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Thursday 25 October 2012 9 Dhul-Hijja 1433 - Volume 17 Number 5498 Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Emir to receive Check-ups for Eid well-wishers

DOHA: The Emiri Diwan announced yesterday that the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin new workers in Khalifa Al Thani will receive the Eid Al Adha well-wish- ers at Al Wajbah Palace in the morning of the first day as fol- lows: Immediately after the Eid Industrial Area prayer and till 6:30am, the Emir will receive their excellencies the Sheikhs, the Ministers, the Advisory Council Speaker, the Less burden on Medical Commission undersecretaries, the Advisory Council members and the citi- : The health centre plans are afoot to shift it into new zens. From 6:30am to 6:45am, in the New Industrial Area premises after three years. the Emir will receive their excel- (NIA) plans to begin con- Although the capacity of the lencies the heads of the diplo- ducting mandatory health health centre is 500 patients a matic corps accredited to . checks on newly-arriving day, it handles almost double the From 6:45am to 7am, the Emir foreign workers from early number of workers who come for will receive the Army and police next year — a job the Medical treatment for various ailments. officers and the directors of state Commission (MC) carries out Initially, about 700 workers departments and national insti- at present. used to turn up for treatment tutions. The Emir will also receive Newly-arriving workers must but as days passed by the number after Asr (afternoon) prayer and undergo checks for diseases like swelled and went up to 950, said The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad till 3:30pm their excellencies the Aids, TB and Hepatitis in order Abdulmoaty. bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani with Egypt’s President Mohammed Mursi at the Egyptian presidency headquarters sheikhs and citizens. QNA to be eligible to get a residency The health centre operates in Cairo yesterday. During the meeting, the leaders reviewed bilateral relations and ways to boost them. permit. The Medical Commission from 7am until 9pm and its conducts such tests now. emergency section is open round- Eid prayers The section of mandatory the-clock. However, very critical Egypt in talks to buy Qatari LNG health checks would be annexed emergency cases are instantly to the health centre and would be transferred to the emergency unit at 5.55am handle about 400 workers a day, of Hamad Medical Corporation. DOHA: Egypt is negotiating meeting of the Emir H H Sheikh related to plots of land owned by DOHA: Qatar is all set to cele- thus taking some burden off the Depending on the severity of a with Qatar to import liquefied Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with Qataris in Egypt also came up for brate Eid Al Adha tomorrow. Eid Medical Commission. case, helicopter ambulances are natural gas (LNG) to help meet Egyptian President Mohammed discussion between the Emir and prayers will take place at vari- These will be the workers who also deployed to transfer emer- its growing requirements for Mursi. President Mursi. ous mosques and special prayer would be coming to be engaged gency cases to HMC’s emergency the clean fuel, especially to fire Qandeel told reporters that Decisions on some key issues grounds across the country at in projects located in the New unit, said Abdulmoaty. its power plants. And Qatar and issues like the situation in Syria, were taken in the meeting and 5.55am, the Ministry of Awqaf Industrial Area, said Dr Dawood Most emergency cases relate to Egypt have agreed to further Palestine and the Arab world also they included an agreement to and Islamic Affairs has said. The Abdulmoaty, the director of the brain haemorrhage, heart attack economic ties and accelerate came up for discussions between remove all obstacles in the way Ministry has arranged a total of health centre which is dedicated and accidents. The doctor said the process of investments. the two leaders, aside from issues of routing Qatari investments 277 mosques and prayer grounds to serving low-income foreign that sometimes workers come to Studies are under way to launch of mutual concern. into Egypt. It was also decided in different parts of the country workforce. The proposed move is the health centre for no rhyme the ambitious tourism project on The Egyptian premier described at the meeting to start working for the early morning prayers. Of part of the plan of the Supreme or reason as they might be try- the Mediterranean coast in East the visit of the Emir to Gaza as on the Qatari tourism develop- these 21 places will have special Council of Health to further ing to shirk work. The health Port Said in which Qataris are historic and said that as the Emir ment project in East Port Said, arrangements for women. All the decentralise the work of the centre has 27 doctors, 34 nurses, investing a staggering $18bn. already noted in his speech in Gaza the Egyptian premier disclosed. ministries, schools and govern- Medical Commission. 21 medical technicians and the This was disclosed yesterday on Tuesday, post-revolution Egypt “We are conducting the neces- ment departments will remain The health centre of the New emergency section has six medi- by Egyptian Prime Minister Dr played a role in facilitating his visit sary studies to launch the above closed today, with the beginning Industrial Area has been oper- cal technicians. Hisham Qandeel at a news con- to the Palestinian territory. projects,” the premier said. of official Eid holidays. ating for the past two years and THE PENINSULA ference in Cairo held following the According to Qandeel, issues THE PENINSULA See also page 4

Sudan accuses Israel of air raid Nearly 3 million flood Mina Syria undecided on as Haj begins ceasefire proposal MAKKAH: Hunderds of thou- sands of faithful left the holy city BEIRUT/CAIRO: Syria said commanders. “The final position of Makkah at dawn and headed yesterday that its military on this issue will be announced for the sites of Mina, Muzdalifah command was still studying a tomorrow,” a ministry state- and Mount Arafat as the Haj pil- proposal for a holiday cease- ment said. Brahimi later told the grimage started in earnest. fire with rebels - contradicting United Nations Security Council Attired in white, the believers, international mediator Lakhdar that Assad himself accepted the in buses, cars and on foot moved Brahimi’s announcement that truce. chanting “Labbaik Allahumma Damascus had agreed to a truce. The holiday starts today and Labbaik” (“Here I am, O Allah, The statement threw Brahimi’s lasts three or four days. Brahimi here I am”). Nearly 2 million pil- efforts to arrange a pause in did not specify the precise time grims have come from abroad for the bloodshed in Syria into period for a truce. Nor did the what is described as the largest even more confusion, as divided initiative include plans for inter- gathering of faithful in the world. rebel groups fighting to topple national observers, and rebel They will be joined by nearly one President Bashar Al Assad gave sources had earlier told Reuters million from within Saudi Arabia. The Yarmouk military factory in Khartoum in flames. Israeli missiles struck a military factory and killed two mixed messages. The prominent there was little point if it could Pilgrims from nearly 150 coun- people in the Sudanese capital. Evidence pointing to Israel was found among remnants of the explosives, Farooq Brigade, which operates not be monitored or enforced. tries are taking part in this year’s Culture and Information Minister Ahmed Bilal Osman said. “We reserve the right to react at a place and time out of the battered city of Homs, Assad’s forces and rebels are Haj. Among the countries that said it would cease fire. now locked in a battle with huge we choose,” he said. See also page 6 have sent the largest contingents The Islamist militant Al Nusra potential ramifications in the of pilgrims are India, Egypt, Front rejected the truce, saying northwest. Syrian warplanes Pakistan, Indonesia and Turkey. it is not a group “who accepts to carried out bombing raids yes- In the arid valley of Mina, play such dirty games”. A pre- terday on the strategic northern pilgrims will spend the night in Four militants killed; Libyan fighters seize Lebanon president vious ceasefire arrangement in town of Maarat al-Numan and government provided tents and April collapsed within days, with nearby villages while rebels sur- buildings. Many pilgrims also 70 rockets hit Israel control of Bani Walid for all-party talks both sides accusing the other of rounded an army base to its east, headed to Mount Arafat. breaking it. an activist monitor said. Five peo- Today, the Arafat Day, is the GAZA CITY: Tensions soared BANI WALID: Libyan pro- BEIRUT: Lebanese President Brahimi, the joint UN-Arab ple from one family, including a climax of the Haj, when pilgrims around Gaza yesterday after government forces yesterday Michel Sleiman is pressing for League special envoy, had criss- child and a woman, were killed ascend Mount Arafat, some 10km Israeli air raids killed four mili- seized control of Bani Walid, one all-party talks on forming a new crossed the to push in the air strikes, according to southeast of Mina, to spend the tants and Palestinian armed of the last bastions of Muammar government amid US pressure the warring factions and their Rami Abdelrahman, head of the day in prayer. The hilltop and the groups fired more than 70 rock- Gaddafi’s ousted regime, wit- for assurances the country will be international backers to agree British-based Syrian Observatory surrounding plain is where the ets at southern Israel, seriously nesses said. Hundreds of fight- free of Syria’s influence, his office to a truce during the upcoming for Human Rights. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) is wounding two people. ers, mostly former rebels from said. Lebanon has been in cri- holiday of Eid Al Adha - a mission Maarat Al Numan has fallen believed to have delivered his final The escalation began on Tuesday the rival town of Misurata, sis since police intelligence chief that included talks with Assad in to the rebels, effectively cutting Haj sermon. evening when militants fired six converged on the centre of General Wissam al-Hassan was Damascus at the weekend. “After the main north-south highway, a After sunset, the pilgrims head rockets at southern Israel. Israel Bani Walid, firing in the air killed on Friday in a Beirut car the visit I made to Damascus, strategic route for Assad to move to Muzdalifah, between Mina and immediately carried out twin air to celebrate and hoisting the bombing blamed on Damascus, there is agreement from the troops from the capital Damascus Arafat, where they collect stones strikes over northern Gaza, killing Libyan flag on abandoned pub- and opposition leaders have Syrian government for a cease- to Aleppo. to throw at the devil, one of the two militants from Hamas’s armed lic buildings, he said. Several demanded Prime Minister Najib fire during the Eid,” Brahimi told Opposition activists and Syrian last rituals which takes place wing, the Ezzedine Al Qassam rebel chiefs said the town was Mikati’s resignation. Mikati said a news conference at the Arab state media traded blame for the tomorrow and marks the first Brigades, and injured another “almost liberated,” with only a that he had accepted Sleiman’s League in Cairo. killing of at least 25 people, includ- day of Eid Al Adha, the feast of seven people, medics said, spark- few pockets of resistance left in request to stay on for the time Within an hour, Syria’s Foreign ing women and children, in the sacrifice. ing more rocket fire in response. its southern sector. being in the “national interest”. Ministry said the proposal was town of Douma near Damascus. AGENCIES See also page 7 See also page 7 See also page 7 still being studied by the military REUTERS THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Emir receives message from Yemeni President

The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with Yemen’s Prime Minister Mohammed Salim Basindwa at Al Wajba Palace yesterday. During the meeting the Yemeni Premier handed over a letter from Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, on bilateral ties and other issues of common concern. Cabinet hails Emir’s historic visit to Gaza DOHA: The cabinet has lauded impoverished Gaza Strip, mate- decision amending some provi- the historic visit of the Emir H rialise the Palestinian national sions of the decision No. 18 of H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al reconciliation and reiterate the 2011 naming the chairman and Thani, paid to the Gaza Strip on legitimate rights of the Palestinian members of the tax exemption Tuesday, affirming the visit, its people with their right to estab- committee and organising its significant outcomes and the lish their independent state with activities and defining its rewards; widescale welcome and applause the holy city of Al Quds as its cabinet’s draft decision on the ref- it has gained. capital, to the fore. ormation of two panels to evalu- This was stated by Deputy Later the cabinet considered ate the expropriated real estates Prime Minister and Minister of topics tabled on its agenda as for public benefit and defining State for Cabinet Affairs, H E follows: their functions; and cabinet’s Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud The ministers took measures draft decision on the reformation who chaired the weekly regular to issue a draft law amending of a central committee for griev- cabinet meeting held at the Emiri some provisions of law No. 10 of ances related to expropriating of Diwan here yesterday. 1987 concerning the State’s public real estates for public benefit and Following the meeting Al and private properties after tak- defining their functions. Mahmoud said the visit is also ing note of the Advisory Council The Cabinet also approved the regarded a tremendous boost related recommendation in this draft cooperation agreement in to the Arab and international regard. legal field between the govern- endeavours aiming to termi- The ministers also approved ments of Qatar and Grenada. nate the Israeli siege on the the following: The cabinet’s draft QNA

THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME President of Mali leaves Doha All set for Eid celebrations Eid prayers to be held at 277 mosques and prayer grounds

DOHA: Qatar is all set to cel- ebrate Eid Al Adha tomorrow. Eid prayers will take place at various mosques and spe- cial prayer grounds across the country at 5.55am, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has said. The Ministry has arranged a total of 277 mosques and prayer grounds in different parts of the country for the early morning prayers. Of these 21 places will have special arrangements for women. Some expatriate groups have also organised Eid prayers, with translation of the Eid ser- mon in their native languages. A large number of expatriates from the respective communi- ties are expected to attend such congregations. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning has urged people not to slaughter the animals outside the abattoirs set up by different municipalities. Animal sacrifice is an important ritual of Eid Al Adha. The Ministry has deployed inspectors to ensure that the The average prices of sheep ahead of Eid Al Adha this year are ruling at QR1,400—nearly twice the average of last animals are not slaughtered at year. However, despite soaring prices the demand for livestock, particularly sheep, has been soaring immensely. houses and public places, which Picture shows a sheep being taken out of a pick-up at the Central Livestock Market yesterday. ABDUL BASIT can pose risks to public health and hygiene. It has also launched a campaign to raise awareness on ensure that they comply with the remain closed today, with the witnessed heavy traffic jams last The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E this issue. health regulations. beginning of the official Eid holi- evening, with people going on a Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud with the President of the Republic Different municipalities have All these outlets are expected days in the country. shopping spree ahead of Eid. of Mali Dioncounda Traore at the Doha International Airport yesterday. also intensified inspections at to witness a huge rush during the Several private companies are All major shopping centres The Malian President was in Qatar on an official visit. groceries, hypermarkets, fruit Eid holidays. also starting their holidays from have come out with attractive and vegetable shops, restaurants, All the ministries, schools and today. promotions to win customers. barber shops and beauty salons to government departments will Many parts of the city THE PENINSULA Emir and Heir Apparent send greetings to Zambian President Attiyah, SFS-Q students discuss climate change DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have sent cables of congratulations to the President of the Republic of Zambia DOHA: Georgetown University on the occasion of his country's Independence Day yesterday. School of Foreign Service The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin in Qatar (SFS-Q) wel- Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani has also sent a similar cable to the President comed the Chairman of the of Zambia. QNA Administrative Control and Transparency Authority H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, to share his in-depth knowledge of Qatar’s environmental policy and international engagements in climate change negotiations, as part of SFS-Q’s Ethics: Environmental Politics course, yesterday at SFS-Q campus. Al Attiyah began his guest lecture by expressing his admiration for SFS- Q’s on-going commitment to preparing an insightful generation armed with the The Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah during ability to lead and make a his presentation at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar (SFS-Q) yesterday. change. He then went onto address the students growth and sustainable environ- current generations,” Al Attiyah and agreements, it is expected directly; talking about mental policies. said. As well as complementing to draw more than 17,000 peo- Qatar’s remarkable “Economic development and the student’s studies into climate ple to Doha as representatives of progress in making envi- the protection of the environ- change, the following insights 195 nations and more than 5,000 ronmental challenges ment are competing demands proved highly topical ahead of observer organisations. Drawing a top priority toward that must be reconciled with each Qatar’s hosting of COP18/CMP8 on his position as the President of human development, and other in order to ensure that the later this year; a key event in COP18/CMP8, Al Attiyah spoke most notably, the key task future generations can sustain the on-going work and negotia- about Qatar’s role as host coun- of combining economic the opportunities enjoyed by tions on climate change treaties try. THE PENINSULA

Mixed reactions to Aspire Zone’s Not many women are aware free marriage tent programme of AIDS prevention: Survey DOHA: Many nationals wedding halls and rent out DOHA: Not all women in Qatar believe it is justified for a husband have expressed mixed views them at a low price,” she fur- have heard of the deadly disease to beat his wife. This includes sit- on a move by the Aspire ther said. Aids and only 16 percent from uations when the wife goes out Zone Foundation and Qatar Hassan Al Hussai, another the age of 15 to 24 have compre- without informing the husband, Charity to set up marriage commentator said wedding hensive knowledge about HIV her neglecting the children, argu- tents for free of cost reported halls are one fact that delay prevention, says a survey. ing, refusing sex or burning food. an daily yesterday. marriage. But such initiative Among men, nine percent of Meanwhile, the survey found Aspire Logistics, one of the should be generalized in dif- those surveyed said that they have that 44 percent of children strategic business units of ferent residential areas. For never heard of Aids. from the age of two to 14 were Aspire Zone Foundation has someone living in Al Khor is This was disclosed in the pre- subjected to violent behaviour, signed an agreement with difficult to come to the Aspire liminary findings of the Qatar which included both psycho- Qatar Charity for this pur- for his wedding.” Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey logical aggression and physical pose. According to the agree- However, some Qatari (MICS) 2012 - an international punishment. ment, Aspire will build three nationals believe that many survey programme by Unicef. As per the findings, a higher big marriage tents with all nationals might not appreci- The survey was conducted by percentage of boys had expe- amenities. The marriage tents ate the initiative. Qatar Statics Authority (QSA), rienced this type of violent will be ready by December. “I don’t expect that many in collaboration with the Supreme discipline. Dr Ameena Al Anhail, psy- young Qataris will like this ini- Council of Health (SCH), as part For the use of tobacco, 17 per- chologist said: “One of the tiative, because they prefer to of the fourth global round of cent of men, starting from the reasons that are delaying have weddings in special halls, MICS survey (MICS4). age of 15, said they used tobacco marriages is the high expenses which suits family and social The report, which shows esti- products in the last month, which that go beyond QR200,000 in status. We don’t need tents for mates for both the Qatari and was between May and June. addition to other financial weddings; we need halls which expatriate households, says that Additionally, 94 percent of obligations. are cheaper than hotels,” said only two percent of young women people aged 15 to 49 said they are “The government should Suhad Al Kuwari , had accepting attitude toward somewhat or very happy with provide places to establish “Hotels costs around people with HIV, while the figure their lives. The overall satisfac- such marriage tents. These QR100,000 and some families was more or less the same among tion was connected with family initiatives should support insist to take weddings in spe- men at five percent. life, friendships, school, current and encourage marriages cific hotels in specific areas,” In terms of attitude toward job, health, living environment and national companies can Al Kuwari further said. domestic violence, the survey and treatment by others. play a role in this by building THE PENINSULA found that 16 percent of men THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 HMC announces new timings for Eid holidays Normal working hours to resume on November 4

DOHA: The Hamad Medical HGH Emergency Department. Women’s Hospital OPD Corporation (HMC) has Al Khor Hospital OPD Walk-in Clinic will be open from announced new timings of its Clinics will be closed, however October 28 until November 1 from various hospitals during Eid Al the Pharmacy will be open 24 9am to 1pm. Adha holidays, from today until hours for refill medication. The Newborn Screening Test will November 3. Emergency Section will also also be available today and from The Procedure Room at remain open. October 28 to November 1 from the Hamad General Hospital The Cuban Hospital OPD Clinic 8am to 1pm. The main Pharmacy Outpatient Department (OPD) and Pharmacy will be closed, will be open 24 hours. will be open today, October 27 however, the Emergency section The DOTS Clinic (Directly to October 30, November 1 and will be open. Observed Treatment, Short Ali Al Janahi, Chief of Business Services Group, with the award at the GITEX 2012 Technology Week in . November 3 from 7am until 3pm. Al Wakra Hospital OPD Clinic course – for supervised therapy The service of physicians will and Pharmacy will be closed but or medication) at Rumailah be available at the Medication the Paediatric Emergency Section Hospital will be open daily includ- Clinic at Level 2 today, October will remain open. ing weekends from 6am to 10pm. HMC receives coveted Oracle Excellence Award 31 and November 1 from 7am to The Day Care Chemotherapy The Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic 3pm. The HGH OPD Pharmacy Unit at the National Center will be open from October 29 to DOHA: The Hamad Medical implementation of the Oracle Janahi, Chief of Business Services will be open today, October 31 and for Cancer Care and Research October 31 from 10am to 12noon, Corporation (HMC) received E-Business Suite in Finance, Group, accepted the award on November 1 from 7am to 3pm. (NCCCR) will be open today while other clinics will be closed the prestigious Oracle excel- Supply Chain Management and behalf of HMC. The Heart Hospital OPD Clinic from 7am to 7pm. It will be closed during the holidays. lence Award at the GITEX 2012 Human Resources across the Oracle is a world-leading expert will be closed during Eid Holidays, tomorrow and on October 27 and The OPD Pharmacy will be Technology Week in Dubai Corporation. in delivering engineered systems while the Pharmacy will be open will be open during the rest of the open Sunday to Thursday from recently. Oracle provided HMC with a that are designed to deliver sig- only for discharge patients from holidays from 7am to 3pm. The 8am to 1pm. Normal working The Engineered Systems cutting edge technology to sup- nificant results of performance, 12 noon to 3pm from today until OPD Pharmacy will be open from hours at all the hospitals will Award was given to HMC’s port the software implementation, efficiency and profits for the November 1. In case of emergency, 7am to 3pm daily except Fridays resume on November 4. Health Information Systems and the Corporation is the first in organisations that have selected patients are advised to go to the and on October 27. THE PENINSULA Department for its phased the region to implement it. Ali Al this solution. THE PENINSULA

Iranian-American artist shows off Conservation gets boost with launch of QSN DOHA: The Qatar research. The network aims to Dr Rabi Mohtar, director of the Sustainability Network (QSN) inspire, inform, empower, and Qatar Environment and Energy ‘Neo-’ style at Katara expo was officially launched here educate to improve the quality Research Institute (QEERI) said: yesterday, that aims to collec- of life for future generations in “This new initiative highlights the DOHA: Katara recently opened tively enhance the culture of Qatar. QSN aims to become an importance of conservation and an exhibition by Iranian- research, science, and sustain- active platform for the advance- sustainability in Qatar.” American artist, Eric Parnes ability through active public ment of the science-based sus- To further improve an under- titled “I dream of Jeannie” at engagement. tainability agenda in Qatar and standing of environmental and Katara Gallery, Building 19. As a contribution to Qatar’s beyond. energy-related issues, QSN will The artist uses a variety of National Vision 2030 and During the forthcoming cli- foster science-based knowledge media including mixed media the Qatar National Research mate change conference in Doha to develop better policy-making, objects and , paint- Strategy, QSN will promote col- (COP18), QSN will be the focal increase awareness through edu- ings, video installations, pho- laborations among the research point for Arab non-governmental cation programs, publish white tography, and unique materials and academic community, as well organisations (NGOs) and it will papers and engage in community- which incorporate internation- as NGOs to become a leader in actively lobby and give advice on based programs. ally-known logos and corporate sustainable development and the global climate change debate. THE PENINSULA symbols reflecting an evolving landscape of globalisation. Parnes has been praised for his exploration of Oriental imagery in both the West and the East. Sa’id Costa, Curator of Visual The image titled “Dreaming of ,” an iconic image of a Middle Eastern Arts Exhibitions and Educational woman wearing the same veil worn by the show’s main character, Jeannie. Programs said: “We are delighted to collaborate with such a talented educating and entertaining whilst appropriating and examining both young artist on this occasion. Eric building cultural bridges.” sides of the equation. Parnes’ work resonates with audi- Parnes has successfully coined “As an artist who has always ences in the Middle East; his work and trademarked the term “Neo- been fascinated by the imagery represents the challenges youth Orientalism” which he uses to and meaning behind the folk- from a multi-cultural background refer to his individual style of lore, customs and culture of my face. His pieces capture modern- art: “Neo Orientalism”, a term familial ancestry, I continue to ism with an arabesque twist, that seeks to explore a specific discover and understand the producing a colourful, and eye notation of aesthetic exchange Middle East’s tremendous influ- catching array of works. Katara between the East and the West ence on the human experience, is committed to providing a plat- within the framework of popular and the Western world’s response form for world class artists such culture. Abbreviating the complex in absorbing and translating these as Eric Parnes, this exhibition is a philosophy behind the artistic sci- resources,” he said. testament of our commitment to ence, Neo Orientalism is about THE PENINSULA

Qtel offers unlimited mobile data during Eid

DOHA: Qtel’s Hala and Shahry customers can share “Eid Mubarak” greetings with friends and family, and download videos and games to their mobile, thanks to a spe- cial promotion of unlim- ited mobile data from today until October 31. The unlimited mobile data offer is one of the most extensive Eid rewards that Qtel has yet offered its cus- tomers, and the company expects a strong response from customers. Shahry Standard and Shahry Pack customers will automatically receive Unlimited Data, while Hala customers need to top-up their account with QR50 or more to enjoy offer. With unlimited mobile data, customers can post “Eid Mubarak” greetings on social media websites and mobile apps, and share their memorable holiday experiences with friends and family. Friends and families can also share greetings during the Eid break. Shahry Standard and Shahry Pack cus- tomers are automatically enrolled in this promotion, and do not need to opt-in. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Clinton downplays Facebook post on Benghazi attack

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of a State Department investigation was Al Qaeda affiliates or sympathisers. subject line “U.S. Diplomatic Mission in While some information identifying State Hillary Clinton said yesterday a under way. Administration spokesmen, including Benghazi Under Attack” and the nota- recipients of this message was redacted Facebook post in which an Islamist mil- “The independent accountability Carney, citing an unclassified assessment tion “SBU”, meaning “Sensitive But from copies of the messages obtained itant group claimed credit for a recent review board is already hard at work prepared by the CIA, maintained for days Unclassified.” by Reuters, a government source said attack on the US mission in Benghazi, looking at everything, not cherry pick- that the attacks likely were a spontane- The text said the State Department’s that one of the addresses to which the Libya did not constitute hard evidence ing one story here or one document ous protest against an anti-Muslim film. regional security office had reported message was sent was the White House of who was responsible. there, but looking at everything — which While officials did mention the possible that the diplomatic mission in Benghazi Situation Room, the president’s secure “Posting something on Facebook is not I highly recommend as the appropriate involvement of “extremists,” they did not was under attack. “Embassy in Tripoli command post. in and of itself evidence. I think it just approach for something as complex as an lay blame on any specific militant groups reports approximately 20 armed people Other addressees included intelligence underscores how fluid the reporting was attack like this,” she said. or possible links to al Qaeda or its affili- fired shots; explosions have been heard and military units as well as one used by at the time and continued for some time “We will find out what happened. We ates until intelligence officials publicly as well,” it said. the FBI command centre, the source said. to be,” Clinton said during an appearance will take whatever measures are neces- alleged that on Sept. 28. The message continued: “Ambassador It was not known what other messages with the Brazilian foreign minister at the sary to fix anything that needs to be fixed There were indications that extrem- Stevens, who is currently in Benghazi, were received by agencies in Washington State Department. and we will bring those to justice who ists with possible al Qaeda connections and four ... personnel are in the com- from Libya that day about who might Reuters reported on Tuesday that committed these murders.” were involved, but also evidence that the pound safe haven. The 17th of February have been behind the attacks. an official email showed officials at the White House spokesman Jay Carney, attacks could have erupted spontane- militia is providing security support.” Intelligence experts caution that initial White House and State Department asked about the emails, noted that Ansar ously, they said, adding that government A second email, headed “Update 1: U.S. reports from the scene of any attack or were advised two hours after attackers Al Sharia had later denied responsibility experts were cautious about pointing fin- Diplomatic Mission in Benghazi” and disaster are often inaccurate. assaulted the US diplomatic mission on for the attack. gers prematurely. timed 4:54 p.m. Washington time, said By the morning of September 12, the September 11 that an Islamist militant “This was an open-source, unclassified U.S. intelligence officials have empha- that the Embassy in Tripoli had reported day after the Benghazi attack, Reuters group had claimed credit. email about a posting on a Facebook site. I sized since shortly after the attack that that “the firing at the U.S. Diplomatic reported that there were indications The email, obtained by Reuters from would also note I think that within a few early intelligence reporting about the Mission in Benghazi had stopped and the that members of both Ansar Al Sharia, government sources not connected with hours, that organisation itself claimed that attack was mixed. compound had been cleared.” It said a a militia based in the Benghazi area, and US spy agencies or the State Department it had not been responsible. Neither should The records obtained by Reuters con- “response team” was at the site attempt- Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, the and who requested anonymity, specifically be taken as fact — that’s why there’s an sist of three emails dispatched by the ing to locate missing personnel. North African affiliate of Al Qaeda’s fal- mentioned that the Libyan group called investigation under way,” he told reporters State Department’s Operations Center A third email, also marked SBU and tering central command, may have been Ansar Al Sharia had asserted responsi- travelling with President Barack Obama to multiple government offices, including sent at 6:07 p.m. Washington time, car- involved in organising the attacks. bility for the attacks. aboard Air Force One to Iowa. addresses at the White House, Pentagon, ried the subject line: “Update 2: Ansar One US intelligence official said that That and two other emails also made US Ambassador Christopher Stevens intelligence community and FBI, on the al-Sharia Claims Responsibility for during the first classified briefing about available showed how US diplomats and three other Americans were killed in afternoon of Sept. 11. The first email, Benghazi Attack.” Benghazi given to members of Congress, described the attack, even as it was still the Benghazi assault, which Obama and timed at 4:05 p.m. Washington time - or The message reported: “Embassy officials “carefully laid out the full range under way, to Washington. other US officials ultimately acknowl- 10:05 p.m. Benghazi time, 20-30 minutes Tripoli reports the group claimed respon- of sparsely available information, relying Clinton, responding to a reporter’s edged was a “terrorist” attack carried after the attack on the U.S. diplomatic sibility on Facebook and Twitter and has on the best analysis available at the time.” question about the emails, noted that out by militants with suspected links to mission allegedly began - carried the called for an attack on Embassy Tripoli.” REUTERS Sudan blames Hostage act Israel for air attack on plant Two killed in bombing in Khartoum

KHARTOUM, SUDAN: said a coalition of opposition Israeli missiles struck a military groups alleged that Sudan stored factory and killed two people in chemical weapons for Iraq at the the Sudanese capital yesterday, Yarmouk facility but government the government said, 18 months officials strenuously denied the after alleging a similar raid by charge at the time. the Jewish state. In August of that year, US “We think Israel did the bomb- cruise missiles struck the Al Shifa ing,” Culture and Information pharmaceutical factory in North Minister Ahmed Bilal Osman told Khartoum, which Washington a news conference. “We reserve alleged was linked to chemical the right to react at a place and weapons production. time we choose.” Evidence for that claim later The military and foreign min- proved questionable. istry in Israel, which has long “I heard a sound like a plane accused Khartoum of serving in the sky, but I didn’t see any as a base for militants from the light from a plane. Then I heard Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, two explosions, and fire erupted refused to comment. in the compound,” said a resident Osman said four radar-evading who asked to be identified only aircraft carried out an attack at as Faize. around midnight (2100 GMT) on A woman living south of the the Yarmouk military manufac- compound also reported two ini- turing facility in the south of the tial blasts, after she saw “a plane Iraqi police officers free hostages from a bus during a simulation exercise at their graduation ceremony in Baghdad yesterday. More than 500 officers Sudanese capital. coming from east to west”. graduated from the National Police Academy after completing at least four years of police training, which includes 60 days of special commando Evidence pointing to Israel was “Then I saw fire and our neigh- skills, and will be sent to the Iraqi provinces of Salahaddin, Mosul and Baghdad. found among remnants of the bour’s house was hit by shrapnel, explosives, he said. causing minor damage. The win- As the cabinet prepared to hold dows of my own house rattled an urgent meeting at 8.00pm, after the second explosion.” S Sudan to mediate about 300 protesters gathered The sprawling Yarmouk facil- nearby with banners calling for ity is surrounded by barbed wire in Ethiopia, Eritrea Head of Iran judiciary hits Israel to be wiped off the earth. and set back about two kilome- “The army of Mohammed tres from the district’s main road, border dispute (PBUH) is returning,” they meaning signs of damage were shouted. not visible later yesterday when ADDIS ABABA: Newly inde- back at Ahmadinejad Residents living near the a reporter visited. pendent South Sudan plans Yarmouk factory said an aircraft But at least three houses in to help resolve the long-run- or missile flew over the facility the neighbourhood had been ning border dispute between TEHRAN: The head of Iran’s judiciary lashed Evin prison. As the country’s elected president, he shortly before the plant exploded punctured by shrapnel which left Ethiopia and Eritrea, a senior out at the country’s president yesterday, the lat- said he did not need permission. and burst into flames. walls and a fence with holes about official said yesterday. est salvo in an escalating political conflict that has Larijani returned the fire yesterday. A reporter several kilometres 20-centimetres in diameter, the South Sudan’s minister for cab- undermined much of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s “(Ahmadinejad’s) letter is the result of incorrect away saw two or three fires flar- reporter said. inet affairs, Deng Alor, said Addis political clout. understanding of the responsibilities of the three ing across a wide area, with heavy The fires appeared to be extin- Ababa and Asmara had given the The latest issue appeared relatively minor — branches of power and the limits of duties,” the semi- smoke and intermittent flashes guished by 3.30am, more than green light for mediation talks on Ahmadinejad’s intention to visit a prison north of official ISNA news agency quoted Larijani as saying. of white light bursting above the three hours after they began, a the border, which could start as Tehran. The head of the judiciary branch, Ayatollah Addressing judicial authorities yesterday, Larijani state-owned factory. reporter said. early as November. Sadeq Larijani, said permission from his office was said Ahmadinejad does not control the judiciary. In 1998, Human Rights Watch AFP “We have close ties with both needed to visit Evin prison, and Ahmadinejad angrily “This assumption that the president has supervi- countries so we are planning to rejected that. Larijani retorted yesterday that the sion over other branches of power is totally wrong,” mediate and solve the problems president does not understand his constitutional he was quoted by ISNA as saying. that they have between them,” powers. “It is unconstitutional to claim that the president Better times Deng Alor, South Sudan’s minis- One of Ahmadinejad’s aides is being held at the has the right to visit prisons without permission ter for cabinet affairs, said. prison. from the judiciary.” Ethiopian and Eritrean officials The background is a longstanding clash between The three branches of power operate under the were not available to comment. Ahmadinejad and Iran’s powerful clerics, as presi- supervision of Khamenei, who has the final say on Ethiopia has said its conflict dential elections loom next year. Ahmadinejad can- all state matters. with Asmara over the demarca- not run for another term but wants to influence the One of Khamenei’s representatives, Ali Saeedi, was tion of their shared border fol- race to succeed him. His supporters were soundly quoted by Iranian newspapers this week as charging lowing a 1998-2000 war would defeated in parliamentary elections earlier this year. that Iran’s presidents sometimes put themselves be solved only through a negoti- Ahmadinejad originally had the backing of the in the position of the Supreme Leader and seek to ated settlement. South Sudan is clerics, but they broke over his perceived challenge exercise powers well beyond what has been given still embroiled in its own fron- to the authority of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali to them under the constitution — a clear reference tier argument with its northern Khamenei last year. The conflict is mostly over to the clash between Ahmadinejad and Khamenei. neighbour, Sudan. The two coun- internal politics. The two leaders do not differ sig- Iran’s state prosecutor, Gholam Hossein Mohseni tries broke apart last year under nificantly over policies, especially Iran’s contentious Ejehi, said on Sunday that the judiciary rejected a 2005 peace deal that ended dec- nuclear development programme. Ahmadinejad’s request to visit the prison because ades of civil war. The latest spat revolves around Ahmadinejad’s it appeared to be politically motivated. Alor said South Sudanese request to visit the prison where his top press Ejehi said Ahmadinejad would do better to focus President Salva Kiir and other adviser, Ali Akbar Javanfekr, was sent last month on Iran’s deepening economic problems than to visit senior officials were set to name a after being convicted of publishing material deemed Evin. He also asked why the president never asked to Children play football on the Lido beach in the Somalian capital delegation “very soon” that would insulting to Khamenei. On Monday, Ahmadinejad visit Evin in his seven years as president but wants Mogadishu yesterday travel to both capitals. sent a letter accusing the judiciary of “unconstitu- to go there now that his close aide is behind bars. REUTERS tional” behaviour for rejecting his planned visit to AP THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Israel raids Eid shopping in Yemen kill four Gaza militants Reprisal after Gaza rocket strikes GAZA CITY: Tensions were mortar shells over the border high around Gaza yesterday as since midnight, injuring six, two Israel vowed to punish Hamas of them seriously. Police said two after launching raids that killed Thais were “seriously to critically four militants in response to wounded” and a third had light rocket fire that wounded two injuries. foreign workers. Militants from Hamas and the The escalation flared when mil- PRC claimed responsibility for itants fired six rockets at Israel the rocket fire. on Tuesday evening, shortly after Later, the Hamas government a visit to Gaza by Qatar’s Emir issued a statement “condemning H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa the Zionist aggression against the Al Thani. Gaza Strip,” and warning of its “Hamas will receive its pun- consequences. ishment for what has hap- It called for Arab leaders to pened here,” said Israeli Defence visit the Gaza Strip in solidarity Minister Ehud Barak, referring with its people, while expressing to the Islamist movement which “satisfaction of the historic visit rules Gaza, whose armed wing of the Emir of Qatar.” has been involved in firing more Palestinian negotiator Saeb than 70 rockets at Israel since Erakat said Israel “bears full midnight. responsibility for what happens “No terror element responsible to our people in Gaza,” while for causing damage in Israel — or UN peace envoy Robert Serry to Israelis — will be spared,” he deplored the escalation and called Yemenis go shopping at a market ahead of Eid Al Adha in the old city of Sana’a, Yemen, yesterday. Millions of Muslims around the world prepare said on a tour of the area around on all parties to exercise utmost to celebrate Eid, which according to the lunar calendar will be celebrated on October 26 in Yemen. Gaza, hours after two Thai work- restraint. ers were severely wounded and The only crossing between four others were lightly hurt by Gaza and Israel in the north of the rockets. the Palestinian territory was “If they cannot be calmed, blocked, meanwhile, preventing and the rockets continue, then dozens of people from travelling, Kid among 12 killed in Iraq violence the IDF (military) will act,” said including patients, said officials. Barak, noting that since the start Israeli Prime Minister of 2012, nearly 600 rockets and Benjamin Netanyahu warned any BAGHDAD: A 9-year-old wounded in the attack. Politician yesterday, according to police. bomb struck a police patrol, kill- mortars had been fired at south- continuation of rocket fire would schoolboy was among at least Ali Al Hashemi, an ethnic In Baghdad’s western Mansour ing a policeman and wounding ern Israel. prompt a “much more extensive” 12 people that insurgents killed Turkomen and the appar- neighbourhood, militants in a three others. “The issue is far from over. The Israeli response. across Iraq yesterday, rat- ent target of the blast, escaped speeding car killed two soldiers Health officials confirmed struggle has not come to an end “We neither chose nor initiated tling nerves ahead of a holiday unharmed. at an Iraqi army checkpoint. A the casualty figures. All officials and it will not come to an end this escalation but if it continues weekend. Kirkuk, about 290 kilometres roadside bomb exploded shortly spoke on condition of anonymity here in the next week.” we are prepared for much more Violence has declined since the north of Baghdad, is home to mix afterward as police headed to the because they were not author- Several hours after the mili- extensive and deeper action,” height of Iraq’s insurgency, but of Arabs, Kurds and Turkomen, scene, killing one policeman and ised to release the information to tants fired the first rockets Netanyahu said on a tour of the the attacks once again showed all competing to control the city. wounding six people. reporters. late on Tuesday, Israeli aircraft Iron Dome anti-missile battery that Sunni extremists seeking to Authorities typically tighten Shortly before dawn, a sniper Also yesterday, Supreme killed two militants from Hamas’ near Ashkelon, which brought undermine the Shia-led govern- security ahead of holidays, seek- shot and killed a police officer Judicial Council spokesman armed wing, the Ezzedine Al down eight rockets during the ment remain a lethal challenge ing to thwart attackers who take in the capital’s eastern Mashtal Abdul-Sattar Bayrkdar said Qassam Brigades, in north- day. to Iraq’s security. advantage of times when employ- neighbourhood. authorities have begun sum- ern Gaza, sparking even more “In any case, we will continue The child, Ahmed Al Obeidi, ees are off work and families In the afternoon, gunmen moning employees of the central rocket fire. with preventative operations. was killed when a parked motor- gather in public places such as ambushed a minibus carrying bank to give testimony as part An early-morning raid near Whoever intends to attack Israeli cycle packed with explosives went parks and restaurants. A wave employees of a state-run car parts of a probe into alleged finan- southern city of Rafah killed a citizens needs to know that he off near a local politician’s passing of attacks shortly before another manufacturer in Mishada, north cial wrongdoing. None has faced third militant from the Popular will bear the consequences.” convoy in the northern oil-rich Muslim holiday in August, Eid of Baghdad, killing four people arrest. The questioning follows Resistance Committees (PRC), Netanyahu also said he had city of Kirkuk, according to police Al Fitr, killed more than 90 peo- and wounding two. Two other the issuing of arrest warrants for and later a Hamas militant hurt decided to increase protection and a provincial council official. ple in one of the deadliest days in people were killed when gunmen 16 bank officials, including long- in the evening strikes died of his for Israeli communities located The boy and his brother were on Iraq this year. sprayed their car with bullets time governor Sinan Al Shabibi, injuries, medics said. 4.5-7 kilometres from the Gaza their way to buy clothes for the Members of the security forces near Baqouba, in central Iraq. a politically independent econo- Israel’s military said armed border, which were not covered by holiday of Eid Al Adha. — favourite targets for insurgents In Tuz Khormato, some 210km mist who has led the institution groups had fired 72 rockets and Iron Dome. AFP Four other people were — were also among those killed northeast of Baghdad, a roadside since 2003. AP

This is Iraq! EU foreign policy chief meets Israeli Libya takes hold of prime minister Gaddafi stronghold JERUSALEM: EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton BANI WALID: Libya’s govern- punched out with bullet holes. held talks yesterday with Israeli ment declared yesterday that it “Bani Walid is under full con- Prime Minister Benjamin had taken control of one of the trol,” the official LANA news Netanyahu. last strongholds of deposed dic- agency quoted the spokesman Ashton is in Israel as part of a tator Muammar Gaddafi’s loy- of the pro-government militia, regional tour which has also taken alists, as its fighters in the heart Mohammed Al Kandouz, as say- her to Jordan and Lebanon. of the city fired their guns into ing late on Tuesday. She met Israeli Foreign the air to celebrate victory after But Mohammed Al Taib, a Minister Avigdor Lieberman fol- fierce battles that left dozens commander of a pro-government lowed by talks with Netanyahu, dead and thousands displaced. militia called Libya Shield, said but Defence Minister Ehud Barak The capture of Bani Walid, that while his forces control the cancelled their planned meeting some 140 kilometres southeast town centre, there was still fight- over the persistent unrest in of Tripoli, was a triumph for ing going on elsewhere. Columns Gaza, EU officials said. the government that replaced of smoke billowed near the airport In the evening, she was to meet Gaddafi’s regime. But the length where militiamen said they were with Palestinian prime minister of time it took the government to meeting resistance. Salam Fayyad before talks today secure the town — a full year — Omar Boughdad, a commander at 1100 GMT with president underlined the difficulties faced from the Misrata militia, said his Mahmuod Abbas. by the new regime in imposing its forces would remain in the town Speaking to public radio after authority over squabbling tribes to keep Gaddafi loyalists out. “The meeting Ashton, Lieberman said and heavily armed militias. loyalists have fled to the valleys, he told his guest the peace proc- The victory could even spark but we will clean up these places ess was being completely blocked An Iraqi couple rides a motorbike during a biker show on Abu Nawas Street in Baghdad. Youthful rebellion new violence. The government- and we will not leave again,” by Abbas. AFP and American biker style clash with conservative mores in Iraq, a country where just a few years ago militias backed militia that led the charge he said. imposed their own radical views at gunpoint. came from the city of Misrata, a Bani Walid became a bastion of longtime rival of Bani Walid, and Gaddafi loyalists during and after reprisals could result. the eight-month civil war that led The Libyan military’s Chief of to Gaddafi’s killing and the fall of Staff Youssef Al Mankoush said his regime last year. Lebanese president looking at talks for new govt military operations in the city It was occupied by anti-Gaddafi were terminated but that some rebels who negotiated an entry forces were still chasing a few after the leader’s October death, BEIRUT: Lebanese President Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s impasse, then Mr Mikati could 14 coalition led by former premier pockets of Gaddafi loyalists. He but fighters loyal to the ousted Michel Sleiman is pressing for resignation. present his resignation and the Saad Hariri has already said it was speaking in Tripoli. regime rose up and pushed them all-party talks on forming a A high-ranking official saod process of forming the govern- will not participate in any dia- In the centre of Bani Walid, out in January. new government amid US pres- Sleiman “has begun consulta- ment could begin.” logue until Mikati resigns. shops were closed and streets The Libyan government’s new sure for assurances the country tions with the leading figures of Mikati said at the weekend that March 14 Secretary-General were deserted. A power station offensive came in the aftermath will be free of Syria’s influence, the country, in the context of he had accepted Sleiman’s request Fares Soueid said yesterday that was destroyed, the main hospital of the kidnapping, torturing and his office said yesterday. the national dialogue, to discuss to stay on for the time being in Mikati must go. was not functioning and a doctor killing last month of an anti- Lebanon has been in crisis since the possibility of forming a new the “national interest.” “This government and the par- was among the wounded. Fighters Gaddafi fighter allegedly by resi- police intelligence chief General government.” Sleiman is now canvass- ties supporting it are facilitating opened fire on street signs that dents of the town. Wissam Al Hassan was killed on He said if the envisaged dia- ing political leaders to assess the plan of the criminal Assad bore language associated with the The country’s newly elected Friday in a Beirut car bombing logue “were to result in agreement whether they are prepared to join regime in Lebanon,” a refer- Gaddafi regime, such the name General National Congress blamed on Damascus, and oppo- on the form of a new government a dialogue. ence to Syrian President Bashar he gave to the country. A portrait issued a decree to arrest the men sition leaders have demanded that can pull Lebanon out of its The principal opposition March Al Assad. AFP of the slain dictator had its face accused of the killing. AP THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

Editorial

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN: SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI Media freedom EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: KHALID AL SAYED E-MAIL: [email protected] ACTING MANAGING EDITOR: HUSSAIN AHMAD Accusations of intimidating the E-MAIL: [email protected] media have tarnished the image of EDITORIAL: TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR. Turkish government. E-MAIL: [email protected] 53-PAGE report released recently by the US-based Committee falling out with the media, Erdogan is committing a serious mistake. ADVERTISING: TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has accused Turkey of pursuing a History shows that media in a democracy cannot be intimidated. They A systematic intimidation of journalists and is a scathing criti- will retaliate with extra force and the consequences will be disastrous CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] cism of the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The for their tormentor. SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY report was seized by rights groups in Turkey and abroad as evidence The Turkish government needs to address the issue fast and dis- of lack of media freedom under Erdogan. The report should worry the pel the doubts and fears of people who are worried about the recent TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 government in Ankara because it has unleashed a barrage of nega- developments in the country. With critics, both inside the country and E-MAIL: [email protected] tive media coverage. What’s clear during the Justice and Development abroad, using the issue to paint Erdogan in bad light, as an arrogant Party’s third term in office is that despite its claims that the government leader with authoritarian streaks, it’s better if he comes clean. This SUBSCRIPTION RATES is liberalising media laws and continuing the country’s march toward a means he will have to release the journalists who are in jail. Also, ANNUAL QR 675 European-style democracy, what is happening is actually the contrary. curbs on media freedom and intimidation of journalists will only cause 6 MONTHS QR 340 According to the CPJ report, as of Augus. 1, Turkey was holding at damage to Turkey’s current reputation, especially at a time when the least 76 journalists in jail, while prosecutors were pursuing thousands country is being extolled as a model for Arab countries. Perhaps the of cases against other members of the news media. It further said that foreign agencies are not completely correct in their criticism, but there approximately 30 percent of the imprisoned journalists were accused is some truth in what they say. of participating in anti-government plots or being members of out- Until now, Erdogan has been able to fight off criticism because of lawed political groups. About 70 percent of those jailed were Kurdish the huge progress the country has made under his leadership, both journalists charged with aiding terrorism by covering the views and in stability and economic growth. He has been in power for almost a PUBLICATION activities of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ party and the Union of decade, which has made him an undisputed leader, and to a certain Communities in Kurdistan. extent he has acquired the stature of the country’s founder Mustafa Media freedom in Turkey has been a subject of hot discussion of late, Kemal Ataturk. But now he will be under more scrutiny and ignoring and has become a weapon in the hands of Erdogan’s detractors. By failures on human rights is no longer possible.

I will not stand for premier The other side again but I remain at the side of younger people who Quote of can play and score goals. Silvio Berlusconi Post-election reality check the day Italian former prime minister

S EXPECTED, US President Barack Obama and his Republican rival Mitt Romney resorted to the same old blame China song Ain the presidential debate in the on Monday, albeit with a softer tone. Both candidates have clung to a get-tough-on-China strategy and done their best to throw mud at China throughout their White House race, so whoever wins the election on Nov 6 is going to need to do a rapid reality check. Each summarized their stance toward the country during the debate on Monday evening. In an attempt to show he has already got tough on China, Obama boasted that he has brought more cases against China for violating trade rules than the previous administration did in two terms. Romney’s line was that China has done everything it can to harm the US, ranging from “manipulating” its currency to “stealing” US intellectual property and patents. However, a reality check will show them that although they blame China for causing trade imbalances and complain that Chinese com- panies and their US counterparts are not competing on a level playing field, the protectionist measures that Obama bragged about have not only served to dampen Chinese investment in the US that could have created jobs, but cost Americans a lot more. A reality check would also show them the yuan’s continual apprecia- tion against the US dollar and the extent to which China has strength- ened its IP protection. The most unbelievable part of Monday’s debate was the moment when both candidates said they would press Beijing to “play by the rules” in shaping ties with China. A reality check will show them that, in international politics and trade, China has been faithfully observing the principles of justice and fairness enshrined in both the UN Charter and WTO rules. They might want to ask themselves to what extent the US can say the same. In fact, Obama and Romney tried to have it both ways during Monday’s debate. Romney said if elected he can treat China as a partner, not an adversary because China has similar interests to the US. Something Obama has been saying for the last three years, until recently. CHINA DAILY Cartoon Arts International / Syndicate Sending scientists to prison is not a good idea BY MARTIN ROBBINS that advises local authorities on days later, the earthquake struck. doing so. The scientists involved The story is a familiar one – risks of natural disasters, met A year later, De Bernardinis and say that the responsibility for this politicians, experts and the media N 6 April 2009, an earth- in L’Aquila at the request of six scientists from the committee lies with De Bernardinis, who coming together in an unholy quake struck the Italian the Civil Protection Agency to were indicted for manslaughter. made the now infamous “no dan- mixture of miscommunication Otown of L’Aquila, a medie- discuss whether a major earth- The nature of these charges ger” statement. De Bernardinis and misinformation – but the val settlement built on an ancient quake was imminent. The meet- has been relentlessly misrep- claims that he made his statement consequences are highly unusual. lake nestled in the Apennines. ing was unusually quick, and had resented by the media, with in good faith, based on the advice The scientists involved screwed Sending More than 300 people died, and apparently been convened in Nature’s superb reporting a nota- he received. The prosecutor argues up, but to prosecute people who 20,000 buildings were destroyed. part to reassure the public in the ble exception. Fox News claimed: that regardless of who made the communicate risk wrongly while scientists to This much is clear, but much of wake of Guiliani’s bogus claims. “Italian Seismologists Charged statement, the scientists on the acting in good faith seems exces- the rest of the story lies buried According to Nature, the minutes With Manslaughter for Not committee are responsible for sive, and raises another question: prison for in an avalanche of distortion and show that “at no point did any of Predicting 2009 Quake” when the failing to come out and correct it. if scientists, why not others? Why misstating misinformation. the scientists say that there was prosecution was announced, and The seven were found guilty not prosecute Giuliani for his false It began with Giampaolo ‘no danger’ of a big quake”, and the ABC’s headline echoed that and sentenced to an incredible six predictions? Can we sue Michael earthquake Giuliani, a lab technician and volcanologist Franco Barberi gave statement: “Scientists Convicted years in prison, more than even Fish over the hurricane? Can we would-be earthquake predictor. the following, accurate summary: of Manslaughter for Failing to the prosecutor had requested. sue the Daily Mail for misleading risk is not a Tremors had been occurring in “There is no reason to believe that Predict Italian Quake”. Those Under Italian law the judge’s rea- the public over climate change? great way to the region since January, but a swarm of minor events is a sure headlines – and far too many like soning may not be made public The Italian prosecution is Giuliani used his own system – predictor of a major shock.” them – are simply untrue. for up to three months, but the ludicrous, but no more so than encourage a discredited approach based on After the meeting, Bernardo The prosecutors, and the devas- impact on the scientific and risk the suing of people like Dr Peter measuring radon gas released by De Bernardinis from the Civil tated families they represent, are assessment communities is likely Wilmshurst under Britain’s libel others to take stressed rock – to predict a major Protection Agency walked out well aware that scientists cannot to be more immediate. Few sci- laws. In both cases, the same prin- earthquake on 29 March. Groups and addressed the press: “The sci- predict earthquakes. The accusa- entists will want to take respon- ciple needs to be protected: good responsibility in toured the area with megaphones entific community tells me there tion they make is not that experts sibility for similar statements in science is built on open debate, the future. warning residents to leave their is no danger because there is an failed to predict the earthquake, the future, and those who do are and if seismologists can’t express homes, causing considerable ongoing discharge of energy,” he but that they failed to properly likely to be biased toward crying their opinions for fear of ending panic, but no quake materialised. told them. “The situation looks assess and communicate the risks, wolf rather than facing the threat up in a court room, then many Two days later, the major favourable.” This was not accurate telling residents they were safe of possible prosecution if their more lives could be put at risk in risks committee, an expert panel at all. It was 31 March 2009. Six without any scientific basis for assessments are in error. the future. THE GUARDIAN THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 9 Problems of the students DR AMINA AL EMADI Public servants should of Qatar University behave politely

posted a question on discussed another problem Twitter saying: “What DR MOHAMMAD ALI AL KUBAISI of the students about are the problems of obtaining grade D or what is the students of Qatar called passing mark but the University?” I did not The easiest action being the point system that is being percentage declined to the Ithink that the reply to my taken in international adopted in several universities alarming level. question would continue universities for the students of United States (US). The commentators over three days. After a long of Qatar University so that Several commentators said unanimously supported the discussion, I have divided the the students do not leave the that when the counselor did move of Qatar University that reactions in four sections as university and the academic blunders and the students try the graduates must obtain follows: and professional performance to approach the counselor to good grade so they could will improve. discuss the matter or to the contribute in the development Section 1: General officials to rectify the mistakes, of the country. But they said Discussion Section: Counselling they were notified that the that implementing good grade Everyone has appreciated All commentators including guideline of the university throughout the courses is not the move by H H Sheikha Moza students and graduates stipulates that only student fair because it might cause the bint Nasser for directing the reached the consensus that is responsible for any error removal of the student. Supreme Education Council the performance of Students’ of registration. As a result, They have also hinted (SEC) to cancel the foundation Counseling Center at Qatar university or counselors are towards another important programme and approve Arabic University is not up to the not being held accountable for issue to adopt the mechanism as the learning language. mark, despite the fact that any mistake. to improve the averages of All commentators supported Qatar University has provided Some commentators said the students who are being the call of Sheikha Moza to set counsellors for evry student. ‘we are of the view of the removed due to poor averages up a channel of communication Only a qualified person production of high quality despite they did their best. between teaching staff and can do the job of counselling, graduates but in the same time students and work out to otherwise the courses will be we do not like the removal of Section No. 4 think that good behaviour is a basic characteristic of an employee understand the necessities of taken according to the wish any Qatar students due to the Mostly students, rusticated and he should respond to the requests of the people respectfully and students and find a solution to of the students not as per the mistake of the counselor. from Qatar University try to help the applicants. academic problems. curricula. surprised to see the method I But imagine, you go to a governmental department where you Commentators stressed Some commentators believe Section No.: 4 of rustication as they did not were told ‘take your paper and get lost’. that Qatar University should that the counselors do not Several commentators get any warning from the Believe me or not, it is a true story and this happened to me. I cannot take into consideration the have enough knowledge connected the issue of students’ university or counselor about say how much I suffered due to this employee and his boss. Do you believe international standards before about curricula of science counseling with Grade Point their average (throughout the that it might happen with you in Qatar, the sate of law and justice where taking any decision for the faculty because they came Average (GPA). ‘Only Qatar courses) except last year when citizens and expatriates are enjoying equal human rights? university. The decision makers from those universities that University in the world is they were removed. Do you know that the person who misbehaved with me was a public should not forget that Qatari do not count hours but they counting GPA from grade-I, Some students said that employee who is supposed to work for the people and is not supposed to citizens are in small numbers consider years for courses why they called it GPA it is they never fail in any course insult them. and their role is necessary for (like the Universities of Arab only for one semester, argued of the university, still they were When I heard the words ‘take your paper and get lost’, I lost my temper. human resources development and European Countries), or the commentators. removed on the ground of that I know very well that this was a government office and not his personal in the country. these universities are following The participants also they obtained D grade in some property. He was recruited in this office to serve the people and not to courses. misbehave with them. Others said that they The most strange thing happened when I tried to see his boss to lodge improved per semester average a complaint against his subordinate. I was surprised to see that people but the improvement of GPA cannot meet with the boss without taking an appointment from his was slow. The university did secretary at least a week in advance. not consider this improvement This is a common problem, when we go on the date of appointment while terminating him. to meet with the boss, the secretary will say that the boss is not avail- A commentator claimed able. This used to happen as the official concerned wanted to shirk that he was removed from responsibility. Qatar University and his Meanwhile, H E the Minister of Education and Higher Education only one subject remain for announced an open meeting with the public to listen to their grievances study so whey he could not and solve their problems. give opportunity to complete This is a unique move taken by the Minister to strengthen the part- this subject for graduation. nership of the community for the development of the education sector. However, the country made However, in many cases responsible people sit in big towers and do not huge investments in the let the needy approach them with their problems. education sector so the Qatari It is very strange that the employee who misbehaved with me is work- students could study and join ing with the Ministry of Education whose minister has opened his door the local job market. wide for people who need him. The commentators raised I am pretty sure that the Minister will never accept this behaviour and question that why the average he must take necessary legal action against the employee. of rusticated students from I repeat my question: Whether a public employee recruited to serve the Qatar University increased country has the right to behave with any citizen in the manner he did? when they got admission in Is it allowed for the employee to use double standards in dealing with other universities? There are the people and act according to his whims and fancies? more than 600 Qatari students The issue that I have taken up may not be a phenomenon in the country in the universities of United but I would like to say that citizens deserve good conduct and behaviour. Arab Emirates (UAE) and The incident happened with me and I can approach the authority these universities proud of concerned through writing, but what about those citizens who do not them. have the resources to lodge their complaints with higher authorities. We leave this matter to What is a citizen supposed to do when he has been insulted by a public the Authority Concerned employee? I want a clear response for my satisfaction because I am very to bring about appropriate upset since the day of the incident. solution to save the Qatari I urge every employee to do his or her job sincerely and respect the work force from wasting and dignity of the citizens. keep the academic level up to the mark. A society to live in with comfort and purity

them and it didn’t teach us to give on the account of a loan will break (throughout) the month. best and to compete each other TAHANI AL HAJRI charity with its price to whom the our backs throughout the year…. Without the society we will live in the matters of the goodness of price of bag is a food for him and and it taught us to buy the most lonesome (solely). And with the Volunteering for the society service to his sons. model of automotive (cars), even mania of the society our life will or the contribution of the sons of ur existence in a society we make a mistake we turn right It taught us how to travel such if we spent all what we got from be affected negatively. We have the society in the costs of citizens’ that we have been born and left to make sure that the as (house of somebody) even if it is salary we are tired of him along to promote our society to the wedding. Or search for the needy in and lived in, we and our individuals of the society didn’t see homeland to provide them support Ofamilies make us feel of us and it didn’t accustomed us to so that no poor and hungry can belonging to persons like us. May that raise our heads to the top to sleep among us. The society should holding our passports and same ask for forgiveness of God. join hands and unite to do good and names of our families and most So, individuals of the society to advance the homeland. And not likely the same our religion and became fear from the people’s affectation with the latest types perhaps all of us practices daily speech because of small mistakes (models) of automotive (cars), routine ritual. In waking up took place in front of them by brands and houses. every morning and siestas and chance…and they don’t ask for We must be changed now. Now at going to the same entertainment forgiveness of God on large this moment. There is no time for venues and restaurants and mistakes saw it by Allah by and postponement hence, acceleration certainly, we may eat the same they are Deliberate to doit. with good needs enthusiasm with Gulf meals in times and days may Doing small in front of people fast application. We need a society be different from each other our may scare them off more than to live with comfort, advancement existence together is giving us the large doing Allah saw it. and purity always for us and for opportunity to make our society is Our society taught us that the generations which will come the best society or worst and all we should not hurry with the after us and it is temporary until of us wish the best for our society. participation of sorrows until they the World Cup ends or even the But when the mania of the society are sure that we are sad like them world takes a beautiful image dominates on all details of our life. and it taught us to hide our joy about Qatar. We search for the In this case, something negative from participation until we do not beauty. For only us we are who live disturbs the purity of our lives. be infected with envy. here in this land which contained You will know that you are We became to hide pleasant us and from our duty to respond under the mania of the society news even on our relatives only the fever to make it the best place when you ask yourself firstly until they do not envy us when for life. (what people say?) before you ask we get what they miss. yourself if God will accept what Our society taught us not to buy The views expressed in the articles on this you do. a cheaper bag form our relatives page do not reflect the viewpoint of the Our society taught us that if so that we will not be less than newspaper. THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

Miners continue strike Germany opens Obama launches memorial to Roma victims eight-state poll of Holocaust : Germany remembered the Holocaust’s forgotten victims campaign blitz yesterday by opening a memorial in the heart of Berlin to the half a million ethnic Sinti and Roma murdered by the Nazis. Romney also on similar odyssey As the mournful strains of a solo violin sounded through the trees, DAVENPORT: US President in his hometown, Chicago. political leaders and frail survivors Barack Obama launched an The trip — mocked as the approached a dark pool close to the eight-state, 7,660 mile, 40-hour “Can’t Afford Four More” tour German parliament building. Its still “campaign marathon extrava- by Romney’s campaign — comes water is intended to evoke tears for ganza” yesterday to protect with Obama tied or just behind the dead but also, in reflecting the his narrow lead in the key bat- Romney in national polls, but still beholder, inspire new generations to tlegrounds that will decide a with small leads in a handful of the protect minorities from hate. knife-edge election. swing states. If the election were “This memorial commemorates With just 13 days to go before held today and polls are accurate, a group of victims who, for far too he asks voters for a second term, Obama would win around 280 elec- long, received far too little public Obama’s through-the-night, coast- toral college votes in the state-by- recognition - the many hundreds to-coast trip was to take in six of state race, 10 more than he needs of thousands of Sinti and Roma the most contested swing states in to return to the White House for who were persecuted by the Nazis his battle against Republican chal- four more years. as so-called gypsies,” said German lenger Mitt Romney. But Romney’s camp believes Chancellor Angela Merkel. “The Supporters of Romney, who was it has momentum after he won destiny of every single person on a similar odyssey, are talking the first of the rivals’ debates in Striking miners chant slogans as they gather at the AngloGold Ashanti mine in Carletonville, northwest of murdered in this genocide is one of up what they claim is their new October, and avoided serious mis- Johannesburg, yesterday. The bullion producer fired 12,000 strikers for ignoring a deadline to return to work. unspeakable suffering. Every single momentum in the closing stages steps in the other two, in which destiny, fills us, fills me, with sad- of the race and both are striving Obama was seen as the stronger ness and shame.” to exude confidence. performer. German politicians and Roma “We’re going to pull an all Romney, while taking shots at leaders at the opening ceremony nighter,” Obama told a cheering the president over his trip, had described the memorial as a crowd at his first rally under a problems of his own yesterday, British prosecutors to review reminder of the urgent need to steel gray sky and yellowing trees as he sought to distance himself protect minorities today.Many in Davenport, Iowa, the state from controversial remarks on of Europe’s 12 million Roma face where he began his unlikely quest rape made by a fellow Republican. discrimination and social exclu- for the presidency in 2007. “This Anti-abortion Senate candidate Savile abuse scandal claims sion, often living in dire poverty. is where it all began four years Richard Mourdock’s statement Merkel stressed it was a ago, on your front porches, in that pregnancy caused by rape : The child sex abuse back to the 1970s that Savile of a BBC documentary in late 2011 German and European duty to your backyards — this is where was “something God intended to scandal surrounding Jimmy had abused girls at a school for that investigated the claims against protect Roma rights. After her the movement for change began.” happen” gave Obama a new open- Savile spread from the BBC to children with behavioural prob- Savile. “These allegations do leave speech a heckler highlighted that As Obama set off for Iowa, ing to attack his rival’s record on British prosecutors yesterday as lems, but the Crown Prosecution many institutions, perhaps particu- Germany refuses to grant asylum Colorado, Nevada, Florida, women’s rights. With the presi- Prime Minister David Cameron Service decided not to bring larly the BBC, with serious ques- to Roma from countries such as Virginia and Ohio, his campaign dential candidates locked in a vir- announced a review of a 2009 charges. “The Director of Public tions to answer—I think, above all, Serbia and Macedonia, where spokeswoman Jen Psaki dismissed tual tie, women voters in swing decision not to charge the late Prosecutions has confirmed that how did he get away with this for they face discrimination. AFP talk from Romney’s camp of states could decide the election, television star. his principal legal advisor will so long?” Cameron said. “secret momentum”, insisting the and a fresh row over abortion Cameron told parliament that again review the papers from the For 30 years, Savile was one ‘Millennium bomber’ president was leading or tied in all would distract from Romney’s the director of public prosecu- time when a case was put to the of British TV and radio’s most the key states. She also branded focus on the sluggish US economy. tions would look into the fail- CPS for prosecution,” Cameron prominent personalities, and was given 37-year prison Romney untrustworthy, accus- Speaking at a Senate debate ure to bring charges of sexual told lawmakers. friends with members of the fam- ing him of disguising “extremely on Tuesday, Mourdock said he abuse against Savile, the British Keir Starmer, the Director of ily including heir to the throne term in Seattle conservative” positions on health believed life begins at concep- Broadcasting Corporation star Public Prosecutions, said in a state- Prince Charles for his prolific SEATTLE: Convicted “Mille- policy and foreign affairs. tion and opposed abortion in all who died last year aged 84. ment that the 2009 investigation charity fundraising. nnium Bomber” Ahmed Obama, who has a well cases except when the mother’s The scandal has put the BBC had not resulted in a prosecution But following his death a host Ressam, whose 22-year prison appointed cabin in the nose of life was in danger. “I struggled on the defensive over criti- because none of the victims were of claims of widespread child sex term was judged too lenient by Air Force One, was to sleep on with it myself for a long time, but cisms from the government and prepared to go to court. abuse have emerged, horrifying a a US appeals court, was re-sen- a red-eye flight from Las Vegas I came to realise life is that gift has even cast doubts over the But Starmer said that “out of nation that had once regarded his tenced yesterday to a harsher to Tampa. On board, he will take from God, and I think even when future of its former chief Mark an abundance of caution”, he had shiny tracksuit and ever present term of 37 years for a foiled the opportunity of time on flights life begins in that horrible situa- Thompson, the incoming CEO of decided to order that the cases cigar as mere signs of eccentricity. plot to set off explosives at Los criss-crossing the country to call tion of rape, that it is something the New York Times. be reviewed by a senior colleague. BBC Trust chairman Chris Angeles International Airport. undecided voters and campaign that God intended to happen,” he The BBC and other institu- Cameron said the growing scan- Patten warned the government Federal prosecutors who workers, drumming up the vote said. Romney’s campaign moved tions have come under fire for dal around Savile left the publicly- against infringing the broadcast- appealed the original punishment ahead of the November 6 election. to distance him from the remarks, failing to prevent the suspected funded BBC with many questions er’s cherished independence. He had asked the Seattle-based US He will also divert from swing with spokeswoman Andrea Saul abuse by Savile, whom police say to answer, and hinted that he may was involved in a testy exchange district judge presiding over the states to safe Democratic ter- saying “Governor Romney disa- is now believed to have more than yet decide to order a public inquiry. of letters with Culture Secretary case for a longer sentence, com- ritory during his tour to tape grees with Richard Mourdock’s 200 victims, despite decades of The BBC has already announced Maria Miller, who said that “very plaining that Ressam had reneged an appearance on the “Tonight comments, and they do not reflect rumours about his behaviour. two indepdendent reviews: one into real concerns are being raised on a deal to assist in the prosecu- Show with Jay Leno” in Burbank, his views.” Police in Surrey near London how the abuse was able to happen, about public trust and confidence tion of other suspected militants. California and cast an early vote AFP had examined four claims dating and another into the cancellation in the BBC”. AFP REUTERS Berlusconi not Ecuador fears for Assange’s health MOSCOW/LONDON: Ecuador is worried is a very serious situation and it can affect to run in 2013 about the health of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s human rights.” Assange and has asked Britain to guarantee Ecuador has asked the British Foreign Office Italian election him safe passage from its London embassy to for a document that would enable Assange to hospital if he needs medical treatment, a sen- enter hospital safely if necessary and return to ROME: Former prime minister ior Ecuadorean diplomat said in Moscow. the embassy with refugee status, the Voice of Silvio Berlusconi confirmed yes- Assange, an Australian, has been holed up Russia quoted Albuja Martinez as saying. terday that he would not lead his inside Ecuador’s embassy in central London since The Foreign Office said it was unaware of People of Freedom (PDL) party June to avoid extradition to Sweden to face rape Assange’s health problems. “Ecuador have not in next year’s Italian election and allegations. British authorities say Assange will told us that Mr Assange is ill. However, were called for a primary to decide the be arrested if he sets foot outside the embassy. they to do so, we would consider the matter,” centre-right candidate. The apartment building, located just behind said a Foreign Office spokesman. The 76-year-old media mag- London’s famed Harrods department store, is Ecuador granted Assange asylum in August nate said this month he might not under constant police surveillance. and said it shared his fears that he could face stand if withdrawing his candi- “Assange has grown noticeably thinner, and charges in the United States over the publica- dacy could help centrist and cen- we are very concerned about his health,” Voice of tion by WikiLeaks in 2010 of thousands of secret tre-right parties come together to Russia radio quoted Vice Foreign Minister Marco US diplomatic cables. When he appeared on a form a “moderate” bloc. But his Albuja Martinez as saying in comments con- balcony of the building to address supporters in statement went further. firmed by the Ecuadorean embassy in Moscow. August, Assange appeared tanned and in good “I will not stand stand for pre- “If he falls ill, we will have to choose between health. But a BBC reporter who saw him recently mier again but I remain at the side two alternatives: to treat Assange in the embassy described him as “a very pale man” in a story of younger people who can play and or hospitalise him,” Albuja Martinez said. “This broadcast on Sunday. AFP score goals,” said the owner of AC Milan football club who quit as prime minister in November during a mounting financial crisis. “I still have good muscles and some good sense Strauss-Kahn making a comeback but my role will be to give advice.” The flamboyant Berlusconi, PARIS: Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former Street Professional’s Survival Guide”. “He needs whose reported “bunga bunga” IMF chief whose French presidential ambitions to be test-driven first ... If he is able to prove that parties won worldwide notoriety, were shattered by a sex scandal last year, is mak- his intervention and the consultancy advisory has taken a largely backseat role ing a comeback in business and at conferences. work he is doing is powerful and effective, he’s in politics since he was forced to The 63-year-old Strauss-Kahn was accused going to generate interest.” step down, but he remains the of trying to rape a New York hotel maid in May Strauss-Kahn has been little seen in public in dominant figure within the PDL. 2011. He protested his innocence and criminal his native France, where until recently media However, an opinion poll last charges against him were dropped, though civil have been portraying him as a shunned and month gave him just 18 percent proceedings by the woman are still pending. lonely man. Yet in the past year he has deliv- personal support among the wider Now he is promoting himself as a consult- ered keynote speeches at conferences in China, public, well behind former justice ant and guest speaker at far-flung points on the Ukraine, Morocco and South Korea. minister Angelino Alfano who cele- world’s conference circuit, where participants He was warmly applauded when he spoke about brates his 42nd birthday next week. can demand $100,000 or more to talk for an hour, global economic prospects to hundreds of students Alfano is the favourite to take and five times that sum for star performers such and executives in Morocco in September, at an the centre-right into the election, as former US president Bill Clinton. event where his hosts at a private university intro- which must be held no later than While Strauss-Kahn’s itinerary for now will duced him not with his grandest former title but April, although other candidates are keep him at some distance from the financial simply as Professor Strauss-Kahn, the economist. likely to emerge. A survey from the capitals he used to frequent, experts say his He is scheduled to make a second appearance SWG institute put PDL support at economic policy experience and a contact book in Morocco at an Arab banking congress in 14.3 percent, behind the centre-left that many heads of state would envy will stand Casablanca in mid-November. Organisers of the Democratic Party on 25.9 and the him in good stead. “He has the potential to be meeting declined to comment when contacted 5 Star Movement of comic Beppe enormously successful,” says Roy Cohen, a New by Reuters, as did others hosting conferences Grillo on 21. REUTERS York-based career coach and author of “The Wall Strauss-Kahn is due to attend. REUTERS

THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 MNLF willing to hold talks on Bangsamoro MNLF seeks quadripartite meeting to hasten the resolution of the Mindanao Moro problem

COTABATO CITY: The larg- scattered in different “peace practically the same issues that with that. That would help hasten government and the MNLF. committee - the SPPC, which est and most politically-active zones” in Mindanao, said they are the government and the Milf are understanding on the ‘parallel- Sema said their group is con- looks into the plight of the coun- group in the Moro National confident that the OIC, through set to discuss based on the newly- ism’ of the framework agreement vinced the OIC will give the gov- try’s Moro communities and the Liberation Front (MNLF) its Southern Philippines Peace signed framework agreement. and the on-going tripartite review ernment and the Milf the chance government-MILF peace efforts. is merely seeking a peaceful Committee, (SPPC) is willing to Sema said there are three of the 1996 government-MNLF to present the framework agree- “We don’t need to do any war- quadripartite dialogue on the cooperate in organising a “quadri- remaining issues that are to be peace agreement,” Sema said. ment to the meeting of its foreign mongering, or sabre rattling newly-crafted framework deal, partite meeting” meant to hasten ironed out - transition mecha- The OIC, a pan-Islamic bloc of ministers in Djibouti. because all of these things are without the sabre-rattling of the resolution of the Mindanao nism, transition period and the more than 50 Muslim countries, “It’s premature to say that the best discussed amicably,” Sema Nur Misuari, one of the leaders Moro problem. best option to shift from the including oil-exporting states OIC will not allow the Milf and said. of the group said. “We’re confident that President present autonomous government in the Middle East and North the government to participate in He said the Milf and the MNLF Cotabato City Vice-Mayor Aquino will not allow any abro- to another political body as envi- Africa, helped broker the govern- that meeting,” Sema said. are not at war with each other. Muslimin Sema, chairman of the gation of the September 2, 1996 sioned by the OIC, the govern- ment-MNLF peace agreement. A lawyer of the MNLF claimed “These two Moro fronts are largest of three factions in the GPH-MNLF final peace agree- ment and the MNLF. The OIC had monitored the ini- that the Department of Foreign both fighting for homeland, self- MNLF, said their group would ment while he is pursuing a set- “We’re not rattling the sabre. tial implementation of the peace Affairs (DFA) and the MILF have governance and welfare of the only be able to reach a consensus tlement with the Milf. We are for We are for a peaceful dialogue on accord through a committee of no legal personality to attend the Moro people,” Sema said. about the newly signed agree- peaceful dialogues on that issue, the framework agreement,” Sema seven countries, among them OIC’s activity in Djibouti. Misuari and a leader of another ment with the government, the we will never do any war-mon- added. Indonesia and Libya, in a bid to “The OIC meeting is exclusive MNLF faction, Mujahab Hashim, Moro Islamic Liberation Front gering,” Sema told reporters in an Sema said they also support push forward the government- only to member countries and of Islamic Council, have both crit- and the Organisation of Islamic e-mailed statement. the government’s plan to present MNLF peace overture even prior the Philippines is already repre- icised the GPH-MILF framework Cooperation if they meet with Sema said Malacañang, the OIC the framework agreement to the to the crafting of the 1976 Tripoli sented by MNLF chairman Nur agreement, saying the pact could them. and the MNLF already reached OIC during its foreign ministers’ Agreement in Libya. Misuari,” the lawyer, who refused prompt the MNLF to seek inde- Sema, whose group is com- 42 consensus points in the tripar- meeting next month in Djibouti. The Tripoli Agreement was to be identified, said. pendence for Mindanao again. prised of 20 “revolutionary states” tite review of the peace accord, “We don’t have any problem signed December 23, 1976 by the Sema said the OIC has a special THE PHILIPPINE STAR Satellite-carrying rocket Japan names new justice minister

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Tanaka stepped down on call elections “soon”. Minister Yoshihiko Noda Tuesday, citing health reasons The Tanaka scandal is the lat- yesterday named a new jus- after spending several days in est in a string of setbacks for tice minister after the last hospital. Noda, the ruling Democrats’ third one resigned in the wake of However, his resignation came prime minister in as many years, an uproar over past links to after he was forced to admit links who is expected to lose the next organised crime. to yakuza organised crime syndi- election. Makoto Taki, who was shuffled cates when a magazine revealed In September last year, days out of the post on October 1 to he had once acted as a match- after Noda formed his govern- make way for the now scandal- maker for a senior mobster. ment, then Trade Minister Yoshio tainted Keishu Tanaka, has been Tanaka spent more than a Hachiro quit over comments put back in his old job, the govern- week insisting he would not quit about radiation following a visit ment announced. over the issue, but local media to the Fukushima region, scene “Former Justice Minister Taki said pressure from politicians of of a nuclear plant accident follow- has a thorough understanding of all stripes eventually forced his ing an earthquake and tsunami in the workings of justice adminis- hand. March that year. tration,” Chief Cabinet Secretary His resignation after only three Government policy-making has Osamu Fujimura said. weeks in the job was a fresh blow stalled since the parliament ses- Taki, 74, a career civil servant, to an already beleaguered prime sion ended last month, with the had a low profile while previously minister, who is facing pressure to opposition blocking legislation in in office, but won plaudits for beef- go to the polls after trading oppo- a split parliament to try and force ing up Japan’s laws on reckless sition support for an unpopular an early election. driving. tax hike in return for a pledge to AFP The Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1), South Korea’s satellite-carrying rocket, is moved to a launch pad at the Naro Space Centre in Goheung, South Korea, some 480km south of Seoul, yesterday. South Korea is expected to launch the rocket, also known as Naro-1, from the centre on Friday. Suspected arsonist Myanmar imposes curfew after unrest in Rakhine state Japan, China officials in Taiwan hospital meet over island row YANGON: Authorities in Unconfirmed reports from other local sources reported reinforce- in other towns but not Myay Bone TOKYO: Japan and China held fire detained Myanmar imposed a night-time sources put the death toll higher. ment of armed police in these yet.” high-level talks at the week- curfew in at least two towns in Up to 800,000 Rohingyas live in towns. As with the previous bout of end as they seek ways to repair TAIPEI: A Taiwanese pros- northwestern Rakhine state abject conditions along Myanmar’s “However, I don’t think the sit- violence, it was unclear what relations damaged by a terri- ecutor said yesterday an eld- after renewed deadly unrest border with Bangladesh. Neither uation has returned to normal in had set off the arson and killing. torial row over islands in the erly man had been arrested between Buddhists and Muslim country recognises them as citi- villages on the outskirts of Mrauk In June, tension had been rising East China Sea, Tokyo said and detained on suspicion of Rohingyas in an area where zens and the Bangladeshi authori- Oo,” retired school teacher Mya for some time after the rape and yesterday. starting a fire at a hospital that more than 80 people were killed ties turned away boatloads of Thein said by telephone. murder of a Buddhist woman in Relations between the two killed 12 people and injured 60. in June. Rohingyas fleeing the violence in Another source reported trou- May that was blamed on Muslims. countries have sunk to new lows The blaze erupted before dawn The earlier violence was a set- June. ble in a town called Myay Bone. Thein Sein’s government has in a vicious spat over a group of on Tuesday at Beimen nursing back for a quasi-civilian govern- Most people in Myanmar “The local Rohingyas prepared negotiated ceasefires with most of uninhibited, Tokyo-administered facility in southern Tainan city, ment that has won international regard them as illegal immigrants boats for escape. Just before the ethnic rebels that have fought islands, called the Senkakus in whose 115 patients included peo- plaudits for its political and eco- from South Asia. Even Aung San escape, they started setting fires. for autonomy for half a century Japan and the Diaoyus in China. ple in their 90s, with several left nomic reforms since President Suu Kyi, a Nobel peace laureate Then the Arakans (local Rakhine but has done nothing to address Japanese Vice Foreign Minister on their own to escape dense Thein Sein took office in March who led the fight for democracy, people) chased them down, seized the Rohingya problem. Chikao Kawai visited Shanghai smoke that filled the building. 2011, ending almost 50 years of has sidestepped questions on how one of the Rohingyas who had Suu Kyi, now a member of over the weekend and met China’s The 67-year-old man, sur- brutal military rule. to tackle the problem. started a fire and also burnt the parliament, told reporters in the Vice Foreign Minister Zhang named Lin and also a patient Official media said yesterday Hla Thein, spokesman for the Rohingyas’ boats prepared for capital, Naypyitaw, on Tuesday Zhijun to discuss the island dis- at the hospital, said he lit tissue that two people had been killed Rakhine State government, told escape,” he said, quoting an uncle that a general absence of law pute, local media reported. papers and threw them into a and eight injured in the vio- Reuters curfews had been imposed in the area. was to blame for the situation in The meeting was “part of com- storage room full of clothes, said lence since Sunday, while 1,039 in the townships of Minbya and “I heard the authorities had Rakhine State. munications that go on between prosecutor Tseng Chao-kai. homes had been burned down. Mrauk Oo from Monday. Some been able to control the situation REUTERS Japan and China at various lev- Lin said he was feeling upset els and in various forms about because he had been suffering the present situation over the from serious illness, the pros- Alleged drug trafficker Senkaku islands,” said top gov- ecutor said, adding that an ini- ernment spokesman Osamu tial evaluation found he did not Fujimura. appear to be mentally ill. Italian arrested in Bali over Fujimura declined to confirm Prosecutor Tseng said Lin was further details, including who located by the police several hours took part. after the fire in an empty house hoax bomb threat to flight The two officials from Japan near the hospital with a lighter in and China also met in Beijing last his pocket and was later arrested YOGYAKARTA: An Italian materials on the flight to Bali,” month. after questioning. painter has been arrested on Yogyakarta police spokeswoman Tseng said the man, considered the Indonesian resort island of Ani Pudjiastuti said. S Korea urges North to a flight risk, apparently tried to Bali for allegedly making a hoax Passengers waiting for the destroy evidence and would face bomb threat to a flight after his October 14 flight to take off give up military policy murder and arson charges if his wife failed to get a seat on it, became panicky on hearing about SEOUL: South Korean Foreign statement was proved to be true. police said yesterday. the threat, but a police search of Minister Kim Sung-hwan yes- The China Times newspaper Andrea Giovanni Sorteni, 48, the plane turned up no explosives, terday urged North Korea’s said Lin was suffering from colon could be charged with terrorism she said. new leadership to give up its and bladder cancer. offences over the bomb threat, Sorteni was arrested on military-first policy and put Closed-circuit TV footage which sparked panic and caused October 17 in Denpasar on resources that it lavishes on the taken moments after the blaze the flight from Yogyakarta in cen- Bali, where he was living with armed services toward improv- broke out showed hospital staff tral Java to be delayed by several his wife, after he was tracked ing the livelihood of its own scrambling to put out the fire, hours. down through the mobile phone people, Yonhap news agency while elderly patients struggled Indonesia has been hit by he allegedly used to make the reported. to escape in their wheelchairs. deadly bombings over the decade threats, police said. Analysts and government offi- Fire officials have said the and the hoax came at a sensi- He was taken to Yogyakarta cials in South Korea have searched blaze possibly started in a storage tive time -- two days after Bali and remains in custody while the for any signs of economic reform room on the second floor of the marked the 10th anniversary of police investigation continues, the since the North’s new leader Kim five-floor building mainly housing Islamist attacks that killed 202 spokeswoman said. Jong-un succeeded his late father, bed-ridden seniors. people, including foreign tourists. She said he could be charged Kim Jong-il, last December. Still, The cause of all the deaths was The artist, who denies making under terrorism laws or under they are sceptical over whether smoke inhalation. The injured the threat, became upset when laws that ban spreading false the young Kim would be serious were rushed to a dozen hospitals his Indonesian wife was not information through electronic about opening up the communist for treatment and 58 remained allowed on the flight after low- means. country to foreign influences out- hospitalised yesterday, health cost domestic carrier Lion Air Lion Air spokesman Edward side of his control. authorities said. said her ticket was out of date, Sirait said the incident was The South Korean foreign Health department ordered according to police. regrettable. “We’re an industry minister said it was too early to hundreds of hospitals and nursing Alleged drug trafficker Manas Seupho, 42, (centre) is escorted by Thai “He was very angry know- which is highly sensitive to any judge the direction in which the homes to complete a fire safety police officers for a press conference at the Metropolitan Police Bureau ing that his wife could not fly information that could risk our young Kim is trying to take North check over the next three days. in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. back home and called Lion Air passengers’ safety,” he said. Korea. AFP and said there were explosive AFP AGENCIES THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN Shrinking military aid worries Afghans Government not ready to take over development role as aid project in Kabul slows down

GARDEZ: Military-led teams The PRT in Paktia, a poor, the basic services to the people. province is starting to stand on said. The Paktia officials’ aid arm, is financing one of set up to deliver aid projects in mountainous province in eastern “That’s important at the time their own and they are getting fears echo greater concerns by the most important projects in Afghanistan are winding down Afghanistan bordering Pakistan when there was no one doing funding from Kabul, (though) not Afghans over how development Paktia, the paving of a section their operations, sparking con- and used as a transit route by that, but now as the Afghan gov- in the amounts we would like to projects will be sustained once of highway connecting Gardez cern among some local officials insurgents, was the first to open ernment stands up and starts to see,” he said. foreign donors pull the plug, with the neighbouring province that the government is not in Afghanistan in 2003. deliver basic services, the PRT Before 2011, the Paktia PRT which they are in the process of Khost. ready to take over their devel- The PRT was slated to close in can be looked (at) negatively, so built agricultural dams, irriga- of doing. The World Bank is fund- opment role. December 2014, but the unit’s US we can’t do that any longer,” he tion systems, wells, hospitals and Donors pledged in Tokyo in ing an Afghan-led project to Provincial Reconstruction commander said he was proposing told reporters during a media schools. More recent projects have July to give Afghanistan, one build the Machalgho dam in Teams (PRTs) were a key part to shut it earlier, in June 2013, on visit organised by Nato last week. been more modest, ranging from of the world’s poorest coun- Paktia, although work on the of US-led forces’ strategy “to win grounds that Afghans were ready solar lights for bazaars to a wall tries, $16bn in development aid project, under the supervision hearts and minds” in both Iraq to take on the work. PROJECT NUMBERS around a girls’ school. through 2015. But there are no of an Afghan ministry, has been and Afghanistan, building schools, Naiz Mohammad Khalil, gover- DECLINE The main focus of the PRT’s guarantees for what will happen delayed. hospitals and roads. nor of the Sayid Karam district of In 2010, the Paktia PRT, work has switched to advising after that date. USAID will continue to work But now the teams, led by dif- Paktia, which borders Gardez and headquartered at a US military and mentoring Afghan officials There are also concerns by in Afghanistan after the Paktia ferent countries in the coalition, benefits from the PRT, said he base near Gardez, managed 114 to provide services. major donors and aid organisa- PRT closes, but projects will be are scaling back in Afghanistan as would be “upset” when it closed. projects costing $15.5m. In 2011, Paktia Governor Juma Khan tions that weak political will and run from Kabul and carried out Nato-led forces hand over security “We need more mentors, we that fell to 101 projects worth Hamdard said while the provin- graft could prevent funds reach- by charities or local people, said responsibility to local commanders need them to stay for longer to $10m and this year to 21 projects cial government would implement ing the right people at a crucial Justin Gordon, USAID senior before most foreign combat troops train us more,” he said in the pro- costing $800,000. development projects well and act time. field programme officer for Paktia pull out by the end of 2014. vincial capital Gardez. Of those projects, only three against corruption, he cautioned Some development projects in province. Of the 22 existing today, down The PRT’s commander, US remain, Morse said. that the Afghan government did Paktia will continue, paid for by He said Afghan officials were from 26 last month, three are Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Morse conceded that Kabul not have the money to make up international donors. generally in a position to take expected to close by the middle of John Morse, said that when the had not sent enough money to for the fall in PRT funding. The US Agency for more development responsibility next year, Nato military officials PRT was established, “We were Paktia this year for development “The ministers do not (have) International Development but the situation varied. have said. the only ones that were delivering work. “We really felt that Paktia money up in Kabul,” Hamdard (USAID), the US government REUTERS

Bunker removal German firm to compensate US drone strike kills three in Pakistan

Karachi factory fire victims MIRANSHAH: A US drone fired two missiles on a sus- KARACHI: A German dis- factory’s output was destined for pected militant compound in count clothing retailer has its Okey brand, Mansoor said. northwest Pakistan yesterday, agreed to pay more than $1.2m “We saw the labels on the mer- killing three people, security compensation for victims of a chandise, checked invoices and officials said. Pakistan factory fire, a union interviewed the workers to know One missile hit a house in the leader said yesterday. that at least 90 percent of the Tappi area about 20 kilometres The blaze in September at garments, the Ali Enterprises was (12 miles) east of Miranshah, the the Ali Enterprises factory in producing, was the Okey brand main town in North Waziristan Karachi, which made ready- for Kik,” he said. tribal district, a stronghold of to-wear garments for Western “We contacted the company Taliban and Al-Qaeda linked stores, killed 289 workers and and asked for the compensation. militants, while the other hit a injured 110 more. Initially, they declined to accept vehicle parked outside, a security German news magazine Der the fact, but they finally gave in official said. Spiegel reported in its online to the concrete evidences we had.” “The missiles killed three peo- edition on Tuesday that the Kik The Pakistani government has ple,” the official said. chain, which the factory supplied paid more than 100 family mem- Security officials in the north- with jeans, had agreed to pay a bers 700,000 rupees ($7,000), but western city of Peshawar con- total of $500,000 compensation -- many families say they are still firmed the attack and the death less than $2,000 for every life lost. waiting for cheques, which were toll. Nasir Mansoor, head of the held up by governmental red-tape. Locals said three cows, appar- National Trade Union Federation Of the 110 workers who were ently meant for sacrificing on the (NTUF), a local union for injured, dozens suffered disabling Muslim festival of Eid-al-Adha Pakistani factory workers, said injuries. About 2,000 other work- being celebrated in the tribal his organisation and the Clean ers have lost their livelihood. region on Friday, were also killed Clothes Campaign, an interna- “Life has become hell since that in the attack. tional group striving for better fire,” said Mohammad Khalid, 29, Wednesday’s attack was the conditions for garment work- who worked at the factory with third by unmanned US aircraft ers, had forced Kik to up the his elder brother Majid. Majid in Miranshah this month. On compensation. died and Mohammad lost his left October 11, 18 insurgents, most “We did not agree with the com- arm in the fire. reportedly Afghans, were killed in pensation they had announced. His family have not yet received a drone strike in the nearby tribal We warned them that we would compensation from the govern- region of Orakzai in the deadliest seek for international justice if ment and he sees the German attack in more than a year. they did not share responsibility company’s money as inadequate The covert US attacks are and deservedly compensated the to offer a better life for the two unpopular in Pakistan, where families,” Mansoor said. families. the government slams them “Now, Kik has agreed to pay “We have lost both male bread- as a violation of sovereignty, initially 500,000 euros ($650,000). winners. This compensation will but American officials believe They would soon pay another not help for long. Our women and they are a vital weapon against half-a-million euros.” children will have to work hard to Islamist militants. Mansoor said NTUF was in feed all of us,” he said. Earlier this month, cricket talks to secure an even bigger Two of the three factory own- legend turned politician Imran payout for the workers. ers are facing murder charges. Khan led thousands of supporters Kik agreed to compensate the Their application for bail last in a motorcade from the capital victims and their families only week was rejected and they were Islamabad to the edge of the tribal after activists presented them sent to jail on remand. A crane removes a bunker at Combat Outpost Nagahan in Arghandab Valley in Kandahar province, southern belt to protest against the US stri with evidence that most of the AFP Afghanistan, yesterday. The US military forces is closing down Combat Outpost Nagahan as part of reducing kes. AFP their bases in the Arghandab Valley in Kandahar province, a military officer said. US to sign investment treaty with Islamabad Pak-Afghan strategic ISLAMABAD: The United the non-conforming measures and more jobs. BIT would dem- accord likely next year States is committed to signing (NCM), on which there are dif- onstrate Pakistan’s commitment a Bilateral Investment Treaty ference in opinion by various to the rule of law, transparency (BIT) with Pakistan and is pre- stakeholders. and other policies that support ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan- his free will. pared to sign it immediately as It is the stance of US govern- a welcoming investment climate. Afghanistan Strategic “If these conditions are met - “the treaty is a tangible repre- ment that all bilateral investment Greater investment in Pakistan Partnership Agreement, being terrorism is stopped, extremism sentation of our commitment treaties allow for an “essential would create more jobs in Pakistan midwifed by the West, is is dismantled, anti-Afghan activi- to trade, not just aid,” a senior security” exception. The “essen- as the treaty would also help the expected to be signed next year ties are stopped, destruction of official of US Embassy said here tial security” article in BIT gives country be more competitive in despite the lingering mistrust Afghanistan is stopped, friendship yesterday. Pakistan very broad authority to the global market. between the two countries. starts between the two countries Speaking to a group of news- undertake any measure it consid- The US official, who was British High Commissioner which hasn’t happened so far - men, Robert Ewing, Counsellor ers necessary to protect its secu- part of the US delegation to Adam Thomson said the United then a strategic pact would be for Economic Affairs of US rity interests. the US-Pakistan Investment Kingdom was happy to see signed between Afghanistan and Embassy in Islamabad said that This article gives assurance Conference concluded in London Pakistan and Afghanistan moving Pakistan,” Karzai had said soon the United States respected President Asif Zardari that the bilateral investment early this month, spoke of posi- towards a strategic partnership after returning to Kabul from Pakistan’s internal consultations treaty respects national security tive outcomes of the conference agreement (SPA) before the end New York. to reach on the consensus, how- completed and presently draft of policy and actions. The US nego- particularly in the textile sector. of next year. Thomson clearly hinted the UK ever “we are concerned by the the treaty is going through inter- tiating team has already agreed He said Pakistani textile man- “We see it as a positive step was nudging both countries to delay,” he said. nal review. BoI is making efforts to an Annex-II non-conforming ufacturers can take advantage forward,” the high commissioner agree to the SPA and said “we may Pakistan and the United States to build consensus on the treaty measure exception for the atomic of the US GSP programme to said. contribute” through diplomacy. A have initialled the main text of by all stakeholders, he said. energy sector. enter the US market. However, He did not share the reason for Pakistani official confirmed that the treaty in March this year, and About timeframe for the sign- According to Ewing, US would he said that signing of the BIT his optimism despite the appar- some countries were helping. concluded negotiations on BIT in ing of BIT, sources in BOI believe welcome a written description of would be an important ingredient ent downturn in Islamabad-Kabul Increased political contacts Islamabad in August, and the that the treaty could be signed Pakistan’s concerns on the BIT, to expanding US-Pakistan trade relationship. The Pakistan-Afghan between the two countries, way talks progressed, high hopes before the end of present govern- which the US negotiating team and investment relations. strategic accord was proposed by described by Karzai on more than had been raised for signing of the ment’s tenure. The present US would be pleased to discuss in He said that the US-Pak two- President Hamid Karzai at a tri- one occasions as conjoined twins, treaty in New York in September administration also desires that Washington or London, or via dig- way trade is already very strong lateral summit, also attended by had led everyone into believing during the visit of President Asif the two countries sign the treaty ital video conference at a mutu- and trade surged to $5 billion in the US, in New York last month. that they had turned page in their Zardari. before the end of December this ally agreed upon date. 2011. US buys more of Pakistan’s But shortly afterwards the relations after years of acrimony. When contacted, a senior offi- year, sources said. Ewing said the United States exports than any other country, Afghan president started setting But some of the incidents over cial of the Board of Investment Sources said that the inter- believe that BIT would signal that he said by concluding that over conditions for letting the agree- the past 12 months reversed the revealed that negotiations with nal review by the Pakistan Pakistan is open for business, 20 per cent of Pakistan’s exports ment take shape, making it clear progress and re-ignited the blame US on the treaty have been government mainly relates to leading to greater investment, go to the US. INTERNEWS that he had not made the offer of game. INTERNEWS THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 BJP leaders back Gadkari’s probe demand Rift within BJP, says Congress

NEW DELHI: The political by Corporate Affairs Minister row over alleged wrongdoings in M Veerappa Moily, would be “fair” business dealings by BJP chief and uncoloured by its “political Nitin Gadkari continued yes- hostility” to the BJP. terday with senior party leaders He said the ruling United L K Advani and Sushma Swaraj Progressive Alliance (UPA) “is backing his stand in asking for a trying to work a strategy to paint probe and the Congress retort- the entire political class with ing that it was not enough. the same brush to minimise and The Congress sought that the escape its unpardonable sins”. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Advani urged the BJP to “be chief answer the charges against different and should not claim him and claimed the allegations immunity on either scale or were the result of the BJP’s inter- nature of the allegations”. nal fights. India Against Corruption (IAC) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh member Arvind Kejriwal had first chief Mohan Bhagwat, meanwhile, levelled allegations against the said in Nagpur that the allega- BJP chief last Wednesday, related tions against Gadkari were a to land deals in Maharashtra. The “matter of the party”. latest allegations against Gadkari In a statement, Advani termed are about improper business deal- Gadkari’s asking for a probe by ings as chairman of the Purti the Department of Company group. Affairs as a “fair and proper Media reports on Tuesday said Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, Sonia Gandhi applies a ‘tilak’ on the forehead of an artist playing the character of response” and also sought to point an infrastructure company IRB Laxman during the Hindu festival of Dussehra in New Delhi yesterday. Also seen on the left is Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. out that the allegations against gave a Gadkari-owned company the BJP chief were “about stand- a loan of Rs1.65bn, two years ards of business and not misuse after the IRB was awarded road of power or corruption”. contracts by Gadkari when he Durga given tearful farewell in West Bengal Sushma Swaraj said it was was the Maharashtra PWD “unjust” and “unfair” to accept minister. allegations against Gadkari with- The reports also said the KOLKATA: Devotees across they consoled themselves shout- for the immersion of idols on television cameras were installed out a probe. addresses of some of the compa- West Bengal tearfully bade ing “Asche bochor abar hobe” (See 13 ghats of the river. More at certain ghats, a senior police She also said that the BJP nies that had invested in Gadkari’s goodbye to their beloved you next year). than 200 volunteers from the officer said. members “trust” Gadkari and company appeared to be dubious. deity Durga as her idols were Central Kolkata’s Babughat, Kolkata Municipal Corporation The city police have allotted “stand firmly behind him”. The BJP had said any compe- immersed in ponds, lakes a popular stretch on the Ganga, have been employed to ensure three days, yesterday, today and On the other hand, the tent authority could probe the and rivers on Vijaya Dashami was the centre of attraction as it that the immersion is carried Saturday to complete the immer- Congress went on the offensive. charges, and the Congress seized yesterday. drew a large number of people, out smoothly,” Debasish Kumar, sion process. More than 2,400 “It is a serious matter. The BJP on the statement. The banks of the Ganga and even from abroad, who soaked in member, mayor-in-council, said. community pujas were organised should clarify as another former “It is good that, for the first other rivers wore a festive look, the festive spirit. Kumar said cranes have been in the city and their idols will be president, Bangaru Laxman, had time, the opposition is saying that as puja organisers came in colour- The immersion ceremony deployed at certain ghats to lift immersed in the river. also faced corruption charges,” government probe agencies are ful processions to the accompani- symbolises the end of the deity’s and extricate the remains of idols In the morning, married said Congress spokesperson competent enough to probe into ment of drums to immerse idols annual sojourn to her paternal from the river to avoid pollution. women smeared the deity and her Rashid Alvi, while his colleague the matter,” said Dikshit. of the deity and her four children home and she returns to her hus- Additional lights have been put children with red vermilion and Sandeep Dikshit said: “Mere ask- However, Dikshit said no probe — Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha band Lord Shiva at their heavenly up at the immersion ghats and offered sweets and prayed for the ing for a probe is not enough.” against Congress chief Sonia and Kartik. abode in Mount Kailash. the flowers, levers and metallic well-being of their families and Another spokesman Manish Gandhi’s son-in-law Robert Hundreds of devotees, includ- Elaborate security arrange- weapons were dumped at separate long lives of their husbands. Tewari said the episode reflected Vadra, who has been accused ing the young, joined hands in ments by city police as well as ghats to prevent river pollution. School students visited the the party’s rifts. of corruption in land deals in gently lowering the idols into the civic authorities were in place Other than maintaining law marquees and kept their books “The charges are the result of Haryana involving realty major river. An element of emptiness on various ghats of the river to and order during the immer- and pens before the goddess pray- BJP’s internal fight,” he said. DLF, was needed as nothing has at the end of the biggest celebra- ensure that the immersion of the sions, the teams of river police ing for her blessings for a good Advani hoped the government been established against him. tion in this part of the country idols passed peacefully. and disaster management groups academic record. inquiry, announced on Tuesday IANS overcame all and sundry, but “We have made arrangements patrolled the river. Close circuit IANS

Maradona makes music Himachal CM Nuclear plant awaits eats humble pie, says he German technicians CHENNAI: India’s atomic the first time a reactor of this size respects media power plant operator, the is being installed in the country. Nuclear Power Corporation of Once the reactor pressure ves- SHIMLA/NEW DELHI: India Ltd (NPCIL) is awaiting sel is closed, then the NPCIL has Less than 24 hours after his the arrival of German techni- to approach AERB for permis- purported threat to the media cians to close the pressure ves- sion for the next process which is over charges of income tax eva- sel of the first 1,000 MW reactor called heating up process. sion and money laundering, at the Kudankulam Nuclear NPCIL is setting up the KNPP Himachal Pradesh Congress Power Project (KNPP), said a at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu’s chief Virbhadra Singh yester- senior official. Tirunelveli district, around 650km day took a U-turn and said he “The Atomic Energy from here, with two Russian- respected the media. Regulatory Board (AERB) has made VVER 1,000 MW reactors. He also tried to justify his given the nod to close the pres- AERB gave its nod to NPCIL to sources of income, saying his sure vessel on October 20. The load 163 bundles of enriched ura- “entire income is from horticul- German machine to close the ves- nium fuel in the first reactor at ture and it’s negligible from other sel will have to be operated by a KNPP on September 18 after the sources”. “I respect the media technician from that country. The latter complied with all the condi- and my intention was not to hurt German team is expected soon,” a tions laid down by the former in anybody,” Singh told reporters in senior NPCIL official said, prefer- its August 10 sanction order. Shimla. ring anonymity. NPCIL completed the fuel load- Singh had threatened the According to the official, going ing process on October 2. media on Tuesday evening say- by the current pace of work, the After the reactor is fuelled, ing “I will break the cameras” reactor will become critical (start activities to approach first criti- when journalists asked him about of fission process) sometime dur- cality-starting fission chain reac- the allegations levelled by the ing the second week of November. tion, for the first time in a reactor, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Argentinian football icon and former player Diego Maradona (right) performs onstage with local musicians It is learnt that NPCIL wants will be taken up. Later, the Congress apologised during an appearance at a stadium in Kannur in Kerala, yesterday. Maradona is on a private visit to the state, to be sure of the closure as this is IANS for his behaviour. Dismissing the his second visit to the country following a trip to Kolkata in 2008. charges as “baseless”, the five- time chief minister told TV news channels during campaigning in Kullu district: “I will deal with all these issues after the elections Eleven silent movies shown Kerala priest named cardinal by Pope are over on November 4.” Defending himself, Singh said the entire income (reflected in at Mumbai Film Festival KOCHI: Rev. Moran Mar Now there will be seven car- selected,” said a church spokes- the income tax returns) was from Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, dinals in the country with four person to the media. orchards. “I have no other income. MUMBAI: Eleven silent films cinema, four films of Dadasaheb head of the Kerala- having rights to elect a new Pope. The total number of cardi- The income is maximum from the from the 1920s, including “Raja Phalke — “Kaliya Mardan” (1919), headquartered Syro Malankara The Malankara Church is one nals in the Catholic church is orchards and almost negligible Harishchandra” and “Sati “Shri Krishna Janma” (1918), Catholic Church, was yesterday of the three different churches now 211, with 89 having rights to from other sources,” he said. Savitri”, were screened yester- “Lanka Dahan” (1917) and “Raja elevated as a cardinal and thus that make the Catholic Church elect a Pope. Cleemis Catholicos Singh said he had filed revised day at the 14th Mumbai Film Harishchandra” (1913) — were became one of the select 89 who in the state. The others include was ordained as a priest of the income tax returns, which will Festival. One film, “A Throw screened. can become the Pope. the Latin and the Syro Malabar. church in 1986 and holds a doctor- be scrutinised by the income Of Dice”, was accompanied by a The other films were Baburao The ordination will take place Formed in 1930 as part of the ate from the St Thomas Pontifical tax department. “The conjec- live orchestra. Painter’s “Sati Savitri” (1927) at the Vatican on November 24. re-unification movement, the University Rome. ture by anyone on this basis is “The highlight this year was and “Murlivala” (1927), Kalipada The Catholicos became the fifth Syro Malankara Catholic Church Pope Benedict named six new baseless,” he added.On his anger restored silent films. ‘Throw Of Das’s “Jamai Babu” (1931), G P Keralite to be made a cardinal. has a following of around five lakh. cardinals yesterday, including two against mediapersons, Singh said: Dice’ was screened with a live Pawar’s “Diler Jigar” (1931), P V Cleemis Catholicos, 53, will “It was at noon (Rome time) from countries with large Muslim “Sometimes reporters do not orchestra. It was an 80-minute Rao’s “Marthand Varma”(1931) be the first and youngest major that in his customary public dis- populations, to put his stamp wait and start asking questions film and it was outstanding,” and Franz Osten’s “Shiraz” (1929) archbishop from the Kerala-based course with the laity that the on the future of the Catholic suddenly. This happens here (in Swati Rohatgi, a film enthusiast, and “A Throw Of Dice” (1929). Syro Malankara Church to be Pope made the announcement Church. Kullu) also.” IANS said. To mark 100 years of Indian IANS elevated as a cardinal. that six new cardinals have been AGENCIES THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME NATIONAL CEMENT COMPANY News in Numbers Chairman & MD: Salem bin Butti Al Naimi Vice Chairman: Sulaiman khalid Al Mana Fajr (Dawn) 4:20 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:37 Zuhr (Noon) 11:18 FIRST TIME Asr (Afternoon) 2:33 IN QATAR Maghrib (Sunset) 5:00 Isha (Night) 6:30 READ MOBILE Established in 1965, Qatar National Cement Company (QNCC) is a Qatar- based public shareholding company operating in the construction materials WEATHER EDITION sector. Headquartered in Doha, QNCC has setup manufacturing units at Umm Bab and Mekenis in Qatar. The company was established to produce Today Friday Saturday Weather ordinary Portland cement in the country. Subsequently, the company began Conditions: production of: • Sulphate resistant cement • Calcined and hydrated lime and Clear Clear Clear • Washed sand. Hazzy with some clouds. ( QRm unless otherwise mentioned ) High: 35° High: 35° High: 35° Company Financials Low: 27° Low: 27° Low: 27° Y-O-Y CAGR (%) Particulars 2008 2009 2010 2011 (%) ( 09 - 11 ) Revenue 1,413.0 1,519.1 1,090.2 989.6 -9.2 -19.3 DOHA - SUN & SEA Total Assets 2,853.1 2,526.2 2,607.8 2618.8 0.4 1.8 SUN TIDE SEA Shareholder’s Equity 1,642.5 1,922.9 2,159.7 2315.0 7.2 9.7 SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND Total Debt 874.4 489.5 324.1 163.9 -49.4 -42.1 05:37 | 17:00 02:30 & 13:30 06:45 & 20:45 03-12 KT 4.6 54.3 99.8 254.6 155.1 116.6 THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW Cash & Cash Equivalents

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ATHENS 24/17 Clear 25/19 Clear WASHINGTON 23/16 Mostly sunny 22/15 Chance of rain Send your BlackBerry Sources : http://www.qtel.qa/ SYDNEY 32/16 Mostly sunny 24/12 Chance of rain pincode to 21A8A4A8 Govt. of Qatar LONDON 18/14 Chance of rain 15/08 Mostly sunny to get the latest news 43% Cement 100% PARIS 18/09 Clear 10/03 Chance of rain on your BlackBerry mobile Public 57% 21/14 Chance of rain 23/15 Mostly sunny MANILA 28/25 Thunderstorms 29/24 Thunderstorms DHAKA 29/18 Clear 29/14 Clear DELHI 29/17 Clear 28/16 Clear ISLAMABAD 28/12 Clear 28/12 Clear Source : http://www.cbq.com.qa/ Thursday 25 October 2012 9 Dhul-Hijja 1433 Volume 17 Number 5498 Price: QR2

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180,146 8.96 183,747 26.35 217,439 149.30269,600 15.49 9,522 76.60 187,419 28.35 40.-62 25.00 226,867 72.30 9,926 51.90

Moving listening room Ezdan Holding Finance sector Group records QR261m net profit

DOHA: Ezdan Holding Group share in Qatar has disclosed the interim financial statements for the period ending September 30, 2012. The financial statements GDP up 14.5pc revealed a net profit of QR261m for the nine months period ended September 30, 2012 in Construction sector growth zero in ’10 comparison to a net profit of QR202m for the corresponding DOHA: The contribution of to 2010, total re-exports was period last year, the group said Qatar’s “Finance, insurance, lower by 23.6 percent, mainly in a press release published on real estate and business serv- attributable to lower re-exports its website in Qatar Exchange. ices” sector to the country’s of machinery and equipment. The company’s Earnings GDP grew at an average rate of The share of “Electricity and per Share (EPS) amounted to 14.5 percent in 2011. The share Water” in the GDP stayed at QR0.13 for the period ended of this sector in the GDP was around 0.4 percent during 2006- September 30, 2012 versus 13.3 percent for 2006-2011, and 2011 period. In 2011, the distribu- QR 0.10 for the corresponding the Gross Value Added (GVA) tion network as expanded to meet period in 2011. increased from QR29.37bn the growing demand for electric- to QR73.72bn. The high per- ity and water. Correspondingly, US oil prices hit formance reflects the expan- GVA in nominal terms increased sion in the activity of banks, by 23.9 percent in 2011. Producer Journalists look at Mitsuoka Motors’ special edition 1200-cc classic sedan car, ‘Viewt OTTAVA’ during its lowest since July the growth momentum in the prices in 2011 remained at the press preview in Tokyo yesterday. With a collaboration between Mitsuoka and Tokyo Broadcasting System real estate sector during some previous level. Holdings’ classic music Internet radio channel, “OTTAVA,” the Viewt OTTAVA has been designed as a mov- LONDON: Global oil prices fell years, and the buoyancy in the An analysis of the data shows ing listening room using Pioneer’s high-end car audio “Carrozzeria X series” as well as other luxury fittings . yesterday, with New York crude other business services sector, that growth in the construction hitting the lowest level since according to a data released sector was almost zero in 2010. July, as surging US crude stocks by Qatar Statistics Authority “After three consecutive years- and weak European economic (QSA) on Tuesday. 2006 to 2008- of booming activ- data sparked fresh demand con- The report that analyses ity, with the construction sector Egypt turns to Algeria, Qatar for more gas cerns, analysts said. Qatar’s leading economic indica- growing at a record annual aver- New York’s main contract, tors noted Qatar’s total value of age growth rate of around 60 CAIRO: Egypt, a gas producer market, which suffered fuel short- in talks with Qatar to import liq- light sweet crude for December, exports in 2011 showed an increase percent, the level of activity was and exporter, has agreed to ages and electricity cuts in the uefied natural gas (LNG) to cover sank as low as $85.22 — the low- of 54.9 percent over 2010. Exports subdued during the last three import Algerian gas and is in summer. Egypt’s needs. est point since July 12. It later of oil and gas, which represented years-2009-2011. The growth rate talks with Qatar for a similar “We have reached a general “This is in order to cover stood at $85.42, which marked 93 percent of the country’s total in 2009 is estimated at 6.9 per- deal, the prime minister said agreement with the Algerian side Egypt’s needs in the local mar- a large drop of $1.25 from exports, increased by 55.6 percent. cent, almost zero growth in 2010, yesterday, a move that may help to import gas from Algeria but the ket and to prevent using fuel oil Tuesday’s closing level. The remaining exports compris- and 4.9 percent in 2011”, the QSA Egypt meet its own export con- amount is still under negotiation,” which is used now in electricity Brent North Sea crude for ing mainly petro chemicals and report noted. tracts while domestic demand Prime Minister Hisham Kandil plants and which has negative delivery in December dropped manufactured goods increased on The Producer Price Index rises. told reporters after returning effects on electricity plants,” the 68 cents to $107.57 per barrel average by 43 percent. (PPI) for Q2 2012 reached 169.9 Egypt has two liquefied natural from a trip to Algiers this week. prime minister said. Qatar said in in late afternoon London deals. In 2011, the total value of re- showing a rise of 3.6 percent over gas (LNG) plants and a pipeline He said an Algerian delegation September it would invest $18bn The oil market had risen in exports amounted to QR5.5bn the corresponding quarter in 2011, to export gas, but energy indus- would visit Egypt after the Eid in tourism and industry projects earlier deals as sentiment was comprising mainly of machinery and a drop of 4.3 percent over the try sources say the government Al Adha holiday, which falls over along Egypt’s Mediterranean lifted partly by upbeat manu- of equipment and miscellaneous previous quarter-Q1 2012. has been diverting some gas con- the weekend. coast over the next five years. facturing figures from Asian manufactured articles. Compared THE PENINSULA tracted for export to the domestic In addition, he said Egypt was REUTERS powerhouse nation China. THE PENINSULA/AFP US sues Bank of America over Qatar Exchange index drops ‘Hustle’ mortgage fraud 0.23 percent this week DOHA: The Qatar Exchange index lost 19.82 The Banks and Financial Services sec- NEW YORK: The United States norm, but Countrywide concealed worked there between 2003 and 2009. points or 0.23 percent during this week to tor again led the trading number of trans- filed a civil mortgage fraud law- this from Fannie Mae and Freddie The United States later joined the close at 8,516.31 points as the bourse closed actins-32.26 percent of the total number. suit against Bank of America Corp Mac, and even awarded bonuses to case. It seeks triple damages under for trading a day early in the week for Eid Al It was followed by Industrial sector, which accusing it of selling thousands of staff to “rebut” the problems being the federal False Claims Act, as Adha holidays. accounted for 28.33 percent. The Consumer toxic home loans to Fannie Mae discovered, it added. The scheme ran well as civil penalties. It is unclear The market will be closed three working days, Goods and Services sector ranked third, and Freddie Mac that went into through 2009 and caused “countless” whether O’Donnell has hired a law- starting from today until Monday. The market accounting for 11.18 percent, and finally fol- default and caused more than $1bn foreclosures, it added. yer. O’Donnell could not immediately will resume trading on Tuesday, October 30, lowed by Real Estate sector, which accounted of losses. “The fraudulent conduct alleged be reached for comment. 2012. for 10.08 percent. Yesterday’s case, originally in today’s complaint was spectacu- Federal regulators seized Fannie Trading value during this week decreased by A total of 16 companies of the 42 listed com- brought by a whistleblower, is the larly brazen in scope,” US Attorney Mae and Freddie Mac on September 26.42 percent to reach QR624.87m compared panies ended this week higher, while 24 fell and US Department of Justice’s first civil Preet Bharara in Manhattan said in 7, 2008 and put them into a to QR849.28m. Trading volume decreased by 2 companies remain unchanged. fraud lawsuit over mortgage loans a statement. “This lawsuit should conservatorship. 23.49 percent to reach 15,085,664 shares, as The Industries Qatar led trading value, sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. send another clear message that Bharara’s office has in the last against 19,715,987 shares, while the number accounting for 20.65 percent of the total trading It also compounds the problems reckless lending practices will not 1-1/2 years brought five civil fraud of transactions fell by 8.26 percent to reach value, followed by Qatar Telecommunications, that the Bank of America, second- be tolerated.” Bank of America did lawsuits against other lenders under 10,400 transactions as compared to 11,336 which accounted for 7.97 percent. The Gulf largest US bank, has faced since not immediately respond to requests the False Claims Act over alleged transactions. International Services ranked third, account- its disastrous 2008 purchase of for comment. reckless residential mortgage lend- QE’s market capitalisation fell by 0.52 percent ing for 7.93 percent. Countrywide Financial Corp, once Since paying $2.5bn for ing, involving loans insured by the to reach QR466bn during the week as compared Yesterday, the index was marginally up gain- the nation’s largest mortgage lender. Countrywide on July 1, 2008, the Federal Housing Administration. to QR468.54bn at the end of the previous week. ing 4.34 points or 0.05 percent to close at 8516.31 According to a complaint filed Charlotte, North Carolina-based In February, Citigroup Inc settled The Industrials sector led trading value dur- points. The volume of the shares traded was up in Manhattan federal court, bank has lost nearly $40bn on mort- its case for $158.3mn and Flagstar ing this week accounting for 34.52 percent of to 2,674,319 from 2,540,716 on Tuesday. Countrywide in 2007 invented a gage litigation and requests by inves- Bancorp Inc settled for $132.8m, the total trading value, followed by Banks and Among the top gainers were Qatar National scheme known as the “Hustle” tors to buy back soured loans, Credit while Deutsche Bank AG settled in Financial Services sector, which accounted Bank which was up 0.30 percent to QR135.00, designed to speed up processing of Suisse estimated on October 5. Some May for $202.3m. Cases are pending for 31.14 percent. The Consumer Goods and Qatar Islamic Bank rose 0.65 percent to residential home loans. of these costs related to Merrill against Wells Fargo & Co and Allied Services sector ranked third, accounting for QR77.10, International Islamic Bank gained Operating under the motto “Loans Lynch & Co, which Bank of America Home Mortgage Corp, Bharara said. 10.94 percent, followed by Telecom sector. 0.39 percent to QR52.10 and Qatar Insurance Move Forward, Never Backward,” bought at the beginning of 2009. On Monday, Congressman Barney The Banks and Financial Services led trad- up by 0.43 percent to QR69.50. The Banking mortgage executives tried to elimi- According to court records, the Frank, who chaired the House ing volume during the week, accounting for and Financial sector index was up 3.60 points nate “toll gates” designed to ensure case had been filed under seal in Financial Services Committee in 35.21 percent of the total trading volume, fol- while Consumer Goods and Services sector that loans were sound and not tainted February by Edward O’Donnell, 2008, said Bank of America should lowed by Industrial sector, which accounted for index gained 14.27 points. The industrial sector by fraud, the government said. a Pennsylvania resident and probably be shielded from govern- 23.35 percent. The Real Estate sector ranked was dropped 5.97 points while insurance sector This resulted in “defect rates” that former executive vice president at ment lawsuits over Merrill. third, accounting for 13.79 percent followed by added 6.10 points. were roughly nine times the industry Countrywide Home Loans who had REUTERS Transportation sector. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

QATARI MARKET Workshop discusses QBI prospects Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 106.31 0.75 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.88 1.68 % Aa2 AA QDB and SDC move ahead in making business incubator a reality Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 126.13 2.19 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 118.75 2.41 % Aa2 AA DOHA: Award-winning Qatar at Al Bidaa Park. for SMEs and entrepreneurship. a workshop in which the par- Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 114.19 2.75 % Aa2 AA SMEs organisation, Qatar Abdulaziz Al Khalifa, Executive Munther Al Dawood said that ticipants were divided into four Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 181.00 3.54 % Aa2 AA Development Bank (QDB), and Director, Strategic Planning and such an initiative is a true exam- groups to allow for a comprehen- Social Development Centre Control, QDB said in his opening ple of strategic partnerships. Al sive discussion of issues related Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 140.00 3.98 % Aa2 AA (SDC), member of Qatar speech: “QDB and SDC are tak- Dawood emphasized on the sig- to growth entrepreneurs, mar- Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 128.88 4.05 % Aa2 AA Foundation, have recently ing the first steps towards making nificant role QBI will play in the ket opportunities, ecosystem and Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.75 1.36 % Aa2 AA organised a stakeholders’ work- Qatar Business Incubator a reality development of the local sector technology. Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 116.63 2.61 % Aa2 AA shop for the proposed Qatar in order to accommodate entre- in line with the Qatar National Speaking experts shed further Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 107.13 1.46 % A1 A- Business Incubator (QBI). The preneurs in the very near future. Vision 2030. Al Dawood also light on the benefits of business workshop saw in attendance As the first of its kind in the coun- added that SDC is committed to incubators citing that most of the Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.13 2.39 % A1 A- scores of entrepreneurs, repre- try, QBI is a project of national supporting entrepreneurs and new businesses don’t succeed, but QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 105.13 2.06 % NR NR sentatives of SMEs and large interest and is fully aligned with SMEs through a range of custom- 80 percent of incubator’s clients QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 104.25 1.69 % Aa3 A+ corporations, banks, govern- Qatar National Vision 2030. It is ized programmes wishing contin- don’t fail. Experts added that busi- QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 105.25 2.10 % Aa3 A+ ment institutions and the NGO being developed just in time to ued success to all participants of ness incubation is a public and/or Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 103.75 2.59 % A2 A- sector. promote local enterprises and the workshops. private, entrepreneurial, economic QBI is a strategic joint venture to cater to the needs of Qatar’s Amna Al Sultan, Business and social development process Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.75 1.87 % A2 A between QDB and SDC launched major existing and upcoming Counselor, QDB, provided an in- designed to nurture businesses Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 130.13 2.85 % A2 A in November 2011 and is the development.” Abdulaziz empha- depth overview of the key objec- from idea generation to start-up Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 113.00 2.97 % A2 A first mixed-use incubator in the sized the significance of an active tives and outcomes of the QBI. companies and, through a compre- Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 113.88 3.65 % A2 A region. It is poised to be the larg- engagement of all stakeholders in QDB and SDC led a series of hensive business support program. Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 108.50 1.02 % Aa3 A est incubator in the Arab world order to strongly contribute to industry-driven presentations It helps them establish and acceler- accommodating, during its initial the growth of the private sector based simulated by real-life exam- ate their growth and success.” Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 110.13 3.08 % Aa3 A phase, up to 90 entrepreneurs in and particularly a solid ecosystem ples and experiences, followed by THE PENINSULA Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 112.75 3.45 % Aa3 A SOVEREIGNS Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Abu Dhabi Exchange Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 107.44 0.32 % Aa2 AA Amwal to launch Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 127.50 2.16 % Aa2 AA Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 110.88 2.83 % NR NR asset management, Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 106.19 3.41 % NR NR investment advisory Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 121.25 4.53 % NR NR Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 112.44 4.81 % NR NR services at QFC Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 106.31 1.14 % Aa2 AA Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 114.13 3.66 % NR BBB DOHA: Amwal QSC, a lead- Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 107.50 4.31 % NR BBB ing Qatari investment firm, is launching its asset manage- Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 103.25 5.22 % B2 B ment and investment advisory Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 99.88 4.52 % NR BBB- services at the Qatar Financial *Periodic Distribution Amount Centre (QFC), through Amwal IMPORTANT NOTE: LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services licensed by the QFC Regulatory Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary Authority in November 2011. data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising Sheikha Hanadi Nasser bin out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not Khaled Al Thani, Chairman and take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds founder of Amwal, said: “At the can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant QFC, we can more closely align liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not ourselves with the development of a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. the asset management industry in Qatar to strengthen our market leadership. The QFC provides a robust legal and regulatory An investor monitors a stock exchange information screen at the ADX Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange stock regime that suits our business market yesterday. activities and our targeted inves- tors. Amwal is now in discussion with the Qatar Central Bank to cease its regulated activities under Manufacturing the Central Bank’s supervision in order to avoid dual regulation.” Airlines, budget wing order 45 planes sector in China Over the last few years Amwal has established global best prac- SINGAPORE: Singapore it would acquire 20 Boeing 787 low-cost travel is definitely here from service by the fourth quarter shows signs tice systems and built up a Airlines and its budget subsidi- Dreamliners with a total list price to stay, and they’re hoping to ride of 2013. highly talented, expert team as ary Scoot yesterday announced of more than $4bn. on the back of that,” he said. This will result in the cancel- of recovery it repositioned itself away from orders for 45 Airbus and Boeing The aircraft orders come two SIA chief executive Goh Choon lation of non-stop flights between investing the company’s own aircraft in a multibillion-dollar days after SIA confirmed it had Phong said the Airbus order Singapore and Los Angeles, as BEIJING: China’s manufactur- money towards concentrating expansion that defies a global temporarily frozen its intake of will “provide us with additional well as the Singapore-Newark ing sector showed signs of recov- on sustainable fee income from aviation slowdown. cadet pilots, the second time in growth opportunities and is con- route. ery yesterday as an HSBC survey asset management, wealth man- SIA, one of the world’s top pre- three years that the carrier had sistent with our longstanding Scoot chief executive Campbell provided fresh evidence that the agement and corporate finance mium carriers, said in a statement put a hold on fresh hiring. policy of maintaining a young and Wilson said the more fuel-effi- worst may be over for the world’s advisory services targeting insti- it was ordering five additional In March SIA encouraged its modern fleet”. cient Boeing Dreamliners, which number two economy. tutional clients and family groups. Airbus A380 superjumbos and pilots to go on voluntary leave SIA shares closed up 0.76 per- will replace four of the carrier’s The preliminary purchasing George Shehadeh, Amwal CEO, 20 A350s in a deal estimated at without pay and work for other cent, or eight cents, to S$10.65 Boeing 777-200s, “will help keep mangers’ index (PMI) released said: “Having completed our stra- $7.5bn. companies as it struggles with before the aircraft acquisitions ticket prices low”. by the British banking giant hit tegic repositioning which began in British aircraft engine maker high oil prices, stiff competition were announced. Scoot currently operates no- 49.1 this month, the highest level 2009 and having built a solid oper- Rolls-Royce announced on from regional and Middle East Airbus Chief Operating Officer frills flights from Singapore to in three months and up from 47.9 ating platform and an excellent Wednesday that it had been carriers and a worldwide aviation John Leahy said: “This announce- Sydney, the Gold Coast, Bangkok, in September. A reading above 50 track record, we are looking for- contracted by SIA to supply the slowdown. ment from one of the world’s most Taipei and Tianjin in China. indicates growth and anything ward to an exciting growth phase engines for the new planes in a SIA’s net profit in the year to prestigious carriers underscores Services to Tokyo will start on below points to shrinkage. for the company’s asset and wealth deal worth $2.6bn. March slumped 69 percent to the unrivalled comfort and effi- October 29 followed by flights to While the figure marks the 12th management business at the QFC.” SIA was the first airline in the S$336m ($275m). ciency offered by Airbus wide- the Chinese cities of Shenyang straight month of contraction, Shehadeh added: “We have been world to operate the A380, the “This is a smart move by body aircraft.” and Qingdao in November, the it is also the second consecutive a strong advocate of the QFC and world’s largest commercial air- them to cover all their bases,” Deliveries for SIA’s Airbus statement said. monthly improvement and adds have supported its development as craft, and already has 19 of them Justin Harper, an analyst with orders are due to begin in 2017 The aviation industry is facing to recent indications the economy a world class regional asset man- as part of a fleet of more than 100 IG Markets Singapore, said of while Scoot will receive its first turbulence as global economic is on the mend after a slowdown agement hub through our active Airbus and Boeing planes. the announcements by the two Boeing 787s in 2014, the airlines woes, particularly Europe’s debt stretching back to last year. involvement at round table dis- Its long-haul budget airline carriers. said. crisis and the slow US recovery, They also come at an impor- cussions and consultations for the Scoot, which started opera- “They’re seeing a slowdown As part of the deal, Airbus will along with high oil prices bite tant time politically as the last three years.” tions only in June and flies to across the globe and people are take back five of SIA’s long-haul deep into customers’ pockets. country prepares for a once-a- THE PENINSULA several Asian destinations, said tightening their belts, and so A340-500s, which will be removed AFP decade leadership change at a Communist Party meeting that starts on November 8. The index, compiled by infor- mation services provider Markit and released by HSBC, tracks Greece gets more time manufacturing activity and is a closely watched barometer of the health of the economy. China’s official PMI figure was for austerity cuts 49.8 for September, a second straight contraction. October’s ATHENS: Greece’s finance reforms, he said the near-bankrupt official figures are expected on minister said yesterday that his country had won additional conces- November 1, the same day HSBC country had been given addi- sions from its lenders and largely will release its final result. tional time by its international wrapped up talks on the package. HSBC economists Sun Junwei lenders to impose its austerity “Today, we obtained the exten- and Qu Hongbin said in a report cuts, an assertion played down sion,” Yannis Stournaras told par- that October’s reading came as total by leading EU officials. liament, referring to being given new orders picked up to a six-month European paymaster Germany an additional two years to hit high, while new export orders had said the EU would only decide bailout targets, something Athens their best showing in five months. on the matter after receiving has been lobbying for. They also noted that the PMI a report on Greece’s progress “All the scenarios that we are result “reflected the filtering from the ‘troika’ of lenders — working with the (international through of earlier easing meas- the European Commission, lenders) are based on the assump- ures” introduced by policymakers European Central Bank and the tion of an extension,” he added. this year to boost growth. International Monetary Fund. An earlier Reuters report cited Those include two interest rate ECB President Mario Draghi a draft agreement between Greece cuts in quick succession as well as said no final decision had been and the troika. It specified that the loosening of restrictions on how made. Athens will have the four years much money banks must keep on Greek Finance Minister Yannis through 2016 rather than 2014 to hand in an effort to boost lending. Stournaras, however, said the hit its budget deficit targets. China last week said the econ- delay has been agreed and that a Speaking in Berlin, Draghi said: omy grew 7.4 percent in the three new package of austerity meas- “The review is not yet finished. months to September, slowing for ures would get a parliamentary I understand progress has been the seventh straight three-month vote next week. made, but some parts need to be period and its worst performance After months of wrangling on defined.” since the first quarter of 2009. Greek bank employees shout slogans during a protest in central Athens, Greece, yesterday. a package of spending cuts and REUTERS AFP THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Ford to close Belgium plant by end-2014 4,300 to lose jobs as plant shifts to Spain

GENK, BELGIUM/ The Genk plant makes the Mondeo : Ford Motor Co will mid-size car and Galaxy and close a Belgian factory employ- S-MAX minivans, but the models ing 4,300 workers by the end are nearing the end of their life of 2014, shifting production to cycles. Ford said production of Spain as the US automaker the next models would move to tries to save money and stem Valencia with the loss of 4,300 jobs European losses. by the end of 2014. Europe’s car market has In turn, production of the slumped because the regional debt C-MAX and Grand C-MAX com- crisis has led to spending cuts and pact multi-purpose vehicles could high unemployment, hurting con- move from Valencia to Saarlouis, sumer budgets. Germany, in 2014 under the pro- Automakers are battling for posed plan, it said. survival, cutting production to Ford has about 6,000 work- match demand. This means facto- ers in Spain, including 3,485 in ries, including the Ford plants in Valencia. It did not say whether Genk and Valencia, have not been jobs would be created but any running at full capacity. Moving would be welcome in the region, production to one place should one of Spain’s most indebted with Ford workers react yesterday in front of the main entrance of Ford’s Belgian assembly plant in Genk after an extraordinary meeting between Ford Belgium allow Ford make savings. 26.3 unemployment. and Ford Europe management and the trade union representatives with the future of its 4,300 employees at risk. Wage costs are also cheaper in Unions in Spain said no wage Spain than in Belgium. agreement was yet in place but “The proposed restructuring analyst said overall hourly labour celebrate 25 years working here.” closures in the auto sector. General including Odell, were scheduled “(The closure) came as a sur- of our European manufactur- costs are as much as 75 percent Union leader Luc Prenen said Motors shuttered its Opel Antwerp to meet Belgian Prime Minister prise and is depressing news for ing operations is a fundamental higher in Belgium than in Spain. European-level managers did not plant in 2010 and French carmaker Elio di Rupo and Employment 10,000 people employed directly part of our plan to strengthen The regional government said no attend the meeting, leaving local Renault was slammed for its con- Minister Monica De Coninck at 1 and indirectly. It’s an unbelievable Ford’s business in Europe and to tax incentives had been offered bosses to read a statement. “After troversial decision to close its p.m. (1100 GMT), after a separate blow for the province of Limburg return to profitable growth,” Ford in the deal. the announcement there were Vilvoorde plant on the outskirts of meeting with members of the gov- and for Belgium. It’s a black day,” Europe Chairman Stephen Odell Several hundred Ford work- some rough scenes. There was Brussels in 1997. ernment of the Dutch-speaking Rohnny Champagne, provincial said in a statement. ers gathered outside the gates of some pushing and shoving but we The shift to Spain also follows region of Flanders, where the chairman of the ABVV-Metaal Ford management will also meet the plant, as local managers met managed to calm it down,” said GM’s May decision to produce the plant is located. union, said by telephone. British unions today, a spokesman staff representatives yesterday Prenen, the head of the ACV union. next generation of its Astra com- Union leaders said they would In September, European new said. He declined to comment on morning. They were angry and “It was aimed at the manage- pact car in Britain, after workers boycott a meeting with Ford car registrations shrank at the media reports that Ford could also surprised by the news. ment but they left quickly. It was agreed a pay deal, leaving its plant Europe executives scheduled for fastest pace in the past 12 months, close its plant in Southampton “It’s incredible,” said one of also among each other as people in Bochum, Germany in danger 3pm (1300 GMT) in Brussels as leaving nearly all major brands where it makes its Transit van the workers, Peter Aerts. “Just were very angry and frustrated.” of closure. European executives had not made nursing double-digit declines. and employs just over 500 people. last month I got an invitation to Belgium is no stranger to factory Ford Europe managers, the announcement in person. REUTERS

Mashreq bank Q3 profit jumps Bank of Khartoum to restart Islamic bond sale KHARTOUM: Bank of Bank, expects to post a record sukuk issues in 2011, but stopped the South through northern pipe- from the aviation, real estate and 86 percent Khartoum, Sudan’s oldest bank, profit this year boosted by strong the sales as Sudan’s deep eco- lines and a Sudanese port, giving hotel industries are among those plans to start selling Islamic lending and a substantial wind- nomic crisis raised the risk of both ailing economies a much- now showing an interest in issu- DUBAI: Mashreq, Dubai’s sec- corporate bonds, or sukuks, fall from the devaluation of the default. needed shot in the arm. ing Islamic bonds, said Faqih. ond-biggest bank by stock mar- again as the economic outlook Sudanese pound. Deprived of three-quarters of its Much of the Sudanese market The Bank of Khartoum, which ket value, yesterday posted an for African country improves “A couple of sukuks have been oil production when South Sudan is dominated by government- also owns a South Sudan bank, 86 percent year-on-year jump in in the wake of an oil deal with started,” Faqih said in an inter- became independent in July 2011, linked banks. Western lenders also plans to fund exports such as net profit for the third quarter South Sudan, its general man- view late on Tuesday, saying the Sudan has been struggling with a shun the Arab African country livestock, cash crops and iron ore of this year, citing a decline in ager said. bank could realistically issue $100 severe downturn and annual infla- because of U S trade sanctions in as Sudan expands its mining and bad loan provisions. Fadi Salim Faqih said the million in bonds for local compa- tion of over 40 percent. place since 1997, leaving the mar- agricultural production to offset Net profit climbed to Dh379m Islamic bank, which is around nies by early 2013. Last month, the two countries ket to Gulf lenders such as Qatar the loss of oil. ($103m) in the quarter from 204 a fifth-owned by Dubai Islamic The bank arranged several agreed to restart oil exports from National Bank. Local companies REUTERS million dirhams a year earlier, according to Reuters calculations based on the bank’s nine-month earnings statement. Etisalat waiting for takeovers For the first nine months of the year, profit rose 28 percent to 970 million dirhams, Mashreq said. DUBAI: Middle East telecom operator Etisalat operates in 15 countries across the “The last two quarters in par- Etisalat expects a shakeout in the sector to Middle East, Africa and Asia after a multi-billion ticular have shown very promis- throw up takeover opportunities in the next dollar splurge buying foreign licences and stakes ing trends which have culminated 18 months and wants to be ready, keeping its over the past decade, which has yet to provide in healthy bottom line growth,” war chest replete. the expected returns. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Mashreq’s “Today a telecom company with deep pockets Last year, it scrapped a plan to buy a $12bn chief executive, said in the is much better than one with huge debts,” chief stake in Kuwaiti telco Zain. statement. executive Ahmad Julfar said in an interview by On Tuesday, Etisalat posted a third-quarter “We are witnessing increas- phone yesterday. Asked whether Etisalat was profit of Dh2.21bn, up 28 percent. ing stability in the UAE and mulling a bid for Vivendi’s Maroc Telecom, he This gain was largely due to a net profit of look forward to continuing this said: “We are not part of that yet.” Dh430m selling a 9.1 percent stake in Indonesian positive growth in the coming Vivendi has asked bankers to hold talks with group PT XL Axiata that cut Etisalat’s holding quarters.” potential buyers of its 53 percent holding in Maroc to 4.2 percent. A forecast by analysts at Telecom, which has a market value of ¤4.35bn “In the past we used to be strategic partner, Arqaam Capital had put third- ($5.64bn). The French media-to-telecom conglom- today we are only an investor in the company,” quarter net profit at Dh242m. erate is seeking to sell assets to cut debt and boost said Julfar, adding Etisalat would assess whether Mashreq’s provisions for bad its flagging shares. Etisalat and regional rival to sell its remaining stake by year-end. loans fell 37 per cent from a year Qatar Telecom have been cited as possible bidders, International revenue rose seven percent in earlier to Dh533m in the first and no deadline for bids has been set. third-quarter, accounting for 30 percent of group nine months. “Telecoms is a very capex intensive business. revenue, which was flat. Lending throughout the It is a long-term investment and sustainability That implied domestic earnings fell despite United Arab Emirates bank- is crucial to us so we have to look at how to Etisalat’s mobile subscriber base increasing 11 ing sector was flat at the end best invest our money. The crisis in the market percent, with conventional call revenue under of August compared to the end will provide M&A opportunities over the next 18 pressure from alternative, Internet-based com- of the second quarter, accord- months. We would like to be ready when those munications. That trend has prompted Etisalat ing to central bank figures. It opportunities are there.” to diversify, ramping up other services such has grown 1.8 percent since the A bid for Maroc Telecom would represent a mobile money, machine-to-machine communi- beginning of the year. major undertaking for Etisalat, which has a net cations and cloud computing. REUTERS cash balance of Dh7.2bn ($2bn). REUTERS

Peugeot gets govt rescue as crisis deepens

PARIS: PSA Peugeot Citroen unveiled representatives, halt dividend payments and unemployment and government austerity. a government-backed refinancing deal for scrap stock options for its top executives. The Peugeot rescue coincides with the news its lending arm as the struggling French “Banque PSA is now government-backed,” that Ford Motor Co will close a factory in automaker’s financial position deterio- London-based Credit Suisse analyst David Belgium employing 4,300 workers as it tries rated further, sending its stock to his- Arnold said. “It’s becoming increasingly to stem losses in the region. toric lows. obvious that selling assets won’t stem the Peugeot is scrapping more than 10,000 Europe’s second-biggest automaker said cash outflow.” Peugeot shares were down jobs and a domestic plant to stem losses it was close to an agreement with credi- 6.5 percent at ¤5.45 as of 0801 GMT, touch- approaching ¤200m a month, while devel- tor banks on ¤11.5bn ($14.9bn) of refinanc- ing their lowest levels 1986. The stock has oping future vehicles with General Motors ing and had won state guarantees on ¤7bn plunged 48 percent this year, contrasting to deliver more savings in five years’ time. in further borrowing for its Banque PSA with a 20 percent gain by the Stoxx Europe But its restructuring efforts have proved Finance. 600 autos & parts index. to be too little, too late to counter the effects In return, the automaker agreed to Europe’s car market as slumped as of Europe’s brutal auto-market slump. appoint government and union board consumers find their budgets hit by REUTERS THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS

A few Fed numbers are If US goes over fiscal worth a thousand words BY MICHAEL FEROLI

odern central banks have been described as “an army cliff, dollar could fly with only a signal corps.” It’s an apt portrayal. BY JULIE HAVIV The instrument that central banks most directly reached, then the US economy should be on If that happens, the Federal Reserve may Mcontrol — the interest rate at which commercial pace for stronger growth in 2013. be forced to undertake new stimulus meas- banks lend to each other overnight — affects virtually no transac- n times of trouble, investors tend to Both the Congressional Budget Office ures, a negative for the dollar. tions that most people care about. But expectations about the path flee to the comfort of the US dollar and International Monetary Fund have said Nevertheless, the dollar’s status as one of that rate shape long-term interest rates, which then influence -- even when the trouble is emanating the $600bn in austerity measures have the of the safest and most liquid assets in the economic activity. The signal that central banks send about this from the United States. potential to cause another recession. world should trump those concerns. The path is how they exert leverage over an economy. If Congress fails to reach a deficit US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben fact that there are few large, liquid econo- Among the world’s central banks, the US Federal Reserve’s Ireduction deal by the end of the year, it will Bernanke has also warned that the tax mies that currently have stronger funda- signal corps has been the most active in sending out and refining automatically trigger big spending cuts and increases and spending cuts will cause a mentals than the United States would stave its message. The logical next step is to specify numerical thresh- tax increases in 2013. This so-called “fis- sharp contraction in economic growth. off some of that flight. olds that will govern the Fed’s deliberations on the timing of its cal cliff” would hit the still-recovering US “It will be a net positive for the dollar as Traditional safe-havens, such as the first rate increase since June 2006. More to the point, numerical economy hard. money flows into the greenback based on Japanese yen or the Swiss franc, could serve thresholds will probably involve stating employment and infla- But rather than bring the dollar down safe-haven flows more than anything else,” as alternatives to the dollar, but Japan is tion values that would need to be met before the Fed considers with it, the automatic spending cuts could said George Davis, chief technical analyst at having similar issues with sluggish growth. raising rates. be viewed as a sign of fiscal discipline that RBC Capital Markets in Toronto. At the peak of the US recession in 2008, This is a worthy undertaking, but one that could take time to would benefit the currency. Last year’s bitter partisan fight in the dollar appreciated 4.3 percent against refine and put into practice. Fed governors have already started Even if a protracted period of negotia- Congress over raising the debt ceiling, the the euro. Against a basket of major curren- the discussion. Further progress at this week’s Federal Open tions injects a heavy level of uncertainty into legal amount the US Treasury is allowed cies .DXY, the dollar rose 5.8 percent. Market Committee meeting would be a welcome development. the markets, that could benefit safe-haven to borrow, caused the dollar to outperform “Should we hit another recession, the dol- The Fed’s current calendar guidance — that near-zero interest assets like US Treasuries, and therefore the the euro as investors sold stocks and other lar could rise by 10 percent, with a 5 percent rates will likely be warranted at least through mid- 2015 — is the dollar. assets associated with risk and fled to gov- gain in December before we hit the ‘fiscal FOMC’s best estimate of what constitutes a “considerable period “We risk a recession in the first half of next ernment bonds. cliff’ and another 5 percent gain in January,” after the recovery strengthens.” This guidance communicates year and if that happens the risk-off trade In July 2011, the euro lost 1 percent of its Anderson said. “The shock effect helping the two things at once: the Fed’s economic forecast, and the expected will firmly be in play, which should benefit value, with a 0.4 percentage-point loss in the dollar will wear off after that.” policy response given that forecast. the dollar in the same way it did during the final week of the month before the cutoff The dollar’s performance against the Numerical thresholds downplay the first part, and instead focus last recession,” said Greg Anderson, G10 date for raising the debt ceiling. single currency shared by 17 countries also on articulating with more specificity the second part — the reac- strategist at CitiFX, a division of Citigroup The US ultimately paid a price for the hinges on the state of the euro zone’s three- tion to economic outcomes. in New York. political partisanship, losing its coveted year old debt crisis. This should provide important benefits. Instead of breathlessly In a “risk-off” market environment inves- top-tier triple-A rating from Standard & The euro is up 0.8 percent against the dol- waiting on the Fed to alter its rate guidance, the market can tors tend to drift towards investments per- Poor’s. Still, the dollar gained about 0.9 per- lar so far this year, last trading at $1.3048. automatically adjust its rate expectations in light of incoming ceived as safe havens. cent in the week following that downgrade. The euro, however, has receded from a 4-1/2 economic data. Congress is not expected to debate until Government debt prices also gained. month high reached on Sept 17 at $1.3169. By focusing on how the Fed will react instead of what it fore- after the US elections on November 6, but To be sure, a US “fiscal cliff” could have An announcement by the ECB last month casts, the tone of Fed communications should change for the if the Senate and House of Representatives such a dramatic effect on the economy and that it was willing to buy unlimited amounts better, too. Calendar guidance often risks sending a pessimistic end up in stalemate, roughly $600bn in markets that the dollar could eventually of bonds from highly indebted countries like signal about the Fed’s outlook for the economy. Communicating spending cuts and tax increases will emerge weaken as capital flees to regions with more Spain and Italy has helped the currency. numerical thresholds, by contrast, would send a more affirmative early next year. If a budget agreement is stable macro policy frameworks. REUTERS message about the Fed’s commitment to full employment and price stability — a message that should help bolster business and consumer confidence. Make no mistake: The immediate benefit of establishing these thresholds would likely be minimal. After several fits and starts, the Fed has finally pushed back market expectations on the tim- ing of the first post-crisis rate increase. In late 2009, even as the unemployment rate hovered at about 10 percent, markets were expecting the Fed to raise rates at least twice over the follow- ing year. Now, the Fed has convinced the market that the first tightening is at least three years away. If the Fed says that rate increases won’t begin until unemploy- ment is at least below 7 percent, that would likely do little to change market expectations on when short-term rates will rise and, hence, on longer-term rates. Instead, the benefits would slowly accrue over time. A more predictable, stable, rules-based policy framework should reduce uncertainty and prevent another situation like 2009 when interest rates moved at odds with the Fed’s mandated goals. Operational hurdles remain. Take the example of Chicago Fed President Charles Evans’s “7/3” rule, which says the first rate hike won’t occur until the unemployment rate falls below 7 percent, provided inflation doesn’t get above 3 percent. There are still public misperceptions about what the 7 and the 3 really mean. First, Evans has suggested that rates shouldn’t be raised before unemployment falls below 7 percent. After the surprise move down in the September unemployment rate, many analysts mis- interpreted the 7 as a trigger rather than a minimally acceptable improvement in the labour market. If unemployment falls below 7 percent (or whatever the thresh- old is) in a low-quality way — because, say, people are dropping out of the labour force or more people are accepting part-time jobs — there is no obligation for the Fed to raise rates. The Fed would need to emphasise that reaching an unemployment threshold is a necessary but not sufficient condition for tightening. Second, Evans stipulated that 3 percent inflation should be considered a serious enough deviation from the Fed’s 2 percent inflation target that it should release the Fed from its commit- ment to keep rates low, even if the employment objective hasn’t yet been attained. Regrettably, many have misinterpreted this to mean that Evans intends to raise the Fed’s inflation objective to 3 percent from 2. WP-BLOOMBERG

Canada’s tough stance on foreign buyers won’t cut oil growth

BY JOSHUA SCHNEYER on national security concerns, the US.market. In 2010, it pledged foreign-led buyouts worth more More recently, however, the deal- natural gas producer. AND DAVID SHEPPARD drawing ire from Beijing. to invest $2.2bn to share in pro- than $299m must bring a “net making has roared, albeit without In Canada, state-owned Chinese That deal’s collapse reshaped duction of shale oil and gas from benefit” for the country. new major US company takeovers oil firms, including CNOOC, have n other energy-rich coun- China’s investment strategy -- Texas with Chesapeake Energy Canada requires more than by Chinese rivals. invested some $8.7bn in oil and tries, a decision to knock shifting its focus, at least in devel- Corp. $200bn in energy investment While China has also struck gas firms since 2009, mostly in oil back a major foreign invest- oped countries, to joint ventures In Canada, energy-hungry to nearly double its production, deals to gain access to reserves sands projects. Iment would likely provoke for oil and gas development after Asian firms covet a major role which could sharply boost exports in politically unstable countries “Asian investors are commit- cries of resource nationalism and 2005, rather than bold corporate developing the world’s third- to Asia. including Yemen, Venezuela and ted to work towards export- raise questions about prospects takeovers. But that did little to largest oil reserves. Several The Conservative Party gov- Sudan, North America remains ing Canada’s energy to Asia, so for oil and gas production growth. crimp huge production gains in state-controlled Chinese firms ernment, led by Prime Minister the top foreign destination for they are particularly motivated,” Canada’s surprise move last the US oil and gas patch, where have already invested billions in Stephen Harper, is the ultimate energy spending by Chinese firms. said Sarah Emerson of Energy week to block Malaysian state- China’s companies continue to the country since 2009, although arbiter on any given deal. He has Dealogic figures show CNOOC’s Security Analysis Inc in Boston. run oil firm Petronas’ $5.2bn invest heavily. CNOOC’s proposed takeover of made exports to Asia a national proposed takeover of Nexen is The lure of Canada’s energy bid for Calgary-based Progress “There are other avenues for Calgary-based Nexen is the larg- priority, and was given a warm just one of a record nine North reserves can hardly be overstated. Energy has spooked some inves- investment for foreign firms in est planned investment yet. welcome in Beijing earlier this American energy deals announced Unlike its southern neighbour, tors, and raised concerns that Canada,” says Pavel Molchanov, A CNOOC spokesman in year. by Asian energy giants this year, there is little political opposition Chinese state firm CNOOC’s an energy analyst at Raymond Canada, Peter Hunt, said the But at home, some Canadian totalling $22.8bn. Most have been in Canada to energy exports. $15.2bn bid for Calgary-based James. firm’s application to buy Nexen officials question whether for- promptly approved. Canada is expected to almost Nexen may also be rejected. “The United States has had a is “proceeding normally,” and the eign takeovers will create jobs for In January, China double its oil and gas output Yet even if Canada sets steeper de facto block on large foreign company still expects the deal to Canadians, speed infrastructure Petrochemical announced a buy- over the next 25 years, accord- hurdles for foreign takeovers of its M&A deals in the energy sec- close this year. CNOOC declined spending or help Canada’s com- out of oil and gas assets from ing to the US Energy Information energy firms, few analysts expect tor since 2005, yet US oil and gas further comment. panies get their own buyouts of Oklahoma-based Devon Energy in Administration (EIA). that to stall development of new production has been growing in Canada has given Malaysia’s assets in China approved by regu- a transaction worth $2.4bn. The The country’s vast tar sand oil and gas fields that could nearly leaps and bounds. The same would Petronas 30 days to re-submit an lators there. deal closed within four months. deposits have reserves of 170bn double Canada’s output over the likely happen in Canada.” offer to buy Progress, after the Canada’s government is now China is keen to participate barrels of oil, trailing only Saudi next 25 years. Undeterred, Chinese state- government questioned whether working towards setting clear in North America’s technology- Arabia and Venezuela. Canada For one explanation, just look owned energy firms started pour- the transaction would benefit guidance on how foreign investors driven shale drilling boom, which already pumps more than 3.7m south. ing cash into North America, Canadians. can meet the “net benefit” thresh- could help it tap vast shale barrels per day of oil - around 5 For CNOOC, the Petronas epi- announcing deals to acquire oil Now in question is whether old to get their deals approved. reserves back home. US shale percent of world supplies - and sode serves as a reminder of its and gas assets in the region worth foreign takeovers of Canada’s CNOOC’s failed Unocal bid in production has added more than it’s the No 3 natural gas producer, own failed $18.5bn bid in 2005 for nearly $40bn since 2008, invest- firms can meet vague criteria 2005 initially led to three years a million barrels a day to domestic with more than 60trn cubic feet of California-based oil firm Unocal. ment consultancy Dealogic says. laid out in a 1985 law, the Canada of sparse Chinese investment in output over the last five years and conventional natural gas reserves. US lawmakers thwarted that deal Even CNOOC has re-entered Investment Act, which says North America’s oil industry. turned the country into the top REUTERS THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,516.31 4.34 WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 11,525.65 5.88 QE All Share Index 2,055.09 0.71 RATE INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,022.32 3.60 GOLD Buying Selling QE All Share Industrials 2,604.74 5.97 All Ordinaries 4530.572 -37.389 -0.82 4602.5 4033.4 QR200.4742 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 1,338.03 0.53 Cac 40 Index/D 3415.72 9.22 0.27 3600.48 2922.26 QE All Share Real Estate 1,662.67 6.06 SILVER UK ...... QR 5.7989 QR 5.8797 QE All Share Insurance 1,983.33 6.10 Dj Indu Average 0 0 0 13661.87 11231.56 QR 3.7462 Euro ...... QR 4.6850 QR 4.7504 QE All Share Telecoms 1,086.36 5.91 CA$ ...... QR 3.6409 QR 3.7134 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 4,868.55 14.27 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.8725 QR 3.9272 Hang Seng Inde/D 21763.78 66.23 0.31 21760.34 18056.4 Yen ...... QR 0.0452 QR 0.0461 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7273 QR 3.8003 Iseq Overall/D 3206.73 14.9 0.47 3369.33 2882.71 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0672 QR 0.0685 24-10-2012 23-10-2012 Karachi 100 In/D 15865.53 11.69 0.07 15981.35 10771.13 Index 8,516.31 8,511.97 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0378 QR 0.0386 Change 4.34 25.53 Nikkei 225 Index 8954.3 -59.95 -0.67 10255.15 8238.96 Peso ...... QR 0.0870 QR 0.0888 % 0.05 0.30 $ 107.42 SL Re ...... QR 0.0277 QR 0.0283 YTD% 2.99 3.04 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1474.51 1158.66 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0442 QR 0.0453 Volume 2,674,319 2,540,716 Straits Times/D 3044.73 -6.2 -0.2 3110.86 2657.77 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0426 QR 0.0431 Value (QAR) 125,835,918.62 118,565,354.44 $ 106.24 Trades 2,170 2,079 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4101 QR 0.4182 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 16 | Down 16 | Unchanged 04

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 24-10-2012

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A B G Infra-B/D 125 -1.15 4378 Chola Invest-B/D 232.25 1 3959 Himat Seide-B/D 36.15 1.55 34313 Kin.Motor-B/D 10.28 0.11 10538 Saur.Cem-B/D 24.45 0.4 10651 Marks & Sp./D 388.1 0 1117839 A C C-A/D 1404.25 -14.2 24899 Cipla-A/D 365.05 0.65 68085 Hind Motors-B/D 10.55 -0.07 78249 Kinetic Eng-B/D 60.4 -2.5 5782 Thirumalai-B/D 132.05 -2.55 41485 Next/D 3576 -3 101969 Aarti Drugs-B/D 177.15 1.75 14551 City Union Bk-/D 57.8 -0.2 140823 Hind Org Chem-/D 20.1 0.2 83411 Klg Systel-T/D 18.6 0.1 3883 Timexgroup-B/D 18.5 0.2 41727 Pearson/D 1210 6 433590 Aban Offs-B/D 462.1 0.45 80798 Colgate-A/D 1247.4 -8.85 7130 Hind Unilever-/D 570.4 1.25 133058 Kopran-B/D 22 -0.15 24551 Tinplate-B/D 52.2 0 15812 Prudential/D 840.5 -3 1310001 Ador Welding-B/D 143.1 3.7 6472 Dai-Bichi Kar-/D 43.85 -1.35 3539 Hind.Petrol-A/D 300.95 1 37909 Lloyd Metal-B/D 14 0 5980 Ub Engineer-B/D 38.25 -0.75 21239 Rank Group/D 152 2 7656 Aegis Logis-B/D 175.35 -3.6 20379 Dcm Financia-B/D 1.41 -0.02 4675 Hindalco-A/D 113.35 -1.8 577559 Lloyd Steel-B/D 11.52 -0.01 812263 Ub Engineer-B/D 38.25 -0.75 21239 Rentokil Initi/D 87 0 533353 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 138.05 -3.7 4062 Dhampur Sugar-/D 68.15 -1.55 13449 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 750.6 0.1 55260 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 15.3 0.7 11651 Unitech P -A/D 25.45 -0.55 1624833 Rolls Royce Pl/D 848 1.6 1847666 Alembic-B/D 15.65 -0.1 8888 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1731.2 2.25 12436 I F C I-A/D 29.3 -0.35 945152 Lupin-A/D 562.7 -7.1 169958 Rsa Insrance G/D 113.2 -0.6 1939539 Alok Indus-B/D 11.69 0.01 760175 E I H-B/D 77.3 -0.1 12296 Idbi-A/D 97.8 -0.5 159134 Mangalam Cem-B/D 170.8 2.2 27450 LONDON Sainsbury(J)/D 353.08 0.5 1356143 Andhra Paper-B/D 314.45 -11.75 40661 E.I.D Parry-B/D 223.8 -6.55 33126 Ifb Agro-B/D 159.3 -7.2 9495 Mastek-T/D 130.5 3.5 5222 Schroders/D 1515 -17 106293 Apollo Tyre-A/D 86.6 0.55 545592 Eicher Motor-A/D 2334.3 56.95 5174 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 117.05 -7.55 513352 Max India L-A/D 241.05 -2 30099 3I Group/D 217.3 -0.1 596278 Severn Trent/D 1651 6 93283 Asahi I Glass-/D 66.6 -1.2 17265 Electrosteel-B/D 23.5 0.5 239234 India Cement-B/D 97.9 0.85 68528 Mrpl-A/D 65.35 -0.15 27510 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1360 15 253820 Smith&Nephew/D 645.5 2 538142 Ashok Leyland-/D 23.35 -0.15 290416 Emco-B/D 30.05 0.85 744800 India Glycol-B/D 218.75 4.6 149075 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 15.9 0 3475 B Sky B/D 714.5 -6 1425004 Smiths Group/D 1042 -15 300992 Ballarpur In-B/D 22.9 0.1 637333 Escorts-B/D 67.2 -0.3 160175 Indian Hotel-A/D 66.15 -1.1 188118 Nath Seeds-B/D 7.99 0.38 3727 Barclays/D 229.75 -2.9 27612219 Standrd Chart /D 1485 9.5 1829964 Bata India-A/D 913.7 -8.75 23769 Essar Oil-A/D 63.75 -1 545611 Indo-Tcount-B/D 13.16 2.19 39509 Nation Alum -A/D 49.7 0.25 110265 Bg Group/D 1312.5 1 3035936 Tate & Lyle/D 718.5 2 340580 Bayer Crop-A/D 1107.15 34.65 7320 Eveready Indu-/D 23.95 -1.6 804892 Indusind-A/D 362.45 0.7 14601 Navneet Pub.-B/D 60.05 -0.4 45254 Bp/D 434.681 1.35 12794414 Tesco/D 312.75 -0.8 6736066 Beml Ltd-B/D 308.7 4.7 12059 F D C-B/D 86.85 -0.95 15250 J.B.Chemical-B/D 68.7 -0.8 14810 Nepc India-T/D 2.74 0.1 3543 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3138.605 -24.5 1103993 Tomkins/D 0 0 0 Bharat Bijle-B/D 587.35 -34.5 5354 Federal Bank-A/D 488.05 1.45 25568 Jagson Phar-B/D 14.69 0.56 7239 Neuland Lab-B/D 166.25 6.85 22484 British Airway/D 276.4574 0 0 Unilever/D 2275 13 1282274 Bhartiya Int-B/D 100.65 8.35 129704 Ferro Alloys-B/D 8 -0.26 22988 Jbf Indu-B/D 138.05 -0.95 195174 O N G C-A/D 275.9 -2.45 105308 Bt Group/D 217.1 0.9 5216927 United Util Gr/D 718.5 5.5 791338 Bhel-A/D 239.7 -2.5 306331 Finolex-B/D 64.55 -0.1 15030 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.64 -0.01 18401 Ocl India-B/D 158.8 3.3 4340 Centrica/D 323.9535 -1.5 2744406 Vodafone Group/D 173.7453 -1.3 31714861 Bombay Dyeing-/D 546.95 6.4 62916 Gail-A/D 354.95 -3.75 36312 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.4 0.01 20183 Oil Country-B/D 60.65 2 22259 Gkn/D 204.9 -0.3 2112951 Whitbread/D 2303.4927 -1 111971 Cable Corp.-B/D 24.55 -1.7 20634 Gammon India-B/D 42.75 -0.7 26169 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 3.85 -0.06 8594 Orchid Chem-B/D 107.75 0.55 124453 Hsbc Holdings/D 610.9 -2 8722527 Canfin Homes-B/D 127.4 0.55 69165 Garden P -B/D 58.65 -1 15524 Jik Indust-B/D 4.49 0.14 90760 Radico Khait-B/D 116.4 -0.5 9893 Imperial Tobac/D 2288 6 1438041 Castrol Ind-A/D 323.2 -2.5 95788 Goodricke-B/D 132 -1.75 16001 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 125.5 5.75 267895 Rallis India-B/D 141 4.6 505210 Kingfisher/D 280.9 -1.4 955453 Century Enka-B/D 135.15 3 95138 Goodyear I -B/D 314.8 -1.95 4332 Kalpat Power-B/D 91.55 -1.45 13995 Rallis India-B/D 141 4.6 505210 Land Secs Grou/D 805.3 1.5 256080 Century Text-A/D 395.45 -3.85 118408 Hcl Infosys-B/D 44.75 0.25 89847 Kalyani Stel-B/D 54.5 -1.25 34655 Reliance Indus/D 421.7 -2.6 65576 Legal & Genera/D 132.7 -1.1 2529026 Chambal Fert-B/D 67.65 -0.25 71693 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 11.11 -0.08 277735 Kg Denim-B/D 12.62 0.28 23135 Ruchi Soya-B/D 67.75 0.15 60667 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 39.825 -0.465 108093918 THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT 2013 Tour finish at nightfall Cycling officials getting ready for Tour de France’s 100th edition

PARIS: The 100th edition of In next year’s race, sprinters the Tour de France next year will get a golden opportunity on will finish in Paris at nightfall day one, with a relatively flat run for the first time, organisers from Porto-Vecchio to Bastia, set- said yesterday, as they unveiled ting up top-rated British racer next year’s route in the shadow Mark Cavendish for the first yel- of the Lance Armstrong doping low jersey of his career. scandal. The race switches to the main- The 3,360km route will land after finishes in the Corsican begin for the first time on the towns of Ajaccio and Calvi with Mediterranean island of Corsica a 25km team time-trial around NBA: Lakers’ on June 29, culminating with a the southern city of Nice, shaking final stage run from the historic up the overall standings early and town of Versailles, southwest of setting up Team Sky to take pole Bryant Paris, arriving on the Champs position. Elysees boulevard at sunset. The race winds its way along misses Three time-trials -- two indi- the French Riviera, taking in vidual and one for teams -- have Marseille and Montpellier before been included in the race, as well the peloton’s climbers are given second day as four summit finishes, not least the first chance to show their cre- a climb to Semnoz in the Alps dentials in the Pyrenees on stage on the penultimate day, which is eight. A nasty 15km climb awaits of practice likely to determine the winner. the pack at Port de Pailheres France’s Maurice Garin won before the first summit finish at LOS ANGELES: A week before the first Tour de France in 1903, Ax 3 Domaines and a slog over the Los Angeles Lakers begin which ended with a mammoth 8km where the gradient is a stiff their regular season at home 471km sixth and final stage from 8.2 percent. There is then no let against the Dallas Mavericks, the western city of Nantes to up in stage nine, with five climbs their All-Star guard Kobe Paris. littered across 165km of rac- Bryant missed practice yester- Since then, and barring breaks ing between Saint-Girons and day for a second successive day for World War I and World War Bagneres-de-Bigorre, before a FROM LEFT: Bradley Wiggins of Britain, Cadel Evans of Australia, Mark Cavendish of Britain, Philippe Gilbert of to rest a “painful” foot. II, the battle for the coveted race well-deserved rest day on July 8. Belgium, Tejay van Garderen of the US and Chris Froome of Britain pose next to the itinerary of the 2013 Tour Five-time NBA champion leader’s yellow jersey has become The race heads towards north- de France cycling race during a presentation in Paris yesterday. The 100th Tour de France route, with 21 stages, Bryant was kicked in his right cycling’s biggest event and seen western France, when it resumes features 3 time trials, will start from June 29, 2013, in Porto-Vecchio in Corsica, take l’Alpe d’Huez’s 21 hairpins twice foot during the third quarter of it grow to include stages across with a scenic run towards the in the same stage, go up the gruelling Mont Ventoux and end at dusk on the Champs Elysees in Paris on July 21. Sunday’s 99-92 preseason loss to Europe. Breton port of Saint Malo before the Sacramento Kings and said But yesterday’s unveiling comes a crucial 33km individual time- he was unsure when he would with cycling in crisis, after US trial between Avranches and that includes the mythical Mont a climb over the legendary Alpe race leader and two more summit resume training. rider Armstrong -- who won the Mont-Saint-Michel. Ventoux in the Vaucluse, where d’Huez, which features twice on a finishes at Le Grand-Bornand and Asked by reporters whether Tour an unprecedented seven The route again heads south British champion Tom Simpson day that will again prove crucial Semnoz before the final day run this was a setback for the Lakers, times between 1999 and 2005 through central France, taking in died in 1967. in determining the 2013 cham- to Paris starting with the start Bryant replied: “Not really. It’s -- was stripped of his titles and Tours, Montrond and Lyon before A second rest day preceeds the pion. Stages 19 and 20 will provide line at king Louis XIV’s chateau probably pretty good that it hap- banned for life for doping. a showpiece Bastille Day stage final time-trial over 32km, before more opportunities to attack the at Versailles. REUTERS pened. It slowed me down a bit. I’ve been going full bore pretty much every day.” The Lakers have lost all six of their pre-season games, and War of words between UCI and USADA Bryant said he would “probably not” play in the seventh, against NEW YORK: A day after the evidence collected by USADA “We set forth our position on the Clippers in Los Angeles today. Lance Armstrong was stripped had been assessed by a neutral why they were conflicted in this After that, the Lakers will con- of his seven Tour de France body or person who was not case on many different grounds. clude their pre-season schedule titles and banned for life, the involved in collecting the evidence They accepted money from him against the Kings in San Diego war of words between the and prosecuting the defendant,” (Armstrong), they accused us tomorrow. International Cycling Union the document said. of a witch-hunt (without seeing Much is expected of Bryant and (UCI) and the United States “This would have avoided both any evidence), they sued the chief his team-mates in their 2012-13 Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) the criticism of (a) witch hunt whistleblower, they discouraged campaign following the off-season escalated. against Mr Armstrong and the witnesses from participating.” acquisitions of six-time All-Star Though Armstrong’s expo- criticism that the UCI had a con- He added: “They simply are try- Dwight Howard and former twice sure as a drug cheat was effec- flict of interest.” ing to divert attention away from Most Valuable Player Steve Nash. tively sealed when the UCI on USADA chief executive Travis their own failures in this whole Howard and Nash will join Monday ratified USADA’s sanc- Tygart, who on Monday had sad saga, and those that love the Bryant, Pau Gasol and Metta tions against the American, the called for a full and independent sport of cycling and clean sport World Peace in a powerful start- two bodies have been quick to hurl investigation into professional should not allow that to happen.” ing five, though Howard is still accusations and critiques at one cycling, has since heaped further Armstrong, 41, had previously easing his way into form after another. blame on UCI. elected not to contest USADA having surgery in April to repair UCI president Pat McQuaid “The truth is Lance Armstrong, charges, prompting USADA to This picture shows in Le Bourget, north of Paris, shows the twitter page a herniated disc in his back. conceded cycling was in crisis at on their watch, pulled off the propose his punishment pending of US cyclist Lance Armstrong. The phrase “7-time Tour de France Having played his first pre- a news conference on Monday, but greatest heist sport has ever confirmation from cycling’s world winner” evaporated from his @lancearmstrong profile, along with a season game on Sunday when he he has since called into question seen,” Tygart said in an e-mail to governing body. shone with 19 points, 12 rebounds USADA’s evidence and methods the Guardian newspaper. Former Armstrong team- reference to triathlon, in which he is also now banned from elite com- and four blocks, Howard sat out while raising grounds for a pos- “Instead of attempting to mates at his US Postal and petition as a drug cheat. Armstrong’s epic fall concluded on October contact drills yesterday while sible appeal by Armstrong. explain or justify their inadequa- Discovery Channel outfits, where 22 with the loss of seven Tour de France titles, leaving cycling with a recovering from general aches In a ‘Decision’ document posted cies, the UCI should acknowledge he won his seven successive Tour gaping hole in its record book and grasping for a way to move past a and pains. on UCI’s website and signed by their responsibility and failures titles from 1999 to 2005, testified drug-tainted era. He is also expected to miss the McQuaid, USADA’s report was and find ways to make it right.” against him and themselves and Clippers’ game before returning said to have included “animated In response to UCI’s sugges- were given reduced bans by the was lambasted by World Anti- that doping was widespread, then tomorrow. or overstated language” as well tion that USADA should have American authorities. Doping Agency chief John Fahey the question is legitimately put: The Lakers open the regular as “incorrect and incomplete handed over its case file for an McQuaid, who has been widely earlier on Tuesday. “Looking who was stopping it? Who was season against the Mavericks on statements”. independent body to open disci- criticised for his and the UCI’s back, clearly the doping was wide- working against it? Why wasn’t October 30. REUTERS “It would have been better that plinary proceedings, Tygart said: handling of the Armstrong affair, spread,” Fahey told Fox Sports. “If it stopped?” REUTERS Fascinating ‘Fall Classic’ match-up

SAN FRANCISCO: The Detroit Tigers in a row against his last seven starts with a 0.69 earned run may have the best pitcher in Justin Verlander Cincinnati average. He and Doug Fister, Max Scherzer and best all-round hitter in Miguel Cabrera, after losing and Anibal Sanchez pitched to a 0.66 ERA in but the Giants have ‘Blockbuster’ on their the first two of shutting down the Yankees. Cain was liter- Detroit Tigers’ side in the World Series starting in San their Division ally unhittable when he spun a perfect game first baseman Francisco today. Series, giving earlier this season, but San Francisco’s Game Prince Fielder A fascinating ‘Fall Classic’ match-up could the never-say- Seven winner against the Cardinals has been is all smiles come down to the marquee names with die Giants six merely human of late although he came up big during practice Verlander and fellow Detroit starters lined must-wins in in Monday’s 9-0 Game Seven victory. for the MLB up against perfect game pitcher Matt Cain and two rounds of The most effective starter in the NLCS was his Giant cohorts, with catcher Buster Posey the post-season. Ryan Vogelsong, who notched two wins, with World Series in measuring MVP credentials against Cabrera, Detroit, hurt Giants manager Bruce Bochy having to decide San Francisco the first hitter in 45 years to win the Triple by a long layoff how to arrange his rotation from among yesterday. Crown. before the World Barry Zito, two-time Cy Young winner Tim Or it could hinge on a role player such as Series in 2006 Lincecum, who has battled through a down Marco “Blockbuster” Scutaro, a well-traveled, when they lost year, and inconsistent Madison Bumgarner. singles-hitting infielder who came to San in five games to Closing games has been a challenge for both Francisco in a quiet mid-season trade that the Cardinals, teams. helped transform them into the comeback scrimmaged Sergio Romo emerged as the primary closer kings of 2012. against minor after a season-ending injury to relief ace Brian The 108th edition of the World Series pits leaguer pros- San Francisco Giants’ second Wilson, though the Giants deploy a bullpen by teams with strong starting pitching, recently pects this past baseman Marco Scutaro committee depending on match-ups. juggled bullpens and lineups capable of run- week in order during practice for the MLB Tigers manager Jim Leyland has put his ning up the score, but the paths the league to try and stay World Series in San Francisco longtime closer Jose Valverde on the shelf Schedule of games for World Series champions took to the final round could not sharp. yesterday. after back-to-back ninth-inning implosions in Game 1 ...... Oct. 24, 0007, at San Francisco have been more different. An even bet- the playoffs, and given the ball to unheralded Game 2 ...... Oct. 25, 0007, at San Francisco Detroit motored past the New York ter antidote Phil Coke to finish games but that formula is Yankees in a four-game American League against a bumpy still being tested. Game 3 ...... Oct. 27, 0007, at Detroit Championship Series sweep, while the Giants start could be the luxury of giving the ball to On offense, Detroit possess a classic one-two Game 4 ...... Oct. 28, 0015, at Detroit had to climb out of a 3-1 hole with three wins Verlander for the opener. punch with Cabrera, who led the league with *Game 5 ...... Oct. 29, 0007, at Detroit to take the National League series against the Verlander, who in 2011 won the Cy Young 44 home runs, 139 RBIs and a .330 batting *Game 6 ...... Oct. 31, 0007, at San Francisco 2011 champion St Louis Cardinals. as best pitcher and claimed the league’s MVP average, followed by free agent slugger Prince *Game 7 ...... Nov. 1, 0007, at San Francisco That challenge was already old hat for San award as well, has been virtually unhittable. Fielder and Delmon Young, who has thrived (* If necessary) Francisco, who were also forced to win three The hard-throwing right-hander is 7-0 in in the play-offs. REUTERS THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Rose promises to battle New generation of players McIlroy all the way to Dubai

SHANGHAI: Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose vowed yes- making life tough for Tiger terday that he will make it a fight to the finish as he attempts to chase down world I’ve just got to go back and work harder, says Tiger Woods in Malaysia number one Rory McIlroy and finish top of the European Tour money list. KUALA LUMPUR: Tiger championships and winning tour- Rose, the world number five Woods yesterday admitted har- naments all around the world.” who won the European Order bouring doubts over whether he Woods said it was “good fun” of Merit in 2007 before it could overhaul Jack Nicklaus’s to compete against the new play- became the Race to Dubai, lies record of 18 Major titles and ers, but added that golf’s strength second in the standings going said a new generation, led by in depth, aided by equipment and into this week’s $7m BMW Rory McIlroy, had complicated training changes, had made tour- Masters at Lake Malaren, his task. naments far more competitive. Shanghai. Woods, speaking in Malaysia “Look at how many guys won He will tee off with Race ahead of this week’s CIMB Classic, Major championships for their to Dubai leader McIlroy, who said his confidence about reaching very first time. The game has won his second major at the US the magical 19 had “absolutely” gotten so much deeper in that PGA Championship in August, wavered after going four years regard,” he said. and world number four Lee without a Major win since the “So I think it’s more difficult Westwood in a mouth-watering 2008 US Open. now to win golf tournaments in final group at 11:20am (0420 “It’s like everybody else. I’ve general because the equipment GMT) today. gone through periods where I has nullified and brought the Rose is 437,000 euros didn’t hit very good, didn’t chip fields closer together. ($568,000) behind his 23-year-old very good, didn’t putt very good,” “These big-hitting drivers, and Northern Irish Ryder Cup team- he said. “I know what I can do, the balls don’t curve as much. mate but with a $1.166m cheque but sometimes it just doesn’t Guys that were one of the better awaiting the winner in China come out. ball-strikers don’t have the same this week, it is a gap that can be “That’s when, for me, in the advantages as they used to. closed before the season-ending past and will always continue to “Cuts used to be between the Dubai World Championship in a be that way, I’ve just got to go leader and the cut number was month’s time. back and work harder. generally 12, 13, even sometimes “There are some big events “Get out there and do my work 14 shots. Now we have 70-plus coming up and an exciting fin- on the range, do my work on the guys that are generally (within) US golfer Tiger Woods poses with some fans, during the Pro-Am ahead of the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic golf ish to the Race to Dubai,” the golf course at home and make 10 shots. So that has shrunk down tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. The tournament starts today. 32-year-old Rose said. that solid so when I get into a considerably.” “I think Rory is playing more tournament situation, it is able He added: “So I think overall tournaments than me in the to come out.” the competition has gotten better, lead-up, so I am going to have Woods’ four-year Major and certainly I have to continue to play well, absolutely. I figure drought follows a sex scandal that working to try to become better I am going to have win one of broke in 2009, prompting him to myself because everyone else is.” Rapturous welcome for these next two weeks to give take a break from golf, followed However, the divorced father- myself a really good chance in by injury and a fresh attempt to of-two insisted that while Dubai.” remodel his game. Nicklaus’s 18 Majors, and Sam Rose admitted that some- Three titles this season -- Snead’s record of 82 tournament former world number one times it is easy to switch off breaking a two-and-a-half year wins -- Woods is currently on 74 as the season winds down, but barren streak -- indicate the -- were important, there were KUALA LUMPUR: Tiger mother is from Thailand, said at failing to close the gap on Jack with so much at stake this year 36-year-old is getting back to bigger things in his life. Woods drew large crowds and he was happy to return for the Nicklaus’s record of 18 Major he is fired up for the final bat- form, but world number one “I certainly want to break spoke warmly of his affinity with US$6.1m CIMB Classic at the victories. His last Major win was tles ahead. McIlroy, 23, has now emerged as Jack’s record and catch Snead’s Asia yesterday as he warmed Mines, where he won golf’s World the 2008 US Open. But he said he “A lot of times you can get to golf’s stand-out performer. record. Those are all things that up for a rare appearance in the Cup way back in 1999. was excited at the development of this point in the season and be “For a number of years I’ve been I would love to do throughout my region looking to ease his frus- “People sometimes forget that his game and looking forward to really burnt out. But I feel very the youngest one. Throughout my career,” Woods said. “But being trations over the Majors and the my mom was born here, in Asia, some intense training during the motivated to play these tourna- years it’s been Phil (Mickelson), the best father I can possibly be to Ryder Cup. so to me Asia does feel like home. off-season, after next week’s exhi- ments coming up. There’s still Vijay (Singh), Ernie (Els), (David) my two great kids, that certainly Despite blazing midday sun at I’m very used to the culture, it’s bition with Rory McIlroy in China a lot more to achieve so that’s Duval, Paddy (Harrington),” is number one in my life.” Kuala Lumpur’s Mines Resort how I was raised,” he said. and November’s World Challenge the key for me.” Woods said. Meanwhile, two-time Major and Golf Club, about 200 people “I’ve just really enjoyed my in California. Rose would dearly love to “All these guys won Major champion John Daly is the latest watched the enduringly popular time, throughout the years, that “I’m excited about turning some win another money list title, championships or were number big name confirmed to compete 14-time Major champion finish I’ve spent in Asia.” of my weaknesses into strengths. I having won the final event one in the world or won a bucket- in next month’s $6m Barclays his pro-am round with Malaysian Woods headlines a limited, haven’t driven very well in a very of the 2007 season, the Volvo load of tournaments all around Singapore Open, organisers said Prime Minister Najib Razak. 48-man field at the CIMB Classic long time, and this year is prob- Masters in Valderrama, to the world, but they’re all older yesterday. In the two years since Woods after a year in which he made ably the best I’ve driven in my overtake Ernie Els and Padraig than me. I was the youngest of The American -- whose last last played in Asia, finishing tied progress with technical changes entire career,” he said. Harrington that season. all of those parties. PGA victory came in San Diego sixth at the 2010 WGC-HSBC but couldn’t win a Major -- or the Defending champion Bo Van McIlroy is attempting to “Rory is younger, so this is the in 2004 -- will join compatriot Champions, he has put a damag- Ryder Cup, after Europe’s last- Pelt is likely to be chief among emulate Luke Donald’s feat next generation of guys... Rory is Phil Mickelson as well as world ing sex scandal behind him and is day charge at Medinah. Woods’ competitors in Kuala of 2011 by winning both US the head of the class of that by number one Rory McIlroy at the back at world number two after Despite ending a 30-month title Lumpur after he won last week’s and European money lists. far. He’s had an amazing start event from November 8 to 11. three wins this year. drought, and then winning two Perth International in Australia, REUTERS to his career, winning two Major AGENCIES And the 36-year-old, whose more, he admitted his irritation the third title of his career. AFP : New season begins on November 3

DOHA: Al Sadd will take on Al Shamal in the first match of the new Qatar Basketball League Sheikh (QBL) season. Saoud bin The first match will be played at Abdulrahman Al Al Rayyan Stadium on November Thani, President 3. On the same day, Al Arabi bat- of Qatar tle Qatar SC in a game that starts Basketball at 7:15pm. Federation Al Rayyan - the defending champions - will take on Al (QBF), during Shamal in their first match of the a press season on November 6. conference in Al Rayyan are unbeaten since the last season. the 2008-2009 season. RIGHT: Players At the end of last season, and officials Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman of Al Rayyan Al Thani, President of the Qatar celebrate with Basketball Federation (QBF), the winning said new events and programmes league trophy would be added to the calendar in at Al Gharafa the coming seasons. Indoor Arena in “The reason we are planning to this May 2012 organise so many events so that file photo taken we create an infrastructure of in Doha. excellence that leads us to become an Olympic Games squad,” Sheikh Saoud said in an interview in May. “We seek improvement in the skills of the local players. We adjustments in the league so that Sports Club,” an official of the have strategies in mind that we they league is more attractive. QBF said in a statement yes- Division 1 teams QBL schedule DOHA: Here’s a list of teams that will com- intend to implement to help play- We want the fans to enjoy qual- terday. “For the very first time, November 3, 2012 pete in the Qatar Basketball League. The new Wakrah vs Sadd 19:15 at Al Rayyan ers improve their skills. Quality ity action. some games of the PIBAQ (Pinoy season begins on November 3, 2013. will only improve if the players “We want more activities even Basketball in Qatar) which is the Sadd vs Shamal 17:15 at Rayyan November 7, 2012 1. Al Rayyan improve their skills on the court,” after the league comes to an end. premier Philippine League in Arabi vs Qatar 19:15 at Rayyan Sheikh Saoud added. You see that basketball league is Qatar, will be played alongside 2. Al Sadd Ahli vs Arabi 17:15 at Al Rayyan “We will have courses for ref- the first event that ends on our Qatar League’s matches,” the 3. Al Gharafa November 4, 2012 Gharafa vs Eljaish 19:15 at Al Rayyan erees to make sure that we try national sports calendar.” official added. 4. Al Arabi Gharafa vs Wakrah 17:15 at Al Rayyan to contribute or make elaborate A QBF official yesterday said “The 2012-2013 Season prom- 5. Eljaish plans for our officials. We also the new season will have one addi- ises to be more exciting with the November 10, 2012 6. Al Ahli Eljaish vs Ahli 19:15 at Al Rayyan want to try and follow our dream tional team on the roster. addition of new players that we 7. Al Wakrah Wakrah vs Shamal 17:15 at Al Rayyan of reaching the Olympic one day,” “The number of participating will see in action in the league,” November 6, 2012 he said at the time. clubs has increased from 8 to 9 the QBF official confirmed. 8. Qatar SC Shamal vs Rayyan 17:15 at Al Rayyan Rayyan vs Qatar 19:15 at Al Rayyan “We may try to make some with the addition of Al Shamal THE PENINSULA 9: Al Shamal THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Ferrari vow to attack

Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova addresses the in last four races media after withdrawing from the WTA Chief designer to bring forth aggressive car development Championships at Sinan Erdem Dome NEW DELHI: Let down by a in Istanbul, faulty wind tunnel, Ferrari and yesterday. Fernando Alonso must now throw caution to the wind in Sunday’s Indian Grand Prix after falling behind in the Formula One championship battle. Alonso lost the lead to Red Bull’s double world champion Sebastian Vettel in South Korea 10 days ago but the gap between the two is a mere six points with four high-stakes races remaining. The tables could turn again Kvitova out of on Sunday but the odds favour Vettel, the 25-year-old German who won the inaugural Indian race last year and can chalk up a fourth consecutive victory in WTA Tour finals one season for the first time in his Formula One career. ISTANBUL: WTA Champion WTA Championships Over in the red corner, Ferrari Petra Kvitova abandoned her are determined to show they are title defence yesterday due to Results in the $4.9m WTA still very much in the fight while a viral ilness, a day after losing Championships, played indoors at also knowing that any retirement her opener 6-4, 6-1 to Agnieszka the Sinan Erdem Dome yesterday (x now could be a knockout blow. Radwanska. denotes seeding): “Because we don’t currently The error-strewn, emotionally- enjoy an advantage, either in fraught loss to the Pole in her Red group Red Bull’s Formula One driver Mark Webber of Australia (right) speaks with India’s cricket player Gautam Gambhir terms of performance or as far as opening group match had indi- Serena Williams (USA x3) bt the points situation is concerned, before their cricket game ahead of the Indian F1 Grand Prix at Greater Noida on the outskirts of Delhi, yesterday. cated there was something wrong we cannot defend, we must attack The race will take place from October 26-28 at the Buddh International Circuit at Greater Noida. with Kvitova’s fitness. Li Na (CHN x8) 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 and adopt an aggressive approach The champion finished tear- Victoria Azarenka (BLR x1) bt to car development,” the Italian ful and angry both at her disap- Angelique Kerber (GER x5) 6-7 outfit’s chief designer Nick we brought to the last couple of he may enjoy over Alonso. The their focus on race wins and the pointing performance and that (11/13), 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 Tombazis told the team website. races.” Ferrari did an aerody- Spaniard, also a double world constructors’ championship now the scene of one of her finest tri- That means bringing updates namics test on the updates in champion, is in any case as adept that their individual title hopes umphs had now become confus- “I found out like ten minutes to every race from now on. the week between South Korea at mind games as anyone. have effectively ended. ingly associated with such very before press that I wasn’t healthy Ferrari started the season and India and feel they now have “I think we can take nothing Kimi Raikkonen, third overall different emotions. with some virus, so I will find out with a car that, apart from being a better understanding of what for granted, we have to look after with Lotus, must also be reckoned It is a sad end to the 2012 WTA tonight when I return to Prostejov decried as ugly, was also some went wrong and are in a position ourselves,” said Vettel. “Whether with even if he has yet to drive Tour for the left-handed Czech, what it really is,” Kvitova said. way off the leaders. A period of to make up lost ground. we have a mental advantage or the circuit because of his absence who had emulated two achieve- Meanwhile, Serena Williams intense development narrowed “We need to score seven points not, psychological advantage or to rallying in the last two years. ments of her legendary compa- overcame the emotions which the gap but Red Bull have again more than Sebastian, that will be not I don’t really care. I’m not The 2007 champion is 48 points triot Martina Navratilova by impelled her to smash a racket taken the initiative. extremely tough but we believe into those kind of things.” behind Vettel. winning Wimbledon and becom- and earned her a code violation “In the last few races, our we can do it,” said Alonso, who Red Bull principal Christian India’s sole driver Narain ing WTA Player of the Year in warning before advancing to the progress has not matched our was third in India last year, after Horner has ruled out impos- Karthikeyan, with backmarkers 2011, and had seemed capable verge of the semi-finals yesterday. expectations and various compo- Korea. ing so-called ‘team orders’ until HRT, will be hoping to get to the of pushing on to become world The 31-year-old American will nents which we expected would Red Bull introduced their new Vettel’s Australian team mate finish again in front of his home number one. be the oldest player ever to win the make our car more competitive rear wing ‘Double DRS’ system Mark Webber, currently 63 points crowd after ending 17th last year. Instead the ranking of two WTA title if she goes all the way. did not do so,” Tombazis said. in Singapore, the start of Vettel’s adrift, is mathematically out of Local interest also extends to with which she started this year Williams, the Olympic, US “One element that slowed our winning run, that provides extra the running. the Force India team, whose flam- remains her highest. Open and Wimbledon cham- progress was the difficulty we straight line speed and they will The title may be a duel between boyant co-owner Vijay Mallya has The most her forthright flat- pion, came through 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 encountered in the correlation not have been standing still either. Vettel and Alonso but they will been keeping a low profile since hitting style and refreshing will- against Li Na, the former French with data from the wind tunnel Vettel, a natural fan of the not have it all their own way at the recent grounding of his loss- ingness to attack the net has Open champion from China, in a and that from the track,” added Buddh circuit after winning from the dusty track south of Delhi. making Kingfisher Airlines, and achieved since then has been a tense, noisy, and surprisingly the designer. pole and setting the fastest lap McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton Swiss-based Sauber with their semi-finals in the Australian and fraught affair in which she never “We had some unpleasant sur- last year, has little time for talk and Jenson Button, runner-up Indian-born principal Monisha French Opens, while her ranking seemed fully at ease. prises from some of the updates of any psychological advantage in India last time round, have all Kaltenborn. REUTERS has slipped to six. AGENCIES Pybus quits New Zealand seek Murali as Bangladesh help on Sri Lanka tour cricket coach DHAKA: Richard Pybus has AUCKLAND: Test cricket’s New Zealand have selected stepped down as Bangladesh leading wicket-taker Muttiah three left arm seamers - Trent head coach after he was unable Muralitharan (pictured) will Boult, Neil Wagner and James to agree terms on a formal con- be asked to pass on his exper- Franklin - for the tour, while tract, the Bangladesh Cricket tise to New Zealand’s bowlers Jeetan Patel and newcomer Todd Board (BCB) said yesterday. and batsmen on their tour of Astle are the only specialist spin “We have received an email Sri Lanka, the country’s head bowlers in the test squad. from the agent of Mr Pybus which coach has said. Off-spinner Nathan stated that he is unwilling to con- The New Zealand-based McCullum and left arm spinner tinue as our head coach,” BCB members of the team leave Ronnie Hira have been included president Nazmul Hasan told a for the tour, which includes a in the limited-overs squad, while news conference. Twenty20 match, five one day batsmen Rob Nicol, Martin Pybus, 48, who was born internationals and two Tests, Guptill and Kane Williamson in Newcastle, England, had tomorrow with new bowling are handy part-time spinners. two stints as Pakistan coach. coach Shane Bond making his “That (spin bowling) is an He took over from Australian first tour with the side. area of weakness I think,” Bond Stuart Law as Bangladesh The former New Zealand told Television New Zealand. “In coach last May. paceman was only appointed to terms of technique, psychology The BCB said no formal con- the role last week and has had and playing under the pressure tract had been signed with Pybus little to do with spin bowlers it is all the same bowling seam because they could not agree on throughout his career, hence and pace. his holiday allowance. head coach Mike Hesson’s deci- “It is probably more getting “He was looking for more sion to seek Muralitharan’s help. into the mindset of a spin bowler. time to be with his family,” said The 40-year-old off-spinner retired from the “All I can do is communicate and talk as much Nazmul. “But we have a struc- longer form of the game in 2010, capturing his as I can with those spin bowlers and still chal- ture for all foreign coaches and 800th wicket with the final ball of his Test career. lenge around their plans and what they want we cannot go beyond that.” “Obviously Muralitharan lives in Sri Lanka to do.” Pybus said the BCB has had in Colombo and he’s someone we’ve got contacts Menwhile all-rounder Angelo Mathews was initially agreed to allow him with,” Hesson told reporters at Christchurch named Sri Lanka Twenty20 captain yesterday return home between tours but airport yesterday. for the next 12 months in an appointment which the agreement had never been “We haven’t been able to firm things up but could lead to him taking over as leader of the made explicit in the contract they we’re also looking into the possibility of another Test side. had presented to him. specialist coach. Mathews, 25, the Sri Lanka vice-captain in “I tried repeatedly to resolve it. “We’ve got some guys lined up but they add to all three formats of the game, succeeds Mahela I initiated more than six meet- the mix and help Shane in terms of his develop- Jayawardene who resigned as T20 captain after ings and discussions to make the ment - and also the players. his side lost this month’s World Cup final to West terms of the contract negotiation “We play half of our cricket in the sub-conti- Indies. transparent and offer solutions nent and even now the West Indies’ conditions “We are giving Mathews a free hand to cap- but to no avail. That is why I have are very sub-continental. We’ll get exposed to a tain the T20 side for one year after which we decided I will not go back,” Pybus lot of spin, and in this series 70-80 percent of our will review his performance,” said chief selector told the ESPNCricinfo website overs we face will be spin-based. Ashantha de Mel. (www.cricinfo.com). “How well we adapt and how well we play them Mathews’ first assignment will be to lead Sri Bowling coach Shane Jorgensen will dictate the outcome.” Lanka in a one-off T20 international against New has been appointed as interim Local media also reported that former Sri Zealand at Pallekele on October 30. Fast bowler coach for the forthcoming home Lankan left arm pace bowler Chaminda Vaas Lasith Malinga has been named at the T20 vice- series against West Indies start- would help Bond work with the attack. captain, also for a one-year term. AGENCIES ing next month. AFP THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER 2012 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Europa League fixtures Europa League fixtures today (1700 GMT unless stated): Al Wakra get set Group G Genk (BEL) vs Sporting Lisbon (POR) Videoton (HUN) vs FC Basel (SUI) Group H Inter Milan (ITA) vs Partizan (SRB) Rubin Kazan (RUS) vs Neftci PFK (AZE) for Qatar SC clash (1600) Group I Lyon (FRA) vs Athletic Bilbao (ESP) Too early to talk about title: Bazdarevic Sparta Prague (CZE) vs Hapoel Kiryat Shmona (ISR) Group J DOHA: Wakra’s Bosnian coach Qatar Stars League from four wins. QSC have just Maribor (SLO) vs Tottenham (ENG) Mehmed Bazdarevic sounded Week 5 match schedule (October 27) four points from one win after Panathinaikos (GRE) vs Lazio (ITA) optimistic ahead of his team’s Al Sadd vs Eljaish at Jassim bin Hamad four matches. They are in a diffi- encounter with Qatar Sports Stadium, 6.00pm cult situation and the players will Group K Club (QSC) in the fifth round Al Khor vs Lekhwiya at have to perform above par to stay Rapid Vienna (AUT) vs of the Qatar Stars League on Al Khor Stadium, 6.00pm afloat in the league. Bayer Leverkusen (GER) Saturday. QSC coach Sebastiao Lazaroni Al Gharafa vs Umm Salal at Rosenborg (NOR) vs Metalist Kharkiv (UKR) Addressing a media conference is well aware of the tough task Thani bin Jassim Stadium, 6.00pm Group L held yesterday, Bazdarevic said. ahead. Levante (ESP) vs FC Twente (NED) “All our players are fit except Al Rayyan vs Al Sailiya at “Wakra are a tough outfit and striker Pierre Alain Frau whose Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, 8.00pm they play well as they have good Helsingborgs (SWE) vs Hanover (GER) medical fitness will be determined Al Wakra vs Qatar SC at Soud bin cohesion. They are focused on (All 1905 GMT) by the end of the week. We will Abdalrahman Stadium, 8.00pm their title aspirations. All this Group A not take the risk of playing him Al Arabi vs Al Kharaitiyat at makes our job difficult as we are Liverpool (ENG) vs unless we are absolutely sure of Grand Hamad Staduim, 8.00pm facing a team of high caliber.” Anzhi Makhachkala (RUS) his recovery.” On the prospect of improv- Udinese (ITA) vs Young Boys (SUI) Regarding his teams prospects, Bosnian said. “It is too early ing his team’s performance, the Group B he said. to talk about title aspirations. Brazilian said: “The manner in Hapoel Tel-Aviv (ISR) vs Viktoria Plzen (CZE) “The match against Qatar However, after four rounds, we which the boys are playing shows Sports Club will not be easy. We can nose ahead if the boys main- that form is improving and we are Atletico Madrid (ESP) v sCoimbra (POR) face a great team which is tech- tain the same approach and evolving. We have to be patient as Group C nically very sound and in top attitude and the boys remain fit good results will eventually come.” AEL Limassol (CYP) vs Fenerbahce (TUR) physical condition. We will have without any injuries. Our team He stressed that all league Moenchengladbach (GER) vs Marseille (FRA) to be very focused and play tacti- can make its presence felt this matches would be difficult since Group D cally sound football to be able to season.” all teams in the fray are strong Maritimo (POR) vs Bordeaux (FRA) defeat them. Their morale and Wakra are currently joint sec- and have prepared well. Newcastle (ENG) vs Club Brugge (BEL) confidence is high after their 2-0 ond with Al Rayyan on the league Wakrah and QSC will play Qatar Sports Club’s coach Sebastiao Lazaroni and goalkeeper Mohamad Group E win over Al Arabi last Saturday.” table with 10 points each from their fifth round match, starting Mubarak Budawud addressing a press conference at Qatar Footbal Replying to a question on with three wins and a draw. Al at 8pm, at Soud bin Abdalrahman Association yesterday, ahead of their Qatar Stars League (QSL) match VfB Stuttgart (GER) vs Wakra’s title prospects, the Sadd are at the top with 12 points Stadium this Saturday. QNA on Saturday. PICTURE BY: SHAIVAL DALAL FC Copenhagen (DEN) Steaua Bucarest (ROM) vs Molde (NOR) Group F Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk (UKR) vs Napoli (ITA) Joshua to attend Aspire4Sport in Qatar PSV Eindhoven (NED) vs AIK Solna (SWE)

DOHA: Anthony Joshua (pic- opportunity to listen to celebri- the issues impacting world foot- to grow in teh comind days, the Anzhi face tured), London Games 2012 ties from across the sporting ball. Additionally, Mijatovic, the organisers said. gold medallist in boxing, has world share the invaluable insight Montenegrin football player and Entering its third year under confimred his attendance for gained from their careers. Guests former sports director of Real the new slogan “Connecting Liverpool test the Aspire4Sport 2012, it was will be invited to attend the daily Madrid will be alongside Spanish Business & Sport,” Aspire4Sport revealed here yesterday. celebrity discussions which will football legends Raúl González 2012 will feature three unique PARIS: Liverpool host big- Aspire4Sport2012, the sports also be broadcast live at 2:00pm and Fernando Heirro in a spe- conference programs: ASPIRE- spending Russian outfit Anzhi business congress and exhibition, (GMT +3) on Al Dawri wal Kass cial Real Madrid flavoured Star BUILD, focused on infrastruc- Makhachkala at Anfield in their will take place from November 12 sports channel and Al Jazeera. Chats. ture and stadium development; Europa League Group A clash to 15 at Aspire Dome. Houllier is a French football Two other ‘Star Chats’ are set ASPIRE-TECH, a conference today with the English Premier The list of sports legends manager who has had a long and to take place during Aspire4Sport on technology and sport; and league side seeking to avoid that attendees of Aspire4Sport illustrious career working with 2012. One will feature the former ASPIRE-MED, which will feature making unwanted history. 2012 can interact include former world-renowned football clubs heavyweight boxing champion discussions on sports science and A 3-2 defeat to Udinese in Liverpool manager Gérard such as Paris Saint-Germain and Lennox Lewis alongside Joshua. sports medicine. Merseyside on matchday two Houllier and former Real Madrid Liverpool, with whom he won the “I cannot wait to come to In addition, there will be a leaves Brendan Rodgers’ men sports director Pedja Mijatovic. FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Aspire Zone and Aspire4Sport new feature organised as a joint staring at the possibility of con- Joshua won a Olympic gold Cup in 2001. 2012. I hope that my visit can initiative with Qatar Tourism secutive home defeats in Europe medal during the super heavy- He will take part in the inspire a future generation of Authority and Qatar Olympic for the first time in the club’s weight finals at the London 2012 ‘Coaches Panel’ during one of the Olympians and boxers in Qatar Committee, which will be special existence. Anzhi, thanks to the Olympic Games. daily star chats. During this talk, and the region,” commented workshop to explore sports tour- financial backing from wealthy The guests at Aspire4Sport Houllier and other coaches will Joshua on his upcoming visit ism and discuss methods on how owner Suleyman Kerimov, have 2012 will feature in daily ‘Star speak about their experience as to Doha. The celebrity list for to develop it in Qatar. started to flex their muscles this Chats’ giving attendees the rare managers and their thoughts on Aspire4Sport 2012 will continue THE PENINSULA season. AFP Itsher tops field in Sealine Cup

DOHA: Itsher from the stables of Majid Earlier, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Damis had thwarted the spirited effort of Safedeen, brooked no opposition en route Chairman, Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh Al another Qatari challenger Areej to win the to winning the Sealine Cup at the Al Thani owned Damis recorded an emphatic President of UAE Cup at the Saint Cloud Rayyan race track yesterday. victory in the President of the UAE Cup at race course in Paris. Jockey Darren Williams rode Itsher to Baden Baden, Germany. Organised by the Emirates Equestrian glory and the top prize of QR 45,000. After having finished a credible fifth in Federation in Abu Dhabi, the President of Scotchman, ridden by S Golam, finished the Qatar Arabian World Cup at Longchamp the UAE Cup is one of the most prestigious a notch behind Itsher. in Paris on October 7, the DAK Dorenberg series of races worldwide attracting the best Cape To Rio - trained by Ahmed Al trained Damis came up with yet another horses in each of the six host countries and Jehani - secured the third place in the QR brilliant performance as he kept the other surrounding nations. 80,000 spectacle. Cape To Rio was ridden international contenders at bay to win as Located in the centre of the Black Forest by N Guilbert. he pleased in this Group II contest for Pure in Southwest Germany, the Iffezheim race- In the L/B Pure Arabian Handicap, Arabian run over 2000 metres with a purse track is a new addition to the 2012 President Shakeemah - ridden by David Bouland - of 40,000 Euros. Cup Series schedule. topped the field in the 1200m dirt race. Qatar Cup winner Poulain Kossack had The race course is internationally rec- Al Nashat, ridden by Marvin Suerland, to settle for second place, three and a half ognised as one of the biggest horse racing was second while M Hussain-owned Haizum lengths behind the winner. Athlete Del Sol organisers in Germany, attracting almost ended the day in third place. Bouland won was a close third ahead of Ameretto. two million visitors annually. the top prize of QR 25,650. Earlier, sporting the Umm Qarn colours THE PENINSULA

Yesterday’s results at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club: 1st race: Tex Mex (Sylvain Ruis) 1, Ghalaa 2, Hello Dubai 3, Al Jahaniya 4. Won by: 4, ¾, 3. Time: 1;46.11. Trained by: Mohammed Hussain. Owned by: Al Mazrooah Stud 2nd race: Zallal (Andrew Elliot) 1, Ziraya 2, Muntasar 3, Fiha 4. Won by: Nk, 3 ½, 2 ½. Time: 1:21.64. Trained by: Mubarak al-Khayarin. Owned by: Injaaz Stud 3rd race: Al Kasser (Gerald Avranche) 1, Assil 2, Brave Heart 3, Apache 4. Won by: 1 ¼, 3 ½, 1 ½. Time: 1:16.90. Trained by: Jassim al-Ghazali. Owned by: Al Wasmiyah Farm 4th race: Gabrial’s Princess (Mark Lawson) 1, La Famiglia 2, Majd Al Shajaa 3, Invincible Prince 4. Won by: 1 ½, Hd, 1. Time: 1:13.68. Trained by: Salem al-Hajri. Owned by: Salem Fadgam Al Hajri and Sons 5th race: Shakeemah (David Bouland) 1, Al Nashat 2, Haizum 3, Shiwhaith Al Naif 4. Won by: 5, 1 ¼, 4. Time: 1:20.79. Trained by: Alban de Mieulle. Owned by: Umm Qarn 6th race: Itsher (Darren Williams) 1, Scotchman 2, Cape To Rio 3, Hestian 4. Won by: 9, 1, Hd. Time: 1:11.70. Trained by: Majid The podium winners at the Sealine Cup of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) pose for a picture Safedeen. Owned by: Al Ghuwayriah Stud with officials of QREC at Al Rayyan race course yesterday. Thursday 25 October 2012 9 Dhul-Hijja 1433 Volume 17 Number 5498 Sport Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 English players’ union backs Schalke add to Arsenal’s tougher racism sanctions

LONDON: The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) woes; PSG stroll to victory responded to a spate of racism controversies yesterday by pub- lishing a six-point action plan Malaga shock Milan 1-0; calamity for Man City after defeat at Ajax to combat discrimination in the sport. PFA chief executive Gordon LONDON: Schalke piled on Champions League Taylor has called for stricter the misery for Arsenal as the European Champions League results punishments for racial abuse, German side struck twice in yesterday: including making it a potentially the closing stages to clinch a Group A sackable offence, and wants shock 2-0 win in yesterday’s culprits to be obliged to attend At Oporto, Portugal Champions League clash at the awareness programmes. Emirates Stadium. Porto (POR) 3 Dynamo Kiev (UKR) 2 The plans also include an ini- Dutch duo Klaas-Jan At Zagreb tiative to introduce a form of the Huntelaar and Ibrahim Afellay Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) 0 Paris Saint Germain ‘Rooney rule’, which was intro- netted in the final 14 minutes to (FRA) 2 duced by the NFL in the United deal another significant blow to Group B States in 2003 to ensure qualified Arsene Wenger’s team just days At London black coaches get a place on inter- after they crashed to a dismal 1-0 Arsenal (ENG) 0 Schalke 04 (GER) 2 view lists for job vacancies. defeat at Premier League strug- Taylor has reacted to frustra- At Montpellier, France glers Norwich. tions aired by Reading striker Wenger could have few com- Montpellier (FRA) 1 Olympiakos (GRE) 2 Jason Roberts, who sparked a plaints about the result as Arsenal Group C boycott of the anti-racism ‘Kick It paid the price for a lacklustre dis- At Amsterdam, The Netherlands Out’ campaign last weekend after play that saw them out-fought Ajax (NED) 3 Manchester City (ENG) 1 complaining that not enough was and out-thought for long periods. At Dortmund, Germany being done to combat racism in The Gunners’ 100 percent Borussia Dortmund (GER) 2 Real Madrid (ESP) 1 the game. record in Group B was shat- The PFA’s six-point plan is as Group D tered in emphatic fashion and follows: “1. Speeding up the proc- they are now behind Schalke in At Malaga, Spain ess of dealing with reported rac- second place, with tricky trips to Malaga (ESP) 1 AC Milan (ITA) 0 ist abuse with close monitoring of the German club and Olympiakos At St Petersburg, Russia any incidents. among their remaining three fix- Z St Petersburg (RUS) 1 Anderlecht (BEL) 0 “2. Consideration of stiffer tures as they try to edge into the penalties for racist abuse and to last 16. face after a 3-1 defeat at Ajax yes- include an equality awareness To make matters worse for terday left them rock bottom of programme for culprits and clubs Wenger, he is due to attend the Group D. involved. club’s annual general meeting The English champions were “3. An English form of the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) kicks the ball near Josip Pivaric of GNK Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday, with already angry looking for their first win of the ‘Rooney rule’ ... to make sure during their UEFA Champions league group A match in Zagreb, yesterday. PSG won 2-0. shareholders likely to make their campaign, but despite taking qualified black coaches are on feelings known. the lead against the run of play interview lists for job vacancies. France striker Olivier Giroud, through Samir Nasri, they fell to “4. The proportion of black replaced by midfielder Francis goals from Siem de Jong, Niklas game. City now trail Dortmund by who missed two great chances winners AC Milan when Joaquin coaches and managers to be Coquelin, was the only casualty Moisander and Christian Eriksen six points, Madrid by five points, before he broke the deadlock in made up for missing a penalty monitored and any inequality or from the Norwich embarrassment in Amsterdam. and Ajax by two, and may need the 32nd minute with a crisp shot with the winner in a memorable progress highlighted. as Wenger opted against making The visitors finished the game to win all three remaining games into the far corner. 1-0 Group C victory yesterday. “5. Racial abuse to be con- wholesale changes and gave his with Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero, -- starting with the return fix- Midfielder Menez broke down After Kevin Constant had sidered gross misconduct in flops a chance to make amends. Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli ture against Ajax on November the left and weaved his way past brought down Jesus Gamez on player and coach contracts (and How he must have rued that all on the pitch, but by the full- 7 -- to stand any chance of going two defenders before squaring the edge of the area, former Spain therefore potentially a sackable decision after his side were booed time whistle they found them- through. the ball back into the heart of winger Joaquin drove his 44th- offence). off. selves looking down the barrel of In Zagreb, Paris St Germain the penalty box for the Swedish minute spot kick high towards “6. To not to lose sight of other Watching from the Arsenal another autumn elimination. stayed on course to reach the striker to slide in and beat goal- goal but it skimmed the top of the equality issues such as gender, directors’ box as he completed his Ajax move into third place Champions League last 16 after keeper Ivan Kelava. crossbar and flew into the crowd. sexual orientation, disability, three-match European touchline after claiming a first home win first-half goals from Zlatan Menez made it 2-0 shortly However, he made no mistake anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and ban, Wenger cut an anxious figure over English opposition since Ibrahimovic and Jeremy Menez before halftime, taking a Javier in the 64th minute when played Asians in football.” as Schalke opened up with some 1980, leaving City bottom of the secured a 2-0 win at Croatian title Pastore pass into his stride before through by Manuel Iturra and his Taylor also used the opportu- slick approach play. pool with a solitary point to their holders Dinamo Zagreb yesterday. he rifled a low drive between low shot beat Milan goalkeeper nity to call for unity in the fight Meanwhile, the prospect of a name after three games. PSG dominated from start to Kelava’s legs on a grim evening Marco Amelia and went in off the against racism, amid reports that second successive group-stage Matters were compounded by finish and should have won by for Dinamo post to give Malaga an impressive players were moving to form a exit in the Champions League is Borussia Dortmund’s 2-1 win at a bigger margin, but for some Playing at home, debutants three wins out of three. breakaway union for black foot- staring Manchester City in the home to Real Madrid in the other wasteful finishing by Ibrahimovic Malaga stunned seven-time AGENCIES ballers. AFP After Rio 2016, Bolt London 2012 under budget ready to try football despite high running costs RIO DE JANEIRO: Usain and with the Jamaican 4x100m Bolt, the world record-holder relay. Bolt, a Manchester United at 100 and 200 meters, said supporter, had looked at the long LONDON: Recognised as one of time” cost (ODA), the government-funded yesterday he likes his chances jump for Rio but wants to ease the the best Olympics ever, London ran close to body responsible for building the at starting up a football career punishment on his knees. 2012 came with a hefty price £3m when venues and infrastructure, com- after he retires from athletics “The plan was the long jump tag for the British taxpayer adding on pleted the project for £6.71bn, after the 2016 Rio de Janeiro maybe before the Olympics but despite government figures yes- £514m for £1bn less than initially forecast. Olympics. I’ve talked to my coach (Glen terday showing a £377m saving venue secu- The final budget report came “I would love to play,” Bolt said. Mills) and he showed a little con- on the budget for the sporting rity and on the day LOCOG began handing “I’ve played football. I’ve played cern about the fact long jumps spectacle. £137m for back parts of the Olympic Park to charity matches. Something I always create problems for the The final quarterly eco- “operational the London Legacy Development really want to try. knees,” Bolt said. nomic report published by the provisions” as Corporation (LLDC), who will “And after Rio, I’ll just retire “We are going to sit down and UK government’s Department well as extra transform the sprawling east and just try and see if I’m any re-evaluate if we really want to do for Culture Media and Sport money for London site into the Queen good in soccer, but I think I’d be it as I might prejudice my oppor- (DCMS) said the overall cost of more lavish Elizabeth Olympic Park. Sebastian Coe pretty good because I play with tunity to come to Rio so I might delivering the Games was £8.92 ceremonies, “We have now begun the first my friends. I’ve played charity not do the long jump.” bn, lower than the £9.3bn set all of which chapter of the lasting legacy matches in Jamaica. I think I’m Even Bolt at age 26 must fight aside. came from the public purse. we promised when we bid for pretty good.” to keep Father Time at bay for The London 2012 Organising Despite steep rises in venue the Games,” LOCOG chairman If he does make a leap onto the four more years. Committee’s (LOCOG) own security costs as the Games Sebastian Coe said in a statement. pitch, his signature “lightning “Depends on how I manage £2.2bn operational budget for the approached, the figures released The £292m project will remove Bolt” stance could serve as a stel- these four years,” Bolt said. “I’m Jamaican sprinter and six-time day-to-day running of the Games yesterday showed £480m in temporary venues, complete a lar goal celebration move. thinking that if I do my time, try Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt came almost entirely from spon- unused contingency from the retro-fit of the Olympic Village to After winning Olympic gold not to work too hard... I can work (right) greets a girl, during a visit sorship, ticket sales, merchan- public funding package. create a new London community at Beijing in 2008 and London over those four years. to an Olympic village for children dise and from the International While the operational costs with 2,800 homes and install new this past August, Bolt will try to “It should be OK. I’m not really on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, Olympic Committee (IOC). escalated, the report said the roads and pathways. “three-peat” at Rio in the 100, 200 worried.” AFP yesterday. However, the actual “Games- Olympic Delivery Authority REUTERS