokyo war Japanese media said Prime would dissolve parliament this the home. dent’s brother Lee Sang-Eun, who this time,” he said. “Nothing firm shrine by Japan’s then-Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was still week, most likely presaging an “Lee Si-Hyung has been cleared had given his nephew 600m won has been decided, yet.” Minister Junichiro Koizumi. expected to meet South Korean election later this year. of suspicion of violating real ($542,000) to secure the land deal. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry The chances of the confab President Lee Myung-Bak while AFP estate laws,” special prosecutor First Lady Kim Yoon-Ok was Lee Kwang-Bum told reporters. also questioned -- although only “But we’ve decided to pass on in writing -- after providing secu- documents to the National Tax rity for a similar-sized loan for Service due to suspicions of gift her son. Sri Lanka denies tax evasion.” The presidential Blue House Vietnam PM faces unprecedented call to quit Those indicted on various has vigorously denied opposition intimidating UN breach-of-trust charges relat- claims of financial chicanery. HANOI: Vietnam’s embattled as Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Vietnamese-language online ing to the land deal included the But in the face of mounting workers during war premier yesterday faced an Dung looked on calmly. forums and blogs, which are former head of the presidential criticism, the president scrapped unprecedented call in the com- Quoc, an outspoken historian hugely popular in the heavily- security service, Kim In-Jong. the whole project and decided to COLOMBO: Sri Lanka yes- munist-dominated parliament and one of the less than 10 per- censored country, where the The indictments followed move into his existing private terday denied allegations in a to step down over mistakes in cent of lawmakers who do not communist party tightly restricts a one-month investigation by house in southern Seoul after leaked United Nations report his stewardship of the troubled belong to the Communist Party, political debate. special prosecutors into alleged leaving office. that it had intimidated UN economy. urged Dung to “start the govern- A second lawmaker, Nguyen Ba irregularities in the purchase of The Blue House yesterday humanitarian workers during It is believed to be the first time ment’s progress towards a resig- Thuyen, said Dung’s failure to set the land on the southern edge of voiced “regret” at some of the the final stages of the island’s ever that a Vietnamese prime nation culture”. out a plan to overcome the coun- Seoul. prosecutors findings’, arguing that Tamil separatist war. minister has been publicly urged “The people are asking why it try’s economic woes had damaged It was to be used to build a they were based on an insufficient “There was no intimidation,” to resign by a member of the one- seems the prime minister does public trust in the Communist retirement home for Lee, who grasp of a complex procedure. Plantations Minister Mahinda party state’s 500-strong National not value his responsibilities to leadership. will leave office in February after It also branded as “unaccept- Samarasinghe told reporters in Assembly. the people as highly as he does The growing pressure comes serving the single five-year presi- able” the assumption that the col- Colombo. “No such thing. How “It’s time to take real respon- those to the party,” he said. as Vietnam grapples with slow- dential term allowed under the lateral provided by the first lady can you intimidate them? They sibility not just apologise,” law- Quoc’s comments attracted ing economic growth. constitution. amounted to a monetary gift to don’t get intimidated by anyone.” maker Duong Trung Quoc said an outpouring of support on AFP The lot was jointly purchased by her son. AFP Samarasinghe, who is also the country’s human rights envoy to the UN Human Rights Council, Diplomatic meet said he did not want to comment on the report, but added that Colombo was willing to address Philippine senator apologises to Kennedy family any shortcomings it raised. Sri Lankan forces finally MANILA: Senate Majority case of probable misinformation “When he gave me that line, crushed Tamil rebels in May Leader Vicente Sotto III said has turned out to be misinterpre- I translated and delivered the 2009 following decades of bru- sorry to the Kennedy clan for tation and now has become a case message in Filipino. I found it tal fighting. The conflict claimed his use of a portion of a speech of persecution,” Sotto said. fitting to what I was fighting for. up to 100,000 lives, according to of the late US Sen Robert F Sotto defended his decision to So I didn’t steal it or claim it was UN estimates, and both sides are Kennedy in the fourth and last use a phrase he received via text, mine,” Sotto said. accused of war crimes. part of his speech against the which he said he belatedly learned “In the words, the worst that “Events in Sri Lanka mark a Reproductive Health (RH) bill. was part of Kennedy’s speech on they could say is that I copied it. grave failure of the UN,” the draft Sotto admitted copying the text the Day of Affirmation in 1966 in I didn’t really know whom it came report said, adding that the world of the Kennedy speech, saying South Africa. from but it was a nice inspira- body should “be able to meet a imitation was the highest form Sotto had it translated into tional line. They said the lines much higher standard in fulfilling of flattery. Filipino, the original of which came from Kennedy’s famous its protection and humanitarian “If it upsets the Kennedy fam- read: “Few will have the great- speech,” Sotto said. responsibilities”. ily, then I’m sorry. That is not the ness to bend history itself, but The largest and most active The report also criticises senior intention that we had when we each of us can work to change a group, Filipino Freethinkers, UN staff in Colombo who “did not used it,” Sotto said. small portion of events, and in the led 33 other people in calling on perceive the prevention of killing He made the remark in a privi- total of all those acts will be writ- the Senate to sanction the sena- of civilians as their responsibil- lege speech yesterday hours after ten the history this generation.” tor for supposedly “plagiarising ity -- and agency and depart- a group filed a complaint against Sotto said Christian leader other people’s ideas and works in Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt (left) shakes hands with ment heads at UNHQ were not him for plagiarism before the Derek Ross, of True Love Waits, a series of speeches he delivered Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono prior to a meeting instructing them otherwise”. Senate ethics committee. sent him the inspiring text on the Senate floor.” AFP at the presidential palace in Jakarta yesterday. “What seems to be a simple message. THE PHILIPPINE STAR THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Pakistan to free Afghan Taliban Afghan officials hope direct contacts with top Taliban commanders could give leverage in peace talks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has “Pakistan has sent us a very A senior Pakistani army official Afghan officials have suspected and fighters to join peace efforts, and bolster its argument that agreed to free some Afghan strong message and Pakistan has said it had not yet been decided if that Pakistan has been hold- he said. Afghan embassy officials it is committed to stabilising Taliban prisoners who could be agreed in principle to start releas- the former Afghan Taliban second ing Afghan Taliban members in in Islamabad said the names of Afghanistan. Afghan officials have useful in reconciliation efforts, ing prisoners from today,” Abdul in command, Mullah Abdul Ghani jail to retain some control over about 10 Afghan Taliban militants often seen Pakistan as a reluc- officials from both countries Hamid Mubarez, a member of Baradar, would be released. peace efforts and have a say in had been floated. tant partner in attempts to bro- said yesterday, the clearest Afghanistan’s High Peace Council, Afghan officials have identi- any settlement. Afghanistan’s government has ker talks. sign that Islamabad will put which is visiting Islamabad said. fied him as a figure who may Those in detention include failed to secure direct talks with Afghan and US officials accuse its weight behind the troubled He did not say how many still command enough respect former Justice Minister Mullah the Taliban and no significant Pakistan of using insurgent Afghan peace process. prisoners would be released but to persuade the Taliban to pur- Nooruddin Toorabi and Mullah progress is expected before 2014, groups, including the highly Afghan officials, hopeful that predicted the action would help sue peace after more than a dec- Jahangirwal, former secre- when most Nato combat troops lethal Haqqani network, as prox- direct contacts with top Taliban advance the peace process. ade of fighting US-led Nato and tary of Taliban leader Mullah withdraw, a senior Afghan official ies in Afghanistan to counter the commanders could give them lev- Pakistan, with its historical ties Afghan forces. Mohammad Omar and Allahdat closely involved with reconcilia- influence of rival India. Pakistan erage in any peace talks, have long to Afghan militant groups, is seen The Pakistani army official Tayab, an ex-deputy minister, tion efforts said last week. rejects that. urged Pakistan for access to pris- as critical to US efforts to pacify declined to give any informa- Afghan High Peace Council offi- There has also been little Afghanistan has been known oners.The task of energising the Afghanistan, perhaps President tion about who was going to be cials say. progress on other fronts. The to want access to Taliban leaders Afghan peace process is gaining Barack Obama’s biggest foreign released saying details had yet to “We have asked Pakistan to Taliban said in March they were belonging to the so-called Quetta urgency as Nato combat troops policy challenge as he starts a be worked out. release them because they were suspending nascent peace talks Shura, or council, named after prepare to withdraw by the end second term. The decision to release the the policy makers of the Taliban with the United States held the Pakistani city where they are of 2014. It is not clear why Pakistan prisoners was a major achieve- and close aides to Mullah Omar,” in Qatar, blaming “erratic and believed to be based. Some Afghans fear the coun- made the gesture at this time ment for the Afghan High Peace Habibullah Fawzi, a senior mem- vague” US statements. Pakistan has consistently try could face civil war or another but it has come under mounting Council, which has been strug- ber of the Afghan peace team, Even if the release of the denied giving sanctuary to insur- Taliban takeover if insurgents are pressure to support US efforts to gling to ease mistrust between said. Afghan Taliban prisoners does gents and says no Taliban leaders not lured into a serious peace stabilise Afghanistan as the end- the Taliban and the Kabul Their release could encourage not produce breakthroughs, it are in Quetta. process before then. game nears. government. a number of Taliban commanders could improve Pakistan’s image REUTERS

Surprise visit Majority of Afghans positive about future

KABUL: A majority of Afghans worst hit by the war are therefore believe their country is moving likely to be under-represented, in the right direction but inse- the report notes. curity, unemployment and cor- “People surveyed identify ruption remain major problems, insecurity -- including attacks, a survey by the US-based Asia violence, and terrorism -- unem- Foundation said yesterday. ployment and corruption as the More than half of those polled, three biggest problems facing 52 percent, were optimistic, up Afghanistan as a whole,” the sur- from 46 percent last year, while vey said. 31 percent said the country was “Security continues to be the moving in the wrong direction. biggest indicator of both optimism Afghanistan has faced an and pessimism for Afghans,” said 11-year insurgency by Taliban the Asia Foundation’s deputy Islamists toppled from power by country representative Abdullah a US-led invasion in 2001. US-led Ahmadzai. Nato combat troops supporting “But it is clear that life goes on the government against the mili- as Afghans express deep-seated tants are due to pull out by the concerns for jobs, education, pub- end of 2014. lic services, political participation, The survey gathered the opin- and a better life,” he added. ions of around 6,300 Afghans Eighty-four percent said they across the country between June think Afghans should choose their and July, although pollsters could leaders through regular, open and not access some areas with high honest elections rather than adopt levels of insecurity. other methods, the poll found. Thomas de Maiziere (right),German Minister of Defence, visits soldiers of the Afghan Army training Camp Shaheen in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. The views of those in areas AFP De Maiziere visited the German troops and met with his Afghan counterpart for discussions on security issues.

Iran president to visit Islamabad next week Timber smuggling thinning

ISLAMABAD: Iranian 9 along with a high-level delega- of gas per day. already completed detailed engi- forests in Swat Valley President Mahmoud tion to finalise a draft of coopera- The government of Balochistan neering design of the project and Ahmadinejad is scheduled tion agreement. However, due to wants 250 mmcfd for the Gwadar according to the interim feasibil- SWAT: Though once abundant the valley to enjoy the pleasant to visit Pakistan next week a hand injury, the vice president Port, which will prompt the ity report, the cost of the project in foliage and trees, Swat val- weather and the scenery but to sign Inter-Governmental postponed the trip. central government to seek an will be in the range of $1.2 to ley in Pakistan is fast losing its the illegal logging is marring Cooperation Agreement “An Iranian team was sched- increase in supply from Iran to $1.5bn. greenery to illegal logging and its beauty,” said another local, (IGCA), an accord that will uled to come early this week, but meet the province’s requirements, Earlier, China and Russia had smuggling of timber. Locals appealing to the government to pave the way for Iran to extend it has not arrived so far,” a source sources say. committed to financing the pipe- blame the forest department take strict action against the financial and technical assist- said. “Pakistan government has Besides Iranian financ- line if they were awarded the and influential timber smug- smugglers. ance for laying Pakistan’s por- sent a reminder to the Iranian ing of $500m, the Government construction contract without glers of denuding the forest area On the other hand, Shah tion of the gas pipeline between energy ministry, asking it to send of Pakistan will raise funds bidding, but no progress could - a trend they say is on the rise. Aslam, a senior district forest the two countries, officials say. a team of experts to finalise the through the Gas Infrastructure be made apparently due to US “Our precious, thick forests are officer at Madyan, said there Under the assistance pro- draft of cooperation agreement so Development Cess (GIDC), a opposition. During President thinning out as influential timber is a mechanism to monitor and gramme, the Iranian government that the two countries could sign kind of tax being charged from Ahmadinejad’s visit, the two coun- smugglers are actively involved control illegal felling and smug- will provide a loan of $250m for it during Ahmadinejad’s visit,” he domestic gas consumers. The tries will also discuss how to clear in large-scale cutting and smug- gling. “These allegations are base- Pakistan and another $250m will said. government expects to receive the outstanding amount for power gling of the woods,” Nazir Khan, less, we are vigilant and do not be arranged through Iranian com- Though the government had Rs30bn from the consumers on import from Iran. Additional a resident of Kalam said here allow smuggling of wood.” He also mercial banks for engineering, issued a tender for engineering, this account in the current finan- import of 100 megawatts will also Wednesday. “We see trucks laden insisted that locals were allowed procurement and construction procurement and construction cial year. come up for discussion. with timber crossing the check- to cut firewood. works on the gas pipeline. (EPC) contract for laying the Under a proposed plan, Pakistan and Iran have already points unchecked,” he added. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Minister Pakistan is scrambling to pipeline in Pakistani territory, Pakistani and Iranian companies signed a memorandum of under- “However, while trucks after for Forest and Environment secure funds for the pipeline now an arrangement has been will form a joint venture to lay standing (MoU) for supply of trucks full of precious timber are Wajid Ali Khan concurred. He project amid fierce US opposition finalised with Iran, which will the pipeline. Sources say the cost 1,000MW. Under this project, being transported down country said the forest department and in the wake of sanctions imposed provide technical and financial of the project will come down if Iran will build a powerhouse in openly, we are not even allowed local jirgas in upper Swat keep on Iran for its alleged nuclear help for the project. local companies participate in its Zahedan province bordering to cut firewood,” said a local of check on timber smuggling and programme. Targeted to be completed by construction of the pipeline from Pakistan to generate electricity Boyun village. He added that ille- have set up check points in vari- Before the arrival of December 2014, the pipeline the Iranian border. The Iranian and has also expressed its willing- gal tree felling is taking a toll on ous locations to curb the practice. Ahmadinejad, Iranian Vice will bring 750m cubic feet of gas side will also provide material ness to provide $800 to $900m for the natural beauty of the valley, The K-P has banned tree felling President Ali Saeedlou was due to per day (mmcfd), which can be support for the pipeline. the project. which attracts scores of tourists. since 1992. visit Pakistan from November 5 to increased to one billion cubic feet German-based firm ILF has INTERNEWS “People visit various parts of INTERNEWS Mobile phone class Tough time ahead for Pakistani children during winter

ISLAMABAD: Around 100,000 said an official associated with the asked me to purchase it from the Pakistan in the purchase of the children in Islamabad may face programme. market.” Abbasi added that the pneumococcal vaccines and has tough time in the winter as He said the vaccines were to vaccine for three shots cost him planned to provide $109m to the Expanded Programme of be administered to the children Rs13,000 in the market. Islamabad between 2012 and 2016. Immunistaion (EPI) has failed in the first week of November. The Global Alliance for The Punjab government has to provide free pneumococcal Every new born is injected with Vaccination and Immunisation already started its pneumococcal vaccines to public hospitals in the pneumococcal vaccine shots (Gavi) has introduced pneumo- vaccine (anti-pneumonia vaccine) the capital city of Pakistan. in three stages: at the age of six coccal vaccine to protect Pakistani from October 25. It may be noted that for the weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks, children against pneumonia, as The Islamabad administra- first time the World Helath added the official. more than 352,000 children die tion’s health department is also Organisation (WHO) has Rehman Abbasi, a civil servant- before reaching their fifth birth- provided with the vaccine. It has approved supply of the pneumo- said “When I approached Pims to day and almost one in five of these been learnt that hospitals under coccal vaccine (anti-pneumonia) get my child vaccinated against deaths were due to pneumonia. Pakistan Air Force at E-9 and to the hospitals through the EPI pneumonia, the staff at the vac- Gavi, a consortium comprising Pakistan Navy at E-8 are also Afghan women sit in a class and study using mobile phones in Kabul. to help fight pneumonia, menin- cination centre told me that they international donors from devel- without the pneumococcal vac- gitis and bacteria among children, were without the vaccine. They oped countries, is also assisting cine. INTERNEWS THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

Kerala court allows trial One killed in police against Tharoor firing in Bengal KOCHI: The Kerala High Court yesterday issued orders to con- tinue in a lower court the trial KOLKATA: One person was “The clash has resulted in death against union minister Shashi killed and nine others were of a person while several others Tharoor in a case of alleged dis- injured in West Bengal yester- including policemen have been respect to the national anthem. day when a mob of agitating vil- injured,” added Purakayastha. The minister for state for lagers clashed with police over Though he refused to confirm human resource development a land dispute, causing police to whether the victim identified as termed the case against him as open fire. Ashok Sen (45), died in police fir- “malicious”. The opposition was quick ing, Purakayastha said that police The incident took place on to slam the Mamata Banerjee first resorted to baton-charge, December 16, 2008, during a government for the incident at burst teargas shells and fired rub- meeting at Kochi where Tharoor Tehatta in Nadia district, asking ber bullets and then fired three allegedly asked the audience it to rein in the “trigger happy” rounds in self-defence to disperse to sing the national anthem by police. the “unruly” crowd. placing their right hand on their The state government has According to police, there was a chest, similar to the practice in ordered a magisterial inquiry into dispute between two communities the US. the incident. The agitators also over a piece of land and police had “The present case that is on is set on fire several police vehicles. gone there to settle the dispute nothing but a malicious one pur- An old dispute over land when a mob put up a road block- sued with political motives. I will acquisition for coal mining on ade and attacked the police team seek legal advice on the judge- November 6 had triggered a with bombs and stones. ment that has come out today similar clash in Loba village Five persons have been arrested in the case in which I allegedly in Birbhum district which left in this connection and processions showed disrespect to the national Chairperson of The National League for Democracy of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Chairperson of the 27 policemen and six villagers and meetings have been prohib- anthem almost four years ago,” Congress-led UPA government Sonia Gandhi with books authored by Suu Kyi during her Nehru Memorial Lecture injured. While there were alle- ited to maintain peace in the area. said Tharoor. in New Delhi yesterday. gations of police firing, the state Slamming the police action, The Kerala High Court ear- government vehemently denied state Congress president Pradip lier issued orders to continue the the claims. Bhattacharya asked chief min- trial proceedings under Section Additional Director General ister Banerjee to “discipline” 3 of the Prevention of Insults to (Law and Order) Surajit Kar her “trigger happy” police and the National Honour Act 1971 Suu Kyi seeks support Purakayastha said police opened demanded an impartial probe into against him in the additional fire in self-defence in Nadia the incident. chief judicial magistrate’s court district. “The incident brings to fore in Kochi. “The police were forced to fire the intolerant attitude of the gov- Tharoor told reporters that he in self-defence after they were ernment. The situation did not had asked the court to examine in democracy push attacked by a large crowd. The warrant such an extreme police the visuals of what happened in mob also attacked the SDPO’s action. Problems cannot be solved 2008 but the court according to (sub-divisional police officer) res- by police firing,” said Communist him said that it was not possible idence where his wife and child Party of India-Marxist leader because no such provisions exist Myanmar opposition leader meets prime minister stayed,” he said. Surjya Kanta Mishra. IANS and the case will now continue. “In that meeting, the top police NEW DELHI: Myanmar oppo- democracy,” she said at an annual Myanmar’s opposition leader. and district officials were there sition leader Aung San Suu Kyi lecture in memory of India’s first “The two discussed a variety and just an examination of the urged the people of India to help post-independence prime minis- of issues, including the national visuals will reveal that I have her country achieve democracy ter Jawaharlal Nehru. “I was sad- reconciliation process underway not shown any disrespect to the as she paid a landmark visit dened to feel that we have drawn in Myanmar and the process of Four found murdered in farmhouse national anthem. Now since the yesterday to New Delhi. away from India or rather India democratisation in this context. rules do not allow, I respect the “We have not yet achieved the has drawn away from us during The prime minister welcomed RAIGAD, MAHARASHTRA: The bodies of four brutally mur- judiciary and now I will seek legal goal of democracy and we are still our very difficult days,” she added. the progress made by Daw Suu dered men were discovered in a farmhouse in Maharashtra’s Raigad advice on what needs to be done trying and we hope that... the peo- The talks between Manmohan Kyi and President Thien Sien,” district yesterday afternoon, police said. At least one of the victims next,” said Tharoor. ple of India will stand by us and Singh and Suu Kyi lasted for half- said sources. The two agreed that was shot with a revolver recovered from the scene of the crime in “I am a true patriot and the walk by us as we proceed along the an-hour. “The two leaders also had people-to-people relations were Shiravali village, while the heads of three others were smashed with fact that I decided not to apply path that they were able to proceed one-on-one talks without aides,” important, said the spokesperson. a stone that was also found there. The victims have been identi- for a green card after I finished down many years before us,” said Syed Akbaruddin, spokesperson They agreed to look at greater fied as Nitin Joshi, Balram Chaupanne, Pritam Gharat and Ramdas my United Nations assignment Suu Kyi on her first visit in 25 years of the external affairs ministry, exchanges between parliaments Patil, all hailing from Panvel, police said. The farmhouse was owned clearly shows that I love my coun- to Myanmar’s giant neighbour. told reporters here. and judiciary of the two countries, by Datta Patil, a local agriculture group activist, whose nephew - try,” he said. Suu Kyi spoke of her sadness In his interaction with Suu he added. The Nobel peace prize Ramdas Patil - was among those the four killed, police said. “For me it’s unthinkable that I that India, which had been one Kyi, the prime minister lauded winner, who was released from would do anything wrong to the of her staunchest supporters, her “indomitable courage” and military house arrest in 2010, Police kill five Maoist rebels in Orissa country’s pride. I will fight the changed tack in the 1990s and her life-long struggle to bring had earlier been praised for her case till the end. Even though began to engage with Myanmar’s democracy to the resource-rich “indomitable courage” at talks BHUBANESHWAR: Indian security forces have killed at least there have been moves to have an junta at a time when it was a Southeast Asian country. with Prime Minister Manmohan five Maoist rebels in a remote jungle in the troubled eastern state out of court settlement but I have pariah in the West. “Our good wishes are with you Singh. Singh had invited Suu Kyi of Orissa, a police officer said yesterday. Two policemen also suf- made it clear that the only way is “I have been asked whether I as indeed with your struggle for to New Delhi when he visited fered injuries in the firefight in Bhaliapada, a dense forest area about for the petitioner to withdraw the have been disappointed that India democracy. We admire you for Myanmar in May to try to boost 230km south of the state capital Bhubaneswar. “The operation began case,” added Tharoor. had not stood staunchly by us the indomitable courage you have trade and counter the influence of on Tuesday night. Bodies of five Maoists have been recovered,” deputy IANS through the years of struggle for shown,” the prime minister told regional rival China. AFP/IANS inspector general Rama Krishna Sharma said. AGENCIES

Sailors appear before police Farmer injured in police firing SANGLI: A farmer was injured when police opened fire to quell a violent group during the ongoing agitation of sug- arcane growers which continued for the eighth day, police said. The incident occurred in Astha village of Sangli district this afternoon when a mmob of farmers damaged a police vehicle and pelted stones at the police. Police said they warned the agitators and when the crowds could Italian sailors Salvatore Girone (left), and Massimiliano Latorre sit in a private boat after appearing at the police not be controlled, they commissioner office in Kochi yesterday. The two sailors, who were detained in February on charges of killing fired in the air and shot two Indian fishermen while protecting a cargo ship off the Indian Ocean coast, are on bail. 25-year-old Pravin Patil in the leg. He has been rushed to a hospital. The agitation took a vio- Police seize arms consignment lent turn after the sudden arrest of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) chief and MP Raju from arrested militants in Assam Shetty, and other leaders last Monday. GUWAHATI: In a joint opera- “Based on specific informa- and meant to be delivered at In the agitations to pro- tion, the Assam and Nagaland tion, the Assam Police have Garo Hills from Dimapur through test the arrests, a farmer police have arrested seven peo- nabbed five people from Kshetri Guwahati. activist, Chandrakant ple, including two Garo National area near Guwahati late Tuesday “This is the fifth case of arrest Nalawade, was killed in Liberation Army (GNLA) cad- night,” said IGP (Central Western of GNLA cadres from Assam police firing in Vasgade res, a senior police official said Range) of the Assam Police L.R. this year and so far about 20 village in the district. yesterday. Bishnoi Wednesday and added GNLA cadres were nabbed by the The anti-arrests pro- Five smugglers of illegal arms that later, on the leads pro- Assam police from various parts tests have seen roads being from Assam and Nagaland were vided by the five, the Nagaland of the state during the months of blocked, over three dozen also arrested in the joint opera- police arrested two others from March, May and June this year,” state transport buses tion late Tuesday night which led Dimapur - the commercial hub Bishnoi said. torched or damaged, and to the recovery of a cache of arms of Nagaland. He also said that Guwahati is hundreds of bus services and ammunition. “The seven arrested people slowly becoming the second hub in Sangli, Satara, Pune The seized arms and ammu- included two cadres of the out- of arms smuggling in the region and Solapur districts can- nition included two AK 56 rifles fit and a retired constable of the after Dimapur. celled, stranding thousands with ten magazines, two shot CRPF,” said Bishnoi adding that The IGP said the police were of Diwali holiday crowds. guns, six .32 bore revolver with the rest are involved in arms now investigating the links The protestors also dam- seven magazines, one grenade, smuggling. between the GNLA and other aged scores of police and a carbine magazine, one wire- He said the arms and ammuni- militant outfits of the northeast private vehicles. less set and 254 rounds of live tion consignment was bound for region like the ULFA, NDFB and IANS ammunition. the Garo militant outfit GNLA the NSCN (IM). IANS THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17

Reform measures Cong hits back at MIM will help boost growth: President

NEW DELHI: The recent over communal charge reform measures like liberali- sation of overseas investment norms in retail and aviation sectors and reduction in petro- Withdraw ‘baseless’ allegations: Congress chief leum subsidies will help cut fis- cal deficit and boost economic HYDERABAD: Two days after members in the 295-member compensation to the victims. growth, President Pranab Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen assembly, on Monday withdrew Referring to MIM chief Mukherjee said yesterday. (MIM) withdrew support to support after a canopy was Asaduddin Owaisi’s remark that Inaugurating the 32nd edition the Congress government in allowed to be erected at a temple Chief Minister Kiran Kumar of the India International Trade Andhra Pradesh, the ruling abutting the historic Charminar. Reddy was his friend and Fair (IITF) here, Mukherjee said party yesterday hit back by Defending the government’s YSR Congress Party chief Y S the government has unveiled sev- condemning the allegations that action, Botsa said it was allowed Jaganmohan Reddy is his friend, eral policy measures designed to it has joined hands with com- only to implement the court Botsa said it was obvious why the put the economy back on a high munal forces. order to maintain status quo as MIM took the decision to pull growth trajectory. The Congress demanded the on October 30. back support. “Important among these have MIM to withdraw the “baseless” Listing out the measures “While MIM is free to choose been the decisions to allow foreign allegations and hoped it would taken by the Congress govern- its ally, it is not proper on its part direct investment in multi-brand reconsider its decision on support ment for welfare of Muslims, to accuse the Congress of collud- retail and the civil aviation sector to the state government. including reservation in jobs ing with the BJP or other com- and seek legislative approval for Addressing a press confer- and education, scholarship munal forces,” he said. increasing the FDI cap in the insur- ence yesterday, state Congress to students, and increase in Former minister Mohammed ance and pension sectors,” he said. chief Botsa Satyanarayana said budget allocation for minorities Ali Shabbir took strong excep- “Simultaneously, measures it was improper on the part of from Rs300m to Rs500m, the tion to Owaisi’s statement that have also been announced to keep the MIM to level such allegations Congress state chief wondered the Congress would be wiped government’s subsidy burden in while withdrawing support to the how his party suddenly became out. check thereby bringing about government. “communal” for the MIM. “No power can eliminate a reduction in the fiscal deficit. Claiming that the Congress “What wrong has the Congress Congress party,” Shabbir said and These measures should help in alone could protect secularism, done to minorities or to MIM?” reminded Owaisi that the MIM restoring the economy’s growth Satyanarayana found fault with asked Botsa, who is also a cabinet candidate got the post of the momentum.” the MIM for using a minor and minister. Greater Hyderabad mayor thanks India’s economic growth is sensitive issue to target the gov- He claimed that whenever to the reservation provided to the estimated to decline to nearly a ernment headed by Kiran Kumar communal riots took place, the Muslims by the Congress state Belarus Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich (left), with President Pranab decade’s low in the current finan- Reddy. government acted swiftly to government. Mukherjee during the inauguration of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) cial year, often termed as “policy The MIM, which has seven control the situation and paid IANS in New Delhi, yesterday. paralysis”. IANS

Manmohan’s visit to Japan postponed BJP again backs Gadkari NEW DELHI: Seeking to scotch speculations about BJP chief Nitin Gadkari not getting a clean chit from the party over financial NEW DELHI: Prime Minister postponed due to domestic devel- parliament is dissolved. are convenient for both sides,” dealings of a company he is linked to, RSS acolyte and financial Manmohan Singh’s visit to opments in Japan. There is also Noda said Wednesday he would said Gautam Bambawale, joint analyst S Gurumurthy and the BJP yesterday reiterated that there Japan, set to begin today, has the possibility of election dates go ahead with the move to dis- secretary, East Asia. was no moral or legal wrongdoing by him. been postponed due to political being announced in Japan this solve parliament in exchange for With 50,000 ships using the Gurumurthy, a chartered accountant considered close to the developments in that country. week... Taking it into account, cooperation on a bill to shrink the international waters in the East Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, wrote a letter to Gadkari that he However, he will continue with it has been decided to postpone size of parliament. Officials from Asia region for trade, maritime wished to formally place on record his views - earlier expressed at the the Cambodia leg of his visit the annual summit meeting to a opposition leader Shinzo Abe’s security will figure high on Prime Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) core committee meeting here on November later in the week. date which is mutually convenient party, the Liberal Democratic Minister Manmohan Singh’s 6 - which had led the party to give a virtual clean chit to its beleagured New dates for the Japan visit to both the sides,” said external Party (LDP), said they would agenda at the 7th East Asia chief. Gadkari is facing a probe over allegations about financial transac- - for the annual bilateral sum- affairs ministry spokesperson agree to the deal. Summit from November 18 and tions of companies that invested in the Purti Group he heads. mit between the two countries Syed Akbaruddin. The dissolution of parliament possibly in bilateral meetings with Gurumurthy said he found no wrongdoing by Gadkari in documents - would be decided later in con- Manmohan Singh will, how- and elections set up Japan for US President Barack Obama and related to Purti and accused the media of giving political colour to the sultation with the Japanese for- ever, be visiting Cambodia later yet another leadership change, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. issue following some of his tweets. eign ministry, an official of the this week for the ASEAN-India its seventh in seven years. Besides maritime security, “At the meeting of the core committee, on my investigation of the external affairs ministry said here Summit and the East Asia “Being a democracy, we can the other important sectors for Purti documents, I had clearly said that you had not done any wrong- Wednesday. Summit Nov 18-20. fully understand what happens collaboration at the East Asia doing morally or legally,” Gurumurthy wrote in the letter released by Japanese Prime Minister According to Japan’s public in other democracies.. there Summit would be in energy, edu- the BJP yesterday. Yoshihiko Noda has said he might broadcaster NHK, if parliament have been some very fast paced cation, disaster management “I reiterate that on my investigation, I have found and written in my dissolve the lower house of parlia- is dissolved on Friday, elections developments in Japan during the and pandemics, including tack- columns in the New Indian Express that there is no wrongdoing by you ment following differences with are likely be held on Dec 9 or 16. course of the day, and factoring ling malaria, a major killer, said morally or legally in the Purti matter,” the letter added. Gurumurthy, the opposition on various issues, Under the Japanese constitu- those in the government of India an official of the external affairs who is also a corporate advisor and columnist, said he had “profession- including electoral reform. tion, general elections must be has come to the conclusion that ministry here. ally examined the Purti papers” and expressed his professional views. “The annual summit is being held within 40 days from the day we should look for new dates that IANS IANS

Five kidnappers Opposition to target govt held with Rs2.8m in Haryana over FDI in winter session CHANDIGARH: Five criminals involved in a recent kidnapping of a NEW DELHI: With the CPI-M that entail voting,” Yechury said. Alliance (NDA) allies and other 17-year-old son of a busi- joining in, the opposition yes- He said the government should opposition parties on the issue. nessman in Rohtak district terday sent a strong message of consider taking parliament’s “We will totally oppose foreign have been arrested fol- its intention to target the gov- approval for the FDI and “not go direct investment (FDI) in the lowing a joint operation of ernment in the winter session behind cover”. upcoming parliament session. The Rohtak and Sonipat police of parliament over FDI in retail. The winter session of parlia- strategy for opposition will also force, Haryana Police said. The United Progressive ment begins Nov 22. be discussed within the NDA and Police recovered Rs28 Alliance (UPA) government Yechury hoped other parties also with other parties opposed to lakh in cash, weapons, expressed its confidence about would join the CPI-M in oppos- FDI,” Prasad said. ammunition, police uni- meeting the challenge, but it was ing the government’s move. Party He said the decision on the FDI forms and a car from the clear it faces an uphill task per- leader Basudeb Acharia said yes- in retail was not in the interest of possession of the arrested suading its allies on the issue as terday that opposing the FDI was the country and accused the gov- people, a police department some of them opposed the deci- his party’s “top priority” in the ernment of violating its assurance spokesman said here. sion in the past. The DMK, the winter session. to have consultations on the issue. He said the members of second-largest constituent in the Acharia indicated that the Left Information and Broadcasting the gang were wanted in ruling UPA with 18 members in parties also intended to raise the Minister Manish Tewari 24 other criminal cases in the Lok Sabha, has been scrupu- issues of price rise, controversy expressed confidence of bracing seven districts of Haryana. lously silent on the FDI till now. surrounding coal blocks alloca- the opposition challenge and said Inspector General of The Samajwadi Party (SP) has tion and alleged favours to Robert the Congress would “cross the Police Alok Mittal said that opposed FDI in multi-brand retail Vadra, son-in-law of Congress bridge when it comes to it”. on November 3, a busi- but has cited “political compul- president Sonia Gandhi, in land “The parliament session has nessman of Gurgaon was sions” to keep giving support to deals by the Haryana government. not begun yet. The floor leaders returning with his son the UPA government. CPI senior leader D Raja also of the various political parties are in a car from Gugamedi The Bahujan Samaj Party confirmed that the Left parties yet to meet. When push comes Dham in Rajasthan when (BSP) has spoken of the pos- were in the process of moving to shove, we will not be found they were stopped by two sibility of backing FDI in the motions - Rule 184 of Lok Sabha’s wanting,” he said. Congress leader men in police uniforms future if it benefits farmers and Rules of Business and Rule 167 in Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the near Basana village. As consumers. the Rajya Sabha that entail voting party was not afraid of any debate they stopped, the crimi- Both the SP and BSP provide after discussion on a matter. in parliament. nals were joined by five to crucial outside support to the UPA As Finance minister, Pranab He said the party had made the six other men who kid- government, whose tally fell below Mukherjee had given a commit- FDI move in public interest and napped them. the half-way mark in September ment in Parliament that all par- had sought to clarify any misgiv- “The next day the men after the Trinamool Congress ties and even chief ministers will ings related to it. “But we don’t let off the businessman near pulled out from the alliance. The be consulted before any decision want a debate with obstructions Baba Mastnath University Trinamool Congress, like the BJP is taken. What happened to that and ulterior motives,” he said. and drove away with his and the Left, is firmly opposed to commitment?” Raja asked. The government has been son. On November 5, the the FDI in retail. All four Left parties CPI(M), reaching out to its outside sup- criminals called the busi- Communist Party of India- CPI, RSP and Forward Bloc met porters including SP and BSP to nessman and demanded Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram recently and decided on moving face the opposition challenge in Rs5m as ransom. The Yechury told reporters yesterday the motions in Parliament. D Raja the month-long winter session. family gave Rs3.7m to the that party members have served says, “Morally, the government DMK leaders have said their kidnappers, after which notices in the Lok Sabha and the loses.” party would take a decision on the boy was freed,” Mittal Rajya Sabha seeking discussion BJP spokersperson Ravi the FDI in retail keeping in mind said. Following this, police on the FDI under rules that entail Shankar Prasad said the party the interests of small and medium formed four teams to track voting. “We wish to take it up for will oppose FDI and coordi- retail traders in Tamil Nadu. the criminals and during a proper discussion under rules nate with National Democratic IANS/AGENCIES the joint operation. IANS

THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK PRAYER TIME Orphan world spotted in deep space

Fajr (Dawn) 3:31 PARIS: Astronomers yester- Initial observations sketched the Lison Malo at the University of to seven times that of Jupiter, the Shorook (Sunrise) 4:57 day reported they had detected a object as either a homeless planet Montreal. biggest planet of our solar system. planet that had strayed from its or a tiny failed star called a brown “It’s the link between the planet “These objects are important, as Zuhr (Noon) 11:40 star system and was wandering dwarf, which lacks the bulk to trigger and AB Doradus that enabled us to they can either help us understand Asr (Afternoon) 3:06 alone in deep space. the nuclear fusion that makes stars deduce its age and classify it as a more about how planets may be ejected Object CFBDSIR2149 is believed shine. planet.” from planetary systems, or how very Maghrib (Sunset) 6:25 to be a cold, young world that But the probabilities narrowed The astronomers used an infrared light objects can arise from the star Isha (Night) 7:55 for unknown reasons has pulled when the astronomers noted it was camera at the Canada-France-Hawaii formation process,” said Philippe free of the gravitational pull of its roaming near a stream of young, Telescope and ESO’s 8.2-metre Very Delorme of France’s Institute of mother star, the European Southern restless stars called the AB Doradus Large Telescope in Chile, ranked the Planetology and Astrophysics. Observatory (ESO) said. Moving Group. sixth biggest optical telescope in the “If this little object is a planet that WEATHER It is not the first time that a “free- “This group is unique, in that it world, to get a closer look. has been ejected from its native sys- floating” planet has been found, but is made up of around 30 stars that CFBDSIR2149, they estimate, is tem, it conjures up the striking image Today Friday Saturday Weather this one is the closest that has ever all have the same age, have the same between 50 and 120 million years old, of orphaned worlds, drifting in the Conditions: been spotted, at over 100 light years composition and that move together with a temperature of around 400 emptiness of space.” Clear Mostly sunny Mostly sunny from Earth. through space,” said astrophysicist degrees Celsius and a mass of four AFP Partly cloudy with slight dust and High: 30° High:30° High: 29° Low: 25° Low: 23° Low: 22° chance of rain at places.

DOHA - SUN & SEA SUN TIDE SEA

SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 04:57 18:25 06:00&17:00 & 12:45&23:00 18-25 KT

THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW

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MUSCAT 31/23 Mostly sunny 31/23 Mostly sunny MAKKAH 35/24 Clear 36/24 Mostly sunny KUWAIT 27/18 Clear 27/18 Clear BAHRAIN 28/23 Clear 28/22 Clear SANAA 26/13 Mostly sunny 27/18 Mostly sunny RIYADH 26/13 Mostly sunny 27/13 Mostly sunny DUBAI 33/24 Mostly sunny 30/24 Clear BAGHDAD 21/13 Clear 22/12 Clear

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HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

ATHENS 17/12 Chance of rain 19/24 Chance of rain WASHINGTON 10/06 Mostly sunny 12/04 Mostly sunny SYDNEY 20/15 Rain 18/15 Chance of rain LONDON 10/03 Cloudy 10/07 Mostly sunny PARIS 10/04 Cloudy 13/07 Mostly sunny ISTANBUL 18/12 Mostly sunny 17/12 Partly sunny MANILA 31/24 Partly sunny 32/24 Mostly sunny DHAKA 27/17 Clear 27/18 Clear DELHI 27/15 Clear 27/14 Clear ISLAMABAD 26/10 Mostly sunny 27/12 Clear Wakeman reworks rock epic Journey to Centre of Earth

LONDON: The story behind the upcoming re-issue of Rick Wakeman’s 1974 concept album “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” sounds almost as unlikely as the Jules Verne tale that inspired it. Progressive rock veteran Wakeman had presumed the original orchestration to his chart-topping disc was lost for good when his record company MAM, where the manuscripts had been stored in boxes, was brought to its knees in the early 1980s. Although he could have re-orchestrated the work from the original album, recorded live at the Royal Festival Hall in London in 1974, Wakeman knew it would be far from perfect. And the original score was 55 minutes long whereas the 1974 version had to be cut to closer to 40 due to the constraints of vinyl recordings at the time. “In about 1983 or 1984 I had an enquiry to do Journey again in America,” Wakeman recalled in a telephone interview. “I thought ‘great’. But MAM had gone, and nobody there had any idea what had happened to all the stuff of mine,” the former Yes keyboardist said. “Up until recently I would get phone calls to do it and I said ‘no, I can’t’, there is no music any more. You just resign yourself to disappointment.” Everything changed about four years ago when a box of papers arrived at his doorstep — a fairly regular occur- rence, he explained, for a man who had been married several times and had “stuff in storage all over the place”. Sifting through the contents, Wakeman found a pile of music that was not his own, but “something told me to empty the entire box.” At the very bottom was the long-lost conductor’s score of Journey, albeit so damp the pages were stuck together. To this day Wakeman does not know where the box came from, and is amazed it reappeared nearly 30 years after going missing. Once the music had been downloaded on to a computer, Wakeman set about reintroducing the songs and other sections he removed for the 1974 recording with the help of notes he had kept. He decided to make a studio recording of the rock opera, and sought to replicate the sound of the original instruments. For the narrator’s voice, he could not go back to David Hemmings, who died in 2003, and so invited actor Peter Egan. The result is a re-mastered version of Journey, complete with 20 minutes of unheard music, which hits shelves on November 20. It comes in the form of a “fanback” com- prising the music, a 132-page magazine and a replica of the programme to the 1974 show. For Wakeman it was a labour of love, but one he hopes will prove profitable. “We did have record companies come forward,” the 63-year-old said. “But I don’t want an A&R (artists and repertoire) man coming in and saying it could do with this and that. REUTERS Thursday 15 November 2012 1 Muharram 1434 Volume 17 Number 5519 Price: QR2

Vodafone Qatar Qatari bourse revenue grows index adds by 18 percent 20.45 points

Business | 22 Business | 23

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Vodafone Rayyan Bank Industries NakilatQatar Islamic Barwa Gulf HoldingComm. Bank Int. Islamic Qatar Bank of Qatar Bank

84,768 8.76 216,929 26.30 93,601 148.50218,892 15.14 23,159 76.50 85,253 27.80 79,883 23.41 1731,733 72.40 10,832 52.30

Saudi Aramco QIIC gets Baa2 inks deals for 400,000b/d rating from Jizan plant KHOBAR: Saudi Aramco, the world’s biggest oil producer, signed deals yesterday worth Moody’s an estimated $6bn to build a refinery in the impoverished region of Jizan that will pump out up to 400,000 barrels of oil Rating outlook stable per day. The state-run firm signed the DOHA: Moody’s Investors investment risk, and to diversify engineering, procurement, con- Service has assigned a Baa2 the portfolio away from its cur- struction contracts with Spain’s insurance financial strength rent focus on motor. Tecnicas Reunidas, Japan’s JGC, rating (IFSR) to the Qatar Moody’s added that upward Hitachi Plant Technologies,South Islamic Insurance Company rating pressure may evolve Korea’s Hanwha Engineering (QIIC). The rating outlook is over time from a significant and Construction Corp, Hyundai stable, Moody’s announced in reduction in investment risk, Heavy Industries and Britain’s London yesterday. either through wider asset Petrofac. While Saudi Al Ajmi QIIC provides both life and classes or geographic exposure, company won a site preparation non-life insurance to individu- and through sustained profit- contract. als and businesses in Qatar able growth and international Aramco did not say how much with gross contributions of expansion into markets of simi- the project was worth. However, QR210MM in 2011 ($57.0MM) lar standing, thus reducing con- industry sources told Reuters the and total assets of QR579MM centration risks. overall construction cost of the ($173MM). On the other hand, the rat- nine packages for the refinery was Although privately owned, ing may experience downward around $6bn. QIIC is an important insurer in pressure from significant H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada and Yves-Louis Darricarrere exchange documents during the signing Hyundai’s contract was below Qatar, with the principal owner further investments into the ceremony. $300m, Hanwha around $600m, and Chairman of the board being property or equity market, Petrofac around $1.4bn, SK and Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al which would increase asset risk JGC around $1bn each while Thani,. and (in the case of property) Tecnicas Reunidas around $1bn. QIIC is run on the Al Wakala weaken the liquidity position Qatar Petroleum, Total sign pact Hitachi’s contract was for around Islamic insurance model, which of QIIC, reduced underwriting $500m, the sources said. maintains separate funds for poli- profitability with QIIC consist- The refinery will process cyholders and shareholders. ently reporting combined ratios DOHA: The Minister of Energy continue to operate the field. in Ras Laffan. Total subsequently heavy and medium crude and Moody’s notes that QIIC’s in excess of 100 percent, and and Industry and Chairman and Commenting on the QP-Total participated in other large devel- will provide feedstock for con- rating reflects both the stand- any significant increase in lev- Managing Director of Qatar partnership on Al Khalij field, opments in Qatar’s refining and version industries and a 2,400 alone fundamentals as well erage—although Moody’s does Petroleum H E Dr Mohammed the minister said: “We have been petrochemicals sectors as well. megawatt power plant that will as incorporating the benefits not currently expect this to bin Saleh Al Sada, and Yves-Louis working with our long-time “This new agreement exempli- feed the refinery and the Jizan the company derives from its happen. Darricarrere, Total’s President, partner, Total, on Al Khalij field fies the long-standing partner- economic city as well as cities shareholders. At first half 2012, QIIC Upstream, signed a heads of since its discovery. It has been a ships forged with the State of on the western coast, Aramco’s Moody’s notes the main stan- recorded a 10 percent decline agreement on Al Khalij field, off- mutually beneficial and fruitful Qatar, as it reflects Total’s com- CEO Khalid Al Falih said in a dalone strengths of QIIC are its in gross contributions to shore Qatar, for a further 25 years. partnership. We are pleased to mitment to work hand in hand speech at the contract signing extremely strong capitalisation QR108MM from QR120MM at Located about 130km east of the sign this new agreement to fur- with QP. I am delighted to see ceremony. in relation to insurance risk, and H1 2011, largely driven by lower Qatari coast, Al Khalij field was ther develop the field, as part of Total continuing to be recog- The project will help generate the strong profitability at both the volumes of motor business. discovered by Total in 1991 and H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa nized, not only for operational 1000 direct and 4000 indirect jobs, underwriting level and the bot- Total policyholder sur- commenced production in 1997 Al Thani’s vision to continue to excellence in the energy sector, he said. tom line. plus generated decreased by pursuant to an Exploration and prudently develop our natural but also as an active member of “The refinery will be the Moody’s notes the main chal- 14 percent to QR8MM from Production Sharing Agreement resources and to increase Qatar’s Qatar’s community and society nucleus for the Jizan Economic lenges are to manage the sig- QR9MM, although shareholder (EPSA), which was signed in 1989 hydrocarbon reserves.” at large,” stated Darricarrère, City and will play a major role in nificant investment risk, as QIIC profits increased four percent and is due for expiry in early 2014. The HOA is further evidence Total’s President - Upstream. the development and will give it a invests predominantly in Qatari to QR35MM (First Half 2011: Under the new HOA, QP and of Total’s commitment to Qatar. The signing ceremony, which competitive edge, which is trans- equity and property markets, with QR33MM). Total policyholders Total will have a 60/40 operat- This commitment took a new was held at QP Headquarters, was lated in the feedstock availability QIIC investing a further QR80.6m surplus and shareholders equity ing interest in the field new joint dimension when the company was attended by a number of senior for industries, power and fuel,” in real estate inH1 2012, the stood at QR 413MM (YE 2011: venture following the expiry one of the first participants in the officials from QP and Total. said Falih. overall level of exposure to Qatar QR410MM). of the EPSA, and Total will multi-billion dollar gas projects THE PENINSULA REUTERS both through insurance and THE PENINSULA Woqod MD ranks No.3 in Forbes list of region’s top executives

DOHA: The world’s leading 11 major sectors such as banks, It is worth noting that Forbes business and economic maga- services, financial services, invest- ME, has adopted a technical zine Forbes (Middle East) has ments and petro-chemicals. The model for assessment and evalu- selected Mohamed Turki Al study included giant firms such as ation of leaders in their achieve- Sobai, Vice – Chairman and Sabic who ranked the 18th in the ments and decisions which impact Managing Director of Qatar sample, and National Bank of Abu the success of their companies. Fuel (Woqod), among the top Dhabi the 37th and finally Oman Hence, the net profit achieved by three best executives in the list Petroleum the 40th. these firms in 2011 was considered of regions top business leaders in Growth rate of the above ratios as an important indicator for this the Arab world for the year 2011. was calculated for the period classification, in parallel with long The ceremonial event took place 2007-2011 except for ROE which experience and stability which in Dubai on November 6 under is only for 2011 . executives work hard to ensure the patronage of Dr Rashed bin The findings of the study for the future of their companies. Ahmed bin Fahed, The Minister revealed that Woqod’s growth These elements can’t be fulfilled of Water and Environment of the rates for return on assets without the long experience and UAE, and based on the result of exceeded 27 percent, 25 percent dedication of mangers. Most of a comprehensive study conducted for market capitalisation and EPS the leaders in the list were occu- by Forbes ME, Magazine. and 24 percent for ROE . pying senior positions and expe- The study was based on ana- Woqod also ranked No.3 among rienced a wise and successful lysing disclosed annual financial 46 listed Arab Company (GCCs, leadership for a long period, if not statements of these companies Jordan and Egypt) for the serv- decades. The minimum period of during the period 2007-2011. ices sector with different activi- experience for the listed leaders The study covered a sample ties such as transport, logistics, who is eligible for the evaluation of 324 companies working in technical, and covered different was five years and above. Mohamed Turki Al Sobai receiving the award from the Minister of Water and Environment in the UAE. the Arab markets and examined geographical areas. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Vodafone Qatar revenue grows by 18 percent Mobile customer base at 936,300

BY SATISH KANADY

DOHA: Driven by a combination of continued customer growth and strong average revenue per user (ARPU), Vodafone Qatar’s Vodafone Qatar’s revenue grew by 18 percent to customer base QR696m for the six months ended 30 September 2012. The expanded to strong ARPU has resulted in a 936,300 mobile 57 percent EBITDA improve- ment, achieving QR102m, over customers as on 30 the same period last year. September 2012, Announcing the half-year an increase of 15 results, Richard Daly, Vodafone Qatar’s Chief Executive Officer percent compared said the ARPU increased to 118, to September 20 11. a seven percent year-on-year growth. Vodafone Qatar’s cus- tomer base expanded to 936,300 mobile customers as on 30 September 2012, an increase of 15 stopped us from improving cus- percent compared to September tomer experience and call com- 20 11. pletion rates have continued to “This is an extremely fast improve, now exceeding or on par Richard Daly (right) addressing the media after announcing the results as Khalid Barzak, Investor Relations Manager, Vodafone Qatar, looks on. growth and the figures state half with international benchmarks. of Qatar’s population is using This is in part thanks to our Vodafone network”, he said. newly developed fibre network.” Vodafone Qatar recorded a “We will continue to develop net loss of QR240m for the six this fibre network and in part- Vodafone extends management agreement months, an underlying improve- nership with Q.NBN and use it ment of 8.5 percent compared to to launch innovative new serv- the same period last year. ices such as superfast Fixed DOHA: The management would also continue to supply the develop and grow the business Member said, “Qatar Foundation Richard commented: “During Broadband and converged agreement for Vodafone PLC management and key executives to become a fully fledged Total and the local Board are delighted the first half of the year we Enterprise offerings in the sec- (Vodafone) to manage Vodafone of the company and access to spe- Communications Provider”. to carry on the relationship with launched a number of new prod- ond half of this year.” Qatar QSC (Vodafone Qatar) cialist operational expertise and Nick said the three successful Vodafone PLC. With Vodafone’s ucts into the market. Post-paid Vodafone Qatar is scheduled has been renewed for a further personnel from with the Vodafone years have transformed the tele- full support we look forward to services were our biggest launch to launch its Mobile Number 6 years until March 31, 2018. Group of companies. The renewal communications market in Qatar. continued success as we grow since start-up and something that Portability in Spring 2013. We The Management Agreement of the agreement also means “Now we are moving to fully the business to, serve our cus- all of us at Vodafone are incredibly believe portability is the right of was initially signed on June 26, Vodafone PLC would continue to fledged Total Communications tomers and bring value to our proud of. Early customer feedback the consumers, Richard said. 2008 for an initial term of five provide services relating to cost Provider-supporting Qatar in its shareholders.” has been positive, particularly Steve Walters, Chief Financial years. The new agreement sees savings through access to Global objective to be a truly connected According to the renewed amongst our Qatari customers.” Officer, Vodafone Qatar, said the the fee payable to Vodafone PLC functions such as supply chain, global leader”. agreement, the fee payable to Majority of Vodafone Qatar’s 18 percent growth in total rev- reduced to reflect the increased terminals and roaming services. The Vodafone is ready to Vodafone PLC has reduced to a customers are Qataris and high enue has helped Vodafone Qatar scale of the business and the Commenting on the agree- launch our superfast broadband maximum of 3.5 percent of total value Indian consumers, he said. improve its market share by 1.4 transition to a Fixed and Mobile ment Nick Read, Regional Chief services over the fibre network in annual revenue from five per- “Our mobile network quality points. The underlying improve- Operation. Executive, Vodafone PLC said: partnership with Q.NBN. We are cent previously to reflect the has also continued to improve ment in net loss and distribut- Vodafone PLC will continue “Vodafone is committed to Qatar grateful for the support of local increase scale of the business and with sufficient capacity to accom- able profits are due to strong provide services relating to the and, through Vodafone Qatar, shareholders and especially Qatar the transition to a Fixed Mobile modate both our significant EBITDA growth despite the management and operation of wishes to fully support the Foundation, he said. Operation. The fee is now more customer growth and the soar- cumulative impact of significant Vodafone Qatar including the use country’s objective to be a truly Rashid Al Naimi Qatar closely linked to the financial per- ing data volumes we have seen. network investment. of Vodafone Brand and provision connected global leader. In the Foundation’s Chief Administration formance of the business. This increased demand has not THE PENINSULA of global products and services. It coming years we will continue to Officer and Vodafone Qatar Board THE PENINSULA

QATARI MARKET UK stuck with high inflation, meagre growth Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Qatar Govt 5.15% 09/04/2014 USD 106.19 0.71 % Aa2 AA LONDON: Britain faces years between missing his debt reduc- the output lost during the 2008- focused on different parts of his Qatar Govt 3.125% 20/01/2017 USD 106.06 1.62 % Aa2 AA of meagre economic growth tion goal or adding more spending 2009 slump, which left most message. Gilts fell as investors cut Qatar Govt 6.55% 09/04/2019 USD 126.50 2.10 % Aa2 AA coupled with rising prices, the cuts and tax rises to his austerity Britons worse off as high inflation expectations of near-term bond Qatar Govt 5.25% 20/01/2020 USD 120.00 2.22 % Aa2 AA Bank of England warned yes- plan. and tax hikes ate away meagre buying, while sterling dipped on Qatar Govt 4.5% 20/01/2022 USD 115.13 2.63 % Aa2 AA terday, adding that its ability to “We face the rather unappeal- wage increases. the gloomy outlook and King’s Qatar Govt 9.75% 15/06/2030 USD 182.00 3.48 % Aa2 AA numb the pain was nearing its ing combination of a subdued The Inflation Report showed displeasure at its gain against the limit. recovery with inflation remain- the BoE sees growth well below euro since last year. Qatar Govt 6.4% 20/01/2040 USD 141.00 3.93 % Aa2 AA Governor Mervyn King left the ing above target for a while,” its long-run average over the next “The outlook is pretty DIRE Qatar Govt 5.75% 20/01/2042 USD 130.63 3.97 % Aa2 AA door open for yet another cash King said in the news conference three years, failing to exceed 2 - Disappointing Inflation and Qatari Diar 3.5% 21/07/2015 USD 105.88 1.27 % Aa2 AA injection of bond buying as he pre- to present the BoE’s quarterly percent even in 2015. Rotten Expansion,” said IHS Qatari Diar 5% 21/07/2020 USD 117.38 2.50 % Aa2 AA sented the central bank’s down- Inflation Report. At the same time, inflation Global Insight economist Howard Comqat 5% 18/11/2014 USD 106.75 1.58 % A1 A- beat outlook. He said the economy Moreover, King warned that was likely to be above its two Archer in a note. may shrink again at the end of better times were still a long way percent target over the next 18 “This is in marked contrast Comqat 3.375% 11/04/2017 USD 104.50 2.30 % A1 A- this year, just one quarter after off. months, the report showed, pos- to the NICE decade that Sir QIB 3.856% 07/10/2015 USD 104.75 2.16 % NR NR it exited recession. “If (the) unfavourable world ing a barrier to further policy Mervyn often used to refer to QNB 3.125% 16/11/2015 USD 103.88 1.79 % Aa3 A+ But, he said, monetary policy environment persists—and there stimulus. before the 2008/9 recession— QNB 3.375% 22/02/2017 USD 105.25 2.08 % Aa3 A+ could only go so far in helping is little sign of any change to the The outlook for inflation was Non-Inflationary Consistent Doha Bank 3.5% 14/03/2017 USD 103.88 2.55 % A2 A- the economy adjust to the new underlying problems in the euro the main reason why the policy- Expansion,” he said, adding that post-financial crisis world of debt area—it may be unreasonable to makers decided to stop the quan- 50 billion pound more in quantita- Qtel 3.375% 14/10/2016 USD 105.50 1.91 % A2 A reduction and weak growth. expect anything other than a titative-easing purchases of gilts tive easing remained likely. Qtel 7.875% 10/06/2019 USD 130.75 2.73 % A2 A King’s comments came as slow and protracted recovery,” last week, King said, rejecting King also batted away criticism Qtel 4.75% 16/02/2021 USD 113.25 2.93 % A2 A Britain’s hitherto resilient labour he said. suggestions that the policymakers of the decision to transfer back Qtel 5% 19/10/2025 USD 113.88 3.64 % A2 A market showed signs of weakness, The opposition Labour Party had lost trust in this tool’s ability to the government the interest Rasgas 5.5% 30/09/2014 USD 108.50 0.92 % Aa3 A with the biggest rise in over a year said the central bank’s outlook to boost demand. the central bank had received on in the number of people claiming was proof that the government’s But King reiterated his view the bonds it bought as part of its Rasgas 5.832% 30/09/2016 USD 110.88 2.85 % Aa3 A jobless benefits. policies had failed. that there were limits to what stimulus programme, which had Rasgas 5.298% 30/09/2020 USD 113.00 3.40 % Aa3 A The outlook makes dire read- But junior finance minister monetary policy could achieve. raised questions about the Bank’s SOVEREIGNS ing for the Conservative-led David Gauke defended the auster- “What is limiting our ability to independence. government only weeks before ity measures, saying the interna- do more is not on the monetary The government’s decision did Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P finance minister George Osborne tional environment was to blame side, it is on the real side that the not undermine the role of the Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 08/04/2014 USD 107.06 0.44 % Aa2 AA is to give his half-yearly budget for the country’s “long and chal- economy has to adjust to a new rate-setting MPC or hurt inde- Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 08/04/2019 USD 127.88 2.08 % Aa2 AA update. lenging” recovery. equilibrium,” he said. pendence, he said. Dubai Govt 6.7% 05/10/2015 USD 110.75 2.80 % NR NR He may be forced choose Britain has not fully recovered Currency and bond markets REUTERS Dubai Govt 4.9% 02/05/2017 USD 105.88 3.47 % NR NR Dubai Govt 7.75% 05/10/2020 USD 121.38 4.50 % NR NR Dubai Govt 6.45% 02/05/2022 USD 112.00 4.85 % NR NR Fitch raises Ireland sovereign Qatar Govt 4% 20/01/2015 USD 106.19 1.12 % Aa2 AA Bahrain Govt 6.273% 22/11/2018 USD 112.63 3.90 % NR BBB debt rating to stable Bahrain Govt 5.5% 31/03/2020 USD 106.88 4.40 % NR BBB • Bullion - Mumbai Egypt Govt 5.75% 29/04/2020 USD 103.50 5.18 % B2 B Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 31200.00 Morocco Govt 4.5% 05/10/2020 EUR 99.75 4.54 % NR BBB- DUBLIN: Fitch raised its out- of the outlooks to Stable from Silver (1 kg) Rs. 60290.00 look for Ireland’s sovereign debt Negative reflects Ireland’s con- *Periodic Distribution Amount • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.95 rating yesterday, citing the gov- tinued progress with its fiscal IMPORTANT NOTE: ernment’s success in cutting consolidation, external adjust- • Sensex Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which BSE 18618.87 is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services the budget without slowing eco- ment and economic recovery, as Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary nomic growth and its return to well as the sovereign’s improved NSE 5666.95 data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising borrowing from international financing options,” the agency said • LIC (International) launches New Gold Investment Plan ‘GOLD PLUS’ – out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not bond markets. in a statement. which provides an opportunity to invest in GOLD ETF & GOLD SPOT, PAN take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant The rating agency left Ireland’s “Fitch judges that the risks Card/Demat Account not required. rating at BBB+, three notches surrounding the adjustment path liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and above junk status, but upgraded have narrowed and become more p.a. (in dollar) consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. its outlook to stable from nega- balanced.” Fitch said it expected tive. Moody’s is the only one of the government to meet its fis- • Housing loan from HDFC LTD the three main rating agencies to cal targets for the year and wel- • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, have downgraded the country to comed a strong improvement in Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. non-investment grade. competitiveness. Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] “The affirmation and revision REUTERS THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Qatari bourse Ukraine currency devaluation likely index adds 20.45 points Kuwait falls from 4-week high

DOHA: Qatar Exchange ended percent to its lowest close since its losing streak yesterday add- November 4. ing 20.45 points or 0.24 percent “The index is trying to stabi- to advance to 8,466.06 points lise above 6,800 after the recent from 8,445.61 on Tuesday. profit-taking,” said Turki Fadaak, The volume of the shares head of research at Al Bilad traded was up to 2,821,875 Investment. “There’s no clear from 2,768,696 on Tuesday and direction yet and the global pic- the value of shares increased ture is worrying.” to QR138,358,107.64 from World share markets struggled QR133,279,254.12 on Tuesday. to make gains yesterday as inves- Among the top gainers were tors fretted about rising tensions Industries Qatar which was up in Europe over its debt crisis and 0.81 percent to QR150.20, Qatar the fast-approaching fiscal cliff in Islamic Bank rose 0.92 percent the United States. to QR77.20, Islamic Insurance Insurance stocks fell with the gained 0.88 percent to QR57.00 sector’s index down 3.2 percent. and Gulf International up by 1.39 Amana Cooperative Insurance percent to QR29.20. dropped 10 percent. The banking and financial Banks also weighed on the sector index was up 1.80 points market. Bank Aljazira slipped 2.7 while consumer goods and serv- percent and Banque Saudi Fransi ices sector index lost 21.71 points. shed 0.7 percent. A man counts money near a currency exchange office in Kiev yesterday. Ukraine’s national currency, the hryvnia, touched a three-year low of 8.21 The industrial sector was gained Saudi Basic Industries Corp per dollar yesterday amid widespread expectations of a devaluation, possibly to a level of 8.40, according to dealers. 9.99 points while insurance sector (Sabic) gained 0.7 percent and added 1.90 points. Saudi Arabian Fertilizers climbed Meanwhile, Kuwait’s bourse fell 0.3 percent. from a near four-week high yes- Egyptian shares inched down terday as investors sold shares in as investors wait for the results High yields are last hope for Bahrain stocks companies that failed to announce of talks for a crucial IMF loan their financials by the regulatory the government hopes to clinch deadline, while Gulf markets fin- this week and for news on Qatar DUBAI: Bahrain’s stock mar- people does not have the rapid a Bahraini investment manager, meaningful position is impossi- ished mixed in lacklustre trade. National Bank’s (QNB) proposed ket is the worst-performing in population growth needed to spur who declined to be named because ble,” said Shahid Hameed, Global Kuwait’s stock exchange said purchase of most of NSGB. the region this year, but it has domestic demand in the absence he was not authorised to speak Investment House’s head of asset it will suspend trading on about The index closed 0.4 percent a major attraction: ultra-high of major export industries, so it to media. management for the Gulf region. 50 companies starting next week lower at 5,662 points. dividend yields. Unfortunately, is considered a “mature” rather “I would buy Alba, because it is “There are few interest- for not announcing their finan- “The market has been very the market has become too than a potentially high-growth a big industry and fairly competi- ing opportunities because the cials before the specified deadline stagnant and quiet,” said illiquid for many investors to market by fund managers. tive, and Batelco, because of the bank and the telecom spaces of November 15. The market is Mohamed Radwan of Pharos take advantage of that fact. In one respect, though, telecom sector’s defensive nature.” are mature, so there’s not much closed today for the Islamic New Securities. The main Bahrain stock index Bahrain’s market stands out: the But analysts say poor liquid- growth there — there’s not much Year Holiday. “It is awaiting one of two pieces is down 7.6 percent year-to-date, return on stocks available from ity is deterring many investors happening in Bahrain from an The act is a regular occurrence of news, either the NSGB deal — underperforming all other coun- their dividends. Aluminium from going after the dividends in equities point of view.” on the exchange, with firms often hoping that it is at a premium level tries in the Gulf Cooperation Bahrain (Alba) has a dividend Bahrain. The market has traded Batelco reported a 25 percent missing the deadline — trading to the market — or the IMF deal. Council. Saudi Arabia is up 6.2 yield of 14.0 percent based on just 478 million shares so far in drop in profit for the first nine will resume once earnings have We are going to trade in a sideway percent. last year’s dividend, according 2012, compared to the 72.5 billion months of this year, as fierce com- been submitted. range until one of these two issues Continuous street protests, to stock exchange data; Bahrain in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf’s largest petition led to a loss of market National Ranges plunged 13.9 is announced,” Radwan says. led by majority Shias against the Telecommunications (Batelco) market. share as well as falling prices and percent, Kuwait Real Estate NSGB tumbled four percent to Sunni-dominated government, has a yield of 9.5 percent and Thin trading volumes make it revenues. Holding dropped 12.7 percent 3.96 Egyptian pounds ($0.65). The are dampening investor sentiment BBK, a major bank, 6.4 percent. hard for investors to accumulate At some stage, valuations in and The Securities House shed bank has lost 5.3 percent since a and weighing on the economy. The Such yields compare favour- enough of a stock to benefit from Bahrain may fall so low that 8.3 percent. report on Monday indicated its Bahrain index is down 28 percent ably with markets around the the dividends — and increase there appears to be little further The index slipped 0.3 percent. shares were trading at a premium since the protests began in early region. Qatar National Bank, for risks by making it difficult to get downside in prices, making the In Saudi Arabia, insurance to the expected 35-36 pound price 2011, and has reached its lowest example, has a yield of 2.7 percent; out of a stock if investors want to high dividend yields even more stocks dragged the bourse to a QNB would pay if it buys a major- level since 2003. Qatar Telecom paid just 1.9 per- redeploy their money. attractive. But even then, regional two-week low. Petrochemical ity stake from Societe Generale. Funds have been leaking out of cent at the end of 2011. “Bahrain is an exceptionally investors may hesitate to enter stocks were steady as investors An IMF team in Cairo to the market, shrinking its capitali- “I would look for certain stocks illiquid market. There are some the market while bigger markets hesitated to increase risk amid a negotiate the $4.8bn loan is has sation to BD5.8bn ($15.4bn) from which currently have a double- companies with good yields, like nearby, such as Saudi Arabia, con- weak global backdrop. extended its stay for one day. BD7.73bn in January 2011. digit yield and hold them for the Batelco, but the problem is that tinue to boom. The kingdom’s index slipped 0.2 AGENCIES The country of about 1.3 million long term, not for trading,” said it is so illiquid that to have a REUTERS Row over terms halts Iran-Turkmen gas supply

DUBAI: Supplies of gas from Mehr news agency as saying. A Turkmen ministry news website Shana reported. Turkmenistan to Iran have been halted government official told Reuters in the As Iran exports natural gas to Turkey and due to a dispute over purchasing terms, Turkmen capital Ashgabat that flows of gas Armenia, a lengthy stoppage of Turkmen Iranian Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi said to the Islamic Republic continued yesterday. gas flows into the country could prompt Iran yesterday, while a Turkmen government “Natural gas supplies continued this to stop supplies to its neighbours. official denied flows had been stopped. morning according to schedule. The issue of Iran buys almost a third of Turkmenistan’s Iran, which supplies gas to Turkey, relies price has never been a problem with Iran,” exported gas which it relies heavily on for on gas from Turkmenistan to supply the the source said. “For some time there have heating in winter and needs year round to cold north eastern region winter. Qasemi been repair works on a pipeline stretch meet industrial demand in parts of the coun- called on oil products distribution compa- between Turkmenistan’s Artyk and Iran’s try that are far from and poorly connected nies in the region to help ensure alternative Lutfabad, but now gas flows even via this to its own fields clustered around the Gulf. fuel supplies over winter. part of the pipeline route.” Iranian imports of Turkmen gas aver- “Negotiations between the two countries Qasemi did not say when flows of gas aged just over 1 billion cubic feet a day from are ongoing and it is foreseen that with a from Turkmenistan had stopped, but said July 2011 to June 2012, according to the U.S. final agreement, natural gas imports from he hoped Turkmenistan would resume gas Energy Information Agency, but imports are this neighbouring country will resume,” exports under the terms of existing con- much higher in winter and lower in summer. Qasemi was quoted by the semi-official tracts and new agreements, Iranian oil REUTERS

Kuwait signs $2.6bn deal for Facebook stocks jump SAN FRANCISCO: Shares of Facebook Inc IPO on concerns about money-making prospects building bridge jumped as much as 11.2 percent yesterday, over the long term. KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti company even as the biggest block of shares held by Insider trading lockup provisions started to has signed a contract with South insiders became eligible for sale for the first expire in August, and the rolling expirations have Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & time since the social media company’s disap- added to the pressure on Facebook’s stock. Construction Co to design, build pointing debut in May. Restrictions on Facebook insiders selling their and maintain a major bridge in Facebook shares were up 8.5 percent at $21.54 shares have expired in waves. A restriction on more the Gulf state, a stock exchange in heavy morning trade on the Nasdaq, off an than 200 million shares expired on October 29. filing said yesterday. earlier high at $22.09. Pivotal Research Group analyst Brian Wieser Kuwait’s Combined Group “While the lockup is expiring, there is noth- said he did not expect Facebook insiders to sell Contracting Co will own a 21.5 ing requiring anybody to sell,” said Tim Ghriskey, all of their shares as the lockups expired. percent stake in the Sheikh Jaber chief investment officer at Solaris Group in Bedford “I would expect heavy volumes over the next few Al Ahmad Al Sabah project, it said. Hills, New York. “Given the low price, these long- weeks, but not undigestible volumes,” said Wieser. The statement did not give the term holders are deciding to hold the stock, and By his estimate, roughly 486 million of the nearly value of the contract, but state that is lifting it here as the fear of the expiration 800 million newly freed Facebook shares will be sold. news agency KUNA reported subsides.” Roughly 800 million Facebook shares There is some evidence that the heavy interest earlier that the bridge project were eligible for sale yesterday after restrictions in “shorting” the stock was dissipating, given as a whole was worth KD738m on insider selling were lifted on the biggest block the poor performance since it first sold shares in ($2.6bn) and would take five years of shares since the May initial public offering. May. Investors who believe a stock will fall can to complete. The lockup expiration greatly expands the 921 bet against it by shorting the stock, that is, bor- The bridge will be built million-share “float” available for trading on the rowing it and selling it in the hopes it will decline. over Kuwait Bay and connect market until now. According to Markit’s Data Explorers, about 28 Shuwaikh port with Subiyah, an Facebook, the world’s No. 1 online social net- percent of the shares available for short-selling area in the northern oil-produc- work, became the only US company to debut were being borrowed for that purpose, down from ing part of the Opec state. with a market value of more than $100bn. But a high of more than 80 percent in early August. REUTERS its value has dropped nearly 50 percent since the REUTERS THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS

Europe needs better bank Amazon faces new obstacles rules, not a supervisor BY GUNNAR HOKMARK in fight for holiday dollars

he European Union’s collective economy is the biggest on BY ALISTAIR BARR analysts, it forecast fourth-quarter oper- “The big retailers are in a much better the globe, larger than the United States or China, yet it is ating results ranging from a loss of $490m space than they were last year,” Nemer said. being held back by the fragmented nature of its markets. mazon.com Inc’s gift for domi- to a profit of $310m - far wider than last Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, has TThis has to change. nating the holiday shopping year, when it predicted a result that ranged probably made the most progress online, the If Europe is to stimulate the competition and growth that are season may lose some of its from a loss of $200m to a profit of $250m. analyst added. essential for it to emerge from the current economic crisis, then magic this year. Amazon ended up making $260m in the It launched a new search engine for the world’s largest economy must also become the world’s largest The country’s biggest brick- fourth quarter of 2011. Walmart.com this year that has led to shop- single market. Aand-mortar retailers, from Wal-Mart “There’s increased competition from mass pers being 10 to 15 percent more likely to That’s why the growing discussion of how to create a so- called Stores Inc and Target Corp to Toys “R” merchants and big-box retailers embed- purchase after searching for products on multispeed EU of inner and outer cores, including the proposal Us are gunning for Amazon, competing ded in that guidance,” said RJ Hottovy of the site, according to Wal-Mart. for a new euro-area banking supervisor within the European more aggressively on price and offering Morningstar. “You could see margins some- Wal-Mart also recently started same- Central Bank, offers the wrong answer to Europe’s troubles. We speedier delivery through spruced-up web- what challenged this season. I’m not expect- day delivery tests in San Francisco, San need to stick together and develop the union that we have, and sites and stores that double as distribution ing blow-out numbers from Amazon in the Jose, Northern Virginia, Philadelphia and that includes building a single financial market for all 27 member warehouses. fourth quarter.” An Amazon spokesman did Minneapolis, using some of its 4,000 stores states. The onslaught comes as Amazon’s price not respond to a request for comment. as distribution centres for quicker shipping For such a pan-European financial market to work, we do need advantage over physical retailers is being To be sure, these rival efforts may only of online orders. better bank supervision and safer systems for deposit guaran- whittled down. The company began col- dent Amazon’s online holiday preeminence. In the spring the retailer started a Pay tees. We also need a common set of rules that clarifies capital lecting more sales taxes this year, in Texas, The company has cost advantages over with Cash programme that lets shoppers requirements and procedures for the recovery and resolution of Pennsylvania and California, probably rais- physical stores and it sells off inventory without credit cards order online and pick distressed banks. ing prices unless Amazon swallows the quicker. This is a crucial edge in the retail up in stores. As the European Parliament’s rapporteur on banking resolu- increase. business, because unsold inventory is effec- “The biggest impact on Amazon is going to tion, this is my point of departure for the work that’s now under “These drivers are definitely placing added tively stagnant money that could be used to be retailers that have truly figured out how way to create rules on how to recover or safely dissolve troubled pressure on Amazon this year, more so than generate more revenue and profit elsewhere. to combine the best of digital and physical banks, a central part of the discussion on how to create a banking in the past,” said Eric Best, chief execu- Amazon’s Prime shipping service is a worlds,” said Darrell Rigby, head of Bain & union. The European Commission issued a draft directive in June, tive of Mercent, which helps merchants sell magnet that will draw in holiday shoppers Company’s Global Retail Practice. and it is our job in Parliament to amend it and later negotiate online. again this year. The company is spending Hottovy said programs from compa- the final text with the Council of Ministers. We hope to reach a The final quarter of each year, encompass- heavily on new fulfilment centres nearer nies such as Target, Best Buy Co and eBay final agreement next spring. ing Thanksgiving and Christmas, is vital for to big urban centres, speeding up delivery Inc’s PayPal to match online pricing could In my proposal for the directive, currently up for considera- retailers because that’s when they generate times to make the service more attractive. squeeze industry profit margins, including tion in the Parliament, I have laid out the set of principles that I the most revenue and a big chunk of their But 2012 could turn out to be the year those of Amazon. believe should be followed. profits. Amazon, through lower overhead, when retailers slow Amazon down. Most analysts see these programmes First, recovery and resolution need to restore the basic rule of efficient inventory management, and better “The competitive headwinds are certainly more as a marketing strategy to attract capitalism that owners should not only be entitled to profits but product selection and search, has dominated blowing,” said Colin Sebastian, an analyst shoppers into stores and stop them going also bear potential losses. online purchases during the season. at RW Baird. to Amazon.com. But behind the market- That means not using public money to rescue bank owners Now Amazon itself appears to acknowl- Matt Nemer, an analyst at Wells Fargo, ing blitz, retailers are arming themselves when the authorities are trying to protect the financial system edge the threat to its holiday crown, or at said big retailers have made lots of small to compete better against Amazon on price. or its critical functions. Shareholders must risk losses, and failing least the uncertainty engendered by resur- improvements such as better product Wal-Mart developed technology that lets banks must run the risk of liquidation. gent competition. search, faster website speeds and slicker the company regularly monitor competitors’ Second, management of distressed banks must be designed in During a recent conference call with mobile sites. online prices. REUTERS a way that forces creditors to scrutinise the creditworthiness of those to whom they lend. Credits should not be granted on the basis that a public backup system for rescuing failing institutions exists, but because of trust in the bank’s ability to repay its debt on commercial terms. The commission’s proposal states that regulatory authorities — whether national or supranational — should intervene and force banks that get too close to solvency and liquidity problems to change direction or management. In my report, I set out explicit rules for when authorities should be allowed to intervene in order to reduce the risk of arbitrary or premature intrusion. I have also excluded liquidity as a trigger for intervention and instead sought to provide quantitative criteria on the basis of the EU’s future rules on capital requirements. Liquidity-related triggers could further systemic risk, as the mere expectation that an institution may end up in resolution might provoke a liquidity crisis and thus be self-fulfilling. Equally, severe liquidity problems often rapidly develop into capital problems and would then be covered anyway. The commission has also proposed that the resolution authori- ties should be able to intervene when a bank is in a crisis by: forc- ing the institution’s sale to a third party; separating good and bad assets; setting up a bridge bank and bailing in long-term creditors, for example by converting bonds they hold to equity; or writing down the notional value of bank liabilities. Each of these tools is relevant for the management of individual banks in crisis, but they may not be sufficient if an economic and financial crisis were to hit the banking system. So, I’ve proposed a clear distinction between what is required when an individual bank is in trouble, and what might be needed when a crisis threat- ens the banking system. In the first example, it is often bad management or an inferior business model that has led to excessive risk-taking. In such cases, lost asset and collateral values will probably not be possible to restore. Public money should not be spent and the institution should be wound down. In the case of a systemic crisis, by contrast, banks will have ended up in smaller or bigger difficulties depending on how their managements responded to challenges in the macroeconomy. In most cases external factors, such as an overall economic shock or the bursting of an asset price bubble, will have caused the banking system’s crisis. WP-BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

Commodities on defensive as attention turns to fiscal cliff talks

ommodity markets have cuts to defence and domestic thereby exceeding the previous resistance over the coming weeks initially stabilised follow- programmes. Weekly Commodity Update record of USD 110.75 from 2011, will be to the upside. Having found ing the US presidential Brent crude oil remains range- currently remains stuck within a support and stabilised above election last Tuesday bound after finding support at 105 to 115 range with fiscal cliff 1700, a move above 1740 should C BY OLE HANSEN with the markets now expecting USD 105 while gasoline has been worries expected to be the most now open the way back towards more of the same with President the best performing energy con- (Head of Commodity Strategy, significant driver near-term, important resistance at 1800 - at Obama back in the White House tract following the aftermath of Saxo Bank) which should leave the price stuck which level gold has corrected and support for Federal Reserve hurricane Sandy, which has left in the lower end of that range. three times during the last year. Chairman Ben Bernanke thus US gasoline prices elevated due Gold and silver receiving an Wheat the top performing intact. However within hours of to supply issues in the New York tightening global supply outlook. shale revolution, especially in election boost: Following a four- grain while soybeans falter: the election result being known area. Natural gas has continued Crude oil range-bound: The the US, has been highlighted by week spell of selling, gold and Since record prices for both soy- and with the President still facing to retrace from the USD 4 level price of Brent crude stabilised the International Energy Agency silver snapped higher last week beans and corn were achieved a Republican led majority in the as milder weather has resulted in before and after the US election which in a report predicted that after the US election - with the back in August both have faltered, US Congress market attention record amounts of gas in under- following a period of long liqui- the US will overtake Saudi Arabia outcome seen to be favouring pre- especially soybean prices which turned to the potential threat to ground storage ahead of the win- dation from hedge funds, which and Russia as the world’s largest cious metals. Having reached, but have now moved into a technical the US economy of the so-called ter extraction season, which is saw the price move down to our global oil producer by 2017. Even not breached, important support bear market after falling by more fiscal cliff. If lawmakers and about to begin within the next favoured Q4 range between USD up until recently, the IEA pre- levels below USD 1670, traders than 20 percent from the record President Obama fail to reach an couple of weeks. 105 and 110 per barrel. Continued dicted that Saudi Arabia would have begun to rebuild speculative price reached just two months ago. agreement on this matter before The DJ-UBS commodity index geo-political concerns, increased remain the world’s largest pro- longs which had been reduced by The reason for this most recent the January 2 deadline it will showed a small increase last week, Chinese demand and local sup- ducer until 2035. This highlights one-quarter during the previous leg down was a US government trigger automatic tax hikes and the first in three, as precious met- ply issues are off-setting wor- the speed at which this revolution four weeks. It is worth noting report last week which found spending cuts, which undoubt- als and energy just managed to ries about US fiscal issues and has taken place and forecasters that during this period of long that the damage from the worst edly will sink the US economy off-set losses in industrial met- a stronger dollar which tends to have constantly had to upgrade liquidation the speculative gross Midwest drought in more than into recession. als and agriculture, where espe- create headwinds for commodi- their predictions for US oil pro- short position did not increased 50 years was not as bad as feared. Precious metals,which have cially softs and grains came under ties traded in dollars. The product duction. Rising demand from which shows a fundamental lack The United States Department of all been correcting ahead of the some selling pressure. The price market on the US East Coast is emerging market (EM) countries, of interest in going outright short Agriculture (USDA) forecast that election,subsequently received of soybeans plunged to its lowest still struggling to get back to nor- due to a rising population and the yellow metal. soybean production would reach a boost from the expectation of level in more than four months mal following Hurricane Sandy increased wealth growthwill con- This above mentioned long liq- 2,971bn bushels, up nearly 3 per- more quantitative easing but following a US government report and this has kept the prices of tinue to offer a challenge to global uidation has left both silver and cent from its October estimate. also worry about the potential which projected higher stocks gasoline well supported. supplies and should ensure that gold in much better positions to The price of wheat has shown economic impact of the failure to than previously expected and US to become the world’s oil prices remain well supported. react to a change in the techni- strong performance making con- extend these expiring Bush-era this more than off-set a strong largest oil producer: The sig- Brent crude oil, which in 2012 cal or fundamental outlook and secutive contract highs last week. tax cuts and automatic spending rally in wheat on worries about a nificant impact of the current is on track to average USD 112 we believe the direction of least THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,466.06 20.45 WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 11,457.64 27.68 QE All Share Index 2,041.86 3.09 RATE INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,010.3 1.62 GOLD Buying Selling QE All Share Industrials 2,598.24 9.99 All Ordinaries 4410.67 6.474 0.15 4602.5 4033.4 QR202.6924 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 1,355.06 1.80 Cac 40 Index/D 3420.88 -9.72 -0.28 3600.48 2922.26 QE All Share Real Estate 1,632.11 2.35 SILVER UK ...... QR 5.7439 QR 5.8239 QE All Share Insurance 1,901.25 1.90 Dj Indu Average 0 0 0 13661.87 11231.56 QR 3.8061 Euro ...... QR 4.5898 QR 4.6536 QE All Share Telecoms 1,085.67 2.39 CA$ ...... QR 3.6068 QR 3.6771 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 4,766.02 21.71 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.8093 QR 3.8636 Hang Seng Inde/D 21441.99 253.34 1.2 22149.7 18056.4 Yen ...... QR 0.0451 QR 0.0460 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7623 QR 3.8390 Iseq Overall/D 3240.62 -51.21 -1.56 3382.77 2882.71 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0658 QR 0.0671 14-11-2012 13-11-2012 Karachi 100 In/D 16120.52 -9.2 -0.06 16292.45 10771.13 Index 8,466.06 8,445.61 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0376 QR 0.0384 Change 20.45 48.73 Nikkei 225 Index 8664.73 3.68 0.04 10255.15 8238.96 Peso ...... QR 0.0877 QR 0.0895 % 0.24 0.57 $ 109.15 SL Re ...... QR 0.0276 QR 0.0282 YTD% 3.56 3.8 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1474.51 1158.66 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0443 QR 0.0452 Volume 2,821,875 2,768,696 Straits Times/D 2978.03 -29.54 -0.98 3110.86 2657.77 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0413 QR 0.0421 Value (QAR) 138,358,107.64 133,279,254.12 $ 106.45 Trades 2,618 2,551 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4105 QR 0.4185 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 16 | Down 18 | Unchanged 05

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 14-11-2012

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A C C-A/D 1424.15 -13.4 4558 E.I.D Parry-B/D 240.15 14.15 47803 India Cement-B/D 88.6 0.4 50637 Max India L-A/D 245.5 -1.6 20375 Ub Engineer-B/D 43.4 5.1 208819 Marks & Sp./D 379.0676 -6.1 1537756 Aarti Drugs-B/D 223.35 0.1 9589 Electrosteel-B/D 26.15 0 28607 India Glycol-B/D 187.5 4.85 24940 Mrpl-A/D 63.65 0.15 12039 Ub Engineer-B/D 43.4 5.1 208819 Next/D 3618 -4 60555 Aban Offs-B/D 388.05 6.2 33990 Emco-B/D 30.75 -0.6 43144 Indian Hotel-A/D 63.15 1.9 67495 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 20.1 0.95 4274 Ultramarine-B/D 50.55 0.55 8211 Pearson/D 1224 3 210301 Aegis Logis-B/D 174.3 1.95 9964 Escorts-B/D 64.05 0.75 50310 Indusind-A/D 376.3 -0.05 21588 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 20.1 0.95 4274 Unitech P -A/D 26.65 -0.15 1135932 Prudential/D 872 6.5 2765338 Alembic-B/D 15.65 -0.2 4289 Essar Oil-A/D 66.45 1.5 596958 J.B.Chemical-B/D 85.85 1.9 132193 Nahar Spg.-B/D 70.75 0.15 3513 Univcable-B/D 45.85 3.15 3287 Rank Group/D 146.4 -1 6823 Rentokil Alok Indus-B/D 11.86 0.03 1265899 Eveready Indu-/D 22.65 0.05 29307 Jagatjit Ind-T/D 70.55 2.95 4675 Nation Alum -A/D 45.55 0.8 45523 Uppergsugar-B/D 45.4 -1.15 2846 Initi/D 86 -0.6 703418 Andhra Paper-B/D 297.05 -1.35 8137 F D C-B/D 91.65 1.65 26770 Jbf Indu-B/D 136.05 0.75 5264 Navneet Pub.-B/D 57 0.5 7497 Rolls Royce Pl/D 875.32 -1 1601963 Apollo Tyre-A/D 81.55 -0.2 167258 Ferro Alloys-B/D 7.71 0.25 10615 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.63 0 14856 Neuland Lab-T/D 159.8 -8.4 5186 Rsa Insrance G/D 112 -0.3 2145778 Sainsbury(J)/D 340.4 -6.8 2912535 Ashok Leyland-/D 27 0.15 788369 Finolex-B/D 64.85 0.6 17049 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.46 0.06 42771 Nrb Bearings-B/D 37.25 0.75 3060 LONDON Schroders/D 1553 -16 32345 Severn Ballarpur In-B/D 22.4 0.35 34085 Gail-A/D 351.55 -0.65 9373 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 3.75 0.05 4804 O N G C-A/D 256.7 1.45 72918 Trent/D 1534 5 187624 Bata India-A/D 858.4 4.5 10501 Gammon India-B/D 41 0.85 15207 Jik Indust-B/D 3.95 0.01 13415 Ocl India-B/D 155.5 1.6 4750 3I Group/D 210.1 -3.5 525331 Smith&Nephew/D 659.5 -2 473956 Beml Ltd-B/D 283.15 5.7 6299 Gangotri Tex-B/D 2.5 -0.24 3038 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 115.5 0.6 5181 Onward Tech-T/D 42.2 -1.8 7051 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1402 -2 130901 Smiths Group/D 1060 -3 151823 Bhartiya Int-B/D 146.7 4.25 14501 Goodricke-B/D 147.75 3.85 17707 Kalpat Power-B/D 84.2 -0.5 6365 Orchid Chem-B/D 103.5 0.85 36515 B Sky B/D 755.5 -7.5 1238284 Standrd Chart /D 1446 -15 828698 Bhel-A/D 232.15 0.2 74998 Hcl Infosys-B/D 38.85 0.45 36065 Kalyani Stel-B/D 53.6 0.75 8622 Orient.Carb.-B/D 143.9 2.4 5218 Barclays/D 234.8 -2.5 9080627 Tate & Lyle/D 758.5 1.5 231858 Bom.Burmah-B/D 113.75 1.75 5048 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 10.8 0.06 183346 Kanoria Chem-B/D 36.25 0.05 9137 Orient.Carb.-B/D 143.9 2.4 5218 Bg Group/D 1042.375 -0.5 1907257 Tesco/D 322.65 1.65 4204359 Bombay Dyeing-/D 114.3 2 41684 Himat Seide-B/D 38.95 0.3 38273 Kg Denim-B/D 16.31 0.65 36191 Patspin India-/D 8.4 0.27 4001 Bp/D 429.988 1.2 9083993 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3207 -13 736897 Tomkins/D 0 0 0 Canfin Homes-B/D 139.8 4.25 54290 Hind Motors-B/D 10.02 -0.06 27981 Kilburnengg-B/D 22.25 -0.25 4266 Radico Khait-B/D 139.85 6.35 157815 British Airway/D 276.4574 0 0 Unilever/D 2350.816 6 539274 Castrol Ind-A/D 308.05 2.85 10638 Hind Org Chem-/D 18.75 -0.1 5580 Kin.Motor-B/D 9.91 0.02 6769 Rallis India-B/D 158.85 2 100663 Bt Group/D 225.2463 -2.5 5297590 United Util Gr/D 649.63 2.5 956554 Century Text-A/D 390.65 -2.35 51513 Hind Unilever-/D 529.15 -0.05 19457 Kopran-B/D 22.8 0.8 53709 Rallis India-B/D 158.85 2 100663 Centrica/D 317.18 6.5 5516058 Vodafone Group/D 160.35 -2.15 47587103 Chambal Fert-B/D 65.95 0.35 31949 Hind.Petrol-A/D 302.25 1 11315 Lloyd Steel-B/D 12.26 -0.23 14913 Reliance Indus/D 400.65 -2.05 12580 Gkn/D 205 -2.7 1609971 Whitbread/D 2429 -5 115433 Chola Invest-B/D 236.25 5.7 11758 Hindalco-A/D 113.35 0.5 198657 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 15.75 0.21 3702 Ruchi Soya-B/D 66.7 1.4 6241 Hsbc Holdings/D 607.8 -0.8 3166037 Cipla-A/D 394.35 2.05 41959 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 781.8 -10.55 29159 Lupin-A/D 584.5 -0.75 11374 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 411.65 6.9 7933 Imperial Tobac/D 2426 -19 449030 City Union Bk-/D 60 0.55 202866 I F C I-A/D 29.85 0.05 590127 Mafatlal Ind-T/D 116.2 4.7 10211 Saur.Cem-B/D 30.65 1.05 64274 Kingfisher/D 283.35 -5.6 3119865 Colgate-A/D 1332.15 11.25 4466 Idbi-A/D 106.4 0.2 106728 Mangalam Cem-B/D 180.3 2.85 26086 Thirumalai-B/D 113.5 1.15 6014 Land Secs Grou/D 785.7415 -6 600346 Dcm Financia-B/D 1.54 0 3011 Ifb Agro-B/D 176 1.7 4152 Maral Overs-B/D 12.04 0.07 5381 Timexgroup-B/D 18 0.3 51468 Legal & Genera/D 142.5 -0.3 1064726 E I H-B/D 71.4 1.1 7852 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 110.9 0.2 2990 Mastek-T/D 136.1 0.9 2852 Tinplate-B/D 51.15 -0.05 3850 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 46.16 -0.36 69244322 THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Czechs looking for rare double Berdych and Stepanek will aim to avenge 2009 Davis Cup final defeat to Spain

PRAGUE: The Czech Republic will aim to avenge a humiliating Davis Cup Final Teams 5-0 defeat in the 2009 Davis Cup PRAGUE: Teams for the 2012 Davis Cup final when they take on holders final, which starts tomorrow (ATP ranking Federer calls for Spain in this year’s climax start- in brackets): ing here tomorrow. Czech Republic The team led by Tomas Tomas Berdych (6), Radek Stepanek (37), Lukas Berdych and Radek Stepanek will Rosol (73), Ivo Minar (186), Captain: Jaroslav also want to add another trophy Navratil faster courts to the Fed Cup which the Czech Spain LONDON: The curtain came down on a stellar year for men’s women’s team lifted in Prague tennis yesterday, one that saw four different winners of the Grand David Ferrer (5), Nicolas Almagro (11), Marcel earlier this month. Slams and many unforgettable duels, but Roger Federer believes Granollers (33), Marc Lopez (6 - doubles), World number six Berdych Captain: Alex Corretja 2013 could be even better if court surfaces were made faster. and 37th-ranked Stepanek are Not that long ago men’s tennis was dominated by big servers and due to face David Ferrer, who he expected “a very close tie.” natural volleyers such as Pete Sampras, Boris Becker and Stefan stands fifth in the rankings, and Sticking with the team that beat Edberg and even the baseliners like Andre Agassi and Jim Courier 11th-ranked Nicolas Almagro in in the semi-finals, had naturally aggressive styles. the singles on the hardcourt of Czech captain Jaroslav Navratil Before that John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl all Prague’s O2 Arena. also called up world number 87 played front-foot tennis with rallies usually decided after four or Spain will miss their number Lukas Rosol and 186th-ranked five strikes of the ball. one Rafael Nadal, who is recover- Ivo Minar. Nowadays, baseline exchanges of 20 plus strokes are commonplace, ing from a knee injury and who Corretja has also left the team shots that used to be clean winners are coming back and matches led the team in the 2009 thrash- unchanged from the semi-finals in are stretching longer and longer. ing of the Czechs on a clay court which they eased past the United The year began with a near six-hour Australian Open final between in Barcelona. States. For the doubles, Spain will Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal while the US Open final between Stepanek waved that bad mem- bet on Marcel Granollers and Andy Murray and Djokovic was only slightly shorter. ory aside, saying “a lot of time has Marc Lopez, who got a massive More recently the Shanghai Masters final between Murray and passed since then.” boost on Monday as they won the Djokovic went to three and a half hours and that was only a best “Our three greatest advantages ATP Tour Finals in London. of three set contest. are the choice of surface, the “We come here with a lot of Federer believes slower courts and balls, combined with improved home crowd and Nadal’s absence,” confidence,” said Granollers. David Ferrer of the Spanish Davis Cup team (right) attends a training session fitness levels, may have tipped the balance too far in favour of those he told reporters yesterday. But Stepanek said this did not ahead of their Davis Cup tennis final in Prague, yesterday. The Davis Cup for whom no ball is unreachable. Berdych, meanwhile, main- mean much: “That doesn’t really final against Czech Republic will begin from tomorrow and will end on Speaking after his 7-6 7-5 loss in the final of the ATP World Tour tained that a lack of experience count here, Davis Cup is a unique November 18. Finals to Novak Djokovic in another epic, Federer said there was an had hurt the Czechs back in 2009. contest.” easy fix to reward the risk-takers. “It was the first final we ever Stepanek and India’s Leander “Just make quicker courts, then it’s hard to defend. Then attack- played,” he said, adding that the Paes were the only pair to beat Davis Cup Previous ATP World Rankings ing style is more important,” the 31-year-old Swiss, a free-hitting Prague tie would be “absolutely Granollers and Lopez in London. PARIS: Novak Djokovic increased his lead shot-maker whose defensive skills cannot be overlooked in his 17 different.” “It’s great to test the way they Winners atop the ATP world rankings to 2,655 grand slam titles, told reporters. “I hope all the differences that play,” said Stepanek, who will 2011 Spain points over second-placed Roger Federer “It’s only on this type of slow courts that you can defend the way we see as pros will make it easier team up with Berdych for the 2010 Serbia by beating the Swiss ace in the final of the we are all doing right now. for us to win three points,” he final doubles. 2009 Spain ATP Tour Finals on Monday. “I think it’s exciting, but no doubt about it, it’s tough. What you said. “We’ve been doing great don’t want is that you hit 15 great shots and at the end, it ends up 2008 Spain 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 12.920 pts Spain’s captain Alex Corretja together, I hope it won’t be any in an error. 2. Roger Federer (SUI) 10.265 agreed that the memory of 2009 different here,” Stepanek said. 2007 United States “I think sometimes quicker courts do help the cause. I think it would not mean much. The 100th edition of the Davis 2006 Russia 3. Andy Murray (GBR) 8000 would help from time to time to move to something faster. That “I wish I could say yes but Cup final will be played in front 2005 Croatia 4. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 6795 would help players learn different styles, to realise that coming to unfortunately I have to say no. It’s of almost 14,000 people -- a crowd the net is a good thing, not a bad thing.” 2004 Spain 5. David Ferrer (ESP) 6430 an absolutely different competi- that pushed the Czech women’s 6. Tomas Berdych (CZE) 4605 With the US Open, Australian Open and so many of the Masters 2003 Australia tion, playing on clay and on this team to a Fed Cup defence fol- 7. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 4480 Series tournaments being played on medium-paced hardcourts, surface,” he said. lowing a final victory over Serbia 2002 Russia Federer said there was a danger of styles becoming homogenised, 8. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 3490 The surface -- Novacrylic on the first weekend in November. 2001 France especially with Wimbledon’s grass now suiting baseliners. 9. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) 2990 Ultracushion -- which the Czechs A Davis Cup win would give 2000 Spain “I’ve played on all different speeds. But I think some variety would tested during the Fed Cup finals Czechs a rare team double -- last 10. Richard Gasquet (FRA) 2515 be nice, some really slow stuff and then some really fast stuff, instead 1999 Australia two weeks ago -- can make all the achieved by the United States in 11. Nicolas Almagro (ESP) 2515 of trying to make everything sort of the same,” Federer said in 1998 difference. 1990. Spain are looking to add a Sweden 12. Juan Monaco (ARG) 2430 London. “It’s well prepared, I’d say the fourth crown to their three Davis “You sort of protect the top guys really by doing that because you 1997 Sweden 13. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2380 surface is faster than at regular Cup trophies from the last four 1996 France have the best possible chance to have them in the semis at this point. tournaments,” said Berdych. years. They also won the cup in 14. John Isner (USA) 2215 But should that be the goal? I’m not sure.” David Ferrer was less pleased 2000 and 2004. 1995 United States 15. Marin Cilic (CRO) 2210 World number one Djokovic is the best in the business at get- with the choice of surface. Czechoslovakia, which split 1994 Sweden 16. Gilles Simon (FRA) 2165 ting back one more ball, often launching attacks from improbable “The court is the fastest of the peacefully into the Czech Republic 1993 Germany 17. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 1900 positions. year, we never play on a faster and Slovakia in 1993, won the 1992 United States 18. Alexandr Dolgopolov Jr. (UKR) 1855 His fellow Serb Janko Tipsarevic agrees that the modern player’s court,” he said. Davis Cup in 1980 with a team priority is to be able to retrieve rather than strike loads of winners. 1991 France 19. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 1830 “For them it’s better than led by the then 20-year-old Ivan AFP for us,” he said, adding that Lendl. AFP 1990 United States 20. Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 1770 Sakic, Sundin, NBA: Lakers beaten by Spurs enter NHL Hall as they await new coach of Fame

LOS ANGELES: San coach that helped him earn two TORONTO: Russian star Antonio’s Danny Green drained NBA Results league MVP Awards, but for now Pavel Bure, Swedish icon Mats a three-pointer with nine sec- Charlotte 92 Washington 76 the current Los Angeles team Sundin and Canadians Joe Sakic onds remaining and the Spurs’ Toronto 74 Indiana 72 fell to 2-1 under interim coach and Adam Oates were inducted defense then denied Kobe New York 99 Orlando 89 Bernie Bickerstaff. into the Hockey Hall of Fame Bryant the ball as the Western San Antonio, meanwhile, is yesterday. Brooklyn 114 Cleveland 101 Conference-leading Spurs pro- rolling along smoothly with a Sakic was one of the few players duced a dramatic 84-82 victory Portland 103 Sacramento 86 Western Conference-leading who spent his entire illustrious over the Los Angeles Lakers San Antonio 84 LA Lakers 82 start. NHL career with one franchise. yesterday. Despite shooting just 39 A 13-time All-Star, Sakic was Bryant, who rose above a defense-dominated percent from the field, San Antonio forced 17 a first-round draft pick of the contest with 28 points and eight assists, was turnovers from the Lakers and made it a war of Quebec Nordiques in 1987, and shadowed by San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard and attrition. AFP stuck with them eight years later unable to get his hands on the ball after Green’s when they moved to Colorado and clutch shot, forcing Pau Gasol to attempt a long were renamed the Avalanche. three-pointer that ended their chances. Sakic played a key role in the “I tried to keep the ball out of his hands Avalanche’s Stanley Cup titles in because usually he hits the game-winning shot,” 1996 and 2001, and after 20 sea- Leonard told reporters. “I wanted to let one of sons retired as the club’s all-time the other players shoot it.” leader with 625 goals and 1,016 The win was the third in a row for the Spurs assists. In 2001 Sakic won the (7-1), who got 19 points and seven assists from Hart Trophy as the league’s most Tony Parker, as well as 18 points and nine valuable player and led Canada to rebounds from Tim Duncan. Olympic gold in Salt Lake City The Lakers (3-5) had won their two previous in 2002. games since coach Mike Brown was fired but are “I had a chance to play 20 years, still waiting for his successor Mike D’Antoni to got to lift the Stanley Cup twice take over. and was able to play for my coun- D’Antoni, who was named on Monday to try and win a gold medal,” Sakic replace Brown, is unlikely to make his debut said. “But this is the greatest until later this week because of recent surgery. honor I’ve ever received.” His arrival should rejuvenate an offense that was Sundin, who played with Sakic held to a season-low total yesterday. his first four years in the NHL, In a close battle throughout, San Antonio spent 13 seasons with the Maple pulled 67-62 ahead early in the fourth before Leafs and still holds Toronto club Bryant entered the game and ran off seven of the records for most points, goals, team’s next nine points to tie the game at 71-71. power-play goals, shorthanded Bryant then assisted on three of the Lakers’ goals, game-winning goals and final four field goals, playing the role of facilita- extra time goals. Sundin, a 2006 tor in the absence of injured point guards Steve Olympic gold medal-winner, Nash and his backup Steve Blake. totaled 1,349 points in 1,346 NHL “When Steve (Nash) comes back I’m finishing games. He scored 564 goals and plays (instead of starting them) which makes us had 785 assists. Bure, nicknamed more dangerous,” said Bryant, who is anxiously David Beckham of England watches the game the “Russian Rocket,” averaged awaiting his new coach and a full roster. between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San 36.7 goals per season in 12 NHL “It’s not frustrating at all, we’ll just wait.” Antonio Spurs at Staples Center in Los Angeles, campaigns and twice reached the Nash will eventually be reunited with the California, yesterday. 60-goal plateau. AFP THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29 New pitch for series opener Strike bowlers Ishant Sharma, Steven Finn to miss first Test because of injuries AHMEDABAD, India: 24 hours, but it looks quite dry,” Factbox on India, India and England will be with- said Cook. “The pitch has been England Test series out the services of fast bowlers re-laid and so there are not many Schedule (times in GMT) of the four-Test Ishant Sharma and Steven Finn statistics available that are rel- series between India and England, which when they open a four-Test evant to the wicket.” starts in Ahmedabad today: series in Ahmedabad today. Dhoni, who had openly called Schedule Finn has not recovered from a on groundsmen across India to thigh strain suffered in England’s prepare turning pitches against First Test: Nov. 15-19 (0400) Ahmedabad three-day tour opener in Mumbai spin-wary tourists, termed it a Second Test: Nov. 23-27 (0400) Mumbai last month, while Sharma was “good wicket”. Third Test: Dec. 5-9 (0330) Kolkata ruled out of the first Test due “It definitely looks dry and Fourth Test: Dec. 13-17 (0400) Nagpur to viral fever he picked up on I feel it will turn,” he said, but India Tuesday. indicated India were unlikely to Test world ranking: Fifth The duo’s absence was con- field a third specialist spinner in firmed by rival captains Alastair Harbhajan Singh to bowl along- Captain: Mahendra Singh Dhoni Cook and Mahendra Singh Dhoni side Ravichandran Ashwin and Coach: Duncan Fletcher at a pre-match press conference Pragyan Ojha. Top ranked Test batsman: Sachin yesterday, even as speculation “The fast bowlers could also get Tendulkar (16) mounted over the likely nature a bit of reverse swing. It’s always Top ranked Test bowler: Pragyan Ojha (14) of the newly-laid pitch. advisable to have a bowling attack Recent form (opponent/venue/result): Both Dhoni and Cook expected that has people available for dif- August-September the dry surface at the Motera sta- ferent scenarios.” New Zealand Bangalore Won by five wickets dium to assist spin, but added its England have proved vulner- unknown quality would generate able against the turning ball New Zealand Hyderabad Won by innings and considerable interest for the two this year, losing 3-0 to Pakistan 115 runs teams. in the United Arab Emirates in December 2011-January 2012 “Wickets could change a lot in January-February before forcing Australia Adelaide Lost by 298 runs a 1-1 draw in Sri Lanka in March. India vs England Tests Australia Perth Lost by innings and 37 runs The tourists now confront an Australia Sydney Lost by innings and 68 Total matches 103 India’s captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (right) and his England counterpart Alastair Cook hold the trophy during Indian side that usually makes up runs India wins 19 for its poor record abroad by dom- its unveiling ceremony in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad, yesterday. Australia Melbourne Lost by 122 runs England wins 38 inating all comers on home soil, England Draws 46 where it has lost just one series out of 16 in the past 10 years. ndia Cook said he was “nervous and comes with playing at home,” India squad: Mahendra Test world ranking: Second Previous England tours of India are desperate to make amends excited” leading England as a full- he said. “They have an excellent Singh Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Captain: Alastair Cook (Year/Tests/winner/result): for two successive 4-0 routs in time Test captain since taking home record, but our job is to put Gautam Gambhir, Murali Coach: Andy Flower England and Australia over the over from Andrew Strauss, who them under pressure now.” Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, 1933-1934 Three England 2-0 Top ranked Test batsman: Kevin past year, but Dhoni refused to retired after the 2-0 loss to South Cook said the return of Kevin Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Pietersen (10) 1951-1952 Five Drawn 1-1 term the upcoming matches as a Africa at home in August. Pietersen to the England squad Yuvraj Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, Top ranked Test bowler: James Anderson (5) 1961-1962 Five India 2-0 grudge series. “Whatever happens over the after he was banned in August for Ravichandran Ashwin, Pragyan Recent form (opponent/venue/result): 1963-1964 Five Drawn 0-0 “When we go on to the field next Test match, I hope do a good a text message row will lift the Ojha, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer July-August 1972-1973 Five India 2-1 there will be a red ball and there job in the long run,” said the left- tourists. Khan, Umesh Yadav, Ishant South Africa Lord’s Lost by 51 runs 1976-1977 Five England 3-1 will be two teams playing,” he handed opener, who turns 28 on “For a captain it is great to Sharma said. “You can name it whatever Christmas Day. “I hope to get have a world-class batsman like England Squad: Alastair South Africa Leeds Draw 1979-1980 One England 1-0 you want but it does not change good results.” him in the team,” Cook said. “We Cook, James Anderson, Jonny South Africa The Oval Lost by innings and 1981-1982 Six India 1-0 the fact that this is another Test Cook was confident of taking have moved on and the whole side Bairstow, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, 12 runs 1984-1985 Five England 2-1 match. on India in their own backyard, has adapted to the situation. Stuart Broad, Nick Compton, May-June 1992-1993 Three India 3-0 “In your own country you are saying his team gained valuable “What I don’t want to change Steven Finn, Graham Onions, West Indies Birmingham Draw 2001-2002 Three India 1-0 supposed to be good. But when you practice in the three warm-up is his confidence, or his swag- Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, West Indies Nottingham Won by nine 2005-2006 Three Drawn 1-1 play abroad it’s a fresh challenge. games prior to the Test. ger when he bats, because that’s Monty Panesar, Samit Patel, Matt Every country feels the same. It’s “History shows that India has what has made him such a great Prior, Joe Root, Graeme Swann, wickets 2008-2009 Two India 1-0 no different for England.” coped well with pressure which player.” Jonathan Trott. AGENCIES West Indies Lord’s Won by five wickets Watson, Starc press claims Bangladesh struggle after for Adelaide, says coach Chanderpaul’s double ton BRISBANE, Australia: Shane DHAKA: Struggling off a miscued drive off paceman batted with composure to equal his Watson and Mitchell Starc will Bangladesh face the prospect Darren Sammy. highest Test score, made against come under consideration for of following on after Shivnarine Iqbal hit four boundaries off one South Africa at Georgetown in Australia in next week’s second Chanderpaul hit a brilliant dou- Tino Best over and then smashed 2005. Adelaide Test after drawing the ble century to help the West spinner Sunil Narine twice over Chanderpaul drove spinner series opener with South Africa, Indies post a huge total in the the boundary, completing his fifty Sohag Gazi towards point for two coach Mickey Arthur said first Test yesterday. off just 38 balls. to complete his double ton. He yesterday. The hosts were 164-3 at stumps At the close Naeem Islam (27) took his helmet off to acknowl- Watson missed the first Gabba on the second day, still needing and Shakib Al Hasan (16) were edge the cheers from a small Test with a calf injury while selec- another 164 to avoid the follow- at the crease. crowd and team-mates before tors preferred spinner Nathan on, after West Indies declared on The West Indies began a day bending down to kiss the ground. Lyon to left-arm paceman Starc a mammoth 527-4 at tea, with dominated by Chanderpaul on In all he batted for 457 minutes, in the team. Chanderpaul equalling his best 361-4. faced 372 balls and hit 22 fours. Australia needs to win the Test score of 203 not out. The 38-year-old left-hander AFP series to wrest the No.1 ranking Chanderpaul and Denesh away from South Africa. Ramdin, who remained unbeaten Scoreboard Arthur, who was South on 126, piled on the pressure for Africa’s coach when they won an a clueless home team as they West Indies (I innings) Nasir 1-0-8-0, Iqbal 1-0-10-0 (1w) historic first series in Australia put on 296 in an unbroken fifth C. Gayle c Mahmudullah b Gazi ...... 24 Bangladesh (I innings) in 2008-09, said allrounder wicket stand -- a new record in K. Powell b Gazi ...... 117 Tamim Iqbal c Narine b Sammy ...... 72 Watson would come into “a huge Bangladesh-West Indies Tests. D. Bravo c Rubel b Gazi ...... 14 Junaid Siddique c Bravo b Rampaul ...... 7 amount of consideration” to play When Bangladesh batted, M. Samuels c Gazi b Hossain ...... 16 Shahriar Nafees c Ramdin b Rampaul ...... 31 in the second Test, starting on paceman Ravi Rampaul struck S. Chanderpaul (not out) ...... 203 Naeem Islam not out ...... 27 November 22. in the fifth over when he had D. Ramdin (not out) ...... 126 Shakib Al Hasan not out ...... 16 “Watto (Watson) has had two Junaid Siddique caught for seven. Extras: (B4, LB13, NB8, W2) ...... 27 Extras (b4, lb4, nb2, w1) ...... 11 nets, he had a bit of a run yes- Rampaul also had Shahriar Total: (4 wkts, 144 overs dec) ...... 527 Total (3 wicket; 36 overs) ...... 164 terday and he came through that Nafees caught behind on 31. Fall of wickets: 1-32, 2-74, 3-106, 4-231 Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-88, 3-119 (Iqbal) West Indies cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul acknowledges the crowd well, he’s having a bowl on Friday. Tamim Iqbal scored a fiery Bowling: Gazi 47-7-145-3, Hossain 21-3-85-1 Bowling: Rampaul 8-0-49-2 (1nb), Best 7-1- after scoring a double century during the second day of the first Test We’ll see early next week how 71-ball 72, featuring ten fours (7nb), Rubel 18-0-89-0 (1nb, 1w), Mahmudullah 31-0 (1w), Sammy 5-0-21-1, Narine 10-3-40- that’s going,” Arthur told report- match against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium and two sixes, before he became 14-0-45-0, Shakib 34-4-104-0, Islam 8-1-24-0, 0 (1nb), Permaul 3-2-1-0, Gayle 3-0-14-0 ers. AFP in Dhaka, yesterday. the third wicket to fall, caught Al Jeali wins Britha Cup

DOHA: Saeed Ibrahim Saeed Al The dirt track race will be for by: Hamad bin Abdulrahman bin Malki owned Al Jeali recorded a thoroughbreds and run across a Hamad Al Attiya runaway victory in the Britha distance of 1600m. 4th race: Akhhal (Marco Cup at the Al Rayyan race track Results: 1st race: Ninawa (Pier Monteriso) 1, Al Mustanfir 2, yesterday. Convertino) 1, Sodouh Al Naif 2, Showhaith Al Naif 3, Al Yarmouk Thumal Al Naif -ridden by Sibeh 3, Shafihah 4. Won by: 1, 1 4. Won by: 3 1/2, Distance, 1 Stephan Ladjadj - finished the 1/2, 6. Time: 1:14.22. Trained by: 1/5. Time: 2:00.93. Trained by: QR80,000 race in second spot. George Mikhalides. Owned by: Mohammed Al Sulaiti. Owned by: In third place was Bin Amer Sheikha Mariam bint Mishal bin Essa Mohammed Al Sulaiti - owned by Mohammed Hamad Hamad Al Thani 5th race: Noor’s Goldway Al Attiyah. 2nd race: Al Kasser (Gerald (Gary Carter) 1, Polish Phantom Al jeali was guided home by Avranche) 1, Majhoola 2, Brave 2, Connemara 3, Mefraas 4. Won jockey Mark Lawson in the 1700m Heart 3, Muzahim 4. Won by: 3, by: Time: 1:49.88. Trained by: dirt race. 4, 3. Time: 1:55.16. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: In today’s action at the Qatar Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Al Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Attiyah Racing and Equestrian Club Wasmiyah Stud 6th race: Al Jeali (Mark (REC), seven races will be held. 3rd race: Big Gees (Stephen Lawson) 1, Thumal Al Naif 2, Bin Barzan Cup is the feature race Ladjadj) 1, Sworn 2, Jaaeyza Amer 3, Gayth 4. Won by: 3, 1 1/2, Winning jockey Mark Lawson (centre) is seen with Sami Jassim Al Boainain (second left), General Manager of Qatar of the day. 3, Adabi 4. Won by: 3, 3/4, 3 1/2. Time: 2:00.00. Trained by: I Al Racing and Equestrian Club (REC), and other officials, at a prize distribution at Al Rayyan race track yesterday. The prize money on offer is QR 1/2. Time: 1:52.03. Trained by: Malki. Owned by: Saeed Ibrahim. Al Jeali, ridden by Lawson, won the Britha Cup. PIC: JUHAIM 125,000, organisers said. Mohammed Al Ramzani. Owned THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Qatar aiming to host 50 events Sheikh Saoud confident Qatar will stage more international competitions by 2020

BY RIZWAN REHMAT would be a reality in due course of time. “We have the facilities to DOHA: Qatar, host of the 2022 work on this target of ours. We FIFA World Cup, is targeting an are also mindful of the fact that unprecedented tally of 50 inter- we don’t want white elephants. national sports events in the We are loking at facilities that next few years, Sheikh Saoud can be sustained even after we are Sheikh Saoud bin bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has done with international events or Abdulrahman Al Thani said. championships,” Sheikh Saoud (right), Secretary General Doha, the sports hub of the explained. region, currently stages around The QOC official said hosting of Qatar Olympic 35 international events but that international events intertwines Committee during a Q&A number would see a significant various segments of the sports session of Aspire4Sports increase in less than a decade, industry and with a robust econ- Congress at Aspire Sheikh Saoud announced at omy, Qatar would attract more Dome yesterday. Sheikh Aspire4Sport conference. than just sports personalities to Saoud said that Qatar A little over a month ago, the country. are aiming to host 50 Qatar won the rights to host “That’s our goal, 50 interna- international sporting the 2016 Road Cycling World tional events in Qatar by 2020. events. Abdul Rahman Championships, another first for Why I am highlighting this Abdulla Hassan Al , the country and the region. because for all such endeavors we Director of Engineering, “The events that we organise would need soft services in vari- is also seen. every year are (around) 35. Now ous areas of the sports industry. I I am talking about international am talking about the services that events. There are scores of local go hand-in-hand with the sports events and leagues but I have events that we host or plan to not included those in this list,” host,” Sheikh Saoud said. Sheikh Saoud, Secretary General “We see the potential. We are of the Qatar Olympic Committee aiming to go beyond that but our (QOC), said. goal now is 50 events. If you look “We are seriously targetting to on our (QOC) website, click on looked at with a green initiative. a capacity of 16,000 fans and the hosts to large crowds. We have sheer size of these events we increase this number to 50 inter- the calendar tab and you will see We are also looking at the cost of second venue will house 7,000 peo- been working on this aspect for can’t compare a smaller event national events by the year 2020,” 35 events listed (there),” he said. maintenance. ple. And these will be indoor ven- the last 10 years. to Olympic Games or the FIFA he added. He said Qatar is clear on ‘going “We are clearly looking at green ues with air conditioning inside,” “I think the advantageous World Cup. “‘It’s possible and we will do it,” green’ on its sports stadiums and stadiums to protect the environ- he said. geographical location of Qatar “We know the challenge (facing he said. with events that it stages in the ment. We are careful about the Sheikh Saoud quickly dispelled is the key. Doha can easily con- us). But I feel putting (together) Sheikh Saoud said the inten- coming decade or so. material we use in the construc- the notion that Qatar would nect to the rest of the world, east different ideas, we can reach safe, tion to increase the events was “We get a feel of the legacy tion of these venues,” Sheikh struggle to host or accommodate of west. This is to our advan- reliable solutions. We have given part of an ambitious plan to behind the Games or events. We Saoud added. a large number of sports fans or tange. Recently, we have had the the football world the option of encourage the youth to embrace have to look at whether the ven- The QOC official said Qatar visitors to the country when they IAAF World Indoor Athletics watching more than one game the sporting culture. ues we use (in Qatar) would be had already started preparing hosts top events. Championships which attracted during the FIFA World Cup in “We set this target when we sustainable after an event or not. for the 2015 World Handball “Speaking about Qatar’s capac- huge crowds to the venue and 2022. That’s because the travel were building the infrastruc- This is a very good area that we Championships. ity to house large crowds, I would tourists from across the world. time from venue to another won’t ture for the Asian Games (held want to focus on (sustainbility of “We have already started build- like to say that we have been “Now I agree that an athlet- exceed an hour when we set up our in Doha in 2006),” Sheikh Saoud sports venues). ing venues for the 2015 World working on the development of ics event does not compare to an metro system,” Sheikh Saoud said. said. “In Qatar, many of the facili- Handball Championships. One of infrastructure of sports events event like the Olympic Games Today is the last day of the four- He said Qatar’s bold ambitions ties built in the country are the venues for that event will have and the manner in which we play or the FIFA World Cup. For the day Congress. THE PENINSULA England are 15 years behind in Football alone won’t end racism: Barnes player development, says Gullit BY DENZIL PINTO tomorrow, according to reports. The British police have already DOHA: England are 15 years DOHA: Liverpool legend John dropped their investigation behind other nations in devel- Barnes believes racism will against Clattenburg. oping their players, Dutch foot- only be kicked out of football The former England mid- ball legend Ruud Gullit said if people are educated on the fielder, who had a banana yesterday. issue from a young age. thrown at him when playing for The Euro 1988 winning cap- In an exclusive interview Liverpool during an English FA tain was speaking at the ‘Star with The Peninsula at the Aspire Cup match in 1988 said that it is Chat’ discussion along with Dome, where the Aspire4Sport not fair to blame FIFA in their former England midfielder John Congress is taking place, the efforts to kick out racism, just Barnes and Spanish manager 49-year-old said the issue starts because the organisation is the Rafa Benitez at the Aspire4Sport from the ‘roots’ of life, not in world’s governing body. Congress at Aspire Dome. football. “FIFA can ban a player for “The problem with England He said: “Racism is a big issue ten years, but it won’t do any- is that everything is based on in life and society. It must start thing in getting rid of racism,” school-like football. The coach of from the roots that racism is Barnes said. the team just wants his players to unacceptable, rather than say- “Football can do nothing win,” said Gullit. ing things have to be done in about getting rid of racism “He would have one big guy at football to eliminate the issue.” completely. That will only come the front, two tall guys at the back “Unless that is corrected, we through education,” stressed and would hit the ball long,” the won’t be able to get rid of racism Barnes. 50-year-old added. in football,” he added. The former Liverpool player “Now English clubs and the FA The game had recently been who also had stints with have realised that is not the right marred with Chelsea captain Newcastle (1997-1999) and way of playing football. The clubs John Terry receiving a four- Charlton (1999) has called for have started to build academies match ban for allegedely abusing governments to address the but England are 15 years behind QPR defender Anton Ferdinand issue. other nations,” he added. English legendary footballer John Barnes (left), who scored 84 goals for Liverpool, Dutch former footballer and racially in an English Premier He said: “The governments Barnes, who scored 84 goals manager Ruud Gullit (centre), who captained Netherlands to glory at Euro 1988 and football manager Rafa Benitez, League (EPL) match last season. have to do something. People in 314 appearances for Liverpool, who led Liverpool to the 2005 Champions League title, during the ‘Stars Chat’ session of the Aspire4Sports Terry was found not guilty have to be taught that racism is agreed. He said that players in the Congress at Aspire Dome, yesterday. and retired from England duty. bad. Societies have to. Football English leagues get bored prac- In a separate case last month, can change people’s opinion tising movements and tactics in Chelsea complained to the FA of people that has a different training. “The problem for England is that referee Mark Clattenburg colour. “They just want to play 5-a-side that players like Danny Welbeck racially abused a player dur- “Until we tackle it in life and football,” he said. (Manchester United and Rahim ing an EPL match against in society, it will still happen in During Gullit’s coaching stint Sterling (Liverpool) who play for Retired Tennis star Manchester United. The case football,” he added. in England as manager of English top clubs, are not playing regu- Martina Hingis is expected to conclude by THE PENINSULA (EPL) clubs larly enough,” he added. of Switzerland Chelsea and Newcastle United, he He cites Germany as a perfect signs a poster said ‘some players did not like’ the example to follow, with most of at Aspire4Sport training methods. their national players playing for Congress at Aspire “As a coach, I applied techni- the top teams. Dome, yesterday. cal training methods to my play- Gullit, who became the first The 32-year-old ers and some did not like it. For non-British manager to win a won the Australian those players aged 25 and over, it major trophy in England with Open three times is hard as they are used to their Chelsea in 1997, believes that it (1997, 1998, 1999), own techniques,” he said. will be difficult for English play- As coach, he admitted that ers to play regularly due to the Wimbledon and the Chelsea fans did not like the number of foreign players in the US Open (1997). continental playing style that he EPL, which was formed in 1992. She has also won implemented, and it ‘took three “You look at the spine of the the doubles event months’ for them to accept the team of all the top 5 teams in the of each Grand decision. EPL and there are many foreign- Slam event. Hingis England, who have only won ers in that squad. It will be dif- will talk today at the World Cup once in 1966, have ficult,” the Dutch said. the ‘Star Chat’ failed to reach a major semi-final Speaking on Liverpool, Benitez session at 2.00pm. since 1990. And Barnes believes called Steven Gerrard a ‘legend’. the wait will be longer. After spending six years with Former England midfielder John Barnes gestures in a media interview at PICTURES BY: “It will take a while for England Liverpool, the former Valencia Aspire4Sport Congress at Aspire Dome, yesterday. The 49-year-old won SHAIVAL DALAL to win the World Cup,” said manager added that he would like two championship titles with Liverpool in 1988 and 1990, as well as two Barnes, who made 79 appearances a job in the EPL as his family have FA Cups. He was also inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 2005. for the three Lions between 1983 settled in England. and 1995. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 31

Ton-up Gerrard reflects on Japan beat Oman to close England regrets

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom: Steven Gerrard has seen all the highs and lows that have befallen England over the in on World Cup 2014 spot last decade, including three pen- alty shoot-out defeats in major tournaments. But something is keeping him Blue Samurai on the brink of qualifying for fifth consecutive Cup finals going as he earned his 100th cap by captaining his country SINGAPORE: Shinji Okazaki’s FIFA 2014 World Cup Asian zone position. Stuttgart’s Okazaki, who in a friendly against Sweden in late winner against Oman took qualifying results missed Japan’s recent friendlies Stockholm yesterday. Japan tantalisingly close to the Results from fourth round of Asian zone against France and Brazil, saw The Liverpool midfielder has 2014 World Cup yesterday, as World Cup qualifying played yesterday: a couple of half-chances saved been one of the symbols of English also struck in the dying by Oman’s Wigan Athletic goal- football for as long as many young Group A minutes to breathe life into keeper Ali Al Habsi at the other fans can remember. their campaign. At Doha end, before Kiyotake broke the At times it hasn’t been easy; Japan went ahead early in Qatar 1 Lebanon 0 deadlock. after all Gerrard has out-lasted Muscat through Hiroshi Kiyotake At Tehran Oman failed to properly deal four England managers and but they were rocked by Ahmed Iran 0 Uzbekistan 1 with Yuto Nagatomo’s cross from faced regular criticism earlier in Mubarak’s free kick on 77 min- Group B the left and Nuremburg mid- his career that he was incapable utes. However, Okazaki bundled At Muscat fielder Kiyotake seized on the of reproducing his club form at in the decisive goal on 89 minutes loose ball to slot home from close international level. Oman 0 Japan 1 to extend Japan’s lead in Group B. range. But earning a century of caps The Asian champions went At Doha The goal settled nerves but for England puts him in an exclu- provisionally eight points clear Iraq 1 Jordan 0 Oman were unlucky not to be on sive club that includes only Peter with only three games left, mak- level terms in the 36th minute, as Shilton, David Beckham, Bobby ing progression to their fifth con- left-footed strike home four min- Al Ajmi headed against the post. Moore, Bobby Charlton and Billy secutive World Cup, in Brazil, an utes from time. Oman came out with renewed Wright. apparent formality. The game’s only goal was purpose after the break and “It’s something I never thought “I’m pleased I was able to score enough to lift the 2007 Asian Mubarak nearly levelled it from I would ever achieve to be hon- because I didn’t do much else for Cup champions off the foot of an long range. est with you,” he said on Monday the whole of the match,” said the increasingly tight Group B with Kiyotake and Sakai both had ahead of the squad’s departure for modest Okazaki. their first win in five games. chances to extend Japan’s lead Sweden. “We kept chipping away and The result brought relief to as the pace slowed, but with 13 “Growing up and getting turned found a way to win in the end. We Iraq coach Zico who had dropped minutes remaining, Mubarak down at the national school at weren’t in control today so I hope veterans Younus Mahmoud and squeezed in a low free kick 14, there have been times when we can dominate to beat Jordan Nashat Akram from the squad, which sent the home fans into I thought I’d never get one cap. next time.” a decision that surprised many a frenzy. “The likes of Moore and Japan’s Italian coach Alberto because some of the other regu- However as Oman pressed for Charlton will always be heroes Zaccheroni said the Middle lars like defenders Basem Abbas the winner, substitute Gotoku of mine and heroes of English Eastern country’s intense heat and Muthana Khalid and strik- Sakai raced free on the left flank football. had hampered his players, but ers Ala Abdulzehra and Salam and his cross was flicked on at the “As far as playing for England, he was proud of their refusal to Shaker were already unavailable near post by Yasuhito Endo, leav- there are maybe 14 or 15 heroes. accept a draw. because of injuries. ing the arriving Okazaki with the The rest haven’t really delivered.” “We had set ourselves the tar- Jordan’s Iraqi coach Adnan simplest of finishes. Those words hit at the heart get of three points here, and I’m Hamad was also handicapped “We played against one of of the pain and frustration that happy we accomplished that goal,” by the suspension of Anas Bani the best teams in the world at runs through English football; and Zaccheroni said. Yaseen but the return of goal- the moment and we had a great has done for more than 40 years “The heat meant we couldn’t keeper Amer Shafi and defender performance so we are very dis- since Moore captained his coun- play the way we’re capable of Basem Fathi from injuries gave appointed with the result, the try to World Cup glory on home playing. Oman showed a lot of the team some solidity. manner in which we lost,” said soil in 1966. heart but I’m proud of the way In Muscat, Oman looked dan- Oman’s French coach, Paul Le Gerrard, who rates his England my team refused to give in.” gerous on the break and should Guen. career as ‘six or seven out of 10’ In Doha, Iraq’s Hammadi have taken the lead against Japan “There still three games to play Iraq’s Husam Ibrahim (left) fights for the ball with Jordan’s Khalil Baniateyah in comparison to the greats of Ahmed also left it late against after 10 minutes, but Fawzi Bashir and we are still in the running to during their 2014 World Cup qualifying match in Doha, yesterday. Iraq won the past, names a 5-1 victory over Jordan before he arrowed a blazed over from a promising qualify.” AFP 1-0. Germany in 2001, in which he scored his first ever international goal, as the most memorable of his career so far. But even that mem- ory is tinged with regret because Cornthwaite the hero for Australia he was injured for the finals in Japan, where England lost in the HWASEONG, South Korea: think it may have International friendly results Australian goal- Babalj’s shot after a free kick hit quarter-finals to Brazil. Late call-up Robert Cornthwaite led to a lapse of PARIS: Results of international friendly matches keeper Mark the right post and bounced off “I’d probably say that was the was the unlikely hero with an concentration yesterday: Schwarzer. goalkeeper Kim. strongest England team I have 87th-minute winner yesterday among players.” At Olomouc, Czech Republic Two minutes As the ball rolled along the goal played in,” he said. “I think we as Australia enjoyed a confi- South Korea later, visiting line toward the opposite post, the had a great balance of young and Czech Republic 3 Slovakia 0 dence-boosting 2-1 friendly win had climbed to captain Lucas unmarked Cornthwaite stepped experienced players. over South Korea. the top of their At Sofia Neill nearly put in and calmly put it in the back “To be honest, I totally agree Defender Cornthwaite, who qualifying group, Bulgaria 0 Ukraine 1 his side ahead, of the net. with a lot of what has been writ- plays for K-League side Chunnam and they looked At Krasnodar but Kim Young- Australia’s next World Cup ten when people say that group Dragons and was only brought on course to see Russia 2 United States 2 Kwang in the qualifier is at home against Oman of players under-achieved at big into the squad after a series of off one of their At Yerevan South Korean on March 26, while South Korea tournaments. injuries, pounced on a loose ball biggest regional goal kept out will host Qatar on the same date. “That team should certainly Armenia 4 Lithuania 2 in the box to complete a come- rivals after Lee his close-range Meanwhile, Fabio Capello have got to a semi-final. It is cer- from-behind victory in Hwaseong. Dong-Gook vol- At Tbilisi header. At extended his unbeaten run as tainly a regret now.” Australia have had just one leyed Lee Seung- Georgia 0 Egypt 0 the other end, Russia coach yesterday, as his side Gerrard is uniquely placed, win in four games in the final Gi’s cross past Schwarzer was drew 2-2 with the United States perhaps, to analyse why England round of World Cup qualifying, the diving Mark Schwarzer on 11 equal to another volley from Lee in a friendly in Krasnodar. have under-achieved so often; and but they will enjoy their suc- minutes. Dong-Gook. Anzhi Makhachkala forward he paints of a picture of intense cess which came through Nikita But Australia levelled just When Australian substitute Fedor Smolov and Zenit St pressure and a heavy burden of Rukavytsya, who cancelled out before half-time, as Rukavytsya Tom Rogic’s hard, left-foot strike Petersburg midfielder Roman expectation. Lee Dong-Gook’s early strike, and converted a Tommy Oar pass in the 84th went right at Kim in Shirokov both scored for the home “I think the shirt weighs heavy Russian men’s national team head Cornthwaite’s late winner. from the right side of the box. goal, the teams appeared to be side, while midfielders Michael because of a mixture of things. coach Fabio Capello (right) speaks “We played well until we gave Both sides began the sec- headed for a draw. Bradley and Mikkel Deskerud It’s the fans, it’s the media, it’s with US men’s national team head up Australia’s first goal,” said ond half slowly before the game But in the 87th minute, were on target for the visitors. because we have got the best coach Jurgen Klinsmann before South Korean coach Choi Kang- opened up in the final 20 minutes. Cornthwaite capitalised on a Russia drew 1-1 with Ivory Coast league; and I think it is because their friendly football match in Hee. “I made a lot of substitutes In the 70th, Hwang Jin-Sung’s mad scramble deep in the South in Capello’s first match in charge every other country is so desper- Krasnodar, Russia, yesterday. since this was a friendly, and I diving header bounced right at Korean penalty area, when Eli on August 15. AGENCIES ate to beat us,” he claimed. AFP

15th Asian Handball Club Championship final today at 7.00pm

Mabrouk Bilal of Qatar’s Eljaish (left) tries to score against Bahrain’s Al Ahly during the 15th Asian Handball Club championship at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. MIDDLE: Osman Mahmoud of Eljaish (right) in action. RIGHT: Osman Mahmoud of Eljaish scores. In today’s final, Qatar’s Al Rayyan will take on Al Ahli of UAE at 7.00pm at Al Gharafa Stadium. PICTURES BY: ABDUL BASIT Thursday 15 November 2012 1 Muharram 1434 Volume 17 Number 5519 Sport Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Soria’s strike lifts hosts Qatar 2014 World Cup qualifying match: Home team resurrects chances of reaching Brazil

BY RIZWAN REHMAT Lebanon box but his shot was blocked with a sliding tackle by DOHA: Striker Sebastian Soria one of the defenders. Six min- yesterday produced a spectacu- utes later, Lebanon produced lar goal as hosts Qatar edged their first major attack through past Lebanon 1-0 in a key 2014 Abbas Ahmad Atwi who went Qatar’s FIFA World Cup qualifying long-range on a powerful shot Sebastian match at Al Sadd Stadium. that was pouched by goalkeeper Soria After 75 minutes of exhaustive Qasim Burhan. celebrates football, forward Soria curled an Ten minutes from the first-half after scoring amazing shot some 35 meters whistle, Lebanon skipper Reda a goal against from the goal-line to give Qatar Antar showed the desperation of Lebanon three points from the Group A his side with a long-range shot during their clash. that flew above the Qatar cross- 2014 FIFA Yesterday’s win keeps Qatar’s bar, much to the agony of the World Cup, dream of reaching Brazil alive. Lebanese fans. Asian Zone, It was a repeat of what hap- A couple of minutes later, qualifying pened in the first encounter Ahmad Zreik clipped a shot at match between the two teams earlier Burhan from close range but the in Doha this year (on June 3) when Soria visitors were denied by the home yesterday. scored the only goal of the match team goalkeeper once again. played in Lebanon. Qatar, coached The match lacked the spark Soria scored by Paulo Autuori, now have 7 seen in the first encounter the goal in points from five matches. between the two sides as Qatar the 75th In another Group A clash yes- failed to make inroads in the minute of the terday, Uzbekistan beat hosts Iran Group A clash. Qatar striker Group A clash 1-0, thanks to a goal by Ulugbek Soria particularly looked out of at Al Sadd Bakaev (71). touch failing to convert from Stadium. Uzbekistan now lead Group inside the box on a few occasions. A with 8 points whereas South With six minutes to go, captain Korea, Iran and Qatar have 7 Wisam Rizq found the forward points each. inside the box but Soria slipped Visiting Lebanon side, coached twice before losing the ball from by Theo Bucker, have 4 points scoring range. from five matches. In the 56th minute, Lebanon’s In the 63rd minute, Lebanon’s high corner kick to keep the visi- the fans and then his team-mates. a timely save. In injury time, Midfielder Fabio Cesar broke Atwi jumped high to deflect a Mahmoud El Ali broke free of tors at bay at Al Sadd Stadium. Substitute Lawrence Quaye Lebanon skipper Antar curled free of his marker in the first free-kick but the ball flew over his marker Ibrahim Abdulmajed With 15 minutes remaining curled in a free-kick in the 82nd one towards the Qatari goal but minute of the match but a couple the crossbar much to the relief of and clipped a shot towards the on the ticker, Soria produced a minute but the ball was punched ‘keeper Burhan matched the of Lebanon defenders thwarted the home fans. Qatar net near the touchline but long-range shot that left Lebanon away with difficulty but success- effort with a full-stretched dive the move with sliding tackles. At the one-hour mark, neither tall goalkeeper Burhan collected goalkeeper Abbas Hassan rooted fully by goalkeeper Hassan. In to put the ball away. In the 12th minute, striker teams dominated the game though the ball using his long reach. to his spot as the ball curled into the 85th minute, Quaye went for Qatar’s next qualifying match Hassan Al Haydos weaved his the home side clearly wasted Four minutes later, Burhan the net. another bullet and once again is against South Korea on March way past three players into the chances that came their way. repeated the drill by pouching a Soria celebrated his goal with Hassan denied the Qatari with 26, 2013. THE PENINSULA Coach made the right Iraq stay alive with 1-0 moves, Qatar skipper win over Jordan in Doha

DOHA: Qatar captain Wisam DOHA: Iraq resurrected their Rizq yesterday praised the slim chances of making it to planning of Qatar coach Paulo Brazil in 2014 with a 1-0 vic- Autuori as the home team beat tory over Jordan in their Asian Lebanon 1-0 in a key 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier yesterday. World Cup qualifying match. Qatar captain Winless in four matches prior Striker Sebastian Soria found Wisam Rizq to yesterday’s clash in Doha, Iraq the net in the 75th minute as vies for the were in serious danger of missing Qatar moved away from the bot- the quadrennial showpiece before ball with Fayez tom of Group A of the Asian Zone an 86th minute strike from for- Chamsin qualifying phase. ward Hammadi Ahmed had them Iraq’s head of Lebanon “The coach read the situation dreaming again. coach Zico during their well. He made the right moves,” Both Iraq and Jordan now have of Brazil 2014 FIFA Rizq said at the end of the match. five points from as many matches celebrates with World Cup “The match was not easy one. and would need a miraculous his players match in Doha The second half was decisive,” he set of results in Group B which during their yesterday. added. Rizq said the support of also includes Asian powerhouses 2014 FIFA World Qatar won 1-0 the home fans was crucial. Japan and Australia Cup qualifying “We were playing on home after Sebastian In a fast-paced match, Jordan match against soil, in front of home fans. That Soria scored held the upper hand but found Jordan in Doha helped,” Rizq, who plays for Qatar the only goal the Iraqi goalkeeper Nour Sabri yesterday. Iraq Stars League (QSL) side Al Sadd, of the match a tough nut to crack. won 1-0. said. in the 75th Sabri saved a 33rd minute Team-mate Hassan Al Haydos minute. strike by Abdulla Deeb and in said: “We have good players. We the 59th minute, Hassan Abdel- tried to play attacking game and Fattah, one of Jordan’s heroes in that helped. But thanks to our the win against Australia, inex- defenders, we won.” plicably failed to score from less Al Haydos added: “We tried than six yards out, his weak shot many moves from the right finding the goalkeeper’s body and (flank). My role was zero actually. going out of play. The others played really well.” The Lebanese skipper far. This is the truth. We need to With time running out. a des- Reda Antar, the Lebanese explained: “Qatar still has a work harder at this level. It is not perate Iraq gave their all in the skipper, said Qatar goalkeeper chance. We need to improve our easy at this level.” final 30 minutes, but the Jordan Qasim Burhan was the difference performance. Qatar fans sup- The Lebanese coach said: goalkeeper Amer Shafi, too, was Iraq coach Zico who had dropped Hamad was also handicapped between the two sides. ported their team well in this “We were put under tremendous equal to the task, bringing off veterans Younus Mahmoud and by the suspension of Anas Bani “The Qatari team was good. key game.” pressure and that’s why lost. If we three saves off powerfully taken Nashat Akram from the squad, Yaseen but the return of goal- There’s nobody to be blamed for Lebanon coach Theo Bucker said: had won, we would have been in shots. a decision that surprised many keeper Amer Shafi and defender the loss. We played as a team.” “We have to give credit to Qatar. a different position but that fear But Shafi could do nothing four because some of the other regu- Basem Fathi from injuries gave Antar added: “We tried to I believe my team buckled under (of losing) gripped us. We cracked minutes from time when Ahmed lars like defenders Basem Abbas the team some solidity. cover the gaps in the field but pressure. Short passing was under pressure.” cracked in a left-footer from out- and Muthana Khalid and strik- Shafi surely made his presence Qatari goalkeeper Burhan was needed whereas my players played Lebanon host South Korea in side the penalty area into the net, ers Ala Abdulzehra and Salam felt by playing a stellar role in the very good. He made many saves. mostly solo.” their next World Cup qualifying much to the delight of the Iraqi Shaker were already unavailable goal before Ahmed’s late strike I hope Qatari team continues this He added: “However, we are match on June 4, 2013. expatriate crowd in the stadium. because of injuries. ruined what could have been a form in the coming matches.” improving. We have done well so THE PENINSULA The result brought relief to Jordan’s Iraqi coach Adnan perfect day. AFP