ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED NEWSPAPER

Thursday 6 March 2014 5 Jumadal I 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5995 Price: QR2

Qatar Steel signs Qatar-Bahrain iron ore pellets clash ends deal with VALE in draw

Business | 18 Sport | 28

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Qatar regrets recall of envoys PM visits Ashghal HQ Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain withdraw ambassadors from Doha

DOHA: Qatar yesterday “to protect their security and reiterated Qatar’s “continued com- direct security work or through expressed regret and surprise stability”. mitment to the principles on which political influence, and not to sup- over the decision by three GCC The State Cabinet, responding GCC was based and the imple- port hostile media”. countries — Saudi Arabia, the to this unprecedented decision, mentation of its obligations in line The GCC foreign ministers had UAE and Bahrain — to withdraw said in a statement: “The move with GCC states’ agreements on met in Riyadh on Tuesday to try their ambassadors from Doha. taken by the Kingdom of Saudi preserving and maintaining their to persuade Qatar to implement Qatar said it will not retaliate Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain security and stability.” the agreement, it added. by pulling out its envoys in the have nothing to do with their A security agreement signed “But unfortunately, these three countries because it is “keen national interests nor their secu- last year by the GCC focused on efforts did not result in Qatar’s on brotherly ties between people rity and stability, but there is a cooperation in the exchange of agreement to abide by these of Qatar and other GCC states”. difference of opinion and position information and tracking down measures, which prompted the A joint statement by the three on a number of issues outside the of criminals and those who broke three countries to start what they countries yesterday said they are Gulf Cooperation Council.” the law. The joint statement by saw as necessary, to protect their withdrawing their ambassadors The statement added that the three countries said GCC security and stability, by with- because Doha had not imple- “Qatar was and will always be com- members had signed an agree- drawing their ambassadors from mented an agreement among mitted to GCC values, and “this is ment on November 23 not to back Qatar starting from today, March GCC countries not to interfere what prevents Qatar from taking “anyone threatening the security 5 2013,” the statement said. The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser in each other’s internal affairs. a similar procedure of recalling and stability of the GCC whether THE PENINSULA bin Khalifa Al Thani with Ashghal President Eng Nasser bin Ali Al Continued on page 6 They said the move was necessary its ambassadors”. The Cabinet as groups or individuals — via Mawlawi at Ashghal headquarters yesterday. See also page 3 Car blast injures 3 Jazeera trial descends into farce 15 CMC members vote to CAIRO: The second day of the trial of three of the number of cameras he had been shown, Al Jazeera journalists in Egypt descended and struggled to open two of the suitcases in dismiss Secretary-General into farce yesterday as the prosecution pre- which the evidence was contained. sented the entire contents of their raided The case has centred on the three jailed Al DOHA: The Central Municipal Council (CMC) has sacked its hotel rooms as evidence, and one of the trio’s Jazeera journalists, as well as other international Secretary-General, Matar bin Shaeen Al Kuwari, in a closed ses- 17 co-defendants said he did not understand colleagues being tried in absentia. But yester- sion held here yesterday. Fifteen members voted in favour of the what the trial was about. day’s session also shone a rare light on some of dismissal while four members abstained. Jaber Hamad Al Lakhan, Australian ex-BBC correspondent Peter the other defendants, some of whom have noth- the candidate of second number in the last recruitment procedure Greste, Canadian-Egyptian ex-CNN journal- ing to do with Al Jazeera. of secretary general, was asked to take charge. As per the rule, the ist Mohamed Fahmy, and local producer Baher Sohaib Said, a political science student, inter- Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning has been notified Mohamed are among 20 people on trial in Egypt rupted proceedings to say that he had been tor- about the decision, Al Sharq reports. THE PENINSULA on charges of spreading misinformation and aid- tured in custody, denied family visits for over ing terrorists. The case has sparked interna- 40 days, and did not understand why he was Ukraine talks make little progress tional outcry, and been portrayed worldwide as involved in the case. a serious attack on Egyptian press freedom. In the second half of the session, defence law- PARIS/KIEV: High-level diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis But the case took a tragicomic turn, as prosecu- yers cross-examined the secret policemen who in Ukraine made little apparent headway at talks in Paris yester- A Land Cruiser which was damaged in an tors presented box after box of everyday items and had investigated the journalists. One admitted day with Moscow and Washington at odds and Russia’s foreign explosion in front of the primary health cen- broadcast equipment as evidence of the defend- he did not know the difference between Al minister refusing to recognise his Ukrainian counterpart. US tre in Al Muntaza yesterday. Three Qatari ants’ alleged terrorism — many of them as innocu- Jazeera English, for whom the three detained Secretary of State John Kerry said discussions would continue teenagers were injured. Report on page 5 ous as electric cables, a computer keyboard, and a journalists worked, and the channel’s Egyptian and he expected to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov QASSIM RAHMATULLAH bumbag belonging to Peter Greste. offshoot. The trial continues. again in Rome today. REUTERS At one point judge Mohamed Nagy lost count THE GUARDIAN See also page 10 THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Ministry to launch project to harvest storm water Pilot project to come up near Barwa City in Mesaimeer BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB a pilot project, which is part of the being developed in collaboration ‘Emergency Flood Area (EFA)/ with PWA & KBR with Parsons DOHA: As part of its efforts Recreational’ to be constructed at International as the design consult- to promote sustainable green the south of Al Muntazah Street, ants, according to the statement. infrastructure, the Public Parks close to Barwa City in Mesaimeer. “Qatar experiences an arid cli- Department at the Ministry The park will be divided into mate which requires a very dif- of Municipality and Urban different character areas to add ferent approach to storm water Planning (MMUP) is set to interest, to reflect the different management than a conventional launch a pilot project in Al stages of the water cycle and to one used in other climatic zones. Muntazah to collect, treat and create varied ecosystems, includ- Low annual rainfall, extensive store storm water which will ing ponds. Some of the programme droughts, high intensity storms be used for multiple purposes, elements proposed include green and high evaporation rates including the development and and play areas, cycle and walk- characterise watersheds in arid maintenance of public parks ing paths, boardwalks, decks, and regions and presenting a differ- and green areas. public art, among others. Once ent set of challenges,” said the The initiative is part of a big- complete, the concept will be pro- statement. ger plan, which will be extended moted throughout the country. The statement, which is part across the arid country. The water sources that will feed of the draft document, said that The initiative has been taken is into these ponds include: storm- even though the total rainfall An artist’s impression of the proposed park. in accordance with the recently water run-off collected from the volumes in arid regions are com- developed MMUP’s draft strat- catchment by the drainage sys- paratively small, urban develop- be adapted to meet the demand- bacteria, heavy metals, and other of the solution from a conventional egy document titled ‘Multi-use tem, shallow ground water, and ment has greatly increased peak ing conditions posed by arid pollutants from the urban land- single purpose “grey” infrastruc- of Stormwater Management TSE (Treated Sewage Effluent) as discharge flows during rain events watersheds. scape, degrading the quality of the ture system to a “green” one that Facilities- Guidelines’ to give a required. The area of the reten- which call for an efficient drain- Conventionally, storm water is receiving waters. can cost-effectively reduce/treat new approach to storm water tion/treatment ponds proposed is age system to prevent flooding drained through engineered col- “As we look towards the future, runoff before it enters our commu- management. around 30,000sqm, the total park and damage. Efficient source con- lection systems and discharged our water protection goals along nities’ sewer systems and our water Several projects are currently area being110, 000msqm. trol, better site design and appro- into nearby water bodies. The with the infrastructure needs are resources,” said the statement. in design stage, one of them being The pilot concept design is priate storm water practices can stormwater carries trash, pushing us towards a rethinking THE PENINSULA

Qatar Foundation names new executive director for QBRI

DOHA: Qatar Foundation position will contribute to the support of our vision of becom- of these conditions. His scien- in me, and for giving me this for Education, Science and advancement of translational bio- ing a leading center for research tific contributions include more unique opportunity to lead QBRI Community Development medical research and the develop- and development excellence and than 100 publications in major and contribute to achieving the (QF) yesterday announced the ment of innovative personalised innovation,” said Alsuwaidi. peer-reviewed journals including objectives of the Qatar National appointment of Dr Hilal Lashuel medicine in Qatar. Lashuel is internationally Nature journals, Cell, PNAS and Research Strategy and Qatar (pictured), a prominent scien- Faisal Alsuwaidi, President recognised for his work in the Angewandte Chemie, as well as National Vision 2030,” he said. tist in life sciences, as Executive of Qatar Foundation Research molecular basis of neurodegenera- patents on novel strategies for “While there are challenges Director of Qatar Biomedical and Development (QF R and tive diseases such as Alzheimer’s, preventing protein aggregation. that lie ahead, I also see great Research Institute (QBRI). D), welcomed Dr Lashuel saying: Parkinson’s disease and related Dr Lashuel expressed his opportunities to make trans- Dr Lashuel, Associate Professor “Building on his past experiences disorders. His research has enthusiasm to take up the excit- formative changes that will at the Brain Mind Institute of the and previous activities with Qatar contributed significantly to the ing and challenging position. “I impact education, research, and Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Foundation, we are pleased to identification of novel disease am truly honoured and hum- healthcare in Qatar and the Lausanne (EPFL) School of Life have Dr Lashuel in the Executive mechanisms and therapeu- bled by the trust and confidence region.” Sciences, will assume his new Director role to guide QBRI in tic targets for the treatment Qatar Foundation have invested QNA Registration opens for F5WC at Landmark Mall kiosk

DOHA: Qatar Lubricants Co, the official sponsors of F5WC Qatar qualifiers, has opened a registra- tion kiosk (left) for the football championship at Landmark Mall. Launched on March 2, Qalco invited the public to sign up for the qualifying rounds of the Football Five’s World Championship in Qatar that is expected to kick off next month. It will be the first time Qatar is hosting a 5-a-side amateur football world championship. All-male amateur footballers from any nationality aged 16 and above from around Qatar are invited to compete in the qualifying rounds to win the ultimate prize of becoming world champions. The victorious team from Qatar will win an all expenses paid trip to Dubai including three nights stay at the Marriott Hotel from June 12 to 14, while compet- ing against 31 other coun- tries at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Prizes will also include football kits and tracksuits as well as VIP treatment for the players. Local qualifying rounds in Qatar will be held on Fridays & Saturdays in April and May 2014. There will be group stage tourna- ments, in which the winning teams will proceed from the pre-qualifying stage to the Qatar Finals. A total of 32 teams will be competing on the Finals Day that will be held on Friday 23rd May. The winning team from Qatar will be sponsored by Qatar Lubricants. “In addition to taking registrations, the kiosk will offer a variety of serv- ices, including tournament information, registration details, and option of pay- ment through cash.” said Mr Fawad Rana, Managing Director, Qatar Lubricants. “Similar kiosks are also planned to be set up at other leading shopping malls”, he added. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Emir phones Prime Minister Kuwait Emir DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani telephoned yesterday the Emir of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah Al reviews Ashghal Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah to get reassured about his health, and expressed best wishes for him of good health and wellness. programmes Minister meets Call for interaction with community Pakistani official DOHA: The Minister of State DOHA: H E Sheikh Abdullah and building projects being for Defence Affairs H E Major bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al planned or implemented in their General Hamad bin Ali Attiyah Thani, the Prime Minister and areas, in addition to communicat- met yesterday with Major Inerior Minister, yesterday vis- ing government’s care and mas- General Farouq Rasheed, the ited Ashghal headquarters to ter strategy to develop different chairman of the Pakistani talks get the update on programme aspects of Qatar to elite interna- committee, who is on a visit to and projects being undertaken tional standards. Qatar. by the Public Works Authority. The Prime Minister highlighted They discussed a set of issues of The prime minister stressed the efficiency and timely commu- common interest with emphasis on the importance of consistent nication of the Corniche projects on the military affairs. communication with the pub- that included converting all The Pakistani military atta- lic on announcing project com- roundabouts in the Corniche area che to the state and a number of mencement dates and expected to traffic signals intersections. H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani greeting officials during his visit to Ashghal headquarters. senior army officers attended the schedules of finalisation and deliv- During the visit, a presenta- meeting. ery timely communication on the tion was given on the Inner Doha for the treatment of sewage efflu- Nasser bin Ali Al Mawlawi, Ashghal the Drainage Network Operations developments of implementation Re-sewerage Implementation ent in southern Doha, the treated President. “These are projects are & Maintenance Manager gave a S Korea PM meets stages. Strategy (IDRIS), and its develop- sewage effluent pumping station very critical and have a big role in presentation on the capacity of The Prime Minister called for ments. IDRIS represents a long- sewage treatment, and giant driving the socio-economic growth the current the treatment plants, QIA Chairman strengthening and energising an term strategy for the upgrading pumpers to deliver the sewage of Qatar and in serving the com- and the future expansions. open interactive relationship with and expansion of the current sew- effluents to the treatment plant munities. Also this visit reflects The Prime Minister and the SEOUL: South Korean different members of the local erage infrastructure, especially for in Doha South. HE’s keenness to continuously and accompanying delegation also Prime Minister Jung Hong- community through continuous centre and southern Doha. “The visit of H E the Prime closely monitor the development visited Ashghal’s Contact Centre won met yesterday with feeding of information on differ- It includes the extension of Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin stages of Ashghal’s programmes, that was launched in May 2013. Qatar Investment Authority ent projects being worked on in more than 100km of pipelines Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, to the and to offer his continuous support The centre was launched to ena- Chairman Ahmed bin different parts of Qatar. This, connecting the deep main trunk Public Works Authority empha- to the Public Works Authority to ble customers to communicate Mohamed Al Sayed, who is vis- he stressed, would help keep the sewer with the lateral intercep- sises the importance that the execute them,” he said. with Ashghal’s team around the iting Seoul. communities informed of the local tor sewers, the pumping station, government gives to monitoring Focusing on the drainage net- clock, seven days a week. QIA Chairman conveyed and neighbouring infrastructure the main trunk, the new facilities Ashghal’s projects,” said Engineer work, Engineer Ahmed Sharif, THE PENINSULA greetings of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani to the South Korean premier. Qatargas, QDA to host Diabetes Awareness Day They reviewed means of enhancing bilateral relations, DOHA: Qatargas and the Qatar Manager, Qatar Diabetes community development as reach people with diabetes and participate in the event. particularly in the investment Diabetes Association (QDA) — a Association. part of the Company’s cor- those who are at risk, and provide QDA will deliver aware- arena. member of Qatar Foundation — Mansour Rashid: “We are very porate social responsibility them with information about dia- ness sessions on diabetes. Blood Qatar’s Ambassador to South will host a ‘Diabetes Awareness pleased to partner with the Qatar programmes. betes, how to control it and how sugar tests will also be carried Korea Mohamed Abdullah Al Day’ at the Qatargas Winter Diabetes Association to organise “Qatargas believes that sup- to prevent it.” out. There will also be plenty of Duhaimi attended the meeting. Camp in the Sealine area on a diabetes awareness day at our porting such campaigns con- Nearly 500 people – dia- fun and games for the children The chairman headed the Saturday. winter camp facility. Diabetes is tribute to building a healthy betic patients and their including bouncy castles and Qatari side to the joint invest- This was announced at a press a major health concern in Qatar population, which is a key objec- families, including Qatargas other activities. ment committee held yesterday. conference held at Qatargas’ and the region and requires con- tive of the Human Development employees are expected to THE PENINSULA QNA Doha Head office yesterday, solidated efforts from all sections pillar of Qatar’s National Vision attended by Mansour Rashid of the society to raise awareness, 2030.” Al Naimi, Qatargas Public both in terms of preventive meas- Dr Abdulla Al Hamaq said: “We Relations Manager; Dr Osama ures, as well as how to cope with are very pleased to have this joint Ibrahim, Qatargas Chief diabetes and live comfortable event with Qatargas, because it Medical Officer; Dr Abdulla lives. reflects our belief that education Al Hamaq, Executive Director, “Our support to this event is everybody’s right. And at this Qatar Diabetes Association, and stems from Qatargas’ efforts event, we will have a variety of Sharoud Matthis, Programme in promoting health and educational activities that aim to

Record demand for Ooredoo 4G kit

DOHA: Ooredoo is witnessing or disconnect new users as many key. Ooredoo aims to continue to record demand for 4G Wi-Fi Kit times as needed. invest in expanding its portfolio that enables customers to con- The 4G Wi-Fi Kit has of 4G products for consumers nect multiple devices to Qatar’s been launched after Ooredoo and businesses in Qatar in 2014. fastest, and now free 4G key, as announced free access to the 4G THE PENINSULA the #OoredooSmart cam- paign rolls on, the com- pany said yesterday. The 4G Wi-Fi Kit is a portable 4G connection that offers customers the opportunity to connect up to 10 devices at the same time. The device, which is designed for custom- ers needing a portable way to access multiple 4G connections on the move, costs just QR429 and is available at Ooredoo Shops now. Business and consumer customers can plug the kit into a wall socket charger, car charger or connect it to a laptop, and have instant access to 4G Mobile speeds, which are up to six times as fast as 3G Internet. To use the 4G Wi-Fi Kit, customers can use Shahry or Hala Data Packs with the Ooredoo 4G key to con- nect to the 4G Network. Data Packs start from just QR60 per month for 1GB mobile data for Shahry customers, and 250 MB data for only QR15 per week for Hala customers. Access to the 4G key is now free for all Shahry Smart and Hala Pack and Mobile Internet Pack customers, as Ooredoo continue to revamp their portfolio of services and offers in line with #OoredooSmart. There will be no addi- tional charges for the ongo- ing use of the 4G Wi-Fi kit after the initial purchase, and owners can connect THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Fire Station to fire up local artists’ imagination Artists in Residence planned at old Civil Defence building

DOHA: As part of an initiative exchange of ideas between artists addressing a press conference at to preserve iconic buildings in by the Qatar Museums Authority the Education Centre, Museum Doha, a residency programme (QMA), officials said yesterday. of Islamic Art. for artists will be conducted As the country puts empha- Renovation of the building in the renovated Civil Defence sis on preserving old architec- is led by Al Jeidah, who has building, known as Fire Station. ture, the facade of the old Fire retained much of the original ‘Fire Station: Artists in Station will remain the same Fire Station, which was built in Residence’ will open in November paying tribute to Doha’s her- 1982 as a Civil Defence build- as a hub to support the local itage, said renowned Qatari ing and used for 30 years until art community and encourage architect Ibrahim Al Jeidah, the last fire engine departed in December 2012. The original building will retain many of its features, the public spaces will be newly built to host a cafe, restaurant, bookshop, art supply shop, a cinema, and Jean Paul Engelen, Director, Public Art Programmes; Ibrahim Al Jeidah, CEO and Chief Architect, Arab Engineering artist facilities. Bureau; Noor Abuissa, Assistant Curator at Public Art Department of QMA; Hala Al Khalifa, head of Artists in The current fire engine Resident programme, and Khalifa Al Obaidly, a Qatari artist, at the press conference yesterday. (ABDUL BASIT) garage is approximately 700sq metres, which will Qatar and provide a platform for living in Qatar and the rest of benefit from access to all be converted into an exhibi- creative exchange.” the world.” museum special exhibitions, tion space dedicated to pro- There will be 20 residencies Selection of artists will be interaction with curators as well moting local and regional available at Fire Station and each through application which will as key lectures. artists. residency will last a period of be reviewed by an independent In addition to hosting the end Hala Al Khalifa, Head of nine months. All artists will be jury. The residency programme of year exhibition for resident art- Artists in Residence pro- provided with studio spaces in will first be open to local Qatari ists, the Garage Gallery will also gramme said: “The Doha the building, with 24 studios in artists and residents of Qatar. serve as another venue for Mathaf Fire Station is a build- total. The studios will be acces- The program will later be open exhibitions. ing of great importance sible 24 hours a day. Artists will to regional artists. A curatorial Further the existing tower at to the community; it has benefit from periodical visits by residency opportunity is also the Fire Station will be covered served the community the professional in the field of arts. available. in a programmable LED lighting past 30 years and will con- “Noor Abuissa, Assistant In June of each year, there will woven into stainless steel mesh to tinue to do so through the Curator said, “The gallery space be an exhibition at the Garage be used for a rotating display of arts with a new identity will operate to support local art- Gallery to showcase the Artists works of arts, projected images, as Fire Station: Artists in ists whether in residence or not. in Residence productions. installations, and announcements Residence. Our goal is to It will allow for cultural dialogue With the support of QMA, to the public. support artists living in and exchange between artists artists of Fire Station will THE PENINSULA

QPD provides financial support to FEC

DOHA: As a move to help environment protection activities, Qatar Petroleum Development Co. (Japan) (QPD) has provided financial assistance to Friends of Environment Center (FEC). FEC will use the fund to fund its wide range of activities. In the commemorative meeting at FEC, Satoru Nakanishi, General Manager of QPD, said: “QPD is a leader in environment friendly oil operation. QPD intends to support Qatar’s environ- ment protection activities as a responsible corporate citizen. Therefore, we are proud to collaborate with FEC, Qatar’s premier environmental organisation.” Dr Saif Ali Al Hajari, Founder and Chairman, appreciated the contribution from QPD and congratu- lated the establishment of mutual and beneficial relationship. In the meeting, Nakanishi also stressed the importance of con- tribution toward Qatar in a more professional manner, namely, employee development, with the support of FEC and Dr Al Hajari. QPD is a Japanese Joint Venture Company, operating offshore Qatar with the commencement of its commercial pro- duction in 2006. THE PENINSULA Satoru Nakanishi (left) and Dr Saif Ali Al Hajari during the meeting. Dialogue key to resolve Iran issue: Qatar

VIENNA: Qatar has reiterated its Nuclear Weapons (NPT) safeguards firm position to the effect that all agreement between IAEA and Iran differences over Iran’s nuclear pro- before the spring session. gramme could be resolved via dialogue In his address, Al Hammadi said imple- and diplomacy which proved success. menting the joint safeguards agreement This came in an address by Qatar’s signed on 11/11/2013 by Iran and the Governor to of IAEA Board of Governors Agency and between Iran and the 3+3 Ambassador Dr Ahmed Hassan Al Group’s Joint Plan of Action on 24/11/2013, Hammadi, to the board’s spring session, will hopefully lead to a final solution. within the agenda item for the imple- This is vital to restore the interna- mentation of the Non-Proliferation of tional community’s confidence that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclu- sively for peaceful purpose, he said, stressing meantime that substantive progress in the implementation of the conventions and the rest of the commitments will strongly support credibility of the agency and the NPT. He said that the pres- ervation of the Non- Proliferation Treaty is a collective responsibil- ity and a full achieve- ment of its objectives such as the Middle East nuclear weapon free zone (MENWFZ) and the tak- ing of the serious steps toward nuclear disarma- ment requires parallel and balanced work to imple- ment all its items to reach a world free of nuclear weapons. Qatar has called on the international community and the 3 +3 group in par- ticular to deal with the same level of responsibil- ity and greater attention with the Nuclear reactors in the Middle East coun- tries and working seri- ously to achieve the goal of MENWFZ, Al Hammadi added. QNA THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Three teens hurt in blast inside vehicle Inflammable materials cause AC gas to explode DOHA: Three Qatari teen- and later transferred to Hamad the time of the incident heard a agers were injured in blast in General hospital. Their injuries loud noise from the vehicle while a parked SUV in front of the were not serious, the police said. coming back. There was no fire Primary Health Centre in Al It was not immediately known but the vehicle was totally dam- Muntaza. what type of material was inside aged and glass pieces were thrown The air conditioner gas of the the vehicle, which is suspected to even to nearby shops. vehicle exploded due to the pres- have caused the blast. “Boys were inside the vehicle, ence of some inflammable mate- “The incident happened at suddenly I heard a noise and saw rial inside the vehicle, according around 7pm. Three teenagers glass pieces being thrown away,” to initial reports. were inside and the air condi- said a shopkeeper working with a The air conditioner was on at tioner gas exploded. The boys neighbouring perfume shop. the time of the incident. However, suffered minor injuries on the The ambulance team and no fire was reported. arms,” a rescue police officer told Rescue Police rushed to the spot. The victims, aged 14, 15 and The Peninsula. The police cordoned off the area 17 years were rushed to the pri- The driver of the car, an Indian, for several hours. mary health centre in the vicinity who had gone to the lavatory at THE PENINSULA

Police cordon off the area where the explosion inside a Land Cruiser took place, in the Al Muntaza yesterday. (QASSIM RAHMATULLAH) THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME / MIDDLE EAST Rockets seized in raid on Iranian ship: Israel US provides information on the ship, says White House

JERUSALEM: The Israeli State Department spokeswoman November 2012. Hamas has navy seized a ship in the Red Jen Psaki said the United States largely held fire since but Israel Sea yesterday that was carry- helped Israel by providing infor- says it has been trying to build ing dozens of advanced Iranian- mation on the ship. “Soon after up its capabilities. That has been supplied rockets made in Syria becoming aware of the imminent made difficult, however, by a new and intended for Palestinian movement of the suspected ves- military regime in Cairo which guerrillas in the Gaza Strip, the sel, the White House directed the has cracked down on the Egyptian military said. Department of Defence to moni- border with Gaza. The disclosure came as Israeli tor the vessel,” she said. Netanyahu’s office said that Prime Minister Benjamin Psaki said US options for han- the prime minister, who was in Netanyahu was in the United dling the ship included taking Los Angeles on Wednesday after States to press his case for tougher unilateral action if necessary but holding a White House meeting international action against Iran that after sharing intelligence, and addressing a pro-Israel lobby over its disputed nuclear pro- Israel chose to take the lead in in Washington, had approved the gramme and support for Islamist the operation. ship seizure after consultations guerrilla groups. Military footage showed the with his security chiefs. A man inspects a damaged vehicle at the site of bomb attack in Baghdad yesterday. The Panamanian-flagged cargo Israeli navy chief, Admiral Ram “At the same time that it is vessel Klos C was boarded in inter- Rothberg, inspecting a rocket talking to world powers, at the national waters without resistance on the floor of a ship hold, with same time that Iran is smiling from its 17-strong crew in a “com- cement bags labeled “Made in and saying all kinds of honeyed plex, covert operation,” military Iran” in English next to it. words, that same Iran is send- Baghdad blasts kill 14 spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Lerner said the rockets were ing lethal weaponry to terrorist Peter Lerner told reporters. flown from Syria to Iran, from organisations and it is doing so in BAGHDAD: Nine bombings the University of Technology in Samarra, north of Baghdad, and Lerner said dozens of M302 where they were shipped first to a complex web of covert, world- mainly targeting Shia-majority the Karrada district of central took employees hostage. rockets were found aboard the Iraq and then towards Sudan. Had wide operations,” Netanyahu said areas of Baghdad killed at least Baghdad, killing three people and Another bomber detonated an Klos C, a weapon which could they reached the African coast, from Los Angeles. 14 people and wounded dozens wounding at least 10. explosives-rigged vehicle after have struck deep into Israel from they would have probably been Foreign Minister Avigdor more yesterday, officials said, as “The terrorist was planning to police and anti-Al Qaeda militia- Gaza and would have significantly smuggled overland through Egypt Lieberman said Israel had obtained Iraq suffers its worst violence in blow up the car on the main road men arrived at the scene, while enhanced the firepower of the to Gaza, he said. Panama’s permission to board the years. near the university,” but instead the two inside the building also Palestinian enclave’s Hamas rul- Nic Jenzen-Jones, an Australia- ship. “We followed international The country has been hit by left it on a side street as security blew themselves up after exchang- ers and other armed factions. based military arms specialist and law to the letter. The ship trav- a year-long surge in bloodshed forces do not allow cars to stop ing fire with security forces. “The M302 in its most advanced director of Armament Research elled under a Panamanian flag, the that has reached levels not seen there, a police officer at the scene The violence, which showcased model can strike over 100 miles, Services, said most reports indi- company was listed in Marshall since 2008, driven by widespread said. A journalist saw the charred the impunity with which mili- and if they would have reached cated the Syrian-produced rock- Islands, the captain was Turkish discontent among its Sunni Arab remains of the car bomb, and tants can strike even targets that Gaza, ultimately that would have ets had a 90 to 100 Km range. and the crew was from various minority and by the bloody civil said two cars and several nearby should be highly secure, killed six meant millions of Israelis under “Several Israeli assessments different countries,” he told a con- war in neighbouring Syria. homes were damaged by the blast. people and wounded 46. threat,” he said. Hamas dismissed of these rockets have ques- ference in Tel Aviv. In a speech Baghdad is one of the most fre- While there was no immedi- Powerful militant group the the Israeli announcement as a “silly tioned their reliability,” he said. to the AIPAC lobby on Tuesday, quently targeted cities and is hit ate claim of responsibility for Islamic State of Iraq and the joke”. “This is a new Israeli lie “(Lebanese Shia group) Hezbollah Netanyahu had reiterated his by near-daily bombings and shoot- the attacks, Sunni jihadists often Levant (ISIL), which operates in aimed to justify and prolong the has made use of these rockets, and unhappiness with the prospect ings. The seven car bombs and two target members of Iraq’s Shiite both Iraq and Syria, claimed the blockade of Gaza,” said Taher Al Hamas is believed to be attempt- that world powers negotiating a roadside bombs, which struck in Muslim majority, whom they con- attack in a statement posted on Nono, an adviser of Hamas Prime ing to stockpile longer-range curb on Iran’s nuclear programme six different areas of Baghdad, sider to be apostates. the Honein jihadist forum. Minister Ismail Haniyah. rocket systems.” would let it retain some technolo- also wounded more than 70 peo- The Baghdad blasts came a day Violence in Iraq has killed There was no immediate com- Israel and Islamist Hamas gies with bomb-making potential. ple, the officials said. after suicide bombers attacked almost 1,800 people since ment from Iran or Syria. US last fought a major conflict in REUTERS One car bomb exploded near the city council headquarters in January 1. AFP 12 candidates to stand Govt to issue comprehensive report on blast for Algeria president DOHA: The State Cabinet yes- incidents in future and conveyed on the data relating to the unified and postal service levels and con- terday called on the public not deep condolences to the families system for numbering of buildings sidering such a system an effective ALGIERS: Twelve candidates have registered for Algeria’s to have prejudices about the gas of the victims. and facilities, ‘My Address’ as well and accurate tool in the associated April 17 presidential election, the APS national news agency tank blast in a restaurant near The Prime Minister and Interior as a survey of all buildings in the statistics and studies process and said yesterday, with 77-year-old incumbent Abdelaziz Bouteflika Landmark Mall last Thursday Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin country being carried out by the one of the important tools in the widely expected to win a fourth term. and wait until the investigation Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani pre- ministry in coordination with the planning and implementation of Public radio earlier announced there were 10 candidates. report is issued. sided over the meeting. concerned government bodies. The projects related to the FIFA World The Constitutional Council now has 10 days to examine the “The competent authorities The cabinet lauded the quick Cabinet was also briefed on the Cup in 2022. applications of the candidates before announcing the final list of are still working to complete the response of the concerned sections project for creating a directory for The cabinet approved raising contenders for campaigning, which is set to begin on March 23. investigation and will issue in the “which dealt with the incident the numbering of buildings. the prize value of the State Merit Bouteflika, who has been in power since 1999, made a rare public near future a comprehensive and professionally and with responsi- The directory includes all the and Incentive Awards in science, appearance on Monday to submit the papers for his own candidacy. clear cut statement about the bility” and praised the citizens and figures for buildings and provides arts and literature, to QR500,000 He confirmed his candidacy on television, the first time he has incident,” the Cabinet said in a residents for “their reluctance the database through the national for the State Merit Award and spoken in public since returning from hospital treatment in Paris statement issued after its weekly to be deceived by the incorrect network of geographic information QR300,000 for the State Incentive in July last year after suffering a mini-stroke. session. rumours and information circu- systems for all government organs. Award. Ali Benflis, a former prime minister who is seen as Bouteflika’s The Cabinet was briefed on a lated on the incident,” Qatar News The Prime Minister referred It also approved a draft agree- main challenger, also submitted his own candidacy papers on report on the incident, its causes Agency reported yesterday. to the applications and benefits ment on air services between Tuesday but warned against the possibility of electoral fraud, and the necessary measures The Minister of Municipality and of such a system on the security Qatar and Slovakia. speaking of “low, dirty and cowardly practices that cast doubts on and precautions to prevent such Urban Planning briefed the Cabinet level, traffic, health, education THE PENINSULA the credibility of the presidential election”. But another hopeful, Mohamed Benhamou, criticised such remarks, saying they amount to “calls to civil disobedience aimed at sowing disorder,” APS said. Qatarisation Qatar studying proposal Israeli army Algerian army shoots dead civilian claims hitting two ALGIERS: The army shot dead a civilian and wounded two oth- core priority for ers when their car failed to stop at a checkpoint in the Kabylie Hezbollah fighters region of eastern Algeria early Wednesday, security sources to ban energy drink ads said. Soldiers opened fire after mistaking the car’s four passen- Maersk: Official JERUSALEM: Israel’s army gers, who were not from the area, for armed Islamists, who are DOHA: Jobs with responsibility DOHA: Qatar is studying a drinks, citizens demanded the said yesterday it struck two active in the area.One passenger was killed, two wounded and and support through a proac- proposal to ban advertisements authorities concerned to take members of the Lebanese mili- the fourth arrested, the sources said, without explaining why tive shadowing scheme are the promoting energy drinks, a immediate action to ban all types tant group Hezbollah as they the car failed to stop. The incident took place before dawn near key to developing more Qatari local Arabic daily reports. of energy drinks in the country. tried to plant a bomb near the an army barracks in Mechtras, in the Kabylie region where leaders in the energy industry, In a related move, Saudi Arabia There is lack of awareness Israeli-Syrian border. Islamists are active. Two people, including a woman, were killed said an expert. on Monday banned the sale of about the health hazards of “Earlier today, two Hezbollah- in the same region in 2011 in what were also described as cases A P Moller, Maersk’s Global energy drinks at government, energy drinks and the Supreme affiliated terrorists were iden- of mistaken identity by the military. Kabylie, with its mountains Head of Talent and Performance health and education facilities Council of Health (SCH) should tified attempting to plant an and forests, was a heartland of the Islamist insurrection during Management, Ricardo Sookdeo and outlawed all forms of adver- launch a campaign to educate explosive device near the Israel- Algeria’s devastating civil war of the 1990s. made the comments speaking at tising for the drinks, including people, Ali Salim told the daily. Syria border in the northern Qatar Petroleum’s first Human the sponsorship of any sporting, People in the European coun- Golan Heights. IDF (Israeli army) Drone kills 4 Qaeda suspects in Yemen Resources Conference, which social or cultural events by energy tries are fully aware about risk forces... fired towards the suspects focused on building capabilities drinks companies, said a report of energy drinks, however in the (and) hits were identified,” the SANA’A: A US drone strike in northern Yemen yesterday in the energy and industry sector. posted on alarabiya.net. GCC states and other Arab coun- army said in a statement. killed four suspected Al Qaeda members, including an Iraq Maersk Oil Qatar recently Qatar’s decision to ban tries, what people know is that The army did not specify what veteran, a military official said. The unmanned aircraft fired announced a new approach to energy drinks was rejected by they are alcohol free, he added. weapons were used to fire at the two rockets at a vehicle in the Khalka area of Jawf province, the attracting, developing and retain- the World Trade Organisation Energy drinks are commonly suspected Hezbollah members. official said, adding that among those killed was Ali Juraym, a ing Qataris through a revitalised (WTO) because WHO permits used by youngsters during par- But Syria said Israel had fired local militant chief who had fought in Iraq. The American mili- Qatarisation Strategy, supported such drinks, the daily quoted ties and picnics and it they have four rockets from the occupied tary operates all drones flying over Yemen in support of Sanaa’s by the high profile Find Your Dr Mohammad Saif Al Kuwari, become part of their lifestyle, said Golan Heights on Wednesday campaign against Al Qaeda and has killed dozens of militants in Place recruitment campaign. Assistant Undersecretary for Imad Al Hamad morning, accusing it of “violat- a sharply intensified campaign in the past year. AFP Sookdeo said, “Qatarisation is a laboratories and standardization People are deceived by the ing” the ceasefire between the two core business priority for Maersk at the Ministry of Environment advertisement hype about energy states. Oil. We have made great strides in as saying. drinks that they are healthy, “The Zionist enemy this the past five years with a doubling WHO has only warned against boost sexual power, enhance the morning violated the disengage- Kuwait concerned by move in the number of Qataris at Maersk the excessive use of energy drinks, concentration and make people ment accord by firing four rock- Oil and a 23 percent increase in no products could be banned more active encouraged the peo- ets from the occupied Golan Continued from page 1 those with a Bachelor degree, but without the permission of WTO ple to take it. towards a school and a mosque Kuwait’s parliament Speaker Marzouq Al Ghanim said he was con- we recognise more can be done and WHO, he added. The Ministry of Municipality in Al Hamidiyeh,” a Syrian army cerned by its implications. There were not comments from Oman to unlock human potential and GCC specifications regarding and Urban Planning had launched statement said. “It then fired yesterday. develop the leaders of the future. energy drinks require warning on an awareness drive on the risk of four tank shells... and opened fire Qatar has drawn criticism from some other GCC countries, espe- “We are committed to quad- the cans of energy drinks, “not energy drinks several years ago, with their machine guns against cially the UAE and Saudi Arabia for its perceived support of Islamist rupling the number of Qataris in for those under 15 years, pregnant said Abdullah Ali Barakat. The (Syrian positions), wounding groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and some other leadership positions and senior women, breast feeding women campaign encouraged people to seven members of the internal Middle Eastern countries, news agencies reported yesterday. Qatar specialist roles at Maersk Oil by and athletes.” use alternative natural drinks and security forces and four civilians,” denounced last year’s ouster of Egypt’s president Mohamed Mursi, 2017.” Responding to the decision of shun the energy drinks. the statement added. who belonged to the Muslim Brotherhood. THE PENINSULA Saudi Arabia to ban the energy THE PENINSULA AFP THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Jazeera scribes complain of torture Egypt resumes trial of journalists accused of supporting deposed president Mursi

CAIRO: The trial of Al Jazeera journalists accused of support- ing deposed president Mohamed Sisi’s presidential bid to Mursi’s outlawed Muslim Brotherhood resumed yester- worsen crisis: Liberal group day, with defendants claiming torture and denial of medical CAIRO: Egypt’s April 6 protest group, which helped topple treatment. Hosni Mubarak in 2011, spoke out yesterday against any attempt The high-profile trial is seen by army chief Abdel Fattah Al Sisi to seek the presidency, saying as a test of the military-installed this would be divisive and destabilising. government’s tolerance of inde- Field Marshal Sisi, who is also defence minister, told a military pendent media, with activists gathering on Tuesday he would soon begin official procedures for fearing a return to autocracy registering his candidacy because he could not “turn his back on three years after the Arab Spring calls by the majority of Egyptians”. uprising that toppled Hosni April 6 at first backed Sisi’s removal of Islamist President Mubarak. The trial of the Qatar- Mohamed Mursi in July, but, like some other secular groups, has based channel’s journalists also since returned to its former stance opposing army-backed rule. comes against the backdrop of “The defence minister’s candidacy for the post of president of strained ties with Doha, which the republic would not be in the interest of the divided nation and was a strong supporter of Mursi will not achieve the objectives of the revolution,” April 6 said on its and his now-banned Brotherhood. official Facebook page. The 20 defendants, including “Rather, it will increase the crisis greatly and detract from stabil- well-known Australian reporter ity and desired progress,” it said. Peter Greste, are accused of sup- Opposition from April 6, which helped mobilise crowds against porting the Brotherhood and Mubarak, but has no broad political base, seems unlikely to dent broadcasting false reports, after Sisi’s chances of sweeping to the presidency. No date for the elec- police shut down Al Jazeera’s tion has been set. Cairo offices following the mili- Wildly popular, Sisi looks set to become the latest in Egypt’s long tary’s July 3 overthrow of Mursi. line of rulers drawn from the military — a tradition only broken Eight out them are in cus- during Mursi’s one year in power. tody, with the rest on the run or Australian journalist Peter Greste (left) of Al Jazeera and his colleagues stand inside the defendants cage during REUTERS abroad. At yesterday’s hearing, six their trial for allegedly supporting the Muslim Brotherhood at Cairo’s Tora prison, yesterday. defendants, including Greste and Canadian-Egyptian Mohamed against (Mursi),” he said. documentary on Somalia, told the Prosecutors say the defendants international outcry, drawing government.” Since Mursi’s ouster, Fadel Fahmy, appeared in a caged He added that prison authori- first hearing on February 20 that falsely portrayed Egypt as being criticism from the United States, foreign journalists have come dock wearing white prison uni- ties have not allowed him to get justice would prevail. His brother, in a state of “civil war”, a possible as well as press freedom groups under attack by mobs of angry form. Fahmy, who was Al Jazeera’s a needed operation. Another Andrew, said earlier yesterday reference to Al Jazeera’s cover- and scores of journalists. Brotherhood opponents accusing bureau chief and was arrested defendant, Soheib Said, said he that “Peter is obviously humbled age of a government crackdown Media watchdog Reporters them of working for Al Jazeera to along with Greste in December, was “tortured by state security.” and strengthened from the inter- in which more than 1,400 people, Without Borders said it “deplores undermine Egypt’s security. told the court his right shoulder Without elaborating, he said national support, and that’s one mostly Mursi supporters, have the government’s continuing viola- While none of the arrested Al “has been broken for 10 weeks and he faced “physical and psycho- of the things he thinks is keeping been killed in street clashes. tions of the fundamental freedoms Jazeera journalists appear to have I sleep on the floor” in a cell. logical torture” and had “asked him safe in prison. He said Greste The government has desig- that are guaranteed and protected been working with press accred- “I ask you to free me on the to be checked (by a doctor) but was in “good physical condition” nated the Brotherhood a “ter- in the new constitution”. Greste itation, the authorities say they guarantee from the Canadian nobody answered.” and not “physically abused.” rorist organisation”, although himself, in a letter written from welcome accredited foreign jour- embassy that I will not leave the Before the hearing began, Greste is the only foreign the group denies involvement in prison in January, described what nalists. “The only logical charge country,” he said. Fahmy’s father defendant Baher Mohamed defendant in custody. a spate of bombings since Mursi’s he saw as a lack of freedom in against my client is possessing Fadel said before the hearing that shouted: “Journalists are not ter- Britons Sue Turton and overthrow. Al Jazeera says only Egypt. “The state will not toler- unlicensed broadcasting equip- his son was innocent. rorists,” as a bench full of security Dominic Kane, and Dutch jour- nine of the defendants are on its ate hearing from the Muslim ment. Other charges are baseless “They accuse him of belong- personnel separated those on trial nalist Rena Netjes — who was staff and has denied the charges. Brotherhood or any other criti- and without any clear evidence,” ing to the Muslim Brotherhood, from lawyers and reporters. indicted even though she does not The prosecution says all 20 cal voices,” he wrote. “The pris- Fahmy’s lawyer, Ibrahim Adel while he was among the first par- Greste, winner of the pres- work for the channel — are abroad defendants work for the channel. ons are overflowing with anyone Wahab said. ticipants in the June 30 (protests) tigious Peabody award for a and being tried in absentia. The trial has triggered an who opposes or challenges the AFP Egypt deports Nobel laureate Maguire

CAIRO: Egypt detained and delegation. She said her arm was the Palestinians and was expelled deported Northern Irish Nobel broken by the policemen. Maguire from Israel in 2010, after trying Laureate and peace activ- said she arrived at Cairo airport to enter the blockaded Gaza Strip ist Mairead Maguire yester- with fellow activist Ann Patterson aboard a ship with other activists. day after she tried to enter on on Tuesday night. The delegation of activists that her way to neighbouring Gaza, “We were taken to the deten- will try to enter Gaza through the she and airport officials said. tion centre and questioned and Egyptian Rafah border crossing is Maguire had intended to join held for eight hours, and were told led by Djamila Bouhired, an icon a delegation of women activ- we would not be allowed entry into of the Algerian war of independ- ists going to the blockaded Cairo and would be put on a plane,” ence from France. Palestinian enclave today. she said by telephone from Britain. She is due to arrive at Cairo The group could embarrass She said the police were “polite” airport at 1800 GMT aboard a Egypt’s military-installed govern- but offered her no reason for bar- flight from Paris, and it was not ment, which is at odds with Gaza’s ring her, but an airport official immediately clear whether she militant Hamas rulers, yet does said she had been blacklisted. would be allowed into the country. not want to be seen as party to a Maguire, born in 1944, won Egypt controls the only border siege of Palestinians. the 1976 Nobel Peace Prize with crossing with Gaza that bypasses On Tuesday, airport police Betty Williams for founding a Israel, and is accused of colluding detained and deported American peace group to resolve the con- with Israel to blockade the terri- anti-war activist Medea flict in Northern Ireland. She tory ruled by the militant Islamist Benjamin, also part of the has become a vocal supporter of group Hamas. AFP

Famous Syrian filmmaker released

BEIRUT: Syria’s best- known filmmaker was released after being taken in for question- ing by intelligence forces at the Lebanese bor- der as he made his way to a festival in Geneva, a friend said yesterday. “Mohammad Malas was held for five hours by the intelligence forces on Tuesday. He was released, but is still in Syria,” the friend, speaking on condi- tion of anonymity, said. Malas was detained on Tuesday as he made his way from Damascus to Beirut, with plans to fly to Geneva, where his latest film “Ladder to Damascus” is set to fea- ture in the upcoming film festival. Though he has been released, it is unclear whether Malas will be able to make it in time for the festival. Last year Malas’s 1990 film “The Night” was named as one of the 10 best Arab films in a review by Guardian newspaper. AFP THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KHALID AL SAYED [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected]

ADVERTISING: TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION RATES: ANNUAL QR 675 6 MONTHS QR 340 Editorial

Chavez’s legacy Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

YEAR after his death, Hugo Chavez’s shadow looms on Venezuela. The South American nation, in the throes of protests by people fed up with the system Aof governance, observed the first death anniversary of the folksy leader yesterday. The occasion is tinged with Australia must work to improve irony. A nationalist leader who was president of the country for 13 years and was characterised by his flamboyant style and unconventional mannerisms, would have his first death its image in Indonesia anniversary fall during a major upheaval. Anti-government protests in Venezuela, especially in the capital, have peaked. BY TANYA PLIBERSEK Though a national holiday when people typically head to the conflict with Indonesia. In contrast, the strong. A poll in 2012 found that beaches was seen as a distraction, resentment against the early 1990s saw Paul Keating lift the Indonesian views of Australia had gone government is deeply ingrained. ndonesia has been clear that full relationship to new heights of promi- from “lukewarm” in 2006, to “warm” in Chavez’s protégé Nicolas Maduro was handed over the reins co-operation with Australia will nence — building personal ties with 2012. In contrast to the Howard years, of the country by the Socialist leader in the hope that he would not be restored until agreement is Indonesian President Suharto. Keating by 2012, out of 21 countries Australia be able to steer the country in the right direction. During his Ireached on a “code of conduct” to stated “no country is more important to was the fourth most warmly regarded. govern key elements of the relationship. Australia than Indonesia” but in 1999, This allowed improved co-operation on rule, Chavez embodied a style of governance that was anti- The recent news that negotiations on relations plummeted again when John asylum seeker issues too, with Indonesia American. He always referred to the United States as the the code of conduct have stalled is testa- Howard (quite rightly) sent Australian cancelling visas on arrival arrangements ‘empire’ and would spare no chance to berate Washington’s ment to just how badly Australia’s rela- peacekeepers to East Timor after that for Iranians, dramatically reducing the ‘imperialistic policies’. The West, led by Washington, saw him tionship with Indonesia has deteriorated country chose independence. number of Iranians transiting through as a troublemaker in the South American region, which is still under the Abbott government. This Historically, these changes were often Indonesia to Australia. saddled with Socialist governments follows our (Australia’s) ambassador in a factor of larger international events Then came the Coalition’s 2013 vic- Jakarta getting a dressing down from which reflected Australia’s stand on tory, following an election campaign usually seen as nascent democracies. The grandeur of Indonesian officials last month. But the matters of principle. However, more that raised the eyebrows of our neigh- Maduro, a former bus driver, government continues to say “there’s recently, it’s harder to make the case bour. There is no need to rehash that the first death had campaigned with the promise nothing to see here”. They argue that that occasional tensions are a neces- example of Abbott’s diplomatic mishan- anniversary of of keeping Chavez’s legacy alive. our relationship has always seen ups sary by-product of principled Australian dling here. However, a year down the line, and downs. While that’s true, the last foreign policy. But what sits behind the Coalition’s late Venezuelan he is finding it hard to govern. few months have For instance, rather than repair- approach to Indonesia? The answer lies seen significantly ing ties with Indonesia following East in its broader foreign policy agenda. leader Hugo Inflation has gone through the roof, more downs. Timor (as the East Timorese themselves Despite saying before the election Chavez suggests unemployment is high and a general And Tony Abbott seem to have done), prime minister that his foreign policy would be “more climate of dissatisfaction pervades and Julie Bishop Howard went on to drive the relation- Jakarta and less Geneva”, Abbott that higher the nation. A poll in 2012 found must take some ship into deep freeze. In 2004, well clearly prioritises the Anglosphere at While paying respects yesterday that Indonesian responsibility. into Howard’s time as prime minister, the expense of Asia. The Abbott govern- expectations The birth Australian National University expert ment has inherited Howard’s tendency to the late Socialist leader, Maduro views of Australia from President of Australia- on regional affairs Greg Fealy, stated to act unilaterally within our region. invoked the name of South had gone from Indonesia rela- “the Howard government remains one This is compounded by the Coalition’s Maduro are American independence hero Simon “lukewarm” in 2006, tions was of the most unpopular foreign govern- poor understanding of the cultures of likely to make Bolivar, seen as the liberator of the to “warm” in 2012. characterised by ments in Indonesia”. This was reflected our close neighbours, and the rela- region from Spanish colonialism. solidarity. During in Indonesian president Megawati tive importance they place on val- his task more Chavez passed into history as the In contrast to the Indonesia’s inde- Soekarnoputri refusing to meet Howard ues like respect and honour. To make Howard years, by pendence strug- or return his phone calls. All that at a the relationship more resilient, the complicated. man who revived Bolivar, Maduro gle, Australian time of heightened terror threat – when Abbott government must work to said of his mentor. A grand military 2012, out of 21 unions and oth- the safety of Australians relied so much improve Australia’s image in the eyes parade was held in the capital countries Australia ers played a key on cooperation with Indonesia. of Indonesia. Allowing anti-Australian Caracas to observe Chavez’s death anniversary. Commemorations was the fourth most role in preventing When Labor returned to govern- sentiment to become entrenched in the Dutch regain- ment in 2007, there was an opportu- Indonesia’s domestic political debate in Nicaragua and Cuba showed how the late leader’s legacy is warmly regarded. alive not only in his country but also in the region. The response ing control of nity to recalibrate the relationship. would be a grave mistake. the country. The There was a chance for a fresh start. All this is critical because it impacts during Chavez’s anniversary shows that the leader lives in the Labour govern- This was embraced wholeheartedly and our national interest. Indonesia is hearts of a large number of Venezuelans. Though he had a mixed ment, under Ben Chifley, took crucial from 2007-2012 there were around 130 important to Australia’s security. Our record as a president, his legacy endures. Protests continued on and ultimately successful diplomatic high-level government visits between neighbour is the largest and most pow- the anniversary as demonstrators clashed with security forces. steps to bring about Indonesia’s inde- Australia and Indonesia — about erful state in Southeast Asia. We must The month-long unrest shows that Maduro will have a tough pendence. The country’s independence one every fortnight. Susilo Bambang not forget that the US and China have leaders appreciated this support. Indeed, Yudhoyono addressed Australia’s parlia- close relations with Indonesia, and time dealing with expectations of the people many of whom Indonesia’s foreign minister would later ment. We elevated Indonesia to the top the importance these two world pow- treated Chavez like a legend. He commanded huge support describe Australia as the “midwife” to echelon of Australia’s strategic relation- ers place on Indonesia is only likely to among the slums where his policies were seen as pro-poor. the Indonesian republic. ships, including it in the list of countries grow. There are, of course, the obvious The scale of the commemorations on Chavez’s death While that was a clear peak in our with whom we consult prior to prepar- economic benefits too: Indonesia is our anniversary is a reminder to Maduro that he has a very tough bilateral relationship, there have been ing defence policy statements. 12th largest export market and is set to task ahead. For satisfying a nation that lives in the shadow of the troughs too. In the 1960s, Australia sup- Despite challenges in relation to live be the world’s 10th largest economy by ported Britain and Malaysia in their cattle exports, the relationship remained 2025. THE GUARDIAN late leader, Maduro will have to do a course correction. The other side Quote of Work with Russia on Ukraine the day

S THE West has reacted country’s European integration, but authorized President Vladimir Putin to missing in this political puzzle. with alarm to Russia’s soon snowballed into a violent move- use military force to protect Russian The West should also be honest approval of military action ment against the authorities. interests. Russia has increased move- with the fact that their biased mediation Ain Ukraine, tensions might Crimea, an autonomous republic ment of troops and equipment into has polarized Ukraine and only made further escalate. Based on the fact that within Ukraine, has now become the Crimea. Over the decades, Ukraine’s things worse in the country. To depict the Pope as Russia and Ukraine have deep cultural, center of the crisis. population was divided along lan- Looking to the future, Russia’s eco- historical and economic connections, it Crimea is a multi-ethnic region guage barriers with much of western nomic cooperation and assistance are a sort of superman is time for Western powers to abandon enjoying autonomy after Ukraine Ukraine advocating closer ties with the vital for Ukraine to solve its various seems offensive to me. their Cold War thinking, stop trying gained independence from the Soviet European Union, while eastern and problems. The Ukrainians have to fig- to exclude Russia from the political Union in August 1991. According to the southern regions look to Russia. ure out what is best for their own coun- The Pope is a man who crisis they have failed to mediate, 2001 Ukrainian Census, 58.3 percent With the EU having proved unable try and solve the problems through laughs, cries, sleeps and respect Russia’s unique role in of the Crimean population are eth- to broker peace in Ukraine, the West political dialogue and negotiations. mapping out the future of Ukraine, says nic Russians and most of them hold should now show more appreciation At the same time, the United States tranquilly and has a Xinhua commentary. Russian passports. Russia also main- for what Russia can do to solve the and European countries must work friends, a Protests in Ukraine started on tains its only Black Sea naval base in crisis. Given Russia’s historical and with, not against, Russia to tackle the normal person. November 21, 2013, with peace- the port of Sevastopol, Crimea. cultural influence in the country, the crisis. Pope Francis ful demonstrations demanding the The Russian parliament on Saturday Kremlin is the piece that cannot be China Daily Vatican Chief THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Qatar strengthening its institutions

JABER AL HARMY

ast month’s decisions on institutions from providing solu- the organisational struc- tions to everyday problems in tures of ministries and many sectors. This used to give Lstate institutions were citizens, residents and even inves- part of the process of building a tors a hard time. state of institutions, which His It is necessary for the adminis- Highness talked about when he trative and executive apparatus in took office in June last year. The our country to have a clear vision. Emir, in his speech, emphasised Clarity of vision helps ministries there would be an announcement and state institutions do their on a plan for reorganising and work in an innovative manner. restructuring ministries and gov- At the same time, these minis- ernmental institutions in order tries and state institutions shoul- to put an end to duplication and der their responsibilities towards overlapping of work. The process the state and society better when also aims to bring all public activi- there are no foggy areas as far as ties under the clear mandate of their responsibilities and missions specific ministries. are concerned. Nobody will be able This is the project the Father to shirk their responsibilities in Emir referred to in his speech case of a failure under the pretext addressing the Advisory Council that other people are responsible members at the inauguration of for the failure. the 41st session of the council in When the missions of the vari- November 2012. His Highness ous ministries are similar or con- underlined the importance of tradictory, a lot of public funds are restructuring the state’s admin- squandered. This is a major loss istrative apparatus in order to for the state, as the squandered remove duality and contradictions funds can be used in other fields among the various ministries. to bolster the role of the state in away from its rightful place is a dynamic in ways that cope with apparatus of our country is close light of the law, regardless of the Duality and contradictions, the offering services to citizens. kind of extravagance that requires the needs of the current stage. to entering a new stage. This new person who manages it,” he added. Father Emir said, mean spend- It is important that we know reconsideration. The state is working on a number stage will reflect positively on the We are on the threshold of a ing more money, overcrowding of where each riyal is spent in our But this is not the responsibility of major projects, particularly in implementation of projects as well new phase of work and achieve- employees and complicating mat- country, why it is spent and what of just the supervisory agencies in the economic, investment, sport, as on dealings in state institutions ments, regardless of the expecta- ters for citizens and investors. is the return from spending it. It is our country. It is also the responsi- health and educational fields ... and ministries. Restructuring will tions from the people who can be The restructuring of ministries inappropriate that we do not have bility of everybody else. Protecting etc; and all these projects need reduce a large part of the routine nominated to take over specific and institutions brings a new the necessary evaluation, follow- public funds is the responsibility to be accurately implemented. in state institutions. It will also positions in ministries. Competent phase to Qatar’s administrative up and accountability mecha- of everybody. We should not deal However, accuracy of implemen- facilitate procedures for ordinary people are needed in each minis- apparatus. This phase helps the nisms, particularly at this stage. with this matter lightly. We are tation will never be ushered in as people. try and state institution. These administrative apparatus cope It is true that the government talking here about the wealth of long as there is duplication and There is huge optimism as far people will also get priority in with the latest at the local and will not brook any delay in provid- our country; the wealth of the contradiction in the work of state as the reorganising of ministries employment. regional levels. It also relieves ing funds necessary for projects coming generations of this coun- institutions. and the administrative apparatus We are all required to work administrative burdens on this as long as these projects benefit try. We should not deal with the The job of each state institu- is concerned. There is also confi- harder, given the huge chal- apparatus. These burdens had citizens and our country at the spending of this wealth lightly tion must be defined clearly. We dence that the days to come will lenges we have ahead of us. crippled this apparatus and pre- end of the day. The government until we make sure that the return have many challenges ahead and witness more achievements for Nations that want to be at the vented its progress for a long time. will spend lavishly as long as the from the money we spend equals these challenges make it necessary our state, achievements aspired front must be ready to face chal- Qatar’s administrative apparatus results lead to the progress of soci- the value of the money. for us to prepare public and pri- by citizens and looked forward to lenges and achieve a lot. Qatar was plagued by routine for a long ety and boost our state at the local, It is true that the restructur- vate institutions. We also need to by our country. has always proven that it is up time. The work of some ministries regional and international levels. ing of ministries and governmen- equip individuals properly so that “Qatar has become a state of to all challenges. This is why we always contradicted the work of We have seen all this already in tal institutions will usher in a they can have the ability to deal institutions,” our Emir said. “Each are optimistic that a new stage of other ministries. This prevented projects sponsored by the state. At more active administrative body with these challenges properly. ministry, institution and agency construction and hard work will these ministries and government the same time, spending one riyal that makes more moves that are I think the administrative has to carry out its duty in the start here.

DR ABDULLAH AL SAADY The need for restructuring Technology, training key to progress rganisational structures the field in these sections. This ecisions by the Emir, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al are the dominant topic is the heart of the mission of the Thani, on restructuring of ministries, some public insti- Othese days. These struc- BY FATMA ABDUL AZIZ BELAL human resources administrations Dtutions and agencies have heartened citizens, experts, tures are extremely important, in the ministries. professionals, intellectuals and officials. They have also made given the fact that they reflect Government officials need to known the benefits of restructuring and the impact it will have the general trend of the state technology is an important mat- upgrade the way their adminis- on the performance of these institutions and the quality of their and the policy of H H the Emir ter. Some government officials do trations deal with the public, given services, and its role in the development of the nation. There are of our country. This policy mainly not know where the button that the major changes introduced to many factors that make these decisions timely, given the fact that focuses on reorganising the work turns on a computer is located. the concept of public service at the restructuring will take our institutions forward, and enhance of the ministries and governmen- These people need to be trained international level. These serv- cooperation and coordination between governmental institutions. tal institutions in the light of the and encouraged to learn tools that ices must take on an institutional It will also improve performance, eliminate duplication and huge resources Qatar has. Some government benefit their work. Learning is form that is based on scientific and remove impediments to productivity. Revamping institutions These structures make it neces- important even if one has grown administrative principles. also ushers in decentralisation. It bolsters planning and organisa- sary for each ministry to present officials do not know old. In this regard we may need to Finally, selection of suitable tion, improves management and rationalises the use of national plans that improve its perform- where the button remember the Prophet’s Hadith people to occupy vacant positions resources, paving the way to their best utilisation. There are many ance and status. These plans that says: “Seeking education is a is an important process. People other benefits to the government must also keep up with the latest that turns on a must for any Muslim”, and the old with skills and expertise need to sector from the process. in advanced countries in order to computer is located. Arab saying: “Seek for knowledge be selected for these positions. Restructuring is usually based Revamping improve work mechanisms and from cradle to grave”. Those whom we trust or like may on administrative and scientific facilitate work in ways that raise These people need This is perhaps why a special not be the right people for the principles, and aims to revamp institutions the standards of government to be trained and programme was implemented to position or the most qualified state institutions, agencies agencies and civil servants. encouraged to learn offer training to civil servants for the job. In all cases, a per- and ministries. It also aims to also ushers in Technology contributes to who are about to be promoted. son chosen to occupy a leading improve interaction in ways improving all aspects of work tools that benefit These civil servants receive the position needs to behave in good that open the door for positive decentralisation. It and saves time and effort. The their work. Learning training in recognised and regis- way and treat with people with changes in state institutions. Qatari legal portal (Al Meezan) is tered training centres. respect. He must also have strong Reorientation opens the door bolsters planning a case in point in this regard. The is important even if I think it is better for the gov- leadership qualities. He needs for improving services by usher- portal offers legal and legislative one has grown old. ernment to make training open to to know how he can take deci- ing in better organisation and and organisation, information in a fast and mod- everyone, given the fact that these sions and solve problems without the required interaction between ern manner. It has helped legal things break the daily routine for approaching his seniors or the state institutions and the civil improves professionals and other workers some people. All training meth- minister himself. Some managers society in ways that give the civil in the legal field save around 60 and effort to achieve their targets. ods, such as distance learning, do nothing but complain and cry society the impetus to construc- management and percent of their time. Examples When one uses a portal like Al when it comes to languages and in front of the minister. Thanks tively participate in the develop- of websites and programmes that Meezan, one can easily get access information technology, must be to Allah that we have many offi- ment process. It gives the state facilitate these processes abound. to the information one wants by available to everybody. This will cials who listen to people’s com- the opportunity to keep up with rationalises the As for those who still depend on just typing one word and press- help civil servants build their ments and recommendations the latest at the local, regional traditional methods, including ing on one computer button. skills. Creating a training and with open minds and do their and international levels. It also use of national those who still search for infor- Therefore, people need to learn upgrade section in ministries can best to solve problems and cor- gives institutions the chance to mation by picking up books from everything new. help and facilitate the training of rect mistakes, while some others determine their staff needs and resources. shelves and looking up the table Preparing individuals and ministry workers, particularly if need someone to wake them up the training they have to offer of contents, they still need time training them in the use of there are experts specialised in from their deep sleep. their staff. Reorganization also strengthens decentralisation that puts an end to the routine. The decisions of the Emir, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, are always visionary and aim to bring about the welfare of the people of Qatar. The residents of our beloved country always benefit from these decisions. The Emir’s decisions also aim to What after restructuring ministries and institutions? bring about progress for our country, its institutions and both, the private and public sectors. he Emiri decisions on resources law is in the pipeline. I can presume that the decisions of His Highness will help restructuring and reor- FALEH HUSSEIN AL HAJIRI We have hopes that the law will state institutions and government offices make a quantum leap. Tganising ministries and protect the rights of citizens This leap will be a direct result of the restructuring process. governmental institutions have and resident alike. This is what Major countries in the world are keen to carry out this process become one of the hottest issues tasks assigned to them. likes to work in silence. This we believe in, because the Emir in order to keep up with the latest in all fields and improve the of public discussion since they The Emir’s choice of H E encourages everybody to work knows what will benefit the coun- performance of state institutions. These countries also carry were made public, giving every- Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser hard, and silently as well. By try and its citizens. out restructuring to improve the performance of staff in state body the impression that they bin Khalifa Al Thani as Prime doing so, everyone will notice how We must also remember that institutions and motivate them to be more productive, which in were made all of a sudden. Minister and Minister of Interior others follow a hard worker and following the announcement of the end makes the staff a part of the development process and This is not true. After the Emir supports his call for hard work. what he does. restructuring, there will be moves influential actors in their institutions. H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al The prime minister is well known The above announcement will in line with the new dispensation. In the end, I would like to thank the Emir for these decisions, Thani came to power, in his first for his dedication to work and his be followed by more, but nobody May God save Qatar’s Emir, gov- pleading with God to protect him and our country for the best speech he called on everybody to mastery of all tasks he performs. should be surprised when they ernment and people. The views expressed in the articles on this of Muslims and humanity everywhere, at all times. play his/her role to the fullest, But the thing others did not are made. Everybody knows page do not reflect the viewpoint of the and work diligently in performing expect was that this leadership that a decision on a new human newspaper. THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Washington to Russia, US talk as Ukraine simmers expand military UN envoy threatened by gunmen in Crimea; Russia supporters take back govt building ties with Poland,

KIEV: The US and Russia Baltic Republics stepped up diplomatic efforts to defuse the Ukraine crisis WASHINGTON: The United yesterday amid heightened ten- States will expand military sions on the ground in the flash- cooperation with Poland and point area of Crimea as gunmen Baltic states to show “sup- threatened the UN envoy. port” for its allies after Russia’s US Secretary of State John intervention in Ukraine, Kerry held the first direct talks Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel with his Russian counterpart as said yesterday. Washington warned Moscow it The moves to expand aviation risked losing its coveted G8 place training in Poland and step up over the worst East-West crisis the US role in NATO’s air patrols since the end of the Cold War. over Baltic countries were clearly The volatile situation in designed to reassure alliance Eastern Ukraine showed little partners in Central and Eastern sign of easing as a dozen people Europe who are alarmed over were hurt as pro-Russian pro- Russia’s actions in the Crimean testers took back the regional peninsula. government building in the city “This morning the Defence of Donetsk. Department is pursuing meas- And in Crimea, gunmen part- ures to support our allies,” seized a Ukrainian missile facility including increased training in in Cape Fiolent near Sevastopol, Poland and more US aircraft Ukrainian officials said. in NATO’s air policing mission Earlier yesterday, the European over Baltic states, Hagel told Union unveiled an aid package lawmakers. worth at least ¤11bn ($15bn) to NATO’s top commander support Ukraine’s new pro-EU and head of the US European leaders the day after the US Command, General Philip announced a $1bn loan guaran- Breedlove, also planned to con- tee pledge. fer with Central and Eastern The West continued its strat- European defense chiefs, Hagel egy of combining support for the said. “This is a time for wise, new government in Kiev with steady, and firm leadership,” pressure on a defiant Russia to Participants hold placards and shout slogans during an anti-war rally in the Crimean town of Bakhchisaray yesterday. RIGHT: Russian Foreign Affairs Hagel told the Senate Armed back down. Minister Sergei Lavrov arrives for a meeting with counterparts from US, Britain, Germany, Spain and French President Hollande in Paris yesterday. Services Committee. US Treasury Secretary Jacob “It is a time for all of us to stand Lew made clear it was also pre- to Russia’s Black Sea naval fleet. governments including Britain to Ukraine by the Organization it of an “act of aggression” after with the Ukrainian people in sup- pared to act ahead of a summit of Obama also wants the deployment are urging Lavrov to meet act- for Security and Co-operation in visiting the new interim govern- port of their territorial integrity G8 leaders in June. of international observers and the ing Ukrainian Foreign Minister Europe (OSCE) in a bid to “help ment in Kiev. and sovereignty, and their right to “We are on a path where I start of talks between Moscow Andriy Deshchytsya to kickstart de-escalate tensions”, its Secretary Putin had earlier insisted on his have a government that fulfills the think it’s clear Russia cannot sit and Kiev, a US official said. negotiations. General Lamberto Zannier said. right to use “all available means” aspirations of its people.” in Sochi at G8 meetings while it’s But Russia insists there are no The EU’s biggest powers, A US official said on Tuesday as a “last resort” in Ukraine dur- At the same hearing, General pursuing the policies that it’s now troops from its military operating France and Germany, want an an announcement on Russian ing his first press conference since Martin Dempsey, the US mili- pursuing,” Lew said. in Crimea. “exit plan” from the crisis which sanctions is likely this week. Yanukovich’s ouster. tary’s top-ranking officer, said Lavrov and Kerry were meet- “If they are the self-defence could be discussed from yesterday The EU is set to hold an emer- The potential for a dangerous he had spoken to his Russian ing for the first time since forces created by the inhabitants in Paris, French Foreign Minister gency summit on Ukraine today. flare-up in Crimea and eastern counterpart, General Valery Moscow-backed president Viktor of Crimea, we have no authority Laurent Fabius said. The flurry of diplomacy Ukraine was underlined yester- Gerasimov earlier yesterday, urg- Yanukovich was ousted late last over them. They do not receive This would include plans for a comes the day after angry pub- day. In Donetsk, a stronghold of ing “restraint.” month after three months of pro- our orders,” Lavrov told reporters. unity government, the return of lic exchanges between the US ex-president Yanukovich, pro- “I conveyed to him the degree to tests which left nearly 100 dead. Lavrov is likely to argue that Russian forces to barracks, the and Russia which underlined the Russian protesters with bloody which Russia’s territorial aggres- In a bid to end the crisis, US Ukraine’s interim government dissolution of extremist elements, sense of frustration on both sides. faces forced their way past police sion has been repudiated globally. President Barack Obama has out- is illegitimate and anti-constitu- the validity of the 2004 constitu- Obama said Tuesday Russia lines to snatch back the regional I urged continued restraint in the lined proposals including Russian tional, echoing Putin’s comments tion and the importance of presi- was “not fooling anyone” after it government building from days ahead, in order to preserve forces returning to their bases in at a press conference on Tuesday. dential elections. And a mission of claimed it had no troops operat- which they were ousted earlier room for a diplomatic solution,” strategically crucial Crimea, home As well as Obama’s proposals, 35 military observers will be sent ing in Crimea and Kerry accused yesterday. AFP the general said. The United States has a small team of about 10 airmen stationed in Poland to support military training efforts while NATO has been conducting air patrols over UK watchdog the skies of Estonia, Latvia and Chavez remembered a year after death Lithuania for ten years. orders Pistorius The responsibility for the CARACAS: Followers of Tens of thousands of red-clad air patrols rotates every four Venezuela’s late socialist leader ‘Chavistas’ gathered for rallies in months and the United States betting advert Hugo Chavez flooded the streets Caracas and elsewhere in hon- recently took over from Belgium yesterday for the anniversary of our of Chavez whose 14-year rule in January. Four US F-16 fighter withdrawn his death, an emotional but wel- won him the adoration of many of jets are currently assigned to the come distraction for his succes- Venezuela’s poorest, while alienat- air patrols and the Pentagon is LONDON: British advertising sor from violent protests that ing the middle and upper classes. considering adding more aircraft regulators yesterday ordered have been raging for a month. Hundreds of protesting stu- to the operation, a US defence Irish bookmaker Paddy Power A year after Chavez succumbed dents, though, set up barricades official, who spoke on condition to immediately withdraw a to cancer, his self-proclaimed in various streets of Caracas and of anonymity, told AFP. campaign offering “money back ‘son,’ President Nicolas Maduro, other cities nationwide from In Poland, US aviation training if he walks” about the murder faces the biggest challenge to his before dawn. Police fired teargas involves F-16 fighters and C-130 trial of South African athlete rule from an explosion of anti- at stone-throwing demonstra- transport planes and more air- Oscar Pistorius. government demonstrations tors in one upscale district of the craft may be added to the effort, The Advertising Standards that have led to 18 deaths since capital. the official said. Authority (ASA) said it had February. One 26-year-old man died in The United States already has received more than 5,200 com- Yesterday’s military parade western Tachira state when he suspended all military coopera- plaints about the ad — an and other events to honor ‘El crashed his car swerving at a tion with Russia in protest over “unprecedented number” — after Comandante’ were a chance for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (left) with his Cuban counterpart roadblock set up by protesters. events in Ukraine, calling off it appeared in the British and Maduro, 51, to reclaim the streets Raul Castro (right) and Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales at the military Maduro presided over a parade planned exercises, training and Irish press. and show opponents that he too parade on the first anniversary of the death of late president Hugo Chavez, in the capital before going to the exchanges. More than 100,000 people had can mobilise his supporters. in Caracas yesterday. hilltop military museum where Dempsey, chairman of the US also signed a petition demand- “This anniversary is enor- Chavez led a 1992 coup attempt Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he had ing Paddy Power pull the advert mously sad. There’s not a single in rural Barinas state, where the also is a poor man, like us. He’s that launched his political career, also spoken this week to mili- and close its book on the trial of day I don’t remember Hugo,” pair used to play baseball as kids. handling things fine. Perhaps he and where his remains have tary chiefs in the Baltics and in Pistorius, who is accused of killing Chavez’s cousin, Guillermo Frias, “He changed Venezuela forever, just needs a stronger hand,” he been laid to rest in a marble Central and Eastern Europe. his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, 60, said from Los Rastrojos village and we cannot go back. Maduro told Reuters. sarcophagus. REUTERS AFP on Valentine’s Day last year. “We consider the ad may be seriously prejudicial to the gen- eral public on the ground of the likely further serious and/or wide- spread offence it may cause,” the Senate Democrats CIA spied on Senate panel computers ASA said in a statement. “We are also concerned that the good reputation of the adver- WASHINGTON: The CIA on Congress, saying it under- comment, but National Security tising industry may be further block Obama pick secretly monitored comput- mined democratic principles. Council spokeswoman Caitlin damaged by continued publication ers being used by Senate “As you are aware, the CIA has Hayden said Obama supported of this ad.” WASHINGTON: Seven of vote was 47 for and 52 against, Intelligence Committee staff recently taken unprecedented making the major findings of the It added: “We are investigat- President Barack Obama’s with 51 votes needed for the nom- preparing a report into torture action against the committee torture report public. ing whether the ad is offensive for Democrats in the US Senate ination to proceed. carried out by CIA interroga- in relation to the internal CIA The Washington-watching trivialising the issues surround- broke ranks yesterday and The vote was a tough one tors after 9/11, it was reported review and I find these actions website McClatchy reported that ing a murder trial, the death of a joined Republicans to block for Democrats, many of whom yesterday. to be incredibly troubling for the the CIA inspector general had woman and disability.” Obama’s nominee to a top face challenges in elections in A leading US senator, Mark committee’s oversight powers and made a criminal referral to the The advert depicted an Oscar Justice Department job after November and are leery of allow- Udall, appeared to reference the for our democracy,” Udall wrote. Justice Department, a threshold statuette with Pistorius’s face complaints that the lawyer, ing themelves to be portrayed as surveillance in a letter to Obama Independent observers said procedure for opening a criminal and the words: “It’s Oscar Time. Debo Adegbile, had helped rep- soft on crime. on Tuesday in which he sought they were unaware of a prec- investigation. Neither the CIA Money Back If He Walks. We will resent a “cop killer.” It was the first time an Obama to enlist the president’s help edent for the CIA spying on the nor the Justice Department would refund all losing bets on the Oscar The seven voted with 44 pick has been blocked in the in declassifying the 6,300-page congressional committees that comment on the story. Pistorius trial if he is found not Republicans to sustain a pro- Senate since Democrats changed inquiry into torture, which is said were established in the 1970s to In 2012, the Justice Department guilty.” No stranger to publicity cedural roadblock against the the rules last year to strip to be scathing not only about the check abuses by the intelligence closed an inquiry into prosecut- stunts, Paddy Power timed it to nomination of Adegbile, a former Republicans of their power to brutality and ineffectiveness of agencies. ing low-level CIA practitioners coincide with Sunday’s Academy director at the Legal Defense stop a nominee on their own. the agency’s interrogation tech- “In the worst case, it would of torture without bringing any Awards and the opening of the Fund of the civil rights group The Fraternal Order of Police niques but deception by the CIA be a subversion of independent charges. trial in Pretoria on Monday. NAACP, to head the Justice had helped rally opposition to Congress and policymakers oversight, and a violation of sep- But the prospect of the agency The ASA has taken the unusual Department’s civil rights division. against Adegbile, calling Obama’s about it. The CIA disputes the aration of powers,” said Steven spying on its Senate overseers step of ordering Paddy Power to Senate Majority Leader Harry selection of him “a thumb in the findings. Aftergood, an intelligence analyst who prepared their own inquiry withdraw the advert in Britain Reid eventually joined the seven eye of law enforcement.” Udall, a Colorado Democrat and at the Federation of American potentially places the agency right pending the outcome of an inves- fellow Democrats in a maneuver Scores of civil rights groups one of the CIA’s leading pursuers Scientists. “It’s potentially very back into the legal morass it has tigation by the watchdog’s council. to preserve his right to bring up backed Adegbile, calling him “a on the committee, appeared to serious.” laboured for years to avoid. AFP the nomination again. The final tireless advocate”. REUTERS reference the surreptitious spying The White House declined to THE GUARDIAN THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Prosecutors Thai anti-govt protesters on the move rest case vs Farmers remain camped in another part of the capital asking money owed by the state Ampatuan MANILA: After four years, BANGKOK: A few hundred protesters have largely kept to the prosecution panel in Thai anti-government pro- Lumpini Park in central Bangkok the Maguindanao massacre testers marched yesterday on since the weekend. trial ended the presentation the headquarters of the rul- But about 300 members of an of evidence against former ing party yesterday, while rice allied student-led group went to Datu Unsay mayor Andal farmers remained camped in the headquarters of Yingluck’s Ampatuan Jr and 27 other another part of the capital Puea Thai Party yesterday, hav- suspects in the multiple mur- demanding money owed by the ing latched on to vague separatist der case. state. talk by some of her supporters, “After careful assessment The political movement aimed including a suggestion the govern- and judicious deliberation, the at overthrowing Prime Minister ment could move from Bangkok prosecution hereby manifests Yingluck Shinawatra is in its to her northern stronghold of that it is terminating the pres- fifth month, but leader Suthep Chiang Mai. entation of evidence-in-chief Thaugsuban closed several big They attached a banner to the and ready to rest its cases protest sites at the weekend building saying “Stop the cam- against the accused,” read as his number of supporters paign to split Thailand” but left the eight-page manifestation dwindled. soon afterwards and there was no released on Tuesday. The government is also grap- confrontation. The panel, led by City pling with action by farmers, nor- They moved on briefly to the Prosecutor Archimedes mally its staunchest supporters, in excise department as part of a Manabat, rested its case protest at a rice subsidy scheme campaign to stop ministries and against Ampatuan even as the that has gone badly wrong, leaving state agencies from function- special Quezon City court han- hundreds of thousands of them ing, which Suthep said would be dling the case has yet to rule unpaid and causing huge losses stepped up even though his sup- on the suspect’s bail petition. to the budget. porters ended a blockade of main In addition to Ampatuan, Yesterday the state bank roads from the weekend. the panel also rested its managing the scheme said it The government imposed a case against Chief Inspector expected to start paying some 60-day state of emergency on Sukarno Dicay, Moktar Daud; arrears next week but the sum January 21 to contain the latest Zakaria Akil, alias Quago Akil; announced failed to impress unrest in an eight-year conflict Manny Ampatuan; Misuari farmers who have been dem- that broadly pits Bangkok’s mid- Ampatuan; Police Officer 3 Anti-government protesters set up barricades at the gate of the Excise Department in a rally in Bangkok yesterday. onstrating at the Commerce dle class, the royalist establish- Gibrael Alano; Senior Police Ministry for weeks. ment and southern Thais against Officer 2 Badawi Bakal and “That 30bn Baht is very small the mostly rural supporters of moving away from the streets and 14 to defend herself. The NACC No one was hurt. Mohamad Balading. compared to the total 130bn Baht Yingluck and her brother, former towards judicial efforts to remove will then decide whether there is At least 23 people have been The panel earlier admitted the government should have paid premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Yingluck, including a charge a case to pursue and, if it goes killed in the unrest since November that they have no more wit- us since October,” said Kittisak On Tuesday it said the emer- of dereliction of duty brought ahead, she may be forced to step 30, including four children in nesses to present against all Waraha, one of the farmers’ lead- gency could be extended until the against her by the National Anti- down. Bangkok and the eastern province 104 arrested suspects in the ers, referring to a sum cited by protests ended completely and Corruption Commission (NACC) A grenade was lobbed into the of Trat. Hundreds of people have massacre. officials earlier this year. there was no more violence. over the rice fiasco. grounds of the NACC building been hurt. However, Manabat said they Suthep’s anti-government However, the focus is She has been given until March late on Tuesday. REUTERS could not rest its case against those who have pending cases before Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 or the appellate courts. “Except for the aforemen- Pyongyang leader to run unopposed US seeks UN probe of tioned 28 specified accused whom it is now ready to rest its cases against, the pros- SEOUL: North Korea, accused of ‘Song of the election,’” KCNA symbolic body meeting twice a ecution, despite disinterest to of human rights violations, reported. year in a country where decision- Sri Lanka war crimes further present witnesses, is elects its largely symbolic par- North Koreans, it said, sought making authority lies with the in no position to terminate its liament this weekend, with to “demonstrate once again the ruling Korean Workers’ Party. COLOMBO: A US-led resolu- visit to Sri Lanka in August that evidence presentation and rest leader Kim Jong Un, the third might of single-minded unity Each district has a single can- tion calling for an international there should be an “independent its cases against the remaining in his family dynasty to rule by casting ballots for their didate, with the overwhelming probe into allegations that and credible investigation in the 78 accused,” he added. the totalitarian state, run- candidates”. majority from the party, although 40,000 civilians were killed at absence of a credible national ning unopposed in a legendary North Korea stands accused by a few independents, such as pro- the end of Sri Lanka’s separa- process with tangible results”. Ammo store mountain district. a UN report issued this month of Pyongyang Koreans from Japan, tist war has been filed with the International rights groups as State news agency KCNA said torture and killings comparable to are allowed to take part. UN’s top rights body. well as UN experts have said there blast kills one on Thursday that election prepa- Nazi-era atrocities. Authorities in Kim, presumed to be 31 years In a draft resolution posted on are “credible allegations” that up to rations were “gaining momen- Pyongyang have denounced the old, is standing for the 687-seat the Human Rights Council’s web- 40,000 Tamil civilians were killed JAKARTA: A naval officer tum”, with voters confirming report as “faked”. assembly for the first time since site on Tuesday, the US endorses after government forces ordered was killed and dozens injured their names on electoral lists for The North’s Supreme People’s taking office in 2012 after the UN human rights chief Navi them into a no-fire zone. when an explosion ripped the ballot held every five years. Assembly is empowered by law death of his father, Kim Jong Il. Pillay’s call for an external inves- The resolution noted progress through a navy ammunitions “Agitation activities are going to approve the budget and make And he is running in Paektusan, tigation into alleged war crimes in de-mining, reconstruction and warehouse in the Indonesian on to encourage citizens to take senior appointments, including an inactive volcano on the border in the final stages of Sri Lanka’s re-settling war victims and effec- capital yesterday. active part in the election with to the powerful National Defence with China described in national Tamil civil war in May 2009. tively gave Sri Lanka another year Military spokesman high political enthusiasm and Commission. folklore as his father’s birthplace. The draft welcomed Pillay’s to show results on accountability. Iskandar Sitompul told report- labour feats, amid the playing In practice, it is a largely REUTERS recommendation following her AFP ers: “There were 87 victims. One of them died...and one remains in the intensive care Light clouds unit.” Nearly 150 naval officers were stationed nearby when the warehouse blew up around mid-day. He said an electrical short circuit was suspected to have triggered the explosion. “We want to emphasise there was no sabotage and that it was an accident,” Sitompul added. N Korea backs missile tests SEOUL: North Korea’s mil- itary yesterday defended a recent series of missile and rocket tests that coincided with ongoing annual South Korea-US military drills. In a statement carried by the North’s official KCNA news agency, a Korean People’s Army spokesman said the tests -- which violated UN sanctions banning any ballistic missile test by Pyongyang -- were Wayne Garrett of Canada poses with his art installation “CLOUD”, made up of 5,000 new and recycled “ordinary military practice”. AGENCIES light bulbs, along the Marina Bay in Singapore yesterday. China ups military spending amid tension BEIJING: China announced budget, second only to the United the first for Xi, the ‘princeling’ money, concerns long echoed in its biggest rise in military States in size, for the past two son of a late Communist Party Washington. spending in three years yes- decades. elder, and the increase in spend- China and Japan, a key US terday, a strong signal from “This is worrying news for ing appears to reflect his desire ally in the region, are increas- President Xi Jinping that China’s neighbours, particularly to build what he calls a strong, ingly locking horns over unin- Beijing is not about to back for Japan,” said Rory Medcalf, a rejuvenated China. habited rocky islands each away from its growing assert- regional security analyst at the Xi also recently urged China’s claims in the East China Sea. iveness in Asia. independent Lowy Institute in military leadership to work China’s military is not made The government said it would Sydney. faster to get the country’s sole up of “boy scouts with spears”, increase the defence budget by Those who thought Xi might aircraft carrier combat-ready. Chinese Foreign Ministry 12.2 percent this year to 808.23 prefer to concentrate on domes- The spending jump is the big- spokesman Qin Gang told a billion yuan ($131.57bn), as tic development over military gest since a 12.7 percent rise in briefing in response to Japan’s China seeks to develop more expansion in a slowing econ- 2011. criticism. “In that way, how can high-tech weapons and to beef omy had “underestimated the Within hours of the we safeguard national security up coastal and air defences. Chinese determination to shape announcement, officials in Japan and world peace?” The increase follows a nearly its strategic environment”, he and Taiwan expressed disquiet Beijing also claims 90 percent unbroken run of double-digit added. over the absence of any details of the 3.5 million sq km South hikes in the Chinese defence The 2014 defence budget is on how Beijing will spend the China Sea. REUTERS THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN US hospital project in Kabul runs aground $60m project launched five years ago was meant to meet the medical needs of over two million Afghans

KABUL: An ambitious may never open, according to capabilities of local communities. healthcare facilities was in use, Development projects are sub- lost a close friend or relative over US-funded project to build hos- interviews with US and Afghan “A health centre that exists but said many other structures in ject to accusations of wastefulness the past year due to poor access pitals in Afghanistan has run officials. is not the same as one that is education, healthcare and govern- and inefficiency the world over, to healthcare across Afghanistan. into the ground, with the larg- Paktia public health director used or that actually functions,” ment had been completed on time. but in Afghanistan the problem is US auditors, known as the est hospital ever planned in the Baz Mohammad Shirzad said even Doctors Without Borders said in “USAID is proud to have particularly acute as people pre- Special Inspector General for country unlikely to open in full, if completed, the new facility is a report last week. delivered hundreds of new public pare for an uncertain future after Afghanistan Reconstruction, US and Afghan officials said. far too big for the local authorities The aid group said access to service structures to the Afghan troops withdraw and the security said the biggest hospital built by The $60m project by the to handle because there were not healthcare remains as dire as people,” said a USAID spokesman, situation worsens. USAID may not open at all. US Agency for International enough doctors and other staff to before the arrival in 2001 of US adding that the hospital would be Official narratives of success jar “The new hospital’s annual Development (USAID) started operate such a big hospital. led forces that ousted the extrem- ready in June. with the reality on the ground, operation and maintenance costs in 2008 and aimed to meet the “With current possibilities, we ist Taliban from power. Western powers have poured according to Doctors Without could exceed five times the annual medical needs of over two million are only able to run 30 beds,” he “The story about healthcare billions of aid dollars into Borders, adding that the number operating costs for the hospital it Afghans by 2009. said. risks being skewed by the per- Afghanistan as a way to win the of people in need of access to will replace,” it said in an October Five years on, not one of the The USAID project may sistent efforts of donors, the hearts and minds of ordinary healthcare was likely to rise to report. healthcare centres built under be small, but it portrays the international community and the Afghans and are keen to project 5.4 million in 2014 from the cur- A second, smaller hospital in the project is open. The big- wastefulness that has plagued government to show peace divi- an image of success as foreign rent 3.3 million. neighbouring Paktia province is gest, 100-bed hospital in eastern many such programmes drawn dends,” it said. troops withdraw from the coun- The study found as many as one also unfinished and may be unsus- Paktia province is unfinished and up without examining the USAID confirmed none of the try this year. in four Afghans in some areas had tainable, it said. REUTERS Karzai’s foreign visit Washington seeks $1bn Roadside bomb kills six soldiers for Pakistan next year ISLAMABAD: A roadside bomb killed at least six sol- ISLAMABAD: The Obama A document released by the diers yesterday as militant vio- administration is seeking one White House describes “respon- lence spiralled across Pakistan billion dollars for Pakistan in its sible transition” from “military amid the government’s increas- budget proposals for fiscal 2015, missions to political and security ingly futile efforts to engage which were sent to Congress support for a unified Afghanistan the Pakistani Taliban in peace yesterday. government” as one of the admin- negotiations. The $3.9tr budget package istration’s main goals in 2015. On Monday, gunmen burst into includes $46.2bn to fund the State The United States plans to a court, killing at least 11 people Department and US Agency for withdraw most of its troops from in a rare suicide-bomb and gun International Development. Afghanistan by the end of this attack in the heart of the usu- US assistance for other coun- year but intends to keep a small ally quiet Pakistani capital of tries, including Pakistan and residual force if Kabul signs a Islamabad. Afghanistan, comes from this bilateral security agreement. Security officials said the six fund. In its budget note, the White soldiers were killed by a roadside Although the requests for these House says that it wants the bomb near the northwestern town two government agencies reflect Afghan government to take “full of Hangu. No one immediately a 0.2 percent decrease from 2014, responsibility for its own future” claimed responsibility. the administration maintains as the US withdraws. The Pakistani Taliban, who funding for many of its key pri- The $1.5bn requested for Syria have declared a month-long orities and also seeks a sizeable will be used to help Syrian refu- ceasefire to pursue peace talks increase in funds for Syria. gees and moderate opposition Afghan President Hamid Karzai (left) waves next to Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Disanayaka Mudiyanselage with the government, have tried The budget proposals set forces trying to defeat President Jayaratne during a ceremonial reception at the airport after arriving in Katunayake, north of Colombo yesterday. to distance themselves from aside $5.1bn for programmes in Bashar Al Assad. recent attacks, but persistent Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. The spending plan asks violence shows they are not fully This too is a significant reduction Congress for $1.5bn to support in control of its various factions. from previous years. democratic transitions in the No drone attack in Pakistan since Dec A previously unknown group Experts appearing on various Middle East and North Africa as calling itself Ahrar-ul-Hind US television channels attributed well as to ease the humanitarian PESHAWAR: The London- and the Pakistan Taliban (TTP). February 17 peace talks collapsed claimed responsibility for this to the Obama administra- crisis in Syria. It would set aside based Bureau of Investigative Rahimullah Yusufzai, the following unremitting violence Monday’s attack on the court. tion’s plan to reduce its military $400m to support an anticipated Journalism in its latest report Pakistani journalist who is part of by the TTP. The militants killed The Pakistani Taliban, an engagement in Afghanistan and transition in Syria. said there has been no report of the negotiating team, confirmed scores of people, including 23 alliance of militant groups, is the end of war in Iraq. The Pentagon has requested a drone strike in Pakistan since to the Bureau that Islamabad had members of the Frontier Corps, fighting to overthrow the demo- The $1bn sought for Pakistan $496bn for 2015 budget, which Christmas Day, making this the requested the pause: “Pakistani before the negotiations eventu- cratically elected government of includes $280m for supporting does not include money for oper- longest pause in drone strikes officials have discussed this with ally halted. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistani security forces. The rest ations in Afghanistan. The war- in the country since 2007. the US ambassador [to Pakistan] It said the Pakistan military replace it with a state ruled under is economic assistance. funding measure is being delayed It quoted unnamed US officials and said that serious talks would has carried out several air attacks strict Islamic law. The Obama administration is because the Afghan government as saying that the attacks have be derailed by a drone strike,” he on North Waziristan, targeting Sharif has been pursuing peace seeking $2.6bn for operations in has not signed a security pact. been stopped during peace talks said. militant positions. talks since he was elected in May Afghanistan and $1.5bn for Iraq. INTERNEWS between the Pakistan government The report recalled that on INTERNEWS Last year. REUTERS

Balochistan judges to get bullet-proof cars

ISLAMABAD: The people, including some lawyers, senior security and government “Similar security arrange- Balochistan government dead. officials held a meeting with the ments will also be made for decided in principle yester- “The government has a plan Registrar of the Balochistan High security of courts in other areas day to provide bullet-proof to immediately provide bullet- Court yesterday for the purpose. of the province. vehicles to all judges of the proof vehicles to all high court “We discussed new security Sources said that a sen- Balochistan High Court. judges,” the sources said. At arrangements for the BHC and ior judge of a district court Informed sources said that present only Chief Justice of the other courts in Quetta in view informed authorities concerned the decision was taken dur- Balochistan High Court has a of concerns expressed by the about threats received by some ing a meeting held to review bullet-proof vehicle. Chief Justice of Balochistan of judges of subordinate courts security plan of judges of the “We are reviewing security High Court about security of and demanded more security for Balochistan High Court and arrangements in and around all judges and courts,” he said. judges. A suicide bomber blew other subordinate courts in view the Balochistan High Court and Under the new security plan, himself up in the court room of of the gun and suicide attack on other subordinate courts in view snipers will be deployed in and a senior judge some three years an Islamabad court which left of the Islamabad suicide attack,” around the courts and watch ago during hearing of a case. a sessions court judge, and 11 the sources said, adding that towers built as soon as possible. INTERNEWS Voter registration in Mazar-e Sharif 3 security men killed in ambush ISLAMABAD: At least three security personnel were killed and 11 oth- ers injured when a bomb hit their vehicle in mid Kurram Agency yester- day, Pakistan’s Geo News reported. According to sources the incident took place in Megni area of Kurram Agency where the security convoy was targeted with a remote-controlled bomb when it was heading to Orakzai Agency. A search operation was also launched in the area to arrest the elements behind the attack. Kurram Tribal Agency is located in the Federally A man gives his fingerprint to have him registered as a voter as the Afghan Independent Election Commission Administered Tribal Areas began registration for the April 5 presidential elections, in Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan yesterday. (FATA) of Pakistan. AGENCY THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

Poll schedule NEW DELHI: The follow- Elections to begin on April 7 ing is the Lok Sabha elec- tion schedule in all states and union territories (seats in parenthesis): Results on May 16; voters free to reject candidates and go for ‘None of the Above’ option April 7: Assam (5), Tripura (1) April 9: Arunachal Pradesh (2), NEW DELHI: The country will Manipur (1), Meghalaya (2), elect a new parliament over nine Salient features Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1) days in April-May in the world’s April 10: Bihar (6), Chhattisgarh largest democratic exercise, with  Electorate: 814 million (1), Haryana (10), Jammu and the Election Commission yester-  Constituencies: 543 (Two Kashmir (1), Jharkhand (5), day saying that the results will  Anglo-Indians are Kerala (20), Madhya Pradesh be declared on May 16. nominated by the President) (9), Maharashtra (10), Odisha Political parties across the  Nine-day process starts (10), Uttar Pradesh (10), spectrum, already in election on April 7, ends on May 12 Andaman and Nicobar (1), gear, largely welcomed the stag-  Spread across 28 states, Chandigarh (1), Lakshadweep gered exercise. The BJP exuded seven union territories (1), Delhi (7) confidence it will win the battle  Simultaneous assembly April 12: Sikkim (1), Tripura but the ruling Congress rubbished elections in Andhra (1), Assam (3) the claim. Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim April 17: Bihar (7), Chhattisgarh A whopping 814 million Indians  Polling stations: 930,000 (3), Goa (2), Jammu and Kashmir — almost the combined popula-  Entire election process (1), Jharkhand (5), Karnataka tion of Russia, the US, Brazil and through electronic voting (28), Madhya Pradesh (10), Bangladesh — will be eligible to vote machines (EVMs) Maharashtra (19), Manipur (1), in the 16th parliamentary election  Election to be supervised Odisha (11), Rajasthan (20), Uttar to elect the 16th Lok Sabha, or by 11 million officials Pradesh (11), West Bengal (4) what is called the lower house.  Vote count and result: April 24: Assam (6), Bihar (7), This is an increase of some May 16. IANS Chhattisgarh (7), Jammu and 100 million from the 2009 elec- Kashmir (1), Jharkhand (4), tion — and a sharp rise from the Madhya Pradesh (10), Mah- 176 million of 1951 when newly Commissioner V S Sampath said arashtra (19), Rajasthan (5), Tamil independent India conducted its while unveiling the staggered Nadu (39), Uttar Pradesh (12), maiden Lok Sabha election. election schedule at the Vigyan West Bengal (6), Puducherry (1) Along with the Lok Sabha Bhawan convention centre. April 30: Andhra Pradesh (17), polls, Sikkim, Odisha and Polling will take place for 543 of Bihar (7), Gujarat (26), Jammu Andhra Pradesh states will elect the 545 Lok Sabha seats on April and Kashmir (1), Punjab (13), new assemblies, Chief Election 7, 9, 10, 12, 17, 24 and 30 and May 7 Uttar Pradesh (14), West Bengal (9), Dadra and Nagar Haveli (1), An officer registers the name and addresses of voters inside a vehicle for upcoming elections in Jammu yesterday. Daman and Diu (1) Kerala parties yet to share seats May 7: Andhra Pradesh (25), and 12. The millions of votes will chief minister added: “I call upon confident of taking on both the Bihar (7), Jammu and Kashmir THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the dates for the Lok be counted on May 16, the results the people of India to bless us, BJP and the Congress despite (2), Uttar Pradesh (15), Sabha polls announced yesterday, political parties in Kerala said coming out in a few hours, a feat give the BJP-led NDA (National having taken birth only in Uttarakhand (5), West Bengal they were yet to conclude talks with their allies on seat- sharing. perhaps unparalleled in the world. Democratic Alliance) a majority November 2012. “We will give a (6), Himachal Pradesh (4) Kerala goes to the polls April 10 to elect 20 Lok Sabha mem- Sampath urged the people to and make Mission 272+ a grand good fight to the Congress and the May 12: Bihar (6), Uttar bers from the state. In the 2009 polls, the Congress-led United “vote in an informed and ethical reality for the prosperity of India.” BJP,” Aam Aadmi Party spokes- Pradesh (18), West Bengal (17). Democratic Front (UDF) won 16 seats and the CPI-M-led Left manner” and appealed to political The reference was to the number man Nagendra Sharma said. IANS Democratic Front (LDF) had to settle for just four. The Bharatiya parties and candidates to uphold that would give a party or a coali- For the first time in any par- Janata Party drew a blank. India’s “democratic traditions ... tion a majority in the lower house. liamentary election, voters will this. Election Commissioner H S The pattern of sharing the 20 seats has remained more or less by maintaining high standards The Congress rubbished the be free to reject all available Brahma added: “We appeal to all the same. In the UDF, the Congress contests 17 seats, the Indian of discourse and fair play”. The BJP’s victory claim. Congress candidates and go for “None of political parties not to use any such Union Muslim League 2 and the Kerala Congress (Mani) fights on poll panel promised “free, fair and leader and Law Minister Kapil the Above” option — a provision words or language that is against one seat. In the LDF, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI- credible elections”. Sibal said the BJP’s dream of made available in the November- decorum and decency.” There will M) is expected to contest 16 seats and the CPI four. BJP’s prime ministerial candi- winning would turn out to be a December assembly polls in five be about 930,000 polling stations . “We are certain we will soon finish the seat sharing talks with our date Narendra Modi said the elec- dream — a la 2004 and 2009 when states. Sampath said the election sched- allies,” said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. The CPI-M top brass tion was a “historic opportunity” to it lost to the Congress-led United Sampath expressed concern over ule was arrived at after taking into is meeting March 5-6 and the number of seats they will contest will lay the foundation for a “developed Progressive Alliance (UPA). the use of money power aimed at view factors such as school exami- be clear after the meeting. IANS India”. Modi asked people to “make The AAP, the country’s lat- influencing voters and said the poll nations, monsoon, harvesting sea- the right choice”. The Gujarat est political force, said it was panel was taking steps to check son and local festivals. IANS Congress, RJD Star-studded Trinamool army

KOLKATA: Combining the West Midnapore district, Moon tie up in Bihar worlds of glamour, sports Moon, the daughter of legendary PATNA: The Congress and and politics, the Trinamool Bengali heroine Suchitra Sen the RJD yesterday announced Congress yesterday announced and herself a film actress, will that they had finalised an alli- a star-studded candidates list be in fray from Bankura. Bengali ance to fight the Lok Sabha from West Bengal including the cine stars and incumbenet MPs polls in Bihar, agreeing to con- likes of Bengali megastar Dev, Satabdi Roy and Tapas Pal will test 12 and 27 seats respec- actor Moon Moon Sen and soc- again contest from Birbhum and tively, while the NCP will put cer icon Baichung Bhutia for the Krishnanagar respectively. up a candidate for the remain- Lok Sabha polls. Sugata Bose, a grand nephew ing seat from the state. Announcing the names at her of great revolutionary Netaji “An alliance of Congress, RJD residence, party chairperson Subhas Chandra Bose and pro- and NCP has been finalised and Mamata Banerjee said: “It’s a great fessor at Harvard University, has will contest Lok Sabha polls in combination of people from various been named the party nominee Bihar to take on communal forces. parts of the society.” The Trinamool from Jadavpur. Soumitra Roy, We will prove our strength by good is going it alone this year. a lead singer of popular Bengali performance in polls,” an upbeat Four winning candidates of band Bhoomi, is being fielded Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu 2009 were dropped, and 26 fresh from Malda North constituency Prasad said at a joint press con- faces including Banerjee’s nephew in Malda district. ference with the Congress here at and Trinamool Yuva president Theatre personality Arpita the official residence of his wife and Abhishek Bandopadhyay nomi- Ghosh has bagged the Trinamool former chief minister Rabri Devi. nated. Bhutia, who retired from ticket from Balurghat in South He said the RJD has agreed to football in 2012, will contest the Dinajpur district, while vet- set aside 12 of the 40 Lok Sabha election from Darjeeling. Another eran Bengali actress Sandhya seats in Bihar for the Congress former India soccer captain Prasun Roy would battle in Midnapore. to contest and one for the Banerjee, who won the Howrah Eminent singer Indranil Sen would Nationalist Congress Party. The seat in a bypoll last year, has been try his luck from Berhampore in RJD will contest 27 seats. renominated from the same. Murshidabad district. IANS Besides Dev from Ghatal in IANS

Sahara chief eats one roti in Tihar Jail NEW DELHI: Sahara chief Subrata Roy, sent available diplomatic channels to secure the imme- to judicial custody till March 11 by the Supreme diate release of 153 fishermen who are languish- Court, ate a single roti with dal as he spent ing in Sri Lankan jails including the 32 fishermen Tuesday night in the Tihar Jail. Roy has been apprehended March 3 and 39 fishing boats from Sri lodged in barrack No. 4 along with two directors Lankan custody at the earliest.” of his company — Ashok Roy Choudhary and Ravi Shankar Dubey. Jail officials said yesterday that Kejriwal detained in Gujarat the three were heard talking till late in the night on the legal battle that lies ahead of them. AHMEDABAD: AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal yes- The Supreme Court sent Roy and two others to terday accused Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra judicial custody till they present a concrete proposal Modi of being “anti-farmer” and “anti-common to return the balance of Rs19,000 crore they col- man” after police detained him briefly. The former lected from investors through optionally fully con- Delhi chief minister hit out at the BJP’s prime min- vertible debentures. Also, a lawyer who threw ink at isterial candidate after his 30-minute detention at Sahara chief outside the Supreme Court premises a police station in Radhanpur in north Gujarat. was sent to Tihar jail. Special Executive Magistrate The incident took place just hours after he began a Rai Singh Khatri sent Manoj Sharma to judicial four-day tour of Gujarat to test Modi’s claims that custody till March 11. the state was a model of development. “There is no development here. Modi is anti-farmer, Modi is completely anti-common man. The only people who Jayalalithaa plea to PM have benefitted in Gujarat are industrialists.” Meanwhile, protests by AAP workers outside the CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister BJP office in New Delhi against Kejriwal’s detention J Jayalalithaa again urged Prime Minister snowballed into a clash when BJP activists allegedly Manmohan Singh to personally intervene to get pelted stones at them and the protesters retaliated. the 153 Indian fishermen released from Sri Lankan The workers of both the parties pelted stones at jails. In a letter to Manmohan Singh which was each other after the AAP’s “peaceful” protest turned released to the media here yesterday, Jayalalithaa ugly. While both sides hurled chairs and sticks at cited the latest arrest of 32 fishermen and said: each other, police intervened, using water cannons to “May I once again urge your personal intervention disperse the crowd. Angry AAP workers vandalised in the matter? “I also exhort you to decisively use all the BJP hoardings. IANS

THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Yosemite bears turn to health Fajr (Dawn) 4:37 nuts with junk Shorook (Sunrise) 5:53 Zuhr (Noon) 11:45 food off menu Asr (Afternoon) 3:07 LOS ANGELES: Bears in Maghrib (Sunset) 5:39 Yosemite National Park in Isha (Night) 7:09 California have adopted the wildlife version of a health food diet after increased safety measures largely blocked them WEATHER from scavenging for food in campgrounds over the last 15 years, a study showed. Today Friday Saturday Weather Conditions: An estimated 350 to 400 black Partly cloudy Clear Clear bears roam Yosemite, one of the Hazy to misty most popular US tourist destina- and partly tions. Interactions between the cloudy. park’s bears and people reached a High: 30° High: 27° High: 28° record level in 1998 as the animals Low: 19° Low: 20° Low: 21° raided campgrounds and broke into cars in search of groceries and leftovers, according to Yosemite spokesman Scott Gediman. DOHA - SUN & SEA After recording 1,584 human- bear interactions that year, the Japanese Misao Okawa, the world’s oldest woman, eats her birthday cake as she celebrates her 116th birthday SUN TIDE SEA park east of San Francisco adopted a policy in 1999 that included plac- in Osaka, western Japan, yesterday. WIND SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW ing bear-resistant food storage 05:53 17:39 07:45 & 210:00 02:15 & 14:15 03-12/15 KT containers at campgrounds and cracking down more forcefully on THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW people leaving out items like chips World’s oldest person ‘kind or bread, Gediman said. HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER The initiative seems to have paid off in the park, where water- MUSCAT 27/21 Chance of rain 28/21 Partly cloudy falls and sequoia trees draw tour- of’ happy to turn 116 MAKKAH 33/24 Partly cloudy 32/24 Partly cloudy ists from around the globe. A KUWAIT 26/18 Chance of rain 28/20 Clear research paper in this month’s BAHRAIN 27/20 Partly cloudy 27/20 Clear edition of the journal Frontiers TOKYO: Misao Ohkawa, a later pronounced it as “delicious.” the June 2013 death of 116-year-old SANAA 25/11 Partly cloudy 25/10 Partly cloudy in Ecology and the Environment Japanese woman believed to She wore a pink kimono pat- Jiroemon Kimura, also Japanese. RIYADH 31/21 Clear 31/20 Partly cloudy found a 63 percent drop in the be the world’s oldest person, terned with cherry blossoms and She is the tenth person verified DUBAI 28/20 Partly cloudy 30/20 Partly cloudy proportion of human food in the turned 116 yesterday and cel- a blue cardigan for the event. to have reached 116 and the third BAGHDAD 31/17 Partly cloudy 31/17 Partly cloudy diet of Yosemite’s bears. ebrated by tucking into a white Asked if she was happy to have oldest Japanese person ever. The animals now eat the same cake decorated with strawber- lived so long, she replied, accord- Japan is one of the world’s THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW amount of human food as they ries and candles. ing to the Asahi Shimbun daily: most long-lived nations, with did in 1915, when the park had She credits a healthy appetite “Kind of.” nearly 54,400 centenarians as of HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER a few thousand visitors annually and getting plenty of rest for her Born the daughter of a fabric September 2013, according to the compared to the current count longevity. merchant in Osaka in 1898, on the health ministry. ATHENS 15/10 Chance of rain 15/11 Chance of rain of 4 million people a year, the Ohkawa was born in 1898 — same day as Chinese revolution- AFP WASHINGTON 02/-2 Partly cloudy 07/00 Chance of snow study suggested. The number of the year that the United States ary leader Zhou Enlai, Ohkawa SYDNEY 24/19 Partly cloudy 28/19 Partly cloudy bear-human interactions has also annexed the Hawaiian islands, married in 1919. Two of her three dropped dramatically, to just 155 a new drink named Pepsi-Cola children are still alive, both of LONDON 15/10 Partly cloudy 15/09 Mostly cloudy in 2012, Gediman said. was launched and the USS Maine them in their 90s. PARIS 13/04 Clear 15/06 Mostly cloudy That comes as the park’s exploded in Havana harbour. She is known for her strong ISTANBUL 13/09 Partly cloudy 13/07 Partly cloudy approach to wildlife management Accepting bouquet from well- appetite and one of her favour- MANILA 31/23 Partly cloudy 30/23 Chance of rain has evolved dramatically since the wishers at a small party in the ite foods is sashimi, or raw fish. DHAKA 31/18 Clear 31/16 Clear park was created in 1890, as rang- nursing home where she lives In the past six months she has DELHI 23/12 Clear 24/14 Clear ers began recognising the need to in the western city of Osaka, gained 4kg, Japanese media said. ISLAMABAD 22/10 Partly cloudy 22/11 Partly cloudy keep bears away from people. Ohkawa sat by the cake, deco- Ohkawa has been dubbed the REUTERS rated with “116” in candles, and world’s oldest living person since Thursday 6 March 2014 5 Jumadal I 1435 Volume 18 Number 5995 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Dubai World Qatar stocks tank on diplomatic row prepays Benchmark index plummets 2.3 percent; investors lost over QR17bn; all sector indices in red

DOHA: Qatar’s stock market yesterday, as the market cap not in favour of market. As the But it is not clear whether the close up 0.1 percent. Dubai’s meas- $284.5m tumbled 2.3 percent on a day dropped to QR646 from the pre- index reached its highest level market crash was due to pull back ure slipped 0.5 percent. Small-cap three GCC countries announced vious trading session’s QR663bn. in five years, the market has by the GCC investors. But there shares suffered the most, while the withdrawal of their ambas- Local retail investors and foreign been witnessing profit taking. is a significant cross-border stock blue chips were steady. Abu Dhabi to creditors sadors from Qatar. The market institutional investors were bear- Of course, today’s news is not a market investment in the GCC. banks helped support the emir- that was trading almost hundred ish. Total traded value almost good one for the investors”, Qatari Saudi investors in particular are ate’s benchmark, which ticked up DUBAI: Dubai World, one of the points higher than the previous doubled to reach QR1.20bn from stock analyst Bashir Yousef active in all GCC markets, noted 0.4 percent after a volatile session. emirate’s big state-owned con- session on intraday, took a plunge Tuesday’s QR651m. Kahloud told The Peninsula. another analyst. In Egypt, investor sentiment glomerates, has prepaid $284.5m after the news broke. All the seven sector indices “The fence-sitting inves- “It’s retail-driven panic selling, was buoyed after army chief Field to creditors under its $25bn “We cannot say with certainty ended red with telecoms and banks tors will certainly turn bearish it’s too early to say if this would Marshal Abdel Fattach Al Sisi, debt restructuring plan, sources that the market crash was directly dropping the most. Eleven out of after this kind of news. The index have an impact on fund allocations widely expected to win the presi- familiar with the matter said linked to the decision to withdraw the 12 banking stocks dropped as was 90 percent up around 11 am for institutional investors, because dency of the Arab world’s most yesterday. ambassadors. But there is signifi- the entire telecom, real estate and and plunged 130 points imme- we don’t know how the situation populous country, gave his clear- The conglomerate obtained cant cross-border investment in transport stocks ended red. The diately after the news break”, will evolve”, Reuters quoted Ali est signal yet that he would run money for the prepayment from Qatar’s stock market by investors bellwether QNB shed 3.34 percent Kahloud said. Adou, portfolio manager at The for president. Cairo’s benchmark asset sales, said the sources. Under from other GCC nations”, a market as Ooredoo tumbled 7.02 percent. QE’s daily trade chart shows National Investor as saying. index rose 1.1 percent, taking the terms of the restructuring deal, analyst told The Peninsula. “Because of dividend distribu- foreign institutional investors Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia’s share year-to-date gains to 18.3 percent. cash raised from asset sales above a Investors lost over QR17bn tion, the past few sessions were were largely bearish yesterday. index was choppy, but managed to THE PENINSULA threshold of $300m is to be distrib- uted as early repayments to credi- tors, which include big Western and Gulf banks. A Dubai World UDC, IPRA-GC in deal spokesman declined to comment. The debt problems of Dubai Qatar banks record World, which holds financial and corporate assets across the world, symbolised the emirate’s 2009 financial crisis. The early repay- strong growth in GCC ment is a sign that so far at least, efforts to resolve those prob- lems are working. “It’s a drop in DOHA: Banks in Qatar 36.6 percent YoY in NII driven the ocean in terms of the overall recorded the highest year-on- by increased loan book and other amount of debt, but it’s a step in year growth of 21.3 percent in factors. Qatar National Bank the right direction,” a source at a loan books in the fourth quar- reported a 26.1 percent due to the creditor bank said. ter of 2014 (4Q13) in the Gulf consolidation of subsidiary NSGB. Under its restructuring plan, region. Given the strong growth Total deposits of GCC banks Dubai World is to repay credi- in loan books, the region’s net under GIH converge expanded tors in full over coming years by interest income (NII) was also 11.7 percent YoY to $744.4bn in selling assets which it bought at led by Qatar-based banks with 4Q13. Qatar-based banks wit- peak prices in 2006-07. The plan 22.6 percent in 4Q13. nessed the strongest growth in includes a $4.4bn loan maturity in Overall, the loan book growth deposits with 24.5 percent YoY, May 2015. Last December, a unit among GCC banks increased 11.1 followed by banks in the UAE of Dubai World sold its 50 percent percent YoY to $669.5bn in 4Q13. (10.5 percent) and Kuwait (10.2 stake in Miami Beach’s landmark The high growth rate of banks in percent). However, on QoQ basis, Fontainebleau hotel back to south Qatar was followed by the banks in deposit growth was sluggish and Florida developer Turnberry. The UAE (9.3 percent), Saudi Arabia (9.1 remained at 2.1 percent YoY. price was not disclosed, but Dubai percent) and Kuwait (6.5 percent). Loan-to-deposit ratios of GCC World originally paid $375m for the The “GCC Banking Sector banks in GIH’s coverage remained stake in 2008. Last month Dubai’s 4Q13” report of Global Investment at 89.9 percent in 4Q13 compared state-owned property developer House (GIH) noted that banks with 90.5 percent in 4Q12. Among Nakheel , another firm that was in Qatar maintained their loan individual banks, Commercial Bank hit hard by the financial crisis, said growth momentum on increased of Qatar led with a 53.2 percent it was repaying Dh2.35bn of bank public sector spending. Moreover, YoY growth in deposit base, fol- debt 18 months ahead of its matu- acquisitions by Qatar National lowed by Qatar National Bank (24.3 rity in September 2015. Bank and Commercial Bank dur- percent), Doha Bank (23.6 percent) Dubai’s crisis was triggered by ing the year boosted loan growth and Burgan Bank (19.1 percent). The Director of Central Authority Directorate at The Pearl Qatar (TPQ), Abdul Rahim Al Ibrahim (left); and the the bursting of a bubble in its prop- considerably. Among Qatar-based Provision expense of the banks Vice President of Gulf Chapter of International Public Relations Associations (IPRA-GC) for Qatar, Jassim erty market, but local real estate banks, Commercial Bank, Qatar increased 18.2 percent YoY dur- Fakhroo (right), yesterday signing a sponsorship agreement for the United Development Company, the prices and the economy are now National Bank, and Doha Bank ing 4Q13, mainly due to signifi- master developer of the TPQ, to be the strategic sponsor for the IPRA-GC’s major activities during the year recovering strongly, helped by an registered loan book growth of cant increase in provisions of 2014-2015. The President of IPRA-GC, Faisal bin Saeed Al Zahrani (standing right); and Operations Director influx of foreign money. REUTERS 37.6 percent, 24.3 percent and 21.8 Qatar and Saudi-based banks. of TPQ, Saeed Al Sulaity were also present at the event. SALIM MATRAMKOT percent YoY, respectively Commercial Bank of Qatar’s pro- “NII of GCC banks grew 10.9 visions for impaired loans grew percent YoY and 2.1 percent quar- by a whopping 163.8 percent YoY ter-on-quarter. Banks in Qatar due to provisions taken against recorded the highest NII growth emerging market emerging mar- (22.6 percent), followed by those ket strategic equity investments. Hilton Worldwide plans expansion in Qatar in the UA E (10.9 percent) and Qatar National Bank registered a Saudi Arabia (7.8 percent),” the 60 percent YoY rise in provisions DOHA: Hilton Worldwide, a state and will comprise a wide mix report said. Commercial Bank due to growth in its overall loan leading global hospitality com- of quality serviced apartments witnessed a robust growth of portfolio. THE PENINSULA pany, yesterday announced from small studio units to expan- expansion plans in Qatar with sive three-bedroom apartments, the signing of a management penthouses and townhouses. agreement with First Qatar Designed to attract the lei- Real Estate Development sure and business traveller, the Company to open a new 445- hotel will feature a comprehen- Japan makes $450m room hotel, named ‘Hilton Doha sive range of amenities, includ- The Pearl Residences’. ing three boardrooms, a business The 41-storey new hotel will centre, a large health club and be located at the exclusive man- outdoor swimming pool. Dining oil payment to Iran made island The Pearl-Qatar, one options will include a lobby lounge, of the most prestigious areas in all day dining outlet, a speciality TOKYO: Japan made a sec- hard currency and forcing it to the country. The property will restaurant and a pool bar. ond payment to Iran for crude the negotiating table over its dis- be positioned at the entrance of Rudi Jagersbacher, president, imports under an interim puted nuclear programme. the upscale society on the main Hilton Worldwide, Middle East nuclear deal yesterday, diplo- Under a November 24 agree- Pearl expressway and surrounded & Africa said: “I am delighted matic sources said, as the West ment with six major powers, by upscale and stylish cafes, shops to see the determined pace of eases a year-long stranglehold Iran won access to $4.2bn of its and restaurants. The hotel is progress we are making in such on revenues that has crippled oil revenues frozen abroad by expected to open in 2017. an important Middle East mar- the Iranian economy. eight money-transfer schedules Rob Palleschi, global head, ket. The addition of Hilton Doha Japan, which became the first through July if it carried out its Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said: The Pearl Residences, Qatar to of Iran’s oil buyers to make a pay- part of the deal to curb its nuclear “We’re tremendously excited to our countrywide portfolio, includ- ment to Iran last month, depos- programme. introduce our first property to ing Hilton Doha which opened ited $450m in funds owed for oil Japan last month became the the fashionable and popular, The two years ago and quickly became imported from Iran in a Central first of Iran’s oil buyers to make a Pearl-Qatar island and welcome a favourite regional destination, Bank of Iran (CBI) account, payment for crude imports under the opportunity to become part supports our strategy of bringing according to the sources. the deal, sources told Reuters, of its thriving community. We are a range of world class brands to Tough international sanc- with one source confirming the confident this outstanding new key destinations and this latest The officials of the Hilton Worldwide. tions over the past two years cut amount of $550m. landmark property will quickly signing will perfectly complement Iran’s oil exports in half, while According to the agreement, become a favourite destination our existing development pipeline US measures imposed a year ago the second and third payment for residents and visitors.” for the city.” Company, said: “Together, with standards designed to appeal to stopped the remaining importers schedules were March 1 for The hotel will be the second Fahad K Al Ghunaim, our expertise, we will develop a Qatar’s growing numbers of lei- of Iranian oil from transferring $450m and March 7 for $550m. residence-style property planned Chairman and CEO of First property with the right balance of sure and business travellers.” cash to Tehran, starving Iran of REUTERS by Hilton Worldwide in the Gulf Qatar Real Estate Development quality facilities and high service THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Italian Chamber China signals opens in Qatar

DOHA: The major Italian com- panies in Qatar met yesterday focus on leaner, to celebrate the establishment of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar (IBCQ). The event, held in the pres- ence Italian Ambassador to Qatar cleaner growth Guido de Sanctis and Abdullah Eid Al Sulait, Qatar’s Ambassador to Italy, was attended by top Qatari business leaders includ- Targets economic growth of 7.5 pc ing Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Mohammad bin Faisal BEIJING: China sent its news that China’s $9.4 trillion bin Qassim Al Thani and Remy strongest signal yet that its days economy will stay on an even Rowhany, Director General, of chasing breakneck economic keel after its wobbly start for the Qatar Chamber. growth were over, promising to year. Investors had been worried IBCQ chairperson Palma Libotte wage a “war” on pollution and by speculation that China may presented the chamber’s activities reduce the pace of investment announce a cut in its growth tar- before the Qatari dignitaries. IBCQ to a decade-low as it pursues get this week. “Given that GDP has been officially supported by more sustainable expansion. growth is expected to be 7.5 per- the Italian Ministry of Economic In a State of the Union style cent for ‘longer’, we see this target Development. The Italian Chamber address to an annual parliament as supportive for the Asian region, of Commerce is very active through meeting that began yesterday, trade, and for commodity cur- B2B meetings, trade missions, Premier Li Keqiang said China rencies,” said Annette Beacher, Qatari Business Association Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani ( fourth left), Msheireb Properties Board exhibitions, networking events. aimed to expand its economy by an analyst at TD Securities in Member Salah Al Jaidah (third right), Italian Ambassador Guido De Sanctis (second right) and Italian Chamber of Italy’s exports to Qatar has been 7.5 percent this year, the highest Singapore. increasing significantly since Commerce Chairperson Palma Libotte (third left) with other officials yesterday. KAMMUTTY VP among the world’s major pow- Others were less optimistic. By 2009. THE PENINSULA ers, although he stressed that declining to lower its 7.5 percent growth would not get in the way growth forecast, China is betray- of reforms. ing its refusal to break with the In carefully crafted language past, some analysts said. That that suggested Beijing had means Beijing may not be as radi- thought hard about leaving the cal in reforms as hoped. forecast unchanged from last “It’s a sign that maybe they Qatar Cool to open third plant in West Bay year, Li said the world’s second- are not going to tackle credit largest economy will pursue growth as quickly as we thought DOHA: Qatar Cool, the lead- on eco-friendly technologies in The production of cooling energy leisure amenities such as swim- reforms stretching from finance they might,” said Julian Evans- ing provider of district cooling the region. supplied to the 46 towers, Qatar ming pools and gardens. In a typi- to the environment, even as it Pritchard, an economist at services in the country, will “Developers prefer district Cool currently provides its serv- cal residential unit, for instance, seeks to create jobs and wealth. Capital Economics in Singapore. open its third plant in West Bay, cooling. Not only does it reduce ices to in West Bay, has exceeded a district cooling system can cut After 30 years of red-hot dou- China’s annual parliament with a cooling capacity of nearly operating costs and building 170 million tonne hours in 2013, energy usage by 40-45 percent, ble-digit growth that has lifted meeting is a carefully choreo- 40,000 refrigeration tonnes. maintenance costs, but it also representing around 120 million compared to traditional climate millions out of poverty but also graphed affair, generally devoid of District cooling (DC) is an helps reduce carbon footprints, kilowatt hour savings if the cool- control systems. polluted the country’s air and real debate to portray unstinting innovative and energy efficient which is in line with the country’s ing load was provided by conven- In addition to its West Bay water and saddled the nation with support for the government’s one- refrigeration system which deliv- national objectives. District cool- tional methods. plants, Qatar Cool also operates ominous debt levels, China wants party rule. And as China’s matur- ers chilled water through an ing is very favourable because it This has led to an impressive the world’s largest district cool- to change tack and rebalance its ing economy grinds towards a underground insulated pipeline offers a sustainable and environ- saving of more than 50 million ing plant ‘The Integrated District economy. “Reform is the top pri- more modest pace of expansion to offices, residential units and ment-friendly solution to address kilogram of CO2 emission. As well Cooling Plant’ (IDCP) at The ority for the government,” Li told — 7.5 percent growth would be the factories needing cooling. the increasing cooling require- as working toward the wider com- Pearl-Qatar. IDCP will service the around 3,000 hand-picked dele- weakest in 24 years — Beijing is Recognised as the most cost ments in the country,” said Bader munity’s good, centralising the entire residential and commer- gates in his first parliamentary increasingly wary of any outburst effective and environment- Al Meer, Chairman of Qatar Cool. cooling systems in remote loca- cial facilities, ultimately supplying address in a cavernous meeting of social discontent. friendly solution to satisfy Qatar’s District cooling is significantly tions frees significant leasable 130,000 tonnes of refrigeration to hall in central Beijing. “We must Aware that one of China’s growing cooling demand, Qatar more cost effective over the longer and sellable areas in all build- the Island’s 45,000 residents. have the mettle to fight on and pressing needs is to close sharp Cool has been leading the focus term than conventional solutions. ings, which could be utilised for THE PENINSULA break mental shackles to deepen income disparities, Beijing reforms on all fronts.” announced ambitious reforms at Idle factories will be shut, pri- a Communist Party plenum meet- vate investment encouraged, gov- ing in November that switched ernment red-tape cut and work to slower but better-quality on a new environmental protec- expansion, from investment- and Qatar Steel signs iron ore tion tax speeded up to create a export-fuelled growth. greener economy powered by con- The new announcements sug- sumption rather than investment, gested it is well on track, but pellets deal with Vale Li said. To aid the transforma- moving cautiously. Analysts have tion, China’s economic planner, warned in the past that China DOHA: Qatar Steel yesterday Hassan Al Muraikhi, Managing the National Development and will be unwilling to rock the boat announced it has signed an iron Director and General Manager Reform Commission, told parlia- when it comes to reforms for fear ore pellets supply contract with of Qatar Steel. Jose Martins, ment the government will target of fuelling job losses and under- Vale (earlier known as CVRD), Executive Director of Vale rep- 17.5 percent growth in fixed-asset mining social stability. As such, a global player which specialises resented his company in signing investment this year, the slowest they say difficult changes such in exploration and extraction of the contract. “Signing the iron in 12 years. as government downsizing or iron ore, required for the pro- ore pellets supply contract with Investment is the largest driver closures of debt-laden factories duction of steel. Vale will consolidate our business of China’s economy and accounted are likely to take a back seat. Li The contract is for a period of relations and existing cooperation, for over half of last year’s 7.7 per- repeated the government’s stand- three years and renewable for which go back to the beginning of cent growth by rising 19.6 per- ard rhetoric on financial reforms, further period of three years. The 2013”, said Al Muraikhi. cent, above an 18 percent target. saying authorities will widen the contract was signed at Qatar Steel He said Qatar Steel is keen to Asian currencies rose on the yuan’s trading band. REUTERS Head Office in Doha, by Ali bin achieve excellence in customer service through supplying them with high quality steel products. Vale is the world’s largest pro- ducer of iron ore and pellets and the world’s second largest pro- ducer of nickel. They also produce manganese, Ferro alloys, thermal and coking coal, copper, cobalt, platinum group metals, and fer- tiliser nutrients. Jose Martins (left) and Ali bin Hassan Al Muraikhi signing the agreement. THE PENINSULA

Sharaka Holdings opens Design Lounge DOHA: Sharaka Holdings yes- terday announced the opening of their Design Lounge showroom which will help the customers to experience the elegance and lux- ury of the world’s most fabulous furnishings. Design Lounge will feature a gallery held for Christopher Guy (GC) and Giorgetti. Christopher Guy, award win- ning, internationally renowned furniture designer, and CEO of the luxury furnishings brand, Christopher Guy (CG) will be showcasing his latest creations from the brand’s Mademoiselle Roberta Giorgetti (left) and Christopher Guy. Collection at the Design Lounge gallery. The Mademoiselle collec- tion is less about straight lines Giorgetti SpA, well established, aesthetical evolution for Giorgetti. and more about curves. It’s not Meda based furniture brand will The collection still carries the about classic elegance; it presents be launching their latest creations brand’s original print; however a elegance with an edge. from their brand new collection at contemporary aesthetic has been Guy stressed on the fact CG give the Design Lounge gallery as well. injected into the collection. too much attention to details, not- Designer furniture, like art and Giorgetti highlighted the ing that by doing so, they have set haute couture is rapidly evolving importance of evolution, stress- themselves apart from the other and in that context, Giorgetti ing on the fact that they’re con- design houses. Christopher Guy’s SpA stands out for having always stantly in search of new designers next venture will be collaborating created furniture with unique and visions, so they could always with Harrods. They will design designs and an immediately iden- present a fresh and innovative and refurbish the 100 year old tifiable style. point of view. Harrods flagship Georgian res- This collection, according to Giorgetti has also welcomed taurant with CG furnishings. The Roberta Giorgetti, Co-owner of the collaboration with Sharaka restaurant will re-open in July. Giorgetti SpA, marks yet another Holdings. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Bitcoin bank Japan may tax Flexcoin shuts after bitcoin deals, hacking theft

TOKYO: Flexcoin, a Canada- based bitcoin bank, said it was no bank status closing down after losing bit- coins worth about $600,000 to a hacker attack enabled by flaws Virtual currency to be a commodity in its software code. Flexcoin said in a message on TOKYO: Japan will this week in money laundering, bribery and its website that all 896 bitcoins set out rules on how to handle buying illicit products. Its value has stored online were stolen on bitcoins, the first sign that the soared in the past year, and the Sunday. Its collapse came after government is taking action on total worth of bitcoins minted is Mt Gox, once the world’s domi- regulating the virtual currency now about $7bn. nant bitcoin exchange, filed for after the collapse last week Japanese authorities are look- bankruptcy protection in Japan of Tokyo-based Mt Gox, once ing at possibly taxing bitcoin and said it may have lost some the world’s dominant bitcoin transactions, but it remains 850,000 bitcoins due to hacking. exchange. unclear how they could do this, “As Flexcoin does not have the The cabinet will decide tomor- given that one of the attractions resources, assets, or otherwise to row how to treat bitcoins under of using bitcoin is that transac- Kolin Burges, a self-styled cryptocurrency trader and former software engineer from London, holds up a placard come back from this loss, we are existing laws, said people famil- tions are largely anonymous. to protest against Mt. Gox, in Tokyo closing our doors immediately,” iar with the matter, adding that “We haven’t yet thoroughly Flexcoin said. banks and securities firms will not grasped the situation, but some It later posted an update on be able to handle bitcoin as part kind of regulation is needed from of Japan has said it was study- places where the company has Jiro Aichi said last week. its site saying that the attack of their main business, suggesting the perspective of consumer pro- ing the bitcoin phenomenon with a physical presence, such as its US Federal Reserve Chair exploited a flaw in its code on the crypto-currency will be treated tection, and we will also discuss interest. Chief Cabinet Secretary home state of Utah, said vice Janet Yellen has said Congress transfers between users and more as a commodity, like gold. (bitcoin) from the perspective of Yoshihide Suga said the relevant chairman Jonathan Johnson. “It’s should look into legal options for involved inundating the system Japan has struggled to define imposing asset tax,” said Takuya Japanese ministries will be in pretty easy to do with bitcoin as regulating virtual currencies such with simultaneous requests to its approach to bitcoin since the Hirai, head of an IT panel in the close contact with each other on at this point we are converting as bitcoin. move coins between accounts. collapse of Mt Gox, which filed for ruling Liberal Democratic Party. matters relating to bitcoin. bitcoin into dollars immediately,” Shanghai-based BTC China, the “Flexcoin has made every bankruptcy protection in Tokyo The panel heard yesterday A former insider at Mt Gox he said. But Hiroshi Mikitani, a world’s largest bitcoin exchange attempt to keep our servers as on Friday, saying it had lost bit- from consultant Deloitte about said the exchange had repeatedly prominent Japanese e-commerce by volume, has imposed regula- secure as possible, including regu- coins and cash worth some half bitcoin and from officials of the approached the FSA in the past, billionaire and CEO of Rakuten tions to curb bitcoin trade weeks lar testing,” it said, adding it had a billion dollars due to hacker Consumer Affairs Agency, the asking it to define the handling of Inc, expressed caution about after Beijing banned financial repelled thousands of attacks over attacks on what it said was its lax Financial Services Agency (FSA) bitcoin, but received no definitive trying to regulate the virtual institutions from trading in bit- the past few years. “But in the computer system security. the Finance Ministry, central answer. Last week, the FSA said currency. “They should not act coin due to the risks involved. end, this was simply not enough.” Bitcoin, a digital currency that is bank, Cabinet Office and the it had not recently been in contact hastily,” he said. Russian authorities have issued The Alberta, Canada-based traded on a peer-to-peer network National Police Agency about the with Mt Gox, but did not specify Japan doesn’t want to go it warnings against using bitcoin, firm, which said it is working independent of central control, Mt. Gox collapse, Hirai said. whether it had ever been in touch alone in trying to get a grip on saying treating it as a parallel with law enforcement agencies to has engendered a wave of creative The FSA and the Finance with the company. A lawyer for bitcoin. Any regulation of the currency is illegal. Britain, how- trace the source of the hack, said criminality — from bitcoin theft by Ministry have said bitcoin is not Mt Gox declined to comment. crypto-currency should involve ever, has supported bitcoin and it would return bitcoins stored hacking online platforms to poten- a currency and doesn’t fall under US online retailer Overstock. international cooperation to avoid is preparing to abort plans to tax offline, or in “cold storage”, to tially using the crypto-currency their purview, while the Bank com collects sales tax on sales to loopholes, Vice Finance Minister bitcoin trading. REUTERS users. REUTERS

Traders still shun Britain far from prime shale gas Greece, IMF disagree on bank tests new grain deals ATHENS: Greece will release European Central Bank. “The thorn stress test results on its top banks in the talks is the IMF estimate of exploration location, experts say this week without securing the ¤8.5-9bn,” the source said. with Ukraine agreement of the IMF, a source According to reports, the Greek LONDON: Britain may be a for shale gas in Britain using Bowland Basin in central close to the talks said, in a further central bank estimates the top com- KIEV: Foreign trading houses prime location for shale gas hydraulic fracturing, known as Britain hold around 1,300 tril- sign of disagreements between mercial banks need ¤5-6 bn, based have not resumed concluding exploration in Europe, but a fracking, a technique of inject- lion cubic feet (tcf) of gas, far Athens and its international on stress tests commissioned from new grain exports contracts lack of onshore drilling infra- ing water, sand and chemicals more than the 3tcf of gas a creditors. The stress tests deter- private analysts BlackRock and due to continued tensions structure and local opposi- deep into rock formations to year currently consumed, but mine the amount of fresh capital confirmed by Ernst & Young and between Ukraine and Russia, tion will impede development, release hydrocarbons. the amount that can actually leading Greek banks need to cope Rothschild as external advisors. Ukraine’s Agriculture Minister experts and geologists said at “Probably the UK (is be extracted is uncertain. with challenges such as mounting The stress test results, to be Ihor Shvaika said yesterday. a shale conference in London. Europe’s prime location) from The Upper Bowland area, bad loans. released by tomorrow, were originally “They are still waiting and Britain is in the early stages a technical point of view as we a part of the basin that has Bank of Greece governor George supposed to have been announced there are no new contracts,” of exploring for unconventional have some very thick shale, already attracted explora- Provopoulos earlier held an incon- in December, and are separate Shvaika said. gas to counter growing depend- but there are still a number of tion, could have 260tcf of gas clusive meeting on the issue with the from those to be conducted by the Political instability and vio- ence on imports and to emulate question marks,” Ron Oxburgh, present, said Andy Aplin, pro- mission representing the country’s European Central Bank this year as lence had caused some traders in the success the United States a former Shell chairman and fessor of unconventional petro- creditors — the European Union, part of it taking over as the euro- Ukraine, the world’s third-biggest has had in lowering its energy member of the House of Lords leum at Durham University and International Monetary Fund the zone’s banking supervisor. AFP maize exporter, to hold back from prices due to a shale boom. Select Committee on Science former adviser to BP. agreeing new contracts, while The current crisis in Ukraine and Technology, said on the “We would need 33,000 wells Russian maize export prices have has renewed calls for countries sidelines of the two-day Shale to drain all that,” he told the been rising for two weeks. in Europe, including Britain, UK shale conference. two-day Shale UK conference Ukrainian grain lobby UAC to diversify away from Russian “We may get more out of a in London. That compares with said that traders were continu- natural gas. single hole than in other parts an annual average of 19 onshore ing grain exports from terminals In eastern Europe, Polish of the world, but we need new wells drilled in Britain over the in Crimea despite tensions. gas monopoly PGNiG said last onshore drilling infrastructure period 1902-2013. UAC said in a statement 45,000 month it had found a new gas which we don’t have now. The Analysts at energy consul- tonnes of Ukrainian maize had deposit in south-eastern Poland, issue of noise is also a limiting tancy Poyry estimate that by been sent from terminals in and Ukraine has signed agree- factor in the near term... These 2024 around 100 new wells will Sevastopol to Italy and Spain in ments with Royal Dutch Shell are brutes, they are big pump- need to be approved each year the last two days. and US energy major Chevron ing machines,” he added. to pave the way for signifi- But the lobby said that it for shale gas exploration. The British Geological cant shale gas production. But expected a decrease in shipments Several companies have Survey has estimated that shale gas wells have a short in the near future. REUTERS announced plans to explore rock formations in so-called life. REUTERS

Adidas sales up

Shareholders of Adidas at Nuremberg office. German sportswear company warned yesterday that its results in 2014 would take a significant hit from weakening emerging market currencies even as sales are helped by the soccer World Cup. The world’s second big- gest sportswear firm, which has been losing ground to market leader Nike, said fourth-quarter sales rose 3.3 percent to €3.48bn. THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS IMF calls for Luxury cars drive into booming SUV space ECB rate cut, Middle East a big potential market more liquidity GENEVA: Massive or small, the maker of the iconic 911 is affordable or off-the scale broadening its range and appears BRUSSELS: The European pricey: urban sports utility to be on a steady course towards Central Bank should cut inter- vehicles abound at the Geneva the 200,000 car sales a year mark. est rates and either inject Motor Show, with luxury car- Porsche is set to push out a cool more liquidity into the bank- makers speeding into the lucra- 50,000 Macans a year from its fac- ing system via its Long-Term tive market. One of the stars tory in Leipzig, Germany, and is Refinancing Operations (LTRO) of the show, which opened its making it pricier than the basic or start public and private doors to the media on Tuesday, versions of its competitors Audi asset purchases, International is Porsche’s new Macan. Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes’ GLK. Monetary Fund officials said. Crowds flocked around as the Growing faster than any other The ECB is due to hold a meet- German carmaker unveiled the segment, the new and smaller, yet ing on monetary policy today. sleek, dark grey machine for the luxurious SUVs have a knack at Consumer inflation, which the first time in Europe to great fan- drawing in the coveted younger bank wants to keep below, but close fare. “I can tell you that the intake buyers who have yet to develop to two percent over the medium is already very, very strong. It’s loyalty to any specific brand. “The term, has been stuck in what the better than we expected,” head example of Porsche shows that ECB called the danger zone of of Porsche sales and marketing there is also a demand for a new below one percent for five months. Bernhard Maier said, pointing out type of car within the luxury seg- “You can have too much of a that in Germany the line of buyers ment,” German car industry ana- good thing, including low inflation,” was so long deliveries would take lyst Stefan Bratzel said. Reza Moghadam, the head of the about six months. He hailed the carmaker for IMF’s European Department said Once known only as a sports car “managing to transmit the aura in a blog. It was co-authoured by maker, the company has lead the of its brand to other types of vehi- his deputy Ranjit Teja and senior charge of luxury car builders seek- cles” by ensuring that the race car economist Pelin Berkmen. “Very ing to grab a slice of the booming DNA shines through, in the engine Porsche’s Macan Turbo is displayed at the group’s stand at the Geneva Motor Show. low inflation may benefit important and super trendy SUV segment. and design. segments of the population, nota- After showing the way just over A number of other luxury car- bly net savers. But in the current a decade ago with the arrival of makers meanwhile are set to fol- buyers in Russia, China and the which belongs to Italian Fiat, has credit for inventing the concept context of widespread indebtedness its mid-size luxury crossover the low Porsche’s lead. Middle East. hinted its Levante luxury crosso- of luxury 4x4s decades ago, insists problems, it is working to the detri- Cayenne, which today accounts British Bentley says it will Italy’s Lamborghini, which like ver SUV might hit the market its not worried by the new com- ment of recovery in the euro area, for more than half of its sales, the launch an ultra-powerful model both Bentley and Porsche, belongs next year. petitors in its traditional mar- especially in the more fragile coun- company has moved on to its baby of SUV for the super rich in two to Volkswagen, unveiled its SUV British Rolls-Royce, owned ket, with brand designer Richard tries, where it is thwarting efforts sister. years time, in a bid to reach its concept Urus two years ago, but is by Germany’s BMW, also says it Woolly stressing the company’s to reduce debt, regain competitive- With 340 horses under its clam- target of doubling its sales to still waiting for VW to greenlight is looking into building a car in “true heritage”. Jaguar, which like ness and tackle unemployment,” shell bonnet for the S version, the 15,000 cars each year by 2018. the project. “The market potential the segment. But the company, Land Rover is owned by Indian they said in the blog. compact SUV will hit European Industry expert Ferdinand would in the US, in Middle East, in renowned for its refined limou- Tata Motors, also aims to profit IMF chief Christine Lagarde showrooms next month with an Dudenhoeffer said such a vehicle China and in some European mar- sines, is wary the soul of its brand from that long experience: Last said the fund saw a risk of an asking price of around ¤60,000. As would likely cost around ¤180,000 kets,” Lamborghini chief Stephan might be lost in the process. September it presented its own extended period of low inflation it moves into this new segment, — not enough to make the target Winkelmann said. And Maserati, British Land Rover, which takes SUV concept, the C-X17. AFP in the eurozone. REUTERS

Australian economy grows 0.8pc Chrysler to go ahead with Canada plans SYDNEY: Australia’s mining- “The domestic economy is still powered economy expanded 0.8 quite soft and domestic final TORONTO/DETROIT: of government had contributed conditions changed. Some ana- Now that Chrysler has decided to percent in the last three months demand only grew by 1.2 percent Chrysler Group LLC said on about $2.9bn toward Chrysler’s lysts and industry experts said invest in Canada, it is unlikely to of 2013, according to official sta- over the course of last year.” Tuesday that it would push bailout. “As a Canadian, I regret that Marchionne was angling for change its mind unless forced by tistics released yesterday which The figures add to sugges- ahead with development plans my failure in having been unable a better position in negotiations market conditions, said a source. beat expectations and put on- tions that the economy is at an for two key assembly plants to convey the highly competi- by raising questions about the car- Minister of Industry James year growth at 2.8 percent. upwards turning point, with in the Canadian province tive nature of markets that offer maker’s commitment to Canada. Moore said that Chrysler’s deci- The Australian Bureau of the numbers relating to a quar- of Ontario, but will keep its manufacturing opportunities to Chrysler, which had reportedly sion was a “surprise” and that the Statistics figures compare with ter in which weakness in major “strategic options” open after carmakers that operate on a glo- sought $700m in support toward a Canadian government has been analyst expectations of 0.7 per- market China and turmoil withdrawing requests for gov- bal scale,” said Marchionne in a $3.6bn investment, said it will still having good conversations with cent growth in the December in Australia’s manufacturing sec- ernment funding. statement. Marchionne has dual go ahead with plans to develop the company about their future quarter and 2.5 percent on-year tor featured. Chrysler, a unit of Fiat Chrysler citizenship in Canada and Italy. and produce its next-generation in Canada. as a decade-long mining boom But Daniel Martin, Asia econ- Automobiles, said its appeal for “Some of the shots across minivan at its Windsor, Ontario, Canada has been a gener- slows. “The growth is supported omist with Capital Economics, cash from the governments of the bow following our initial plant, which employs more than ous supporter of the sector, he by the ramp up in exports,” said said 2014 was still likely to prove Canada and Ontario had become approaches to the federal and 4,600 workers. said, pointing to last month’s National Australia Bank senior a difficult year for the Australian a “political football,” showing the provincial governments reveal, It will also produce revamped announcement of $450.07m in economist David de Garis. economy. AFP country’s short-sighted view of apart from political convenience, models of its Chrysler 300, Dodge new subsidies for an auto inno- industrial development. a somewhat restricted view of Challenger and Dodge Charger vation fund. Pressure began building around Canada as an industrial player at a Brampton, Ontario, facility, A spokesman for Ontario QATARI MARKET the issue in January, after Fiat in what has become a borderless which has nearly 3,250 employees. Minister of Economic Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Chief Executive Officer Sergio economy.” The company did not detail the Development, Trade and Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 100.38 0.48% Aa2 AA Marchionne said that Canadian Marchionne also said he hoped scope or duration of that pro- Employment, Eric Hoskins, said governments needed to step up all stakeholders would preserve duction work, nor did it discuss the province would continue Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 106.00 0.99% Aa2 AA with financial incentives in order the country’s and province’s com- spending plans. It was unknown working “positively and proac- Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 120.25 2.30% Aa2 AA to secure Chrysler’s investment petitiveness, but reserved the right whether Chrysler would now tively” with Chrysler in a “fiscally Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 114.63 2.55% Aa2 AA plans. Back in 2009, the two levels to reassess Chrysler’s position if invest less than originally planned. responsible way.” REUTERS Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 109.63 3.11% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 156.13 4.75% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 118.50 5.10% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 109.50 5.11% Aa2 AA US private jobs increase Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 103.94 0.60% Aa2 AA Grafton sees Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 112.00 2.92% Aa2 AA Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 103.00 0.63% A1 A- sustained Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.88 1.75% A1 A- QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.13 1.20% NR NR QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.75 0.88% Aa3 A+ Irish recovery QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.38 1.84% Aa3 A+ DUBLIN: Building supplies Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.50 1.95% A2 A- group Grafton said renewed Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.38 1.26% A2 A- activity in Irish construction Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 125.00 2.73% A2 A- appeared to be sufficient to sup- Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 108.63 3.35% A2 A- port a sustained recovery, after Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 105.13 4.43% A2 A- it reported a 27 percent rise in Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 102.63 0.76% Aa3 A operating profit last year. Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 107.00 2.97% Aa3 A Grafton, which has cut its workforce by a quarter and more Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 109.00 3.74% Aa3 A than halved its net debt over the SOVEREIGNS past five years, responded to the Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P crisis in Ireland by building up Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 100.38 0.66% Aa2 AA its business in Britain, where it Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 122.13 2.13% Aa2 AA is now the third largest building supplies merchant. Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 108.00 1.52% NR NR Grafton said yesterday that its Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.88 2.29% NR NR operating profit rose to ¤77.2m Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 124.25 3.57% NR NR last year from revenues of ¤1.9bn, Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 116.88 4.00% NR NR three quarters of which came Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 103.13 0.36% Aa2 AA from Britain where the economy Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 114.88 2.87% NR BBB has been performing strongly for People fill out application forms before a screening session for seasonal jobs at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York. US private employers added 139,000 jobs in February. Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 108.38 3.93% NR BBB a year. However, the group’s main merchanting business returned to Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 102.25 5.31% Caa1 B- growth in Ireland in the second Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 105.00 3.63% NR BBB- half and grew by another seven

*Periodic Distribution Amount percent in the first two months IMPORTANT NOTE: of the year, catching up with the Facebook to buy solar drone maker Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which near 10 percent seen in Britain. is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services Ireland’s economy has been SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook comment on what it referred to by making about 11,000 drones Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary gradually improving since it is in talks to buy a solar-pow- it as “rumours and speculation.” to fly above Africa and other data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not became the first eurozone country ered drone startup in what Titan Aerospace makes high- parts of the world with minimal take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds to complete a bailout in December could lead to making wireless altitude, solar-powered drones to no Internet access, according can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant and is expected to grow by about Internet available in regions that can fly for as long as five to TechCrunch. liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not 2 percent in 2014. without online access, accord- years without touching down. Aerospace Titan was founded a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. “The UK didn’t crash and ing to technology news website Facebook-backed Internet. in 2012 and has its headquarters burn by anything like the scale TechCrunch. org, which has a stated mission in the state of New Mexico where we had in Ireland, but you’re TechCrunch cited an unidenti- of making online access available it handles research and develop- probably something like a year fied source as disclosing that the everywhere in the world, could ment. The takeover, if confirmed, behind where the cycle is,” Chief leading social network is consid- put such drones to work as air- would come as Google works on a Executive Gavin Slark said in an ering buying Titan Aerospace for borne wireless hotspots. Project Loon to spread Internet interview. REUTERS about $60m. Facebook declined to Aerospace Titan would start access using balloons. AFP THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Increasing the minimum Bonuses are here to stay wage is entirely within the Tory tradition until culture change occurs BY SHARON BOWLES BY DAVID SKELTON Second, fixed payment in shares or other examined by supervisors, shareholders and instruments that are aligned with the long- others. he EU bonus cap was never term interests of the business and share- Moreover, paying out large performance n 1938, a visionary politician advocated the idea of a minimum intended to reduce total com- holders and which have to be kept, not bonuses can be used to massage fixed over- wage. He argued that such an idea would be “a great step pensation for high earners. But cashed in. Ideally, these should be subject heads and make them look smaller, in order forward, commanding the sympathy and support of the entire greater openness over bankers’ to clawback over the long-term. to please both supervisors and shareholders Ination. It would be a measure of social justice … it would be a salaries would be a step forward Third, annual performance-related into thinking that there is a better position measure of economic wisdom.” This statement came a few years TBankers’ bonus season is upon us and the bonuses, which if large and paid to risk- for capital or profit respectively. So a bit of after another politician had argued that “it is a serious national usual antagonisms are back. On the one side, takers should also consist of a mix of truthfulness here does no harm. evil that any class of His Majesty’s subjects should receive less those who wonder how it can ever be justi- instruments and be subject to deferral and The fact is that substantial salaries will than a living wage in return for their utmost exertions” and fied to pay so much to so few; on the other, clawback. always be paid one way or another until talked about low pay as a “condition of progressive degeneration”. those concerned about whether they will The third category is the one that is now there is a change of culture in banking. The Who were these prophetic radicals, these far-sighted scep- be paid enough to feel recognised and keep capped by the EU. But it is the second that majority of bonuses will always be paid – tics about the nostrums of laissez faire? The first was Harold their professional status. has recently come under the spotlight, with that is what we are seeing right now. It is Macmillan, the second was Winston Churchill – two of the great- The EU bonus cap, introduced at the “allowances” allegedly being paid instead of far better to recognise the bulk of these pay- est Conservatives of the 20th century. Despite the chirrups of behest of the European parliament, has bonuses in order to poke European bonus ments in the context of pay and put them opposition from the libertarian right, George Osborne’s recom- added another element to the mix, with legislators in the eye. in the overheads. mendation to increase the minimum wage is the right thing to do concerns that banks are circumventing However, it has long been commonplace The EU cap of twice annual salary eas- and is thoroughly within the Conservative tradition. the new rules by paying excessive bonuses for chief and other leading executives to be ily leaves enough room to offer perform- Opposing the introduction of the minimum wage was one of through alternative means, including fixed given incentive payments linked to long- ance-related bonuses. Any more would risk the Conservative’s biggest mistakes. It was based on hysterical allowances. term performance targets. To reorganise creating perverse incentives. The rest of warnings about the impact on jobs that proved completely wide The European rules that limit an indi- these under fixed remuneration instead of remuneration should be recognised for what of the mark. The vociferous opposition to the minimum wage vidual’s annual bonus to once or – with bonuses does not run foul of the EU legis- it is: fixed, not a capital arbitrage. made the party look dogmatic, mean and interested only in big shareholders’ consent – twice the level of lation, which in fact states that fixed pay The balance sheet may not look quite so business rather than ordinary workers or the low paid. The fact fixed pay were never devised to reduce total should reflect professional experience and good, but it is a truer reflection of reality. that Tories now support a substantial increase in the minimum compensation, even if many might have level of responsibility. What is important Supervisors and shareholders are able to wage shows they have learned from past mistakes. wished that. is to include the possibility of clawback, see what the real overheads are and reduce A substantial increase in the minimum wage makes sense eco- Their core purpose is to remove incen- because this will tend to moderate risk- them if they are too high. nomically, socially and politically. With the economic recovery tives for excessive risk-taking that could taking, especially compared with annual And, in return, the annual row about the gathering steam, now is the right time. Wages have been trailing jeopardise the stability of the financial performance bonuses that encourage more percentage of profit paid in bonuses may be prices for almost a decade and the minimum wage is worth £1,000 system, and which at times may have led short-term thinking. less pronounced, and the ratio of dividends less after inflation than it was in 2008. In the five years from 2008 to bankers crossing the line into criminal Including these incentive or responsibil- to bonus will be higher. Truthfulness and food prices increased by 30 percent, while the minimum wage behaviour in the search for performance ity payments in fixed pay is also more hon- clarity is finally breaking out and eventu- increased by slightly more than 12 percent. and mega bonuses. est in accounting terms. That is because ally it may help to drive the desired culture It is clear that the lowest paid didn’t benefit from Blair’s boom, There are three elements to pay and fixed remuneration will be included in bal- change. which concentrated wealth in the south-east, and a minimum wage bonuses. First, ordinary salary in cash. ance sheets as overheads, where it will be THE GUARDIAN increase would ensure that those people who have worked long hours and sacrificed the most in the recession will be able to share in the recovery. Renewing capitalism means making sure the free market works for everybody, not just a privileged few. Such a move would help show that the Conservatives care about the low-paid and aren’t just the party of the rich and big business. Libya protests However, it can’t just be seen as a political bolt-on. It should illus- trate that the Tories are concerned that low pay has a real impact Oil output in Libya dropped to 230,000 a day as protests hit oilfields and ports, pressuring on institutions they hold dear. Low pay, meaning that parents are more likely to suffer from emotional pressures and have to work a government struggling to impose order three years after Muammar Gaddafi's demise. additional hours to make ends meet, can have a damaging impact on the family unit. Some 41 percent of lone-parent households OIL FACILITIES LIBYA CRUDE OIL OUTPUT are in the bottom 20 percent of the income scale. Low pay means that people are less likely to spend time with Oilfield Oil pipeline Refinery Tanker terminal Facilities blocked by protesters Million barrels a day their family or in their community. Poverty also has an impact on educational attainment, affecting conservative values such as 2.0 aspiration. Children from the poorest fifth of families are more Mellitah than a year behind the richest children in terms of vocabulary Zawiyah Mediterranean Sea development by the age of five, and children eligible for free school Hariga meals are half as likely to achieve five or more A*-C grades at TUNISIA GCSE as those who are not. Making work pay is important for Tripoli 1.5 Conservatives and an increased minimum wage will help to do Ras Lanuf Benghazi this and boost work incentives, reducing the need for the state Es Sidr to subsidise low pay through tax credits. Of course, raising the minimum wage is just the start. We need ALGERIA Zueitina to make sure it is properly enforced. We need to make sure more Marsa al Brega houses are built, given that the low-paid spend between a third EGYPT 1.0 and half of their income on housing. We need to continue with ambitious and important reforms to education and skills, because the only way to ensure that incomes rise in the long term is by improving skills and productivity. We should be pleased that the Low Pay Commission has supported LIBYA 0.5 the chancellor’s recommendation for an above average increase to Sarir £6.50 an hour. Hopefully the goal is for a more substantial increase oilfield to £7 an hour next year. A higher minimum wage would help the Sharara working poor and would illustrate a compassionate conservatism oilfield 200 miles which believes in the free market but is suspicious of laissez faire. 0.0 It will show that the sacrifices of deficit reduction have paved 200 km the way for shared prosperity. It will support conservative values ’05’07 ’09 ’11 ’13 such as family, work and community. Increasing the minimum Sources: World Energy Atlas; Thomson Reuters Datastream; news reports wage is entirely within the Tory tradition and shows the govern- ment to be following in the distinguished footsteps of Macmillan Staff, 05/03/2014 and Churchill. THE GUARDIAN

Qantas job losses: The reality of union decline must be faced BY ELIZABETH committed to improving the lives workers, and just 13 percent in had won better standards of liv- favour. Now union leaders have starting from trying to imagine HUMPHRYS and TAD of their members, however, and the private sector. ing for themselves in previous responded to the job cuts not by how we could tweak existing TIETZE the problem becomes apparent. It is no coincidence that the decades. The decline of members calling strikes but by demanding unions into something they aren’t, While the unions have been problems started during the and union coverage of workplace that Tony Abbott do something. we should instead be asking a more ast week’s announcement doing what they do, unemploy- Accord between the unions agreements continued in the Asked about Qantas telling hun- basic question: “What kind of col- that Qantas will slash ment has edged up to its high- and the Hawke-Keating federal harsher legal environment of dreds of union members they lective organisations do workers 5,000 jobs follows simi- est level in over a decade in the governments. In exchange for the Howard years and was not would go, the leader of one union need and using what strategies Llar news of large-scale context of a long period of weak unprecedented influence in poli- reversed by Labour’s Fair Work ruled out industrial action, and can workers build them?” job cuts late last year from Rio wages growth. Unions are criti- tics, along with some increases Act. said nothing to suggest she That means asking what is Tinto, Caterpillar and Electrolux, cal of the growth of economic in the “social wage”, the unions Union leaders moved on to thought a single job could be saved needed to win wage rises and as well as the pending extinction inequality and precarious work in agreed to significant cuts to real other activities to try to main- with union power. improve workplace conditions, to of Australia’s car manufacturing un-unionised industries — along- wages, known at the time as tain relevance — such as running We write this as union mem- defeat hardline bosses and stop industry. side record profits for big busi- “wage restraint”. industry super funds or seeing bers, one of whom recently par- sackings, to refuse to submit As Alan Joyce announced the ness — but they’ve been unable They also agreed to curb indus- involvement in ALP factions as a ticipated in industrial action meekly to laws that inhibit work- cuts, the Australian Council of to prevent these developments. trial action in order to deliver substitute for the social strength that won some gains against an ers’ collective rights, and to take Trade Unions (ACTU) was hold- And when Tony Abbott claimed “social peace” for the sake of of unions themselves. aggressive management, recruit- on politicians and governments ing a major organising conference. unions had caused a “wages explo- an economy suffering from Despite occasional vague criti- ing new members in the process. who impose austerity on ordinary Summing up the message from sion”, union leaders rushed to dis- “stagflation”. cisms of the Accord, the leaders But we think localised good news people in the interests of the rich top union leaders, ACTU presi- tance themselves from any idea Ironically, unions signed up to of today’s unions show no sign stories are not enough, and that and the powerful. dent Ged Kearney told delegates, they had secured big pay rises for the Accord in part because they of breaking from the disastrous the reality of 30 years of unin- If international developments “we want all Australians to live workers. feared the alternative would be strategy their predecessors terrupted union decline must be are any guide, in coming years in a country that has a strong How have the unions become so the kinds of attacks that charac- embarked on in 1983. A move- faced. there will be major social strug- economy that works for everyone, passive on issues that were once terised Thatcherism in the UK. ment based mainly on workers’ Existing unions simply do not gles in Australia over these and not just big business, a country their bread and butter? Yet they clung to the Accord as collective strength has become have the social power or strate- other issues. where you can have a secure job The social weight of unions Labour drove through a full suite one hoping politicians and govern- gic outlook to deliver for work- Workers would be best served and make a decent living”. To is a pale shadow of what it was of neoliberal reforms — including ments will deliver for it instead. ers in most workplaces or on a by starting a conversation based win such a society unions must for most of the last century, financial deregulation, privatisa- The example of Qantas exposes national level. This is the real around how to secure their col- redouble their current efforts, when they were a central part of tions, the abolition of free higher this strategy as a mirage. When reason why more of workers, lective interests, whether or not because “together and united — Australian life and politics. ABS education and deep tariff cuts. Alan Joyce grounded the airline despite most expressing sympa- they are part of a union. It is a and organised — we can achieve figures show that union coverage Unions not only began to lose in late 2011, that most pro-union thy for unions in opinion polls, conversation that should not be great things”. dropped below 40 percent only members, but their remaining of prime ministers, Julia Gillard, don’t join unions. delayed by the distant hope the Step back a moment from such once between 1914 and 1990. But members were demoralised and rushed to ensure that her Fair We take no comfort in the long- existing union movement will lofty sentiments, said by hard in the last 30 years this collapsed passive in comparison with the Work Act was used to terminate term decay of union organisa- solve it by itself. working union officials deeply from over half to 18 percent of confident, active members who the dispute – in the employer’s tion and power. But rather than THE GUARDIAN THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary EXCHANGE QE Index 11,346.58 2.09 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER QE Total Return Index 16,532.42 2.09 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,307.72 1.68 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,875 1.95 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,765.03 2.46 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5457.346 45.692 0.84 5471.8 5072.7 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,762.53 0.71 % QR156.8303 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4383.08 -12.82 -0.29 4420.94 4080.6 QE All Share Industrials 3,919.84 0.20 % SILVER UK ...... QR 6.0476 QR 6.1326 QE All Share Insurance 2,780.53 1.22 % Dj Indu Average 16395.88 227.85 1.41 16588.25 14030.37 Euro ...... QR 4.9804 QR 5.0507 QE All Share Real Estate 1,968.78 2.22 % QR 2.5034 CA$ ...... QR 3.2572 QR 3.3219 QE All Share Telecoms 1,468.07 6.27 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 2,003.97 2.57 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 4.0770 QR 4.1352 Hang Seng Inde/D 22579.78 -77.85 -0.34 23469.33 21197.78 Yen ...... QR 0.0353 QR 0.0360 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.2389 QR 3.3024 Today Previous day Iseq Overall/D 5076.76 -14.78 -0.29 5195.97 4522.4 CRUDE OIL 05-03-2014 04-03-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0585 QR 0.0596 Index 11,346.58 11,588.24 Karachi 100 In/D 26521.99 312.61 1.19 27213.21 25273.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0346 QR 0.0353 Change 241.66 75.78 BRENT Nikkei 225 Index 14897.63 176.15 1.2 16164.01 13995.86 Peso ...... QR 0.0805 QR 0.0823 % 2.09 0.65 $ 108.94 SL Re ...... QR 0.0276 QR 0.0282 YTD% 9.32 11.64 S&P 500 Index/D 1873.91 28.18 1.53 1876.23 1512.29 Taka ...... QR 0.0464 QR 0.0473 Volume 26,605,741 14,432,918 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0367 QR 0.0374 Value (QAR) 1,408,341,298.07 651,622,584.74 Straits Times/D 3116.64 11.93 0.38 3187.8 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3356 QR 0.3433 Trades 15,452 11,549 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77 $ 105.32 Up 05 | Down 37 | Unchanged 01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 05-03-2014

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 1163 28.8 27763 Chola Invest-B/D 235.95 5.45 1033 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 7.96 -0.07 183380 Kinetic Eng-B/D 41.6 -1.05 6529 Rallis India-B/D 171.55 0.8 35399 Kingfisher/D 401.7 -2 1739797 Aarti Drugs-B/D 266 -2.5 3693 Cipla-A/D 385.25 6.5 128445 Himat Seide-B/D 56.95 1.75 69675 Kopran-B/D 23.95 -0.6 27309 Reliance Indus/D 317.8 -0.45 36777 Land Secs Grou/D 1093 3 256639 Aban Offs-B/D 508.95 5.8 409063 City Union Bk-/D 48.85 1.25 90034 Hind Motors-B/D 7.22 0.05 209749 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 170.05 -4.15 2194 Ruchi Soya-B/D 30.15 -0.2 10041 Legal & Genera/D 235.7 -4.8 8710052 Ador Welding-B/D 141.3 2 13518 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1492.95 -12.4 5206 Hind Org Chem-/D 10.13 -0.23 11009 Lakshmi Mach-B/D 2776.15 -19 1423 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 283.85 -0.15 11329 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 80.48 -0.42 40831352 Aegis Logis-B/D 162 14.65 130598 Colgate-A/D 1314.45 -0.45 5158 Hind Unilever-/D 551.45 -2.75 49867 Lloyd Metal-B/D 6.91 -0.34 3200 Salora Inter-B/D 15.9 -0.1 1251 Marks & Sp./D 504.575 1 586069 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 106.6 0.6 5703 Container Cor-/D 800.4 8.6 7166 Hind.Petrol-A/D 274.5 2.5 74667 Lloydsfin.-B/D 0.39 0 5000 Saur.Cem-B/D 12.9 -0.15 1445 Next/D 6730 5 61501 Alembic-B/D 13.24 0.64 279334 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 52 0.7 11349 Hindalco-A/D 115.4 1.65 988843 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 12.93 0.43 104563 Thirumalai-B/D 87.2 -0.65 2539 Pearson/D 1013 -11 850180 Alok Indus-B/D 6.46 -0.03 392554 Dhampur Sugar-/D 34 1.4 21637 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 826.85 5 34686 Lupin-A/D 989.5 1 44009 Timexgroup-B/D 10.39 0.09 24030 Prudential/D 1362 -13 762173 Apollo Tyre-A/D 129.2 -2.85 364972 Dr. Reddy-A/D 2787.6 -14.95 19151 I F C I-A/D 22.95 -0.2 585327 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 117 -1.5 1652 Tinplate-B/D 48.8 2.3 184531 Rank Group/D 132 0.1 30258 Asahi I Glass-/D 52.55 -1.8 35743 E I H-B/D 63.9 1.2 53372 Idbi-A/D 58.5 1.3 256756 Mah.Seamless-B/D 170 -1.45 21858 Ub Engineer-B/D 9.19 0.01 8001 Rentokil Initi/D 129.3 -3.4 951146 Ashok Leyland-/D 16.15 0.55 820035 E.I.D Parry-B/D 126 -0.1 6010 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 73.95 -0.05 3954 Maha Scooter-B/D 488.3 -18.45 8523 Ucal Fuel-B/D 43 0.25 1498 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1035.7 -2 2498511 Bajaj Hold-A/D 958 -3.4 12555 Eicher Motor-A/D 5582.15 170.85 5402 India Cement-B/D 57 2.05 174909 Mangalam Cem-B/D 101.7 1.7 15177 Ultramarine-B/D 50.5 2.65 17545 Rsa Insrance G/D 97.9 2 15861230 Ballarpur In-B/D 11.72 0.26 163604 Electrosteel-B/D 13.6 0.19 78016 India Glycol-B/D 85.6 0.2 16603 Mastek-B/D 219.15 0.6 129997 Unitech P -A/D 11.42 0 4131516 Sainsbury(J)/D 344.97 0.3 1439639 Bata India-A/D 1068.15 19.75 22829 Emco-B/D 24.55 -0.4 31302 Indian Card-B/D 85.45 2.65 1750 Max India L-A/D 189.1 -1.35 222788 Univcable-T/D 25.45 0.45 1357 Schroders/D 2612 -34 69927 Bayer Crop-B/D 1553.25 63.25 2674 Escorts-B/D 118.45 3.7 524499 Indian Hotel-A/D 71.95 0.25 141077 Mrpl-A/D 40.05 1.3 50261 Severn Trent/D 1870 20 397943 Beml Ltd-B/D 208 -0.75 31868 Essar Oil-A/D 51.15 0.15 340299 Indo-Bcount-B/D 38.25 -1.4 4930 Nath Seeds-T/D 4.2 -0.06 7018 LONDON Smith&Nephew/D 940 -7 807276 Bh Electronic-/D 965 42 1210 Eveready Indu-/D 41.5 0.4 58505 Indusind-A/D 415.65 5.4 205717 Nation Alum -A/D 32.85 -1.15 91543 Smiths Group/D 1371 -2 129880 Bharat Bijle-B/D 389.7 41.45 83802 F D C-B/D 133.15 4.95 116556 J.B.Chemical-B/D 128.4 -0.95 41556 Navneet Edu-B/D 54.4 -0.1 35473 3I Group/D 413.4 -4.8 380127 Standrd Chart /D 1268.5 -6 5443985 Bharatgears-B/D 37.7 0.5 7231 Federal Bank-A/D 80.6 0.8 163817 Jagson Phar-B/D 9.5 0.33 9386 Nepc India-B/D 2.7 -0.14 18235 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3007 -20 198416 Tate & Lyle/D 647.875 -2 560075 Bhartiya Int-B/D 192.25 4.15 10662 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5 0.18 61882 Jbf Indu-B/D 72.8 1.7 1808633 Nrb Bearings-B/D 41.8 0.95 26374 B Sky B/D 941.5 -1.5 920646 Tesco/D 329.35 1.45 4587016 Bhel-A/D 166.5 -0.2 256391 Fgp Ltd-B/D 2.1 0.02 1600 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.4 0.01 13473 O N G C-A/D 300.25 4.45 344990 Barclays/D 250.636 -2.3 10738788 Unilever/D 2434 -29 453761 Bom.Burmah-B/D 94.45 1.25 25819 Finolex-B/D 185.35 -0.4 7602 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.94 0.13 39198 Oil Country-B/D 34 0.4 4261 Bg Group/D 1088.438 -6 1150900 United Util Gr/D 793 6.5 722969 Bombay Dyeing-/D 49.55 -0.3 189175 Gail-A/D 375.35 -4.6 43045 Jik Indust-T/D 0.85 -0.04 21555 Onward Tech-B/D 46.85 -1.25 1050 Bp/D 485.72 -5.8 9617427 Vodafone Group/D 246.964 -2 13966422 Camph.& All-B/D 173.25 8.25 2799 Gammon India-B/D 12.67 0.03 4153 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 143.55 3.4 110652 Orchid Chem-B/D 46.9 2.2 169350 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3344.5 58 1205432 Whitbread/D 4427 28 120302 Canfin Homes-B/D 193.15 2.15 16229 Gangotri Tex-B/D 0.94 -0.04 11683 Kajaria Cer-B/D 304 -1.5 12942 Orient Hotel-B/D 16.5 0.4 2723 Bt Group/D 406.92 0.6 3503016 Caprihans-B/D 33.35 0.35 1011 Garden P -B/D 34.25 0.3 1641 Kalpat Power-B/D 83.15 1.55 22910 Orient.Carb.-B/D 133.5 1.1 15112 Centrica/D 321.152 1.9 3007505 Century Enka-B/D 133.95 0.05 4070 Goodricke-B/D 140.25 -1.85 9325 Kalyani Stel-B/D 55.45 0.2 48081 Oudh Sugar-B/D 18.4 1.15 7142 Gkn/D 404.7 1.9 1097271 Century Text-A/D 330.95 -0.2 171208 Goodyear I -B/D 424.7 0.45 11145 Kg Denim-B/D 13.35 0.35 22495 Punjab Chem.-B/D 69.1 3.25 4186 Hsbc Holdings/D 623.8 -7.8 8662731 Chambal Fert-B/D 39.1 -0.25 74074 Hcl Infosys-B/D 27.8 0.05 564879 Kilburnengg-B/D 19.25 0.9 47714 Radico Khait-B/D 154.05 -0.85 76483 Imperial Tobac/D 2472 -2 441456 THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Durant shines in Thunder’s win Westbrook logs second-fastest triple-double

OKLAHOMA CITY:Kevin Durant scored 42 points and guard Russell Westbrook col- lected his eighth career triple- double in leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 125-92 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. In his sixth game back from injury, Westbrook racked up 13 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists in only 20 minutes and 17 seconds of action. It was the second-fewest min- utes any player has ever needed to reach a triple-double, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Westbrook needed so few min- utes because the 76ers (15-46) offered little resistance on their New York Rangers’ defenceman Marc Staal (18) shoves Boston Bruins’ left wing Daniel Paille (20) during the way to a 15th straight defeat. first period of their match at Madison Square Garden yesterday. Oklahoma City (46-15) held a 16-point lead at halftime and torched Philly in the third to put the game away. Three Houston starters Krejci scores three for Bruins recorded double-doubles and the Rockets survived a last-second three-point attempt from LeBron James to overcome the Miami in 4-1 win over Panthers Heat. Houston center Dwight BOSTON: David Krejci’s third Stephen Gionta scored with 36.6 Howard (22 points, 16 rebounds) career hat-trick couldn’t have NHL Results seconds left in the third as New provided the defense on James come much easier. Krejci scored Boston 4 Florida 1 Jersey defeated the Detroit Red as the clock wound down, forc- twice while all alone in the slot, New Jersey 4 Detroit 3 Wings. The NHL’s trade dead- ing an errant shot than enabled then added an empty-net goal Columbus 4 Dallas 2 line is Wednesday and Brodeur the Rockets (41-19) to seal a sixth with 14 seconds remaining of said he is willing to accept a Colorado 4 Chicago 2 consecutive home win. the Boston Bruins’ 4-1 win over trade. The future Hall of Fame James had 22 points one night the Florida Panthers in their St Louis 4 Tampa Bay 2 goaltender lost the starting job after he poured in a career-high NHL game yesterday. Jarome Pittsburgh 3 Nashville 1 to Cory Schneider and could be and franchise record 61 for the Iginla added a goal and an assist NY Islanders 3 Winnipeg 2 on his way out of town if general Heat (43-15). for the Bruins, who kept former Phoenix 1 Vancouver 0 manager Lou Lamoriello can find Klay Thompson hit an outside Boston goalie Tim Thomas busy Edmonton 3 Ottawa 2 the right deal. jumper with 0.6 seconds left, giv- all night with 39 shots on goal. Carolina 3 San Jose 2 Brodeur stopped 20 of 23 shots ing Golden State a victory over The Bruins welcomed back as the Devils (27-23-13) won for Oklahoma City Thunder’s point guard Russell Westbrook dunks the the Indiana Pacers. Thomas, who may be saying the third time in four games. ball against the Philadelphia 76er during the fourth quarter of their NBA Indiana forward Paul George’s goodbye to Florida after a series behind Rinne. Defenceman Detroit (28-21-12) entered the three-point attempt as the buzzer match in Oklahoma City yesterday. of deals general manager Dale Tyson Barrie’s ninth goal of night having won four of their sounded hit the back rim and Tallon made to retool the strug- the season, on a power play at last five games. bounced away. distanced themselves atop the points from both Patty Mills and gling Panthers’ lineup. The big- 12:50 of the third period, broke Center Antoine Vermette Thompson led the Warriors Pacific Division after downing the Boris Diaw. gest move was bringing back a 2-2 tie and was followed by scored his sixth goal in five games (37-24) with 25 points. Backcourt Phoenix Suns. Cleveland guard Dion Waiters, goalie Roberto Luongo in a trade center Paul Stastny’s insurance this season against Vancouver late team mate Stephen Curry added With 20 games to play, Los playing in his first game since Feb. with Vancouver, leaving the marker in the final minute that in the first period, and it stood as 19 points and forward David Lee Angeles is 42-20, five games ahead 18 because of a hyperextended left Panthers for the moment with gave Colorado the win over the the game-winner as the Coyotes scored 11. of Golden State and six games knee, had 24 points for the Cavs the two goalies from the 2011 Chicago Blackhawks. squeaked by the Canucks. Forward David West led the ahead of the fading Suns, losers (24-38). Stanley Cup finals. Chicago fell to 36-13-14 despite Goaltender Mike Smith made Pacers (46-14) with 27 points. of four of their past six. Anthony Davis and guard Pittsburgh defenseman Matt outshooting Colorado 38 to 21. 23 saves for his 27th career George had 26 points and a game- Matt Barnes led the Clippers Eric Gordon scored 28 points Niskanen scored two goals as the St Louis left winger Alexander shutout and third of the season. high 12 rebounds as Indiana’s lead with 28 points while Blake Griffin, apiece, sparking the New Orleans Penguins spoiled the return of Steen broke a third-period tie, Goalie Eddie Lack, taking over in on the Eastern Conference stayed had 22 points, six assists and five Pelicans to victory over the Los Nashville Predators goaltender and goalie Ryan Miller recorded the Vancouver net after Roberto at two games over Miami, who rebounds. Angeles Lakers. Pekka Rinne. his second win in as many starts Luongo was traded to Florida ear- also lost. P J Tucker led Phoenix with 18 The Pelicans (24-37) snapped The game-winner came at for his new team, as the Blues lier in the day, made 31 saves for The Los Angeles Clippers won points and 10 rebounds. an eight-game losing streak as 7:29 of the third period, when rallied to beat the Tampa Bay the Canucks (28-26-10). their fifth straight game and Danny Green scored 24 points Tyreke Evans added a strong out- Nikansen fired a 34-foot slap shot Lightning. The Coyotes (28-23-11) snapped to lead the San Antonio Spurs ing, scoring 24 points, handing out past Rinne, who was making his Steen tallied his team-high a four-game losing streak and to victory over the Cleveland 11 assists and pulling down seven first appearance since October. 29th goal with 16:13 remaining to moved into ninth place in the NBA Results Cavaliers. rebounds. Rinne, who sat out 51 games give St. Louis (41-14-6) a 3-2 lead. Western Conference, one game San Antonio 122 Cleveland 101 Green, drafted by the Cavs in Center Pau Gasol scored a sea- due to a hip infection, finished Tampa Bay (34-23-5) lost for behind the Dallas Stars for the Golden State 98 Indiana 96 2009 before they waived him in son-high 29 points and grabbed with 16 saves. Pittsburgh struck the seventh time in 10 games, and final playoff spot. Center Artem Houston 106 Miami 103 2010, converted 7-of-12 shots from 12 rebounds to lead Los Angeles the game’s first goal 27 seconds concluded a four-game road trip Anisimov scored the winning goal Oklahoma City 125 Philadelphia 92 the field and 3-of-7 from behind (21-40), who were attempting to into the second period where with a 1-3 mark. for the third straight game, sav- LA Clippers 104 Phoenix 96 the arc. The Spurs (44-16) also got register their first three-game Sidney Crosby, skating behind the If Martin Brodeur has played ing the Columbus Blue Jackets 18 points and five rebounds from winning streak since November. Predators net, found Niskanen his final game with the Devils he from collapse against the Dallas New Orleans 132 LA Lakers 125 forward Kawhi Leonard and 16 REUTERS open for a slap shot that got is going out on a high note after Stars. AGENCIES

Seahawks defender Browner Awais Malik hits ton to power returns to NFL after ban

SEATTLE: Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner, set to Doha Asian Club to big win become a free agent next week, said that he has been reinstated by the National Football League. DOHA: Awais Malik blasted Al Hanzab Club beat Bangladesh Mesbah 21, Waqas 4 wkts, Sher Man of the Match: Hafiz The NFL suspended Browner indefinitely last December after he a century and picked up three Club by 20 runs. Ali 2 wkts, Atif Ahamad, Amjad Nadeem of Al Feroz Youngster lost an appeal over a one-year ban for a second violation of the NFL wickets to power Doha Asian Nadeem’s fine bowling floored Khan and Fayaz 1 wkt each) substance-abuse policy. Club to a massive 112-run vic- Wings DCC for only 78 runs in Man of the Match: Waqas of Al DIVISION B MATCHES That kept Browner out of the Super Bowl, where the Seahawks beat tory against Rawal County 29.4 overs and Al Feroz Youngster Hanzab CC. 1. Khan XI beat Al Noof CC by Denver to win their first NFL title. Boys during the Qatar Airways went on to clinch the match in 7.5 2. Doha Asian CC beat Rawal 1 wkt. Browner said Tuesday on Twitter that his ban was over and thanked Division A Cricket Tournament. overs. Qalandar struck 37 not out County Boys by 112 runs Al Noof CC 167 for 9 wkts in NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for resolving the matter “in a posi- The Qatar Cricket Association and Faisal made an unbeaten 31. Doha Asian CC 269 for 9 wkts 25 overs.( Hassan 55, Wasim 21, tive, productive manner so I can continue my career, provide for my is organising the Qatar Airways Waqas first hit 48 to carry in 48 overs (Awais Malik 106 Irshad 29, Abbas 2 wkts, Zahid, family, and help my team win a Super Bowl.” Cricket Tournament in three Al Hanzab Club to 153 for 38.4 not out, Mansoor 23, Rizlan 47, Sajjad and Abdul Wahab 1 wkt Browner, 29, says he understands “now more than ever that being divisions – A, B and C. At the overs. Then he snared four wick- Faheem 30, Rizwan 2 wkts, Bilal, each) part of the NFL is not a right, but a privilege.” West Bay Complex, Malik’s 106 ets which restricted Bangladesh Owais, Aftab and Shajer 1 wkt Khan XI 168 for 9 wkts in 24.5 The announcement came after Browner had threatened to file a not out boosted Doha Asian Club Club to 133 in 35.2 overs. each) overs (Arshad 26, Nawaz 38, federal lawsuit against the NFL. to a healthy 269 for nine in 48 In the Division B, Khan Eleven Rawal County Boys 157 in 40 Abdullah Qureshi 37, Nadeem, Browner sat out the last four games of the 2012 season after testing overs. Rizlan hit 47, Faheem made survived a tight finish to beat Al overs (Moazzam 23, Aftab 38, Hassan and Intekab 2 wkts each, positive for a performance-enhancing substance. 30 and Mansoor contributed 23. Anoof Club by one wicket and Owais 46, Awais Malik 3 wkts and Irshad 1 wkt. In 36 career NFL games, Browner has 117 tackles and 10 interceptions. Rizwan got two wickets. Doha Bank rode a 61 not out by Abbas 3 wkts, Mansoor 2 wkts, Man of the Match: Hassan of Defensive end Greg Hardy wasted no time signing the one-year Doha Asian Club bowled out Harish to beat Taj United Club by Khurram and Khalid Delvi 1 wkt Al Noof CC franchise tender from the Carolina Panthers, who officially applied Rawal County Boys for 157 in five wickets. each) 2. Doha Bank CC beat Taj the restrictive tag to retain the free agent on Monday. 40 overs to carve out the big Man of the Match: Awais Malik United CC by 5 wkts The tender for defensive ends is $13.116m, but Hardy and manage- win. Owais was their highest Brief scores: of Doha Asian CC. Taj United CC 184 for 5 wkts ment appear to be on the same page in the sense that each side is scorer with 46. Malik removed DIVISION A MATCHES 3. Al Feroz Youngster beat in 23 overs (Riyaz 65, Ahmed 26, focused on getting a long-term deal in place. three players. So did Abbas and 1. Al Hanzab CC beat Wings DCC by 9 wkts. Farshad 22, Sampath 23, Chintu 2 The deadline for signing franchise players to a long-term contract Mansoor dimissed two. Bangladesh CC by 20 runs Wings DCC 78 in 29.4 overs wkts, Manoj and Adnan 1 wkt each) is July 15. In other two matches in Al Hanzab CC 153 in 38.4 overs (Sunny 21 not out, Shahid Hussain Doha Bank CC 185 for 5 wkts Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jason Worilds signed his one- the Division A, Hafiz Nadeem (Siyabuddin 21, Atif 23, Waqas 14, Hafiz Nadeem 5 wkts, Harris in 22 overs (Manoj 20, Naeem 31, year transition tender and is scheduled to make $9.754m for the 2014 returned an impressive haul of five 48, Wahid 4 wkts, Biplop 3 wkts, 4 wkts, Mujeeb 1 wkt). Harish 61 not out, Manjula 21, season, multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday. wickets to set up a nine-wicket Rashed, Mesbah and Shagor 1 wkt Al Feroz Youngster 59 for 1 wkt Shehzad 3 wkts, Peter 2 wkts) The Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Tony Romo have agreed to a for Al Feroz Youngster against each) in 7.5 overs Man of the Match: Harish of restructured contract that will create $10m in salary cap space and Wings DC Club and Waqas put Bangladesh CC 133 in 35.2 (Faisal 31 not out, Qalandar 37 Doha Bank CC. bring the team to less than $1m over the cap, according to ESPN.com. up a fine all-round display to help overs (Sumon 20, Rashed 26, not out, Malik Usman 1 wkt) THE PENINSULA AGENCIES THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Scott gets shot Nasser eyes Silver Michelin at Woods and number one at WGC-Cadillac

DORAL, FLORIDA: glory in Porsche GT3 title Adam Scott has described his chance to claim golf’s number one world ranking this weekend as the opportu- Round 6 to start tomorrow at the Bahrain International Circuit nity to realise a dream. The Australian, currently ranked number two, achieved MANAMA: Qatar’s Nasser Al another lifelong goal last year Attiyah aims for Silver Michelin when he captured his first glory as Porsche GT3 Cup major victory at the Masters, Challenge Middle East builds to and now he has the chance a climax in Bahrain to lead the rankings if he After taking part in just two can win the WGC-Cadillac of the past five rounds, Nasser Al Championship. Attiyah has set himself the high If Scott wins the tour- ambition of victory in the Silver nament and current world Michelin category of the Porsche number one Tiger Woods fin- GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East ishes seventh or worse, the as the incredible fifth season of Australian will move to the top the series comes to a thrilling of the world rankings. close at the Bahrain International “It’s impossible not to think Circuit for Round 6 on March 7 about it,” Scott told reporters and 8. on Wednesday. “It would be a Driving for Team QMMF dream come true to make it to (Qatar Motor & Motorcycling that point.” Federation), the all-round sport- Scott will be grouped with ing great, who has graced the Woods and Sweden’s world podium in each of the two rounds number three Henrik Stenson he has competed in, currently sits for the opening two rounds of fourth in the Silver Michelin cat- what promises to be a mouth- egory with 44 points. Swiss driver watering battle. Antonio Giancola leads the group Scott admitted the chance by 39 points with two races to go to reach the top of the rank- Driving for Team QMMF Nasser at the home of regional motor- ings had provided him with Al Attiyah currently sits fourth in sport, Bahrain. extra-motivation as he With a legendary status in the Silver Michelin category with attempts to become the sec- rally and the Olympic Games, Al 44 points. ond Australian, and the first Attiyah is hoping to add the Silver since his childhood idol Greg Michelin trophy to his already Norman, to hold the honour. impressive range of medals and experience that can help me in unpredictable sport so I must be introduction to the season on all been a build-up for next sea- “I’m very comfortable with titles and also imprint his name in the future and also to discover confident.” home territory at the Losail son and also getting used to the where my game is at and cer- Porsche folklore. Now Al Attiyah new ways of using the experience He added: “The qualifying International Circuit, Qatar world-class circuits we drive in tainly believe it’s in a position is looking to use his experience I already have. The season has sessions will be the key to suc- and driving for the first time in across the region. Hopefully with where I can put myself in con- and knowledge of motorsport to been great for us as a team but I cess without a doubt and that is the series and Porsche 911 GT3 all this experience and knowl- tention this week,” he said. put pressure on Giancola and think we are on a path to some- where we have to make sure we Cup car. He will be using all his edge I have gained, I will be bet- “If I got there, the motiva- claim a memorable scalp in his thing special. It’s hugely exciting are really strong. Starting further wealth and experience to bring ter prepared next season, “added tion to win would be that much maiden season. to be a part of such a competi- up the grid is a huge advantage home the title and sign off a Al Attiyah. more than just winning a tro- Speaking ahead of the final tive and exciting series but as has and with that in mind we have to memorable campaign. The region’s most professional phy; but win a tournament and round, Al Attiyah said: “Of always been the case with me; I throw everything at qualifying.” “It has been a fantastic experi- racing series is set to come to a achieve the number ranking course it is a lofty ambition but want to win. This year I am going Not one to be afraid from ence and I have learnt every time thrilling climax at the Bahrain potentially with that, would be a we must dream big. For me the to need to have some luck on my a challenge in sport, Attiyah I have stepped into the car. Since International Circuit for Round 6. great way to do it. “It would be a most important thing is to gain side but motor racing is such an has been a revelation since his my first drive in Qatar this has THE PENINSULA great story for myself, anyway.” Scott arrives at the Doral resort in improving form with two top-10 finishes in three Nadal mural PGA Tour starts, along with a tie for 12th at last Sunday’s Honda Classic. Lee gets advices for The 33-year-old will also carry considerable confidence into Thursday’s opening round buoyed by a third place finish behind Woods at last year’s prolonged career event. “It’s an incredible opportunity for me,” Scott said. “It’s taken me a long time BIRMINGHAM: Long-time badminton playing his best when he plays. to get to this point. legend Peter Gade has offered a respect- “Lin Dan is in a different situation - “I’d love to go out and play ful warning to world number one Lee where he can make choices,” Gade added, great this week and have Chong Wei about what is needed to pro- referring to the exceptional Chinese you guys thinking of writing long his career. player who overcame Lee in the last two stories and me thinking of The 31-year-old Malaysian hopes to Olympic finals and who competes only being the number one player regain the All-England Open title this occasionally these days. in the world when I wake week, but has talked of relinquishing an “Lin Dan is acting differently. I am up next Monday. The drama attempt at another Olympic medal at Rio not saying one player is wise and one is will unfold on one of the PGA de Janeiro in 2016 and of retiring this year. not wise. It’s just that one is in a posi- Tour’s toughest layouts, the That would disappoint millions of tion where he can avoid the need to play famed Blue Monster Course Malaysians and countless others every- tournaments. made even more frightening where, who hope Lee might have another “Lee Chong Wei may feel he has to play thanks to a massive $250m shot at winning his country’s first gold them. He will see if he can hold up for renovation. medal in any Olympic sport. every event. That makes a difference in While the fight for number Gade has a view which might make this big matches: it affects your physical edge, one ensures Woods and Scott possible. Lee cannot compete as frequently motivation and energy. will start the week in the spot- as he has been and must either take a break “Lin Dan’s response is wise. I know light, a $9 million purse and a or stop, says the former world number one many people say he should play more quality field that includes the from Denmark, who knows more about tournaments, but there is a reason why he world’s top 50 ranked players, prolonging a singles career than any other doesn’t,” Gade said, meaning that aiming guarantees there will be plenty player in the world. for semi-finals and finals in every tourna- to keep the expected large gal- Gade competed longer than anyone at ment would be tough for Lin too. He too leries entertained. the highest level, retiring soon after the will turn 31 this year. “I think it is absolutely a London Olympics at the age of 36, many Gade speculates on the influences which good pairing with the number years beyond that of any other leading cause Lee Chong Wei’s fuller schedule. one up for grabs,” said Scott. player. “Maybe it’s sponsors, a lot of different “I don’t know how Tiger “Lee Chong Wei is giving it everything elements, pressure from association, and feels about it but it’s obviously and he will feel ‘how far will I want to go’”, other pressures - I can’t say for sure from a position he’s pretty com- Gade said. “He will want to push whatever the outside,” he said. fortable with for a long time he’s got for his body and his mind. “I won’t say too much about that, but I do throughout his career and I “But to be on top form and produce good know what Chong Wei is doing is extremely can assure you from knowing results week after week is extremely diffi- tough, on the mind and the body. At some him just a little bit, it’s a posi- cult, and you won’t see many athletes doing point he has to pull back and say ‘either I tion he probably wouldn’t want Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with artist Mike Sullivan after unveiling a mural of Nadal at the that. So I have a lot of respect that he is stop or take a break’.” to give up. REUTERS playing most of the tournaments. He is also AFP BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, yesterday. A new mural will be put up for the champions of the BNP Paribas Open. England pack braced for another Wales onslaught LONDON: The England for- from that game,” Hartley told British & Irish Lions tour of England will again be without help Stuart Lancaster’s develop- create something and one that we wards are ready for another reporters. Australia. injured tighthead prop Dan Cole, ing team to an important win. are going to have to watch. “If you searching examination of “I think our forward pack has “They are very powerful. Well- who missed the 13-10 victory over Fullback Mike Brown has been kick loosely to him, he could hurt their credentials in the Six developed hugely in the last 12 drilled and very experienced,” Ireland 10 days ago, and number England’s standout performer in you, so that is not something we Nations match against Wales at months. “I fully agree you need Rowntree said. eight Billy Vunipola who suffered the tournament and his Wales want to be doing.” Twickenham on Sunday. to be emotionally at a certain level “What I mean by experienced an ankle injury during the game counterpart Leigh Halfpenny is Halfpenny, one of 11 players in England’s scrum was disman- to play rugby but you can’t be over is dealing with different sce- at Twickenham. fully aware of the threat he poses. the probable Wales starting team tled by the Welsh in last year’s the top. We’ve got a job to do,” he narios thrown at you in a game The experienced David Wilson “He is a great player,” who played in last year’s 30-3 vic- championship decider in Cardiff added. and they’ve got that on us at the replaced Cole against the Irish Halfpenny said. “He has been tory over England in Cardiff, is but hooker Dylan Hartley believes England forwards’ coach moment. We’ve got some young and Ben Morgan came on for playing very well for a good expecting a backlash. they have improved considerably Graham Rowntree worked with guys who are learning week by Vunipola, combining effectively period of time now. “He has got a “England are going to be hurt- as a unit. several members of the Wales week and this is another big chal- with their fellow forwards to sub- good attacking game, he’s quick, ing from the last game,” the Lions “The lessons have been learned pack during last year’s successful lenge for them.” due the seasoned Ireland pack and he’s agile, he is a player that can fullback said. REUTERS THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Puyol to leave Barca in summer The 35-year-old captain has been plagued by injuries over the last couple of seasons

BARCELONA: Barcelona cap- “After the last two opera- began in 1999. Puyol is the club’s Puyol was also a key part of tain Carles Puyol announced tions it has been difficult for me second most decorated player of the Spanish sides that won the yesterday that he will leave the to recover the level I need to be all-time, behind only teammate European Championship in 2008 club at the end of the season able to continue here, more than I Xavi Hernandez, having made 593 and the country’s first World Cup after a hugely successful 15-year expected and more than surgeons appearances. in 2010, memorably heading home career at the Camp Nou. said. That is why I have taken this After beginning his career as a the goal that took his side to the The 35-year-old, who did not decision.” right-back, Puyol was converted final in South Africa with a 1-0 reveal whether he will continue Puyol didn’t reveal where he into one of the most successful win over Germany. playing elsewhere, has been would go at the end of the current centre-backs in world football “Carles is an example for eve- plagued by injuries over the last campaign and insisted he will give over the past decade as he won ryone on and off the field,” Spain couple of seasons and has under- everything in what remains of the three Champions Leagues and six coach Vicente del Bosque said on gone three knee operations. season to help Barca succeed on La Liga titles with his boyhood Tuesday. “At the end of the season I will three fronts. club. In total he has represented leave FC Barcelona. The club are “I am not leaving today, there A number of Puyol’s teammates Spain 100 times with his last aware of this and we are in agree- are still three months of the sea- past and present paid tribute appearance coming in a 3-1 ment,” he said. son remaining and those that to an historic figure in Spanish friendly win over Uruguay in “We will rescind the final two know me know that I will not give football. February 2013, making him one years of my contract that were up until the end. I will continue “I will continue to enjoy being of only eight players to have won still to run.” fighting to help the team improve at your side until the end of this a century of caps with La Roja. Puyol signed a new deal with and achieve our objectives this season. It has been an honour. I “He is a natural leader, a per- the club in January last year, but season. wish you the best for what is to son that when you hear his name admitted in June that he would “I don’t know what I will do on come. There is no one like you you think of Barcelona,” added not stay if injuries continued to June 30. What I do know is that I captain,” Andres Iniesta wrote former Barca midfielder Thiago prevent him from playing a sig- will need time to rest. I have had on his official Facebook page. Alcantara, now of Bayern Munich. nificant part on the field. four years without a break due to “Thanks captain for all you “In the time I was there he was And having featured just 10 the injuries. That is what I will do have taught me. Good luck,” Cesc a reference on and off the pitch. times this season in all competi- and then we will see.” Fabregas said in a tweet alongside Everyone knows him and whilst Barcelona’s midfielder Carles Puyol prior to his announcement in Sant tions, he said it was time for a The announcement brings to a photo of the two of them just Puyol is in the world of football, he Joan Despi, near Barcelona. new challenge in a less physically an end an extraordinary career after Fabregas re-signed for the will be an example for everyone.” demanding environment. in the Barcelona first team that club in 2011. AFP England turn to psychiatrist for World Cup

WATFORD, ENGLAND: in different sports and has been “It is unfortunate, of course,” opportunity to run the rule over “What I said about the actual England manager Roy Hodgson doing some work with Liverpool Hodgson said of Walker’s injury. his players before he names his tournament was nothing spec- revealed yesterday that his play- and (Liverpool manager) Brendan “He hasn’t played for the last two squad for the World Cup on May tacular, but I don’t think it is ers will work with a renowned Rodgers, so Steve knows him well. or three games and we were hop- 13. right to go out and broadcast sports psychiatrist as they pre- “It is something we have spo- ing he would recover, but he needs There are over three months those things. pare their assault on the World ken about for some time but we at least another week before he until England open their World “I like to think that sometimes Cup in Brazil. wanted to get the right man. will be fit to play. Cup campaign against Italy in in the world of football you can do Dr Steven Peters has previ- Luckily Brendan let me talk to “He was with us last night. We Manaus, but Hodgson said that, things in the comfort of your own ously worked closely with the Steve and he has accepted our had a ‘Brazil’ meeting to put our after the team’s get-together home, a dressing room or meet- players at Liverpool, including invitations, so we are happy with plans forward. on Monday, their thoughts are ing room. England captain Steven Gerrard, that.” “There aren’t that many already turning to Brazil. “You can speak to players and Messi does not and Hodgson believes that he will Hodgson also confirmed that defenders, so there is a good “It (the meeting) was heav- tell them quite frankly and hon- provide vital assistance. Liverpool’s Glen Johnson will chance — if you insist I tell you ily focused on Brazil and it was estly — like talking to family “It is not just any psychologist,” win his 50th cap in Wednesday’s Glen Johnson will get his 50th the only time to do that,” he said. members — what is on your mind need World Cup Hodgson told a press conference. friendly at home to Denmark, cap at right-back — then I can “Part of the meeting was the obvi- without finding out the next day “It is Dr Steve Peters, who is a after Tottenham Hotspur’s Kyle say yes.” ous, about logistically what our a newspaper or TV company has for greatness, very famous man in that area. Walker had to withdraw from the Wednesday’s game at Wembley plans are and where we are stay- broadcast your every word.” says Maradona “He has a great CV of working squad with a groin injury. Stadium will be Hodgson’s last ing and for how long. AFP

BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi does not need a World Manchester United captain Cup winners’ medal to be MLS needs considered among soc- cer’s all-time greats, fellow Vidic to join Inter Milan Argentine Diego Maradona said yesterday. players like LONDON: Manchester United cap- “Messi doesn’t need to win tain Nemanja Vidic (pictured), will the World Cup to be the best join Inter Milan in the close season player in the world,” Maradona, after eight years of success with the who inspired Argentina to the Beckham English champions, the Serie A side title in Mexico in 1986, told La announced yesterday. Nacion. NEW YORK: Tottenham striker Jermain The 32-year-old Serbia central “(If he did) it would be great Defoe and retired England star David Beckham defender said last month he would be for Argentina, the fans and (pictured), are the type of players Major League leaving the Premier League club at the Lio, but (winning) a World Soccer needs to achieve its goals, MLS commis- end of this term and was looking at Cup or not won’t take away sioner Don Garber said yesterday. moving to a team outside England. any of his achievements up to Four days before the North American league “Vidic is a world-class player,” Inter now to be among the greatest.” launches its 19th campaign with Defoe set to play president Erick Thohir told the club’s Twice World Cup winners for Toronto, Garber stressed the need to keep top website (www.inter.it). Argentina face Romania in American talent as well as sign big-name global stars “I’m extremely happy to have com- a friendly in Bucharest as such as Beckham, who left Real Madrid for the Los to get the most viewers and that means playoffs,” pleted this deal to bring Nemanja to they begin to crank up their Angeles Galaxy in 2007. Achieving MLS goals of Garber said. “We have got to be in a situation where Milan. He’s one of the world’s best defenders and his qualities, preparations for this year’s becoming an elite-level league “includes getting big our clubs are making money so we can invest in international pedigree and charisma will be an asset to the team finals in Brazil. Former cap- time international players like David and Thierry this business.” and help bring through our younger players. tain and coach Maradona said Henry and now Jermain Defoe,” Garber said. Expansion teams are coming to Orlando, New “He will bring added value to the club and is another piece of the everything appeared in place French star Henry joined the New York Red York and Miami with Atlanta and Minnesota prime great Inter side we are building,” for Messi to shine although Bulls in 2010 and Defoe and US midfielder Michael contenders for future new clubs and Garber looking Vidic joined United in 2006, winning a host of trophies, including Argentina’s task would be Bradley left Europe for Toronto this year. at attendance figures for pre-World Cup exhibitions five Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World tough with hosts Brazil, title Canadian rap music star Drake was among those and European club visits to US venues. Cup. He forged a strong partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the heart holders Spain and Germany who encouraged Defoe to move to Toronto while “If you don’t have support for big games, you’re of United’s defence, although his effectiveness has suffered with nig- among the sides to beat. Beckham has spoken with NBA star LeBron James not going to have support for MLS teams,” he said. gling injuries. He has also struggled for playing time this season with Maradona said Messi had about being a part-owner of his Miami MLS expan- This figures to be a key year with the World new manager David Moyes looking to rejuvenate his squad. had a great World Cup in sion team and actress Eva Longoria took to Twitter Cup finals in Brazil to build upon, likely including In February Vidic announced he would leave United when his South Africa in 2010 despite to help San Antonio’s bid for an expansion team. several MLS players on the US squad, as well as contract expired at the end of this season and he was strongly not scoring any goals. The “There’s an incredible integration between sports new US television deal talks and negotiations with linked with a move to Inter, fifth in Serie A but having won only Argentina team coached by and entertainment,” Garber said. “It just adds a referees and players unions. two league matches out of 10 so far this year. Maradona lost 4-0 to Germany little bit to our credibility and ties into that mil- Imcomplete talks with officials on a new deal At the time, Vidic said: “I’m not considering staying in England in the quarter-finals. lenial sports fan idea of what’s hip and what’s hot.” raise the spectre of replacement referees for the as the only club I ever wanted to play for here is Manchester United “Messi had an exceptional Relegation and a champion crowned from a sea- weekend start of the season. and I was lucky enough to be part of this club for so many years”. World Cup with me... and no- son of matches rather than a playoff system, staples “We will be opening up this weekend with ref- Moyes later said the decision for Vidic to leave the club was a one said so. (Was it) because of most elite global leagues, are not foremost in erees and we are absolutely in position to have a mutual one. United have struggled since Moyes replaced retired he didn’t score? He turned all Garber’s mind, saying neither is in MLS’ plans. contingency plan if those discussions do not end fellow Scot Alex Ferguson at the start of the season, with their the goalkeepers into stars,” he “We’re going to need to configure our competi- positively,” Garber said. “Nothing is going to stop hopes of retaining the title all but gone as they sit in seventh spot, said. Maradona said he could tion to where our broadcast partners are going us from having a strong opening.” AFP 18 points adrift of leaders Chelsea. AFP not forget Messi’s sobs when Argentina were eliminated. “I approached him and told him he’d have many World Cups to get revenge. I said it with all my heart. While the Scolari refuses to be drawn on axed Kaka rest were thinking about our return (home) he was there, SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA: fifth meeting between the coun- “I will watch and talk to play- World Cup holders Spain 1-0 in a head bowed, crying.” Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari tries with the ‘Selecao’ winning ers at home and abroad and then Soweto friendly last November. Argentina are in Group F gave no hints yesterday when all the previous games by one- choose my 23 for the World Cup. “Everything I know about with Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria asked if out-of-favour veteran goal margins. Brazil triumphed Our ambition is to win the tour- South Africa is from videos I have at the finals starting on June midfielder Kaka (pictured), 3-2 in Soweto, 2-1 and 1-0 in nament and the preparations are watched,” he said, “and Carlos has 12. “There’s Spain, Germany was still part of his 2014 World Johannesburg, and 1-0 in Sao on track.” Brazil are hosting the given me valuable insights.” and there’s Brazil with a tre- Cup plans. Paulo two years ago with substi- June 12-July 13 quadrennial inter- Parreira, who guided Brazil to mendous defence. You think “Every Brazilian has the same tute striker Hulk snatching a late national football showpiece and the 1994 World Cup title in Los of Brazil’s defence and six or opportunity as everyone else to winner. Former Chelsea manager are the media favourites to secure Angeles, coached hosts South seven names come to mind, make the squad,” he told report- Scolari did offer hope to Kaka and a record-extending sixth title. Africa at the 2010 tournament. you think of their attack ers in Soweto ahead of a friendly other fringe contenders, saying Scolari said he would rely Scolari is also a World Cup win- and there’s only Neymar,” against South Africa there he would watch matches in Brazil on videos and assistant Carlos ner, guiding the football-obsessed Maradona said. REUTERS Wednesday. Now at AC Milan, and Europe before his May 7 squad Alberto Parreira for information nation to their fifth crown in Kaka, 31, was dropped for the announcement. about South Africa, who shocked Japan 12 years ago. AFP THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Why no Harris bowls Australia to Pujara and Pandey, asks Gavaskar MIRPUR: Former Test and series win in South Africa World Cup star Sunil Gavaskar has slammed the Indian team management for not experi- The pacer takes four wickets as hosts lose by 245 runs in Cape Town menting with the XI in yes- terday’s dead rubber against Afghanistan in Mirpur, warning CAPE TOWN: Australia’s that it could breed complacency Ryan Harris took the last two in the team. wickets as South Africa came Australian Fast bowler Ishwar Pandey within five overs of saving the players celebrate has been part of the ODI squad third Test on a dramatic day in the wicket of for the recent New Zealand tour which a third umpire decision South Africa’s and the Asia Cup, but hasn’t got came close to deciding the out- AB de Villiers a look-in in either series despite come of the match. during the India’s listless performances. South Africa were bowled out fifth day of the Middle-order batsman for 265 as Australia won the third and final Cheteshwar Pujara, who is in the series-deciding third Test by 245 Test against Asia Cup squad, also hasn’t added runs at Newlands yesterday, leav- South Africa to the two ODI caps he earned in ing their captain Graeme Smith at Newlands the low-profile Zimbabwe series to retire from international Stadium in Cape last year. cricket with a defeat. Town, yesterday. “Very hard to understand, to Not even a controversial third BELOW: be honest with you, it’s baffling,” Star Sports umpire decision could derail Australia’s Steve Gavaskar said on about Australia’s victory charge, though India’s decision to go in with an Smith celebrates they left it late in the day to force unchanged XI. “Some of the play- the wicket of Faf the win with Harris (four for 32) ers have been playing non-stop, the hero. du Plessis. they need a bit of a break before The Proteas looked as though the World T20 starts, the second they would escape with a draw thing is if you are not going to give as they got within five overs of the reserve players a chance, then safety but Harris bowled out Dale when are they going to play.” Steyn and Morne Morkel to wrap Pujara has become an integral up victory for the tourists. member of the Test side, and Vernon Philander was not out averages 58.92 in domestic one- on 51 after surviving a contro- dayers but has found it hard to versial moment with 16 overs make the ODI XI. remaining that left Australia “Are you worried that seething when third umpire Cheteshwar Pujara will score Richard Illingworth overturned runs so that your favourites who a decision against him. leading to an ugly verbal confron- Clarke said at the post-match Harris have been exceptional, are not consistent might have to Mitchell Johnson produced a tation between touring captain presentation. James Pattinson has come in and make way?” Gavaskar asked. fierce bouncer that clearly caught Michael Clarke and Steyn. “South Africa has always been done a job and Nathan Lyon has “Are you worried that Ishwar the right thumb of the South The victory gave Australia the the hardest challenge for me as an been good in the series as well.” Pandey will pick wickets, and African, who was given out by series 2-1 and came in the wake individual player and this series South Africa started the day on again some of your favourite on-field umpire Aleem Dar. of their 5-0 thrashing of England was no different,” Clarke said 71 for four and batted for 94 overs bowlers might not be certain of Philander reviewed the decision in the home Ashes series played afterwards. but could not find an anchor all a place in the team, what are you and it was overturned based on earlier this year. Clarke believed his bowling day, despite a number of candi- Scoreboard worried about?” the view that the batsman’s hand “I didn’t enjoy much of today attack, which he described as the dates emerging. Gavaskar also said the move was not on the bat handle. to be honest, it was a long day best in the world on arrival in Philander, Faf du Plessis (47), Australia (I innings): ...... 494/7 decl will ‘breed complacency’ in the Replays looked inconclusive and and it was getting pretty close South Africa, were the difference. JP Duminy (43) and AB de Villiers South Africa (I innings) ...... 287 team, according to a report posted cricinfo.com the Australians were seething, at the end,” Australia skipper “Mitchell Johnson and Ryan (43) all spent time at the crease, Australia (II innings): ...... 305/5 decl on . but not long enough to save the South Africa (II innings): “The only thing that comes Proteas from a first series defeat A N Petersen lbw Harris ...... 9 to my mind is that there is that since Australia won by the same G C Smith c Doolan b Johnson ...... 3 worry and there’s probably a fear scoreline in the 2008/09 season. D Elgar b Johnson ...... 0 that if these guys do well, what The match is the last for South H M Amla lbw Pattinson ...... 41 happens to our favourites in the Africa’s Smith who announced his A B de Villiers c Haddin b Harris ...... 43 team. Australia’s retirement from international K J Abbott b Pattinson ...... 7 “This is what breeds com- players cricket after day three of the F du Plessis lbw Smith ...... 47 placency, guys know, kuch bhi celebrate test having played in 117 five-day J P Duminy c Lyon b Johnson...... 43 karoon, team main hoon (what- games, 109 as skipper. ever I do, I’m in the team).” winning the V D Philander (not out)...... 51 “The resilience and courage the At the toss, Virat Kohli had third cricket Test D W Steyn b Harris ...... 1 guys showed today was immense, M Morkel b Harris ...... 0 defended the decision. match against we were outplayed in the whole “It is important the team gets South Africa Extras (B-8, LB-5, W-2, NB-5) ...... 20 test match so we needed to find Total (all out) ...... 265 confidence from playing one unit, at Newlands something today. To take it as Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-12, 3-15, 4-68, you have to be patient with this Stadium in Cape deep as we did is a huge effort 5-95, 6-136, 7-173, 8-246, 9-265, 10-265. side,” Kohli said. Town, yesterday. from the boys,” Smith said. Bowling: R J Harris 24.3-15-32-4; M G India are already knocked out “It’s also important to congrat- Johnson 34-11-92-3; J L Pattinson 27-10- of the Asia Cup after final-over ulate Michael and the Australia 62-2 (3nb, 2w); N M Lyon 22-17-10-0; S R losses to Sri Lanka and Pakistan, team on a series victory, it’s Watson 9-6-6-0 (1nb); S P D Smith 13-3-43- and are playing their final league always been a pleasure playing 1 (1nb); M J Clarke 5-2-7-0. match against Afghanistan yes- against them.” REUTERS terday. AGENCIES India end Cup campaign with eight-wicket win MIRPUR: India ended their Scoreboard disappointing Asia Cup cricket campaign with a massive eight- AFGHANISTAN (1w); R A Jadeja 10-1-30-4; R Ashwin 10-3- wicket win over Afghanistan Noor Ali Zadran c Kohli b Jadeja...... 31 31-3 (2w). in their last league ODI at Nawroz Mangal b MohD Shami ...... 5 INDIA the Sher-e-Bangla National Rahmat Shah lbw Jadeja ...... 9 A M Rahane lbw Mirwais Ashraf ...... 56 Stadium here yesterday. Asghar Stanikzai c Mishra b Jadeja ...... 5 S Dhawan b Mohd Nabi ...... 60 With their hopes of entering N Zadran c (sub-Binny) b Ashwin ...... 5 R G Sharma (not out) ...... 18 the final already over, India had Mohd Nabi c Karthik b Jadeja ...... 6 K D Karthik (not out) ...... 21 only pride to play for in what Mohd Shahzad lbw Ashwin ...... 22 Extras (LB-1, W-3, NB-1) ...... 5 was their maiden ODI encounter Samiullah Shenwari lbw Mohd Shami ...... 50 Total (for 2 wkts in 32.2 overs) ...... 160 against Afghanistan. Mirwais Ashraf c Kohli b Mishra ...... 9 Did not bat: V Kohli, A T Rayudu, R A Jadeja, R Shikhar Dhawan made 60 and Shapoor Zadran lbw Ashwin ...... 1 Ashwin, A Mishra, B Kumar, Mohammed Shami. Ajinkya Rahane (pictured right) Dawlat Zadran (not out) ...... 2 Fall of wickets: 1-121, 2-123. 56 as India achieved the 160-run Extras (LB-2, W-12) ...... 14 Bowling: Mohammad Nabi 10-0-30-1; target in 32.2 overs. Total (all out in 45.2 overs) ...... 159 Shapoor Zadran 6-0-25-0; Dawlat Zadran 5-0- Dinesh Karthik was unbeaten Fall of wickets: 1-30, 2-54, 3-55, 4-60, 5-64, 25-0 (1nb, 2w); Samiullah Shenwari 4.2-0-32- on 21 and Rohit Sharma on 18. 6-83, 7-95, 8-111, 9-137, 10-159. 0 (1w); Mirwais Ashraf 5-0-26-1; Rahmat Shah Earlier, Afghanistan were Bowling: B Kumar 8-1-25-0 (1w); Mohammed 2-0-21-0. bowled out for 159 runs in 45.2 Shami 7.2-0-50-2 (4w); A Mishra 10-1-21-1 Player-of-the-Match: R A Jadeja (India). overs. But Indian bowlers, again struggling to wrap up the tail, allowed Afghanistan to make a Put in, the Afghans made a great recovery from 97 for seven brisk start despite losing opener ABOVE: Australia’s players celebrate before being all out for 159 runs Nawroz Mangal (5) in the sixth winning the third cricket Test match against in 45.2 overs. over. Zadran’s brisk 35-ball 31 Afghanistan skipper Samiullah that had six fours kept the runs South Africa at Newlands Stadium in Cape Shenwari was the top scorer with flowing freely in the first 10 overs. Town, yesterday. Australia won the three- a fine 50 while opening bats- Double strikes by Jadeja in the Test series 2-1. RIGHT: Former Australian man Noor Ali Zadran (31) and 13th over in three balls to remove cricketer Brett Lee during an event to unveil Mohammad Shehzad (22) were Rahmat Shah (5) and Zadran the ICC World Cup 2015 trophy in New Delhi, the other two batsmen who could triggered a batting collapse that India, yesterday. The Australian government get to double figures. left Afghanistan struggling at 83 has announced plans to develop travel Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja for six. But heroic knocks from packages to Melbourne as part of the 2015 (4/30) and Ravichandran Ashwin Shahzad and Shenwari helped ICC Cricket World Cup to be held across (3/31) shared seven wickets them stave off the ignominy of Australia and New Zealand. among them. Jadeja was adjudged getting bowled out for less than as Man of the Match. 100 runs. IANS THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Asian Rowing Federation Coaches Conference begins in Doha

The Asian Rowing Federation Coaches Conference kicked off in Doha yesterday. Coaches from 18 Asian countries taking part in the Asian Indoor Rowing Championship 2014, besides five other countries, are taking part in the course. Axel Muller Asensio from Germany and Chris Perry, Chair of ARF Competition Committee and FISA Development Consultant for Asia are the resourse persons for the Coaches Conference. The Asian Indoor Rowing Championship 2014 will begin from today at the Hamad bin Khalifa University’s Student Centre. Three Qatari rowers Nasser Ghanim Al Abdulla, Baderddin Almabrul Al Amadani and Ahmed Mishal Al Meaid will be taking part in the two-day championship which will end tomorrow. Around 91 rowers from 13 Asian countries will be taking part. The event will be held in individual, pairs and fours’ categories. RIGHT: Qatari rowers during a training session.

Qatar Junior Open Squash tournament Boys U-11: Ibrahim Ahmed Darwish [5] bt Abdulrahman Ali Al-Khalaf [7] 11-3 11-1 11-3; Mohamed Tarek Ouda [3] bt Youssef Essam Farag [4] 6-11 3-8 Retired; Pouya Shafieifard [2] GCC Cycling: Qatar’s Al bt Yousef Ahmad Elsaka [1] 9-11 11-8 11-6 11-7; Yousef Abdulla Al-Kubaisi bt Humoud Salah Abu-Hussain 11-5 11-0 11-7 Boys U-13: Vasudef Vasanthan [1] bt Hamoud A H M Aljenaidel [3] 11-9 12-10 11-6; Abdulaziz A M H Jasem Bader M S KH Almoghrebi [8] 11-8 11-6 10-12 7-11 11-7; Naveed Rehman bt Rashid Ali Al-Harib [7] 11-2 11-6 11-7; Hussein Ayad M. Al-Tameemi bt Hayder Mohammed I. Al-Dulaimi Bourdainy grabs silver 11-5 11-4 11-6; Abbas Zeb bt Mohammad Danial Gharooni [2] 11-4 11-7 11-2; Muhammad Bilal Islam bt Waleed Umar Zaman [4] 11-7 6-11 11-7 14-12; Ahmad Tariq Alobaidli bt Ali Saeed Al-Dosari 11-7 11-6 11-3; Tameem Abdulrahman Alaji bt Eissa Soud Al-Aqeedi Walkover UAE’s Mirza wins gold; Mansour of Bahrain third Boys U-15: Eisa A GH A Mohammad [3] bt Ahmad Fairoz Al-Homaidi [2] 11-8 11-8 11-5; Alireza Shameli [1] bt Ali A A A Alqallaf [7] 11-3 11-4 11-5; M. Daroosham Khan bt Farbod Keyvanfar [4] 11-5 11-6 11-5; Mohammed Salem Alyafei bt Jassim Salah Abu-Hussain 11-7 5-11 11-5 DOHA: Qatar’s Ahmed Al Qatar Cycling Federation (QCF). seconds UAE grabbed gold medal the Oman Cycling Federation), 12-10; Amirhossein Feizpour [5] bt Armaan Jindal 11-13 11-7 11-9 17-15; Aon Abbas bt Hamad Bourdainy yesterday grabbed UAE’s Mirza won the gold in the individual teams classifica- Majid Al Naimi (Secretary Mohammed Al-Amri [8] 11-3 11-9 11-8; Mohammed Mostafa Sahib [6] bt Yousif Barghash a silver behind UAE’s powerful medal with a time of 3 hours, 35 tion, whereas, Bahrain took the General of QCF), Yusuf Jawad Aadea 11-4 13-11 11-8 rider Yusuf Mohammed Mirza minutes 59 seconds clocking a silver medal. Qatar claimed the (delegation’s head of Bahrain Boys U-17: Abdulla Hashem Al-Sultani [1] bt Abdulwahab Al-Ishaq [4] 11-5 9-11 11-9 11-2 in stage four at the GCC Arab speed of 39km/hour. bronze in the last two stages. team), Ali Al Wali (delegation’s Cycling Championship. Qatar’s Al Bourdainy won the The UAE team dominated the head of UAE team) did the vic- Boys U-19: Kibriya Muhammad bt Muhammad Sheraz Touqeer 11-6 11-6 11-5; Sikandar Khan Riders from Qatar, Bahrain, silver medal with a time of 3 front of the race as Mirza con- tory ceremony in the end of the bt Ahmad M. Noureldin Eleyan 11-8 15-17 11-4 11-5; Syed Azlan Amjad Iqbal [4] bt Zeeshan the United Arab Emirates, Saudi hours, 36 minutes and 22 seconds tinued to progress to reach the stage. Shaukat Ali Khan [5] 3-11 7-11 12-10 11-7 11-8; Ahsan Ayaz Khan bt Salman Hashmi [6] 11-5 Arabia and Oman covered a dis- while Bahrain’s Hassan Mansour end line before the arrival of Al The second last stage of the 11-7 11-7; Ismail Rauf [7] bt Sadam Sarhan Mehawesh [8] 11-4 11-3 11-7; Hamza Imtiaz bt tance of 150km in Oman, accord- finished in third place with a time Bourdainy a few seconds later. championship will take place Puvendren Subramaniam [3] 14-12 11-0 8-11 11-9; Faisal Assim Khudair bt Abdul Basit 3-11 ing to details made available by of 3 hours, 36 minutes and 59 Saif Al Rashidi (Chairman of today. THE PENINSULA 11-8 11-8 11-3; Muhammad Asim Khan [2] bt Farzad Shoukohi [1] 11-6 11-3 11-9

An official of the Qatar Squash Federation presents the trophy to one of the winners at the Qatar Junior Open Squash tourna- ment at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. The next tour- nament, Doha Junior Open, will begin today in Riders competing in stage four of the GCC Arab Cycling Championship five categories at in Oman. Qatar’s Ahmed Al Bourdainy yesterday grabbed a silver behind the same venue. UAE’s rider Yusuf Mohammed Mirza. RIGHT: The podium winners in stage four. Qatar Airways to Qatar set up title clash with PIA sponsor CHI Al Shaqab DOHA: Qatar held Malaysian Politeknik (MSP) to an 1-1 draw DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) the competition being broadcast and earned the right to meet Action from is the official carrier of CHI live across major sporting chan- Pakistan International Airlines the Doha Al Shaqab International nels, QA said today. (PIA) in the final of the Doha Hockey Equestrian which will start here The Al Shaqab International Hockey Friendship Festival Friendship on March 10 at the Al Shaqab Equestrian Club, a member of (DHFF). Festival International Equestrian Club. Qatar Foundation, will also host Yesterday at Al Rayyan The international equestrian a spectacular 9,000 sq metre plaza Stadium, the last match of the match competition, in its second year, containing vendors, restaurants league stage, Malaysian Politeknik between will see the world’s top equestri- and entertainment suitable for all (MSP) needed a win to qualify for Qatar and ans compete across four different the family. the final while a draw was suf- Malaysian disciplines; Jumping, Dressage, QA Vice-President ficient for the hosts. Politeknik Endurance and Vaulting. Commercial, Ehab Amin said: MSP started off in an attacking (MSP)at The exclusive equestrian mar- “We are delighted to lend its sup- mode and they earned two pen- Al Rayyan ket and strong Qatari bonds with port to this leading equestrian alty corners in as many minutes, Stadium equine heritage ensure to show- event, which is set to see the elite but were unable to convert. in Doha case an impressive event. More of Doha society attending to soak They continued to apply pres- yesterday. than 10,000 spectators expected to up the atmosphere.” sure and were able to force five PHOTO BY: visit the show, with all elements of THE PENINSULA penalty corners, but Qatar goal- KAMMUTTY keeper Shannon George stood tall VP in the goal bringing off brillant saves on each of the five ocassions. The hosts celebrated the nar- A file pic- rwo shaves at their own goal by ture of last taking the lead. apply pressure but to no avail. the first penalty corner in eight to repulse them in knick of time. year’s CHI Qatari ended the deadlock with The Malaysians finally were attempts. When the final hooter went, Al Shaqab Tariq Nazir putting the local side able to score but the goal came In the dying minutes, MSP the scoreboard read 1- 1. Many International into the lead. too late. goaded by their an equaliser a Qatar fans breathed a sigh of Nazir sprinted into the striking MSP which had a poor con- exerted more pressure on the relief as they knew that they had Equestrian. circle and unleashed a powerful version for the penalty corners Qatar defense. entered the final of thetourna- reverse hit which landed in the throughout the match finally The MSP players came up ment. The final will be played net to take his 1-0. tasted success. with several threatning attacks today at 5pm at the Al Rayyan However, MSP continued to They managed to convert but the Qatar defense were able Stadium. THE PENINSULA Thursday 6 March 2014 5 Jumadal I 1435 Volume 18 Number 5995 Sport Price: QR2 Durant shines Qatar’s Al in Thunder’s Bourdainy win grabs silver

Sport | 23 Sport | 27

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar-Bahrain clash ends in draw Our objective today was to take the lead in the group, says Qatar coach Fahad

DOHA: Hosts Qatar yesterday failed to score in their inconse- Kosovo draw quential 2015 Asian Cup qualify- Qatar Stars ing match against neighbouring with Haiti in Bahrain who ended their cam- paign at the top of Group D fol- League lowing a goalless draw. debut match Both teams, who are already through to the event finals in KOSOVSKA MITROVICA: launches Australia, failed to find the net Six years after declaring inde- despite the match being played at pendence from Serbia, Kosovo a fast pace at Al Gharafa Stadium. drew 0-0 in a friendly match Qatar Cup Qatar coach Fahad Thani said: with Haiti in their FIFA- “First of all, congratulations to approved debut on the interna- DOHA: The Qatar Stars the Bahrain team. We played tional stage yesterday. League (QSL) will launch very well today and I’m pleased But even without a single goal the new Qatar Cup tourna- with the overall performance of scored, more than 17,000 fans at ment which will be a contin- the players. However, (I am) not the Adem Jashari stadium fre- uation of the Heir Apparent pleased with the match result.” netically applauded their squad Cup, the successful format He added: “First half was not playing in blue and white jerseys. of the top four qualifying as I expected, but the second “It was fantastic, although if we teams contesting the title half was better for us as we had had scored, everything would have will still continue. The name more opportunities and chances been perfect,” goalkeeper Samir change will be an opportu- to score. We didn’t manage to Ujkani told reporters after the nity for a fresh page for the seize these opportunities to score match. The match against Haiti competition. and take advantage of the strong overcame a long impasse that saw Therefore the Heir chances that we had. We have Kosovar teams in all sports inter- Apparent Cup will undergo a already qualified from previous nationally isolated after Pristina revamp and will be known offi- rounds, but our objective today unilaterally proclaimed inde- cially as The Qatar Cup. was take the lead in the group.” pendence from Serbia in 2008. The history of the tourna- The Qatari coach said: “Our The breakaway territory is rec- ment stretches back to 1994 young players need friendly ognised as a new state by more when it was first launched. matches and training camps to than 100 countries, including the Back then it was known as improve their performance and United States and 23 out of 28 the Golden Square Cup which prepare them for the tournament Qatar’s Hassan Al Haydos (left) fights for the ball with Bahrain’s Sami Al Hussein during their 2015 AFC Asian European Union member states, was a reference to the top four so the plan is to take part in many Cup qualifying match in Doha, yesterday. but not by Serbia or its traditional qualifying teams who made up training camps and play friendly ally Russia. AFP the competition. matches with different teams.” The very first edition of Qatar defender Abdulkarim this competition was played Hassan attacked in the fourth Asian Cup out between Al Shamal, minute but Bahrain goalkeeper Qualifying Results Al Gharafa, Al Arabi and Mohamma Jaffar stopped the pacy Penalty spares China’s the inaugural winners - Al shot fired from the edge of the SINGAPORE: Results from the final round of Rayyan. box. Qatar’s Magid Mohammed qualifiers for the 2015 Asian Cup yesterday: Then in 1995 the compe- - after a goal box melee - nearly Group A tition was rebranded as the scored from close range but his At Muscat Heir Apparent Cup in order scissor kick was parried away by blushes in Asian Cup to add some regal prestige a Bahraini defender in the 24th Oman 3 (Amad Al Hosni 18, Qasim Said 51, and glamour to the domestic minute. Sami Al Hasani 69) Singapore 1 (Shahril DOHA: China survived an tournament in Australia. Qatari football schedule. The Two minutes later, reliable for- Ishak 78) Neymar scores almighty scare before scraping The dramatic turn of events, tournament instantly became ward Hassan Al Haydos produced At Amman into next year’s Asian Cup on played out within minutes of a hit with the fans as they a snap-header but his deflection Jordan 2 (Tha’er Bawab 25, 60) Syria 1 hat-trick to goal difference thanks to a late each other but thousands of miles clamoured to be part of the from close range slipped past the (Omar Kharbin 80) penalty in their 3-1 defeat to apart, will have left China’s new end-of-season finale. goal post. Iraq yesterday. coach Alain Perrin in no doubt The bragging rights are At the half-hour mark, Bahrain Group B lead Brazil The perennial under-achievers about the size of his task. fiercely fought over and so the midfielder Mohammed Salmeen At Bangkok looked set to miss out on reaching While China heaved a sigh of tournament gave extra moti- picked up a lose ball and charged Thailand 2 (Teeratep Winothai 22, Adisak romp an 11th successive Asian Cup as relief, former champions Iraq vation to all the clubs to fin- into the Qatar box where his shot Kraisorn 76) Lebanon 5 (Mohamad Ghaddar they went three goals down and were left to celebrate leap-frog- ish in the top four. It is widely from close range was deflected by 2, Hassan Maatouk 18, 46, Hassan Ali Saad SOWETO, South Africa: rivals Lebanon plundered a fifth ging China into Group C’s second recognized that the Cup has goalkeeper Qassim Burhan. 45, Roda Antar 63) Neymar scored a hat-trick as goal against Thailand in Group B. automatic qualifying spot thanks improved competitiveness and Three minutes from the Brazil ended a run of narrow As they stood, China were set to two goals from 2007 hero quality within the Qatar Stars Group C first-half break, Qatar striker victories over South Africa by to miss out on a berth as the Younis Mahmoud. Saudi Arabia League. Sebastian Soria produced a snap- At Sharjah cruising to a 5-0 triumph at best third-placed team in all had already clinched the first Al Rayyan can boast to be header off a free kick but his Iraq 3 (Younis Mahmoud 20, 42, Ali Adnan Soccer City stadium in Soweto the groups, despite starting the berth from the group. the first team crowned cham- deflection flew over the Bahrain 57) China 1 (Zhang Xizhe 73-pen) yesterday. evening three points ahead of Iraq thoroughly dominated pions of the Heir Apparent Cup crossbar. In the 67th minute, A much-hyped friendly between Lebanon and with a superior goal China on Wednesday, with when they lifted the trophy in Group D Qatar striker Khalfan Ibrahim the last and next World Cup difference. Mahmoud, who scored the win- 1995. They won the trophy the broke free of his marker but his At Al Ain hosts lacked bite as the ‘Selecao’ But deep into the second half, ner in Iraq’s 1-0 Asian Cup final following year as they enjoyed swerving shot was well saved by Yemen 1 (Abdulwasea Al Matari 59) exploited woeful Bafana Bafana Thailand’s Adisak Kraisorn win against Saudi Arabia seven an early hold over the Cup. Bahrain goalkeeper on the line. Malaysia 2 (Mohd Amri 15, Ahmad Fakri 76) (The Boys) defending. scored in Bangkok to make it years ago, finding the target twice Al Sadd has won the tour- Anthony Hudson, the Bahrain Oscar opened the scoring on 5-2, before Zhang Xizhe slotted in the first half before Ali Adnan nament on 5 occasions with Al Group E coach, said: “It was an interesting 10 minutes, Neymar struck once the crucial penalty in Sharjah scored their third after the break. Rayyan close behind on 4 and match where the first and second At Hanoi in the first half and twice in the that took China to the 2015 AFP Qatar Sports Club on 3 wins. half were very different from one Vietnam 3 (Huynh Quoc Anh 23, Nguyen second, and Fernandinho got on The last team to have the hon- another. First 10 minutes of the Quang Tinh 68, Mac Hong Quan 83) Hong the scoresheet as well. our of lifting the Cup with its first half, Qatar played very well Kong 1 (Lo Kwan Yee 81) Brazil had won four previous old name will be Lekhwiya as and were very strong, however, games between the countries they won it last season beating Group F after that, Bahrain took the lead since 1996 -- all by one-goal mar- Al Sadd in the final (2012/13). in the match and was dominating Uzbekistan 1 (Igor Sergeev 85) UAE 1 gins -- but showed no mercy this The new tournament will the match.” (Ismail Al Hammadi 67) time. continue to provide a strong He added: “We lost two impor- Group D It was the final warm-up for national feel and pay homage tant opportunities in the first the 2014 World Cup title favour- to the great nation of Qatar. At Doha match. As for the second half, ites before the May announce- It will be intriguing to see Qatar team was still strong, but Qatar 0 Bahrain 0 ment of the 23-man World Cup who will have the honour we managed to maintain a draw International friendly results PARIS: squad. South Africa, who stunned of winning the tournament despite having lost our captain International friendly results yesterday: World Cup and Euro title-holders under its new name! Rayyan due to a muscle cramp.” Spain 1-0 at the same stadium will always be remembered as At Soweto, South Africa Hudson added: “I’m happy last November, were overawed the team that won the first with the result because we have South Africa 0 Brazil 5 (Oscar 10, Neymar and outclassed. ever Golden Square Cup and already qualified from previous 41, 46, 90+1, Fernandinho 79) Coach Gordon Igesund has Heir Apparent Cup. Hence, rounds. This is the first time that At Piraeus, Greece been branded a ‘dead man walk- the importance of being the we qualify while being the lead in ing’ after poor tournament results first winners of the Qatar Greece 0 South Korea 2 (Park Chu-Young the group. Our preparation plan 18, Son Heung-Min 55) and this loss greatly lessens his Cup won’t be lost on any of during the summer will include chances of a new contract in mid- the four teams in this season’s playing several strong friendly At Dubai year. South Africa gave a first cap competition. matches and conducting train- Azerbaijan 1 (Yunuszade 27) Philippines 0 to 22-year-old goalkeeper Ronwen The Qatar Cup semi-final ing camps to prepare our young Williams in the absence of injured will take place on April 19 and At Tbilisi South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams concedes a goal to Brazil’s players for the AFC Asian Cup captain Itumeleng Khune with forward Neymar (right) during a friendly football match at Soccer City the final itself on April 26. Georgia 2 (Chanturia 25, Ananidze 76-pen) Australia 2015.” centre-back Thabo Nthethe tak- Stadium in Soweto, outside Johannesburg, yesterday. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Liechtenstein 0 ing over the armband. AFP