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Emir meets Islamic Da’wah chief UN undecided Shura nod for on use of nerve gas by draft health Syrian rebels GENEVA: UN war crimes investigators have reached no conclusions on whether any insurance law side in the Syrian war has used chemical weapons, the inquiry commission said yesterday, playing down a suggestion from Private sector against proposal one of the team that rebel forces had done so. DOHA: The Advisory Council The draft law was tabled at a Investigator Carla Del Ponte yesterday approved the draft Council session yesterday by its caught UN officials by surprise health insurance law that stip- services committee and the health on Sunday when she said the ulates that employers of foreign minister and Dr Faleh Mohamed commission had gathered testi- workers across all sectors must Hussein Ali, Assistant Secretary- mony from casualties and medical pay the premiums not only for general for policy at the Supreme staff indicating that rebel forces employees but also for their res- Council of Health, were special had used the banned nerve agent ident family members. invitees. sarin. The private sector says it finds This was the third time the “The independent interna- the proposal dreadful and cau- Minister was invited to the tional Commission of Inquiry on tions that if enforced the rule Council for a discussion on the the Syrian Arab Republic wishes would severely affect pay scales draft medical insurance law, to clarify that it has not reached The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Islamic Da’wah and companies’ family visa policy which is likely to be cleared by Organisation, Field Marshal Abdurrahman Swar Al Dahab, at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. conclusive findings as to the use for employees. the higher-ups for implemen- of chemical weapons in Syria by The Minister of Health, H E tation soon. A National Health any parties to the conflict,” it said Abdullah Al Qahtani, reiterated Insurance Company is being set in a statement. at the Advisory Council yester- up to regulate the mandatory President Bashar Al Assad’s day that while the government insurance scheme. Executive government and the rebels whom will provide free medical cover regulations to help enforce the Forty-one athletes caught his forces have been fighting for to nationals, those employing proposed legislation would likely more than two years accuse each expatriates will have to pay for also be put in place. The supervi- other of carrying out three chem- their health insurance as well as sory company will be a hundred ical weapon attacks in March and for their dependents staying with percent non-profit organization doping in five years: Official December, in Aleppo, Damascus them. and it may involve several insur- and Homs. The law, once enforced, will ance providers as stakeholders. British Prime Minister David make it mandatory for all nation- The premiums collected by BY AZMAT HAROON slapped with a two-year ban for on such information to the police, Cameron said late last month als and expatriates as well as visi- the company will be spent on the taking hashish, he reportedly had Dr Al Ansari said. there was limited but growing tors to be covered by it. Insurance treatment, the Minister said. “The DOHA: Forty-one sportsmen during partying here. In exceptional cases, athletes evidence the banned arms had premiums will have to be paid for aim of the company is to provide were caught doping in Qatar in “In some other countries, he found using banned steroids may been used. visitors while applying for visas. service and not make any profits.” the last five years. The athletes could have just been given a warn- just be warned if they decide to Bolstering that evidence, a dip- Under the scheme, anyone cov- The Minister reiterated: “The from disciplines like football, ing. But here, because of religious cooperate with the authorities to lomatic source told Reuters yes- ered by it for any disease, whether scheme will cover all diseases with volleyball, handball and weight- reasons, the committee is strict help catch people involved in its terday soil samples from Syria sudden, chronic or terminal and no exceptions at all”. Employers lifting were found using opiates, because it believes that a Muslim distribution. have tested positive at Britain’s whatever the cost and duration providing medical cover to their steroids and a mix of stimulants, shouldn’t take hashish,” he said, The bigger challenge, accord- Porton Down military facility for of its treatment, will receive free workers must give them a wider with hashish being the most adding that he often tries to con- ing to Dr Al Ansari, is to catch sarin — though it was not clear treatment at healthcare facili- choice to select where they would common. vince local committee members the people involved in the illicit where the samples came from. ties designated by the insurance want to be treated, he said. “These were all sports-related to evaluate such violations inde- doping trade in Qatar. REUTERS company. The Minister said that The draft law has 30 articles cases, where we found players vio- pendently, irrespective of religious “These athletes get help from See also page 7 sponsors of domestic workers will divided into six chapters. The lating the rules by using doping backgrounds, when handing out outside, sometimes from their have to pay the premiums for Minister said its provisions would substances,” Dr Naser Al Ansari, bans. doctors, coaches or peers. There them, but the Advisory Council be clearer when the legislation is Chairman of Qatar National Anti- In 2010, at least two volleyball are people involved in the trade of Today’s edition includes has urged the government to finalized and implemented. doping Commission (QNADC), players of local clubs, Al Rayyan transporting doping medicines- include household workers among Jassem Al Malki, vice-chair- told The Peninsula. and Al Sadd, were slapped with and we do not have a law to pun- a special ‘family members’. If the state man of the Central Municipal He was speaking on the side- one and two-year bans, respec- ish them,” he said. supplement on concedes the demand, household Council (CMC), told this newspa- lines of a two-day symposium on tively, for using prohibited Anti-doping rules currently workers of Qatari families would, per late last evening that since it the history of doping and anti- substances. apply to athletes and sports per- naturally, be covered under the would be an unwanted burden on doping organised by the Anti- Athletes found using or pos- sonnel only. For those who bring free medical cover provided by households employing domestic Doping Lab Qatar (ADLQ) and sessing prohibited substances doping substances through the the government, while expatri- workers, the Advisory Council has the Qatar Olympic and Sports potentially face ban from sports airport, it is very difficult for ate employers may be left in the urged the state to include them Museum here yesterday. that can last anywhere from six QNADC to punish them in the lurch — they may have to either among family members. In a recent case presented months to life-time in serious absence of a law. pay the premiums for them or ask THE PENINSULA before the appeal’s committee, cases. In the existing setup, the THE PENINSULA their companies to do that. Continued on page 5 a Somali-American athlete was local Commission does not pass Continued on page 5

Bangladesh violence claims 37 Sudans hold talks after Britain to pay for deadly clashes 1950s Kenya crimes JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN: LONDON: The British govern- In the case of the Mau Mau The presidents of South Sudan ment is negotiating payments conflict, the secret papers showed and Sudan held talks in a bid to thousands of Kenyans who that senior colonial officials to ease tensions after deadly were detained and severely mis- authorised appalling abuses of clashes in Abyei, a region treated during the 1950s Mau inmates held at the prison camps claimed by both sides, officials Mau insurgency in what would established during the bloody con- said yesterday. be the first compensation set- flict, and that ministers and offi- The talks came after UN leader tlement resulting from official cials in London were aware of a Ban Ki-moon and the African crimes committed under impe- brutal detention regime in which Union appealed for calm in the rial rule. men and women were tortured flashpoint area following the In a development that could and killed. As a handful of details killing of a tribal chief and a UN pave the way for many other began to emerge last week from peacekeeper on Saturday. claims from around the world, the confidential talks between “Our president has been in government lawyers embarked lawyers for the government and direct contact with president upon the historic talks after suf- the Mau Mau veterans, the FCO Bashir... they exchanged ideas fering a series of defeats in their said it acknowledged the need for about this sad incident,” South attempts to prevent elderly sur- debate about Britain’s past, and Sudan’s Information Minister vivors of the prison camps from added: “It is an enduring feature Barnaba Marial Benjamin told seeking redress through the of our democracy that we are will- reporters. British courts. ing to learn from our history.” Up Both countries have condemned Those defeats followed the to 10,000 former prisoners may the fighting which killed Kual discovery of a vast archive of be in line for compensation, if the Deng Majok, the Abyei leader of colonial-era documents that the talks result in a settlement. the Dinka Ngok, which is consid- Foreign Office (FCO) had kept The FCO knows that compen- ered loyal to South Sudan. Activists of Hefajat-e Islam chase policemen during a clash in Narayanganj, Bangladesh, yesterday. Police hidden for decades, and which sation payments to Mau Mau vet- Ban urged both sides to “avoid broke up protests by tens of thousands of religious hardliners and shut down Islamist television stations as shed new and stark light on the erans are likely to trigger claims any escalation of this unfortunate 37 people died in some of the fiercest street violence in decades. Earlier report on page 11 dying days of British rule, not only from other former colonies. event.” AFP in Kenya but around the empire. GUARDIAN NEWS TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Free parking near airport can cost you dearly Motorists get up to four stickers for traffic violations

BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB Investigations revealed that some park it here. But when I reached, car owners, not finding proper the parking was already full. DOHA: Most people fly- parking space in the lot, park And I never wanted to pay the ing short trips overseas tend their vehicles along the walk- airport’s QR120 per day parking to park their cars in the free ways for several days, in haste of charges. Not knowing what to do, parking lots near the Doha catching up flights. I just parked here, and now I am International Airport (DIA) It has been become a common seeing four stickers. I really don’t park avoiding parking slot. practice of some frequent fliers know how much it will be,” said They are, however, shocked who prefer to park their cars at an Indian who looked apparently upon their return as they see the free-parking space outside upset. not one or two but three to four the departure terminal (which Due to such practices, the daily stickers on their cars for wrong is meant for the park visitors) park visitors, not finding parking parking. Avoiding paying park- instead of parking at the DIA space, as it remains pre-occupied, ing charges they end up cough- facilities to avoid paying heavy are forced to park their vehicles ing up huge fines just like ‘penny parking charges. along with the walk-ways. But wise, pound foolish’. “I went to Delhi for a week unfortunately, when they return It has been discovered that to recruit some sales executives after jogging at the park, they also some vehicles parked at wrong for our company. As I live at Ain find stickers on their vehicles for places, near the old airport Khalid, finding taxi to the airport wrong parking. park carried about three to four was difficult. One of my colleagues As a result, previous viola- stickers for traffic violations. advised me to take my car and tors already carrying stickers on their vehicles either prefer to wait for somebody to vacate a park- ing slot or leave with out exercise, as the waiting time may go over half-an-hour. The park, due to its proximity to the departure terminal, has Three stickers for violations pasted on a car parked near the Doha International Airport park. SHAIVAL DALAL become a favour- ite destination of car parking, espe- the airport premises up to the with different parking rates. dinner at a restaurant in a cially for short Airport park. Long term car parking rates mall. trip fliers. It has At the DIA, there are 900 park- are QR2 per hour or QR45 per For example parking charges also been noticed ing spaces outside the departure day. The Season Cards for short- at a prominent shopping mall in that some of the and arrival terminals for cars that term parking are also available West Bay is QR2 for the first hour fliers, with more will park for a maximum of 30 at QR1000 per month. and QR3 each for the next two than two lug- days. Parking charges at some hours, which sounds reasonable, gages, even do Cars requiring longer term shopping centres are not cheap but after three hours they charge not mind car- parking and for employees of either. The rates are progres- QR10 per hour which may go up rying airport the airport, the long-term car sive and sometimes the amount to QR100. Illegally parked cars at the airport park parking lot. trolleys outside park, has 350 parking spaces may surpass the bill of your THE PENINSULA Asthma patients urged HMC launches telemetry service DOHA: The Ambulance Service of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) yesterday launched a to seek early treatment new telemetry service, allowing paramedic crews responding to an emergency involving a sus- DOHA: With a steady increase tools to manage an attack, should the severity of symptoms and Abu pected heart attack, to trans- in the number of patients suffer- one occur.” He said the increase Salah has stressed the importance mit vital information from the ing from asthma in Qatar, the in cases can be attributed to a of patients understanding the scene. Hamad Medical Corporation number of factors, but Qatar’s severity of their condition. The telemetry service, cur- (HMC) has advised patients to desert climate, and specifically “Regardless of whether a rently fitted to 60 ambulances seek early treatment. sudden changes in weather con- patient’s asthma is classified as in the fleet, allows paramedic Marking World Asthma Day ditions, is the main culprit. mild or severe, treating the con- crews to record and transmit being observed today, HMC is According to the World Health dition requires a multi-discipli- the patient’s Electrocardiograph working to raise awareness about Organization, 235 million people nary approach, including the (ECG) from the scene to the clini- the chronic inflammatory disease. suffer from asthma. Although use of prophylactic therapy. An cal team leader in the National “For a variety of reasons many asthma cannot be cured, appro- asthma attack can escalate very Control Centre (NCC). asthma patients don’t seek medi- priate management can control quickly. Avoiding attacks, reduc- The clinical team leader then cal attention until their symp- the disease and enable individuals ing inflammation, and prevent- makes an informed decision as toms become severe enough that suffering from asthma to enjoy a ing lung damage are the primary to whether the patient should be they need to visit the Emergency good quality of life. goals of treatment,” he said. transported to the Heart Hospital Paramedics attending to a patient. Department,” said Dr Salem Asthma causes the airways of “With a good treatment plan or to Hamad General Hospital. Abu Salah, Senior Consultant the lungs to swell and narrow, most patients will be able to stay If the patient is being trans- streamline the process of trans- allows us to be prepared as we at Hamad General Hospital’s leading to breathing difficulties. It out of the Emergency Department. ferred to the Heart Hospital, mitting information about the are receiving a full picture of the Emergency Department is thought to be the most common Patients should seek emergency the ECG is transmitted from patient to the doctor who will patient’s condition,” he said. “It is important that patients chronic disease among children. medical treatment if they expe- the Life Pack 15 machines to be receiving the patient at “Apart from transmitting the work with their primary health- The signs of an asthma attack rience severe breathlessness, are the Heart Hospital for the Heart Hospital and ensure more ECG, the system also sends across care physician to first diagnose usually include wheezing, chest unable to speak due to shortness Cardiologist to look at before the informed clinical decisions can be other important data such as the condition and then develop a tightness and shortness of breath. of breath, have a fever or expe- patient arrives. made in advance and therefore blood pressure, heart rhythm and treatment plan that will help pre- Treatment plans vary from rience straining chest muscles.” This enables staff at the Heart treatment for the patient can rate, amount of oxygen in blood vent attacks as well as provide the patient to patient depending on THE PENINSULA Hospital to be prepared with the begin sooner,” he said. and other vital information about appropriate intervention required Dr Abdulrazak A Gehani, their condition.” for the patient before his arrival. Chairman of Cardiology at the An enhanced version of the sys- Dr Loua Al Shaikh, Chief Heart Hospital said the ability to tem where the ECG will simul- Physician of the Ambulance wirelessly transfer the patient’s taneously be transmitted to the Service said that when dealing ECG to the hospital is a remark- smartphone of the cardiologist with heart attacks, timing is able advance in process. who is on call, will be introduced crucial. “It not only speeds up the soon,” he said. “This new equipment will diagnosis of the patient but also THE PENINSULA

Al Marri with UN Human Rights chief

Chairman of Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee, Dr Ali bin Sumaikh Al Marri, with UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay at Wilson Palace in Geneva. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation to support human rights issues in Qatar, the Arab region and the world. TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Qatar Foundation convocation today 437 students from over 60 countries to participate DOHA: Over 400 students will Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, In addition, 33 students looking be graduated today at the sixth who will lead the charge to the forward to careers in the media convocation to be held by Qatar graduates. The welcome speech will graduate from Northwestern Foundation for Education, will be delivered by Dr Abdulla University in Qatar (NU-Q), Science and Community bin Ali Al Thani, President of alongside 81 from Carnegie Dr Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, President of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, with the winners. Development at Qatar National Hamad bin Khalifa University Mellon University in Qatar Convention Centre. and Vice President of Education (CMU-Q), 43 from Georgetown The class of 2013 signifies the at Qatar Foundation. He will also University — School of Foreign highest number of graduates present the graduates with com- Service in Qatar (SFS-Qatar), HBKU honours six students in Qatar Foundation’s history, memorative convocation rings. 42 from the Qatar Faculty of with 437 students from over 60 During the past five years there Islamic Studies (QFIS), and 44 DOHA: Hamad bin Khalifa Convention Centre. University at Qatar. countries participating in this has been a year-on-year increase from Virginia Commonwealth University granted six excep- The graduates chosen this year Dr Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, year’s convocation. The number in the number of graduates, from University in Qatar (VCU tional students the ‘President’s are AlJawhara Hassan Al Thani, President of Hamad bin Khalifa of graduates this year is consid- 122 in 2008 to 191 in 2009, 200 Qatar). The convocation cer- Award’ on Saturday in recogni- Georgetown University School University and Vice President of erably higher compared to 2012 in 2010, 245 in 2011, and 373 last emony will be broadcast live on tion of their academic excellence of Foreign Service in Qatar, Education at Qatar Foundation when 373 students were awarded year. And over the past decade, Qatar TV from 7pm. The public and commitment to making a Dana Atrach, Northwestern for Education, Science and degrees. The gender gap has also a total of 1,273 graduates have can also listen to live Arabic cov- difference both on campus and University in Qatar, Eilin Liz Community Development, and shifted in favour of females this received degrees in various dis- erage of the event on QF Radio’s within the wider community. Francis, Georgetown University Dr Khalid Mohammed Al Khanji, year, with 229 women and 208 ciplines from universities based 93.7 FM. Although each university The six winners from HBKU School of Foreign Service Vice President of Student Affairs men making up the class of 2013. in Qatar Foundation. This year, holds its graduation ceremony, partner universities were hon- in Qatar, Fadwa Ali, Weill at Hamad bin Khalifa University The last year batch was consist of 35 doctors will graduate from Convocation 2013 brings together oured for their exceptional Cornell Medical College in presented the six winners with 188 women and 185 men. WCMC-Q and 115 engineers from undergraduate and postgraduate academic, service leadership Qatar, Leila Natsheh, Virginia certificates of achievement and Convocation 2013 will be Tamuq, alongside 44 Masters of students from several universities and professional achievements Commonwealth University a commemorative medallion to held under the patronage of H Business Administration from across Qatar Foundation. during a celebratory ceremony in Qatar, Mohammed acknowledge their outstanding H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, HEC Paris in Qatar. THE PENINSULA that was held at Qatar National AlShammasi, Texas A&M efforts. THE PENINSULA 81 graduate from CMU-Q

DOHA: Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) celebrated its sixth graduating Bomb hoax causes evacuation class yesterday, amid hopes for DOHA: Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) was exciting new beginnings and a evacuated yesterday afternoon following a bomb hoax. The bomb fond farewell to Jared L Cohon, scare was created within the campus building hours ahead of President of Carnegie Mellon. their annual convocation, which was held at the Qatar National Cohon, who will be stepping Convention Centre. down as president in June after Students and staff were evacuated while Civil Defence conducted 16 years of service to the uni- a thorough search before confirming the threat was a false alarm. versity, gave his final charge to CMU-Q on its Twitter account at 2.49pm said: “Due to a security the 81 students, including 24 alert at CMU-Q, students and staff are instructed to avoid the area. Qataris. CMU-Q has been evacuated, Civil Defence on site.” It was followed “Seeing our programmes grow by another status message at 3.43pm saying “update on the bomb and thrive over the last nine years threat at CMU-Q, the building has been inspected and the authori- has been one of the high points ties have indicated that the building is safe to reenter.” The graduation ceremony at the Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), yesterday. of my time as president. I could Students at the Northwestern University Qatar too were evacu- not be prouder of what we have ated as the campus is housed in the same building of CMU-Q. Last accomplished together,” Cohon year in November too Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and said. Community Development’s Health, Safety, Security and Environment This year’s celebration was also Directorate took precautionary measures to address a verbal bomb marked by the first graduates threat delivered to one of the Education City universities. in Carnegie Mellon’s Biological THE PENINSULA Sciences program. Of the six biological sciences students to receive their degrees, five received Leadership Award was selected as Philharmonic Orchestra. University Honors. class speaker. In 2011 Al Salama Of the 81, six majored in biologi- “It really is an honour to be one won Al Fikra National Business cal sciences, 43 in business admin- of the first graduates in biological Plan Competition and as a fresh- istration, 14 in computer science, sciences and to be a pioneer from man he cofounded the Qatari and 18 in information systems. In this program. My experience at Student Association. addition to Qatar campus gradu- Carnegie Mellon will always be In commemoration of Carnegie ates, Leto Karatsolis-Chanikian, really special,” said Mei ElGindi. Mellon’s Scottish history, the an architecture student who Ahmad Al Salama, graduat- ceremony included a bagpiper studied at the Pittsburgh (USA) ing with a bachelor of science in dressed in full regalia as well as a campus, received her diploma computer science and a recipi- performance by a brass ensemble during the ceremony. ent of the 2013 Senior Student comprising members of the Qatar THE PENINSULA Qatar Charity to organise expo on the plight of Syrian people

DOHA: The Qatar Charity is organising an exhibition next week to draw more public attention to the sufferings of the Syrian people. The event titled ‘Pain and Hope’ will take place from May 15 to May 19 at the Doha Exhibition Center. The ongoing destruction of houses, education and health facilities, mosques and infra- structure facilities in Syria will be highlighted through photographs and video footage. The organisers expect some 20,000 people to visit the five- day exhibition. It will reflect the sufferings of the Syrian people in the refugee camps inside Syria Mohammed Sadoon Al Kuwari (left) and Ibrahim Al Muhannadi of and the neighbouring countries, Qatar Charity during the press conference at Qatar Charity head office as witnessed by the Qatari del- egation that visited the refu- yesterday. ABDUL BASIT gees more than once, Ibrahim Al Muhannadi, Executive Director of people. Songs and cultural per- There will be a special section Local Development Department formances by children will also on the shortage of medicines and at QC, said in a press conference be part of the show. the prevalence of environmental yesterday. Sections at the exhibition will hazards and diseases. QC will set up a stall at the include monuments and the his- The Qatar Charity has so far exhibition to showcase its human- torical legacy of Syria with a spe- disbursed aid worth more than itarian projects and receive dona- cial focus on Damascus, the plight QR80.4m to support Syrians dis- tions from the public to support of Syrians living without food, placed in Syria and the neigh- the Syrians. There will be sepa- drinking water and other basic bouring countries. About 455.171 rate stalls for Qatari and Syrian needs, the extent of destruction of Syrians have benefitted from families to display and sell their homes, markets and other build- the assistance. QC’s ambassador products including food items and ings and destruction of mosques Mohammed Sadoon Al Kuwari handicrafts. Part of the proceeds and historical buildings, hospitals also attended the press confer- will go to support the Syrian and health centers. ence. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Qatar Airways adds routes to 3 continents 60pc rise in flights to Pakistani cities

DUBAI/DOHA: Qatar and Peshawar securing an addi- Airways yesterday announced tional flight to three services route expansion on three con- each week. tinents together with a huge Qatar Airways Chief Executive increase in capacity in Pakistan Officer Akbar Al Baker as part of the Doha-based car- announced the expansion during rier’s continued aggressive a press conference on the open- growth strategy. ing day of Arabian Travel Market The Ethiopian capital of Addis (ATM) — the Middle East’s pre- Ababa will become the car- mier travel show — taking place rier’s 20th destination on the in Dubai this week. African continent, launching on “Yet again Qatar Airways is September 18, followed a month bucking the trend across the later by Clark International industry demonstrating that we Airport in the Philippines from are resilient in times of global October 28. economic austerity because while Effective March 1 next year, others are cutting back, we see Philadelphia will become the the opportunities to expand our airline’s fifth US gateway. In global footprint,” he said. addition, Qatar Airways is sig- “Our three new routes we are nificantly increasing capacity to announcing today show we have Qatar Airways’ double-storey exhibition stand showcasing the Business and Economy Class Boeing 787 seats featured on board the Dreamliner at Pakistan where it currently oper- faith in expanding our operations The Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. ates 17 flights each week across across different continents. This four cities of Karachi, Islamabad, year for example has certainly Dreamliners, the first of which Business and Economy Class social media as one of the fast- global exposure as the airline also Lahore and Peshawar. been the year of growth in the began flying again last week on seats are a key feature on its est growing airlines on Facebook. engaged in a number of activities Beginning next month from Middle East with five of our eight the Doha — Dubai route, with exhibition stand at ATM this The carrier’s fan base has tripled involving users. June 1, Qatar Airways will step scheduled route launches in the gradual phasing in over the week providing travel profes- over the past six months and is The airline boss also pro- up frequency to Pakistan by region alone. next few weeks of the other air- sionals from around the world set to reach a milestone one mil- vided an a latest developments 60 percent to 28 flights each Al Baker also gave Middle craft on long-haul routes such with an opportunity to sample lion users by the end of May. at Hamad International Airport week – Karachi up from daily East and international media as London Heathrow, Munich, the seats and amenities. He said the dynamic activity — Qatar’s brand new airport – to double daily; Lahore from an update on the reintroduction Frankfurt and Zurich. Al Baker spoke of the airline’s on social media had significantly scheduled to open this year. four to seven flights a week; of the carrier’s five Boeing 787 The airline’s Dreamliner rapidly developing presence on enhanced brand loyalty and THE PENINSULA

Al Attiyah attends ministerial meeting on climate change BERLIN: The Chairman of attended yesterday the fourth discussing issues on its agenda, Real estate transactions down the Administrative Control ministerial meeting on climate most important of which is prepa- and Transparency Authority, change in the presence of the ration for the UN Conference DOHA: The value of total week. Doha Municipality ranked to QR91.8m, while the other real H E Abdullah bin Hamad German Chancellor Angela on Climate Change (COP 19), real estate transactions dur- first in terms of trading value, estate transactions acquired Al Attiyah, who is also the Merkel and German Minister which will be held in Poland from ing last week of April (April 21 reaching QR305.6m compared to nearly 70 percent of the total President of the UN Conference of Environment Peter Altmire. November 11 to 22 this year. to 25) amounted to QR807.2m, QR523.7m in the previous week transactions amounting to on Climate Change (COP18), The two-day meeting is QNA down 5.5 percent compared to with a decline of 41.6 percent QR213.8m, including six villas QR854.4m the previous week, through the implementation of and 21 houses. according to Ezdan Holding 51 deals compared to 52 deals in Al Rayyan Municipality came Group’s weekly report. the previous week. in the second position with The main reason for the decline Doha Municipality acquired QR254m in terms of transaction was caused due to the absence of 37.9 percent of the total transac- value, acquiring 31.5 percent of grand deals. tions of the week. the total transactions of the week The report forecast that the The value of the top deal in with the implementation of 32 real estate transactions will con- Doha Municipality amounted to deals. tinue its recovery during the com- QR70.5m as a result of the selling The value of transactions in ing weeks, especially in the sector of houses in Fereej bin Mahoud the Municipality increase by 230 of plots with the existing trend of with an area of 4,037 square percent compared the previous real estate investors and devel- meters. week. opers coming up with more new A plot in Rawdat Al Khail with The price of the top deal in Al projects. an area of 1,160 square meters Rayyan was QR115m from the The weekly Bulletin issued was sold at QR17.5m, while a sale of a plot in Aziziyah spread by the Real Estate Registration house with an area of 869 square in an area of 3,600 square meters. Department in the Ministry of meters in Najma area was sold at And the value of the top deal in Justice yesterday said the value of QR13.2m. Umm Salal was QR20m from the daily rate of transactions of real The sale of plots acquired 30 sale of a villa plot in Khraitiyat estate was about QR161.4m com- percent of the total transac- with an area of 4,459 square pared to QR171m in the previous tions in the Doha Municipality meters. THE PENINSULA

MOI organises workshop on building safety DOHA: The Ministry of Interior (MOI) is organ- ising a workshop for engineers and experts to increase their awareness on building safety. The specialised build- ing safety workshops being conducted by General Directorate of Civil Defence at the ministry for the engineers and engineer- ing consultancies in the country started on Sunday. The workshop is discuss- ing many important topics related to the safety of the new and existing buildings. The subjects include basics of safety and secu- rity, ideal number of exits required, emergency lighting, fire extinguish- ing system for the build- ing, different type of fire pumps, how to take control of pumping system in cased of fire, quantity of water required for each building, testing the fire system and its maintenance and the common mistakes that will block proper working of the system. The work- shop also handles subjects like engineering drawings, warning system and how it is implemented and how to link the doors and lifts with warning systems. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Emir’s condolences QBA hosts Carnegie Mellon president conveyed RIYADH: On behalf of the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Dr Jared L Cohon calls for strong relationship between Qatar and American universities Al Thani, H E Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani has offered DOHA: The Qatari condolences to Saudi Minister of Businessmen Association’s Water and Electricity Abdullah (QBA) Second Deputy to the bin Abdul Rahman Al Hussein Chairman, Sheikh Dr Khalid bin on the death of Sheikh Saleh Thani Al Thani, held a business bin Abdulrahman Al Hussain. lunch in honour of the President Sheikh Khalid also conveyed the of Carnegie Mellon University condolences of the Heir Apparent (CMU), Dr Jared L Cohon, at his H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Majlis in Al Gharafa. Al Thani. Dr Cohon became the presi- dent of CMU in 1997 and has suc- cessfully guided the university’s Prime Minister greets global expansion efforts. He is an expert on environmental and Malaysian premier water resource systems analysis, DOHA: The Prime Minister an interdisciplinary field that and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh combines engineering, economics, Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al and applied mathematics. Thani congratulated Malaysian He is also the author, co-author, Prime Minister Najib Razak on and editor of one book and more his party’s victory in the general than 80 professional publications. elections. During a telephone The delegation was received LEFT: Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani Al Thani receiving Dr Jared L Cohon at his Majlis in Al Gharafa. RIGHT: Dr Cohon with Qatari Businessmen Association talk they discussed bilateral by the Chairman of the Qatari officials. relations. The Prime Minister Businessmen Association, Sheikh also held telephone conversation Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, period, and noted that CMU has economy under the direction of and it is considered an impor- also stressed on the importance with Egyptian Prime Minister Dr Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani, worked hard on preparing quali- The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin tant institute in the region that of promoting student exchange Hesham Kandil. QNA QBA member, Sherida Saad fied graduates with the latest Khalifa Al Thani. contributes to the education of between Qatari and American Jubran Al Kaabi, QBA Board skills and knowledge to actively Members also noted that one youngsters. universities in order to enhance member, and QBA members Dr participate in the community of the most important achieve- Qatari businessmen also said cultural and scientific ties. Anti-doping law Hussein Al Abdullah, Nabil Abu affairs. ments of Qatar in this field that their interest in the edu- Dr Jared L Cohon thanked Issa, Abdul Hameed Mustafawi, QBA members spoke about the was the establishment of Qatar cation sector stems from their Sheikh Dr Khaled Al Thani and Continued from page 1 and Maqbool Habib Khalfan. achievements of Qatar in several Foundation which is chaired and realisation that the real wealth members of QBA for their hospi- “We talked to the Qatar Dr Jared L Cohon praised the fields, especially in the educa- supported by H H Sheikha Moza of the country lies in preparing tality, and said he wished for the Olympic Committee and initially major developments in construc- tion sector, with the state vision bint Nasser. The Education City a generation of qualified young- continuation of a strong relation- there was possibility to draft a tion and educational sectors that seeking to transform the national has attracted a host of leading sters capable of leading the coun- ship between Qatar and American law, but it’s not an easy thing to Qatar has witnessed in a short economy to a knowledge-based universities of the world to Qatar, try’s development. The members universities. THE PENINSULA do,” Dr Al Ansari said. Currently, the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) is responsible for destroying illegal substances, but that is from a medical point of view. There is no provision on how to deal with people in this trade. Project Qatar opens; 2,100 exhibitors take part “The anti-doping law will help us deal with the challenges DOHA: The International Prime Minister and Foreign to the Doha Exhibition Center projects. Consequently, the country IFP Qatar General Manager because the problem is not just Trade Exhibition for Minister H E Sheikh Hamad to network, negotiate, and learn will witness an upsurge of proposed George Ayache, organisers of the related to sports. You need to Construction Technology, bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, about the innovative products and and awarded projects in the next expo said, “There are many highly catch the people from outside who Building Materials, Equipment Minister of Business and Trade services on display. two years. Qatar’s successful bid to competitive companies already are providing substances to ath- & Environmental Technology H E Sheikh Jassim bin AbdulAziz According to ifpinfo.com, Qatar host the 2022 FIFA World Cup is a operating in Qatar and the region. letes,” he said. Dr Ansari also said for Qatar (Project Qatar 2013) Al Thani joined trade officials is making efforts to complete major contributor to the country’s There are 28 national pavilions that the general perception about yesterday marked a decade and and companies from around the major infrastructure projects accelerated development and flour- in the expo, with Canada, India, stimulants here was not necessar- its biggest edition to date with world to officially inaugurate the including bridges, tunnels, and ishing projects market. Korea, Romania, Spain, and ily a ‘bad’ one, where many people the participation of 2,100 exhib- exhibition. intersections by 2017. This On the potential impact of Thailand having their national thought of ‘munshetat’ in terms itors from 50 countries. The opening of the four-day includes 400 bridges and tunnels, competition arising from the pavilions for the first time. of energy-driven medicines and Under the patronage of The expo witnessed hundreds flock 240 intersections and 31 other World Cup construction surge, THE PENINSULA not ‘doping’. THE PENINSULA CMC coordinating with Advisory Council Continued from page 1 commercialize health services and instead focus on strictly regulat- “Some families have not one leave people at the mercy of private ing the health sector and ensure but several domestic workers, so healthcare providers who are irre- that unnecessary tests, surgeries buying health insurance for them sponsible and greedy. and medications are avoided. “I would involve huge costs,” he said, The government should instead have several friends who have adding that the CMC has been build more hospitals and recruit health insurance cards and I coordinating with the Advisory specialists, she said. Private know how they suffer.” Council on this issue. healthcare providers, in order Another person said the state Prominent businessman, to make money, subject a patient must instead build quality hospi- Ahmed Al Khalaf, said the pro- even suffering from ordinary flu tals with the money it spends on posed rule that companies (pri- to various tests and then pre- treating Qataris abroad. vate in this case) must provide scribe so many medicines unnec- Another tweet said that gov- health insurance to their workers essarily just to make money. They ernment healthcare facilities are and their family members staying perform unnecessary surgeries the best as they do not conduct with them as well would entail a putting people’s lives at risk. unnecessary tests and surgeries change in the format of employ- The national company being and put the lives of people at risk. ment agreement. set up by the government should THE PENINSULA The new format needs to be worked out by the labor ministry keeping the provisions of the new law in view after its imple- mentation. “This will take time, I am sure.” Private companies will take the additional costs into consideration. “There is a question mark, I would say.” Private com- panies would especially discourage employees with big families from spon- soring them. The rule, if brought into force, will adversely impact salaries and allowances in the pri- vate sector and companies may begin discouraging their employees entitled to sponsor their families from doing so, said Al Khalaf. He told this news- paper that a major allow- ance that may be curtailed by private companies could be house rent. “This will mostly affect middle- income workers of the pri- vate sector.” “However, our fingers are crossed. Let’s wait and see what the provi- sions of the proposed law are after it is enforced,” said Al Khalaf. Meanwhile, soon after the Advisory Council decision became known, several people tweeted severely criticizing the government’s move to make health insurance compulsory for all, includ- ing visitors. One tweet said yesterday the scheme would heavily TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Libya gunmen demand govt quit BRIEFLY Justice and foreign ministries under siege; new law causes a stir among the political elite

TRIPOLI: Gunmen in Libya’s remove the militias from the Tripoli kept up their siege of capital Tripoli. ministries yesterday despite “We hope that Ali Zeidan rec- the adoption of a law to purge ognises his inability (to govern),” Kuwaiti court Gaddafi-era officials from their said Kaabar, a former rebel close posts, with some demanding to Islamists. the government’s resignation. “We reject any dialogue with upholds life term Different groups at the justice the government,” he said when and foreign ministries, however, asked about negotiations with the on 4 for spying failed to reach a shared position government. KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait: on their new demands or their But at the justice ministry, Kuwait’s supreme court yes- reasons for pressing the siege. some of the gunmen said that terday upheld life terms on “We are determined to con- they were dismantling their two Iranians, a Kuwaiti and a tinue our movement until the camps. stateless on charges of form- departure of (Prime Minister) “We are waiting for someone ing a ring to spy for neigh- Ali Zeidan,” said Osama Kaabar, from the ministry to come to bouring Iran. a leader of the militias who had hand the building over to them,” The court, whose rulings are promised to lift their siege if the Dhirar Baraou, one of the militia- final, also upheld the acquittal law was passed. men, said. of two Iranians, including the The General National Another militia leader said only woman in the ring, and a Congress, under pressure from that the protesters were “divided” Syrian, a statement issued by the gunmen, yesterday passed over the demands, and that some the court said. the controversial law to exclude were content with the adoption “The court rejects the former Gaddafi regime officials of the law. appeals of the defendants and from public posts in a move that Under the law passed Sunday, upholds the (court of appeals) could see the premier removed all those who held key posts from sentences,” judge Abdullah Al from office. September 1, 1969 when Gaddafi Jassem said in the statement. Armed men in vehicles took power, until the fall of his In May last year, the appeals equipped with anti-aircraft weap- regime in October 2011 will be court reduced death sentences ons still surrounded the foreign excluded from government. Libyan gunmen surround the Justice Ministry yesterday in the capital Tripoli. against the first three to life and justice ministries yesterday. The ban will remain in force and upheld the same term “The adoption of the law on for 10 years, according to the text. on the fourth. The court also political exclusion is a major step The draft law had caused a stir The gunmen, many former political body, had debated the They received salaries and acquitted the Syrian who was in the right direction. But we will among Libya’s political elite, as rebels who helped topple Gaddafi, law several times without reach- other perks, in addition to report- sentenced to life by the lower take our time to examine certain senior members of the govern- had encircled the foreign minis- ing an agreement. edly benefiting from smuggling court. aspects of the law,” said Kaabar ment could be affected, among try for a week and the justice The bill proved particularly and extortion. who is also a vice president of them Zeidan and GNC president ministry since last Tuesday to controversial with the National Leaders of the former rebel the Superior Council of Libyan Mohammed Megaryef. pressure the national assembly Forces Alliance, the liberal coa- militias said on Saturday the gov- Libya court delays Tuwwar (revolutionaries). Both were diplomats under to pass the law. lition that dominated elections ernment had agreed to give five “On the other hand we are Gaddafi before joining the oppo- They vowed to stand their in July, who feared it was aimed ministries over to their members. Lockerbie verdict determined to bring down the sition in exile. ground and expand their action at their leader Mahmud Jibril So far it is not clear who is government of Ali Zeidan,” he At least four ministers and 15 unless their demands were sat- who headed an economic council behind the protest movement, TRIPOLI: A Libyan court said, accusing the premier of lawmakers also risk loosing their isfied, and warned against any under Gaddafi. although some Libyan observers yesterday postponed its ver- “provoking the thuwar,” former jobs once the GNC’s legal com- GNC attempt to make exceptions Since the fall of Gaddafi’s have pointed the finger at the dict in the case of two offi- rebels who fought Gaddafi during mission ratifies the law, including to allow key individuals to keep regime, militia groups, mostly country’s Islamists, who have cials from ousted dictator the 2011 uprising. the vice president of the national their jobs. former rebels, have managed been keen supporters of the law Muammar Gaddafi’s regime Zeidan’s government launched assembly Jomaa Atiga, an official Before Sunday’s vote the GNC, strategic facilities and vital to exclude ex-Gaddafi officials. accused of “financial crimes” a campaign a few weeks ago to said. Libya’s national assembly and top institutions. AFP connected to compensation for the 1988 Lockerbie plane bombing. Abdelati Al Obeidi, a former foreign minister, and Mohammed Belgassem Al Zwai, ex-speaker of parliament, Turkey, Israel make progress in compensation talks were accused of mismanaging public funds in compensat- JERUSALEM: Turkish and needed,” Channel 10 private tel- has named as a precondition for commandos staged a botched parameters” were set and a frame- ing families of victims of the Israeli officials made “progress” evision said, quoting diplomatic normalisation of diplomatic ties. pre-dawn raid on a six-ship flo- work established, but the amount Lockerbie bombing, according in talks in Jerusalem yesterday sources. It was the first stage of what tilla seeking to bust Israel’s naval of compensation was still to be to charges read by the judge. on compensation for the Jewish A final deal is “very close,” it Turkish officials have said would blockade of the Gaza Strip. discussed. The criminal court in Tripoli state’s deadly 2010 raid on a said, reporting “progress” but be a multi-step diplomatic process The Israeli negotiating team The maritime assault severely postponed the verdict until Gaza-bound flotilla, Israeli tel- without giving details. aimed at reinstating bilateral ties was led by National Security wrecked relations between the June 17 “to allow more time to evision reported. An initial meeting in Ankara between the former close allies Adviser Yaakov Amidror and former regional allies, with study the file,” the judge said. “An accord has not yet been on April 22 focused on the amount who fell out over the raid. special liaison for Turkish recon- Ankara demanding a formal At a hearing in September, signed but most questions have and the terms of Israel’s payment Yesterday’s talks saw Turkish ciliation Joseph Ciechanover, an apology and compensation for the jailed pair pleaded not been settled. The number of out- of compensation to the families diplomats paying their first offi- official said. the families of the raid victims, guilty to the charges. Their standing points is so limited that of nine Turkish nationals who cial visit to Israel for the first Following the first round as well as the lifting of Israel’s lawyer argued that they had it’s not sure another meeting is died in the raid, which Turkey time in three years since Israeli of talks, Ankara said “initial blockade on Gaza. AFP not made any personal gain and had negotiated on behalf Sniffing the breeze of the authorities. One dead in Cairo street gun battle

CAIRO: A passerby who was wounded in a firefight between Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Qandil’s bodyguards and a group of “thugs” died of his injuries yesterday, a security official said. The man, a street vendor, was shot in the neck on Sunday night when a group of people driving a pick up traded fire with Qandil’s bodyguards who were travelling in a convoy with him. Qandil was not hurt. His bodyguards opened fire at the truck carrying five peo- ple that had cut into Qandil’s convoy as it crossed Cairo’s October 6 bridge across the Nile. Shots were returned from the pick up truck before the driver and the passengers were Egyptian children play in a park as they celebrate the national holiday of Sham el Nessim, in Cairo, arrested. yesterday. Only a few Egyptian traditions today derive from ancient times, including Sham el Nessim, which may have been celebrated as early as 4,500 years ago. Sham el Nessim, literally meaning ‘sniff- ing the breeze’, marks the beginning of spring. Syrian beheaded in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Saudi authori- ties beheaded a Syrian man Three blasts kill 11 in Baghdad yesterday after he was con- victed of drug trafficking, the BAGHDAD: At least 11 peo- near police checkpoints at the Sunni Islamist insurgent groups Interior Ministry said. ple were killed in three bomb entrance to the Shia district of including a local Al Qaeda affili- Mohammed Khalaf was explosions in the Iraqi capital Hussainiya in the north of the ate that has launched regular arrested “as he was smuggling Baghdad yesterday, medics city, killing one policeman and attacks to undermine the Shia- a large amount of narcotic pills and police said. seven civilians. led government and provoke into the kingdom,” the ministry Iraq has become increas- A third bomb near a restau- wider confrontation. said in a statement published ingly volatile with fragile rela- rant frequented by police killed Violence is still well below by the official SPA news agency. tions between Sunnis and Shias three civilians in the southern its height in 2006-07. But April He was beheaded by the under strain from the largely district of Doura, medics and was the bloodiest month since sword in the northern Jawf sectarian civil war in neigh- police said. At least 33 people 2008, with 712 people killed in province. His beheading brings bouring Syria. Tensions are at were wounded in the three bombings and other violence, to 36 the number of people exe- their highest since US troops attacks. No group immediately the United Nations Iraq mis- cuted in Saudi Arabia since the pulled out of Iraq at the end of claimed responsibility for the sion said last week. About 1,500 beginning of the year, accord- 2011. blasts. people have been killed this ing to a tally. AGENCIES Two car bombs exploded Iraq is home to a number of year. REUTERS TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Kerry to push Syria deal in Moscow visit Casualty figures and killings mounting in Damascus while Israeli strikes add instability to the region

WASHINGTON: US Secretary show, the situation is adding to of State John Kerry will “make instability in the region,” the offi- Saudi Arabia another stab” at seeing if the US cial said. and Russia can work together Israel conducted two air raids to find a political solution to end on neighbouring Syria over the calls for UN Syria’s civil war when he visits weekend. Moscow this week, a senior US The attacks hit targets manned action to halt official said yesterday. by Assad’s elite troops in the Kerry left for Moscow last Barada River valley and Qasioun Israeli raids afternoon and is scheduled to see Mountain, residents, activists Russian President Vladimir Putin and opposition military sources RIYADH: Saudi Arabia yes- today to discuss a wide range said. They included a compound terday called for UN action of issues including the Iranian linked to Syria’s chemical weap- to end Israeli strikes on and North Korean nuclear pro- ons programme, air defences and Syria, describing the raids as grammes, Afghanistan and Republican Guards’ facilities, the a “dangerous violation” of the US-Russian trade. sources said. sovereignty of an Arab state, Speaking on condition of ano- Russia said it was concerned the official SPA news agency nymity, the US official said he the chances of foreign military reported. did not know if Washington and intervention in Syria were grow- Israeli raids on Syrian tar- Moscow might be able to move ing, suggesting its worry stemmed gets near Damascus at the forward on a political plan for in part from media reports about weekend killed at least 42 sol- Syria that they endorsed on June the alleged use of chemical weap- diers, the Syrian Observatory 30, 2012, but that has since gone ons in the conflict. for Human Rights watchdog nowhere. The US official played down said. That plan, agreed to in Geneva, comments by Carla Del Ponte, a The Saudi cabinet voiced was aimed at resolving through member of a UN inquiry into war “deep concern from the wors- talks among all sides a civil war crimes and other human rights ening situation in Syria” and that has cost more than 70,000 violations in Syria, that human urged “swift action by the UN lives, but it left open the ques- rights investigators have gath- Security Council to stop these tion of Syrian President Bashar ered testimony from casualties Israeli attacks on Syrian terri- Al Assad’s exact fate. of Syria’s civil war and medical Peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon monitor the Lebanese-Israeli border at a point tories and ensure they are not Russia says his exit from power staff indicating that rebel forces overlooking an Israeli settlement, in southern Lebanon, yesterday. repeated,” said SPA. must not be a precondition for a have used the nerve agent sarin. The kingdom has repeat- dialogue among Syrians to end The Geneva-based inquiry is edly voiced support to rebels the conflict. separate from an investigation of in Syria battling President “We have their formal com- the alleged use of chemical weap- Lebanon urges UN to condemn Israel violations Bashar Al Assad’s forces and mitment with their agreement to ons in Syria instigated by UN severed diplomatic ties with the Geneva Communiqué of June Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, UNITED NATIONS: Lebanon Resolution 1701 halted the 2006 missiles stored near the Syrian Damascus since 2011. 30th 2012 but now we need to go which has since stalled. has called on the UN Security Israel-Hezbollah war in south- capital of Damascus on Friday But its government yester- beyond formal commitments like “Our understanding has been Council to condemn violations ern Lebanon, which remains a and Sunday as they awaited day described Israel’s raids as that to figure out if there are ways that the armed opposition does of its airspace by Israel, which Hezbollah stronghold. Lebanon transport to Hezbollah, an ally “flagrant attacks and a danger- to actually build off of it,” said the not have such weapons and so carried out raids in Syria to regularly accuses Israel of violat- of Syrian President Bashar Al ous violation of the sovereignty US official. we’ll have to re-check our facts target what it said were Iranian ing its airspace. Assad. of an Arab state, warning of “It is no secret that so far we but our initial take on that was missiles bound for Hezbollah “The Israeli Air Force contin- Israel is reluctant to take sides its dangerous effects in the have not been able to do that that they do not have such things militants. ues to violate Lebanese airspace in Syria’s two-year-old civil war region’s security and stability.” but we certainly want to try to in their arsenal,” said the US offi- Lebanon urged the 15-member and in the previous days inten- for fear its actions would boost A diplomatic source in make another stab at it, to make cial, stressing that the US takes council to “compel Israel to halt sified its circuits above Lebanon. Islamists who are even more hos- Beirut said the sites targeted another effort at it, because all such reports seriously. its violations of Lebanon’s sover- This constitutes a disgraceful vio- tile to it than the Assad family, by Israeli warplanes were the events on the ground have become “We have no information to eignty by air, sea and land, and lation of (Lebanon’s) sovereignty,” which has maintained a stable Jamraya military facility, a steadily worse,” he added. suggest that they have either the carry out all its obligations in Lebanon wrote to the Security standoff with the Jewish state for nearby weapons depot and an “The casualty figures are capability or the intent to deploy accordance with resolution 1701,” Council. decades. The Security Council has anti-aircraft unit in Sabura, mounting, the rate of killing has or use such weapons,” he said of according to a letter. Intelligence sources said been deadlocked on how to end west of Damascus. AFP gone up and as the Israeli strikes the rebel fighters. REUTERS UN Security Council Israel attacked Iranian-supplied the conflict. REUTERS

Bahrain demonstration Naval forces arrive in Gulf for anti-mine exercise

MANAMA: Naval forces from more than 41 countries gath- ered in Bahrain — across the Gulf from Iran — yesterday to prepare for a massive mine- sweeping exercise, the US Fifth Fleet said. The International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX) “is the largest exer- cise of its kind in the region and will exercise a wide spectrum of defensive operations designed to protect international com- merce and trade; mine coun- termeasures, maritime security operations and maritime infra- structure protection,” it said in Bahraini women watch riot police before the start of a demonstration a statement. in solidarity with jailed political activists in the village of Diraz, west of US Vice Admiral John Miller, Manama, yesterday. A court jailed 31 people for 15 years after convicting head of US naval forces in the them of attacking a police patrol in the Shia village of Sitra. Gulf region, said the manoeuvres aim to “enhance international naval capability to preserve freedom of navigation in inter- national waterways.” UAE slams Iran lawmakers’ “Participating nations began staging and staff integration” to prepare for the exercises out visit to disputed islands at sea starting next week, the statement said yesterday. DUBAI: The UAE yesterday parliament delegation to the Thirty-five ships, 18 criticised a visit by Iranian law- islands,” the UAE state news Unmanned Underwater Vehicles makers to Gulf islands near the agency WAM said. and more than 100 explosive Strait of Hormuz at the centre “This visit flagrantly infringes ordinance disposal divers will of a territorial dispute between on the sovereignty of the UAE participate in the anti-mine the two countries, who are both and undermines all exerted manoeuvres running until the trade partners and strategic efforts towards finding a peaceful end of May. rivals. resolution for this issue,” it said. The exercise is taking place in Tension between Shias and The islands, Abu Musa and a region which has often been Sunnis in a Middle East shaken Greater and Lesser Tunb, are the scene of tensions between by two years of political turmoil claimed by both countries but Arab states of the Gulf and Iran, has sharpened the 42-year-old have been held by Iran since under Western pressure over dispute, complicating an ambiva- 1971, shortly before the seven Gulf its controversial nuclear pro- lent relationship in which national emirates gained full independ- gramme. IMCMEX took place pride has vied uneasily with eco- ence from Britain and formed the for the first time last year at a nomic pragmatism. UAE, now allied with Washington. time of Iranian threats to block About 40 percent of the world’s There was no immediate official the strategic Strait of Hormuz if seaborne oil exports flow through comment from Iran. But a report it came under attack. Hormuz. Iran threatened last year on an Iranian website calling itself But US defence officials to block the Strait as tensions the Young Journalists Club said insisted last year that the exer- rose with the West over Tehran’s that a delegation of Iranian par- cise is not aimed at Iran or disputed nuclear programme. liamentarians made a one-day any one country, but is simply “The Foreign Ministry strongly visit to the three islands of Abu designed to hone counter-mine condemns and categorically Musa, Greater Tunb and Sirri on capabilities among allies and rejects a visit by an Iranian April 25. REUTERS partners. AFP TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Widening war Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

yrian rebels would appreciate a bit of help coming from any quarter, but it’s unlikely that they would appreciate if it came from Israel. For the same For Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, Sreason, the air strikes on Damascus by Israeli jets, which rocked the city for hours, deserve nothing but condemnation. With the attacks, Syria threatens to become a much wider and complicated regional conflagration. there is a peaceful solution The government of Prime Minister Netanyahu is fishing in troubled waters. It knows that Syria is not in a position BY WADAH KHANFAR to respond to its aggression. Assad has more immediate Hezbollah in support of Assad’s Alawite concerns, and his Lebanese ally Hezbollah is not yet ready regime raises the level of sectarian for another all-out war with Israel, especially when the fate AST WEEK – clearly and polarisation there to unprecedented of Assad is hanging in balance and its troops are required officially – the war in Syria levels. If the sectarian confrontation in The borders of the Middle Twidened to become an extraor- Iraq continues to escalate, the situation to help the Syrian ruler. But it is always easier to know how dinary regional conflict. First, Hassan will become yet more dangerous: Iraq, East states established things begin in the Middle East than to know where they Nasrallah, the leader of Lebanon’s with its strategic position overlooking by the Sykes-Picot will end. By its actions, Israel has once again demonstrated Hezbollah, formally acknowledged that the oil-rich Gulf, Iran and Turkey, is a its utter contempt for international laws and proclaimed his forces are indeed fighting alongside powder keg that could ignite the entire agreement were illogical that a peace that had held for 40 years with a neighbour held those of Syria’s president, Bashar al- region. Assad. Meanwhile, in Iraq the con- The real danger is that sectar- and impractical, and no longer. frontation between the government of ian conflict in the region will become have never enjoyed any The attacks in Syria represent a change of policy of Nouri al-Maliki and demonstrators in entrenched. Many in Iraq are now call- Israel. So far the Jewish government has adopted a neutral the Sunni provinces entered its bloodi- ing for the creation of three regions on legitimacy in the minds policy, letting the revolution in Syria take its own course est phase. And then, as the week ended, sectarian and ethnic grounds: a Shia of Arab people. They we saw the Israeli bombing of targets region and a Sunni region, in addition without any intervention. It calculated a known enemy is were never able to evolve better than the uncertainties Assad’s overthrow would bring. inside Syria. The entire region is now to the Kurdish region that already undergoing the most important geopo- enjoys substantial independence. In into stable nation states, Tel Aviv has thrown this policy to litical shift since the political map of the Syria massacres of Sunnis in the heavily the wind and it’s not known what The air strikes Middle East was populated Alawite coastal region in the unlike neighbouring Iran games it will play. redrawn after the past week have been carried out to ter- and Turkey. on Damascus Israel’s actions will have first world war. rorise the remaining Sunnis into leav- unpleasant consequences. It will We are now ing. This is an important step towards by Israeli persuade Iran to take a more reaping the con- the establishment of an Alawite entity ideas, religions and goods moved around The Middle East, sequences of the if the regime loses its control over in freedom. active role in Syria. Tehran international Damascus. This would lead not to sta- Instead of lurching towards sectar- jets will turn reacted to the airstrikes by on the brink of community’s bility and prosperity, but the continua- ian divisions and ethnic fragmentation, Syrian civil saying it would do more than just sectarian disaster, hesitation over tion of bloody feuds. stability in the Middle East is possi- arm Assad. Iran’s ground forces Assad’s regime. The borders of the Middle East states ble by turning to unity and integration war into a commander, General Ahmad Reza can revive its This hesitation established by the Sykes-Picot agree- once again. Practically, this would mean created the space ment were illogical and impractical, and establishing a Middle Eastern economic Pourdastan, said it would support ancient spirit of regional crisis. for Assad to con- have never enjoyed any legitimacy in zone that embraces Iraq, Syria, Lebanon Syria’s army with assistance in co-existence in an tinue to brutal- the minds of Arab people. They were and Jordan, and opens up to Turkey training, although he denied his ise his people. never able to evolve into stable nation and Iran. This would create freedom government would have active involvement in operations. economic union. While Russia states, unlike neighbouring Iran and of trade and movement, transcending The Israeli action has created more confusion. It also and Iran contin- Turkey. In response, the pan-Arab borders to reinstate what they were for shows the lack of direction of US policy. By allowing Israel ued to supply the movement emerged demanding unity, a centuries: liquid frontiers. The inter- Syrian regime dream which enticed the region’s people est of the countries of the region lies to strike at will, Washington is turning a blind eye to its with weapons, the US and EU imposed but never materialised on the ground. in establishing a system of intertwined regional consequences and leaving Syria to unknown, dark sanctions that had a negative impact It now seems the Sykes–Picot agree- interests across borders; only then will forces. What is needed is a clear policy with set objectives. on the Free Syrian Army; especially ment will not last to see its first cen- the divisive sectarian and ethnic agen- Dragging outside forces into the conflict will complicate the regarding anti-aircraft weapons. It was tenary. But we should not look for an das subside. crisis and will be counterproductive. feared these weapons would fall into alternative that is worse: more artificial The area from Basra to Beirut is As for rebels, they are unlikely to find any solid benefit the wrong hands, but at that time the borders would be a recipe for permanent known as the fertile crescent due to its Syrian revolution was purely internal: conflict. A solution is possible through resources and prosperity. If sectarian- from the Israeli attacks. Already it has divided the rebels. jihadists had no real presence. With the the revival of the spirit that has distin- ism and separatism prevail, it can only While some used the air strikes as a rallying call for all increase in regime brutality and inter- guished the Middle East throughout its become a crescent of blood and tears. groups to unite, others, including the opposition in exile, national apathy, the situation on the history. Four peoples have coexisted in The bloodshed will not be confined to said a weak government in Damascus was unable to prevent ground began to change in favour of the region since ancient times – Arabs, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, because sec- attacks from external forces. Assad’s government had a jihadist groups. Kurds, Turks and Iranians – in an open tarian conflicts know no borders. This Now the violence will not remain social and economic environment. For form of political dispute spreads fast, different argument: it said that Syrian rebels are the pawns confined to Syria. Lebanon has become centuries the region remained a con- and has a profound impact. There will in a Western-backed plot designed to undermine resistance an extension of the Syrian theatre of tiguous unit, despite its diversity of be no beneficiaries; all will be losers. to Israel • war, and the announcement by the Shia religions, sects and ethnicities; people, THE GUARDIAN The other side Quote of Beijing’s Mideast diplomacy the day T TIMES it is too much Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Mideast. It is widely believed that United Nations, as it had opposed to read between the capital said that he had apprised the Netanyahu’s upcoming air dash to unilateral Western sanctions, and lines. A crosscurrent from new leader about the obstacles to Shanghai before travelling to the one of the biggest buyers of Iranian APyongyang notwithstanding, talks with Israel. The Palestinian leader capital — where he is expected to oil, Netanyahu’s debut visit as prime Beijing has taken time out to host — who had made it a cornerstone of sign a host of business deals — will minister could be used as a game Conflicts are largely Palestinian President Mahmoud his policy to see settlements come to provide him with an opportunity to changer in neutralising the Jewish Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister a halt before taking to table with the discuss threadbare the problems that state to a great extent by persuading influenced by the Benjamin Netanyahu. Israelis — is reported to have been obstruct a two-state solution in the him to see at the bigger picture of the Though the two Middle Eastern debriefed as to how the fractured region. Anyway, Chinese mediation conflict. Israel, by conducting air raids former colonial leaders are not likely to meet face- peace process could go ahead. — though not specified in so many over Damascus, has already opened to-face, the timing of their visit and The Chinese who are known words — could be a good omen not a Pandora’s box in the Arab world, powers who want to the not-so-spelt out agenda provides to have a special regard for the only for the region that is in the grip of and now is the time for it to recalcu- continue to syphon enough food for thought. China has Palestinian struggle had made use another war in Syria, but also for the late its adamant approach vis-à-vis said that it would assist the two lead- of their veto power and influence in world at large. the Palestinians. China, by putting in resources out of the ers if they so wished, but that is not persuading the West and the United Given to understand the propo- some soft words, can help make the continent. part of their scheduled sojourn to the States to look at the wider picture of sition that Beijing is Tehran’s ally difference. Robert Mugabe communist giant. Abbas who met rights and tranquility in the volatile when it comes to diplomacy at the Khaleej Times Zimbabwean President TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Voters have enough A blank cheque for of François Hollande

BY PHILIPPE MARLIÈRE war without an end n Sunday, an estimated 150,000 people marched Rather than doubling in Paris and gathered in Othe Place de la Bastille to listen to Jean-Luc Mélenchon, down on war policy, the leader of the Left Front. Afterwards, the Socialist Party officials were prompt to call the as some senators event highly divisive for the left. Accusations of populism and gau- are inclined to do, chisme (unrealistic policies) also President François Hollande rapidly surfaced from Solférino, the Socialist headquarters. To and indecision, or France’s record Congress should paraphrase Bertolt Brecht: Would unemployment. Those factors it not be easier for the govern- may play a part, but only a mar- repeal the 2001 law. ment to dissolve the people and ginal one. In truth, by not hon- elect another? ouring his electoral promises and It would seem rather unwise by not departing from Sarkozy’s This ‘blank cheque’ to admonish those who marched pro-financial markets agenda, against finance and austerity Hollande has let his electorate approach to warfare because they were responsible for down. By the same token, he has sending François Hollande to the let himself down. has to stop. Elysée Palace in the first place. To argue that Hollande pan- Although the event was organised dered to the left during his cam- by the Left Front, an electoral paign and that he now has to BY MICHAEL SHANK and MATT coalition of nine parties, large seg- confess that he follows a progres- SOUTHWORTH ments of the left were represented, sive social democratic strategy including Eva Joly, the Green Party is also wide of the mark. If only handful of Democratic and presidential candidate, trade- this were true. If Hollande has an Republican senators are con- unionists, the New Anticapitalist economic strategy, it is one in line sidering a rewrite of 60 of the Party and socialist sympathisers. with his predecessor. Mélenchon most consequential words to Most had one thing in common: accused Hollande of contribut- ever pass through Congress. They voted for Hollande in May ing to Europe’s economic crisis AThe Authorisation for Use of Military Force 2012 to defeat Nicolas Sarkozy. by focusing on “the interests of (AUMF), passed after the attacks of 11 A member of Security Force Advisor Team 10 provides sniper coverage in Afghanistan. A year ago, expectations were shareholders, of big business and September 2001, provides the legal corner- rather low on the left. Yet peo- of European austerity policies, to stone for the so-called US “war on terror”. ple were hoping for a break with the detriment of the workers”. Only one brave Congress member opposed it. No oversight. More recently, after unilater- prohibitions in international law against the Sarkozy’s “hyper-presidency” as This cannot be easily dismissed It allows the US government to wage war at ally negotiating a “status of forces” agreement use of deadly force. well as with his economic reforms, as leftwing nonsense, as it is now anytime, any place and on anyone deemed a with Niger, the administration sent a note to Third, given the lack of campaign finance which had largely benefited the received wisdom among most of threat to national security — with remarkably Congress saying that it was sending 100 troops reform, too often defence policy is driven not rich. As Mélenchon put it in the people who elected Hollande a little evidence needed. to the country. This week, we sent troops to by military strategy or legitimate threats, but his speech: “Mr Hollande’s trial year ago. Just look at a few of the The consequential nature of these words is Mali. Again, no oversight. This is the new nor- by the defence contractor’s bottom line. This period is over and the results are banners carried on Sunday: “We self-evident: The AUMF opened the doors to mal. Statistics provided by Special Operations is the case with the AUMF and the defence not there.” don’t want the world of finance the US wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya; Command indicate that special forces groups industry. The defence industry spent over Indeed, what happened to the in power”; “Sarko-Hollande: attacks on Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and Mali; were operating in 92 different countries in $130m on lobbying efforts in 2012 alone, and man who singled out finance as presidents change, but the sys- the new drone bases in Niger and Djibouti; and March 2013. The AUMF premise, no mat- in the first quarter of 2013, weapons maker his main enemy during the presi- tem remains the same”; “The 5th the killing of American citizens, notably Anwar ter how it gets tweaked, is enabling a system Northrop Grumman spent $5.8m on Congress, dential campaign? What hap- Republic is no democracy: It gen- Al Awlaki and his 16-year-old noncombatant of eternal warfare, a reality that is not only posting its third biggest lobbying quarter in pened to Normal who promoted an erates a cast of corrupt people who son. It is what now emboldens the hawks on financially untenable for a nation in deep debt, company history. “Exemplary Republic”? Hollande avoid paying taxes while we strug- the warpath to Syria, Iran and North Korea. but also ethically indefensible. There’s a reason why unnecessary weapons ended up defending until to the bit- gle to save money”; “We can’t take Rather than doubling down on war policy, Second, the AUMF continues to undermine systems like the F-35 joint strike fighter, a ter end Jérôme Cahuzac, a finance those austerity policies any more”. as some senators are inclined to do, Congress rule of law. There are clear laws that apply to programme that now costs the American tax- minister responsible for fighting The government has resorted should repeal the 2001 law. This ‘blank cheque’ wartime situations or imminent threats, and payer hundreds of billions of dollars, never go tax evasion who turned out to have to discrediting the Left Front by approach to warfare has to stop. And while a broadened AUMF could undermine these away. It’s the same reason why new systems used a secret Swiss bank account branding it as populist. The accu- the rewrite is being framed by members of further. That the US already broadly catego- will be developed to drive policy decisions: to avoid paying taxes in France. sation won’t wash. French voters both chambers (Senators John McCain and rises individuals and groups that are loosely or money. The industry continues to claim the What happened to the droll and have had enough with those tired Bob Corker, Representative Buck McKeon and tacitly associated with extremists — in secret need for new weapons to face new threats. It down-to-earth candidate who, and authoritarian institutions of others) as an act of congressional oversight, and sometimes without evidence — is already is becoming clear that the defence industry’s without a qualm, is now embracing the 5th Republic, the corrup- it is doubtful that these hawks will curb any setting a dangerous precedent. loyalty is first to the financial security of its the Bonapartist style of Charles de tion at the heart of government military authority. They have only ever called As counterterrorism technologies, like shareholders, and only secondarily to the secu- Gaulle’s presidency? What hap- (Cahuzac and more to come) and for more wars, not fewer. That means more drones, expand, the US and international rity of this country. pened to the moderate Socialist the cynical and one-dimensional Libyas, Yemens and Al Awlaki’s. community may soon see these tactics used It is time to send the 2001 AUMF into the who promised French voters to management of the country by It is time for members of Congress who truly in intra-state conflicts, with possible viola- sunset, and to return the checks and balances reform an unfair tax system, pro- the dominant Socialist and UMP care about rule of law, oversight and the finan- tions of human rights law. If targeted killings that policy-makers put in place: The executive tect workers’ rights or stand up parties. Politicians who claim to cial security of this country to speak up. Why? by drones are justified as acts of war, they and legislative branches must deliberate before to Angela Merkel’s austerity poli- have the people’s best interests at Because, first and foremost, the AUMF con- must be subject to international law on the use waging war. We are making enemies through cies and promote growth-oriented heart while refusing to hear what tinues to contravene congressional oversight. of lethal force within the borders of another a feckless, dangerous approach, and it is time reforms in Europe? they say are the real populists: For example, when the Obama administration sovereign nation. Without a clear showing of to return some censure to our defence appa- It would be wrong to argue that so far, this is what Hollande has sent 100 “military advisors” to Uganda in the permission to use lethal force within another ratus. Otherwise, the AUMF will continue to Hollande’s abysmal unpopularity done. Should he persist, things name of counterterrorism in 2011, Congress nation, or an imminent threat from that make us hemorrhage — blood and, especially, has to do with his rather unpresi- can only get worse for him. received a simple note from President Obama. nation, these killings seriously undermine treasure. THE GUARDIAN dential style, his alleged weakness THE GUARDIAN Congo rebel group M23 prepares to face new UN force

BY JONNY HOGG will target its soldiers if they joined the UN mission. “We are not going to Congo as lords of war, we n forested hills in eastern Congo, rebels are are going there as advocates of peace to help our honing their ambush skills to prepare to face neighbours,” Tanzanian Foreign Minister Bernard a new UN force which has a mandate to go on Membe told parliament. Ithe offensive. M23 leaders admit their force’s numbers have “Destroy the enemy. Cause fear and stop his been reduced by months of infighting between patrols,” a rebel officer wrote on a blackboard as he rival factions. Congo’s army estimates the rebels’ instructed uniformed M23 fighters at a camp seized strength at around 1,000. This led to one leader, from the government in Democratic Republic of Bosco Ntaganda, surrendering to the International Congo’s eastern borderlands. Criminal Court to face war crimes charges. Despite In the latest effort to bring peace to a region riven seizing tonnes of ammunition and scores of vehicles for years by conflict over ethnic rivalry and mineral when it occupied Goma, M23 is running short of cash riches, the UN is deploying a 3,000-strong brigade to pay its fighters, rebel sources say. MONUSCO says of African troops to neutralise armed groups such it has received a steady stream of deserters. as M23. Kabila’s government, whose weak and indisci- Approved by the Security Council in March for plined army has struggled to contain rebels in the “targeted offensive operations”, the brigade from east and is accused by rights groups of rapes and South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi is the first to be abuses against civilians, welcomes the new UN bri- created within a traditional peacekeeping force. A gade. Government spokesman Lambert Mende says 17,000-strong UN force, MONUSCO, has struggled Kinshasa would like a negotiated peace with M23, to maintain security in eastern Congo. but, failing that, hopes the African peacekeepers’ If the M23 rebels, who emerged last year from a M23 soldiers take part in a parade at the Rumangabo military camp, a former government installation the group robust mandate can have a real impact. Tutsi-led rebellion in 2004-2009, fear the new UN seized last year. UN officials caution that while the intervention Force Intervention Brigade, they are not showing brigade is expected to be a deterrent to violence in it. They routed UN-backed Congolese troops and FDLR rebels, the remnants of Hutu killers who recommendations. “We are happy with the size of North Kivu, it will not be a “magic wand” for bring- seized the North Kivu provincial capital of Goma in carried out the 1994 genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda, the force.” ing peace. November, an embarrassment for President Joseph and other militias also roam the green hills and val- South Africa’s armed forces are smarting from the “It’s not as if they’re going to come and start Kabila and the UN. leys of North Kivu. “It’s a complex mission. From a deaths of 13 soldiers in March in Central African shooting on the first day. The objective is to contain M23 spokesman Colonel Vianney Kazarama said tactical point of view this is a logistical nightmare Republic when anti-government rebels confronted a and neutralise and disarm armed groups. If we can the rebel group, which is demanding political con- because you don’t know who’s who in the zoo from 200-strong South African contingent deployed there do that without firing a shot, everyone will be very cessions from Kabila’s government, had no plans to one day to the next,” said Helmoed Romer Heitman, under a defence agreement. This has increased the happy,” said Alex Queval, head of MONUSCO in attack UN peacekeepers. But if targeted, it would a South African military analyst. political sensitivity of South Africa’s participation North Kivu province. respond. “You’ll see, we’re going to capture them, He questioned whether the UN brigade, which in the Congo. Former Irish president Mary Robinson, appointed destroy their equipment, march over their forces,” he will include about 1,000 South African troops and M23 have shown signs of being rattled, appealing UN special envoy to the Great Lakes region in said. At the captured camp, rebels paraded and put an equal number from Tanzania and Malawi, would against South Africa’s involvement with a mixture March, toured last week to encourage implementa- on a show of hand-to-hand combat in the bush grass. be big and strong. “The overall UN mission is not of threats and entreaties to pan-African solidarity. tion of a UN-mediated peace plan for the eastern Military experts say the brigade could find itself properly conceived. I think the force is too small “They’re scared of the brigade. They call meetings Congo signed by 11 countries in February. stretched in its mission to neutralise and disarm the and there is a certain amount of wishful thinking,” to tell the population to reject it,” student Guillaume “There’s no doubt these armed groups need to be M23 and other groups. M23 is trained and armed. he said. Muchuti said in the M23-held town of Rutshuru, dealt with, but I think it’s important that this does UN experts say the group is backed by Rwanda and South African military spokesman Xolani north of Goma. not become a focus on a military solution,” she said Uganda although both deny it. Mabanga said the numbers were in line with Tanzania brushed off threats from M23 that it in Goma. REUTERS TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

Germany arrests Racist killings trial begins in Munich 93-year-old Nazi death camp guard

Woman member of neo-Nazi cell produced in court over shooting of 10 people BERLIN: German authorities arrested yesterday a 93-year- MUNICH, GERMANY: The impartiality for ordering them of Jena, saying: “I’m the one you’re old alleged former guard at the surviving member of a German but not some other participants looking for.” Nazi death camp Auschwitz neo-Nazi cell went on trial yes- to be searched thoroughly before For the victims’ families, the on charges of complicity in the terday for a series of racist mur- entering the Munich court. trial will be the first chance to mass murder of prisoners. ders that scandalised Germany “This implies the defence law- come face-to-face with Zschaepe, Prosecutors in the southwest- and exposed the security serv- yers are so stupid they might whose blank expression and reso- ern state of Baden-Wuerttemberg ices’ inability or reluctance to bring forbidden objects into the lute silence since her arrest have said the man was believed to have recognise far-right crime. court,” said attorney Wolfgang left people struggling to make worked at the camp between The chance discovery of the Stahl, adding that Judge Manfred sense of her motives. autumn 1941 and its closure gang, the National Socialist Goetzl seemed to suspect the “The Banality of Evil” read the in 1945. Authorities declined to Underground (NSU), which had defence team might pass mes- front page of the newspaper Die release the suspect’s name but gone undetected for more than a sages or objects to their clients. Welt. The mass-circulation Bild media reports indicated it was decade, has forced Germany to The case has shaken a coun- wrote that Zschaepe “looks like Hans Lipschis, who figures among acknowledge that it has a more try that believed it had learned a woman at the supermarket till” the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s militant and dangerous neo-Nazi the lessons of the past, and has rather than someone “rabidly most-wanted Nazis and is said fringe than previously thought. reopened a debate about whether mad or explosive”. to have served in the SS “Death’s Beate Zschaepe, 38, is charged it must do more to tackle racism The Norwegian anti-immigrant Head” battalion. with complicity in the shooting and the far right. mass murderer Anders Behring The man, who was detained of eight Turks, a Greek and a “With its historical, social and Breivik, who killed 77 people in at his home, “appeared before a German policewoman in towns political dimensions, the NSU 2011, wrote to Zschaepe last year judge and was taken into cus- across Germany between 2000 trial is one of the most significant addressing her as “Dear Sister” tody”, the prosecutor’s office in and 2007, as well as two bombings in post-war German history,” law- and urging her to use the trial to the state capital Stuttgart said in immigrant areas of Cologne yers for the family of the first vic- spread far-right ideology — but in a statement. and 15 bank robberies. tim, flower seller Enver Simsek, few expect her to explain herself. “The indictment against him is Her two presumed male accom- said in a statement. Hearings are scheduled into currently being prepared.” plices both committed suicide in Outside the courthouse, which early 2014, with Zschaepe’s Stuttgart prosecutors con- 2011. was guarded by about 500 police estranged relatives and the par- firmed to AFP last month that In a tailored black suit, white officers, German-Turkish com- ents of Mundlos and Boehnhardt they were working on a probe blouse and big earrings, and with munity groups and anti-racism due to testify. launched late last year against her long hair looking glossy, demonstrators held up banners As teenagers in Jena, the trio a suspect who had worked at Zschaepe’s appearance in court including one that read: “Hitler- German special police forces escort handcuffed Zschaepe at the end of the were known to authorities to be Auschwitz. Lipschis has been liv- was very different from the surly child Zschaepe, you will pay for first day of her trial in Munich yesterday. involved in racist hate crimes ing in the Baden-Wuerttemberg mugshots that have been splashed your crimes”. and bomb making, but they town of Aalen and reportedly told over German media ahead of the The existence of the gang set their caravan ablaze. Panther totting up the number of escaped arrest and assumed new the authorities that he worked as eagerly-awaited trial. One of four came to light in November 2011 In the charred vehicle, police dead. After the suicides, Zschaepe identities. a cook, not a guard, in the camp other defendants charged with when the two men believed to found the gun used in all 10 mur- is believed to have set fire to a Prosecutors say they chose in occupied Poland. assisting the NSU hid under a have founded the NSU with ders and a grotesque DVD claim- flat she shared with the men in shopkeepers and small busi- However prosecutors said dark hood. Zschaepe, Uwe Mundlos and Uwe ing responsibility for them, in Zwickau, in east Germany. ness owners as easy targets to the evidence pointed to the fact Defence lawyers immediately Boehnhardt, committed suicide which the bodies of the victims Four days later, she turned her- try to hound immigrants out of that the suspect in question had challenged the presiding judge’s after a botched bank robbery and were pictured with a cartoon Pink self in to police in her hometown Germany. REUTERS broader responsibilities. AFP

Machiavellian Cost of US migrant Hard to find cemetery for bomber former Italy BOSTON: The family of sus- said they would not accept the thus excluding Tsarnaev. pected Boston Marathon remains for burial. Governor “The challenge here is that PM passes reform high: Study bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev Deval Patrick said yesterday he there’s no way to demand a cem- faced a quandary yesterday over would not get involved. etery allow for a burial to take away at 94 WASHINGTON: Granting conservative Tea Party move- where to bury his body as cem- Under Islamic law, the body place,” Walkinshaw said. legal status to 11 million undoc- ment. That would work out to eteries across Massachusetts cannot be cremated, a procedure Tsarnaev’s body was taken to ROME, ITALY: Giulio umented foreigners living in $124bn a year on average. refused to accept it. used in some cases of notorious a funeral home, Graham Putnam Andreotti, a Machiavellian the United States would sig- The study said that over the Tsarnaev, 26, died in a gun criminals such as Oklahoma City & Mahoney Funeral Parlors, seven-time Italian prime minis- nificantly add to US govern- course of their lives, these undoc- battle with police on April 19, bomber Timothy McVeigh. in Worcester last week after ter who dominated the political ment budget deficits, according umented immigrants-turned- four days after bombs he is “The whole situation is unprece- spending more than a week at scene for decades, died yester- to a study released yesterday citizens would receive $9.4trn in believed to have set with his dented,” said David Walkinshaw, a a medical examiner’s office in day at the age of 94. by the conservative Heritage government benefits and services younger brother killed three spokesman for the Massachusetts Boston. Already several cem- Andreotti, a key figure in Foundation. and pay only $3.1trn in taxes. people and injured another 264 Funeral Directors Association. eteries including the Gardens at the once-dominant Christian Heritage, a think-tank headed The government benefits and at the marathon. The state of Massachusetts does Gethsemane in West Roxbury Democratic party, died at his by former US Senator Jim services include healthcare, Social Relatives have said they want to not own its own cemeteries, he have said they would not accept home in central Rome. He had DeMint, has assumed a leading Security, public education, aid to have him buried locally, but sev- said, and the federal government Tsarnaev’s body for burial. suffered ill health in recent years role in opposition to a biparti- low-income families and a range eral cemeteries in Massachusetts has only cemeteries for veterans, REUTERS and was hospitalised in August san, comprehensive immigration of other programmes. last year with heart trouble. bill being considered by the US The Heritage Foundation A private funeral will be held Senate. report was blasted by other con- today in Andreotti’s local church It is only the first of what is servatives, even before it was Opposition rally in Moscow for the staunchly pro-Catholic expected to be a flurry of compet- issued. Cato Institute, in a web- politician, who had close ties with ing studies attempting to influ- site posting over the weekend, the Vatican and was accused of ence the upcoming immigration said that the Heritage Foundation shadowy links to the mafia and debate. study was an update of a “fatally the Holy See. The legislation couples the flawed” analysis it issued in 2007. Andreotti was “a leading pro- legalisation proposal with a new The earlier findings, accord- tagonist for over 60 years of public programme to admit high-skilled ing to the Cato Institute, failed life,” said Prime Minister Enrico and low-skilled workers to fill jobs to take into account the potential Letta. Flags will be flown at half- that industry and agriculture say economic benefits of integrating staff at sporting events across are going begging because of a 11 million illegal residents into Italy in honour of Andreotti, shortage of available US workers. society. who helped bring the Olympics The Heritage study did not look It specifically mentioned the to Rome in 1960. at the impact on the economy of likelihood of growing tax reve- Rome’s Corso Vittorio those provisions. nues and economic expansion as Emanuele, which leads from the Coming three days before the a result of broadening the legal historic centre to the Vatican, was Senate Judiciary Committee is US workforce and population. closed off to the public by police so scheduled to begin the immi- Following the 2012 elec- that mourners visiting Andreotti’s gration measure, the Heritage tions in which around 70 per- home could pay their respects. Foundation study estimated that cent of Hispanic-American “He was the engineer of this coun- legalising the 11 million would put voters supported the re-election try’s reconstruction” after World a severe strain on government of Democratic President Barack War II, Paolo Cirino Pomicino, a programmes. Obama, Republicans began re- former minister under Andreotti, Over the next 50 years, it would examining their opposition to said on news channel Sky TG 24. cost taxpayers a net $6.3trn, immigration reforms, including A controversial figure associated according to DeMint, a former providing a “pathway to citizen- with a period of political vio- Republican senator from South ship” for the 11 million. Russian opposition protesters attend a rally at the Bolotnaya Square in central Moscow, yesterday. The lence which rocked Italy in the Carolina and a favourite of the REUTERS opposition demands the immediate release of all political prisoners, changes to the Russian Constitution, 1970s and 1980s, critics accused and to strengthen public oversight over the actions of authorities, and the investigation of corruption cases. Andreotti of Machiavellian behav- iour and nicknamed him “The Untouchable”. AFP Nine missing after Mirren forces drummers to retreat Brazil in talks to hire helicopter crash LONDON: Actress Helen and they stopped immediately,” arms and gesticulating angrily MOSCOW: A Russian heli- Mirren has delivered another Mirren told the Daily Telegraph before the music was brought to 6,000 Cuban doctors copter carrying nine people show-stopping performance as newspaper. a sudden stop. including senior rescue service the Queen after storming out of Mirren, 67, who last month “I literally walked straight BRASILIA: Brazil said yes- there was a shortage of medical officials as well as almost two a London theatre dressed as the added the best actress gong at off stage, straight up the stairs terday it was negotiating with facilities. tonnes of explosives crashed in monarch to deliver an exple- Britain’s top theatre honours to and straight out the stage door Havana potentially to hire and Income from Cuban medical the Irkutsk region of southern tive-riddled tirade at a group of the Academy Award she won for and banged my way through bring in around 6,000 Cuban staff overseas, particularly in Siberia, regional officials said drummers ruining the play. the 2006 film “The Queen”, said the crowd who were watching doctors to work in areas where Venezuela, is a key source of hard yesterday. Infuriated by loud drumming the drumming had got so loud it and said ‘stop, you’ve got to stop needed in the South American currency for the Americas’ only “The remains of the miss- outside the Gielgud Theatre, was disturbing cast and theatre- right now’ only I might have used nation. Communist-ruled nation. ing helicopter were found at where Mirren is portraying the goers alike. stronger language than that,” she “Brazil is looking into the pos- Brazil, the world’s seventh larg- 1930 local time (1030 GMT) six queen in the play “The Audience”, Audience members said they told the newspaper. sibility of taking in a number of est economy enjoying virtually full kilometres from the village of she burst out in full costume dur- had tried unsuccessfully to silence “They were very sweet and Cuban doctors” through talks that employment despite sluggish eco- Preobrazhenka,” the Irkutsk ing the interval on Saturday night the drummers, but the sight of stopped the minute they knew involve the Pan-American Health nomic growth, has been facing a regional emergency situations to tell them to shut up, with a few one of Britain’s most prestigious I wasn’t just a batty old woman Organization,” Foreign Minister shortage of skilled labour, particu- ministry said in a statement. swear words thrown in for good actors dressed as the monarch haranguing them on the streets Antonio Patriota said after meet- larly engineers and doctors. “There were nine people on measure. did the trick. Footage captured of Soho on a Saturday night. ing his Cuban counterpart Bruno Brazil is Cuba’s sixth trading board,” it said, listing the region’s “I’m afraid there were a few on mobile phone and aired on Sky “I felt rotten, but on the other Rodriguez. partner and first food supplier. acting emergency situations chief, ‘thespian’ words used. They got a News showed an angry Mirren, hand they were destroying our He said an estimated 6,000 It is also the second recipient of Stanislav Omelyanchik, among very stern royal ticking off but I attired in tiara and pearls, accost- performance so something had Cuban health professionals Cuban medicines and vaccines, those missing. AFP have to say they were very sweet ing the drummers, waving her to be done.” REUTERS would be deployed in areas where according to Havana. AGENCIES TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 ASIA/PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Traffic safety campaign 7kg of rhino 36 protesters die in horns seized HANOI: More than 7kg of rhino horn have been seized by customs officials in Vietnam, state-run media new Bangla clashes said yesterday, amid pres- sure on the communist coun- try to stem demand stoking a poaching boom. The two Police shut down Islamist television stations horns, believed to have come from Africa and worth an DHAKA: Bangladeshi police and rubber bullets to disperse at thousand Islamists clashed with estimated $365,000, were broke up a new protest by tens least 70,000 Islamists who were police and border guards. found hidden in the luggage of thousands of religious hard- camped at Motijheel as part of a And at least two people were of a passenger who arrived liners and shut down Islamist push for a blasphemy law. killed in the southern coastal in Ho Chi Minh City on a television stations yesterday “We were forced to act after district of Bagerhat where police flight from Doha on Sunday, as 36 people died in some of they unlawfully continued their exchanged gunfire with Islamists, the southern city’s Phap Luat the fiercest street violence for gathering at Motijheel. They police spokesman Shah Alam newspaper reported. The decades. attacked us with bricks, stones, said. Two pro-Islamist television Vietnamese passenger has Hundreds more were injured rods and bamboo sticks,” Dhaka stations which broadcast foot- been taken into police cus- in running battles as riot police police spokesman Masudur age of the raid on Motijheel were tody for investigation, the broke up the rally near a com- Rahman said. The protesters dis- forced off the air, journalists at report said, without speci- mercial district in a pre-dawn persed early yesterday, he added. the channels said. fying whether the man had raid in the capital Dhaka. Mozammel Haq, a police inspec- The plug was pulled on Diganta been officially arrested. Sales Dozens of demonstrators were tor at Dhaka Medical College Television and Islamic TV as doz- of rhino horn are illegal, but also arrested, while the leader of Hospital said that 11 bodies were ens of plain-clothes policemen a hundred grams costs up the protests was put on a plane brought to the clinic, including a stormed into their offices. to $5,000 on the black mar- to the country’s second city policeman who had been hacked The violence erupted Sunday ket in Vietnam, where peo- Chittagong. in the head with machetes. afternoon after police tried to ple mistakenly believe is can Hundreds of bankers and stock A total of 25 other people were break a blockade of highways cure anything from cancer to market traders had to sleep killed in the protests, according leading into Dhaka. hangovers. in their offices as the sound of to an AFP toll compiled through The protests had been insti- gunfire echoed around Dhaka’s police and medical officials. gated by Allama Shah Ahmad War on poppy Motijheel Commercial Area This included eight people Shafi, the leader of Hefajat-e- through the night. killed in the Kanchpur district Islam who is said to be around extended Shops and vehicles were set on the outskirts of Dhaka, said 90 years old. alight while the roads were lit- the sources. Police managed to persuade YANGON: Myanmar has tered with rocks that protesters Violence also flared up at Shafi on Monday to leave his delayed by five years its dead- had thrown at police, witnesses Hathazari, a town just outside madrassa (religious school) in line to eliminate drug pro- said. Chittagong, where local police Dhaka, escorting him to the air- duction within its borders, a Police said they used sound chief Liaqot Ali said at least four port from where he was flown to An Indonesian actor dressed in a golden police uniform performs inside senior official said yesterday, grenades, water cannon, tear gas people were killed after several Chittagong. AFP a city bus during a campaign in downtown Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. as the impoverished nation The national police conducted street performances as part of the traffic struggles to stem a growing safety campaign. narcotics crisis. Authorities are “very concerned” about a rebound in poppy cultiva- tion over the last six years in Farmers held Myanmar, the world’s second- China criticises Israeli attacks on Syria largest opium producer, while for selling amphetamine-type stimu- BEIJING: China issued veiled Chinese Foreign Ministry spokes- its role in a region where its dip- Ministry said in a statement. lants (ATS) are also surging, criticism of Israel yesterday as woman Hua Chunying said. lomatic influence is limited. Xi made the remarks in a meet- said deputy police chief Zaw tainted meat its Prime Minister, Benjamin “China also calls on all rel- China, a permanent member ing with Abbas, who, a month Win. Due to “threats posed by BEIJING: Three Chinese Netanyahu, began a visit, say- evant parties to begin from the of the UN Security Council, has earlier, had discussed with US ATS” and to achieve a reduc- farmers were held for operating ing Beijing opposed the use of basis of protecting regional peace traditionally had a low profile in Secretary of State John Kerry tion in poppy cultivation, an illegal pork business selling force and urged restraint and and stability, maintain restraint Middle Eastern diplomacy, but a revival of Israeli-Palestinian Myanmar’s narcotic control meat from pigs that died of dis- the respect of sovereignty after and avoid taking any actions it is keen to assert a role as an peace talks. board has “extended its drug ease, state media said yester- Israel launched strikes in Syria. that would escalate tensions and important participant in inter- China has tried at various elimination to 2019”, he said. day, the latest in a series of food Israeli jets devastated Syrian jointly safeguard regional peace national politics. times over the years to mediate The previous target was 2014. scandals to hit China. targets near Damascus on Sunday and stability,” Hua said. Hua, asked if China would urge in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict He added that Myanmar’s The farmers were contracted to in a heavy overnight raid that Hua, who did not mention Netanyahu to stop air strikes, said but with little apparent success. authorities were “doing their dispose of dead swine on a farm Western and Israeli officials called Israel by name, was speaking as the Israeli leader had yet to meet China has maintained close rela- best” to help stem the flow of in the southeastern province of a new strike on Iranian missiles Netanyahu began a five-day trip Chinese leaders. Netanyahu is due tions with the Palestinians for dec- drugs in the region. Fujian but instead sold the meat bound for Lebanon’s Hezbollah. to China. to meet Premier Li Keqiang. ades. In recent years, it has also for human consumption, the “We oppose the use of military His trip coincides with a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping cultivated good ties with Israel, Bride killed in Global Times newspaper said. force and believe any country’s Palestinian President Mahmoud urged Abbas to hold peace talks especially in the field of defence. More than 40 tonnes were sold, sovereignty should be respected,” Abbas as China tries to shore up with Israel, the Chinese Foreign REUTERS limousine fire worth some three million yuan ($490,000), the newspaper added. MANILA: A Filipina bride Animal disease investigators Oath of office and four others were killed found a “pseudo-rabies virus” — when the limousine they which is related to the herpes were riding erupted in flames virus, rather than rabies -- and in California over the week- also the virus that causes blue ear end, reports said. A report disease, “which likely killed the from CNN.com identified pigs”, the report said. the bride as Neriza Fojas, “Both viruses are highly con- 31-year-old, who had hired a tagious and fatal to the animals,” white Lincoln limousine for a it added, without specifying how bachelorette party with eight many swine were infected. of her friends. A separate A truck driver and guard report from the Associated drafted in by the trio are also fac- Press said the limo was car- ing charges, according to a state- rying nine women and caught ment from the ministry of public fire around 10pm Saturday security. Three butchers hired to (California time). Lovela process the meat remain at large, Nicolas, the sister-in-law of the Global Times report said. Fojas’ sister, said the bride was Food safety is a major issue in a registered nurse scheduled China following a string of scan- to be married in June. “Neriza dals, including the discovery in was getting married, going March of thousands of dead pigs to Philippines to get mar- floating down a Shanghai river. ried there and have ceremony In another recent incident, US there and the reception,” fast food giant KFC was hit by Nicolas said. The limousine controversy after revealing some was going to San Francisco Chinese suppliers provided chicken Bay and caught fire on the with high levels of antibiotics, in seven-mile San Mateo- what appeared to be an industry- Hayward bridge. wide practice. AFP Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (right) reading his oath in front of King Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah during the swearing-in ceremony at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. The Malaysian election commission has announced that the ruling National Front has won a simple major- 1,300 smuggled ity in parliament. dogs rescued BANGKOK: Around 1,300 dogs crammed into cages Philippines to speed up Indonesia summons UK envoy have been seized in less than a week in Thailand’s north- JAKARTA: Indonesia yes- issue for Indonesia,” said Canning. gained independence in 2002. east border, officials said yes- massacre convictions terday summoned the British “The position of (the) British For decades, ethnic Papuans terday, amid concerns that ambassador to make a protest government on this matter is in the mountainous and sparsely the canines were destined PHILIPPINES: The The prosecution has so far after a group supporting inde- quite clear. We respect the ter- populated region have rejected the for overseas dinner plates. Philippines is aiming to speed completed presenting evidence pendence for the restive Papua ritorial integrity of Indonesia and area’s special autonomy within Around 300 dogs were found up convictions in the coun- and the testimonies of 130 wit- region set up its headquarters do not support calls for Papuan Indonesia. yesterday in Bueng Kan prov- try’s worst political massacre nesses to pin down clan patriarch in England, the envoy said. independence. We regard Papua They have demanded a refer- ince, according to local police, to ensure justice amid fears the Andal Ampatuan Sr and other Mark Canning said he was as being part of Indonesia.” endum on self-determination for while authorities in neigh- trial could drag on for years, the family members for the massacre. summoned to see Foreign After their meeting, the region’s estimated population bouring Sakon Nakhon prov- country’s top justice official said. She said the government Minister Marty Natalegawa, Natalegawa said that “we cannot of 3.6 million. ince said 400 dogs were found Justice Secretary Leila de Lima viewed the Ampatuan massacre who “conveyed to me in clear accept and we object to the open- The vast area is split into two Sunday, following a haul of 600 said the government wants judg- “as the single most important terms the strong concern of the ing of the office”. provinces for administrative pur- a few days before. On Sunday, ments against the Ampatuan case” that needed to be resolved Indonesian government at the He said Canning had stressed poses, Papua and West Papua. But villagers in Sakon Nakhon clan, accused of being behind the to show the public it was serious opening of a ‘Free West Papua’ that the views of local authorities some -- such as the group which told police “they heard sound murder of 58 people in 2009. in ending a culture of impunity office in Oxford”. in Oxford “do not represent the set up the office in Oxford -- refer of dogs whining and barking “The marching orders of the afflicting the country. The “Free West Papua” group view of the British government to the whole region as West Papua. in scrubland”, according to president is that during his term “It is a litmus test for the gov- last month established the head- and this is not something that is Indonesia has strict treason local provincial police chief up to 2016, there’s got to be con- ernment. If we fail to get convic- quarters in the central English in line with the position of the laws and courts have handed Polsak Banjongsiri. “When victions,” de Lima said. tions (by 2016), the public will be city, and the opening ceremony British government”. down stiff penalties ranging from we arrived, we found more She concedes it may be impos- very disappointed because that was attended by the mayor and a The issue of separatism in 20 years’ jail to life for people than 400 dogs abandoned in sible to convict all the suspects will mean that wheels of justice in member of parliament. Indonesia remains deeply sensi- caught with separatist symbols about a hundred cages,” he but hopes they can at least get this country really grind so slowly.” “I explained to the minister that tive, particularly after the bloody such as the Papuan flag. said. AGENCIES the “principal accused”. AFP we recognised the sensitivity of this secession of East Timor which AFP TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN Fighting resumes in disputed border Pakistani troops try to repair gate in Afghan district

JALALABAD: A new bout damaged in the previous fight- counter the influence of its old of fighting erupted yester- ing,” said Ahmad Zia Abdulzai, rival, India, in Afghanistan. day in a border area between a spokesman for the governor of Pakistan denies helping the Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Nangarhar province. Taliban and says it wants peace latest indication of a sharp dete- Afghanistan says the gate at and stability in its western rioration in relations between Pakistan’s Gursal military post neighbour. the important US allies. encroaches on its territory. But in an indication of how Pakistan is seen as vital in The Nangarhar governor has bad ties have become, Afghan bringing stability to Afghanistan spoken several times to Pakistani President Hamid Karzai, with- as most Western forces prepare to consular officials to tell them out naming Pakistan, last week withdraw by the end of next year. not to repair the gate, Abdulzai called on the Taliban to fight The US and other powers added. Afghanistan’s neighbour, where, involved in Afghanistan have been Pakistani military spokesmen he said, plots were made against trying to promote cooperation were not immediately available Afghanistan. between the Asian neighbours, for comment. Earlier last week, troops from who have a history of mistrust. Afghanistan and Pakistan have the two sides exchanged fire for Afghan officials said the clash had testy relations since Pakistan about five hours. yesterday erupted after Pakistani was formed in 1947, at the end of Karzai has ordered officials troops tried to repair a gate on British colonial rule over India. to take “immediate action” the border, in the Afghan dis- Afghanistan has never officially to remove the gate and other trict of Goshta, where last week accepted the border between Pakistani military installations an Afghan border policeman was them. near the Durand Line, the 1893 killed in an exchange of fire. Pakistan helped the Taliban British-mandated border. It is unclear if there were any take power in Afghanistan in the Afghanistan maintains that casualties yesterday. 1990s. activity by either side along the “This morning’s clash began Many Afghan leaders say Durand Line must be approved Afghan villagers attend a gathering against Pakistan after recent cross-border clashes, in the Kouchkin area on after the Pakistani side contin- Pakistan is still helping the mili- by both countries. the outskirts of Kabul, yesterday. ued to repair the gate, which was tants, seeing them as a tool to REUTERS First polio case reported Pakistan politicians face slur 15 killed in poll in Waziristan in a year rally explosion PESHAWAR: A blast at an ISLAMABAD: A child has from vaccinating children in from ‘social media warriors’ election rally organised by a contracted polio for the first the region last year,” Durry religious party in Pakistan time in Pakistan’s militant- said. The Taliban alleged that ISLAMABAD: Mainstream growing situation, the experts that some people were using fake killed 15 people yesterday, infested tribal belt since the the campaign was a cover for politicians of Pakistan and their opined that with trillions of bytes Facebook or twitter accounts car- officials said. The attack at a Taliban banned vaccinations espionage. family members are silently fac- of information available from pri- rying their names and they had gathering of members of the a year ago, a UN official said Efforts to tackle the highly ing severe character assassina- vate thoughts to public data how nothing to do with those accounts. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam reli- yesterday. infectious disease have been tion at the hands of the ‘social they could define what constituted It is pertinent to mention here gious party wounded 40 peo- “The new case has been hampered over the years by local media warriors’ as there is no privacy rights and libel and how that a prominent anchor person ple. Since April, the Pakistani detected in North Waziristan suspicion about vaccines being a specific law to deal with these they could be able to get to know in his talk show recently admitted Taliban have killed more where we had been denied access plot to sterilise Muslims, partic- ‘evil’ elements who work with the true identity of Facebook or that despite trying hard he could than 70 people in attacks tar- in June last year,” the World ularly in Pakistan’s conservative impunity without getting people twitter users. not be able to ascertain the true geting three major political Health Organisation’s senior and poorly educated northwest. know about their true location “It is quite difficult to ascertain identity of those people who had parties, preventing many of coordinator for polio eradication “We are worried because this and identity. the true identity of fake account levelled some serious but baseless their most prominent candi- in Pakistan, Elias Durry, said. new case comes as an example Given the upcoming general users who are actively involved allegations against him using fake dates from openly campaign- Tribesmen in North of a bigger impending outbreak elections, hundreds of posts daily in spreading defamatory mate- Facebook accounts. ing. But the militant group Waziristan, Pakistan’s most of disease in the region,” the appearing on the Facebook are rial on the social networking sites One can get to know the name has targeted moderate par- notorious stronghold of Taliban WHO official said. Pakistan, targeting various political lead- against the political leaders and and profession of a blogger but ties in their bid to undermine and Al Qaeda linked militants, Afghanistan and Nigeria are ers with animated or distorted their family members,” they said. those who use fake Facebook or the May 11 general election, endorsed the Taliban ban and the only three countries in the photographs, false information Statistics provided by social twitter accounts to launch defam- not religious ones like the stopped authorities from vacci- world where the highly infec- and misleading facts including bankers revealed that Facebook atory campaign against persons, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam. One nating children under a nation- tious, crippling disease remains President Asif Ali Zardari, PTI users had crossed 8 million mark groups or political parties cannot official said a suicide bomber wide campaign. endemic and infections shot Chief Imran Khan, PML-N leader while twitter users were now also be identified and they can con- blew himself at the gather- “This has been the first up from a low of 28 in 2005 to Nawaz Sharif and MQM chief more than 3 million in Pakistan, tinue their ‘work’ without any ing. There was no claim of case since we were stopped almost 200 last year. AFP Altaf Hussain. and many prominent persons fear or danger of facing any legal responsibility. Showing concerns over the were often seen informing people action. INTERNEWS Rebels blow up polling booths Lahore Christians pin their hopes on PPP, PML-N ISLAMABAD: Two girls’ primary schools and another high school were attacked LAHORE: Traumatised Pakistan. The PPP led the outgo- assemblies and 272 lawmakers at and complains of increasing was sentenced to death for blas- with bombs and rocket Christians in a Lahore slum ing federal government. the National Assembly. discrimination. phemy in 2010. in District Barkhan and where angry Muslims torched While in the northwest, In the lower house of parlia- Last week, the US Commission In the town of Gojra in 2009, a Mastung of Baluchistan in more than 100 homes say Christians feel religious parties ment, another 60 seats are allot- on International Religious mob burned 77 houses and killed Pakistan. No loss of life was Pakistan’s two largest parties offer them more protection, vot- ted to women and 10 to religious Freedom warned that the risk to seven people after rumours that a reported. The four attacked offer the only hope of protection ers in Joseph Colony say they will minorities on a party ticket based Pakistan’s minorities has reached Koran had been desecrated. schools were set as booths for at this week’s general election. opt for PML-N for the regional on proportional representation. crisis level. Last year, a young Christian girl the May 11 elections, accord- The Pakistan Muslim League-N assembly and PPP for the national Christians cannot directly elect It said blasphemy and other spent three weeks in jail after being ing to Geo News. Unknown of Nawaz Sharif, a man accused assembly, in gratitude for their Christian lawmakers. laws are used to “violate religious accused of blasphemy before the culprits had planted explo- of being soft on the Taliban but support. They vote like everyone else for freedoms and foster a climate of case was thrown out, although she sives near two girls’ primary tipped to win Saturday’s polls, “They helped us cover our different parties, which in turn impunity”. and her family have been in hiding schools and a primary health and the main outgoing Pakistan losses and gave 500,000 rupees choose their Christian candidates, Campaigners argue that blas- ever since, fearing for their lives. centre in Nehar Goth area of People’s Party (PPP) both gave ($5,000) to each family. So all of in a process criticised as “selec- phemy legislation, for which the Salman Taseer a leading PPP District Barkhan that went affected families $5,000 each in us have decided to vote for them,” tion” not election. maximum penalty is death, is politician, a Muslim and the gov- off with huge blast. No casu- compensation. said factory worker Sohail Masih. Only two percent of Pakistan’s often abused to settle personal ernor of Punjab, who called for alty was reported in the inci- PML-N is the party in power in Pakistan’s 86 million regis- overwhelmingly Muslim popula- scores and should be reformed. the blasphemy law to be reformed, dent but the buildings were Punjab province, the home of the tered voters go to the polls on tion of 180 million are Christian. Punjab has seen some of the was shot dead by his bodyguard in badly damaged. Militants largest Christian community in Saturday to elect four provincial The community is poor worst cases. A Christian mother protest in January 2011. AFP planted bombs near a govern- ment high school in Isplanji Afghan amnesty programme area of Mastung district. Poll officers Four militants face arrest killed, four hurt LAHORE: The District Returning Officer of Lahore on Sunday issued warrants in Afghanistan to arrest around 1,000 offi- KABUL: Four Taliban mili- cials avoiding election duties. tants have been killed and four The DRO had directed offi- injured in joint operations car- cials to appear before their ried out by Afghan forces and returning officers and attend the Nato-led coalition troops training but they did not com- within the last 24 hours. ply. Previously, the DRO had The Afghan National Police issued warrants to arrest 10 (ANP) supported by the army heads of departments for not and the Nato-led coalition forces providing lists of their staff to conducted several joint operations be assigned for election duties, in different parts of the country including the Secretary of killing four Taliban militants, the Punjab Public Service injuring four others and detain- Commission, the Accountant ing seven others, Afghan Interior General Pakistan Revenues, Ministry said in a statement. the general manager SNGPL, The operations took place in the director general, National Nangarhar, Parwan, Baghlan, Accountability Bureau Punjab, Kandahar, Zabul, Uruzgan, the director of Intelligence Maidan Wardak, Ghazni, Logar, and Investigation FBR, the Khost, Farah, Ghor and Helmand, director of Inspection Internal the statement added. Audit Central Region, and the The ANP also found and seized director of Intelligence and weapons and explosive during the Investigation IR Former Taliban militants attend a ceremony to surrender arms under a US-backed Afghan government amnesty programme, in Mazar-e-Sharif, raids. AGENCIES AGENCIES Afghanistan, yesterday. TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Financial Parliament firms urged to probe rocked by allegations

NEW DELHI: The govern- ment yesterday asked top financial institutions, includ- CBI affidavit ing State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and the Life Insurance Corporation, ‘Law minister changed report’ to probe into the allega- tions of money laundering as NEW DELHI: A CBI affida- about the non-existence of a sys- exposed in a sting operation vit yesterday admitted “certain tem regarding allocation of specific by an investigative website changes” were made at Law weightage/points was deleted...” Cobrapost. Minister Ashwani Kumar’s from the draft status report based Financial Services Secretary instance in its status report on on its preliminary enquiry 2 (PE Rajiv Takru has asked the chair- the allocation of coal blocks, leav- 2) concerning allocations made man-cum-managing directors ing the opposition fuming and during 2006-09. of various Public Sector Banks demanding the government’s The affidavit said the changes (PSBs) to probe the allegations, resignation, while the Congress- were made in the final status the finance ministry said in a led UPA retorted “don’t lecture report pertaining to its prelimi- statement. us”. nary inquiry about the non-exist- Cobrapost has alleged in a The CBI admission rocked ence of approved guidelines for the sting operation that at least 23 both houses of parliament, as an allocation of coal blocks. top public and private banks aggressive opposition attacked Pointing to the four changes and insurance companies have the UPA government demanding made at the instance of Ashwani been doing large-scale money the resignation of Prime Minister Kumar and officials of the PMO laundering. Manmohan Singh and Ashwani and the coal ministry, the affida- “Money laundering practices Kumar, as also that of Railway vit said: “The central theme of are part and parcel of banking Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, the status report had not changed and insurance business across whose nephew has been arrested post-meetings. There was no dele- the board. Even a walk-in cus- in taking a bribe of `90lakh. tion of any evidence against any tomer can avail of such services In a nine-page affidavit, Central suspect or accused, nor were any that help him launder all his Bureau of Investigation (CBI) let off.” unaccounted cash,” Cobrapost Director Ranjit Sinha said that The BJP, which has not been said in a press release. “there was no deletion of any evi- letting parliament run for the The website claimed that it dence against any suspect” and past few weeks on the coal blocks found large-scale wrongdoing by the “central theme of the status and 2G spectrum issues, refused banks and financial institutions report” was “not changed”. to lessen the pressure. Sikhs shout anti-government slogans after being taken away in a police bus following a demonstration against through an undercover opera- Sinha said the CBI’s tentative “This government has lost the acquittal of Congress politician Sajjan Kumar outside parliament in New Delhi yesterday. tion run for nearly six months findings that the screening com- its right to rule the country, in various states and union ter- mittee which scrutinised appli- they should all resign and move ritories, including Delhi, Uttar cations for the allocation of coal towards elections,” BJP spokesper- Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, blocks had not prepared a broad- son Shahnawaz Hussain said. Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. sheet or chart for its evaluation “The only issue to be discussed It has named 23 public and was deleted at the instance of now is which ministry under gov- Sikhs protest near House private sector banks and insur- Ashwani Kumar from the draft ernment does not have a scam. ance companies. Public sector report. Even the ministry under prime NEW DELHI: Scores of Sikhs The government says nearly turning a blind eye to the killing firms include State Bank of “The other tentative findings minister has been involved in cor- demonstrated in New Delhi 3,000 Sikhs were killed in riots of Sikhs and allege leaders such India, Bank of Baroda, Punjab about non-preparation of broad- ruption,” he alleged. yesterday against the acquittal following the assassination as Kumar and Jagdish Tytler National Bank, Canara Bank, sheets or charts by the screen- Parliamentary Affairs Minister of a senior Indian ruling party of then Indian prime minis- incited mobs during the riots. Indian Bank, Indian Overseas ing committee, to the best of our Kamal Nath asked the BJP not to politician on murder charges in ter Indira Gandhi by her Sikh Sikh protesters have been Bank, IDBI Bank, Oriental recollection, was deleted by the lecture the government. connection with the 1984 anti- bodyguards, while human rights demonstrating in Delhi since Bank of Commerce, Dena Bank, union minister of law and justice “Did Nitin Gadkari resign as Sikh riots. activists put the figure at around the verdict was handed down last Corporation Bank, Allahabad (Ashwani Kumar),” Sinha said in president of the BJP? The BJP More than 200 turbaned Sikhs 4,000. Tuesday, marching to the resi- Bank, Central Bank of India, the affidavit, filed in pursuance to should not give us lectures on such demonstrated, blocking the road Gandhi was shot dead to dence of Indian Congress Prime and their insurance associates. the apex court’s April 30 order. matters. Our government knows near the parliament building and avenge her decision to use mili- Minister Manmohan Singh, Private sector firms include It said at the instance of the what is to be done and if there is calling for the reversal of last tary force to expel Sikh sepa- the nation’s first Sikh premier, Yes Bank, Dhanlaxmi Bank, minister a sentence was deleted any indictment, we will certainly week’s court judgment acquit- ratists from inside the Golden and Congress president Sonia Federal Bank, DCB Bank, HDFC about the scope of the inquiry take action,” he said. ting Sajjan Kumar for lack of Temple — Sikhism’s holiest Gandhi. Some MPs had to walk Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis with respect to the legality of the BJP leader Prakash Javadekar evidence. shrine in Amritsar. to parliament on Monday as they Bank, and their insurance arms. allocations. said the law minister should The protesters hoisted plac- At the time, Kumar was an could not take their vehicles due The website has also named LIC Sinha said at the instance of resign immediately, adding that ards that read “Hang Sajjan MP belonging to India’s ruling to the protesters’ blockade. of India, Reliance Life Insurance, the officials of the coal ministry the Prime Minister Manmohan Kumar” and staged a sit-in in the Congress party and he is still a Sikhs make up some two per- Birla Sunlife, and Tata AIG. and the Prime Minister’s Office Singh should take responsibility. high-security zone before being party leader. cent of Hindu-majority India’s Several of these firms denied (PMO), its “tentative findings IANS taken away in police vehicles. Activists accuse Congress of population of 1.2 billion. AFP the allegations. IANS Need to educate NRIs on investment T’s just a month or so that home only because they had got Tier II account works more like we discussed in this space accustomed to a lavish lifestyle THE NR EYE a savings account, which gives the merits of planning early based on remittances. In such one the flexibility to withdraw Ifor retirement. More so, for a scenario, how realistic would Moiz Mannan any time. non-resident Indians (NRIs) as it be for the bread-winner to Pension products by insur- the present global scenario has expect his children to take care picture, the economy has with- ance companies have once again thrown up more uncertain- of him and not add him to the stood the worst. Foreign money begun to emerge in the market. ties over employment that ever list of unwanted expense heads as well as domestic investment Unlike earlier policies which before. in their account books? has continued to flow into the were pure equity products, pen- Recently, we read media From this rather ostrich-like capital markets. Opportunities sion plans have a considerable reports about more than 60,000 approach to future planning to make inflation-beating gains portion in debt. This is due to Indian workers in Saudi Arabia arises fatalistic ignorance about still exist in vast amounts for the the mandatory guarantee on the registering themselves at their the investment options. It seems medium to long term investor. capital on death and maturity. So country’s missions to avail of a majority of them never look for For the purpose of retirement, this could be another option for an amnesty scheme follow- investment advice or ignore it it is advisable to start investing the risk-averse. ing stricter implementation of when it’s given. Indeed, it is diffi- early and look at the long term. As for MGPSY, the Ministry labour laws aimed at nationalis- cult to awaken those pretending We had discussed how mutual of Overseas Indians Affairs has ing the workforce. A similar fate to be asleep. The survey, con- funds and equity investments are been struggling to find any tak- might befall migrant workers in ducted by Standard Life NRI in a very good option for NRIs to ers. The scheme was launched a other countries too. the UAE shows that risk aversion make their money work keeping year ago targeting semi-skilled It is therefore shocking to and lack of professional advice retirement or job loss in mind. and unskilled workers who are know from the results of a sam- led to critical gaps in financial For the conservative NRIs, working in the 17 ECR countries, ple survey in the UAE that only and retirement planning among some options provided by the to encourage them to save for 10 percent of the Indian work- the NRI respondents. government include the MGPSY their old age, to facilitate their ers there have actually invested The findings of the survey are and the National Pension Scheme return to India and also be an in a retirement plan. The study more surprising because some 75 (NPS). As per Standard Life’s insurance cover. may have been conducted on percent of respondents were said report many (63 percent) of the However, according to official only 300 respondents, but this to have three to five financial respondents feel positive about information recently put up by finding is borne out by the abys- dependants. While as many as 90 the Indian government’s NPS the ministry before a parliamen- mally poor response in India to percent of the respondents have but most may not have actually tary committee, only 154 persons the Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi made long term investments in subscribed to it. While 25 per- have so far enrolled of whom 45 Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY), the past, most of their prefer- cent are of the opinion that that subscribers were found to be which aims to provide over- ences were towards relatively NPS will not provide sufficient eligible to receive government seas emigration check required illiquid assets like gold/diamonds income for their retirement co-contribution. (ECR) workers with pension, (77 percent) and property (55 years, and 13 percent did not Members of the parliamentary insurance and resettlement percent). have any response to the NPS. standing committee on external amount upon their return to The interest in asset classes NPS invests in a mix of equity affairs were said to have been India. like mutual funds (19 percent) and debt. The scheme allows “dismayed” by this poor response What is more shocking is that and equities (15 percent) was for three investment options: and reportedly instructed the three in every four NRI expects rather low, the study found. As equity in which a maximum of ministry to do more. What the to fall back on his or her chil- far as property is concerned, it 50 percent can be invested, fixed- ministry needs to do is not just dren for care after retirement. can hardly be called as invest- income instruments other than promote a particular scheme, While such family bonding is ment in most cases because government securities and gov- but use its machinery abroad to great to know, on the practical NRIs generally tend to purchase ernment securities. educate Indian workers in gen- side such expectations may spell houses to live in rather sell at a The scheme has two accounts. eral about the need to invest for doom. Social science research- profit. The tier I account is the basic one the future. It would be wonder- ers have pointed out numerous Indian equity market may that works strictly like a pension ful if the many organisations of instances where spouses and have faced some challenging product. One can start investing Indians active across the globe children have prevented their times owing to global influences, from the age of 18 and the money could also lend a hand to this bread-winners from returning but if one looks at the larger gets locked in till he or she is 60. effort. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Kudankulam BRIEFLY N-plant gets Delhi Lokayukta green light slams Dikshit NEW DELHI: Delhi Lokayukta Justice Manmohan Govt ordered to submit safety report Sarin yesterday criticised Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit NEW DELHI: India’s Supreme to deal with hazardous material. for her and other cabinet Court gave the green light yes- Opponents of the plant say it is minister’s photographs being terday to the commissioning located in a seismically sensitive printed on Delhi govern- of the nation’s largest nuclear area and fear a Fukushima-style ment’s loan application form. power plant in Tamil Nadu, disaster could kill thousands of Bharatiya Janata Party’s despite widespread protests. people in the coastal region. legislator Harsh Vardhan had “The plant has been set up for Fishermen, who form the complained that Sheila Dikshit people’s welfare,” said the ruling majority of the population in the and Raj Kumar Chauhan had on the Kudankulam plant. plant’s vicinity, are also worried been misusing public funds and “Necessary clearances have the plant will affect marine life. the government machinery been taken by the government, “There are still several prob- Policemen escort Pakistani High Commissioner Salman Bashir (centre) and officials on their arrival to meet critically by getting their photographs and development of the nuclear lems with the reactors that are in injured prisoner Sanaullah Ranjay, at The PGIMER Hospital in Chandigarh, yesterday. printed on the loan application power plant is important for place. The court needs to ensure form under Delhi Swarojgar India,” it added. those issues are dealt with before Yojna. “The printing of loan The Russian-built Kudankulam giving a go-ahead,” Karuna Raina, application forms by Delhi’s plant is the country’s biggest Greenpeace anti-nuclear cam- chief minister and Minister nuclear power project and is paigner said. Pakistan prisoner on life support for Social Welfare and SC/ST designed to help meet a surging “Even if a small thing goes Welfare Raj Kumar Chauhan demand for electricity in Asia’s wrong, it can affect a huge NEW DELHI: A Pakistani Pakistani diplomats, including Ranjay, who is from the city of for personal glorification is to third-largest economy where number of people.” prisoner savagely attacked in an High Commissioner (ambassador) Sialkot in Pakistan, was attacked get unfair advantage from the power blackouts are frequent. The nuclear plant has also Indian jail remained on life sup- Salman Bashir, visited the pris- by a prisoner who was identified beneficiaries of the scheme,” Plans for the facility were first been a growing source of ten- port in hospital yesterday, as a oner at the hospital. as a former Indian army soldier said Justice Sarin in his order. drawn up in 1988 and two of the sion between state and national diplomatic team quoted doctors Doctors briefing the diplomats nearly 24 hours after Singh’s Sarin also asked President reactors now are in place. authorities but Prime Minister saying the man’s brain was no on the prisoner’s condition said he death in Lahore. Pranab Mukherjee to issue The plant was supposed to Manmohan Singh has stood by longer functioning. had a lung infection and his brain Singh died last week in an advisory to Dikshit and open in 2011 but large, often vio- the project and his government’s Convicted murderer Sanaullah “is not functioning”, Pakistan Pakistan and was cremated with Chauhan to desist from print- lent protests, by locals worried wider nuclear power development Ranjay suffered multiple head High Commission spokesman state honours in his native vil- ing their photographs on the about radiation have delayed the plans. injuries in a prison in India’s Manzoor Ali Memon said. lage in northwestern India where application forms. startup. The plant is one of many India northern city of Jammu in an The hospital bulletin made no hundreds of protesters shouted Several petitions had been hopes to build as part of its aim apparent tit-for-tat attack after mention of Ranjay’s brain func- “Down with Pakistan!” as they filed before the top court by anti- of generating 63,000 megawatts of an Indian prisoner, Sarabjit Singh, tion. Ranjay’s relatives from gathered to pay tributes. Power tariff rise nuclear activists challenging the nuclear power by 2030 — part of was fatally assaulted in Pakistan. Pakistan were due to visit him in The prison violence could project on safety grounds. a planned near 15-fold rise from Last week Ranjay was airlifted hospital yesterday, the spokesman aggravate tensions between set in Karnataka “We have to strike a balance current levels, according to the to a state-run hospital in the city said. nuclear-armed India and between larger interest and eco- Nuclear Power Corp of India. of Chandigarh, 250km north of “We have also requested the Pakistan, whose relations were BANGALORE: A day after nomic necessities,” Judges K S Nuclear energy has been a pri- New Delhi. Indian government to enquire hit by a border flare-up earlier the state legislative assem- Panicker Radhakrishnan and ority for India since 2008 when The state-run facility said in a into the attack and find the mas- this year. bly election, the Karnataka Dipak Mishra said in the ruling. then-US president George W bulletin that Ranjay “continues to termind,” he added. New Delhi says 535 Indian pris- Regulatory Electricity At the same time, the court Bush signed into law a deal with be on a ventilator” and added his He said Islamabad had also oners, including 483 fishermen, Commission yesterday rec- ordered the government to submit New Delhi that ended a decades- “metabolic parameters are now asked New Delhi to free 47 jailed are in Pakistani jails, while 272 ommended an increase of a final report on the plant’s safety old ban on US civilian nuclear settling,” according to the Press Pakistanis who had completed Pakistani prisoners are behind 20-25 paise per unit of power and waste disposal arrangements trade with the country. AFP Trust of India. their sentences. bars in India. AFP for domestic and commercial users. According to the tariff order posted on the commis- sion’s website, the increase will be 20 paise per unit for Court seeks report on domestic consumers and 25 paise for commercial and industrial users in Bangalore. Educational institutions Ram Singh’s death and hospitals have also been exempted from the hike. NEW DELHI: A Delhi court, court that he was not well and hearing the December 16 gang- sought that he and an another rape case, yesterday directed accused Akshay Thakur be pro- Dhoni sued over the Tihar Jail authorities to vided necessary medication. file a detailed report on the The counsel said that Thakur, defamation death of Ram Singh, one of the who was in court, was also suf- six accused in the sensational fering from high fever and needs BANGALORE: A local court crime. medical attention. yesterday registered a defa- Additional Sessions Judge The court then directed the jail mation case against Indian Yogesh Khanna’s order came after authorities to ensure that both cricket captain Mahendra counsel V K Anand, appearing for accused were produced before the Singh Dhoni for allegedly accused Mukesh (Ram Singh’s dispensary in the jail for a medi- denigrating a Hindu god brother), told the court that jail cal check up and that they were (Vishnu) and hurting the reli- authorities have not yet complied provided necessary medication. gious sentiments of Hindus. with the court’s March 11 order The counsel told the court that Sixth Additional Chief which had sought an inquiry he was apprehensive about the Metropolitan Magistrate report on his death. well being of his client Sharma. Choori Khan registered the Ram Singh had allegedly com- He added that Sharma fell case under Section 295 of the mitted suicide by hanging himself sick while in judicial custody Indian Penal Code (IPC) on from the grill of his cell on March and alleged that the jail authori- a petition filed by Jayakumar 11. Meanwhile, another accused ties were not doing anything for Hiremath, a city-based social Vinay Sharma did not appear in the security and health of the activist. IANS the court and his counsel told the inmates. IANS

World record attempt

Employees of Sahara Group wave miniature national flags before singing the national anthem in Lucknow yesterday. More than 100,000 staff attempted to create a world record by singing the national anthem together in identical uniforms, organisers said.

TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Study: Rising sea levels threaten News in Numbers GLOBAL ECONOMIC PROSPECTSCHART: 1 Fajr (Dawn) 3:33 migratory birds Shorook (Sunrise) 4:55 SYDNEY: Millions of birds Zuhr (Noon) 11:31 that stop at coastal wetlands Asr (Afternoon) 2:59 during annual migrations could die as rising sea levels and land Maghrib (Sunset) 6:07 reclamation wipe out their Isha (Night) 7:37 feeding grounds, researchers warned yesterday. The study into the migratory habits of shorebirds predicted that WEATHER a loss of 23 to 40 percent of their main feeding areas could lead to a 70 percent decline in their popu- Today Wednesday Thursday Weather Conditions: lation. Led by a team of scientists The eurozone re-entered recession in the third quarter of 2012, having seen two Partly cloudy Chance of Partly cloudy from Australia’s government- storms Partly cloudy backed National Environmental consecutive quarters of declining output, leaving real output no higher than at the to cloudy with Research Programme, the study start of 2007. Austerity programmes have hit demand hard in debt-stricken, peripheral chance of rain said some areas have already High: 35° High: 36° High: 36° reported alarming population countries and activity is now beginning to suffer in the core economies of Germany Low: 26° Low: 26° Low: 25° may be thunder at times. losses of 30-80 percent. and France. While the outlines of a solution to the bloc’s financial and debt crisis are “Each year, millions of shore- beginning to form, proposed responses, including a banking union, will take time birds stop at coastal wetlands to rest and feed as they migrate from to push through. Over the medium term, structural measures that address chronic DOHA - SUN & SEA Russia and Alaska to the coasts of deficits in competitiveness will be needed to get ailing countries back to work Southeast Asia and Australasia,” (unemployment in the eurozone stands at 11.6% as of September 2012 and SUN TIDE SEA said researcher Richard Fuller. SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND “We’ve discovered that some of in Greece and Spain it tops 25%) and to repair their broken balance sheets. these wetlands are highly vulner- 04:55 18:07 02:15 & 16:15 09:15 & 22:00 05-15 /25 KT able to sea level rise and might be lost in the next few decades. THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW Real GDP, eurozone and US (2005 prices, billion) “If the birds can no longer HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER stop at these areas to ‘refuel’, they may not be able to com- Eurozone US MUSCAT 38/28 Clear 38/29 Partly cloudy plete the journey to their breed- MAKKAH 35/26 Clear 36/26 Clear ing grounds.” The researchers KUWAIT 31/26 Partly cloudy 32/25 Partly cloudy studied wetlands along migration BAHRAIN 35/25 Partly cloudy 34/24 Chance of storm routes across Alaska, Russia, China, SANAA 28/14 Chance of storm 27/15 Partly cloudy North Korea, South Korea, Japan, RIYADH 34/20 Partly cloudy 34/25 Partly cloudy Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, DUBAI 34/27 Partly cloudy 37/27 Partly cloudy Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. BAGHDAD 32/20 Chance of storm 33/22 Partly cloudy In many cases rapid coastal THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW development and reclamation for agriculture were already chewing HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER into tidal wetlands the birds use as feeding grounds on their long ATHENS 30/19 Partly cloudy 28/17 Chance of rain journeys, which sometimes extend WASHINGTON 19/13 Showers 22/14 Showers half way around the world. Species SYDNEY 22/13 Partly cloudy 23/15 Clear showing signs of being in trouble LONDON 20/13 Chance of rain 16/10 Chance of rain include the bar-tailed godwit, cur- PARIS 22/15 Chance of rain 23/14 Chance of rain lew sandpiper, great knot, grey- ISTANBUL 21/14 Partly cloudy 23/14 Mostly cloudy tailed tattler, lesser sand plover, MANILA 35/26 Partly cloudy 35/26 Partly cloudy and red knot, said the study, pub- DHAKA 27/34 T-storm 32/26 T-storm lished in the Proceedings of the DELHI 41/27 Clear 41/28 Clear Royal Society journal. AFP ISLAMABAD 35/21 Clear 37/22 Partly cloudy Source : http://www.qsa.gov.qa/ Justin Bieber Musicians find fame and fortune on YouTube fan disrupts SAN FRANCISCO: YouTube is Style music video at YouTube, YouTube has paid the record for the hit Ubisoft videogame, the with a laugh. “Any YouTuber has proving to be a powerful launch Psy used the website to debut a industry more than a half billion real payoff comes from tours and to love what they do or they will pad for a new generation of new Gentleman clip in April that dollars in the past two years from sales at Apple’s iTunes shop. get burned out. It takes a lot of Dubai concert Internet-savvy music stars from had logged more than 275 million ad revenue, according to Lewit. “Yes, I make some money hard work.” DUBAI: A fan jumped on stage Psy to Macklemore and beyond. views as of Sunday. Lindsey Stirling went from from ads but, for me, it is about Some genres have been revived at a Justin Bieber concert here, The Google-owned video-shar- Psy, a 35-year-old South obscurity to celebrity after putting using YouTube to expand every- at YouTube by the likes of sparking a scramble as guards ing website has catapulted Psy, Korean rapper born Park Jae- her captivating mix of dance where,” Stirling said. “YouTube Ukrainian-born pianist Valentina tackled the youth and toppled a Macklemore, Justin Bieber and sang, is reported to have earned and classical violin on stage at is a free marketing platform you Lisitsa or ukulele sensation Jake piano over in the process, video others onto global stages where more than $8m by capitalising YouTube. More than two million can build yourself.” YouTube chat Shimabukuro, who performs footage showed yesterday. they can cash in on digital down- on the Gangnam Style video at fans now subscribe to the 26-year- features, and the ability to link Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen The YouTube video shows a loads of songs; packed concerts; YouTube. YouTube splits ad rev- old California artist’s YouTube with ‘Hangout’ online group video on the small stringed instrument. boy dressed in shorts and white online ads, or even sponsored enue from popular music videos channels. chats at Google+ social network, The attraction of the YouTube shirt running across the stage and music videos. with performers but does not dis- Her self-released debut album enable artists to build relation- stage has also lured already approaching the Canadian pop “Music has always been a uni- close figures. sold about 108,000 copies as a dig- ships with fans. established music stars. Taylor star as he performed on the piano. versal language, and YouTube is “Thousands of individual crea- ital download and she has been “Record labels, agencies want Swift last year took part in a live A security guard quickly a perfect platform to build com- tors make more than $100,000 per touring almost non-stop since to mold you into the artist they YouTube interview and unveiled pounced, flung him away from munity around the energy that is year,” Lewit said. “Not only do its release late last year. Her want you to be,” she continued. her Red album at the website. Bieber and knocked the piano music,” said Vivien Lewit, artists they make money through their European tour has sold out. “On YouTube, your fans are the Alicia Keys in November hosted partly off stage, as thousands of attorney turned YouTube music own uploads of video, they make “If it wasn’t for YouTube, I only ones you want to cater to. her first YouTube live stream screaming fans looked on. content partnerships director. money every time a fan uploads.” wouldn’t be touring right now,” You can be yourself and do what performance along and Google+ The footage shows the boy “It crosses territories; people in YouTube lets music owners Stirling said. “I would probably you love.” Hangout to premier her Girl On then being whisked away by two the US have access to what Psy is provide reference files of songs have an album, but I think my Engaging fans online and main- Fire album. “The Internet is seen guards and Bieber skipping away doing in Korea,” she continued. that the website uses to scan for grandma and mom would be the taining flows of fresh content as the new place people listen to to safety on a side of the stage as “It’s not just him. The boundaries matches in uploaded videos. only ones who bought it.” means that self-made Internet- their music,” Stirling said. “This the music continues to play. have come down and other artists When matches are found, While she takes in money from age musicians can wind up work- is a new way that you can be an “A young fan desperate to meet have broadened the horizon.” the owner of the music can opt ads, and even has an Assassin’s ing harder off-stage than on. original artist, and do all of it his idol did make his way on stage, After racking up more than to make money from ads, track Creed 3 music video that ends “It looks like being a YouTuber without a record label.” but was immediately removed and a billion views of his Gangnam where the songs go, or block it. with a sponsored link to a trailer is all fun and games,” Stirling said AFP Justin professionally continued with his show,” said the concert’s organisers. “As far as we know, no further action has been taken In full bloom against the youth.” The 19-year- old singer was performing for the Soutine, Cezanne to star second night in front of thousands of fans at a stadium in Dubai. AFP at New York auctions Would-be robber NEW YORK: Works by said Charles Moffett, vice chair- Soutine, Cezanne, Picasso and man of Sotheby’s Impressionist thwarted by chilli Modigliani were expected to and Modern Art. “These mov- shine at red-hot spring auctions ing compositions, which explore SYDNEY: A quick-thinking of Impressionist and Modern the paradoxes of forms in space, worker at a takeaway food store art here. inspired the Cubism of Picasso here has stopped an attempted Rivals Christie’s and Sotheby’s and Braque and signal the birth robbery by throwing a bucket say the market, long recovered of modern art.” of chilli at a would-be thief, from the post-2008 financial cri- Modigliani’s L’Amazone, esti- leaving him with minor burns, sis slump, is in better than buoy- mated at $20m-$30m, was painted Australian police said. ant mood. Last year, Sotheby’s early in his career in 1909 and New South Wales state police Modern and Impressionist auc- shows the glamorous Baroness said a man walked into the store tion notched up a record-set- Marguerite de Hasse de Villers. on Sunday and ordered some food, ting $119.9m sale of a version of Picasso’s statue Sylvette, esti- but then argued with staff over Edvard Munch’s The Scream. mated at $12m-$18m, is expected to payment and walked behind the This time, the main stars are get attention. Sotheby’s will also be counter and attempted to open expected to be Paul Cezanne’s selling three Rodin bronzes, includ- the cash register. Les Pommes, along with Amedeo ing a version of Le Penseur, or The The man struck the female Modigliani’s L’Amazone, and Thinker, estimated at $8m-$12m. worker across the chest as she sculptures by Rodin and Picasso. The Christie’s sale tomorrow tried to stop him from getting to A total of 70 works are up for will be led by Soutine’s Le Petit the money, police alleged, before sale today, with an estimated value Patissier, (The Little Pastry Chef), she resorted to throwing the of $165m. Les Pommes, a landmark estimated at $16m-$22m, and chilli in his face. A boy runs in a field of Iceland poppys in full bloom at Showa Memorial Park in Tokyo yesterday. Many people still life of apples on a table, is Andre Derain’s 1905 Portrait de The 24-year-old was charged spent the last day of Japan’s 10-day “Golden Week” holiday, traditionally one of the busiest travel times of estimated to fetch between Madame Matisse au kimono, esti- with assault with intent to rob. the year, at the park. $25m-$35m. Les Pommes is one of mated at $15m-$20m. AFP Cezanne’s most perfect still lifes” REUTERS Tuesday 7 May 2013 27 Jumada II 1434 Volume 18 Number 5692 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 PM to address Qatar Airways plans to buy up to 15 jets Qatar Exchange Deal for A330s to be finalised before Paris Air show in June, says CEO Al Baker event tomorrow

DUBAI: Qatar Airways is in believes will eclipse the A330’s DOHA: Qatar Exchange (QE), talks with Airbus to buy up to appeal. under the patronage and in the 15 of the European planemak- “The 787 should be an A330 presence of the Prime Minister er’s A330 passenger jets, a deal killer but it is late and the pen- and Foreign Minister H E potentially worth $3.6bn at list alty payments (from Boeing to Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin prices, citing production delays airlines) are coming straight to Jabor Al Thani, will organise to Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner Airbus in the form of new A330 an inaugural “Listing of Private aircraft. sales,” said an aerospace analyst Companies: Supporting Qatar’s “We are talking to Airbus about at the Teal Group consultancy in National Vision” event tomor- A330s to fill in the gap that the a recent interview. row, at the Four Seasons Hotel Dreamliner delays have caused Boeing is looking for a promi- here, a press statement said Qatar Airways... Anywhere nent customer like Qatar to yesterday. between 10 and 15 (aircraft),” launch the stretched Dreamliner, The Prime Minister will deliver Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker code-named 787-10X, which it his keynote speech at the event, said yesterday. believes will appeal to airlines which will host a large number of “It’s a new order,” he said, add- that do not need the range of Qatari businessmen, board chair- ing the deal would be finalised by other new jets but want the lower men and executive directors of June’s Paris Air Show. fuel costs of the 787’s lightweight Qatari shareholding and private Qatar is among airlines expect- design. companies who were given special ing to receive compensation for Analysts say Airbus has invitations. delays to the delivery schedule for breathed new life into the A330 The event will start at 8.30am the 787 caused by a series of pro- by playing up its availability and and will involve several discus- duction snags, and for the ground- reliability, while discounting the sions on the various aspects of ing in January of Dreamliners price to ensure total ownership the private companies’ transfor- already delivered due to battery costs come in below the 787. mation and listing on the Qatar faults. Qatar’s decision to look at Exchange, whether in terms of Al Baker said at a press con- more A330s does not mean it will the benefits and incentives or ference in Dubai yesterday that ignore the 787-10X, a design con- some of the obstacles that hamper the airline had to forego $200m cept which Baker has praised for this process. in revenue up until April 2013 promising low seat-mile costs, but Success examples of private because of the grounding. It highlights the tough battle being companies that were trans- expects to have all five of its fought between old and new tech- formed into public sharehold- Dreamliners which were deliv- nology at the smaller end of the Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and Country Manager for the UAE Fadi Hijazin at the press ings listed at the exchange will ered before the grounding back widebody jet market. conference on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market in Dubai yesterday. be highlighted in the event, in service with modified batteries At the larger ‘mini-jumbo’ end which will also be a great before the end of May. of that market, rival Gulf air- biggest customers for Boeing’s be looking at both the 8X and the while Al Baker said yesterday opportunity for businessmen “We have already spoken to line Emirates said yesterday it latest offering, which has been 9X version of the 777X. The 350- Qatar Airways would like to coop- to share views on how best to them. We are done,” he said on would replace a major part of its presented to customers around seat 777-8X is expected to be the erate with India’s biggest domes- develop their business and con- the topic of compensation, declin- 777 fleet with Boeing’s new 777X the world. world’s longest-range jetliner. tic carrier Indigo. tribute actively in the support ing to provide further details. offering. “It’ll be a large order,” Emirates is the largest 777 cus- Gulf airlines are expanding “We hope that on the level of of Qatar’s National Vision, the Airbus is benefiting from the airline’s president Tim Clark tomer with a fleet of 175 jets. their reach globally, ordering the management we will begin press release added. a revival in sales of the A330 told reporters, without specifying “I’m not saying we’ll be buying more planes and forging alliances talking to them,” Baker said. “I since the 787 encountered the number of planes he plans to 175 of them (777X) but we need with other carriers. don’t want to talk about stakes. I production delays even though order. to replace (the 777s) from 2017,” Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways don’t have so much money to buy Al Sada attends Boeing plans to bring out a new Fast-growing Gulf carriers said Clark. took a 24 percent stake in India’s stakes in airlines.” 320-seat stretched 787 that it are expected to be the first and He added that Emirates would Jet Airways in April for $379m, REUTERS presentation by Shell in Britain

Lagarde meets Netherland king DOHA/LONDON: H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, the Minister of Energy and HK dockworkers Industry, during his official visit to the United Kingdom yester- day, met senior Shell officials, end 40-day strike and attended a presentation on the company’s operations and activities, said a press HONG KONG: Hong Kong the competitiveness of the city’s statement. dockworkers have accepted a port amid intensifying competi- Dr Al Sada and the accom- 9.8 percent pay increase, end- tion from regional rivals. panying delegation were wel- ing a 40-day strike that slowed About 450 workers went on comed in London by top Shell traffic at one of the world’s busi- strike on March 28. They origi- executives led by Andy Brown, est ports. nally demanded a raise of up to 23 Director of Shell Upstream The workers settled their dis- percent to make up for pay cuts International. pute late yesterday by agreeing in previous years. They later said The energy giant’s business to the pay offer from four mid- they would settle for a double- presentation focused mainly on its dleman contractors that provide digit percentage increase. operations in Qatar, its corporate staff to a container terminal oper- Lawmaker and union leader social responsibility (CSR) initia- ator controlled by Hong Kong bil- Lee Cheuk-yan said the offer tives, as well as its Qatarisation lionaire Li Ka-shing. was a face-saving compromise but programme. The strike was the longest in members are happy because the The presentation was attended years in the former British colony, increase is for all workers, not just by a number of senior executives now a semi-autonomous Chinese those who went on strike. The from Qatar Petroleum, Qatar city that retains a reputation as offer also includes improvements Petroleum International, and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands (right) with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine a stronghold of laissez-faire capi- to working conditions, he added. Nakilat. Lagarde, at the Royal Palace Huisten Bosch in The Hague yesterday. Lagarde will visit Amsterdam University talism. It raised questions about AP THE PENINSULA tomorrow for a “Room for Discussion” question and answer session with students. Oil wavers above $105 per barrel, economy drags NEW YORK: Brent crude oil August 2012, leaving it prone to April’s growth was the weakest geopolitical premium,” said Olivier (ICE) released yesterday. in the economy. The US nonethe- rose above $105 a barrel yester- some profit-taking, traders said, since August 2011. Jakob, oil analyst at Petromatrix They also switched to a net less holds a record-high level of day but trading was choppy and especially as the global economy The spread between Brent in Switzerland. short position of 7,135 contracts in crude oil inventory, according to a prices were pulled both ways by shows few signs of strong growth. and West Texas Intermediate, a At the same time, crude supply gasoil, suggesting funds see prices government report released each more signs of economic weak- “In another lifetime, the Israeli benchmark for US crude, nar- from Saudi Arabia, the region’s in the Middle East and Asia fall- tomorrow. ness and the perception of an headlines would have sent the rowed to $8.18 in morning trad- top exporter, to its domestic and ing in coming months. Morgan Stanley cited signs of increased risk to Middle East market screaming higher, but ing, its lowest since June of 2012, export markets rose slightly in Brent has gained as much as 9 a stronger physical market for supply after Israeli air strikes there does seem to be this malaise before widening back above $9. April to 9.2 million barrels per percent in less than three weeks Brent, such as a drop in expected on Syria. about economic contraction,” said Crude had risen earlier in day, from 9.15 million b/d supplied since reaching a 2013 low of $96.75 Nigerian crude exports and sup- Brent crude was up 92 cents Stephen Schork, the editor of The yesterday’s session as Israeli air in March, an industry source said on April 18. Its high for the year ply of North Sea crude Ekofisk at $105.11 at 1.55pm EDT (1755 Schork Report in Pennsylvania. strikes around Damascus refo- yesterday. is $119.17 reached on February 8. in June. GMT), having earlier touched European purchasing manag- cused attention on the potential Hedge funds and other large Prices rallied on Friday in “Crude oil fundamentals $105.49, the highest since April 11. ers’ indexes (PMIs) yesterday for disruption to supply from the speculators increased their bets response to an upbeat US jobs continue to tighten, with sup- US oil was up 30 cents at $95.91, suggested the euro zone is on Middle East, source of about a on higher Brent prices, upping report. Payrolls rose more than ply disappointing yet again,” the having earlier reached $97.17. course for a worse downturn in third of the world’s oil. their net long positions by 9,614 expected in April, pushing the bank said in a report yesterday. Brent is up by nearly $7 since the current quarter. In China, “The attack over the weekend contracts to 108,741 in the week to unemployment rate to a four- “The key risk remains weak last Wednesday and posted its the second-largest oil consumer, of Israel on Syria, on the one April 30, according to data from year low of 7.5 percent, easing demand.” largest three-day rise since a survey covering services showed hand, can lead to some increased the IntercontinentalExchange concerns about a sharp slowdown REUTERS TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Portugal Al Meera to pushes ahead with sweeping enter furniture, spending cuts

LISBON: Portugal yester- day pushed ahead with deeply books sector unpopular plans to slash 30,000 public sector jobs by launching talks with unions as part of a sweeping savings package to Pact signed with Index Living Mall satisfy international creditors. The new “medium-term pro- BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB space it will not be possible to gramme”, which also includes start operation before the next pushing back the full pension age DOHA: Al Meera, a leading two years,” said Saugage. for civil servants from 65 years consumer goods retailer, has Sauvage was speaking to The to 66 years and extending their plans to diversify its business by Peninsula on the sidelines of work-week to 40 hours, was expanding its product lines to a media tour organised at the announced on Friday. include furniture, home appli- recently opened Al Meera store in The programme, hoped to be ances and books stores, said a Nuaija. Present were the top man- worth about ¤4.8bn ($6.3bn) to senior official of the company. agement of the company, includ- the treasury by 2015, is intended Guy Sauvage, CEO of Al Meera, ing Deputy CEO, Dr Mohammed to keep the small debt-hit euro- said: “We have plans to diversify bin Nasser Al Qahtani. zone member eligible for another our business activities that will The Naujia outlet is built to Guy Sauvage (left) and Dr Mohammed bin Nasser Al Qahtani (right) take local media on a tour of the recently ¤2.0bn slice of its bailout funding. take place in the form of sepa- international specifications, and opened Al Meera Store in Nuaija. (QASSIM RAHMATULLAH) Portugal was granted its ¤78bn rate furniture, appliance and book has been outfitted in Al Meera’s bailout loan in 2011. stores as part of our upcoming new interior design, allowing a convenience stores in some com- others who are also doing great but all are expected to be com- Portugal’s “troika” of interna- malls.” more convenient and memorable pounds in 150sqm to meet cus- business. Prices are decreasing pleted in 24 months. tional lenders — the European Al Meera, to enter into furni- shopping experience. It also has tomers’ expectations and daily every day; it is just a matter of Speaking about the character- Union, the International ture business, has signed a joint a dedicated book store which is needs. Our expansion plans are consolidation and maturity of the istics of the upcoming projects, Monetary Fund and the European venture agreement with the expected to open within next two part of Al Meera’s efforts to take market. Sauvage said: “They will be Central Bank — need to approve Thailand-based Index Living Mall months. it closer to our customers wher- “We have large assortments upgraded shopping stores with a the programme and will start (ILM), one of the largest life- The company has acquired ever they are. This is for their with fair price levels and outlets better shopping experience with evaluating it today. style homes furnishing stores in 50,000sqm land in Ain Khalid benefits,” he said. in closer locations to custom- same price levels all across the European Commission spokes- Southeast Asia with two million area for the proposed ILM-Al Asked if the increasing ers which is our unique selling network.” man Simon O’Connor told a square feet of sale floors across Meera furniture store. It will be number of shopping malls and proposition.” Currently it has 37 stores, media briefing in Brussels: “The the country having two million a mall-cum-furniture store. the recently opened IKEA fur- He said that Al Meera is work- including five branches in Oman. Commission welcomes the govern- pieces of furniture and home Al Meera has also plans for dif- niture store will have any adverse ing on more than 20 projects “This year we have opened two ment’s emphasis on consolidation decorative items. ferent formats of retail business impact on Al Meera’s business, at an expected cost of QR1.7bn convenience stores at the Sealine through permanent reductions in “We have signed an agreement varying in different sizes includ- he said: “There is a room for new (according to previous reports and Beverly Hills 3 and expect- expenditure rather than one-off with ILM to have the franchise in ing convenience stores, hyper- competition that stimulates busi- the company has QR4bn expan- ing two more by year-end,” he measures or tax increases, which the Middle East region, includ- markets and malls. ness by itself. IKEA, for sure, is sion plan). The projects are at added. are as a rule less credible and ing Qatar. Since it requires a big “We have already opened a very nice player. But there are different stages of construction, THE PENINSULA more detrimental to growth. Hundreds of people gathered outside the finance ministry on Monday to protest the moves as government officials met repre- sentatives of the country’s two main Qatar insurance sector to grow by over five percent unions, the CGTP and the UGT, to discuss the savings package. Carrying banners reading DOHA: Qatar’s insurance sec- Intelligence said yesterday. to grow by more than five percent drivers of insurance demand. The quest to provide excellent cus- “We’re being robbed, but we’re tor is expected to witness a Opportunities for growth in in 2013 and is expected to outpace proposed introduction of universal tomer service. Often, insurance not silenced” and “If you’ve had growth of more than five per- the Qatari insurance market are most of its neighbours. Strong eco- compulsory medical insurance by providers are acutely aware of enough: whistle”, demonstrators cent in 2013, outpacing most of abundant. According to a recent nomic development enabling infra- 2014 would provide another sub- the need to apply technology to sang, chanted and whistled against its neighbours, a press state- report from A M Best Co, the structure expenditure is expected stantial boost to the market. improve customer facing proc- the government’s belt-tightening. ment issued by Interactive Qatari insurance market is likely to remain one of the biggest Shaheen Haque, Territory esses, but fail to correctly iden- The programme has also Manager, Middle East and Turkey tify key requirements of proposed been fiercely attacked by both at Interactive Intelligence, said solutions. The situation is compli- unions and government opposi- that to capitalise on these oppor- cated by disparate systems, legacy tion groups. “How can you accept tunities, insurance providers in data structures and ineffective this brutal attack on public sector Qatar must acknowledge the need contact centre platforms which workers’ rights,” said Ana Avoila to transform from policy and result in the creation rather than with the Public Administration product based, to customer based the solution of problems. Common Front. organizations. Ineffective business While identifying pain points, The secretary-general of the processes or lack of integrated he also outlines the business ben- Socialist Party, Antonio Jose Seguro, communications within an insur- efits and potential streamlining also rejected the plans, accusing the ance organisation have an impact of operations that result from government of bringing Portugal to on customer experience. addressing these through smart “the verge of social tragedy” with its Like any industry, insurance technology deployments. austerity measures. faces significant challenges in its THE PENINSULA AFP New York to sue BofA, Wells Fargo NEW YORK: New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman yester- day said he plans to sue Bank of America Corp (BofA) and Wells Fargo and Co for violating the National Mortgage Settlement brokered last year between the coun- try’s biggest banks and 49 state attorneys general. Schneiderman said that since last October he has documented 339 violations of standards dictating the timeline for banks to proc- ess mortgage modification applications. “Wells Fargo and Bank of America have flagrantly violated those obligations, putting hundreds of home- owners across New York at greater risk of foreclosure,” the attorney general said in a statement. Representatives of the banks did not immediately return calls seeking com- ment. Schneiderman said he sent a letter to monitors for the National Mortgage Settlement informing them of his intent to sue the banks. He said he would seek injunctive relief and an order requiring the banks to comply with the settlement. BofA and Wells Fargo were among five banks that agreed to the $25bn set- tlement in February 2012. The pact was supposed to curb abusive foreclosure practices. REUTERS TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Bicycle expo Saudi Arabia Spain bailout oil output rises to 9.3m bill may rise, b/d in April AL KHOBAR: Saudi Arabia produced 9.3 million barrels per day (b/d) of oil in April, up from 9.14 million bpd in March, an say bankers industry source said yesterday. Supply to the domestic and export markets was around 9.2m b/d, up slightly from the 9.15m More state fund needed for bank rescue b/d supplied in March, the source said. The other 100,000b/d of oil MADRID: Spain’s bill to bail investment bankers who have produced is likely to have been out its banks may yet rise, some worked with the government. put into storage. bankers and analysts fear, as a “It was a big mistake. The gov- Sources familiar with Saudi worsening economy hampers the ernment is going to have to take oil policy said in late April that government’s early attempts to over the entire vehicle sooner or they expected external demand sell off nationalised lenders and later,” said a Spanish banking for Saudi crude to remain steady threatens the “bad bank” hous- executive, on condition of ano- from March through June 2013. ing their rotten property deals. nymity, echoing a view from three But Saudi Arabia’s own crude oil Spanish banks say the worst other senior bankers. demand for power generation has is behind them after steep losses Spain took ¤41bn of a ¤100bn jumped by an average of 147,000b/d last year and they are now recov- European credit line to bail out its from March to April in the pre- ering — a view broadly shared by banks last year. The bill added the vious three years, according to a authorities such as the European equivalent of 3.5 percent of gross Models stand next to Bianchi racing bicycles during the 23rd China International Bicycle and Motor Fair in Reuters analysis of official data. Commission, backer of a ¤41bn domestic product to a deficit that Shanghai yesterday. The fair runs until Thursday. The increase from March to ($54bn) rescue of ailing lenders. was already higher than allowed April 2012 was much lower, how- But while Madrid is on schedule under EU rules. ever, at just 64,000b/d, due to more with demanded industry reforms The bailout came after several gas supply coming on line in early and banks are better protected failed government efforts to clean 2012 to feed Saudi power plants. against losses from a sunken real up the financial sector, crippled by Kuwait firm launches Islamic fund Benchmark Brent crude oil, estate market, a growing number more than ¤300bn in bad loans after trading near $104.85 a barrel of bankers argue in private that a housing bubble burst in 2008. yesterday, has fallen from almost more state funds may still be If the liabilities of the bad bank, SYDNEY: Kuwait-based Asiya Islamic finance globally over the fund buys and sells merchandise $120 in February on concerns needed to help sell rescued lend- known by its Spanish-language Investments has launched last few years, the industry has on behalf of the company and about the global economic out- ers and keep “bad bank” Sareb acronym Sareb, were to be put on an Islamic trade finance fund neglected merchandise trade, shares a portion of the profits. look, though it is still above Saudi ticking over. the state’s balance sheet, it could with $20m in seed capital, aim- leaving trade finance for conven- “We use a murabaha structure Arabia’s preferred level of $100. Sareb was used to clean the add up to another five percentage ing to cater to small Asian tional banks to dominate. with the underlying commodity According to the latest Reuters balance sheets of state-rescued points of GDP to the country’s debt, manufacturers. But conventional banks are serving as collateral. This is a survey, overall Opec crude oil out- banks by taking on ¤50.7bn pushing it to more than 100 percent Asiya, whose largest share- retreating because of the world standard, tried-and-tested mura- put rebounded in April from its worth of foreclosed properties of annual output. Spain’s economy holder is sovereign wealth fund financial crisis and higher capi- baha structure,” Alireza said. lowest monthly level in more than and troubled loans to real estate ministry declined to comment. Kuwait Investment Authority, tal requirements under upcoming Islamic institutions across the a year due to the end of export developers. The real estate parked with aims to fill a gap left by Western Basel III regulations, which could Gulf are working to diversify disruptions in Iraq and Libya and The assets are matched by Sareb was already written down banks that are scaling back their open up about 20 percent of the their money market transactions, a rise in Iranian sales. ¤50.7bn in senior debt and backed by an average of 63.1 percent and trade finance business, mak- business to non-bank institutions, so Asiya’s product could appeal Opec is scheduled to meet in by ¤4.8bn in capital, more than the loans by 45.6 when the assets ing credit scarce for small and Alireza said. to some of them. It will have a Vienna at the end of May. In early half of which was contributed by were transferred to the bad bank, medium-sized firms. Established as the Kuwait China higher yield than commodity April it trimmed its forecast for Spain’s healthy lenders to reduce but four bankers argued that fur- “We engage those companies Investment Co in 2005, Asiya esti- murabaha contracts and better global growth in oil demand in 2013. the burden on state books. ther losses could still deplete its that are already banked but whose mates that current annual intra- liquidity than sukuk, Alireza said. Even if export demand for Saudi The eight percent capital cush- capital. credit lines are limited — we are Asia trade of $5 trillion could Asiya’s fund aims for a net oil weakens over the next few ion may however be too thin to Of its loans, only 22 percent are complementing their financing,” reach $20 trillion by 2020. return to investors of above 5.0 months, the rise in its own use for withstand losses without a top- considered “normal”; 34 percent said Sulaiman Alireza, executive Asiya’s Cayman-domiciled fund, percent and it has $55m worth of power plants to meet a surge in air up, which could be hard to source are rated “substandard” and 45 director of Asiya’s investment soft-launched in December, offers assets in the pipeline, with capac- conditioning should support Saudi from the private sector, said sev- percent “doubtful”. management arm in Hong Kong. short-term financing through ity for approximately $400m. production over the summer. eral senior Spanish bankers and REUTERS Despite strong growth in murabaha contracts, where the REUTERS REUTERS

Indonesian economy expands

A Balinese farmer works in a rice field in Denpasar on Bali island yesterday. The Indonesian economy expanded by 6.02 percent in the first quarter, the slowest pace for more than two years as exports fell due to the weak global economy.

GOIC, Sharjah Chamber hold French companies meeting in Doha hit by govt sale talk DOHA: The Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting(GOIC) PARIS: Shares in several busi- The EU also said France will held here yesterday a meet- nesses in which the deficit-hit contract by 0.1 percent in 2013 ing with a delegation led by French government has a stake but despite the gloom, there was Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, plummeted yesterday after a glimmer of positive news on Chairman of the Sharjah Prime Minister Jean Marc Monday with an index tracking Chamber of Commerce and Ayrault said the state was look- sentiment in France’s key service Industry (SCCI). ing to reduce its stake in a sector coming in slightly better The two sides discussed means “number of companies”. than expected. of enhancing cooperation and In afternoon trade on a slightly The Markit purchasing man- exchange of experiences contrib- falling Paris stock exchange, agers’ index for the services sec- uting in the industrial develop- shares in airliner Air France tor rose in April to 44.3 from a ment in the GCC states after the KLM fell by 2.85 percent to ¤7.39, four-year low of 41.3 in March, signing cooperation agreement in utility giant GDF Suez fell 1.46 though at below 50, the result still last February. percent to ¤16.49 and defence indicates economic contraction. The GOIC Secretary General company Safran dropped 1.09 The survey however said man- Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al Ageel, percent to ¤37.49. ufacturing data was at its worst said the visit of the SCCI is con- France holds a 37-percent stake level since August 2010 as compa- solidating the strategy and the in GDF Suez, a 16-percent stake in nies prioritise cutting staff, helping five-year plan of GOIC. Air France-KLM and a 27-percent push French unemployment to a He said cooperation between stake in Safran. Hit by a stagnant record 3.2 million people in March. GOIC and SCCI aims to set up economy, the French government Yesterday French President new projects, adding that invest- is struggling to balance its finances. Francois Hollande spent the first ment in the small and medium- Last week, the European Union anniversary of his election vic- scale industries will contribute to allowed the country a two-year tory against Nicolas Sarkozy as prosperity and economic develop- reprieve to meet the bloc’s deficit the most unpopular president in ment, support development proc- ceiling of three percent of GDP modern French history with many ess in the UAE and provide job after Brussels said it expected the angered by his government’s fail- opportunities. French deficit to reach 3.9 percent ure to turn around the economy. QNA in 2013 and 4.2 percent in 2014. AFP TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS QE keeps rising Timber fair in Germany streak, adds 48.60 points Dubai and Kuwait rally pauses

DOHA: Qatar Exchange pur- In Kuwait, large-caps declined sued its upswing trend yester- while the index ended flat in day, adding 48.60 points (or 0.55 choppy trade. The market has percent) to advance to 8,834.13 closed in positive territory for 12 points from 8,785.53 on Sunday. consecutive sessions and is at its The volume of the shares traded highest level since October 2009. fell to 10,730,806 from 11,050,593 Seven of the 10 largest stocks by on Sunday and the value of shares market capitalisation retreated, decreased to QR335,801,098.51 with Commercial Bank of Kuwait from QR338,937,355.54 on Sunday. slipping 1.4 percent. Among the top gainers were A stabilising political backdrop Qatar National Bank which was and the government’s promises up 2.84 percent to QR141.00, it will act to support the econ- Commercial Bank of Qatar rose omy have propelled sentiment 1.21 percent to QR66.90, Qatar in Kuwait. The finance minister Telecom gained 0.78 percent to said last month that the govern- QR116.20 and Qatar Insurance ment would spend $15.8-17.5bn on was up by 2.84 percent to development projects in the next QR58.00. 12 months. Qatar’s stocks have lagged rises “People have to take some A man walks past a transport vehicle of the company Liebherr at the Ligna fair for the timber and woodworking industry in Hanover, Germany, yes- on other Gulf bourses — the main money off so they can put it terday. The fair runs until Friday. index is up only 5.7 percent this back in — larger stocks went up year, compared to gains of well in anticipation of better earn- over 20 percent for Dubai and ings,” said Fouad Darwish, head Kuwait — so they are considered of brokerage services at Global cheap by some analysts. Investment House. The Qatar Exchange announced Banks represent more than Tyson reports weaker first quarter profit it would stage a major conference 50 percent of Kuwait’s overall on Wednesday to discuss listing market value. The recent rise NEW YORK: Tyson Foods Inc percent in the second quarter Tyson stock was off 5.2 per- another big beef producer, said more private companies, which in the stock market has helped reported weaker-than-expected ended March 30, but beef volumes cent, or $1.29, to $23.64, while last month its quarterly earn- could mark a fresh initiative by them because they have extended quarterly profit as shoppers and fell 3.9 percent, pork was down 2.2 rival Smithfield Foods Inc fell 0.8 ings fell 42 percent as the lin- authorities to deepen the market loans backed by stocks as collat- restaurants switched to cheaper percent and packaged foods dipped percent, or 21 cents, to $25.41. gering effects of the US drought and stimulate sluggish trading eral, Darwish added. “The entire chicken from beef, and the com- 0.8 percent, it said yesterday. Tyson trimmed its fiscal 2013 affected both its meat and grain activity. sentiment has become positive pany cut its full-year sales fore- Gross margins declined to sales forecast to $34.5bn from operations. Meanwhile, a recent stock mar- just on expectations for banks to cast, sending shares down more 4.85 percent from 6.47 percent a $35bn after second-quarter net Tyson said its international ket rally in Dubai and Kuwait improve their earnings.” than five percent. year earlier. “Our beef segment income fell 43 percent to $95m, operations have improved sig- stalled yesterday as investor’s In Saudi Arabia, weak senti- Still, executives at Tyson, suffered margin compression as or 26 cents per share. nificantly from a year ago, driven locked in profits but underlying ment towards leading sectors the largest US meat processor, consumers opted for the relative On an adjusted basis, the com- by strength in Mexico and Brazil. sentiment towards two of the — banks and petrochemicals — stuck by their forecast for higher value of chicken,” Chief Executive pany earned 36 cents per share, And, while the new bird flu out- region’s strongest performing persisted. The index slipped 0.2 adjusted profit this year, saying Donnie Smith said in a statement. 9 cents short of analysts’ average break in China has devastated markets remains buoyant. percent, down for a second session results should improve over the The company and its competi- estimate, as complied by Thomson demand, Tyson expects to even- Dubai’s measure fell 0.9 per- since Saturday’s three-week high. balance of the fiscal year due tors are still feeling the effects Reuters. Quarterly sales were up tually benefit as shoppers and res- cent, down from Sunday’s Petrochemical shares index to lower feed costs and robust of the worst drought in 50 years nearly two percent to $8.42bn, but taurants reject small independent 41-month high. Real estate shed 0.4 percent and banking chicken demand, which is push- last year in the US Midwest that also missed analysts’ estimate of producers and seek out suppliers and banking shares weighed; index dipped 0.1 percent. ing up prices per pound. pushed up feed costs and reduced $8.58bn. with better food safety records. Heavyweight Emaar Properties Boosted by strong earnings Chicken volumes rose just 0.1 cattle supplies. Agribusiness group Cargill Inc, REUTERS shed 0.7 percent. growth, cement shares that have “The whole market is taking helped limit declines on the mar- a breather today,” said Marwan ket in recent weeks. The sector Shurrab, vice-president and chief slipped 0.5 percent from a five- trader at Gulfmena Investments. year high, trimming 2013 gains UAE planning “We had a strong move since to 12 percent, but they outstrip the beginning of the month and the wider market’s 5.7 percent US bonds expected to stay at higher draft movable the correction is very small and rise. logical.” QNA/REUTERS yields with $72bn supply this week assets law to aid SME lending QATARI MARKET scrambling to cover long expo- from around three percent at the Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P NEW YORK: US Treasuries sures and sent yields surging. beginning of the year. DUBAI: The United Arab Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 104.13 0.63 % Aa2 AA prices slipped slightly yesterday Benchmark 10-year Treasuries “It’s possible that the Fed starts Emirates is drafting legislation as investors continued to digest yielded 1.75 percent yesterday, up to focus on inflation as a reason to let small and medium-sized Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 106.31 1.37 % Aa2 AA Friday’s better than expected from 1.74 percent on Friday and to extend QE, rather than unem- firms use machinery and other Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 124.88 2.07 % Aa2 AA jobs report, which sent yields up from 1.62 percent before the ployment,” said Carl Lantz, head assets to back loans, in order Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 118.25 2.30 % Aa2 AA surging to their highest levels jobs data was released. of US interest rate strategy at to improve financing options Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 114.25 2.66 % Aa2 AA in three weeks. Thirty-year bonds yielded 2.97 Credit Suisse in New York. for the firms, said a unit of the Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 175.50 3.74 % Aa2 AA The US government bonds are percent yesterday, up from 2.96 The Federal Reserve said on World Bank which is helping Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 136.50 4.13 % Aa2 AA expected to stay at the relatively percent late on Friday and up Wednesday it may increase or with the law. Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 127.50 4.11 % Aa2 AA higher yields as investors prepare from 2.82 percent before the jobs decrease bond purchase from The International Finance Corp for $72bn in new supply this week, report. its current $85bn per month, is assisting the Gulf nation in pre- Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.38 1.03 % Aa2 AA with the recent sell-off also seen Despite Friday’s jobs gains, depending on the strength of the paring the law, which will create Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 115.00 2.70 % Aa2 AA as likely helping demand as inves- many economic analysts believe economy and on inflation, though a registry of moveable assets, Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 105.50 1.34 % A1 A- tors take advantage of the yield that economic growth is still most see the Fed as more likely Mouayed Makhlouf, the IFC’s Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.50 2.17 % A1 A- backup. too slow and investors have to continue purchases for longer. regional director for the Middle QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.50 1.94 % NR NR Friday’s jobs gains caught trad- pared back expectations that the Before the recent slowdown East and North Africa, told a QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 104.00 1.51 % Aa3 A+ ers offside, as most were antici- Federal Reserve may taper or in data most economists had media event in Dubai yesterday. QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.88 2.03 % Aa3 A+ pating a gloomier jobs picture end bond purchases this year as expected the Fed would taper Once there is a formal record after other economic releases inflation also dips. That may hold buying this year, and end pur- of the assets, which could include Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.63 2.24 % A2 A- pointed towards more sluggish yields down near historic lows for chases at the end of the year. machinery and inventory, small Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 106.38 1.47 % A2 A /*- growth. some time yet. The Fed bought $3.31bn in and medium-sized enterprises Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 130.75 2.42 % A2 A /*- “There was a significant Data last week showed that the notes due 2020 to 2023 yesterday (SMEs) will be able to use them Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 112.50 2.94 % A2 A /*- amount of buying and short cov- Fed’s preferred gauge of consumer as part of this programme and as collateral; banks will be able to Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 110.88 3.89 % A2 A /*- ering and capitulation around prices, the personal consump- will purchase between $1.25bn confirm they exist and take pos- Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 106.00 1.14 % Aa3 A month-end and prior to that tion index, slowed to 1.0 percent and $1.75bn in bonds due 3026 to session in the event of a default. Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 108.25 3.24 % Aa3 A number, with expectations having in March from 1.3 percent in 2043 today. “You can only mortgage land Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 111.38 3.54 % Aa3 A been lowered substantially going February, the smallest gain in The relatively higher yields, once and a building once - so in,” said three and a half years. meanwhile, are expected to help for these small businesses, after SOVEREIGNS Dan Mulholland, managing Market inflation expectations the Treasury sell $32bn in three- that, what else can they put up,” Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P director in Treasuries trading at as measured by forward contracts year notes on Tuesday, $24bn Makhlouf said. Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 104.50 0.56 % Aa2 AA BNY Mellon in New York. that show where traders think in 10-year notes on Wednesday SMEs often find securing bank Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 127.13 1.89 % Aa2 AA The positive jobs surprise, five-year inflation will be in five- and $16bn in 30-year bonds on finance challenging for a number with employers adding 165,000 years time, also a closely watched Thursday. of reasons, including their size and Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 110.50 2.21 % NR NR jobs in April and the jobless rate indicator by the Fed, have also “The higher yields will entice a lack of financial history on which Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.50 2.90 % NR NR falling to 7.5 percent, the lowest slipped. The contracts now show some buying,” said Lantz. banks could base lending decisions. Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 125.50 3.77 % NR NR since December 2008, left traders expectations of 2.77 percent, down REUTERS REUTERS Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 118.25 4.01 % NR NR Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.06 1.00 % Aa2 AA Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 116.75 2.97 % NR BBB Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 110.75 3.72 % NR BBB Sunoco to proceed with Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 93.00 7.04 % Caa1 B- Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 107.25 3.39 % NR BBB- Texas propane pipeline *Periodic Distribution Amount • Bullion - Mumbai IMPORTANT NOTE: Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 27450 NEW YORK: Sunoco Logistics Partners LP said yesterday it Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which Silver (1 kg) Rs. 45555 is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services had received sufficient binding commitments to ship propane and • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.68 Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary butane on its proposed Mariner South pipeline in Texas to proceed data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising • Sensex with the project. out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not BSE 19575.64 The pipeline, which will have an initial capacity of 200,000 barrels take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds NSE 5944.00 can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant per day and is expected to start shipping in the first quarter of 2015, liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return will run from a storage complex run by Lone Star in Mont Belvieu to a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and p.a. (in dollar) Sunoco’s terminal in Nederland. “In addition to export grade propane consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. • Housing loan from HDFC LTD and butane, the pipeline will be available for other natural gas liquids • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, and petroleum products depending on shipper interest,” Sunoco said Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. in a statement, adding its capacity could be scaled up. • Advise on Indian Income Tax matters for NRIs. Lone Star NGL LCC is a joint venture between Energy Transfer Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] Partners LP and Regency Energy Partners LP. REUTERS TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Death is the tobacco Race to turn ‘big data’ companies’ business BY TANYA GOLD into gold heating up he coalition government acts as an agent for Big Tobacco, even as it auto-moralises. I do not think it BY RYUICHI OTSUKA generation of data analysis experts. While for Watson,” he added. is mad to call its actions murderous. It has pulled some say, “Data isn’t almighty,” speed can be The US consulting firm McKinsey & Texcellent anti-smoking legislation from the Queen’s f used widely, “big data,” the mas- the deciding factor in business, and corpo- Company Incorporated has said the medi- speech, which would have forced the tobacco companies to use sive amount of electronic informa- rations are jumping into the field one after cal field carries the biggest possibility for only plain packets, and chopped their one remaining marketing tion that has been generated with another. benefits to be gained from big data. strategy entirely dedicated to cutting new smokers off at the advances in computing and Internet As one expert pointed out, “Shale gas While Internet firms and the convenience knees. (Established smokers rarely change brands.) Potential technology, could create a market and big data will make the United States store industry in Japan have begun to find smokers would have seen a dull, unfashionable box, illustrated with worthI tens of trillions of yen. economy strong.” applications for big data, many attempts a photograph of gangrene or something equally hideous, rather Unfortunately, Japan has fallen behind in While the businesses of Google, Amazon merely repeat what has already been done than a glossy confection designed to mislead. Now the policy is global competition in the field of informa- and Facebook are based on advertising and in the US. ash and Big Tobacco is free to pursue its vocation of severely tion technology. sales to their hundreds of millions of users, What must Japanese businesses do to shortening the lives of one in two of its customers. And where Experts say the country has important the “pot of gold” is not necessarily limited break the dominance by the US? the UK leads, the world follows; this is good news for tobacco’s obstacles to overcome if it is to succeed in to online services. According to Prof Hiroyuki Morikawa of markets elsewhere. the race to utilise big data. One example is the supercomputer the University of Tokyo’s Research Centre Could this be connected to Lynton Crosby, who will oversee According to the US research firm IDC, Watson of IBM Corp, which entered the for Advanced Science and Technology, com- the strategy for the 2015 election? He was the marketing man the amount of information in the world spotlight two years ago when it bested two panies like Google dominate businesses and behind tobacco’s attempts to thwart plain packaging in Australia is increasing at an explosive pace, with former human champions of the quiz show technologies related to “person-created” — although there, at least, he failed. Or does the government feel the total volume expected to rise 40-fold Jeopardy. data such as Internet searches and online pressure from Ukip, some of whose members seem to think that between 2010 and 2020. Watson is now engaged in attempts to use postings. Japan needs to focus on “object- smoking, along with misogyny, homophobia and racism, is patri- Players outside the IT industry are also its massive computing power to aid cancer created” data gathered from sensors and otic? (I once watched a Ukip grandee rub a black girl’s hand on seeking to expand ways to utilise this huge treatments at medical institutions. other devices, he said. a platform and say, “Look, it doesn’t come off”). Of course Ukip amount of data. The supercomputer is being fed a mas- The use of cell phone location data to backs smoking. It thrives on the rhetoric of the pub and assumes Hoping to encourage growth in fields sive amount of data, including hundreds of analyse marketing areas, to create disas- that because everyone smoked on D-Day, it was the smoking that from science and medicine to defence and thousands of case records, treatment plans ter-prevention plans and other initiatives won the war. The freedom to smoke is a freedom of sorts – and energy, the US government announced a Big and research articles. is already underway. Nigel Farage smokes. This is like David Cameron legislating for Data Research and Development Initiative Eventually, it is hoped the computer will “Experiments like these represent areas morning coats; and if only Farage felt the same liberalism towards in March last year. be able to recommend examinations and where we could compete with Google and gay marriage. The project brings together six institu- treatments when individual patient infor- Amazon,” Morikawa said. Who else smokes these days? Children mostly, and poorer chil- tions — the National Science Foundation, mation is entered. However, Japan lags in making public the dren more than anyone, and the numbers are rising. Two-thirds of Defence Department, National Institutes “It’s believed the amount of medical massive amount of data held by the state smokers start before the age of 18, and 39 percent before the age of Health, Energy Department, Defence information in the United States will dou- and local governments. of 16; only half will manage to stop before it kills them, although Advanced Research Projects Agency, and ble over the next five years,” said Koichi Creating a framework so this informa- most wish they could. Andrew Lansley, the former health secre- US Geological Survey — to broaden the Takeda, Technology Director of IBM tion can be used while still protecting peo- tary, acknowledged this in 2011 when the government was still areas to which big data can be applied. Research-Tokyo. ple’s privacy is an issue that has yet to be mouthing anti-inequality bites. “Smoking rates are much higher US universities are rapidly creating new “Busy doctors who don’t have time to ana- resolved. in some social groups, including those with the lowest incomes,” laboratories and courses to train the next lyse [large amounts of data] have high hopes WP-BLOOMBERG he wrote. “These groups suffer the highest burden of smoking- related illness and death. Smoking is the single biggest cause of inequalities in death rates between the richest and poorest in our communities.” How true. Yet smoking is a stick to beat the poor with: that benefit claimants all smoke and watch Sky TV is one of the government’s favourite cliches. Perhaps now they see its use. When representatives of Imperial Tobacco, British American Tobacco (BAT), Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International met the government this year, Imperial Tobacco threatened to pull its packaging manufacture from the UK even though plain packaging and no packaging are hardly the same thing; no one is suggesting cigarettes be delivered by elf. They insisted plain packaging would assist counterfeiters and smug- glers. If this fascinates you, I suggest you watch British American Tobacco’s amusing and ostensibly racist promotional video Who’s In Control?, in which cartoon eastern European gangsters drool over the financial possibilities of regulation — although anti- counterfeiting measures can easily be incorporated into plain packets. Are these theoretical gangsters Bulgarian, or Romanian, is the obvious question. Elsewhere in Who’s In Control, the super- imposition of physical violence and drug abuse with regulation veers into paranoia. We could muse further on these apocalyptic fantasies, but the tobacco companies will not publish their impact studies. They were burnt before, when a 2011 BAT report designed to thwart plain packaging in Australia was shown to be ruthlessly skewed and scientifically worthless. It is true that the exact impact of plain packaging is unknown, and will remain so while the tobacco companies so diligently oppose it. But the independent studies undertaken all agree — young people and women don’t like plain packets, and tobacco knows it. By its terror shall we know its desires. I don’t blame the tobacco firms. Death is their business. When BAT says, after exhausting its arguments, that “We will take every action possible to protect our brands, the rights of our companies to compete as legitimate commercial businesses selling a legal product, and the interests of our shareholders”, I almost admire its dedication to cash. Yet the British government, theoretically dedicated to the health of its citizens, has a duty not to sink to lobbyists, even if Nigel Farage does smoke. It attacks the habits of the poor, but does nothing helpful. As ever with this government, hollow rhetoric will do. THE GUARDIAN Mexico aims to overhaul tax system, raise revenue

BY KRISTA HUGHES and indirect taxes and making and 1998, when benchmark oil Experts estimate Mexico must companies to set losses in one whom pay or charge tax. However, those who earn more, pay more. prices fell as low as $8 per bar- boost its tax intake by 6-8 per- business against gains elsewhere extending VAT to products cur- ax breaks for attend- Currently, the world’s richest rel, half the level the government centage points of GDP, or about — a practice critics say is eas- rently exempt is a sensitive politi- ing “civic values” man, Carlos Slim, is in the same had budgeted for. $100bn a year to reduce its reli- ily abused. Total discounts and cal issue and the government may courses, tax-free tax bracket as a worker earning Although Mexico has a bal- ance on oil revenues and fund deductions, listed in a 117-page struggle to win support from sales of second-hand $2,700 a month, paying 30 per- anced budget and optimism increased government spending, budget document, include special opposition parties and even some furniture, special cent income tax — low compared about the government’s reform although the reform could start tax regimes which mean many lawmakers inside the PRI. treatmentT for call centres and to top rates of 39.6 percent in the agenda is drawing a surge in for- out netting half that amount and family firms and self-employed The Mexican Institute of an informal economy employing US, 45 percent in Germany and eign investment, ratings agencies be ramped up progressively over workers pay no income tax or Chartered Public Accountants six out of 10 workers are all in 50 percent in Japan. say the skimpy tax base and oil coming years. VAT, and allow individual deduc- (IMCP) says tackling the infor- the line of fire as Mexico prepares No data is available on revenue dependence have been hurdles to Measures to bridge the gap tions for medical expenses, school mal economy must be one of the a long-awaited tax overhaul. An by tax bracket, but most of the a sought-after upgrade, especially could include increased efforts fees, some share purchases and priorities of the new regime, analysis of budget data shows poor live and work in a shadow as oil output has dropped by a to tackle tax evasion, worth 2.57 courses which promote “civic which the government hopes will Mexico’s extensive network of tax economy that accounts for one- quarter since 2004. percent of GDP in 2007 accord- values,” while VAT discounts and be passed together with the 2014 breaks and stimulus programmes third of gross domestic product Standard & Poor’s changed its ing to the Monterrey Institute of exemptions span items from gold federal budget and take effect generate costs equal to about (GDP) and pay little tax. That outlook on Mexico’s BBB-rating Advanced Technological Studies. ingots to lottery tickets, medical next year. half the taxes actually collected. leaves a high burden on middle- to positive in March, suggesting Other options are raising top services and table water. The IMCP, which would also Mexico has the lowest tax reve- income earners. The narrow tax an upgrade is possible within 18 personal tax rates for the rich; The governing Institutional like to scrap a ‘flat tax’ option for nue in the 34-nation Organisation base, along with a complicated tax months, but S&P credit analyst making state governments levy Revolutionary Party (PRI) has firms and lower the corporate tax for Economic Cooperation and code and rampant evasion, capped Joydeep Mukherji said the scope more tax; imposing taxes on capi- taken a step towards breaking rate from the current 30 percent, Development, crimping its abil- gross tax revenues at just 9.7 per- of the fiscal reform would be key. tal gains, inheritances and prop- the taboo of no VAT on food and estimates that taxing all informal ity to spend on health, infrastruc- cent of GDP in 2012. The reform Mexico’s net tax income, taking erty transfers; and scrapping an medicines by removing a ban on workers would boost the tax take ture and social programmes vital will aim to boost that and ease the negative impact of fuel subsi- entrenched zero rate of value- such a move from its statutes, by 3 percentage points of GDP. to boost living standards and the country’s reliance on oil rev- dies into account, was worth just added tax (VAT) on basic food although insiders say staples “The 10 percent (of GDP) tax growth in what is Latin America’s enues, which account for nearly 8.5 percent of GDP last year. Total and medicine. This last exemption such as tortillas and beans may that Mexico does raise, it raises second-largest economy. 40 percent of government income government revenue, including is the biggest single contributor to remain exempt, or be charged from 40 percent of the economy Finance Minister Luis and make it vulnerable to market oil, averaged 18 percent of GDP tax breaks worth 4.8 percent of at a low rate, such as 3 percent. because 60 percent of workers are Videgaray has given few details swings. in the last decade, compared to GDP in 2012, equivalent to about Many Mexicans shop for grocer- informal and don’t pay tax,” said of the overhaul, due to be pre- OECD head Angel Gurria, a 26 percent in the US, 32 percent half of tax revenues. ies at canvas-covered farmers’ IMCP President Carlos Cardenas. sented in the autumn session of former Mexican finance minister, in Brazil and more than 40 per- One tax break the government markets and buy anything from “We can’t do a fiscal reform just Congress, but has promised it still shudders at the memory of cent in some European countries, has vowed to end is consolidated chewing gum to calendars from for that 40 percent.” will be “large,” reviewing direct the Asian financial crisis in 1997 OECD data show. reporting for firms, which allows roving street vendors, none of REUTERS TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,834.13 0.55 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 12,621.94 0.55 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,685.87 0.31 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,252.75 0.63 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,083.16 1.24 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5133.75 28.364 0.56 5174.4 4664.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,307.68 0.22 % QR173.2635 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3901.08 -11.87 -0.3 3914.51 3584.38 QE All Share Industrials 3,178.62 0.19 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.6338 QR 5.7120 QE All Share Insurance 2,120.2 1.85 % Dj Indu Average 14973.96 142.38 0.96 15009.6 12035.1 QR 2.8543 Euro ...... QR 4.7455 QR 4.8114 QE All Share Real Estate 1,620.11 0.60 % CA$ ...... QR 3.5803 QR 3.6508 QE All Share Telecoms 1,235.01 0.49 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.8617 QR 3.9163 QE All Share Transportation 1,529.45 0.48 % Hang Seng Inde/D 22915.09 225.13 0.99 23944.74 21423.25 Yen ...... QR 0.0364 QR 0.0371 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7003 QR 3.7727 Iseq Overall/D 3940.82 50.56 1.3 4009.59 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0666 QR 0.0679 06-05-2013 05-05-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 19256.7 30.07 0.16 19240.69 16036.31 Index 8,834.13 8 , 7 8 5 . 5 3 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0367 QR 0.0374 Change 48.60 0.42 Nikkei 225 Index 13694.04 -105.31 -0.76 13983.87 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0883 QR 0.0901 % 0.55 0.42 $ 105.11 SL Re ...... QR 0.0286 QR 0.0291 YTD% 5.68 5.10 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1618.46 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0472 Volume 10,730,806 11,050,593 Straits Times/D 3382.29 12.39 0.37 3405.09 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0418 QR 0.0426 Value (QAR) 335,801,098.51 338,937,355.54 $ 103.36 Trades 4,300 4 , 6 6 4 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4017 QR 0.4098 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77 Up 24 | Down 14 | Unchanged 01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 06-05-2013

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 1210.55 -19.25 56375 Chola Invest-B/D 268.35 -0.3 2124 Himat Seide-B/D 32.65 -0.1 3374 Klg Systel-B/D 9.5 -0.4 1225 Saur.Cem-B/D 20.75 -0.35 2300 Legal & Genera/D 178.7 3.9 17821192 Aarti Drugs-B/D 178.65 -0.05 1231 Cipla-A/D 404.1 2.8 52885 Hind Motors-B/D 9.39 0.36 78290 Kopran-B/D 13.73 -0.06 6251 Thirumalai-B/D 94.85 -0.2 5475 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 54.13 -0.21 138858911 Aban Offs-B/D 319.1 12 193716 City Union Bk-/D 54.4 0.55 36621 Hind Org Chem-/D 11.94 0.13 4753 Lloyd Metal-B/D 12.98 1.08 2704 Timexgroup-B/D 12.99 0.03 51687 Marks & Sp./D 414.8 7.3 3359084 Aegis Logis-B/D 142.2 -1.3 1400 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1338.95 -7.95 3631 Hind Unilever-/D 573.3 0.9 134554 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 14.05 -0.5 28775 Tinplate-B/D 41.1 0.1 9904 Next/D 4417.0325 36 747956 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 107.85 0.65 2052 Colgate-A/D 1511.15 2.2 12445 Hind.Petrol-A/D 302.95 -1.15 62394 Lupin-A/D 698.9 -6.65 32007 Ub Engineer-T/D 20.8 0.1 1616 Pearson/D 1167.82023 2 2513752 Alembic-B/D 20.1 0.75 55044 Dai-Bichi Kar-/D 41 1.75 5638 Hindalco-A/D 101.5 3.45 960412 Mah.Seamless-B/D 221.25 2.7 10562 Ucal Fuel-B/D 55.7 -0.35 3033 Prudential/D 1162.32 37 7991078 Alok Indus-B/D 9.61 0.06 681530 Dhampur Sugar-/D 43.35 -0.15 23367 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 851.4 -3.55 51972 Mangalam Cem-B/D126.6 1.7 4393 Ucal Fuel-B/D 55.7 -0.35 3033 Rank Group/D 170 0 97469 Andhra Paper-B/D 199.6 -0.85 21433 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1992.75 -8.25 4780 I F C I-A/D 30.95 0.95 2504382 Maral Overs-B/D 12.66 -0.08 3077 Unitech P -A/D 28.7 0 4186345 Rentokil Initi/D 93.35 -0.15 5216006 Apollo Tyre-A/D 99.65 0.75 330515 E I H-B/D 60 -0.05 5612 Idbi-A/D 87.7 -1.4 257992 Mastek-B/D 128.85 0.7 3126 Univcable-B/D 31.1 1.05 1952 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1140 13 2586617 Asahi I Glass-/D 52.15 2.55 13357 E.I.D Parry-B/D 146.2 -1.4 11700 India Cement-B/D 86.8 1.4 141764 Max India L-A/D 226.2 3.75 19761 Rsa Insrance G/D 110.92 -0.8 13093239 Ashok Leyland-/D 22.6 0 110194 Eicher Motor-A/D 3168.8 40.75 1122 India Glycol-B/D 138.4 -0.35 3436 Mrpl-A/D 47.6 0.55 65202 LONDON Sainsbury(J)/D 388.92204 4.8 4567595 Ballarpur In-B/D 17.15 -0.2 96390 Electrosteel-B/D 16.9 -0.3 104577 Indian Card-B/D 100 0.05 1535 Nahar Spg.-B/D 76.25 1.2 6653 Schroders/D 2371.8931 48 499220 Banaras Bead-T/D 32.1 1.5 1220 Emco-B/D 20.15 0.3 14531 Indian Hotel-A/D 56.6 0 21946 Nation Alum -A/D 34.85 -0.15 73884 Severn Trent/D 1821.4901 -4 579795 Bata India-A/D 776.3 3.2 37716 Escorts-B/D 62.75 1.05 160716 Indusind-A/D 473.4 5.1 123813 Navneet Pub.-B/D 57.95 0.05 3968 3I Group/D 334.0881 1.3 1975857 Smith&Nephew/D 748.5 -0.5 1347238 Bayer Crop-B/D 1171.2 19.4 1570 Essar Oil-A/D 75.8 1.3 839190 J.B.Chemical-B/D 77.55 -0.45 27768 Nepc India-B/D 2.11 0.01 4478 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1936.8987 -6 1197003 Smiths Group/D 1255 10 791705 Beml Ltd-B/D 167.15 7.35 41669 Eveready Indu-/D 17.65 0.25 25973 Jagson Phar-B/D 10.1 0.02 2150 Nrb Bearings-B/D 38.35 -0.45 200932 B Sky B/D 857.41539 9 5865164 Standrd Chart /D 1657 10 3284946 Bhansali Eng-B/D 21.05 -0.45 1851 F D C-B/D 89.6 0.15 1788 Jbf Indu-B/D 110 2.95 6547 O N G C-A/D 318.7 -5.4 229001 Barclays/D 295.0877 7.2 65694549 Tate & Lyle/D 847.068 1 953260 Bharatgears-B/D 39.7 -0.15 1513 Federal Bank-A/D 448.1 0.75 15845 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.47 0.02 13612 Orchid Chem-B/D 64.65 0.5 59551 Bg Group/D 1145.8721 15 6354688 Tesco/D 367.7909 1.7 12336355 Bhel-A/D 193.1 1.6 455646 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.26 -0.1 14132 Jct Ltd-B/D 0.89 0 25986 Orient.Carb.-B/D 95.65 -2.35 1827 Bp/D 468.1185 5.05 19237128 Unilever/D 2792 14 2352694 Bom.Burmah-B/D 124.85 2.05 20800 Finolex-B/D 119.3 19.85 565759 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 2.76 -0.01 5301 Orient.Carb.-B/D 95.65 -2.35 1827 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3628.5 -5.5 1739500 United Util Gr/D 740.5 1.5 2817605 Bombay Dyeing-/D 84.7 1.15 79701 Gail-A/D 339.75 3.4 50942 Jik Indust-B/D 0.9 0 5159 Oudh Sugar-B/D 18.1 0.3 2294 Bt Group/D 275.52776 -4.1 14361869 Vodafone Group/D 193.1 -0.15 91384982 Cable Corp.-B/D 18.95 0.25 1250 Gammon India-B/D 22.05 0.3 13614 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 112.9 1.85 20727 Radico Khait-B/D 127.3 1 41640 Centrica/D 376.1029 4.2 7233882 Whitbread/D 2642.1782 36 743164 Canfin Homes-B/D 153.1 0.05 4068 Garden P -B/D 48.8 0.8 3086 Jmc Projects-B/D 77.15 1.1 1102 Rallis India-B/D 136.95 0 32701 Gkn/D 279.8 3.6 5280235 Castrol Ind-A/D 328.25 -0.05 11241 Goodricke-B/D 132.75 0.9 2945 Kajaria Cer-B/D 224.65 5.95 6078 Rallis India-B/D 136.95 0 32701 Hsbc Holdings/D 715 2.8 16237517 Century Enka-B/D 114 0.55 1855 Goodyear I -B/D 284.4 5.1 15699 Kalpat Power-B/D 81.45 1.55 28383 Reliance Indus/D 395.9 6.4 158465 Imperial Tobac/D 2358 -12 1746401 Century Text-A/D 299.25 12.7 143250 Hcl Infosys-B/D 37.9 -0.2 12163 Kalyani Stel-B/D 44.95 2.2 47636 Ruchi Soya-B/D 66.75 0.3 8052 Kingfisher/D 329.7 6.2 11080938 Chambal Fert-B/D 48.05 -0.85 255513 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 8.71 0.12 458268 Kg Denim-B/D 14.8 0.27 3102 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 420.15 -6 85475 Land Secs Grou/D 882 8 1317563 TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Signed Muhammad Ali Thunder edge Grizzlies rarities to be NBA: Durant dazzles in Oklahoma City’s victory over Memphis auctioned LOS ANGELES: Memorabilia OKLAHOMA CITY, to get a stop. You hitting two free from boxing champion Oklahoma: Kevin Durant throws, it’s all good and congratu- Muhammad Ali’s rise to sport- scored 12 of his 35 points in lations -- but we’ve got to get a ing and cultural prominence, the fourth quarter yesterday stop right here,’” Durant said. including a signed training robe as Oklahoma City rallied for “And it kind of went in our and amateur boxing trophy, are a 93-91 win over Memphis in favor. We fouled them with a expected to fetch tens of thou- game one of their second round three and they missed a free sands of dollars in Los Angeles NBA Western Conference play- throw.” auction. off series. Oklahoma City will host game Julien’s Auctions said yes- Durant delivered the Thunder’s two of the best-of-seven series terday that it expects a signed final three baskets from the floor, today. The Thunder trailed by white training robe, worn by Ali including a go-ahead jump shot as many as 12 in the second half, in November and December 1981 with 11.1 seconds remaining that but Durant -- second to Miami’s while he prepared for his final gave Oklahoma City a 91-90 lead. LeBron James in the Most bout against Trevor Berbick, Oklahoma City’s Derek Fisher Valuable Player voting announced to sell for between $25,000 and had stolen the ball from the yesterday -- kept them in it, fin- $35,000 during a two-day auction Grizzlies’ Mike Conley to give ishing with game highs in points starting on May 31. Durant the chance. and in rebounds with 15 and Ali, 71, shot to international “We made a good defensive assists with six. recognition by winning the gold play,” Durant said of the sequence. Kevin Martin came off the medal in the light heavyweight “They have such a great team bench to score 25 points for the division at the Rome Olympics at defense, I just wanted to get up second straight game, after help- age 18. He later won the world as quick as possible and find a ing the Thunder oust the Houston heavyweight championship in shot. That was the only shot I Rockets in game six of their first- 1964 and became a socially con- could find. round series. Jackson finished scious cultural icon by refusing “My teammates did a great job with 12 points on four-of-eight to fight in the Vietnam War in of setting me up all game,” Durant shooting from the field. the 1960s. added. “I missed some easy ones ... Meanwhile, David West scored Also on offer from Ali’s early I was able to hit that one.” 20 points as the visiting Indiana career is a “Most Outstanding Reggie Jackson made two free Pacers rallied from a first-quar- Miami Heat’s forward LeBron James (centre) holds the trophy as he stands with head coach Erik Spoelstra (left) Boxer” trophy from the 1960 throws to stretch the lead to ter deficit to beat the New York and team president Pat Riley, after being named NBA Most Valuable Player at a ceremony in Miami, yesterday. American Athletic Union’s boxing 93-90 with 2.9 seconds left. Knicks 102-95 in game one of It was the fourth time in five years that the 28-year-old James had won the game’s most prestigious individual championships, which is expected But Jackson then fouled Quincy their second round play-off series award, elevating him among the sport’s greatest players. to sell for $20,000 to $30,000. Pondexter as he attempted a yesterday. A signed commemorative torch three-pointer, giving Pondexter All five starters finished in from the 1960 Rome Summer a chance to tie it from the free- double figures for the Pacers, Games is estimated to sell for throw line. who played with an edge but kept James near-unanimous MVP between $25,000 and $35,000. Pondexter missed the first of their composure to bring back The loquacious boxer signed his three foul shots, with less than memories of the Indiana teams NEW YORK: The NBA made panel and a fan poll conducted a Los Angeles Laker in 2001 -- in the torch’s light blue cannister two seconds to play. of the 1990s that battled hard it official yesterday, announcing on NBA.com that counted for receiving all but one first-place as Cassius Clay, his birth name “I told Reggie when he made against their New York Eastern Miami Heat superstar LeBron one vote. vote. and Muhammad Ali, the name he those free throws, ‘We have got Conference rivals. James was a near-unanimous “It is probably a writer out of “He deserves it,” teammate adopted in 1964 after joining the “We did a good job of taking choice as Most Valuable Player, New York that didn’t give me the Ray Allen said. “What he’s done Nation of Islam. NBA Results advantage of our shots and finish- earning the award for a second vote,” James said. “I know the for this team, we’ve come to The items are from the collec- ing around the rim,” said power straight year and fourth time history between the Heat and expect so many things. He set tion of Harlan Werner, a longtime WASHINGTON: Results yesterday from the forward West of the Pacers, who overall. the Knicks so I get it.” the bar so high, but what he does memorabilia dealer and former second round of the NBA play-offs (all series outrebounded the Knicks 44-30. James’s victory in the voting James received a total of 1,207 is miraculous.” agent for the Ali family. best-of-seven): “We were attacking, we were had been widely reported since points in the balloting, with James joins legends Michael Other Ali items up for auction Western Conference aggressive.” Friday, although when asked Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, are autographed boxing trunks, In Oklahoma City The Pacers squared off against about it the player himself had a distant second with 765 points Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill globes and photos of the boxer Oklahoma City 93 Memphis 91 the Knicks three consecutive urged reporters not to “jinx” him and the New York Knicks’ Russell as MVP award win- with other American sports (Oklahoma City lead series 1-0) years beginning with the 1993 by jumping the gun. Carmelo Anthony third with 475 ners at least four times in their heroes, including long-time box- Eastern Conference post-season then again between He needn’t have worried. points and one first-place vote. careers. ing rival Joe Frazier, baseball Hall 1998-2000. Centre Roy Hibbert James garnered 120 first-place No player has ever been “It is very humbling. I am just of Famer Joe DiMaggio and bas- In New York finished with 14 points, eight votes from a possible 121 which a unanimous winner. James trying to leave my mark and ketball star Magic Johnson. Indiana 102 New York 95 rebounds and five blocks in the included a 120-member media matched Shaquille O’Neal -- as impact,” James said. AFP REUTERS (Indiana lead series 1-0) best-of-seven series. AFP NHL: Penguins Haas wins Federer raring to go down Islanders in Munich at in overtime after two-month break UNIONDALE, NEW YORK: The Pittsburgh Penguins the age of 35 MADRID: Roger Federer (pic- to have a proper court here now. bounced back from their home tured) believes his two-month “I think this year, from what disappointment and dished out MUNICH, Germany: break from competing on the I’m hearing from the players, it’s a their fair share to the suddenly Tommy Haas may be 35 but ATP Tour will help him as he good quality court and the players shocked New York Islanders . his weekend Munich title has prepares for a hectic few months are happy. In the process, hope- All it took was Sidney Crosby moved him up to 13 in the rank- between now and the US Open fully we’ll see better tennis this and a very powerful power play to ings -- a five-year high -- with in September. year.” do the trick. the eloquent German showing The 17-time Grand Slam win- World number one Novak Chris Kunitz scored his second few signs of slowing down. ner last played in Indian Wells Djokovic joined in the praise of man-advantage goal of the game Haas captured his 14th tour where he was hampered by a back the new courts, but refused to get 8:44 into overtime, off the third title in Munich, but had it not injury as he went out to Rafael drawn into a debate over whether assist of the day by Crosby, and been for a series of crippling inju- Nadal in the quarter-finals. he was favourite to lift the title the Penguins rode a slew of ups ries, the former world number “It took me a little time to get in the Spanish capital or at the and downs yesterday en route to two could have had many more. over my back issue from Indian French Open next month. a 5-4 victory over the Islanders And he knows it. Wells, but at the same time, that The Serb dethroned Nadal after that gave top-seeded Pittsburgh “Perhaps I can go on now and clashed with my vacation anyway, an eight-year reign at his last out- a 2-1 lead in the first-round play- win another title this year,” said which was okay,” he told a press ing in Monte Carlo, prompting off series. The Islanders came in Haas, whose next assignment is conference ahead of defending many to believe he could complete still enjoying the positive effects of this week’s Madrid Masters. his Madrid Masters the career Grand their 4-3 comeback win on Friday Haas beat defending champion title. Slam at Roland in Pittsburgh that gave them a Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-6 “Now I feel good. Garros where his surprising split of the first two (7/3) in yesterday’s all-German Obviously extremely Spanish rival is a games of the Eastern Conference final, becoming the first 35-year- excited about being record seven-time series. AGENCIES old to win a title since Fabrice back on tour and champion. Santoro in Newport five years ago. entering all the “The court is It was his 10th appearance in tournaments from great. The one NHL Results the Bavarian capital, and his vic- here through to where I practiced Pittsburgh 5 New York 4 tory on Sunday came 13 years the US Open really, is great. I haven’t (Pittsburgh lead the best-of-seven series by 2-1) after he lost the 2000 final on his Germany’s Tommy Haas (right) holds his trophy after beating his com- so it’s going to be a practiced on the debut. patriot Philipp Kohlschreiber in their final match at the ATP tennis long stretch and you centre court yet, Chicago 2 Minnesota 3 In the years between, Haas has tournament in Munich, Germany, yesterday. want to be ready for but I’ll try to do (Chicago lead the best-of-seven series by 2-1) suffered a succession of hip, shoul- it.” that tonight to get Montreal 1 Ottawa 6 der and elbow injuries, missing all Federer seemed a little feel about (Ottawa lead the best-of-seven series by 2-1) of the 2003 season and most of the who also has American citizen- so I gave myself a little bit of extra to be the least it,” said Djokovic. Vancouver 2 San Jose 5 2010 campaign. ship, an 18-7 match record this pressure. affected by the con- “But also from In 2004, his ranking even plum- year having reached the San Jose “When I was serving for the troversial blue clay the opinions of the (San Jose lead the best-of-seven series by 3-0) meted to 1,086. final in February when he lost to match, he played aggressive, came used at last year’s event where he other players I can hear only posi- But last year, Haas was named Canada’s Milas Raonic. up with some good shots, and was went on to win for a record third tive comments, so it’s great to see Baseball Results ATP Comeback Player of the Year He then claimed a famous scalp rewarded for it. time in Madrid. that.” Minnesota 4 Cleveland 2 before finishing the season as the in Miami in March when he beat “Then I told myself to get into But he welcomed the change First up though Djokovic could Oakland 5 NY Yankees 4 oldest player in the top 50. world number one Novak Djokovic the tie-break and play it as well back to the traditional red clay face a tricky first round opponent “It’s a sensational feeling to on his way to the semi-finals. as you can, because I didn’t want and joined Nadal in describing the in Grigor Dimitrov who took a Toronto 10 Seattle 2 be quite honest,” said Haas as he The third-seed in Munich, Haas to play a third set against him, surfaces at the Caja Magica as the set off Nadal before losing in the Atlanta 9 NY Mets 4 reflected on Sunday’s win. served for the match at 5-4 in the having served for the match.” best they have ever been. Monte Carlo quarter-finals last Washington 6 Pittsburgh 2 “It was another one of those second set, but Kohlschreiber dug This was the fourth ATP title “There was a lot of criticism month. Kansas City 6 Chicago White Sox 5 milestones that I hoped for, to deep to break back, before Haas Haas has won on German soil about the colour, about the qual- The world number 29 faces St Louis 10 Milwaukee 1 maybe win this title one year. started strongly in the tie-break having twice won the Halle tour- ity of the court as well, being Spanish qualifier Javier Marti Cincinnati 7 Chicago Cubs 4 “To have done that, this late in and clinched victory on his second nament, beating Djokovic in the extremely slippery,” said the in the first round, and Djokovic my career, is a big highlight for match point. 2009 final, then Roger Federer in world number two. expects a tough test should the Miami 14 Philadelphia 2 me. Every time you win a title, it’s “I knew it was going to be tough,” last year’s title match, having also “I don’t know if that was due to Bulgarian get through. Texas 4 Boston 3 a reflection of putting everything said Haas, as Kohlschreiber had won the 2001 Stuttgart crown. the colour, but this tournament “I’ve played him in Indian Wells Baltimore 8 LA Angels 4 together the whole week. won the 2007 and 2012 Munich Kohlschreiber admitted Haas has in the past had issues with and he’s very talented player. He Detroit 9 Houston 0 “It doesn’t happen that often. titles. deserved his win. the quality of the court. I think has the capacity to play at a very, San Diego 5 Arizona 1 You’re really proud of those “He was looking for his third “You have to acknowledge his through what happened last year very high level. He’s an all-round Tampa Bay 8 Colorado 3 moments.” crown and it was maybe my last performance,” said Kohlschreiber, with the controversy around the player, and he has showed it,” said San Francisco 4 LA Dodgers 3 Victory in Munich gave Haas, opportunity to win the title here, six years Haas’ junior. AFP blue clay, it was a big eye opener Djokovic. AFP TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Team Sky choose Froome Rookie Ernst beats Lynn in over Wiggins to lead Tour bid

PARIS: Chris Froome, and not last year’s winner Bradley play-off at Quail Hollow Wiggins, will be Team Sky’s leader on the Tour de France, the British team’s head Dave Brailsford said yesterday in Sudden-death par nets first PGA Tour victory for the American ending months of speculation. “As always, the team selection is a management decision and it CHARLOTTE, North brought Ernst a wealth of oppor- will be evidence-based. However, Carolina: Rookie Derek Ernst Wells Fargo tunities. It qualified him for next it is crucial there is clarity of pur- crowned a fairy tale week by week’s Players Championship, two pose and, for that reason, we will parring the first hole of a sud- Championship World Golf Championships, the go to the Tour with one leader,” den-death play-off yesterday to CHARLOTTE, North Carolina: Leading PGA Championship, next year’s Brailsford said on Team Sky’s beat Briton David Lynn and win final-round scores on Sunday in the US PGA Tournament of Champions and website (www.teamsky.com). the Wells Fargo Championship Tour $6.7m Wells Fargo Championship at the Masters. “Taking that into considera- at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, Quail Hollow (x-won at first playoff hole, USA He had entered the tourna- tion and given Chris’s step up in North Carolina. unless noted, par-72): ment ranked 1,207th in the world. performances this year, our plan, Ernst, 22, who sank a four- 280 x-Derek Ernst 67-71-72-70, David His path to victory was paved as it has been since January, is to foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole Lynn (ENG) 71-68-71-70 in part by Mickelson’s troubles in have him lead the Tour de France to tie for the lead, won his first 281 Phil Mickelson 68-67-73-73 the closing holes. team.” PGA Tour title with a tap-in par 282 Lee Westwood (ENG) 70-68-72-72, Mickelson, who double-bogeyed Wiggins, whose primary target at the par-four 18th after Lynn, Robert Karlsson (SWE) 69-72-69-72 the par-five 15th and bogeyed 17 this season is the Giro d’Italia, runner-up at last year’s PGA 283 Kyle Stanley 74-68-73-68, Bo Van Pelt in the third round, held a one- won the Tour last year after it Championship, got into trouble 74-70-68-71, Kevin Streelman 68-72- shot lead entering the last three had been made clear by Sky’s off the tee in sudden death. 71-72, Ryan Moore 67-75-68-73 holes, known as the Green Mile, management that he, and not fel- “It feels incredible,” Ernst said before stumbling again. low Briton Froome, was the sole in a greenside TV interview. “It’s pocketing a winner’s prize of more “I’m pretty bummed out. I leader on the race. just unbelievable. This feeling is than $1m. thought this was one I had in Froome expressed frustration incredible. My heart’s beating a Phil Mickelson led by a stroke control. Then I bogeyed 16 and on the bike as he at times looked million miles an hour.” going into the last three holes but 17, there’s just no excuse,” said a capable of beating his leader, fin- Entering the field as the fourth bogeyed 16 and 17 to fall one shot frustrated Mickelson, who has ishing second overall, but after alternate, Ernst won his maiden short of joining the play-off. The finished fifth or better four times the race Wiggins said he would title in his eighth start on the big left-hander finished third at at Quail Hollow but has yet to repay his lieutenant in 2013. tour this year. The Californian’s seven-under 281 after a 73. win. Last week, Wiggins fuelled the previous best finish was a tie for Ernst and Lynn both shot final For the 39-year-old Lynn, it speculation again by saying that 41st at the 2012 Frys.com Open. rounds of two-under-par 70 to tie was his second top-10 finish of the he was considering a Giro/Tour Lynn hit his tee shot on the at eight-under-par 280 on a wet, season, following a tie for fourth double. playoff hole into deep rough on chilly day that brought golfers out at the Honda Classic. It prompted Froome to issue a the banks of a creek on the left, at 6:45 a.m. in hopes of beating Two strokes off the pace at personal statement in which he put his second shot into a green- the stormy weather forecast for six-under were Englishman said he was to lead Team Sky on side bunker and then overshot the later in the day. Lee Westwood (72) and Robert the Tour, which starts on June 29 green. His chip ran eight feet past With some players pulling out Karlsson of Sweden (72). in Corsica. the cup, allowing the American to before the event due to damaged At five under par were Froome has enjoyed a solid win with par. greens at Quail Hollow after Americans Kevin Streelman, start to the season, winning the Ernst won with steady ball- unseasonably cold weather, Ernst Ryan Moore, Bo Van Pelt and Tour of Oman, The Criterium striking, a smooth putting stroke got his Wells Fargo invite and Kim Stanley, one shot better than International and the Tour de and some brilliant play at the headed to Charlotte instead of to a group of six that included world Derek Ernst of the US holds the trophy after winning the Wells Fargo Romandie. 18th, the hardest hole of the week. a Web.com Tour event in Georgia. number two Rory McIlroy of Championship PGA golf tournament at the Quail Hollow Club in Wiggins has been less dominant He had totaled $28,255 in PGA Besides the immediate balm Northern Ireland and England’s Charlotte, North Carolina, yesterday. than last year. AFP Tour earnings this year before to his bank account, the victory Ross Fisher. AFP Paolini wins Kerr lifts LPGA Kingsmill title Giro third stage WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia: who carded a 67. Americans LPGA Kingsmill Cristie Kerr parred the second Angela Stanford and Stacy Lewis MARINA DI ASCEA, Italy: hole of a sudden-death play- were tied on 275, Stanford with Championship Luca Paolini won the third stage off yesterday to win the LPGA a final-round 69 and Lewis a 70. WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia: Leading of the Giro d’Italia to take the Kingsmill Championship ahead World number one Park In-Bee final-round scores yesterday at the LPGA overall leader’s pink jersey fol- of Norway’s Suzann Pettersen. of South Korea finished alone in Kingsmill Championship (x-won play-off at lowing the 222km ride from Cristie Kerr Pettersen hadn’t made a bogey sixth place after a 67 for 276. 2nd hole, USA unless noted, par-71): Sorrento to Marina di Ascea holds the all day, notching four birdies in It was the second straight year 272 x-Cristie Kerr 66-71-66-69, Suzann yesterday. champion- a four-under par 67 to join over- the Kingsmill Championship was Pettersen (NOR) 68-69-68-67 In a bunch sprint for second ship trophy night leader Kerr on 12-under determined in a playoff. In 2012, 274 Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) 64-71-73-66, place former Tour de France Lee Il-Hee (KOR) 69-69-69-67 after winning par 272. Shin Ji-yai beat Paula Creamer winner Cadel Evans edged out 275 Angela Stanford 68-68-70-69, Stacy the Kingsmill Kerr, a winner at Kingsmill in in a nine-hole epic that finished reigning Giro champion Ryder 2005 and 2009, had four birdies on Monday after darkness halted Lewis 68-68-69-70 Hesjedal as the overall favour- Championship 276 Park In-Bee (KOR) 68-72-69-67 at Kingsmill and two bogeys in a 69 to main- play. ites finished in a small group tain a share of the lead and force On Sunday, Kerr and Pettersen 279 Ryu So-Yeon (KOR) 67-71-73-68 16sec back. Paolini took over the Resort in the playoff. played the 18th hole for both 280 Gerina Piller 72-71-71-66, Anna leader’s jersey from countryman Williamsburg, Kerr said she was motivated by playoffs. Nordqvist (SWE) 70-72-70-68, Salvatore Puccio of Team Sky, Virginia, having family in the gallery. Kerr missed a five-foot birdie Sandra Gal (GER) 68-69-73-70 who was distanced on the final yesterday. “It’s the first time my dad got attempt on the first extra hole to 281 Paula Creamer 69-70-74-68, Choi climb. to see me win, so it’s really spe- force the second playoff hole. Na-Yeon (KOR) 69-73-70-69, Amy The Katusha rider now leads Yang (KOR) 69-72-71-69, Caroline cial for me,” said Kerr. “I wasn’t The American hit her second Hedwall (SWE) 68-73-70-70, Katie from reigning Tour de France going to lose, not today, not with shot to about 20 feet from the Burnett 68-70-71-72 champion Bradley Wiggins by my dad here.” cup while Pettersen’s second shot 282 Alison Walshe 69-70-74-69, Chella 17sec with the latter’s Sky team- Thai teenager Ariya rolled off the back of the green. Choi (KOR) 70-73-68-71, Lizette mate Rigoberto Uran Uran third Jutanugarn, who had seized the Pettersen’s third halted 15 feet Salas 72-71-65-74 on the same time as his team first-round lead on Thursday with short of the pin. 284 Julia Boland (AUS) 73-71-70-70, leader. The big winners were a scintillating 64, finished strong Kerr tapped in on her second Tseng Ya-ni (TPE) 69-72-71-72, Evans and Hesjedal who needed to with a 66 to share third on 274 put for her 16th career LPGA Karrie Webb (AUS) 70-71-70-73, Mo make up time after losing chunks with South Korean Lee Il-Hee, Tour title. AFP Martin 68-72-70-74 on Sunday’s team time-trial. AFP Kentucky Derby winner Orb to tackle Triple Crown

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky: The far. It’s been quite, quite a thrill.” longest and most gruelling of the at Saratoga.Mylute, which fin- connections of Kentucky Derby McGaughey said Orb was being three races. The Kentucky Derby ished fifth under jockey Rosie winner Orb have already set flown to New York yesterday and is 1 1/4 miles. Napravnik, was a strong pos- their sights on trying to com- would remain there before being The field for the Preakness will sibility to take on Orb in the plete the Triple Crown after moved to Baltimore next week to not be decided until just a few Preakness as long as the horse their colt pulled up well from his finish off his preparations for the days before the race but only a was not fatigued. victory in the first leg. Preakness. handful of the 19 horses who con- “We need a couple more days to Shug McGaughey, the It has been 35 years since a tested the Derby are expected to think about it,” said Todd Quast, Kentucky-based trainer of Orb, horse last completed the Triple back up. the general manager of the farm wasted no time declaring his Crown. That was Affirmed in 1978 Trainer Dallas Stewart, who which owns Mylute. intentions to run the three-year- and the wait for another horse prepared the Derby runner- “When he came out of the Orb trainer Shug old in the remaining two legs. to win the three races has been up Golden Soul, said his horse Louisiana Derby he was so high McGaughey holds Speaking to reporters outside agonising. was unlikely to race in the that we worked him back eight the Kentucky Derby the winner’s barn at Churchill Last year, I’ll Have Another Preakness. days later. If he comes back with trophy after his horse Downs on Sunday morning, won the Kentucky Derby and the “At this point, I think we will that kind of energy we have to won the running of McGaughey said he was already Preakness to renew hopes, but pass on the Preakness and look seriously look at it.” the 139th Kentucky thinking about the next two races, was scratched on the eve of the at the Belmont,” Stewart said. Doug O’Neill, who won last Derby horse race at the Preakness Stakes on May 18 Belmont and never raced again. “That would give us five weeks year’s Preakness with I’ll Have Churchill Downs in and the Belmont Stakes on June What makes the Triple Crown and hopefully we can get one of Another, said he would saddle Louisville, Kentucky, 8. so difficult to win is the makeup the three (races in the Triple up Goldencents in the Preakness “I’m looking forward to getting and timing of the three races. Crown series).” even though the colt was well on Sunday. the process going again and seeing They are each held in different Revolutionary, which finished beaten in the Kentucky Derby. what happens and go from there,” states, over different distances, third for trainer Todd Pletcher, Goldencents, which won the McGaughey said. during a span of five weeks. And was also skipping the Preakness Santa Anita Derby, was among “I said last week that I wished the winner invariably faces differ- to save himself for the Belmont, as the favorites to win the Run For it had happened to me earlier so I ent opposition each time. was his stablemate Overanalyze. the Roses, but struggled in the didn’t have to worry about it any- It is not uncommon for the Normandy Invasion, which led wet and muddy conditions and more, but I’m not sure I believe horses which finish close behind the field turning for home and finished 17th. that now. the winner in the Preakness (1 finished fourth, will not race in “We’re a go for the Preakness,” “Yesterday was quite a day 3/16 mile) to save themselves the Preakness either and was O’Neill declared. REUTERS and today’s been quite a day so for the 1 1/2 mile Belmont, the being aimed at the $1m Travers TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

West manages 12th place in Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah tough battle at Anthony is seen in this West, the file photo taken QMMF earlier this Jerez circuit Racing year. Al Attiyah Team tops a bumper JEREZ, SPAIN: QMMF Racing Team rider Anthony rider, is entry for this seen with weekend’s West scored a hard-fought twelfth place at the Spanish QMMF Jordan Rally, Grand Prix on Sunday. President round three of The 31-year-old Australian not Nasser the FIA Middle only struggled with a lack of front bin East Rally end feel and a lack of rear grip on Khalifa Al Championship. his Speed Up bike, but also had a Attiyah, frustrating encounter with rival in Jerez, Simone Corsi, who pushed West Spain, on off the line early on in the race. Sunday. Even though, West was happy with the overall result, especially since he and his team learned more about the remaining set- up issues with his Speed Up pro- totype that will be addressed in Qatar’s Al Attiyah a two-day-test in Portugal next week. Espargar0 still managed to get “I was tenth or eleventh on The race of West’s young team- ahead of his immediate opponent the first lap and I felt comfort- mate Rafid Topan Sucipto was Nakagami to score third place, able enough on the bike to try and also full of unexpected events. but Sucipto nevertheless went to catch the two guys in front of me,” When the 18-year-old from his garage straight after the race the Australian said. leads Jordan field Jakarta, Indonesia, got lapped to apologize. “I was just getting into the towards the end of the race, he “I didn’t have the best start, but rhythm of the race when Corsi didn’t realise that Pol Espargaro I was able to get back into a simi- passed me. It was not a clean The 42-year-old set to defend his title was right behind him and held the lar position from where I started,” move, he pushed me wide off the Spaniard up for three corners. West said later. track and as a consequence, I lost contact to the two guys in front DEAD SEA, JORDAN: the World Rally Championship Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Italy on of me. The whole race I could see Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (WRC) for the Qatar World Rally the provisional list. them, they were just there, but I tops a bumper entry for this Team. Among those hoping to Australia’s couldn’t catch them. It was the weekend’s Jordan Rally, round In shooting, Al-Attiyah won dethrone the Qatari are the Anthony best pace I could do with the bike three of the FIA Middle East the bronze medal in the men’s 2004 regional champion Sheikh West because it didn’t feel as strong as Rally Championship, which skeet event at the 2012 Summer Khalid Al Qassimi, current takes I expected it to be. I really strug- starts from the Martyr’s Olympics in London. WRC 2 front-runner Abdulaziz a bend gled a lot,” he added. Memorial in Al Hussein Sports Jordan Motorsport has Al-Kuwari – fresh from confirm- during “I don’t have enough grip on the City on Thursday evening. attracted 30 entrants from eight ing a stunning category win in the Sunday’s corner exits, which is why Tom Al Attiyah is the defending countries for what has become Rally of Argentina last weekend Spanish got me in the end – he just opened regional champion and will also be the most popular event in the - and the rapid Lebanese driver Grand the throttle and pulled away. We hoping to retain the Jordan Rally regional calendar. Roger Feghali. Prix in know what our issues are, which title he secured last October at Purpose-built gravel special Teams carry out their first day Jerez. is why we are going to test in the Dead Sea. stages and the stunning back- of authorised reconnaissance of West, Portugal (today and tomorrow), The Qatari has a 14-point lead drop of the Dead Sea, the Jordan the special stages in the Dead Sea who is trying to fix them and to return in the series after securing wins River and the Baptism Site give area today morning before com- stronger at Le Mans,”he said. QMMF in both Qatar and Kuwait and a this event a truly historic appeal pleting their ‘recce’ tomorrow. Sucipto, who finished in 28th Racing seventh win in Jordan would give and it was one of the most popu- The official pre-event press place, said: “When Takaaki the Ford driver a 48th regional lar rounds of the FIA World Rally conference will take place at the Team’s Nakagami came from behind, I rally win and set him well on the Championship (WRC) for three headquarters of telecommunica- chief realised what was happening and road to a ninth MERC title. years with top drivers and media tions company Zain on the 8th pilot, I let him pass, but I was unaware Al Attiyah, 42, is a Qatari rally alike. Circle in Amman from 17.30hrs finished of Pol Espargaro being so close driver and shooter. Eleven Jordanian entrants tomorrow evening. the Moto2 as well. It was an unintentional He won the Production World join Al Attiyah and three other Several leading drivers will join race in mistake not to let him overtake Rally Championship (PWRC) drivers from Qatar, seven from event officials, sponsors and the 12th spot. straight away, so I went to his in 2006 and the Dakar Rally in the UAE, three from Lebanon, media at the conference. garage after the race and said 2011. He currently competes in two from Kuwait and one from THE PENINSULA sorry.” THE PENINSULA

Jordanian, QOC gets set to organise ‘Sport Palestinian Ooredoo, QFA launch Excellence Day 2013’ at Katara DOHA: Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), the country’s governing schools join sports body, will organise the ‘Sport Excellence Day 2013’ event at Katara on May 21. trophy tour ‘The People’s Cup’ The annual sports gala will be organised to honour the best ath- letes, sport officials, institutions and government and non-government DOHA: The Emir Cup foot- DOHA: Ooredoo has joined the organisations for their contribution in boosting the sport movement ball trophy tour continued list of sponsors and partners of during the season 2012-2013. its journey and stopped by at the Qatar Football Association Senior QOC officials, heads of sport clubs, federations and honou- the Jordanian and Palestinian (QFA) by becoming the main rees will come together to celebrate the roles played by members of schools yesterday. telecommunications partner the community, QOC said yesterday. Sponsored by Ooredoo, the for the Emir Cup, the country’s QOC, in coordination with the Qatar Sport Press Committee (QSPC), trophy was taken to both schools most popular football event. will announce the winning names later this week. and the children were ‘thrilled’ As part of the company’s goals Awards will be given in the following titles: to finally get a chance to see the to promote sports in the com- Appreciation Award for the personalities who delivered significant trophy. munity, the partnership was services to Qatar sport movement, sport best sponsor award (govern- The trophy’s journey will con- launched under the slogan, ‘The ment bodies), sport best sponsor award (companies), golden club award tinue to different schools across People’s Cup’ to encourage fans (General Excellence Shield), ideal club award, appreciation award for Doha in the coming days. to attend and watch the matches. best national company involved in sport projects in the country, golden The students of the Jordanian Ooredoo has a host of activi- federation award, ideal federation award, sport creativity award and and Palestinian Schools gathered ties in place in different loca- the best school award (Schools Olympic Program). around and took photos with the tions across the city to promote A total of seven schools (secondary, preparatory, primary and model trophy. the tournament and to bring fans (boys and girls) are included in the list. The tour included a small wel- closer to the action. Other awards include: coming reception in celebration Two types of activities will take The best team award (men), best team award (women), best team of the arrival of the Cup to the place from May 8 to 17, between Khalid Al Kuwari (left), Director of Marketing and Communications, award (clubs), best athlete award (men), best athlete award (women), schools. 4pm and 7pm, in Landmark, QFA, is seen with Mustafa Al Qatami, Director, Branding and Corporate best athlete award (junior-male), best athlete award (junior-female), Khalid Al Kuwari, Director of Villaggio and Souq Waqif, offi- Communications, Ooredoo, at a press conference in Doha yesterday. best athlete award (mechanical sports), best athlete award (beach Marketing and Communications cials said. sport and futsal), best coach award (national), best coach award (pro- of QFA, said: “The school trophy The first event will be a schools fessional), best administrator award (men), best administrator award tour is part of our overall plan tournament of players between 7 of sports-themed games at Also, after the final, Ooredoo (women), best referee award, best camel trainer award (open races to involve the community and we to 10 years old, which will take PlayStation booths in Villaggio will host a prize draw for the fans – Sheikhs), best owner award (general races – tribes) and the best believe starting the tour in the place in Landmark. and Souq Waqif, as well as take at the stadium, with the chance player award ( people with special needs). THE PENINSULA schools is a good way to imple- The winning teams will enjoy part in a range of competitions to win incredible prizes. ment our plan.” amazing prizes. and contests. The winning con- Mustafa Al Qatami, Director, He added: “We have witnessed The second activity will enable testants will also receive great Branding and Corporate Al Gosaibi to continue as head of a very positive response by the fans to play an exciting range prizes. Communications, Ooredoo, said students of the schools we visited yesterday: “Ooredoo is standing Qatar Badminton Association and hope to see the students enjoy shoulder-to-shoulder and build- the fun-packed programmes that ing a stronger relationship with our sponsors have organised. We Qatar’s sports fans by supporting DOHA: Hisham Al Gosaibi (pic- The Board Members of QBA also hope to see the students in the Emir Cup. We are proud to tured) will continue as President include Talal Al Mawlawi, Gamal the stadiums.” sponsor this most popular sport- of the Qatar Badminton Rasmi, KO George and Ishaq Round four of Emir Cup ing tournament, because it is the Association (QBA), Murtada Al Hashemi. matches will take place tomorrow last event of the season and we the Qatar Olympic Al Gosaibi was first (May 8) at Al Arabi Stadium and want to encourage the fans to Committee (QOC) nominated as President Al Sadd Stadium. The first two attend the games and cheer on said yesterday. of the then newly matches will be played between the sides.” The QOC has also re- formed QBA in 2011 Al Khor and Al Rayyan, whereas, Ooredoo is one of the country’s constituted the Board and since then has been Umm Slal will take on hosts Al most prominent supporters for Members of QBA, functioning as its head, Sadd at 5:15pm tomorrow. national and international sport- which will be headed till his re-nomination. The same day (Wednesday), ing events. by Al Gosaibi, through Al Gosaibi is also Al Khraitiyat battle Lekhwiya Ooredoo, formerly known as a decree issued by QOC the General Secretary while Qatar SC take on Eljaish Qtel, is Qatar’s leading commu- General Secretary of Qatar Squash at 7:45pm. nications company, delivering Sheikh Saoud bin Federation (QSF) and “There will be even more excit- mobile, fixed, broadband Internet Abdulrahman Al Thani has had been associated ing trophy tours coming up in the and corporate managed services recently. with QSF for the last build-up to the final match on The teaching staff and kids at the Palestinian School pose with the Emir tailored to the needs of consumers The term of the Board several years, a press May 18,” Al Kuwari said. Cup trophy in Doha yesterday. and businesses. Members and the President will release said yesterday. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA be for the 2013-16 season. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Ribery eager Barca inch closer to title to extend Bayern Striker Lionel Messi turns supersub as Barcelona beat Real Betis contract MADRID: Lionel Messi came BERLIN: France wing Franck off the bench to move Barcelona Ribery has said he is eager to within two points of clinching extend his Bayern Munich con- the La Liga title with a 4-2 win tract past 2015 having already over Real Betis at Camp Nou on spent nearly six years at the Sunday. Champions League finalists. Dorlan Pabon and Ruben Perez The 30-year-old joined Bayern had twice given the visitors the Barcelona’s in July 2007 from Marseille lead in the first-half either side of Argentinian and has scored 51 goals, with 74 Alexis Sanchez’s equaliser. assists, in his 154 league games for forward However, after David Villa had the Bavarians to become a fans Lionel Messi once again levelled the scores, it favourite at the Allianz Arena and was unsurprisingly left to Messi celebrates his was a key factor in Bayern win- to decide matters as within three first goal during ning their 23rd German league minutes of coming on he fired in a the Spanish title. wonderful free-kick and then was league football He told German magazine on hand to tap home at the end of match against Kicker he would be happy to a flowing move involving Sanchez Real Betis extend his stay in Munich. and Andres Iniesta. at the Camp “I’d be glad to! I am very happy “The important thing is to go Nou Stadium here. If it is possible to sign a out as league champions,” Sanchez in Barcelona new contract, why not?” he said told Canal Plus afterwards. on Sunday. as he prepares for his second “We have to go game by game, Barcelona won Champions League final with fighting for the victories, but the 4-2. Bayern on May 25 at Wembley. fundamental things is to win the Ribery has been in superb form league whenever it may be. this season on the left wing, scor- “When Messi comes on he ing eight goals in the Bundesliga, offers a lot to the team. It moti- he was outstanding in Bayern’s vates us to play together and it is 3-0 win at Barcelona in the obvious that he is an important Champions League semi-final, player, but (whether he starts second leg. or not) are decisions that I don’t It was his pass across goal know.” which Barcelona’s Gerard Pique However, following the Bayern teed up perfectly by Iniesta and as he took advantage of incred- ball back across goal for Messi to turned into his own net for defeat, Barca again started in the Xavi before placing his side-footed ibly slack Betis defending to head roll into an empty net. Dortmund get Bayern’s second goal and he sup- worst possible fashion as a goal effort too close to Adrian after home Dani Alves’ cross before Elsewhere, Real Zaragoza plied the lofted cross for Thomas kick from Jose Manuel Pinto was Cristian Tello had cut the ball being replaced by Messi. moved out of the relegation zone half a million Mueller to head home the third headed back towards the Barca back from the byline. And it took the World Player with just their second win of 2013 to seal Bayern’s 7-0 semi-final win goal by Jorge Molina and avoided Tello was then desperately of the Year just three minutes to as two goals from Antonio Apono on aggregate. everyone on its way through to unlucky as he cut in from the make his mark on the game with and another from Rodri handed ticket requests Last week, Bayern’s director Pabon who finished confidently left and rocketed a shot that came a sumptuous free-kick that curled them a comfortable 3-0 victory of sport Matthias Sammer said into Pinto’s right-hand corner. off the underside off the bar that into Adrian’s top left-hand cor- over Rayo Vallecano. for final he wants to tie up Ribery with a The lead only lasted six min- didn’t quite fully cross the line on ner. That goal ensured Messi con- Mallorca are now four points longer deal with the new contract utes as Iniesta turned wonderfully its way back out. tinued his streak of scoring in 21 from safety with just four games DORTMUND: Borussia expected to be signed soon. on the left and delivered a tanta- However, Betis were back in consecutive league games and he remaining though as they could Dortmund have received REUTERS lising ball into the middle which front two minutes before half- so nearly repeated the trick with only managed a 1-1 draw at home more than half a million Sanchez bulleted home with his time as Perez found the top cor- another free-kick that struck the to Levante. ticket applications for the Cavani takes his head to register his sixth league ner with a glorious strike from bar nine minutes later. In the day’s other match Champions League final goal of the season. fully 30 yards. But the Argentine soon did between two sides with outside against Bayern Munich, Napoli tally to 101 Villa then passed up two The game was turned on its have his second of the evening hopes of European football next the Bundesliga club said incredible chances to give Barca head again within 15 minutes of thanks an outrageously good season, a first-half blitz from yesterday. NAPLES: Edinson Cavani the lead as he inexplicably blazed the restart though as Villa finally Barca move as an Iniesta backheel Sevilla saw them beat Espanyol Borussia, who have an aver- scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over from six yards after being got his name on the scoresheet released Sanchez and he laid the 3-0. REUTERS age home attendance of around over Inter Milan to take his goal 80,000, said 502,567 fans had tally to 101 in a Napoli shirt and applied for tickets online before reinforce second place in Italy’s Sunday’s deadline. Serie A on Sunday. “It’s absolutely crazy,” said Juventus earlier secured their Silva dismissed as French the club, adding that a draw 29th title with a 1-0 win over would be made to determine Palermo which guaranteed the who would get the 24,042 tick- Turin giants a place in next sea- ets the club has been allocated son’s Champions League for the for the match on May 25. second consecutive season. giants PSG are held at home The two finalists have been Napoli, meanwhile, appear allocated 50,000 tickets for about to follow in the champi- PARIS: Ten-man Paris Saint- the final at London’s Wembley ons’ footsteps after a 21st win of Germain blew a chance to effec- Stadium, even though the total the season which restored their tively wrap up their first Ligue Paris Saint- capacity will be 86,000. seven-point lead over AC Milan, 1 title since 1994 on Sunday as Germain Prices start at £60 per ticket who are third with three games they were held to a 1-1 draw at coach Carlo and go up to £330 for the top remaining. home to Valenciennes. category, a shock for German Napoli now need three points Ancelotti (left) Gael Danic put the visitors fans used to much lower prices to cement the runners-up spot, argues with ahead on 17 minutes, while PSG for Bundesliga matches. but coach Walter Mazzarri said: captain Thiago Silva was shown referees after Fans could end up pay- “We’re not taking anything for a controversial first-half red card the French ing more for a ticket for the granted. There are still three at Parc des Princes before Alex Ligue 1 match Wembley final than they do points to pick up. earned Carlo Ancelotti’s side a against FC for a season ticket at home in “We’ve garnered 17 more points point late on. Valenciennes Germany where modern sta- than last season, which speaks The result saw PSG, who own at the Parc diums have low-cost standing for itself. But we were up against a far superior goal difference to des Princes areas. REUTERS a Juve side that was out of this that of second-place Marseille, Stadium in world,” Mazzarri said. REUTERS have their lead at the top trimmed Paris, France, to seven points with three games on Sunday. remaining, while Valenciennes The match Women can make a stayed 12th. ended in a 1-1 Ancelotti hit out at the decision draw. to red card Silva. difference at FIFA: Dodd “In world football, the team that has more possession has SYDNEY: The introduction of a female seat on FIFA’s executive fewer bookings and red cards. But committee is a significant step in gender inequality being eradi- not us. Here it is the opposite,” Pujol, but Lindsay Rose almost well placed to haul PSG level after tell protesting teammates he had cated from the game and not a token position, Australian candidate said Ancelotti. gave the visitors a dream start as lifting the ball over the advanc- been pushed by the defender. Moya Dodd has said. “I think the referees in France his glancing header from Danic’s ing Penneteau only for the Swede Earlier, Lyon remained on A female seat on the executive committee was first proposed by FIFA are very severe. I don’t think Silva free-kick flashed just past Nicolas to try an ill-advised flick that track to qualify for next season’s President Sepp Blatter in 2011 before being adopted a year later with deserved to be sent off.” Douchez’s far post. allowed the visitors to clear. Champions League after cruising the first election due to take place this month. The fallout from last week’s Javier Pastore forced Maxwell then fired a volley past relegation-battling Nancy Dodd, a former player, commentator and current lawyer, is up for ill-tempered victory at Evian left Valenciennes ’keeper Nicolas into the side netting shortly after, 3-0. the role but faces competition. Ancelotti without first-choice Penneteau to tip over, but it was while Penneteau spread himself Meanwhile, Nancy remain one Also in the running are New Zealand’s Paula Kearns, Sonia Bien- goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu and the away side that broke the well to deny Ezequiel Lavezzi. point clear of the drop zone with Aime of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Lydia Nsekera, the President midfielder Marco Verratti, while deadlock just past the quarter PSG’s hopes were dealt a seri- three games remaining after their of the Burundi Football Association, who has been the co-opted member David Beckham was also forced hour as the deputising Douchez ous blow as Silva was dismissed six-game unbeaten streak came of FIFA ExCo since 2012. to watch from the stands with palmed Vincent Aboubakar’s three minutes before half-time to an end. Nice strengthened The successful candidate will be decided by a vote at the FIFA Thiago Motta still suspended as 25-yard strike right into the path following an altercation with ref- their quest for European football Congress in Mauritius on May 31 and Dodd believes whoever wins the well. of Danic, who unerringly steered eree Alexandre Castro in which next season, climbing to fourth, seat on the all-powerful board, which rules on the sport’s significant A hamstring injury ruled out the rebound low into the corner. the Brazilian placed his hands following a 3-0 victory at slump- issues, must seize the opportunity. Valenciennes’ top scorer Gregory Zlatan Ibrahimovic appeared on the official, who appeared to ing Rennes. REUTERS “For me personally it would be a very significant step. I hope that whoever takes the seat makes a real tangible contribution and I sup- pose exceeds expectation as to what she can contribute,” Dodd said. “There are some absolutely outstanding women in football globally, Sudan to host regional tournament some aspiring, very competent women and it would be great to see that contribution happening in the FIFA ExCo, the top table of world NAIROBI: Sudan’s war-torn regions of headquarters. Officials from Cecafa -- the noting the decision to take the tournament football.” Darfur and South Kordofan will host next Council for East and Central Africa Football there followed a move by the Sudan Football FIFA has faced accusations of sexism in the past. In 2004, Blatter month’s Cecafa Club Cup football champion- Associations, a regional football tournament Federation to spread the game in the restive drew outrage when he suggested women footballers should wear tighter ships, with at least 13 teams due to travel to for league champion teams -- has identified states. So far 13 teams, including defending shorts. In March, anti-corruption expert and member of FIFA’s reform the rebel-hit regions, officials said yesterday. two venues in El Fasher, the capital of North champions Yanga of Tanzania, have confirmed committee Alexandra Wrage accused the world governing body of ‘bla- “We are looking forward to staging the Darfur state. they will take part. tant sexism’ after she said an unnamed FIFA official told her that it tournament there between June 18 and July In addition, a 20,000-capacity stadium This year will mark the tenth year since was not acceptable for a woman to hold such a role in the organisation. 2,” said Cecafa secretary Nicholas Musonye, is nearing completion in Kadugli, the state violence broke out in Sudan’s western Darfur She resigned in April. Dodd said that women had long faced struggles who led a fact-finding team to the region last capital of South Kordofan. Musonye said he when non-Arab rebel groups took up arms at all levels in the game but that the newly-created role was not an week to inspect the facilities. was confident the venues would be ready and against the central government in Khartoum. attempt by FIFA to plaster over past sexism accusations. “The two states are very determined they suitable. Various conflicts persist in Darfur: rebel- Blatter was in Kuala Lumpur to see Dodd elected unopposed to will organise a very successful event,” he told “We will make a second inspection visit government clashes, inter-Arab and tribal the role of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) vice president last reporters, speaking in Nairobi, the Cecafa’s on May 17 for a final assessment,” he added, fighting as well as carjackings. AFP Thursday. REUTERS TUESDAY 7 MAY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Stage set for IAAF Diamond League show in Doha Javelin star Japanese teen Thorkildsen sprinter wants enjoys a horse ride! DOHA: In 2004, at age 22 to go under 10 Andreas Thorkildsen dared to fight against javelin throw giants likes Jan Zelenzy and Steve Backley at the Athens Yoshihide Kiryu targets 9.96 Olympic Stadium and not only he stood on an equal footing but he also managed to add his TOKYO: Japanese teen sprint name to the list of honour which sensation Yoshihide Kiryu features all Olympic Games gold (pictured), the joint junior medalists. 100m world record holder, has Yesterday, in Doha at age 31 the revealed his target time for Norwegian two-times Olympic the season is 9.96 seconds after Champion came face to face with writing the figure on a school another tough task that he had blackboard. to cope with - ‘equestrian javelin The 17-year-old said he wrote throw’. goal on the athletics facility board Although he hadn’t ridden at his high school after clocking a horse since his childhood, the record equalling time of 10.01 Thorkildsen accepted with pleas- seconds in a domestic race last ure the challenge to throw a jave- Monday. lin while riding a proud Arabian “I’ve written it off the top of breed horse at Al Shaqab, Qatar’s my head,” Kiryu told reporters famous equestrian center. after finishing third in at the “I suppose they gave me Seiko Golden Grand Prix, the an “easy” one to ride” cheer- third leg of the 15-round IAAF ful Thorkildsen said after the World Challenge series, in Tokyo photo-shooting and right before on Sunday. he enjoyed a tour at Al Shaqab’s “Often times, I surpass my tar- Norwegian javelin star state-of-the-art facilities. gets after writing them without medallist Atkins have personal Andreas Thorkildsen Thorkildsen (born 1 April 1982) thinking much.” bests under 10 seconds. is seen during his is a Norwegian javelin thrower, The athletics team use the “The season has just begun. I visit to Al Shaqab, born in Kristiansand. board at Rakunan High School want to work hard and run under Qatar’s famous He is the first male javelin in the ancient city of Kyoto to 10 seconds by the second half of equestrian centre, in thrower in history to be European declare their aims. the season,” Kiryu said. After bat- Doha. The 31-year-old champion, world champion and If Kiryu were to run that fast, tling for the lead in the first 50 poses with a javelin Olympic champion. he would break Japan’s national metres he said he started to look while riding a horse He was Olympic champion in record of 10.00 seconds, and at the other runners and could (pictured right) during 2004 and 2008, European cham- become the first native Asian to not focus on his lane. his visit. The first pion in 2006 and 2010, World dip under the 10-second barrier. “This is an issue I have to solve male javelin thrower Champion in 2009 as well as a Kiryu said he wrote 10.30 on hereafter,” he said. in history to be three time silver medalist at the the board before setting a new Japan’s national record was set World championships in 2005, European champion, under-18 world record of 10.21 in by Koji Ito in 1998. Ito’s time was 2007 and in 2011. He set a world world champion and October last year, which he low- the Asian record until 2007 when junior record in 2001. He has a ered to 10.19 a month later. Nigerian-born Qatari Samuel Olympic champion personal best of 91.59m set in 2006 A headwind of 1.2 metres per Francis streaked over the line in at the same time, will Injury-free Thorkildsen feels second spoiled his bid to break 10 9.99. be seen in action at confident ahead of the upcoming seconds on Sunday in his inter- The 10-second barrier has this Friday’s IAAF season but he is even more posi- national debut. He clocked 10.40 been broken by only about 80 Diamond League tive in succeeding in equestrian with American Mike Rodgers male runners, nearly all of them opener to be held at javelin throw. first in 10.19 and the Bahama’s of West African descent, since Qatar Sports Club. “We have just invented a new Derrick Atkins second in 10.24. American Jim Hines clocked 9.95 sport, so I guess I am the best in Both 2009 US champion at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. the world,” joked Thorkildsen. Rodgers and 2007 world silver REUTERS THE PENINSULA

Sammy pledges Lack of focus cost us Ajmal targets commitment to the match, says Dhoni Gayle in skipper Bravo CHENNAI: MS Dhoni, the Chennai Super Kings captain, BRIDGETOWN: CMC) Out- has put his side’s crushing loss to Mumbai Indians down to Champions going West Indies one-day cap- a lack of focus following their seven-game winning streak in tain Darren Sammy has pledged IPL 2013. Trophy his “unwavering commitment” The batting in the chase of 140, Dhoni said, was “a comedy as he hands over to successor of errors”. ABBOTTABAD: Wily Dwayne Bravo for next month’s “Before the match our coach Stephen Fleming was a bit wor- Pakistan off spinner Saeed Champions Trophy in England. ried about us being complacent. I think that was on the cards Ajmal vowed yesterday to target The 29-year-old Sammy was after winning seven games in a row. Mentally we were not into West Indian swashbuckler Chris replaced Saturday by Bravo, with this game at all,” Dhoni said after the game. “We should have Gayle when the two sides meet the West Indies Cricket Board got 140. There was a comedy of errors, especially, in the batting in the Champions Trophy next citing the need to “freshen” the department.” month. leadership of the ODI side in view Super Kings folded for the lowest score in IPL 2013, bowled out Pakistan is currently featuring of their recent results, reports for 79 in the 16th over. The Mumbai Indians bowlers were very in a tune-up camp in Abbottabad, CMC. efficient, but several of the batsmen threw away their wickets. where US forces killed Osama bin “I congratulate Dwayne Bravo While it was a nightmare evening for the team, Dhoni said he Laden two years ago, a hilly town and give him my full support as was happy they were shaken up at this stage of the tournament. hoping to match conditions in he leads the ODI team and he “I think it was a good wake-up call for us,” he said. “With a England where the eight-nation can be assured of my unwaver- few more games to go, we got it at the right time.” Trophy will be played from June ing commitment to the team and Coach Fleming reflected Dhoni’s thoughts. 6-23. The 35-year-old Ajmal our plans to be champions of One “It was the first day in the tournament which we would like anchors Pakistan’s spin depart- Day cricket,” said Sammy, who is to forget,” Fleming said. ment in the tournament where currently playing in the Indian “I guess the positive part about this defeat is that it happened they face the West Indies in their Premier League (IPL). now. Four more games are left (for Super Kings in the round- opening group B match at The Sammy led the side for three robin stage) and it’s a pretty long tournament to maintain your Oval on June 7. years, winning 19 matches and standards. “The way Gayle has been play- losing 30. “But winning seven in a row was a pretty good effort. The ing it is amazing,” Ajmal told Under him, West Indies drew nature of the competition is such that it [winning eight con- reporters. “We are looking at with Australia 2-2 in a thrilling secutive games] has not been done before. There is a reason for the videos of his batting because five-match series last year and that because getting up every day, performing well and being we have a match against them also trounced New Zealand 4-1. consistent is tough work. Today we were not just good enough and hopefully we will have no He also led them into the quar- to do that.” problems.” ter-finals of the 2011 World Cup Both Dhoni and Fleming agreed that Super Kings’ bowlers Pakistan will also face South in the Asian subcontinent. did a good job. “The way we started the match was fantastic. We Africa on June 10 and arch- Bravo, who has already led also got wickets at regular intervals,” Dhoni said. rivals India on June 15 -- both at West Indies in 10 ODIs, thanked “(Dwayne) Bravo bowled really well. It was a mistake on my Birmingham. Sammy for his contribution and part that I didn’t give him another over. Having said that, death Defending champions Australia, said he was hoping to bring a bowling still remains a concern.” England, Sri Lanka and New dynamic brand of cricket to the Fleming said the pitch was a bit different from the usual Zealand feature in group A. Top side. offerings in the IPL, but that did not justify his team’s implosion. two teams from each group will “To be named captain of the “It was a little different to what we have been playing on. The qualify for the semi-finals. West Indies one-day team is spongy nature of the Mumbai wicket made stroking the ball a bit “Whether the batsman is a left- one of the highest honours and difficult. There wasn’t a lot of sideways movement or lot of spin. hander or right-hander, the ball I am truly humbled to have been Just the nature of the bounce was a bit different to any other is in our hand, the bat is in their appointed to this most prestig- pitch. But that’s not an excuse for being bowled out for 70-odd.” hands. We have to bowl them out ious position,” he said. “I am really For the second time in the tournament, R Ashwin received a to go forward and we are going looking forward to the opportu- rather baffling promotion up the order. there with a positive mind. There nity to lead a great team that has In the game against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, are eight teams and, hopefully, we a combination of young talent and Ashwin opened with Super Kings chasing 120. Here, with Super will win.” experienced players. I must say Kings 18 for 4, he came out at No. 6 ahead of Dhoni. Ajmal, who has 71 wickets -- congratulations to Sammy in his Fleming said that decision was taken to try to stabilise the the second best in all Twenty20 leadership of the team and I am innings before the finishers came in. cricket behind countryman Umar very happy to be taking over from “Ashwin is a capable bat. The most important thing was stop- Gul (72) -- hopes to perform in him. I am even happier that he ping the wickets. the English conditions. remains in the team.” “In not chasing a big total, it did not matter wasting two- “I have to work hard because In 137 ODIs, Bravo has scored Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the Chennai Super Kings skipper, in action during his three overs. We have faith in Ashwin and thought if he can get batsmen hit hard from the word 2311 runs at an average of nearly team’s IPL match against Mumbai Indians in Mumbai on Sunday. Mumbai Indians a 10 to 20-run partnership going with Hussey it may change the go so its important to bowl well 23.82 and has taken 160 wickets won by 60 runs, handing Chennai their first loss in eight games. game with the likes of Dhoni and (Ravindra) Jadeja to come,” and I am working hard on that,” at 30 runs apiece. IANS the former New Zealand skipper said. AGENCIES said Ajmal. 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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Sharapova advances in Madrid Raonic bemoans errors after narrow win against Davydenko; Stosur crashes out

MADRID: Maria Sharapova survived a sticky start to ATP and WTA move into the second round of the WTA Madrid Open yes- Madrid Open terday with a 7-5, 6-2 win MADRID: Results from the third day of the over Alexandra Dulgheru of ATP and WTA Madrid Open yesterday (x Romania. denotes seeding): The Russian, who won the Women’s singles French Open on clay last year, First Round brought a 16-match winning Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) bt Silvia Soler streak on the surface into Madrid (ESP) 6-1, 6-1 and was strongly favoured to Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) bt Samantha coast past a player who has been Stosur (AUS x9) 7-6 (9/7), 6-2 dogged by knee injuries. Christina McHale (USA) bt Peng Shuai(CHN) But she struggled at times in 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 the first set before finding her Maria Sharapova (RUS x2) bt Alexandra range in the second. Dulgheru (ROM) 7-5, 6-2 It had all been about adjust- ing to the dirt surface and the Second Round particular demands of playing in Angelique Kerber (GER x6) bt Alize Cornet Madrid, Sharapova said. (FRA) 6-4, 6-2 “I feel like in the last week I’ve Sara Errani (ITA x7) bt Sorana Cirstea really had to adjust to the differ- (ROM) 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 ent circumstances and the envi- Laura Robson (GBR) bt Agnieszka ronment a bit,” she said. Radwanska (POL x4) 6-3, 6-1 “When I got here it was really Men’s Singles cold and the ball and the court First Round were really heavy. “A few days have passed and it’s Daniel Gimeno (ESP) bt Feliciano Lopez like a whole ‘nother tournament. (ESP) 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 “For me, it’s just been about Kevin Anderson (RSA) bt Jesse Levine adjusting when you play indoors (CAN) 6-2, 6-2 for over a week and you get back Denis Istomin (UZB) bt Xavier Malisse (BEL) here and see the sun for the first 6-3, 6-2 time. It’s a bit of an adjustment. Kei Nishikori (JPN x14) bt Jurgen Melzer “The altitude as well. So I think (AUT) 6-3, 6-2 there are a lot of things that come Milos Raonic (CAN x12) bt Nikolay into playing when you’re playing Davydenko (RUS) 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) here.” Florian Mayer (GER) bt Marinko Matosevic The stakes are high for (AUS) 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 Sharapova in Spain as she could John Isner (USA) bt Guillermo García-López regain the world number one Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova returns the ball to Romania’s Alexandra Dulgheru during their first round match of the Madrid Open tennis (ESP) 7-5, 7-6 (10/8) spot from Serena Williams if tournament at Caja Magica tennis centre in Madrid, central Spain, yesterday. RIGHT: Nicolas Almagro of Spain waves to the spectators after winning Nicolas Almagro (ESP x11) bt Tobias Kamke the results go her way. Williams the match against Germany’s Tobias Kamke. won through in straight sets on (GER) 6-4 abandoned Sunday and the two could face off in the championship match at the Samnatha Stosur as she lost 7-6 on Saturday to Anastasia while former world number one mistakes” after the Canadian 12th up a second-round clash against end of the week. (9/7), 6-2 to home hope Carla Pavlyuchenkova of Russia. Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, seed squeaked past former world unseeded Spaniard Fernando If Sharapova and Williams Suarez Navarro. Poland’s fourth seed Agnieszka seeded third, was scheduled to number three Nikolay Davydenko Verdasco.“I’ve just got to clean up safely won through to the second The 2011 US Open champion Radwanska also bowed out, play later against Pavlyuchenkova. 7-5, 7-6 in the opening round. crucial mistakes, take care of my round, the same could not be said was competitive in the first set, beaten comprehensively 6-3, 6-1 In early action in the men’s Raonic, at 22 almost 10 years serve, create a couple of oppor- of some of the other seeds. but, once she lost that on a tie- by fast rising 19-year-old Briton tournament, Japan’s 14th seed younger than his unseeded tunities on his serve and make Both Caroline Wozniacki of break, her game unravelled Laura Robson. Sixth seeded Kei Nishikori was too good for Russian opponent, managed one the most of them,” Raonic, look- Denmark and China’s Li Na and she was outplayed by the German Angelique Kerber came Jurgen Melzer of Austria winning break of the Davydenko serve ing ahead to the Verdasco match, crashed out on Sunday and yes- Spaniard, who lost the final of safely through with a 6-4, 6-2 at a canter 6-3, 6-2. Milos Raonic to secure the first set and edged said on the ATP website (www. terday saw the end for Australia’s the WTA tournament in Portugal win over Alize Cornet of France, said he needed to iron out “crucial the second-set tiebreak 7-5 to set atpworldtour.com). AGENCIES IPL: Miller guides Kings XI Punjab to victory

PUNJAB: A fine unbeaten boundaries during his onslaught overs. While Ravi Rampaul gave bowled both Gayle and Pujara century by David Miller gave that left the visitors stunned even Punjab first blow by dismissing and the visitors lost skipper Virat Kings XI Punjab a stunning after posting a big total. Shaun Marsh, Vinay Kumar got Kohli (14) cheaply after that but six wicket win over Royal Miller shared 130-run partner- rid of Mandeep Singh. de Villiers ensured that the good Challengers Bangalore in the ship for the fifth wicket with R AB de Villiers took a stunner to start does not go waste as he Indian Premier League (IPL) at Sathish (27). send back Marsh (6) at the score blasted his way to 38 with four the Punjab Cricket Association Kings XI Punjab were on back of 13. Mandeep scored 16 before fours and two sixes. (PCA) Stadium here yesterday. foot after losing early wickets getting caught behind. He collected 21 runs off the Miller struck an unbeaten after Royal Challengers Bangalore However, Miller turned the tide final over, bowled by debutant 33-ball 101 as Kings XI, while posted a massive 190/3. in Punjab’s favour with his quick- Michael Neser along with Moises chasing a target of 191, made 194 They were four down for 64 in fire knock. Henriques. David Miller for four with 12 balls to spare. ten overs. David Hussey (13) was Openers Chris Gayle and A tentative Pujara was slow of Kings XI The brutal southpaw slammed the fourth man to fall. He became Cheteshwar Pujara hit con- off the blocks but the marauding Punjab plays 38-ball-101 to help Punjab chase second victim of Murali Kartik trasting half-centuries as Royal West Indian was his usual aggres- a shot during down a huge 191 with two overs to who earlier dismissed Gurkeerat Challengers Bangalore amassed sive self. He hit gigantic sixes off his innings of spare as Bangalore lost the high Singh (20). an imposing 190 for three. Neser, as the two openers reeled 101 not out scorer by six wickets in Mohali. Punjab got off to a poor start as Pujara, playing his first match off 18 runs from South African against Royal Miller hit seven sixes and eight they were reduced to 25/2 in four of the season, and Gayle shared a paceman’s first over. Challengers 102-run stand to give their side a As if the Gayle bashing was not Bangalore Scoreboard rollicking start and AB de Villers enough, Pujara too got into the in their IPL came up with a 38-run cameo off act, scoring a hat-trick of bounda- match at the just 19 balls towards the end to ries off Gony in the next over as ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE S E Marsh c de Villiers b Rampaul ...... 6 Punjab Cricket C A Pujara b Gony ...... 51 Gurkeerat Singh lbw Kartik ...... 20 propel the side to a huge score. Bangalore raced to 58 for none Gayle’s 61 came off 33 balls with in six overs. Association C H Gayle b Gony ...... 61 D J Hussey c Henriques b Kartik ...... 13 (PCA) Stadium, V Kohli c Marsh b Awana ...... 14 D A Miller (not out) ...... 101 nine boundaries, including three Even Gayle’s mis-hits were yesterday. A B de Villiers (not out)...... 38 R Sathish (not out) ...... 27 sixes, while Pujara scored 51 off kissing the boundary ropes as he M C Henriques (not out)...... 16 Extras (B-4, LB-2, W-4, NB-1) ...... 11 48 balls and helped himself with raced to his half-century in 27 Extras (LB-5, W-4, NB-1) ...... 10 Total (for 4 wkts in 18 overs) ...... 194 eight shots to the fence. balls. Total (for 3 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 190 Did not bat: M G Neser, P P Chawla, P Kumar, Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla was Gony returned and was hoicked Fall of wickets: 1-102, 2-133, 3-144. M S Gony, P Awana. the best bowler to watch as he for a six by Gayle but he had his Bowling: P Kumar 4-0-28-0 (2w); P Awana Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-25, 3-51, 4-64. bowled a probing line and varied revenge when he uprooted Gayle’s 4-0-28-1 (1w); M S Gony 4-0-41-2; M G Neser Bowling: R Rampaul 4-0-27-1; R P Singh 3-0- his pace superbly to trouble the stumps in the next ball. That 4-0-62-0 (1nb); P P Chawla 4-0-26-0 (1w). 38-0 (1w); M C Henriques 3-0-29-0 (1w); R batsmen. He did not get a wicket wicket did affect the run-rate KINGS XI PUNJAB Vinay Kumar 4-0-48-1 (1nb); M Kartik 3-0-24- but conceded just 26 runs in his even as skipper Kohli and Pujara Mandeep Singh c A Karthik b V Kumar ...... 16 2 (1w); C H Gayle 1-0-22-0 (1w). four overs. took the side to 133 for one in 15 Manpreet Gony dismissed overs. AGENCIES