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THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 • 13 Rabia I 1437 • Volume 20 Number 6654 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Emir condoles Health cover with President of Mauritania DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim under NHIC to bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of condolences to President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz on the death of his son Ahmed Ould Abdel Aziz. Emir be suspended prayed to the Almighty Allah to have mercy upon the deceased, make paradise his abode and give his family solace and fortitude. Citizens to be covered by pvt providers

DOHA: Based on a decision by or more leading insurance com- the State Cabinet yesterday, panies in the country within the Emir greets the Supreme Council of Health next six months, without placing Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani witnessing the signing (SCH) said that health insurance any extra burden on the citizens. of the joint venture between Qatar Petroleum (QP) and Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC) to produce Emperor of Japan services provided by the National It added that it will announce electricity from solar power on a commercial scale. Health Insurance Company details of the insurance scheme DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim (NHIC) under Seha, the national and subscription soon. The SCH bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable health insurance scheme, will be statement has not explained the of congratulations to Emperor suspended from December 31. reason behind the new decision Akihito of Japan on the occasion All citizens who are currently and its implications. QP, QEWC in deal to produce of his country’s National Day. covered by Seha will soon be able NHIC is a government-owned to receive health services through entity that manages and operates select private insurance provid- Seha, which provides mandatory electricity from solar power FM to discuss ers at no extra cost, the SCH said health insurance cover through yesterday. a network of public and private DOHA: Qatar will soon be of QEWC, signed the MoU. QP rights of future generations”. Syria with Lavrov The Cabinet meeting chaired healthcare providers. launching a company that will will have 40 percent stake in the Al Kaabi said QP’s strategic by Prime Minister and Interior Launched in 2013, Seha cur- generate electricity from solar proposed joint venture, while the goals are to achieve the highest MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah rently covers all citizens and was power on a commercial scale. QEWC will have the remaining international health and safety Minister Sergei Lavrov will bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani expected to be expanded to expa- The proposed company will be majority ownership of 60 percent. and environmental protection meet Qatar’s Foreign Minister reviewed the health insurance triates next year through private a joint venture between Qatar The PM hailed the MoU and standards. H E Khaled bin Mohammed Al services being provided to the insurance providers. Petroleum (QP) and Qatar Elec- underlined the importance of “QP is aware of its immense Attiyah tomorrow. The conflict citizens through NHIC, function- Phase one of Seha was launched tricity and Water Company such partnerships in diversifying responsibility to help preserve the in Syria will be high on their ing under the SCH. in July 2013, covering Qatari (QEWC). the sources for energy generation environment, support sustainable agenda, Russia’s Foreign Minis- In support to the private sec- females aged 12 and above for QP and the QEWC have inked and increasing reliance on renew- development efforts, and ensure try said yesterday. tor, the Cabinet decided to rely gynaecology, obstetrics, mater- a Memorandum of Understand- able sources. the long-term optimal utilisation Meanwhile, Amnesty Inter- instead on private insurance com- nity and related women’s health ing (MoU) to set up the said joint The Prime Minister said: of our natural resources; and national said yesterday that panies with experience in the field conditions. The second phase, venture in the presence of Prime “Qatar is continuing with its to that end, we have worked to nearly three months of Russian to provide health insurance cover launched on April 30, 2014 pro- Minister and Interior Minister H efforts to provide sustainable harness the most efficient tech- air raids in Syria have killed to the citizens. vides comprehensive insurance E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin sources of energy and help con- nological solutions to meet the hundreds of civilians, many in In a statement yesterday, the cover to all Qataris for their basic Khalifa Al Thani. serve the environment as well environmental challenges of the targeted strikes that could con- SCH said that in cooperation with health care needs. Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, Presi- as our natural resources, as we 21st century.” stitute war crimes. the Ministry of Finance it will Continued on page 3 dent and CEO of QP, and Fahad implement the environment- Continued on page 5 See also page 9 provide health insurance cover Hamad Al Mohanadi, General related goals of Qatar National to Qatari citizens through one THE PENINSULA Manager and Managing Director Vision 2030, and protect the THE PENINSULA QNA AND AGENCIES

Chess players in action OIC hails Greek resolution on Ministry-appointed individuals Palestine state to get attestation authority JEDDAH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) wel- DOHA: The Ministry of Justice have their official seals which will try-appointed individuals, their comed the Greek Parliament’s may soon authorise some individ- need to be approved by the Min- accountability and the charges unanimous resolution to recog- uals to attest documents such as istry of Justice. for the attestations. Contacted nise the State of Palestine. power of attorney, agreements, To make the above move, a for comment, Al Zaman told The In a statement OIC said that certificates, and sale and pur- law regulating the attestation of Peninsula the move to delegate this significant move is consistent chase deeds, among other things. documents (Number 9 of 1979) is the document attestation work with the UN resolutions to end Such attestations are pres- being amended. to individuals is to simplify the the Israeli occupation and enable ently done by the documentation The draft of the amendment services and make them easily the Palestinian people to exercise department of the Ministry of was approved by the State Cabi- accessible to the public. their legitimate rights, including Justice. net yesterday. “People could be able to get the establishment of the inde- The idea to delegate some The Cabinet held its routine documents attested in their areas pendent state on the Palestinian individuals to do these attesta- weekly meeting at the Emiri at their convenience instead of territory occupied since June 4, tions is to simplify these services Diwan chaired by the Prime queuing up at the justice minis- 1967 with Al Quds Al Sharif as for the public and make them Minister H E Sheikh Abdul- try’s documentation department,” its capital. available in different areas of the lah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al he said. Document attestations by The OIC Secretary General, country. Thani, reports Qatar News Agency authorised individuals or notaries Iyad Ameen Madani, expressed The individuals to be picked (QNA). are a common practice in some his hope that the Greek govern- for the job would not be from the According to prominent law- European and other countries, ment would take the initiative for Ministry of Justice. They may, yer, Yusuf Al Zaman, a ministe- including the US, Al Zaman recognising the State of Palestine, however, be lawyers and public rial decision by the Ministry of added. emphasizing that this would con- Action from the Qatar Masters Open Chess Tournament at Aspire Zone servants from other government Justice was issued earlier which Continued on page 5 tribute to enhancing international in Doha, yesterday. More than 140 players are participating in the ten- departments. specified what kind of documents efforts to achieve peace and sta- day championship. Report on page 31 The authorised individuals will could be attested by the minis- THE PENINSULA bility in the region. QNA Istanbul airport blast kills one Saudi to reduce dependence on oil, says King

ISTANBUL: A female cleaner RIYADH: The Custodian of the Shura Council. “I have directed than 60 percent since mid-2014. the consequences from the sharp do so would deplete its foreign was killed and another wounded Two Holy Mosques King Salman the Council of Economic and At midday Wednesday, bench- decline in oil revenues, said the reserves. early yesterday after an explosion bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia Development Affairs to devise mark Brent North Sea crude king, adding that development The kingdom, which has been near a plane at Istanbul’s second yesterday said he has ordered the necessary plans, policies and for delivery in February stood projects have not been affected pumping around 10.4 million bar- international airport, with Turkey economic reforms to diversify programmes to achieve that,” he at $36.50 a barrel, hovering just by the drop. rels a day, has withdrawn funds on high alert for possible attacks. sources of income and reduce told the consultative body, with- above an 11-year low. Saudi Arabia is projected to from its foreign reserves and also The authorities said it was too high dependence on oil following out elaborating. The king said Saudi Arabia post a record budget deficit of issued bonds to finance the budget early confirm if the airport had a sharp drop in crude prices. Oil income accounts for more carried out a large number of around $130bn for this year, the deficit. At the end of October, been targeted in an attack, but “Our vision for economic than 90 percent of public rev- mega infrastructure projects and International Monetary Fund its reserves fell to $644bn from the transport minister said there reform is to increase the effi- enues in Saudi Arabia. boosted its fiscal reserves in the says. $732bn at the end of last year. had been no security lapses. ciency of public spending, utilise The world’s largest oil exporter, past several years when oil prices The IMF has advised Riyadh The finance ministry has issued See also page 8 economic resources and boost Saudi Arabia is facing an unprec- were high. to implement reforms, includ- bonds worth $20bn for the domes- returns from state investment,” edented budget crunch as the The size of the fiscal buffers has ing expanding non-oil rev- tic market. AFP he said in an address to the price of oil has dropped by more enabled the kingdom to overcome enues, warning that failure to AFP THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Greetings sent to Ambulance Service to reach Emperor of Japan DOHA: Deputy Emir H H out to public for feedback Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al By Fazeena Saleem Thani yesterday sent a cable of be a success. And so many new congratulations to Emperor Aki- people are coming to Qatar all the hito of Japan on his country’s DOHA: In a new project to time, and we believe that we have National Day. increase awareness, Hamad Med- to continue with the campaign all Prime Minister and Interior ical Corporation’s (HMC) Ambu- the time. Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah lance Service will reach out to the “The people for some time bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani public next year for feedback. It would think oh it’s the same mes- sent a similar cable to Emperor aims to educate everyone in the sage, but many people are new to Akihito. country to know what to do when the country. So we believe it’s our an emergency situation arises. responsibility to keep reminding President condoled Ambulance Service’s ‘Help Us them of what they need to do to Help You’ awareness campaign help us help them when they have over son’s death began in 2013 and the new project an emergency,” said Morris. will reach out to people and know The campaign addresses the DOHA: Deputy Emir H H about their experiences. role the public can play in saving Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al “One of the areas we are excited lives, and highlights five ways in Thani yesterday sent a cable of about the new year is heaving a which people can help Ambulance condolences to Mauritania Presi- Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, accompanied by Minister more detailed feedback from the Service provide fast and effective dent Abdel Aziz on the death of of Transport H E Jassim Seif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, at the college. community and their experiences. care. It asks the public to do five his son Ahmed Ould Abdel Aziz, “We are looking to run some things to help save lives — dial 999 praying Almighty Allah to have research on this to reach out to immediately in a medical emer- mercy upon him, make paradise some focus group, speak to people, gency; know your location so an his abode and give his family sol- PM visits Aeronautical College get to know more about how they Ambulance Service can reach you ace and fortitude. experience the campaign and how easily; answer all questions on Prime Minister and Interior we can improve to get the mes- the call so the paramedics know Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah Premier tours sections, briefed on training programmes sage further,” Brendon Morris, what support you need; follow all bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani DOHA: Prime Minister and briefed on laboratories and prac- Director-General of the college, said Chief Operating Officer, Ambu- instructions given by the emer- sent a similar cable to President Interior Minister H E Sheikh tical training programmes to stu- the visit will encourage staff to raise lance Service, told this daily. gency call handler, as it may help Abdel Aziz. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa dents in addition to the satellite the scientific and technical level of “We will look at the best way to save a life; and give way to ambu- Al Thani yesterday visited Qatar station. The Premier also visited the college to achieve Qatar’s aspi- get the message through to eve- lances on the road. Aeronautical College. the section of employees of the rations. The Premier was accompa- rybody. Every single person has Ambulance Service receives Flower exhibition He toured sections, including Ministry of the Interior, which nied by Minister of Transport H E to know what to do in an emer- about 300 calls daily and attends the Meteorological Department, includes security management Jassim Seif Ahemd Al Sulaiti. The gency,” he added. Morris said it’s to 80 percent of medical and begins today the Department of Air Traf- and passports and was briefed on Meteorological Department has important to keep reminding trauma emergencies. It reaches fic Control, Department of the lessons being provided to students been approved by World Meteoro- about the message as the com- patients at an average response DOHA: A three-day flower exhi- Foundation Programme and the by the college. logical Organisation as a regional munity is rapidly changing with time of eight minutes. bition begins today at farmers’ Department of Engineering and Sheikh Jabor bin Hamad bin training centre. new people moving in. market Al Mazrouah Yard in Maintenance of Aircraft and was Mohammed Al Jabor Al Thani, QNA “The campaign will continue to THE PENINSULA Umm Salal. A large variety of flowers, dec- oration and fruit plants will be showcased and for sale. The event is being organised by the Agriculture Affairs Depart- ment at the Ministry of Envi- HMC joins group focused on care for type 2 diabetics ronment, in collaboration with the Public Parks Department at DOHA: Members of the in the UK for two days of meet- to our patients. Part of this com- vital for reducing risks of com- in improving health outcomes for the Ministry of Municipality and National Diabetes Center at ings. mitment is the idea to increase plications and taking care of one- patients with type 2 diabetes. Urban Planning. Hamad Medical Corporation The group exchanged ideas and awareness about the chronic self,” Othman said. Muneera Al Ali, Head Dieti- Two companies producing (HMC) joined an international opinions on creating and sup- disease. We devote a significant The meetings provided HMC tian, Al Wakrah Hospital, also fruits, vegetables and flowers group focused on self-manage- porting an international union amount of time to educating our clinicians with opportunity to attended the event. “This is a (QTFA and Desert Group) are ment and patient-centred care to promote implementation of patients. share experiences and find out very important alliance for HMC. participating. for type 2 diabetics. structured education for type 2 “Diabetes is a complex disease how other countries are over- We were the only country in the The exhibition will also have Doctors, nurses, researchers diabetes self-management. that requires daily self-manage- coming challenges associated with region represented. This part- floral arrangements and land- and healthcare managers from Manal Othman, Director, Dia- ment. For a person with diabe- delivering high-quality self-man- nership will enable us to share scape designs. North America, Australia, Den- betes Education, HMC, one of tes, making healthy food choices, agement education to patients. experiences, exchange ideas and The exhibition concludes on mark, Holland, Ireland, the UK HMC’s representatives at the staying physically active, monitor- Plans are under way for future implement global best practice in Saturday. and Qatar gathered at the Leices- meetings, said: “We are dedicated ing blood sugar levels and taking meetings of the alliance which Qatar.” THE PENINSULA ter Diabetes Center in Leicester to providing the best possible care medications as prescribed are forms an important step forward THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Range Rover models recalled QU holds forum on human rights over lock defect DOHA: The Ministry of Economy Event marks anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Commerce has announced the recall of 2014-2016 Range Rover Sport and 2013-2016 Range By Sidi Mohamed Rover due to a defect in the car doors’ lock. DOHA: The Human Rights The ministry said the move in Department at the Ministry of collaboration with Range Rover Interior, in collaboration with agent Alfardan Premier Motors is Qatar University’s College of comes within the framework of its Law, yesterday held a forum on constant coordination and follow- ‘Human Rights and Social Jus- up to ascertain dealers’ commit- tice’. ment to follow up and fix defects A highlight was the pres- to protect consumers’ rights. ence of officials from the United The ministry said it will coor- Nations Centre for Training dinate with the agent to follow and Documentation in Human up maintenance and repairs and Rights. Brigadier Abdullah Saqr Al Mohannadi, Director, Human Rights’ Department, with other officials at the event. communicate with customers to The forum was held at Crimi- ensure implementation of proce- nal Investigation Department an opportunity for employees of ues and culture.” passports of their low-income rights and freedom. dures and repairs. headquarters to mark the anni- law-enforcement agencies, stu- Qatar’s enviable stature in the workers, which is illegal or make Alaa Qaoud, Deputy Director, It urged customers to report versary of the Universal Declara- dents and university professors world today is not only due to the employees work during noon UN Centre for Training and any violations to the Consumer tion of Human Rights. to remember the principles and its economic prowess but also time in the sizzling summer Documentation in the Human Protection and Anti-Commercial Officials of the ministry, the values of justice, equality, free- its prominent role in promoting months from June 15 to August Rights, said: “The celebration Fraud Department which receives National Committee for Human dom and security included in the human rights, he added. 31, he added. of the Universal Declaration is complaints and suggestions Rights, and students from the Universal Declaration of Human Qatar is signatory to many The college puts emphasis on to remember and underline the through its various channels. law college attended. Rights”. agreements related to human the law to help achieve human importance of human rights’ At the outset, Brigadier Dr Yaseen Al Khalayla, Assist- rights at regional and interna- rights principles. Last year, it principles and see if a country is QNA Abdullah Saqr Al Mohan- ant Dean of the college, told the tional levels. created a Master’s programme committed to the declaration.” nadi, Director, Human Rights’ forum: “It is to support Qatar to Qatar has, for instance, in public law, whose curriculum Seha bills for Qataris Department, said: “The event is help enhance human rights val- banned companies that keep the contains some courses in basic THE PENINSULA total QR1.285bn Continued from page 1 According to data released by QR406m property deals in a week the NHIC recently, the total med- QC begins poultry, red meat recovery project in Gaza ical bills for Qataris under Seha DOHA: Increased supplies and a dampened demand for was QR1.285bn until October 21 DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) has of QC’s office in Gaza, said, “QC with Ministry of Agriculture Adel Atal- land plots across the country saw real estate transactions and the total invoices received launched a poultry and red meat the support of IDB and supervision lah expressed his deep thanks to the in the week from December 13 to 17 sagging to a record from private healthcare provid- recovery project in Gaza Strip at a of GCC, emphasized their commit- office of QC in Gaza for his efforts to low of QR406.58m ($111m). ers amounted to QR10bn. cost of over QR7m. ments towards their Palestinian support agriculture and develop the Figures released by the Real Estate Registry at the Min- There had been complaints Out of 533 affected farmers across brothers and sisters.” animal production. istry of Justice for the week put the value of transactions about wastage of government the Strip, 170 farmers in Khan He emphasized that the project Atallah emphasised farmers at QR406,582,973, reports Qatar News Agency. funds under Seha, that were Younes (in the Southern region of was implemented in full cooperation should make the utmost use of the Property included land plots, houses, commercial outlets refuted by the SCH. Gaza) signed contracts to benefit and coordination with the Palestin- supports to rehabilitate their dam- and multipurpose buildings in Doha, Al Khor, Umm Salal, NHIC introduced a unified from this project. ian authorities; in particular Minis- aged farms. Al Dhakhira, Al Rayyan, Al Dayen and Al Wakrah. pricing system for healthcare The Project implemented by QC is try of Agriculture. Meanwhile as part of its efforts Real estate evaluator and expert Khalifa Al Musle- services under Seha and employed sponsored by the Gulf Cooperation The aim is to achieve fair distri- to rehabilitate and develop agricul- mani said the low weekly value of transactions was due to a strict monitoring mechanism to Council (GCC) under the adminis- bution of budget among the selected ture, QC had previously drilled a well increased supplies of plots of land and dampened demand. prevent misuse by healthcare pro- tration of the Islamic Development owners of the damaged farms, espe- for the benefit of 50 farmers from Asked why the value of weekly dealings was fluctuat- viders and beneficiaries. Although Bank (IDB) based in Jeddah. cially owners of the destroyed farms Umm Al Nasr Village in the north- ing so sharply that in one week it peaked at over QR1bn the onus of providing insurance According to the project, farmers in 2008 and earlier by Israel. ern region of the Gaza Strip. while in the other week slumped to record lows, he said cover has now been shifted to will receive payments according to The project targets 533 affected The well irrigates 100 acres. the situation with regard to demand for land would likely private insurance companies, their needs and losses. farmers across the strip, said Abu Before this, QC worked on securing to improve early next year and then the transaction value the SCH is expected to continue Speaking at a ceremony held in Haloub adding, thanks to the sup- potable water for over 3,000 poor would go up. monitoring of the whole system. Khan Younes for signing the con- porters granting financial supports Gazan families. “The situation now is such that more land is available tract with the farmers, Engineer affected farmers. but demand remains low,” he added. THE PENINSULA Mohammed Abu Haloub, Director Assistant Under Secretary at the THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Library registers over 1,500 new members

DOHA: Qatar National Library Qatar National Convention Centre. ties about the library’s wealth of and registration led by the team. (QNL) received over 1,500 new mem- Thousands of visitors visited the learning resources, including high- Among the visitors in attendance ber registrations at the recent 26th QNL booth where a team hosted lights of its digital resources, engag- were the event’s Guest of Honour Doha International Book Fair at interactive presentations and activi- ing events for children and families, Turkish President Recep Tayyip

Qatar National Library’s team provides free registration for the public at the 26th Doha International Book Fair.

Erdogan, who opened the the Heritage Collection, 10-day fair, Father Emir QNL’s unique function as H H Sheikh Hamad bin a metropolitan, research Khalifa Al Thani, H H and national library and Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, its online databases, access Minister of Culture, Arts to which is free for mem- and Heritage H E Dr bers through the library’s Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al website. Engineer Saadi Al Kuwari, Algerian Minis- Said, Director, Administra- ter of Culture Azzedine tion and Planning, QNL, Mihoubi and senior liter- said: “We are delighted with ary figures. the number of attendees Gihan Baraka, Head who visited our booth and of Library Relations and registered for our online Communications, QNL, services and resources. gave a presentation high- “Participation in the fair lighting the role of social greatly helps QNL and media in promoting the encourages people from library’s features such all walks of life in Qatar to as Qatar Digital Library use the library’s state-of- (QDL), the landmark ini- the-art learning resources tiative that grants access and engage in community to online resources about engagement activities. the history of Qatar, the Arab and Muslim world, THE PENINSULA

New premises for Lanka mission DOHA: The Sri Lankan embassy will start offering its services from a new location from January 1, it said in a statement yesterday. The new premises is at Building No. 21, Street No. 860, Al Raheeb Street, Zone 47 near Doha-Al Wakrah Road. However, the embassy will be closed until January 3 for the public. “The ministry of foreign affairs granted permission for the closure of the embassy for three days from December 29 and it will remain closes for the public until January 3 owing to the official non-working days falling on January 2 and January 3,” the statement said. On January 1, Ambassador Prof. W M Karunadasa will hold a ceremony at the new location to mark the official opening of the new premises. “The new premises is spacious enough to accommodate around 2,000 people and is centrally located for the convenience of Sri Lankan expatriates in Qatar,” the statement said.

THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Over 70,000 people visit Ooredoo Village at Katara Company marks National Day with a series of events

DOHA: The Ooredoo Village, ditional music (Al Ardah), live national economy, the event fea- an integral part of the compa- cooking, technology and crafts. tured an exhibition including the ny’s celebrations to mark Qatar As an educational point for company’s all SIM cards produced National Day, received excep- children and expats, the company from the first day of operations tional support with over 70,000 exhibited traditional swords and and old models of telephones. people from across the country other items, including a ‘dala’ Ooredoo also held an art display visiting the event and taking part (traditional coffee pot) to show- attended by artists to create a in activities. case Qatar’s strong historic back- piece that captures the company. The exhibition in the Cultural ground. To entertain families, The Ooredoo Village was launched Village at Katara Corniche, was Ooredoo created an immersive as part of the #WeAreAllQatar part of Katara National Day desert experience with free camel campaign which included an events sponsored by Ooredoo. rides and falcon handling, and a inspirational song and video for The Ooredoo Village was open Qatari majlis serving drinks such the National Day, and free local on December 18 and 19 and as Arabic coffee, kahwa and tea. calling for Hala and Shahry Smart included activities for all ages, To highlight Ooredoo’s con- customers. Visitors at the Ooredoo Village. such as demonstrations, tra- tributions to the growth of the THE PENINSULA

Asean missions take part in badminton tournament QP ‘committed to environment’ Continued from page 1 DOHA: Nearly 40 participants “The MoU to establish a company to generate electricity from solar from seven Association of South- power is a continuation of QP’s environmental commitment demon- east Asian Nations (Asean) strated by projects, such as the reduction of gas-flaring and greenhouse embassies in Doha competed in gas emissions, and the Jetty Boil-off Gas Recovery Project, the Asean Badminton Tourna- Al Mohanadi, said: “While QEWC continues to strengthen its posi- ment held recently at Philippine tion locally, regionally and internationally, the company is moving School Doha. forward in diversifying sources of electric power in Qatar through the Ambassadors and staff from use of solar energy, particularly amid expectations of a rising demand the embassies of Brunei Darus- for electricity in the coming years.” He said the production of electricity salam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the by QEWC and its subsidiaries will rise from about 8,600MW currently Philippines, Singapore, Thailand to about 11,000MW in the first half of 2018. Qatar is one of the first and Vietnam took part in the Arab Gulf states to diversify its economy by increasing investment in event organised by the Asean clean and renewable energy sources, especially solar energy, as the Committee in Doha (ACD). It was best alternative source of energy. The new partnership will focus on one of ACD’s annual activities to investing in Qatar in a manner that helps sustainable development promote friendship and together- and supports investment in low-carbon renewable energy such as solar. ness among the embassies. The tournament comprised five Cabinet approves measurements draft law categories, including Heads of Continued from page 1 Missions (Single), Wives of Heads of Missions (Single), Men’s Dou- As per rules, the draft amendment is to be referred by the Cabi- bles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed net to the Advisory Council for review and recommendations. The Doubles. Cabinet, at its weekly meeting yesterday, also endorsed a draft law on Brunei Darussalam Ambas- measurements, which aims to introduce a uniform law for the units sador Nordin Ahmad won the Some of the participants with their trophies at the end of the event. of measurement. Once in force, the legislation will see the formation Heads of Missions (Single) cat- of an expert technical panel — the National Committee of the Meas- egory with Malaysian Ambassa- sions (Single) category, the win- Ambassador as runner-up. bles while the Indonesian embassy urement — which will put in place control procedures for measuring dor Dato’ Ahmad Jazri bin Mohd ner was Chau Anh, wife of the The Malaysian embassy domi- won the Women’s Doubles. instruments and inspection procedures and ensure compliance with Johar as runner-up. Vietnamese Ambassador, with nated the tournament, winning the law, QNA said. In the Wives of Heads of Mis- Sathatip Laismit, wife of Thai Men’s Doubles and Mixed Dou- THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME ‘Ospitalita Italiana’ diploma for Cookery contest by Chaliyar first batch of restaurants in March Doha gains popularity

By Raynald C Rivera rants in Qatar have been short- listed, and the results will be DOHA: Qatar will soon be on the revealed likely in March. list of countries with restaurants The certified restaurant will providing only authentic Italian receive a diploma and a plaque gastronomic experience with the which will be displayed in front first batch of Italian restaurants of the restaurant to tell custom- to be awarded the prestigious ers the restaurant follows Italian ‘Ospitalita Italiana’ diploma in quality. “Every year we will check March. to make sure that the standards Currently, there are 1,736 Ital- are followed,” she added. ian restaurants around the world “This is not about the best res- which have received this award as taurants but the restaurants that part of “Ospitalita’ Italiana Res- respect the original criteria of taurants in the World” project Italian hospitality and food,” said Sheikh Muhammad bin Fahad Al Thani and Sahad Maqbool present prizes Italian Ambassador Guido De Sanctis (left) and Italian Chamber of Commerce launched by the Italian govern- Libotte, adding the project was to winners, in the presence of Chaliyar Doha officials. in Qatar Chairperson Palma Libotte at the press conference at the Italian ment in 2009. launched to protect the image of “This project, which is being embassy yesterday. made in Italy abroad. DOHA: Cookery contest con- Prizes for the winners were pre- brought to Doha for the first time, Italian Ambassador Guido ducted by Chaliyar Doha for sented by Sheikh Muhammad bin is very important because it is not ment to select the Italian restau- have to look at, for example if the De Sanctis said the project has female expatriates at Al Wakrah Fahad Al Thani and Sahad Maq- only about recognizing the Ital- rants in Qatar and evaluate them. cutlery is made in Italy or if the proved to provide many benefits Sports Club as part of National bool, Marketing Officer, Al Wakrah ian restaurants but it is about A panel will review all the data kitchen is adequate to cook Ital- to the restaurants. “Almost 90 Day celebrations has gained pop- Stadium, at the stadium yester- upgrading the standards of Italian to finally choose those which meet ian dishes,” noted Libotte. percent of the restaurants wit- ularity with a large number of day during the half time break of hospitality,” said Chairperson of the criteria to be given the certi- “More than 50 percent of the nessed increase in sales after they participants and biriyani recipes. Qatar Star League Football match the Italian chamber of Commerce fication. ingredients in the menu must be got the certification. Two-thirds Nibila Mashood, Sumaya between Al Wakrah and Al Arabi in Qatar Palma Libotte. Among the criteria are tradi- of Italian origin. An interesting said they increased their reputa- Thahsin and Nabeela Nisar football clubs. The winning recipe The Italian Chamber of Com- tional ambience, original Italian feature is the olive oil has not only tion in the city where they are secured first three positions for was selected by chefs from leading merce in Qatar with the sup- ingredients and an experienced to be made in Italy but from 100 located,” noted Ambassador De their recipes and won gold coin as star restaurants in Qatar. port of the Italian Embassy was Italian chef. percent harvested Italian olives.” Sanctis. the first prize. All 100 participants appointed by the Italian govern- “It’s a very detailed project. We Libotte said 12 Italian restau- THE PENINSULA also received consolation prizes. THE PENINSULA Fishing time

Expatriates fish at the Corniche, as the country experienced a relatively pleasant weather yesterday. The Meteorology Department has forecast a foggy morning today, with chances of scattered rains by night. SALIM MATRAMKOT Sidra appoints Peter Morris as new CEO DOHA: Sidra Medical and Research Center has announced the appointment of Peter Morris, former CEO of Barts Health NHS Trust in the UK, as Sidra’s new CEO starting January 8, 2016. Sidra said it is delighted to welcome Morris on board as the centre looks forward to opening outpatient maternity and paediatric services in 2016. Professor Lord Darzi of Denham, Vice-Chairperson, Sidra said, “Peter will bring a wealth of senior experience in leading large projects and the commissioning of new hospitals in the UK, to help lead Sidra to its next exciting chapter and the provision of patient services in 2016.” Morris said, “It is a great privilege to be appointed as the new CEO of Sidra that shares my deep commitment to achieve the very best standards of healthcare provision and research output for the people of Qatar.” Sidra’s Act- ing CEO Timothy Carmack will resume as Chief Financial Officer and continue to provide support and guidance.

THE PENINSULA

Essay writing contest

DOHA: Indian expatriate group Charishma Arts is organising an essay writing contest for Malayalam- speaking community, focusing on legendary film actor Prem Naseer. The event is to be held in memory of the late actor considered one of all-time superstars in Malay- alam cinema. Naseer holds two Guinness World Records for playing the lead role in a record 725 films and playing opposite the same heroine in 130 films (with Sheela). The essay in Malayalam should not exceed five pages, the organis- ers said yesterday. Scanned or typed entries should be sent to [email protected] as in PDF format. The contest is open to men and women of all ages. There will be only two winners and the prizes will be awarded at a function at Indian Cultural Center on January 16 in the presence of prominent literary figures from Kerala. The contest is being held by Charishma Arts in association with Photo Power, as part of its silver jubilee celebrations. Last date for submission of entries is January 8. Details can be had from Raju Podiyan, Chief Coordinator, on 55834674, Ajith Kumar, Coordinator, on 55863114 and Mohammed Ali, General Secretary, on 55425247. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 22 DECEMBER 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Fiorelli launches handbag New Brazilian Churrascaria collection at City Lifestyle

DOHA: Make a statement this Restaurant opens in Souq Wakra season with a unique and stylish collection of handbags from UK’s fashion forward brand Fiore- lli, which has recently launched Lifestyle Group of Restaurants opens Qatar’s first stand-alone outlet across all City Lifestyle stores in Qatar. DOHA: Popular Lifestyle Group cooked in a traditional Brazilian Trendy yet functional, Fiorelli of Restaurants soft opened a Bra- Grill right in front of you. Navin recreates signature designs with zilian Churrascaria concept Res- Prasad, Senior Vice-President urbane mixes for modern and taurant named ‘Copacabana’ for Food and Beverage Develop- dynamic styles. From a must- the food lovers in Qatar. ment said, “At Copacabana, we have saddle bag that’s ruling the The first stand-alone restau- have worked hard to deliver the season to the 3-compartment zip rant is located at the Corniche authentic Brazilian steak house top tote, every bag carries details of Souq Wakra. The soft opening experience. Every aspect of the and qualities that define sophis- was officially done by Khalid Al restaurant, the décor, the menu tication. Suwaidi, General Manager, Souq and the entertainment has been East-west profiles in hand- Waqif along with Yoonus Salim designed attentively to give the bags gain importance this sea- Vappattu, Managing Director, customers a real Brazilian expe- son while Mia continues to rule classic hues like black, tan and Lifestyle Restaurant Group, a rience. To make it affordable and as a fashionista’s favourite trend red that set the right mood for Venture of SAVY Hospitality to add value for money, we have with updated new accents and a the season. WLL Qatar. carefully thought through the ‘All vibrant colour palette. So whether you are looking Based on the concept of Bra- You Can Eat’ Churrascaria menu Unique to the collection is fine for a multipurpose handbag for zilian Churrascaria, the restau- with options starting from QR99. detailing, which accentuates the everyday use or something for a rant can accommodate about 150 Also to add variety the à la brand’s inspired legacy. Metal special occasion, you’re sure to guests and features an extensive carte menu features dishes such highlights also make a welcome find your perfect arm-candy from menu grilled in authentic Brazil- as Pulled beef toasties, our six- comeback in this season’s collec- Fiorelli’s stunning collection at ian Rodizio style. hour-cooked beef delicately pulled tion. The colour palette is bright City Lifestyle stores. Prices start In addition to the Churrascaria and dressed with BBQ and blue and uplifting with strong empha- at QR149. Menu, Copacabana also offers a cheese. Crispy lamb salad crisp sis on shades of pink along with THE PENINSULA wide range of delicacies through tender lamb parchments tossed its à la carte menu. with assorted greens and baby During the launch, Lifestyle Officials and staff cut a cake to mark the soft opening. gems. One of our Signature Group’s Managing Director Mushroom risotto, arborio cooked Festive dinner Yoonus Salim Vappattu said, stand alone Brazilian restaurant fully choreographed Brazilian to doneness with a bouquet of “The corniche area at the Souq for the South American food fans entertainers — Capoeirists and mushroom extract and topped is a hidden gem in Qatar yet to in the state of Qatar. To enhance football juggler; not to forget with porccini crisps and many be explored by many. He further the overall dining experience, the mouth watering selections more. added, Copacabana is the first we have presented the beauti- of prime cut meat and poultry Qatar is a welcoming mar- ket for new cuisines and we are happy to see interest for Copac- DOMASCO marks National Day abana. With winter setting in, we are expecting Souq Wakra and Copacabana to gain popular- ity, added Sumit Ranjan, Head of Marketing, Lifestyle Group of restaurants. The restaurant will be open on all days from 2pm until 11pm. For reservations and inquiry, please call +974 31209277. For inquiries contact Sumit Ranjan, Head of Marketing, Lifestyle Group of Restaurant on +974 Mercure Hotel will host a Festive Dinner at their La Villa Restaurant on 66468553/ mkg@Savyhospitality. December 25 from 7pm with an a la carte menu to choose from with com dishes ranging from QAR26 to QAR80. THE PENINSULA

DOMASCO celebrated Qatar National Day at its head office, with all associates to commemorate Qatar’s suc- cess, growth and aspirations. The Honda and Volvo showrooms were decorated with national flags. A special National Day cake was cut in the presence of senior officials.

QU college holds workshop on drugs in sports

DOHA: Qatar Univer- sity College of Phar- macy hosted a workshop on ‘Drugs in Sports’ to explore the use of drugs by athletes and define the roles and responsibilities of healthcare practition- ers and athlete-support personnel according to the World Anti-Doping code. The workshop supports the establishment of the new elective course ‘Drugs in Sport’ at the college. Organised by the Con- tinuing Professional Development Health Care Practitioners programme at the college, the event brought together over 80 practitioners, scientists and researchers from pri- vate and public institutions across Qatar, including the Supreme Council of Health (SCH), Aspetar, Khulood and Wellcare Pharma- cies, and Anti-Doping Lab Qatar. The event included a presentation on ‘Doping and Anti-Doping in Sport and the Role of Healthcare Pro- fessionals’ by Liverpool John Moores University Emeritus Professor of Pharmacy Prac- tice Dr David Mottram.

THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com GULF / MIDDLE EAST

Somalia bans Christmas, New Year celebrations Istanbul airport blast kills woman MOGADISHU: Somalia’s government has banned cel- Another cleaner injured, five planes damaged at facility on Asian side of the city ebrations of Christmas and New Year in the Muslim majority country, saying the festivities might attract ISTANBUL: A female cleaner was largest city, the state-run Anatolia circled overhead, Anatolia said. speeches yesterday. The airport said Islamist attacks. killed and another wounded early news agency reported. Security was also stepped up at on its official Twitter account that “All events related to Christmas and New Year cel- yesterday after an explosion near a Turkey’s private carrier Pegasus Istanbul’s largest airport, Ataturk, on “flights from our terminals are con- ebrations are contrary to Islamic culture, which could plane at Istanbul’s second interna- Airlines said in a statement the the European side of the city, with tinuing according to schedule.” damage the faith of the Muslim community,” the direc- tional airport, with Turkey on high explosion occurred next to one of its police checking vehicles entering the Sabiha Gokcen airport, named tor general of the Religious Affairs Ministry told report- alert for possible attacks. planes while the two cleaners were complex, Turkish television said. after Turkey’s first female fighter ers on Tuesday. The authorities said it was too nearby. Transport Minister Binali Yildirim pilot, is the second international air- Sheikh Mohamed Khayrow said security forces had early to confirm if the airport had “There were no passengers either said five planes were damaged and port in Istanbul after much larger been ordered to break up any such celebrations. “There been targeted in an attack, but the on the plane or on the stairway. were now being repaired in the air- Ataturk airport. Sabiha Gokcen hosts should be no activity at all,” he said. transport minister said there had Sabiha Gokcen airport is continuing port’s hangar. flights both to domestic and numer- Sheikh Nur Barud Gurhan, of the Supreme Religious been no security lapses. its normal operations,” Pegasus said. But he declined to give details on ous international destinations often Council of Somalia, said that non-Muslim festivities Five planes suffered slight dam- The wounded victim, also a cleaner, the possible cause. with budget airlines but also national might provoke the ire of the Shabaab, East Africa’s age as a result of fragments from the was hurt in the leg. Yamac was hospi- “At this moment it’s too early to flag carrier Turkish Airlines. In 2015, Al Qaeda branch, which is headquartered in Somalia. explosion, the minister said. talised but died of her wounds despite give a verdict but I want to empha- up to November, it hosted over 17 mil- “We are warning against the celebration of such Airport cleaner Zehra Yamac, 30, the efforts of medical staff, Anatolia sise there is no weakness concerning lion domestic passengers and almost events which are not relevant to the principles of our died of head wounds hours after the said. security,” Yildirim told Anatolia. nine million international passengers, religion,” Gurhan added, saying it could provoke the blast just after 2am (midnight GMT) Police stepped up security at air- Neither President Recep Tayyip according to company figures. Shabab “to carry out attacks”. on the tarmac at Sabiha Gokcen air- port entrances after the blast, search- Erdogan nor Prime Minister Ahmet AFP port on the Asian side of Turkey’s ing vehicles while a police helicopter Davutoglu referred to the incident in AFP Iraqi troops in final push to retake Ramadi

BAGHDAD: Iraqi forces closed in on the Islamic State group’s last redoubts in cen- tral Ramadi yesterday to retake the city they lost in May and further shrink the jihadists’ “caliphate”. A day after punching deep into the city centre, forces led by the elite counter-ter- rorism service (CTS) inched towards the governmental compound in Ramadi, the capital of Iraq’s vast Anbar province. “The anti-terrorism troops are now poised to break into the Hoz area where the governmental compound is located,” a brigadier general in the force told AFP. The recapture of the compound would mark another key step towards reasserting full control over Ramadi, whose liberation a CTS spokesman said on Tuesday would be achieved in three days. Government forces, which have been sup- ported by daily air strikes from the US-led coalition, had to move carefully through the devastated city, whose deserted streets were littered with rubble and shrapnel. Retreating IS fighters usually booby-trap Iraqi security forces gather to advance towards the centre of Ramadi city yesterday. their abandoned positions, plant roadside bombs and move in tunnels which can also used as human shields by IS, also known as claimed “caliphate”. be trapped with huge explosive charges. ISIS or by the Arabic acronym Daesh. Iraq’s Defence minister Khaled Al Obeidi Iraqi forces clearing residential neigh- Several officials said groups of IS fighters said last week that successive operations by bourhoods in Ramadi were finding huge were trying to slip through gaps in the Iraqi the Iraqi security forces and its allies had amounts of ammunition and explosives, forces’ net around the city. shrunk the territory held by IS in Iraq from including rockets made from gas canisters. “Dozens of Daesh members have with- roughly 40 percent of the country last year Officials estimated before the latest push drawn from the city centre towards Sufiya to 17 percent. into Ramadi that no more than 300 IS fight- and Sichariyah,” east of Ramadi along the Tuesday’s big push into central Ramadi ers remained holed up in the centre. Euphrates Valley, said Ibrahim Al Fahdawi, was only the latest step in a months-long “The fall of Ramadi is inevitable, the end who heads the security committee in Kha- operation, which saw Iraqi forces gradually is coming but... it’s going be a tough fight,” ldiya district. close in after cutting off supply lines into the US-led coalition’s spokesman, Colonel The recapture of Ramadi would further Anbar and retaking neighbourhoods, key Steve Warren, told reporters on Tuesday. isolate IS-held Fallujah — which lies half roads and bridges one after the other. He said thousands of civilians were still way on the road to Baghdad — and under- believed to be inside Ramadi, some of them mine the viability of the group’s self-pro- AFP

UN urges Yemen rivals to resume talks UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council yester- day urged Yemen’s warring parties to respect an already shaky ceasefire and to resume their inconclusive peace talks. Talks in Switzerland between government and rebel representatives broke off over the weekend without result and there have been reports of ceasefire violations. Meeting in New York, the 15-nation Security Council urged “all Yemeni parties to resume and accelerate United Nations-brokered inclusive political consultations.” The members also demanded that Yemeni ports be re-opened for trade and aid “without delay”. The top world body’s member states expressed sup- port for UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed’s efforts to mediate a peaceful end to conflict and demanded that humanitarian agencies be allowed to work unhindered. They “urged the Yemeni parties to fulfill commitments made during the talks and welcomed their commitment to a new round of talks in mid January 2016, building on the progress that has been achieved.” And they “condemned all violence, attempts or threats to use violence to intimidate those participating in United Nations-brokered consultations and emphasised that such action is unacceptable.” AFP UN adopts resolution on Palestine natural resources

NEW YORK: The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly adopted a resolution demanding Palestinian sovereignty over natural resources. The draft resolution, “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Terri- tory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab popu- lation in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources,” was adopted with 164 votes in favour and five against. Member states that voted against the measure included Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, and the United States. Ten other states abstained from the vote. The resolution is the latest to be adopted through ongo- ing efforts by the Palestinian leadership to take measures against Israel in the international arena following decades of failed peace talks. QNA THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 GULF / MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Two Syrian Russia strikes brothers held in Syria may in Austria VIENNA: Two young Syrian brothers have been arrested in a refugee camp in southern Aus- tria on suspicion of belonging to be war crimes terrorist groups, prosecutors said yesterday. Police detained the two men, Amnesty cites civilian casualties aged 16 and 18, in the Leibnitz district in Styria state last Thurs- BEIRUT: Amnesty Interna- A spokesman for Russian Pres- day after a tip-off from German tional said yesterday that nearly ident Vladimir Putin yesterday authorities, the prosecutor’s office three months of Russian air raids said the government had not seen in the city of Graz said. in Syria have killed hundreds the report but would look into it. While the younger brother of civilians, many in targeted “We do not have any informa- is accused of belonging to the strikes that could constitute war tion about the reliability of the Islamic State (IS) group, his older crimes. data provided by Amnesty Inter- sibling is thought to have fought Some “appear to have directly national,” Dmitry Peskov told for the Ahrar Al Sham militia, attacked civilians or civilian reporters. the office added. objects by striking residential A source at the Russian For- The pair allegedly fought each areas with no evident military eign Ministry also dismissed the other during the Syrian civil target and even medical facilities, report’s sourcing. Children play near a clothesline hung near rubble inside a damaged building in Naemeh town located east of the war. They face charges of com- resulting in deaths and injuries to “It is important to understand city of Deraa in Syria, yesterday. mitting terrorist acts, including civilians,” Amnesty Middle East what source Amnesty Inter- attempted murder and torture, and North Africa director Philip national is using. The Syrian attacks in Homs, Idlib and Aleppo ians. Witnesses described how the weapons experts said the nature Austrian prosecutors said, add- Luther said in a statement. Observatory for Human Rights... provinces between September and bustling Sunday market became a of the destruction “indicated pos- ing that a third brother had been “Such attacks may amount is not a source of information for November, which it said killed at scene of carnage in seconds, with sible use of fuel-air explosives, a arrested in Germany. to war crimes,” he said, adding us,” the source said. least 200 civilians and around a local media activist Mohammed type of weapon particularly prone The arrests are likely to add that it “is crucial that suspected The Britain-based Observa- dozen fighters. Qurabi Al Ghazal quoted as say- to indiscriminate effects when fuel to an already heated debate violations are independently and tory uses a network of sources Amnesty noted that Russian ing: “In just a few moments, peo- used in the vicinity of civilians”. in Austria over how to handle impartially investigated”. on the ground to monitor Syria’s authorities “have claimed that ple were screaming, the smell of On Tuesday, the Syrian Observ- Europe’s worst migrant crisis The London-based rights group conflict and has accused Russia their armed forces are only strik- burning was in the air and there atory for Human Rights said Rus- since 1945. The Alpine nation of said there is “evidence suggesting of killing hundreds of civilians in ing ‘terrorist’ targets. After some was just chaos.” sian air strikes had killed 2,132 8.5 million expects to see a record that Russian authorities may have air strikes. attacks, they have responded to In another suspected Rus- people since the campaign began 95,000 asylum claims by the end lied to cover up civilian damage to “We have not received any facts reports of civilian deaths, by sian attack, at least 46 civilians, at the end of September, including of this year. Many of those arriv- a mosque from one air strike and (about civilian casualties) since denying they killed civilians; after including 32 children and 11 710 civilians. ing are unaccompanied boys and a field hospital in another”. September 30. On the contrary, others, they have simply stayed women sheltering in the base- The Syrian conflict has killed young men, which has prompted There is also “evidence suggest- all of their (the Observatory’s) silent.” ment of a residential building, more than 250,000 people and far-right and conservative poli- ing Russia’s use of internation- statements have been contested In one of the deadliest incidents, were killed in October in Ghantu, forced millions to flee their homes ticians to warn that the refugee ally banned cluster munitions and by facts,” the Russian source Amnesty said three missiles were Homs, Amnesty said. since it broke out in March 2011. flow posed a threat to national of unguided bombs in populated added. fired at a busy market in the Idlib Video footage showed “no evi- security. residential areas”. Amnesty’s report focuses on locality of Ariha, killing 49 civil- dence of a military presence”, and AFP AFP

Saudi King blames Assad for IS rise Turkey web servers under

RIYADH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin cyberattacks: Internet body Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia accused Syrian President Bashar ISTANBUL/OXFORD: plummeting at some sites, Nic. The Ankara government Al Assad yesterday of having aided Turkish Internet servers tr said. has in the past taken a tough the rise of the Islamic State group have suffered one of the most “While both the size and stance on social media sites and called for a political settlement intense cyberattacks ever seen duration of the attack are under Turkish President with moderate forces to end the war in the country over the last notable, neither is unheard of. Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Twitter, there. week, according to an Inter- We don’t have enough infor- for instance, was temporarily The solution would be to form “a net management body, raising mation to start speculating on restricted in 2014 after wire- transitional government made up of fears Ankara may be a target whether this is related to spe- taps of government officials moderate opposition forces, ensuring of political hackers. cific countries or which kind of were leaked. the unity of Syrians and the depar- Internet experts said it was group or single individual may Some observers invoked par- ture of foreign forces and terrorist not clear who was behind the be behind it,” said Artturi Leh- allels to Estonia, which was hit organisations,” the King said in an attacks that began on Mon- tio of Finland-based internet by cyber attacks on private and annual speech to the consultative day. But Nic.tr, a non-govern- security company F-secure. government Internet sites in Shura Council. ment body that administers It is not the first time that 2007. They peaked after a King Salman said his government addresses for websites using Turkish websites have come decision to move a Soviet- was striving to maintain Syria as a the “.tr” domain, including under attack. The so-called era statue from a square in unified nation inclusive of all sects, ministries, the military, banks Syrian Electronic Army, hack- the capital, Tallinn, provoked according to the Twitter account of and many commercial sites, ers loyal to the Syrian govern- street protests by Russian the Saudi Shura Council. said they originated from ment, said earlier this year it nationals and a diplomatic spat These organisations “could not “organised sources” outside had successfully broken into with Moscow. have found fertile ground in Syria, Turkey. government e-mail accounts. The sites of the Estonian had it not been for the Syrian Local media reports have Nor would it be out of the parliament and the country’s regime’s policies, which have exter- suggested a flood of traffic to question for political hackers banks, ministries, newspapers Saudi women members of the Shura Council attend a session chaired by Custodian minated hundreds of thousands... and Turkish Internet servers han- to target Turkey over a variety and broadcasters were brought of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, displaced millions” of people, said the dling more than 300,000 web- of domestic or international to a crawl and an online bank- King. in Riyadh yesterday. sites, could be coming from issues. The Anonymous hack- ing site was closed. More than 250,000 people have Russia. They cited Turkey’s ing group posted a video over Estonia at first blamed been killed in Syria since the conflict tion for any eventual political transi- agency. In November, foreign min- soured relations with Moscow the weekend on YouTube, that Russia for the attack, but the broke out in March 2011. tion process. isters from countries that back and after the downing of a Rus- has since been removed, saying Kremlin denied involvement. The kingdom, a key-backer of Syr- The kingdom “calls for a political oppose Assad’s regime agreed on a sian warplane last month on attacks would continue if Tur- Western military experts con- ian opposition groups, has repeatedly solution to end Syria’s crisis,” said roadmap to end the conflict. the Syrian border. key “doesn’t stop supporting” sider the incident an act of insisted on Assad’s departure. King Salman, who turns 80 later this This would see a transitional gov- The disruptive traffic, known Islamic State. low-intensity cyber war and Earlier this month, Riyadh hosted month and who made only a brief ernment set up within six months, as a DDoS (Distributed Denial Some critics, including Rus- say subsequent attacks against a meeting of various Syrian armed appearance at the council. after regime-opposition talks, and of Service) attacks — in which sian President Vladimir Putin, Georgia, Crimea and Ukraine and political opposition groups who He read only part of the speech, elections within 18 months. thousands of computers tar- accuse Turkey of supporting follow a similar pattern. agreed to negotiate with the regime the entire text of which was later geted at specific Internet tar- Islamic State militants, some- but set Assad’s departure as a condi- published on the official SPA news AFP gets — resulted in web speeds thing the government denies. REUTERS

THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Bazaar ends on a high note

he curtain dropped Dar Al Sharq, represented by Al merriment from the public. bazaar and also sponsors of the yesterday on Dar Al Sharq and The Peninsula newspa- On the conclusion of the Bazaar, Shopping Festival, said: “We were Sharq’s Shopping Fes- pers, in collaboration with Katara Ali Wahba, Advertising Manager on board with participating in tival Bazaar. The Shop- Hall who assisted the publication of Al Sharq & The Peninsula, said: the Bazaar’s first run, because we ping Festival Bazaar, juggernaut with the preparations “We are pleased to announce the believed in its potential in bring- locatedT in Katara Hall, gave its needed to make the Shopping Fes- success of Dar Al Sharq’s Shop- ing the company further exposure exhibitors among which were tival Bazaar a success. ping Festival Bazaar’s first run, which has positively reflected Jumbo Electronics (LG), Gautier, The Shopping Festival Bazaar and we are delighted with the on our sales during our stint at Iranian Carpets Corner, Starlink, witnessed a huge turnout, achiev- Bazaar’s success in attracting the Bazaar. We also realised the VLCC, Fashion Style, Logic Group ing great success by impressing a large number of patrons and opportunity that was presented to and others, the chance to present the audiences in the process, and important exhibitors that made us, knowing that the Bazaar coin- their patrons and Katara Village by realising its objectives of mar- for a diverse and unforgettable cided with the National Day fes- visitors with their latest products keting the companies participat- experience. We have succeeded in tivities, which helped in attracting and services throughout the period ing in the bazaar by attracting creating a balance between offer- patrons to the Bazaar.” which included the Qatar National the public. Dar Al Sharq also ing our patrons a unique shopping Rabin also stressed on the Day holidays. The Bazaar-goers organised a number of events experience, while still maintain- importance of Dar Al Sharq’s were treated to a variety of quality that were selected to entertain ing a festive atmosphere which involvement within the Shopping products among which were: wom- the patrons, as they were treated was brought on to the Bazaar by Bazaar, saying that it brought en’s, men’s and children’s apparel to a variety of traditional folklore the delightfully colourful folklore credibility to the Bazaar, and and accessories, beauty products presentations courtesy of folk art presentations from all around the gave it a legitimate media cover- and cosmetics, electronic devices, troupe “Layaly Biladna”, along Middle East, thus creating an all age that helped strengthen the furnishings and other household with charming performances by around exciting experience for all.” exhibitors faith in participating in items. The Shopping Bazaar that Egyptian folklore group “Tan- C V Rabia, Sales Representative the Bazaar. Khaled Samir, Chief took place between December 17 ourah” artist Ahmed Shaaban, at Video Home/Jumbo Electronics Operating Officer — Al Jaidah and December 23, was organised by which were met with cheers and (LG), one of the exhibitors at the Motors said: “Dar Al Sharq was

truly successful in organising the Shopping Festival Bazaar, which saw an overwhelmingly posi- tive response from the exhibit- ing companies, and we at Jaidah Motors were delighted to par- ticipate in a social event of such significance which coincided with the festivities organised during the National Day in Katara Cul-

tural Village, which resulted in our relationship with them in the that comes to no surprise to me.” achieving the Bazaar’s objectives.” coming years to contribute to the Ibrahim Abdul Rahman, Gen- Walid Al Said, General Manager success of this important event.” eral Director at Tahakam shared of Sales at Jaidah Motors, has The Peninsula met with Al Emadi’s sentiment saying: “I praised Dar Al Sharq’s efforts in Mohammed Kamal Al Emadi, who applaud Dar Al Sharq in present- the successful implementation expressed his admiration for the ing the patrons with a diverse of the Shopping Festival Bazaar. Shopping Bazaar and the diversity presentation of exhibitors at the “We at Jaidah Motors Continue of the exhibitors involved, say- Bazaar this year. We are pleased to show support to the Shopping ing “Dar Al Sharq was success- with the experience we had so far.” Bazaar’s management team, and ful in executing the Shopping we will work on strengthening Festival Bazaar wonderfully and THE PENINSULA

Visitors to the Shopping Festival Bazaar (down) enjoying a folk troupe’s performance. (Pictures: Kammutty VP) THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 12 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Editorial

Saving Syria Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

MNESTY International’s report that Russian airstrikes in Syria could amount to war crimes is a stinging rebuke of Vladimir Putin and exposes the ARussian leader’s evil intentions behind the Syrian intervention. Hundreds of civilians have been killed in nearly This time it’s not Putin — three months of Russian air raids in Syria and the Amnesty says “some strikes appear to have directly attacked civilians or civilian objects by striking residential areas with no evident military target and even medical facilities, resulting in deaths Ukraine risks political suicide and injuries to civilians.” “Such attacks may amount to war crimes,” he said, adding that it “is crucial that suspected By Daryna Krasnolutska shall Fund of the US in Berlin. “Infight- tighter budgetary controls, according violations are independently and impartially investigated,” ing in Kiev benefits no one more than to Viktor Szabo, a money manager at Amnesty Middle East and North Africa director Philip Luther HO needs Vladimir Putin Moscow. If Ukraine’s commitment to Aberdeen Asset Management Plc in said in a statement. to knock Ukraine off its change weakens, infighting erupts, London. “The key risk is that some sen- The Amnesty report actually confirms what is already post-revolutionary path? and the rapprochement with the West ior politicians are happy to blow up the known. Russia says it’s bombarding Syria to fight the Islamic WThe nation’s current rul- stalls, Moscow has effectively achieved budget in an effort to keep the IMF out ers are managing by themselves. its objective.” and prevent the anti-corruption push,” State militants, but its real intention is to support its ally While the Russian president’s new President Petro Poroshenko and said Szabo, who helps oversee $12 billion Bashar Al Assad. But Moscow’s air raids have only resulted in focus on Syria has helped soothe the Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, of developing-nation debt. “If the IMF more misery to Syrians. The Islamic State is as powerful as conflict in eastern Ukraine, offering a backed by the US and Europe, are under deal breaks down, you have another before, and dropping bombs from the sky is not the best way window for reform and recovery from pressure for failing to deliver on prom- negative confidence shock, and you’ll to kill its battle-hardened militants. a recession, the administration in Kiev ises to tame corruption and reduce the see no growth next year.” The Amnesty report exposes the lies and cover-ups of is being overrun by internal squabbles. sway of oligarchs. Transparency Interna- The tensions are spilling into debt This month’s fist fight in parliament and tional ranks Ukraine 142nd-worst of 175 markets. The yield on Ukraine’s dollar- the Russian government about its operations in Syria. The an expletive-filled clash between a min- countries for graft perceptions, while the denominated bond due 2019 has jumped London-based group said there is “evidence suggesting that ister and a regional governor underline World Bank said in October that Ukraine by more than a percentage point to Russian authorities may have lied to cover up civilian damage discord that’s threatening to sink the has a “long way to go.” 10.112 percent since the notes were first to a mosque from one air strike government and derail a $17.5bn Inter- Frustration is boiling over. A traded a month ago, eroding optimism and a field hospital in another”. national Monetary Fund rescue. The December 11 speech in parliament by after a restructuring. Central bank There is also “evidence suggesting next flash point Yatsenyuk was interrupted when a law- Governor Valeriya Gontareva said last Major world will be a vote on maker from Poroshenko’s party who week that political strains were a factor powers will Russia’s use of internationally the 2016 budget. wants the premier replaced sparked in policy makers keeping the benchmark banned cluster munitions and With memo- a mass brawl. Days later, ex-Georgian interest rate at 22 percent. have to work of unguided bombs in populated President Petro ries of the failed President Mikheil Saakashvili, now The Saakashvili-Avakov spat residential areas”. The report Poroshenko Orange Revolu- Odessa region governor, used a meeting prompted Ukraine’s leaders to reaffirm really hard and mainly focuses on attacks in Homs, tion still fresh, on reform to accuse Interior Minister their unity and quash talk of a new pre- Ukraine risks let- Arsen Avakov and other government mier. In a joint statement, Poroshenko, Idlib and Aleppo provinces between and Prime sincerely to save ting internal dis- members of graft. As they hurled abuse Yatsenyuk and parliament Speaker Syrians from September and November, which Minister Arseniy putes hijack the at each other, Poroshenko sat with his Volodymyr Hroisman blamed “corrupt killed at least 200 civilians and second attempt head in his hands. Rifts within the rul- oligarchs” for instigating an “anti-gov- the misery they around a dozen fighters. In one Yatsenyuk, in a decade to ing coalition that won a landslide in ernment, hysterical and anti-state cam- of the deadliest incidents, three backed by the US break free from elections last year are also holding up paign.” They said togetherness is needed are trapped in. missiles were fired at a busy market its communist next year’s budget, delaying disburse- for “successful changes” in Ukraine. and Europe, are past. Reformers ments of almost $5 billion in interna- Unity is just what US Vice President in the Idlib town of Ariha, killing are clashing with tional aid as the economy struggles to Joe Biden urged when he visited Kiev 49 civilians. under pressure the vested inter- recover from 18 months of contraction. this month. Addressing lawmakers and As expected, Moscow has furiously rejected the charges. A for failing to ests that control The IMF said Friday that parliament the country’s rulers, he said “all of you defence ministry spokesperson said the report is full of clichés swaths of the must pass a budget that meets its deficit must put aside parochial differences and fake arguments which Moscow had previously rejected. deliver on economy, a target target of 3.7 percent of economic output, and make real the Revolution of Dig- The Amnesty report will not shock the world because Syria of the protesters as proposed by the government, or the nity,” in reference to last year’s uprising. promises to tame who dislodged the bailout would be interrupted. Ukraine Bilateral loans from the US, the EU and has stopped shocking the world after all the deaths, tragedies corruption and country’s pro- “urgently” needs to meet its IMF com- Japan, among others, hinge on progress and heart-breaking stories of human suffering. After nearly Russian leader in mitments to avoid delays in interna- toward reform. The US has provided five years and more than 250,000 lives lost, the international reduce the sway 2014 demanding tional support, US Treasury Secretary guarantees for $2bn of bond sales by community is still making baby steps towards peace in the of oligarchs. European- style Jacob J Lew told Yatsenyuk late Tuesday Ukraine’s government. The latest politi- war-torn country. The major world powers have now agreed transparency. by phone. Yatsenyuk said Wednesday cal turbulence will blow over, according Dangers to the that his government had “agreed on all to Bank of America. “We expect parlia- on a plan for ending the civil war. A resolution approved IMF bailout and billions more in aid issues” regarding the budget with law- ment will pass the budget, the IMF pro- unanimously by the United Nations Security Council puts the from ally nations are reflected in surg- makers, though he accused some depu- gram will continue with minor delays Council behind a plan negotiated over several months that ing bond yields. ties of not realizing “their responsibility and the coalition will remain intact in calls for a ceasefire. But Assad is not interested in peace, and “Judging by recent events, Ukraine is to the country.” the next six months,” strategist Vadim the world powers will have to work really hard and sincerely edging ever closer to committing politi- Some may oppose calls for more fer- Khramov said in a research note. to save Syrians from the misery they are trapped in cal suicide,” said Joerg Forbrig, senior vent anti-corruption efforts and inter- . program director at the German Mar- ference from the IMF, which wants BLOOMBERG The other side Quote of Spain’s vote against the status quo the day HE results of Sunday’s established parties championing it. won 69 and 40 seats, respectively. crisis. Unlike in Greece, the Span- parliamentary election in Spain But the European economic crisis, The performance of Podemos, ish Socialists are not completely dis- are the strongest challenge which particularly hit Spain hard, and which was formed only in January credited among their support base. yet to the post-Franco political the conservative response of the main 2014, is particularly impressive. The Podemos had actually toned down its Torder that has been dominated by political parties towards the crisis, along party led by Pablo Iglesias has a strong radical rhetoric during the campaign The solution would be the country’s two major parties — with a generational change in Spanish anti-austerity policy and has called for to present itself as a responsible Left- to form a transitional the centre-right Popular Party and society, seems to have ruptured the a new politics of people’s participation. ist force that can deal with the eco- the Socialist Workers Party. In the status quo. The two main parties They could resonate with the young nomic challenges of Spain. But they government made up post-Franco years, the motto of the have failed to win a simple majority. voters easily as the austerity policies still could not crack the rural vote base of moderate opposition Spanish political class was ensuring The Popular Party of Prime Minister adopted by the government are taking of the Socialists. The Citizens party, forces, ensuring the a democratic transition, checking Mariano Rajoy won 123 seats in the a toll on their lives while the economy on the other side, is also critical of the the military’s overreaching influence, 350-member Parliament, while the is still struggling. Joblessness among establishment, but it doesn’t have any unity of Syrians and rebuilding the country’s damaged Socialist Workers Party secured only 90 the youth is dangerously high, at 47 alternative economic agenda to offer, the departure of foreign King Salman bin international reputation and creating seats. Both saw an erosion of popular per cent. But during the campaign which limits its scope of growth. So a relatively prosperous society. This support, while emerging parties, the Podemos faced a “Syriza problem”. Its there’s no clear winner. The transition forces and terrorist Abdulaziz socio-political project held sway radical-left Podemos and the liberal rivals said if the radical-left party won, is likely to be chaotic. organisations. Custodian of the Two Holy for nearly four decades, with the Citizens party, made huge gains. They it would push Spain into a Greece-like THE HINDU Mosques

THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / AFRICA

Poe could be 1.7 million homeless barred from Philippine poll MANILA: A leading contender after Philippine storms for the Philippine presidency, Senator Grace Poe, could be barred from standing next year after the election commission World Bank gives $500m loan to fight natural disasters ruled yesterday she was not a MANILA: Successive storms have made life extremely difficult World Bank said in a statement. “natural born” Filipino. across the Philippines, including for communities, some of whom On average, more than 1,000 The neophyte politician, who Typhoon Melor, have temporar- have been hit by repeated waves lives are lost every year in the topped the senatorial elec- ily uprooted 1.7 million, aid work- of flooding,” Kari Isomaa, head of Philippines, with typhoons tion in 2013, was a foundling ers said, as President Benigno IFRC in the Philippines, said in accounting for the majority of with unknown parents who was Aquino distributed food yester- a statement. As rains continued deaths and damage. adopted and raised by Philippine day in areas hardest hit by the across much of the Philippines, The country is also highly movie stars. disaster. with flooding and landslides in exposed to earthquakes and vol- She went to study in the United At least 41 people were killed some provinces, President Aquino canic eruptions. States in the late 1980s and lived when Typhoon Melor struck met displaced families in North- “Financial shocks caused by A man is arrested by members of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team as there until April 2005, although central Philippines on December ern Samar and Oriental Mindoro. natural disasters undermine part of the Operation Appleby investigation into the alleged planning of a she briefly returned to the Phili- 15, inundating villages, damaging His visit came a day after Mao- economic growth and poverty terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, yesterday. pines to help her father in the crops and disrupting power sup- ist rebels attacked an army truck, reduction,” said Philippine finance 2004 presidential election cam- plies to six provinces. that was delivering equipment secretary Cesar Purisima. paign. Known locally as Nona, Melor to help clear up the destruction “This is the environmental “Seven members of the com- damaged or destroyed about caused by the typhoon. equivalent of the middle income Two held in Australian mission believed that Senator 200,000 homes mostly in the Military spokesman Colonel trap. Governments need to be Poe is not a natural born citizen,” provinces of Oriental Mindoro, Restituto Padilla said one soldier agile in mobilising resources if we Commission on Elections chair- Northern Samar and Sorsogon, was killed in the attack last Tues- are to break free from disaster- counter-terror operation man Andres Bautista said, add- the International Federation of day morning, which could hamper traps that knock back the poorest ing she has five days to get the Red Cross and Red Crescent relief work in typhoon-hit areas. and most vulnerable,” he added. SYDNEY: Australian police said will be charged with making a Supreme Court to stop the com- Societies (IFRC) said. Damage Meanehile, the World Bank Super Typhoon Haiyan struck yesterday they had arrested two document likely to facilitate a ter- mission enforcing Wednesday’s to agriculture and infrastructure approved a $500m loan yesterday the Philippines in November 2013, more men in Sydney as part of an rorist attack. The second will be ruling. is estimated at $99m, according to help the Philippines deal with one of the strongest ever storms operation that thwarted a poten- charged with conspiracy in prepa- Under the constitution, a Phil- to the IFRC, which has appealed natural disasters. to hit land, leaving more than tial attack by home-grown Islam- ration to commit a terrorist act, ippine president must be a “nat- for $3.8m to deliver emergency It can access the new credit 7,350 people dead or missing. ist militants last year on targets Burn said. Australia, a staunch ural born citizen — meaning a assistance to survivors. line following “a state of calam- that included a navy base. ally of the US and its battle Filipino at birth, be able to read “These multiple disaster events ity” declared by the president, the REUTERS The arrests of the men, aged 24 against Islamist militants in Iraq and write, be at least 40 years old and 20, brings to 13 the number of and Syria, has been on heightened and a resident of the country for people arrested in the operation, alert for attacks by home-grown 10 years before the vote. New South Wales Police Deputy radicals since last year. Bautista said the commission Commissioner Catherine Burn Police shot dead a Melbourne also found Poe, 47, failed to com- said. Earlier this month, police teenager in September 2014 after ply with the 10-year residency charged five people including a he stabbed two counter-terror- requirement. Poe, who for a time Burundi rebels announce force 15-year-old boy over the same ism officers. Last December, two became a naturalised US citizen, alleged plot to attack potential hostages were killed when police returned to the Philippines when targets that included the head- stormed a central Sydney cafe to her movie star father Fernando quarters of the Australian Fed- end a 17-hour siege by a lone gun- Poe Jnr died seven months after to oust president eral Police in Sydney and a navy man, who was also killed. being defeated in the May 2004 base in the same city. In October, a 15-year-old boy presidential election. She vowed NAIROBI: Burundi’s rebels “to protect the population” and in July. A coup attempt in May “We will allege in their plan- killed an accountant at police yesterday to fight on. came together yesterday for the uphold the Arusha Agreement was crushed after two days, with ning that they mentioned a few headquarters in the Sydney sub- “I am a Filipino and qualified first time as a force aimed at that paved the way to the end of many of the soldiers and police locations. We are aware and we urb of Parramatta. The boy was to offer myself as president of our ousting President Pierre Nku- the 1993-2006 civil war but which who took part fleeing. will allege that Woolloomooloo, killed in a gunfight with police country. The (commission) can- runziza, after months of deadly they say Nkurunziza has violated While there have been near the navy base was one of those outside the building. not change that much less deprive violence. by his third term in power. daily gun battles in the capital, locations,” Burn said. Yesterday, Australian Bor- our people of their right to choose The rebels have called them- “Our goal is to drive out Nku- attacks are now taking place in “There is no specific threat, der Force officials said they had our next leader,” she said in a selves the Republican Forces runziza by force to restore the other parts of the country too. there is no current threat, there detained and deported a French statement. of Burundi, or “Forebu” from Arusha accord and democracy,” The formation of Forebu is signif- is no pending threat, and at this national who had tried to enter She vowed to appeal to the its name in French, Les Forces Nshimirimana said over the tel- icant, as Bujumbura’s government time of the year when we are Melbourne just days after Islam- Supreme Court, urging the mag- Republicaines du Burundi, said ephone. Nkurunziza, an ex-rebel has dismissed talk of rebellion, moving into Christmas and New ist militants killed at least 129 istrates to be “objective and fair Edward Nshimirimana, a former and born-again Christian who instead rather blaming attacks on Year, please make sure that you people in Paris last month. in their discernment of my case”. army colonel turned rebel. believes he has divine backing to “armed criminals” or insurgents. go about your business,” she said. The rebels have formed a force rule, won a third term in office AFP One of the two men arrested REUTERS AFP

Xmas selfie Brunei ruler Man pulled out alive from China bans Christmas in hardline shift mudslide after three days SHENZHEN: A man was pulled trial disaster, although the figure site. Wang Yiwen, 49, who runs BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: out alive from rubble in a south- continues to be revised down as a factory near the dump, said he Christmas is just around the cor- ern Chinese city yesterday, more authorities make contact with was losing 10,000 yuan ($1,545) ner, but there are no tinsel-laden than 60 hours after a waste heap people who were believed to have a day. trees or Santa hats in the oil- collapsed and buried dozens of been buried but were not. “We cannot go out now. We rich sultanate of Brunei, where buildings in mud and construc- Firefighters had to squeeze into cannot transfer the goods in and celebrations have been banned tion debris, state media said. a narrow room around Tian and out (of this area),” said Wang. under a shift towards hardline Tian Zeming, who was found at pull debris out by hand at the “There is no guarantee for our Islamic law. 3.30am, was in a coherent state dump site in Hengtaiyu indus- lives. So many workers have to The all-powerful Sultan Has- but his legs had been crushed trial park, rescuer Zhang Yabin eat. There is no power supply sanal Bolkiah, one of the world’s in last Sunday’s landslide at an told Xinhua. now.” Last Tuesday, police raided richest men, announced last industrial park in Shenzhen, a Tian has had surgery and is offices of the company that was year he would push ahead with boomtown near Hong Kong. in a stable condition in hospital, managing the dump site, Shen- the introduction of Shariah law, “He told the soldiers who res- though he may lose a foot, the zhen Yixianglong Investment eventually including tough penal- cued him, there is another survi- Xinhua report said. Development. ties such as death by stoning or vor close by,” state news agency With growing worries about Chinese news portals said police severed limbs. Xinhua said, although it later China’s industrial safety stand- had taken away a deputy general A woman takes a selfie in front of a Christmas tree in Hong Kong Religious leaders in the oil- reported rescuers had found ards and lack of oversight, Pre- manager named Yu Shengli. Calls yesterday. rich sultanate warned this month another body rather than a sur- mier Li Keqiang ordered an to the company seeking com- that a ban on Christmas would vivor. investigation within hours of the ment went unanswered. Shen- be strictly enforced, for fear that That took the confirmed death mudslide. As authorities conduct zhen police did not immediately Muslims could be led astray. toll to two. The government has rescue operations and investigate respond to requests for comment. “Using religious symbols like said more than 70 people are the disaster, work has sharply Thai editor loses last plea crosses, lighting candles, putting missing in China’s latest indus- slowed in factories around the AFP up Christmas trees, singing reli- gious songs, sending Christmas greetings... are against Islamic over royal slur conviction faith,” imams said in sermons Great egret published in the local press. BANGKOK: Thailand’s highest The case drew widespread Punishment for violating the S Korean MERS court yesterday upheld a royal international condemnation at ban is a five-year jail sentence, defamation conviction against the time, including from Google and the government has warned outbreak ends an online newspaper editor who which described it as a “serious that Muslims would be commit- fell foul of the draconian law after threat” to Internet freedom in ting an offence if they so much as SEOUL: South Korea announced failing to speedily remove reader Thailand. wore “hats or clothes that resem- yesterday the official end to a comments deemed critical of the Yesterday’s final ruling upheld ble Santa Claus”. deadly outbreak of Middle East monarchy. the 2012 conviction that carried Although Christians are free to Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) The ruling comes as junta-run an eight month suspended jail celebrate, they have been told not that killed 36 people and sparked Thailand undergoes an unprec- sentence and 20,000 baht ($550) to do so “excessively and openly”. widespread panic in Asia’s fourth- edented lese majeste crackdown, fine. Businesses have been warned largest economy. with convictions rocketing and “I am disappointed with the to take decorations down and Seoul’s health ministry cited record breaking jail sentences verdict and I think the interpre- authorities have stepped up spot “no further risk” of infection, handed down as authorities tation of the law has pushed a checks across the capital. Hotels about seven months after the first broaden their interpretation of burden onto service operators,” popular among Western tourists case was diagnosed in May. the law. Chiranuch said after the ruling. that once boasted dazzling lights World Health Organization Chiranuch Premchaiporn, edi- Anyone convicted of insulting and giant Christmas trees are standards call for a four-week tor of the popular Prachatai news the revered but ailing 88-year-old now barren of festive decor. waiting period after the last portal, was initially charged over King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or the “It is an Islamic country and so MERS patient fully recovers 10 reader comments posted on the queen, heir or regent can face up with respect to the law, churches before an outbreak can defini- website in 2008. to 15 years in jail on each count. need to keep decorations indoors,” tively be said to be over. She was convicted by Thai- Thai-based media have to self said a Christian Bruneian, unfazed A great egret flies at the Moe Yun Gyi wetlands in Bago Division, around The virus infected 186 people, land’s Criminal Court in 2012 censor when writing about the by the strict rules. 70 miles north of Yangon, yesterday. Myanmar has one of the world’s with nearly 17,000 people confined which found that while she had monarchy, while website opera- “The meaning of Christmas for to their homes and thousands of not personally committed lese tors routinely delete reader com- richest and most diverse endowments of wildlife, but campaigners fear us isn’t all about Christmas deco- schools temporarily closing at the majeste, the 20 days she had ments that might land them in the country’s natural habitats are coming under threat as it begins to rations.” peak of the outbreak. taken to remove one of the com- hot water. develop after years of isolation under military rule. AFP AFP ments fell foul of the law. AFP THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 ASIA / PAKISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Kabul reinforces besieged troops in Sangin Fleeing residents report execution of soldiers captured by Taliban

KABUL: Afghanistan rushed the brink of a security collapse. “Stepping out to get bread The intervention has fuelled military reinforcements to Hel- Government reinforcements means inviting death,” he said, the perception that foreign forces mand yesterday after the Taliban were rushed to relieve dozens of adding that dozens of his comrades are increasingly being drawn back captured large swathes of a stra- police and army units holed up in had been killed and wounded. into the conflict as Nato-trained tegic opium-producing district, the district centre, deputy Hel- All but two of Helmand’s 14 Afghan forces struggle to rein in prompting the first British troop mand governor Mohammad Jan districts are effectively controlled the insurgency. deployment to the troubled prov- Rasoolyar said yesterday. or heavily contested by Taliban The unrest in Helmand comes ince in 14 months. “I am confident that we will insurgents. after the Taliban briefly captured The Islamists broke through not lose Sangin,” said Rasoolyar, The group also recently overran Kunduz city in September — their the frontlines of Sangin district just days after he warned that the Babaji, a suburb of Lashkar Gah. biggest victory in 14 years of war. on Sunday after days of pitched entire province was at grave risk Britain on Tuesday said a “As we’ve seen in Kunduz, the clashes with besieged Afghan of falling to the Taliban. small contingent of its troops had Afghan forces are incapable of forces, tightening their grip on Abdul Wahab, a local police arrived in Camp Shorabak, the tackling the insurgency on their the southern province. commander in Sangin, reported largest British base in Afghani- own,” said Omar Hamid, an ana- Fleeing residents reported Tali- dire conditions inside the main stan before it was handed over to lyst at the security consulting firm ban executions of captured soldiers military base surrounded for days Afghan forces last year. IHS. Afghan police personnel keeps watch during a battle with Taliban militants as the insurgents advanced on the by the Taliban. The contingent is on an “advi- “And Sangin only reinforces in the Marjah district of Helmand province yesterday. district centre, compounding fears “Our men are hungry and sory” mission with London insist- that image.” that the entire province was on thirsty,” Wahab said. ing they will not engage in combat. AFP 13 killed in Pakistan gun battle, bomb attack QUETTA: A fierce gun battle killed at least three people, compound as part of the ongo- killed in a similar raid on Tues- killed at least eight separatists including two children, in the ing operation... which triggered day. A paramilitary lieuten- and two paramilitary soldiers Mohmand tribal region a gunfight between the para- ant colonel and a solider were during an ongoing anti-terrorist The gunfight occurred in military Frontier Corps troops injured. operation in southwest Paki- southwestern Balochistan prov- and the terrorists, killing eight Those killed yesterday stan yesterday, officials said. ince, which borders Iran and rebels and two soldiers,” spokes- belonged to proscribed Baloch In the northwest of the coun- Afghanistan. man Muhammad Manzoor said. separatist organisations. try, a roadside bomb attack “The security forces raided a He said three militants were AFP Dying Pakistani man’s kin get Australian visas SYDNEY: The Austral- book page. “We urge Peter ian government yesterday Dutton to intervene and caved in and granted visas reunite Hassan with his to the mother and brother family one last time. On of a dying Pakistani man the face of it, it seems a after being accused of “a cruel and callous decision callous decision” condemn- to refuse his Pakistani- ing him to a lonely death. based mother and brother Hassan Asif, a 25-year- a visa to visit Asif,” said old who came to Aus- shadow immigration min- tralia on a student visa, ister Richard Marles. has been diagnosed with Dutton, holding a press terminal cancer and told conference yesterday, said he has just weeks to live. it was the “right decision” His mother and brother to refuse the visas based on wanted to be with him the information that was in his final days, but they provided. But within half were refused visas as they an hour he had changed were considered at risk of his mind. overstaying. But the deci- “I’d asked the post in sion sparked an outcry Islamabad to have a look with the Melbourne City at the case, to ask for addi- Mission homeless ref- tional information. That’s uge, which is caring for happened and the visas Asif, urging Immigration have been approved,” he Minister Peter Dutton to said. “show some compassion”. Melbourne City Mis- “Hassan faces a lonely sion’s Sherri Bruinhout death as immigration said Asif cried when he department refuse mum’s heard the news. visa,” it said on its Face- AFP

A Sri Lankan couple walks past a decorated Christmas tree in Colombo yesterday. Lanka Catholic leader wants Xmas tree curbs COLOMBO: The leader of Sri Lanka’s Catholics urged priests yesterday not to put up Christmas trees in their churches over the festive period, saying they had no reli- gious significance. Malcolm Ranjith, the archbishop of Colombo, was quoted in a statement as telling clergymen to “try to avoid putting up Christmas trees inside the churches”. “These do not belong to the sacred significance of Christmas but are more connected to social and family celebrations... They have also become symbols of Christ- mas in malls and public squares,” the cardinal added. Sri Lanka is a mainly Buddhist country but around 1.2 million of its overall population of 21 million peo- ple are Catholics. December 25 is a national holiday in Sri Lanka and shops and streets are often lavishly decked out with Christmas decorations and lights in the build-up. AFP THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / INDIA Police charge Uproar over Ayodhya as 15 for killing man over beef parliament adjourned rumour LUCKNOW: Lucknow police BJP suspends Kirti Azad for taking on Arun Jaitley yesterday formally charged 15 suspects over the mob murder NEW DELHI: Parliament’s win- proposed Ram temple at Ayodhya gress and SP trooped near the of a Muslim man suspected of ter session ended yesterday with in Uttar Pradesh. chairman’s podium and raised eating beef in late September. both the houses adjourned sine “A similar situation (to what anti-government slogans. Mohammad Akhlaq, 50, was die amid opposition uproar over prevailed earlier) is being created Deputy Chairman P J Kurien dragged from his house in Bisada various issues, including the Ram in Ayodhya once again. Tension is adjourned the house for 10 min- village in Uttar Pradesh state temple construction in Ayodhya being incited,” Tyagi said. utes. When the house reassembled and beaten to death by around and alleged financial irregularities Members of the Samajwadi at 11.34 am, Congress members 100 people over rumours he in Delhi’s cricket board. Party, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) again trooped to the chairman’s had eaten beef -- a taboo in the Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid and the Congress supported him. podium to demand Finance Minis- Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Vnukovo Airport in Moscow, Hindu-majority nation. Ansari asked members to “intro- BSP leader Mayawati accused ter Arun Jaitley’s resignation over Russia, yesterday. "We have filed a charge sheet spect” over the state of affairs in the Bharatiya Janata Party and the DDCA issue. against 15 persons... it is a case the house. Lok Sabha Speaker the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Chairman Hamid Ansari then of murder," additional direc- Sumitra Mahajan hoped the Sangh of trying to derive politi- adjourned the house till 1 p.m. tor general of police in Uttar parliamentarians would “take a cal mileage by again raking up the Before adjourning the house Pradesh, Daljeet Chaudhary, conscious decision to ensure less Ram temple issue. sine die, Ansari asked members Modi arrives in Russia said. disruptions”. “There should not be anything to “desist from approaches and He added that police have The upper house, however, yes- that is in contempt of the Supreme practices that demean the stature charged a 17-year-old juvenile terday passed the Commercial Court. It’s the responsibility of of the Rajya Sabha. who was part of the group -- Courts, Commercial Division and the Uttar Pradesh government to Meanwhile, the BJP yesterday on two-day visit a day after Indian lawmakers Commercial Appellate Division of maintain law and order,” she said. suspended MP Kirti Azad, who passed a bill allowing tougher High Courts Bill, the Arbitration In reply, Minister of State for has alleged large-scale corruption MOSCOW: Prime Minister trade being a major focus area. punishment for minors aged and Conciliation (Amendment) Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar in Delhi’s cricket body when it was Narendra Modi yesterday arrived Modi and Russian President between 16-18 convicted of "hei- Bill and Atomic Energy (Amend- Abbas Naqvi said stones were headed by now Jaitley. in Moscow on a two-day visit dur- Vladimir Putin are scheduled to nous crimes" including murder. ment) Bill without discussion. being polished since 1990 and “the “Yes, he has been suspended for ing which he will attend the 16th meet a delegation of Indian and Akhlaq's murder fuelled con- The Rajya Sabha’s proceedings site is around one-and-a-half km anti-party activities,” Bharatiya India-Russia annual summit. Russian CEOs in the Kremlin. cerns that religious intolerance were briefly disrupted twice in the from the disputed site. Second, Janata Party general secretary After alighting from the air- Modi will address a gathering may be growing under Prime pre-lunch session over the issues both the government and the BJP Anil Jain said, reading out an offi- craft, he was welcomed with a of Friends of India and also meet Minister Narendra Modi's right- of a Ram temple in Ayodhya and firmly believe the court’s decision cial statement. ceremonial guard of honour at members of the Indian commu- wing Bharatiya Janata Party the ongoing Delhi and District should be respected and we will BJP spokesman G V L Nar- the airport. nity in Russia. government. Critics accuse the Cricket Association (DDCA) row. respect it”. asimha Rao added that the party During the visit, a raft The prime minister’s itiner- Hindu nationalist government of Soon after the upper house met “There is no restriction on carv- acted against Azad, a three-time of agreements spanning a ary includes a visit to Russia’s having failed to protect minori- for the day, Janata Dal-United ing of stones; it does not mean the Lok Sabha member from Dar- broad spectrum of sectors are National Crisis Management ties since it came to power at member K C Tyagi raised the Ram temple is being constructed,” bhanga in Bihar, for taking an expected to be signed follow- Centre (NCMC) in Moscow general elections in May last issue of stones being transported he said. “anti-BJP line”. ing summit-level talks today today. year. and carved for constructing the However, members of the Con- IANS between the two countries with IANS AFP Tributes paid to BSF plane crash victims Amnesty flays changes

NEW DELHI: Union Home All of them were residing in Delhi. Minister Rajnath Singh yester- Earlier, BSF Director General in juvenile justice laws day led hundreds of Border Secu- D K Pathak announced a compen- rity Force and Sashastra Seema sation of `1.5m for the families of NEW DELHI: Changes to India’s capacity to commit such offence, Bal personnel in paying tribute to each deceased, in addition to ex juvenile justice laws that allow ability to understand the conse- 10 BSF and SSB men killed in a gratia of `1m. During yesterday’s children to be treated as adults in quences of the offence, and the plane crash here. The ceremony ceremony the family members cases of serious crimes are a step circumstance in which he com- was held at the BSF hangar at the urged the home minister to order backwards for children’s rights, mitted the offence”. Safdarjung airport here. a probe into the plane crash, say- Amnesty International India said Based on the assessment, chil- Singh, accompanied by two ing troopers will continue to loose yesterday. dren can be prosecuted in an ordi- deputies Kiren Rijiju and Har- lives and their families suffer if it “Children do sometimes com- nary criminal court, and punished ibhai Parthibhai Chaudhary, met was not done. mit crimes as violent as those as adults if convicted. They can- the families of those killed and “My dad was a hero and died committed by adults,” said Aakar not be sentenced to death or life assured them of all financial and a hero... but why should the sol- Patel, executive director of the imprisonment without the pos- other assistance from the Centre. diers pay the price every time Amnesty International India. sibility of release. “The government is with you in (in case of crash). Why is the “But their punishment should “The bill in effect lowers the this difficulty time. All financial government sitting quiet over reflect the fact that their culpa- age at which juvenile justice rules and social help will be given by deaths due to plane crashes over bility is different because of their apply to 16, which violates India’s the government,” said a teary- BSF officials and family members gather during the wreath laying ceremony the years? We are the sufferers age, and consider their special international legal obligations,” eyed Singh while speaking to the to pay homage to those who died in a plane crash in New Delhi, yesterday. in the end,” said Sub-Inspector capacity for reform,” he said in a Patel said. bereaved family members. Rabinder Kumar’s daughter, who statement. The Juvenile Justice The UN Committee on the Last Tuesday morning, nine fainted several times during the (Care and Protection of Chil- Rights of the Child, which moni- BSF troopers and a SSB co-pilot Commandant D Kumar, Inspec- the plane along with co-pilot ceremony. dren) Bill was passed by the Rajya tors the implementation of the were killed when their Beech- tors S N Sharma, Ravindra Rajesh Shivrain, who hailed from Priyanka, a sister of Deputy Sabha last Tuesday. UN Convention on the Rights of craft Super King plane flying to Kumar Yadav, Sub-Inspectors Bhiwani in Haryana. Commandant Dhirendra Kumar Under the bill, in cases where the Child has categorically stated Ranchi crashed in Dwarka soon Chotte Lal Sharma, Surender Two of the nine BSF person- who hailed from Meerut, said, children aged between 16 and 18 that every person under 18 years after take-off. Singh, Rabinder Kumar, Assist- nel hailed from Haryana. Three "We do not have hope from the are accused of serious crimes of age at the time of an alleged Following the ceremony, the ant Sub-Inspector D P Chauhan of them were residents of Uttar government as such incidents will including murder and rape, offence must be tried in accord- bodies were sent to their respec- and Constable R K Rawat. Pradesh, one from Bihar and continue to occur and soldiers will authorities will conduct an ance with the rules of juvenile tive native places. Bhagwati Prasad Bhatt, a resi- the remaining two personnel continue to die." assessment of factors including justice. The deceased included Deputy dent of Dehradun, was piloting belonged to Punjab and Odisha. IANS the child’s “mental and physical IANS

Maharashtra to Facebook in row with govt over Internet access for the poor challenge Khan’s NEW DELHI: Facebook went Internet free access to a hand- it violates the principle that the equality in India," Facebook said call at a designated number that on the offensive yesterday in an ful of websites through mobile whole Internet should be avail- in a statement on its Save Free automatically sends a message to acquittal in SC escalating row with authorities phones. able to all, unrestricted by any Basics campaign. the regulator in support of the over a controversial initiative Free Basics is "at risk of being one company. Some 3.2 million people have service. Several prominent Indian MUMBAI: The Maharashtra which the social network says is banned" in India, Facebook said Earlier this month the Telecom petitioned India's telecoms regu- entrepreneurs and members of government yesterday informed aimed at widening online access in the adverts, adding that the Regulatory Authority of India lator not to ban Free Basics, for- the tech community have also the Bombay High Court that it in the developing world. service aims to help a billion ordered Reliance Communica- merly named Internet.org, which spoken out against Free Basics, will appeal in the Supreme Court The social media giant took out unconnected Indians, mostly liv- tions, the sole mobile operator for launched nationwide last month arguing that even for poor citi- against the acquittal of Bollywood billboards and full-page newspa- ing in poor rural areas, to get the service, to suspend it tempo- after being trialled in several zens, no Internet is better than actor Salman Khan in the 2002 per adverts and sent SMSs to online. rarily without giving a reason. states, Facebook said. a hand-picked and corporate- accident case. A special leave defend its Free Basics service, It follows fierce criticism from "This campaign gives people The Silicon Valley giant has controlled web offering. petition challenging the actor’s which offers people without the net neutrality activists who say the opportunity to support digital asked supporters to leave a missed AFP acquittal will be filed shortly before the apex court, said an official. The development came two Adieu days after Chief Minister Dev- endra Fadnavis said that the India trashes US reports about state government will study the verdict and then take a deci- sion to challenge it. The Bom- bay High Court had set aside its nuclear safety record a sessions court judgment and acquitted the 49-year-old actor NEW DELHI: Following reports were affected by radiation and tioned India’s nuclear guard force, of all charges including ‘culpable on a US web portal criticising suffered from health problems they said India followed the guide- homicide not amounting to mur- India’s nuclear safety and secu- like birth defects, sources in the lines issued by the International der’ on December 10. Justice A rity records and a US magazine Department of Atomic Energy Atomic Energy Agency’s Interna- R Joshi also held that the pros- story on a secret nuclear city, the (DAE) said public safety norms tional Nuclear Safety Group after ecution had failed to prove that Indian nuclear establishment has followed at the mine were of the the September 11, 2001 terrorist Khan was either drunk or driv- dismissed the articles as “distor- highest standards. attacks in the United States. ing at the time of the accident in tion of facts” and “manipulation Following reports of health The article mentioned an inci- the early hours of September 28, of evidence from locals”. problems in the area, they said, dent at the Madras Atomic Power 2002, which left one pavement The articles on the website a team of doctors led by S S Ali Station in October last year in dweller dead, and four others of Center for Public Integrity from the Bhabha Atomic Research which a Central Industrial Secu- injured in the Bandra suburb. questioned the safety record at Centre, Trombay, came and looked rity Force head constable shot The high court ruling came in an the Jadugoda uranium mine in into the case histories. dead two people. appeal filed by Khan, challenging Jharkhand and the security of “Their general conclusion was “It was a specific incident and A member of the Navy stands on the deck of India's first indigenously the verdict of the sessions court India’s nuclear installations. that these were not related to did not jeopardise India’s nuclear designed and built warship, the INS Godavari, during its decommission- last May. Regarding the report that peo- radiation,” the sources said. security,” the sources said. ing ceremony at a naval base in Mumbai yesterday. IANS ple living near the Jadugoda mine As for the report that ques- IANS THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 EUROPE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17 Socialists refuse pact Russia orders arrest of Khodorkovsky MOSCOW: Russia said yester- decade in prison, would be par- Kremlin critic, who spends much day it had issued an international doned and set free. of his time in London. arrest warrant for top opposition Khodorkovsky’s supporters say “They’ve gone mad,” Khodor- leader Mikhail Khodorkovsky, as the new move is aimed at silenc- kovsky shot back in a statement with PP for Spain govt Moscow ramped up the pressure ing Putin’s exiled foe. released by his opposition group on a leading critic of President Investigators earlier charged Open Russia. He said an order Vladimir Putin. the former oil tycoon with organ- to have him arrested in absentia Fresh elections should be the last option: Sanchez The announcement from the ising the 1998 murder of a mayor compared favourably to a new law Investigative Committee, a top in Siberia. Khodorkovsky, 52, was that would allow Russian police to MADRID: Leader of Spain’s parliament, the Socialists could law enforcement body, which also charged with the attempted fire at women and children. Socialists yesterday said his form a government by joining reports directly to Putin, came murders of two other people. On Tuesday, investigators raided party will not back acting Prime forces with Podemos and other nearly two years to the day since Investigative Committee the apartments of employees of Minister Mariano Rajoy’s bid to smaller nationalist forces. the Kremlin strongman stunned spokesman Vladimir Markin Khodorkovsky’s Moscow-based form a new government following That outcome would mirror Russia by announcing that his said that an international arrest Open Russia group. weekend election. events in neighbouring Portugal political enemy, who had spent a warrant had been issued for the AFP “We were clear: we will vote where the ruling conservatives against the continuity of the won an October election but Popular Party at the helm of the fell to a Socialist government government, with Mariano Rajoy backed by leftist parties just as prime minister,” Pedro Sanchez days later. Czech PM’s (pictured) told a news conference Under Spanish law, the new after holding talks with Rajoy for parliament must be called by Twitter hacked the first time since election. January 13, after which lawmak- With the Popular Party win- dence in parliament. ers have two months to elect a PRAGUE: Czech Prime ning only 123 seats — far short of If the Popular Party fails to government. If they fail, the act- Minister Bohuslav Sobot- the 176 it needs for an absolute form a government, Sanchez said ing prime minister has to call a ka’s Twitter account yes- majority — it is seeking to form a the Socialists would “explore all new election. terday fell prey to hackers minority government. To do so it options for there to be a govern- Sanchez said holding fresh elec- who swamped it with anti- needs the Socialist PSOE, which ment of change”. tions should be the “last option” to immigrant messages. came in second with 90 seats, to With leftwing parties holding overcome the impasse. “Refugees are an inva- support it during a vote of confi- the balance of power in the new AFP sion army! The few women among them are nothing but the mothers of future terrorists. Guillotine all who help them!” said one message posted both in France backs reforms favouring emergency English and Czech. Sobotka’s spokesman PARIS: The French cabinet yes- “The threat has never been that fighters group themselves Martin Ayrer told report- terday backed reform proposals higher,” Prime Minister Manuel according to language, to train ers the government was that could see the state of emer- Valls told reporters. “We must and prepare terrorist actions on taking steps to stop the gency called after last month’s face up to a war, a war against our soil,” he said. attacks on the account. Paris attacks enshrined in the terrorism, against jihadism, After going back and forth on “We don’t know who constitution. against radical Islam,” he said. the issue, the government decided might be behind the attack Special policing powers used The constitutional reforms to include the power to strip but looking at the mes- under the state of emergency must now be passed by a three- French citizenship from people sages it’s obvious that it’s — such as house arrests and fifths majority in the upper and convicted of terrorist offences, if some neo-Nazis,” he added. the right to raid houses without lower houses of parliament, where they have another nationality. “If my Twitter account judicial oversight — are currently debates will start on February 3. There are an estimated 3.5 mil- is attacked by neo-Nazis, I based on an ordinary law which Valls said the latest figures lion French people with a second take it as evidence that I’m can be challenged at the consti- showed more than 1,000 people nationality in the country. doing my job well. I wish tutional court. had left France to join the jihad Justice Minister Christiane a happy Christmas to all In the wake of the Paris attacks in Syria and Iraq. Taubira had voiced doubts over people of good will who that left 130 dead, President “Radicalised individuals from the citizenship clause and wrongly reject spreading hatred, Francois Hollande called for the numerous countries join Daesh stated it would be dropped. She prefer humanity and sup- emergency powers to be protected (the Arab acronym for the Islamic said yesterday that the final word port democracy,” Sobotka from litigation by placing them in State group). There are many went to Hollande. said on Facebook. the constitution. French speakers and we know AFP AFP

Pilot dies as fire-fighting copter crashes

MADRID: A helicopter battling a fire in northern Spain crashed yesterday, killing the pilot, emer- gency services said. The helicopter crashed and burst into flames in a forest in a rural area in the northwestern region of Asturia’s, local emergency services said. The pilot — the sole occupant of the helicopter — was already dead when rescuers arrived at the scene, it added. About 100 wildfires broke out in Asturia on Saturday night About 100 wildfires broke out almost simul- taneously in Asturias on Saturday night as Spain basked in unusually warm weather for this time of year. The wind-fanned flames affected north- western part of the region, which boasts old and ele- gant seaside towns. AFP

Georgia PM Garibashvili resigns TBILISI: Georgia’s 33-year-old Prime Min- ister Irakli Garibashvili resigned yesterday after two years on the job as the ruling coalition strug- gles to boost its popular- ity ahead of parliamentary polls next year. “I took the decision to leave my post,” Garib- ashvili said in a televised address to the nation. “All posts are temporary. Only God and Motherland are eternal,” a stone-faced Garibashvili said without elaborating on his surprise decision. AFP THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com FEATURES What went wrong with the emcee of Miss Universe

By Emily Yahr year) shot down that idea. “That’s Miss Australia Monika Radu- just humorous. All I can do is just lovic appeared to back this up: t’s been nearly two days since laugh that off,” he told Jim Rome “All the girls saw on the prompter, Miss Colombia Ariadna Guti- on CBS Sports. ‘Philippines, you may now take Ierrez was awkwardly forced to your first walk as Miss Universe,’” remove her Miss Universe crown 2. How will this impact Steve she told ABC News. and give it to Miss Philippines Pia Harvey? Wurtzbach, because emcee Steve Maybe not at all! Except for 4. What happens now? Harvey announced the wrong being a laughing stock. Still, Sha- Well, other than everyone winner. Yet the Internet is still piro insists he’ll be welcome back involved becoming a lot more buzzing about the incident, largely again to host the pageant next famous than they would have been because it was one of the more year. “I definitely want him back, without the mix-up, it might just mortifying moments in TV his- and I would hate to see him not be a moment that lives in Internet tory. But there are some legiti- come back. He’s going to want a lore. Although people in Colombia mate questions in the aftermath: shot to redeem himself,” Shapiro are furious, and the Miami Herald said. reports one Colombian law firm 1. Seriously, was it a publicity Looks like damage control is is planning to sue the Miss Uni- stunt? already happening: Although some verse pageant because “The crown That was the common assump- are pointing to a TMZ report that is an acquired right that cannot Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach tion after that too-perfect viral shows Harvey in Vegas before the be taken away from us.” moment. Viewers weren’t the only pageant, “sources” tell E! News his card said Miss Philippines was ones to instantly think it was all that Harvey was very responsible the winner. The snap was quickly 5. How is Miss Colombia a conspiracy. “When we found over the weekend and showed up deleted, so people pounced on this doing? out that there was a mistake, I to every rehearsal. tidbit as more evidence that the Perhaps a little traumatised? was like, ‘They did this on pur- mistake was planned. Hilton said Actually, she’s doing OK, People pose for publicity!’” Miss Universe 3. Did the teleprompter really that just wasn’t true: “Well, there reports: The magazine says Guti- judge Perez Hilton said on “Good say Miss Colombia was the win- is a prompter, but the moment errez is flying down to Miami to Morning America.” “That’s how ner? where he crowns the winner isn’t spend Christmas with her family my mind works.” After the incident, Harvey on the prompter, because that before going to Colombia, where Predictably, WME/IMG Chief was shown on the Miss Universe moment, they don’t want the she will address the media about Host Steve Harvey speaks to the audience after Miss Colombia Ariadna Content Officer Mark Shapiro Snapchat complaining that the other girls to know,” he explained. the aftermath. Gutierrez was crowned Miss Universe during the 2015 Miss Universe (the company bought the pag- teleprompter read “Miss Uni- “So it was just on his card, and he Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada. eant from Donald Trump this verse — Colombia,” even though read it incorrectly.” THE WASHINGTON POST The YouTube star who loves Saudi Arabia Thousands show

e is a true American in appear- everyday. They pray five times even nature very well, what a person wants, their love for ance, yet wearing local Arab if they are not that religious — Islam or wishes. Hclothes and speaking flawless is part of their daily lives. This was Arabic. Joshua Van Alstine, or “Abu the contribution from hanging out Have you ever lived in Saudi Ara- Qatar at Hawiyati Muteb Al Amriki”, as the Arabs call with Saudis. Otherwise nothing has bia? him, is a star in the Gulf, as his YouTube changed, as I was already not drinking After my YouTube post went viral, he 8-day cultural village at Hyatt Plaza was videos have over million views. Feyza or eating pork. in 2012, one Saudi prince invited me built on the basic principle of embracing Gumusluoglu spoke to this unusual to the kingdom. He said come and see TQatari traditions, celebrating young talent celebrity who came to Qatar to help cover As a white Muslim American, were it here. If you like, stay. If not, go back and envisioning the Qatari future. the National Day celebrations last week. you isolated from the society in US? to your country. I stayed there for four “Your highness, you are a good man and every As American Muslims, we have months. I liked Saudis even more! But Qatari values you” said young Fahad Youssef, one of You speak Turkish, English and never enjoyed the same privilege or to complete my university, I went back the winners of the Tree of Qatar contest for Hawi- Arabic like a native speaker. Where comfort as others. When I was a child to Texas. However, I got a job offer yati, National day celebrations. Organised by Hyatt does this come from? it happened a lot. I was not very wel- then from the Saudi Ministry of Edu- Plaza Shopping Mall and its partners, the contest My father was in the American come, especially in high school. They cation. I left university and went back invited 5-to 10-year olds to write a message and military, my mother is Turkish. I was were always suspicious of us. After 9/11 to Saudi Arabia. I thought I would con- express their love to Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin born in Incirlik, Adana, where the it has only worsened. I faced lots of tinue my studies while working under Hamad Al Thani, Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad American base is located. After the difficulties in school, but we eventu- the Ministry of Education, but it did bin Khalifa Al Thani and the nation of Qatar. Joshua Van Alstine, or “Abu Muteb Al Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, we went back ally got used to it. American Muslims not go as I planned. We established a More than 4,000 kids wrote words that came to the US. I was going back and forth Amriki are used to the fact that the society TV channel, only for educational pur- straight from the heart, expressing their love and between Turkey and the US, just like does not love them. It is very normal poses. My own education was inter- pride being part of Qatar. Zayed Jamal pledged his a modern bedouin, until high school. I your father’s reaction to your obses- for us. It is like, if they love us there rupted, but I have a good job. best for Qatar: “I give my soul to Qatar, the best completed high school in the US, then sion with Arabs? is something wrong! As a young Mus- country in my eyes”, while Malak Abdel Fatah wrote went to Texas in order to study Inter- Actually my father was more OK, lim, I was looking for other Muslims, You are obsessed with Saudi Ara- to the Father Emir: “You brought the heritage to national Relations. he did not make a big deal out of it. wishing to hang out with them, as they bia. Why Riyadh, not Doha? life and created the basis for Qatar’s emancipation”. My mother was also fine, but she was were the only ones who understood I have been travelling a lot to help Hyatt Plaza Shopping Mall announced prizes worth How did you become so famous in advising me to hang out with people and respected me. different countries in marketing or QR15,000 for the winners of this contest. the Gulf? of other nationalities as well, and not The problem is that American peo- advertising. Recently, the govern- Feroz Moideen, General Manager of Hyatt Plaza All my friends in college were Saudi. only Saudis, because I was only hang- ple think all Muslims are same — same ment of Texas asked me to promote Shopping Mall said: “As a mall it was our immense One morning in 2012, I realised that ing out with the Saudis! nationality, same language, same skin the state in the Arab world. I came pride to support the nation by highlighting its I became famous in Saudi Arabia as colour. That is how the mainstream to Qatar before, but only for tourist impressive culture. The Tree of Qatar was an ini- nearly 2 million people watched my Why Saudis? What made them so media portrays Muslims. For exam- purposes. I came again recently on the tiative that portrays love for our nation through the YouTube video! My friends shared the special to you? ple, they do not know that the largest invitation of a friend. It was during the words of the young generation. The overwhelming video where I was talking about Saudi They came from the holy places, Muslim population lives in Indone- National Day celebrations, and I got response to this initiative and the creativity show- culture in Arabic. It all happened Makkah and Madina. It was a big thing sia. They would be surprised that an to help cover the celebrations for the cased by children was amazing. A young kid who within a few days. YouTube is not like for a young American Muslim like me. Asian can be Muslim; because for them state TV. Now we have some projects, loves the nation is a good promise for the society TV, especially in Saudi Arabia. That I was not a very pious person, even a Muslim is either Pakistani, Afghan I am planning to start a TV and radio and the country”. time it was insane. though I had been praying and practic- or Arab. programme here. In the meantime, I THE PENINSULA ing other rituals. I learned about Islam want to study Media at Northwestern Why do they call you Abu Muteb? from the holy book, Quran, not from Did you want to leave your coun- University in the Education City. I am It is the nickname of the late Saudi a nation. I am more into the cultural try? obsessed with Saudi Arabia. It is our King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. My side of the religion, than the practising Due to all those reasons, I wanted Holy Land. There is no other coun- Saudi friends in the US started calling part. I like the history and culture of to leave the US for a while. Of course try in the world that has a flag with me this, and since then it remained so. Islam. That is why I had this particular I love my country, but in order to “La ilaha ila Allah Mohammad Rasul Offer by Sharq Village and Spa interest in Saudi Arabia. I wanted to understand the US you should look Allah” written on it. But Qatar is a harq Village and Spa has introduced festive You Arabic is flawless. How did you learn new things about their culture at it from afar. Americans are good better place for my career. Sdelights, including take-home feasts, exquisite learn the language? and understanding of religion. people, but they do not know the culinary experiences, fun family activities, and fes- I never studied Arabic. It is not my world. They do not understand human What is your main goal? tive holiday packages, to make the end the year native language. We speak Turkish and Has your own understanding nature, they see themselves prior to My dream is to change the per- memorable. For guests seeking a weekend escape, English at home. I shared the same flat changed over time? the human being. Sometimes they even ception of Arab and Islamic culture the package starts at QR1,428 inclusive of: Over- with my Saudi friends for 6 months. My understanding of Islam has not forget that they are human, and they abroad. If I achieve this, in the long night accommodation in Deluxe Resort View Room; I started picking up the Saudi dialect, changed. However, I started living act like robots! Arabs are the opposite. run I would love to be an adviser to a daily breakfast buffet at Al Liwan Restaurant for just by practice. I learned to read and Islam in my daily life. For instance, They have lived in the desert for long, prime minister, or president in the US, two persons; book two nights of consecutive stay and write only after I became a star in the most Turks realise they are Muslim and had nothing else to do but observe Turkey or any Arab country. enjoy the third night free. kingdom! in Ramadan or on Fridays, but Arabs, people. That is why I found sincerity As an American soldier, what was even the less pious ones, are Muslim in the Arab world. They know human THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Slip into super comfortable slippers that are also stylish

By Nic Screws suggestion (besides a vacation) is to treat yourself to Men’s Slippers Squire slippers, Base London, $36, us.asos.com. the simple, but underrated, pleasure of a new pair Any of these extra-cushy options — from a shear- Crawford shearling-lined suede slippers, Derek ttention, shoppers: Congratulations! You’ve of house slippers. ling-lined moccasin to a luxe, crocodile slide — would Rose, $195, mrporter.com Anearly made it to the end of another holiday Warm feet trump anything. make for a great companion to your best-loved cot- Shearling canoe moc slippers, Land’s End, $89, gift-buying season. And what better way to celebrate So here, our buyer’s guide to 26 sharp-looking slip- ton-flannel robe. landsend.com. than by … buying more things?! (Stay with me.) pers to wear this holiday season and beyond. Baja slippers, American Eagle, $24.95, ae.com. LA Kings slippers, Forever Collectibles, $24.99,

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THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

Prayer Timings Weather

Slight dust with some Fajr 04.54 am Zuhr 11.33 am Maghrib 04.52 pm Minimum: 17o C Maximum: 24o C Shorook 06.16 am Asr 02.30 pm Isha 06.22 pm scattered clouds. HIGH TIDE 03:45 - 14:15LOW TIDE 10:15 - 21:00

Drone helps Re-print of Mein Kampf icebreaker unleashes row in Germany navigate

BERLIN: For the first time since experience and political ideology, the last days of Hitler’s life to this Antarctic Hitler’s death, Germany is pub- he outlined his strategy. A best- year’s hit film Look Who’s Back, lishing the Nazi leader’s political seller after he became chancellor an adaptation of a satirical novel SYDNEY: Australia’s flag- treatise Mein Kampf, unleashing a in 1933, it had by 1945 sold 12 mil- about the reappearance of Hitler ship icebreaker has for the first highly charged row over whether lion copies and been translated in modern times and becoming a time used drone technology to the text is an inflammatory racist into 18 languages. celebrity. navigate treacherous Antarctic diatribe or a useful educational The publication is a big step for Keenly aware of the contro- waters, overcoming significant tool. Germany, which is still struggling versy surrounding Mein Kampf, technical hurdles, officials said The 70-year copyright on the with the legacy of the Nazi era the Munich institute has stressed yesterday. text, written by Hitler between and the Holocaust. that the aim is to deconstruct The Aurora Australis is on an 1924-1926 and banned by the Allies Polls show deeply divided pub- propaganda and undermine any annual resupply voyage to Aus- at the end of the Second World lic opinion. A YouGov survey last symbolic power the book still has. tralia’s Casey research station War, expires at the end of the year, month said 51 percent of Germans “The aim ... is to present Mein with images of sea-ice conditions opening the way for a critical edi- oppose a continuation of the ban. Kampf as a salient source docu- from the quadcopper drone help- tion with explanatory sections and The state of Bavaria has until now ment for contemporary history, to ing navigation decisions. some 3,500 annotations. repeatedly used the copyright describe the context of the genesis A copy of Adolf Hitler’s book Mein Kampf (My Struggle) from 1940 is pictured The Australian Antarctic Divi- In January, the 2,000 page, transferred to it by the Allies to of Hitler’s world view,” it said. in Berlin, Germany. sion said the unmanned aerial two-volume work will go on sale prevent a reprint. To prevent any commercial vehicle (UAV) was proving to be after about three years of labour Hitler biographer Peter Long- exploitation of the sensitive text, this sorry effort of a work will be made clear anyone reprinting an a valuable addition to the current by scholars at Munich’s Institute erich said Germans have reached the Institute is self-publishing. more widely available,” Council unedited version will be subject to suite of sea-ice navigation tools, for Contemporary History. a stage where taboos are being The first print run is expected to President Josef Schuster said in incitement laws. which include satellite imagery Hitler wrote most of the first, broken. “We are probably entering be up to about 4,000 copies. a statement. But Germany’s teachers asso- and radar. highly autobiographical, volume a phase in which you can do more The Central Council of Jews in Yet Schuster acknowledged ciation wants it used in schools. But it has not been plain sailing while incarcerated in Landsberg with Hitler and texts about him Germany has reservations, argu- that understanding it is impor- “A professional treatment in the sub-zero conditions. prison after his failed Munich than you did 10 or 20 years ago. ing the text, described by some tant in explaining Nazism and the of excerpts in lessons can help “The electronics do not like coup attempt in 1923. After his In the age of mass media, taboos community leaders as an “anti- Holocaust. “So there is nothing to immunise against political snow, the batteries do not like release, he wrote much of the are constantly broken and texts Semitic diatribe”, should remain object to if an academic edition extremism,” association head the cold, and the drone’s com- second volume at his mountain cannot be locked away,” he said. banned. with commentary is available for Josef Kraus told Handelsblatt. pass did not like the ship’s retreat near Berchtesgaden. Other watersheds include the “After the expiry of the copy- research and teaching,” he added. thousands of tonnes of steel,” In the book, a mix of personal 2004 film Downfall which explored right, there is a very big risk that German authorities have REUTERS Australian UAV director James Rennie said. “Because the compass couldn’t calibrate on the ship and its need to work alongside the unit’s GPS, there was potential for the UAV Neverland is partly a hospital in new take on Peter Pan to behave unpredictably. “We found that by disabling the GPS and flying the drone in full LONDON: A new Peter Pan Hospital are among the filming wanted to be so closely associ- from the Peter Pan rights the a life-threatening heart operation manual mode enabled the drone movie shows Tinker Bell speak- locations for Peter & Wendy, a low ated with Great Ormond Street, hospital holds in perpetuity, at and enters into the story as she to operate successfully and deliver ing in chime tones and Captain budget but high-spirited gloss on and have it included in the story least in Britain, thanks to Barrie’s reads the book. “I felt the time the required footage.” Hook as a “psychopath”, but its author J M Barrie’s story about itself,” said Christine De Poortere, bequest of 1929 being renewed by was right for a version that was The drone carried out five mis- biggest innovation is being filmed the orphan boys led by Peter Pan the “Peter Pan Director” of the Parliament. in the classical tradition but also sions during the nine-day voyage in the London hospital that owns who live in Neverland and fight hospital’s charity wing. Scriptwriter Adrian Hodges a bit different,” he said at a launch to Casey, with a decision on its the rights to the children’s clas- the bloodthirsty pirates led by The charity raises some £50m has reimagined Peter Pan as tak- event for the film due to air on more permanent use for naviga- sic. Hook. ($75m) a year to benefit the hos- ing place in the imagination of a Britain’s ITV on December 26. tion to be made after a review of The reception area and a long “I think it’s probably the first pital and patients. Of that, she young woman named Lucy who the inaugural flights. corridor of Great Ormond Street time a film production company said, a small proportion comes is brought to Great Ormond for REUTERS AFP Thursday 24 December 2015 13 Rabia I 1437 Volume 20 Number 6654 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Doha Bank to N-KOM, Angelicoussis raise capital

DOHA: The Board of Directors of Doha Bank has decided to Group in landmark deal increase the bank’s share capital in 2016. The details of the instruments, percentage of increase, value of N-KOM to be preferred shipyard for ship repairs share and premium, date of issue would be disclosed after obtain- DOHA: Nakilat - Keppel Off- Maran Gas Maritime’s LNG ing of this fleet agreement and we ing approval from the regulatory shore & Marine (N-KOM) - the carrier was the first vessel to be are confident of providing Maran authority, the bank said in a regu- joint-venture shipyard between drydocked at the shipyard when it with quality ship repair services latory filing to Qatar Exchange Qatar’s Nakilat and Keppel Off- commenced operations five years for their fleet of vessels. Our (QE) yesterday. shore & Marine has signed a ago and since then, the shipyard world-class Erhama Bin Jaber Al landmark agreement with the has gone on to service thirteen Jalahma Shipyard in Ras Laffan THE PENINSULA Angelicoussis Group of Compa- LNG carriers and tankers from remains demonstrative with its Nakilat Managing Director Abdullah Al Sulaiti (left) and Angelicoussis Group nies to be the preferred shipyard Maran Gas and Maran Tankers. state-of-art facilities that it is the of Companies CEO John Angelicoussis. for ship repairs in the Middle Nakilat Managing Director premier choice when it comes to East. Abdullah Al Sulaiti said, “The ship building, repairs and main- Oil up after US The agreement applies to Angelicoussis Group has been an tenance.” high quality of repairs executed with their experienced team of pro- all vessels operating under the important partner in Nakilat’s With over 110 vessels, the by N-KOM for our vessels and fessionals in maintaining our fleet of stocks drop Group’s three ship management expansion and growth over the Angelicoussis Group of Compa- are pleased to be extending our vessels,” said Angelicoussis Group of companies. N-KOM is located at years. We are delighted to see nies owns and operates the largest association with the Nakilat fam- Companies CEO John Angelicous- LONDON: Oil prices rose yes- Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma our long-standing partnership fleet of vessels in Greece. ily through yet another strategic sis. terday, underpinned by an Shipyard, in Ras Laffan, Qatar. continue to grow with the sign- “We are very satisfied with the venture. We look forward to work THE PENINSULA unexpected fall in US crude inventories, but were still close to multi-year lows as supplies remained abundant. At 1448 GMT, Brent crude futures were up 87 cents at $36.88 a barrel, while West Texas Inter- Demand will reach 30.70m bpd in 2020: Opec mediate (WTI) futures were up 88 cents at $37.02. A day earlier LONDON: Global demand for drops away over the medium of cutting supply — helped make in the long run as rival supply Brent touched $35.98, its low- Opec crude will reach 30.70 mil- term.” non-conventional oil such as shale growth fades. Opec crude demand est since July 2004. Yesterday, lion barrels per day (bpd) in 2020, Opec is increasingly divided viable. In a change of tack from is expected to reach 40.70 million Brent traded as low as $36.28 a lower than 30.90 million bpd over the merits of the 2014 shift previous reports, Opec now says bpd in 2040, amounting to 37 per- barrel, flipping WTI from a long- next year, the Organisation of to a market-share strategy, which many projects work at lower cent of world supply, up from 33 standing discount into a slight the Petroleum Exporting Coun- was led by Saudi Arabia and its prices too. “The most prolific percent in 2015. premium over the international tries (Opec) said. The expected Gulf allies, and at a December 4 zones within some plays can break Opec nudged up its medium- benchmark for the first time since demand from Opec in 2020 is meeting failed to agree a produc- even at levels below the prices term world oil demand forecast, a short period in November 2014. about 1 million bpd less than it is tion ceiling for the first time in observed in 2015, and are thus expecting oil use to reach 97.40 currently producing. decades. likely to see continued production million bpd by 2020, 500,000 bpd REUTERS The Opec, which a year ago Nonetheless, the report shows growth,” the report said. more than in last year’s report. refused to cut supply to retain that the medium-term outlook — Global tight oil output will But factors including slower market share against higher-cost from Opec’s point of view as the reach 5.19 million bpd by 2020, economic growth, the limited rivals, in its 2015 World Oil Out- supplier of a third of the world’s peak at 5.61 million bpd in 2030 share of the crude cost in pump QE index gains look raised its global supply fore- oil — has improved. In the 2014 and ease to 5.18 million bpd in prices and the falling value of casts for tight oil, which includes edition, demand for Opec crude 2040, the report said, as Argen- some domestic currencies against 42.39 points shale, despite a collapse in prices. was expected to fall to 29.0 million tina and Russia join North Amer- the dollar will limit the demand Oil has more than halved its bpd by 2020. ica as producers. response to lower crude prices, DOHA: Qatar Exchange (QE) price in 18 months and sank to Opec said it stopped modelling Last year’s estimates were 4.50 Opec said. index gained 42.39 points, or an 11-year low of $36.04 a barrel work on the report in mid-year, million bpd by 2020 and 4 million By 2040, Opec expects demand 0.42 percent, when the bourse this week. The drop has helped since when it has updated its fore- bpd by 2040. to reach 109.80 million bpd, 1.3 closed trading at 10,217.19 points to boost oil’s medium-term use, cast of 2016 non-Opec supply to a Under another, upside sup- million bpd lower than a year ago, yesterday. Indices of three sec- although Opec said the demand decline. Opec figures in the report ply scenario, tight oil production reduced by energy efficiency and tors ended in the green and four stimulus of low crude prices will do not include Indonesia, which could spread to Mexico and China climate-change mitigation efforts. sectors ended in red, while Tel- fade over time. rejoined in December. Opec initially downplayed the and bring supply to almost 8 mil- Only a gentle recovery in oil ecom index sector dropped 0.58 “The impact of the recent oil The main figures in the report impact of shale oil, although its lion bpd by 2040, Opec said. As prices is seen. Opec’s basket percent to 936.51points. Banks & price decline on demand is most showing Opec medium-term annual outlook in 2012 acknowl- recently as 2013, Opec assumed of crude oils is assumed in the Financial Services sector index visible in the short term,” Opec market share under pressure edged for the first time that the tight oil would have no impact report at $55 in 2015 and to rise increased 0.68 percent to 2,756.82 Secretary-General Abdullah Al are unchanged from those in a effect could be “significant”. outside North America. by $5 a year to reach $80 by 2020. points. QSE Total Return Index Badri (pictured) wrote in the confidential Opec report Reuters Years of high prices — sup- The report supports the view gained 0.42 percent. foreword to the report. “It then obtained in November. ported by Opec’s former policy that Opec’s market share will rise REUTERS QNA

British economy Ooredoo Qatar, Nokia Networks growth slower than expected boost data speed up to 375 Mbps DOHA: Ooredoo Qatar and ongoing Supernet investment to LONDON: Britain’s economy Nokia Networks yesterday provide the best possible Inter- grew slower than expected in launched LTE-Advanced (LTE- net experience for customers, the third quarter, revised official A) three-band carrier aggrega- with higher speeds and superior data showed yesterday, denting tion technology on the Ooredoo performance on all 3G, 4G and the prospect of a hike to British Supernet. 4G+ devices. interest rates early next year. Nokia technology enables the Ooredoo and Nokia Networks Gross domestic product operator to provide higher data have a long history of work- (GDP) expanded by 0.4 percent speeds of up to 375Mbps to its ing together, and the companies in the July-September period, customers. The higher speeds recently announced they will down from previous estimates are already available in several partner to deploy small cells in of 0.5-percent growth, the Office high-traffic areas of Doha, includ- popular network hotspots across for National Statistics said in a ing West Bay, the Corniche and the country to enhance Ooredoo’s statement. Katara Cultural Village. With this 3G and 4G network. The data also revealed a slow- new technology, people using Cat- achievements as we continue to In October 2015, Ooredoo, down compared with the sec- egory 9 (CAT 9)-capable handsets enhance our world-class network.” Nokia Networks and NETGEAR ond quarter, which came in also can benefit from data intensive Bernard Najm, Vice-President collaborated on a first-of-its-kind weaker than expected after a services, including ultra high- and Head of Middle East and speed test using LTE-Advanced revision downward. definition video download, and Africa, Nokia Networks, said: CAT11 on the Ooredoo Supernet, Analysts had forecast a revision upcoming trends, including vir- “We’re happy to support Ooredoo achieving a peak data rate of 590 higher in third-quarter GDP to tual reality. Qatar in its mission to provide Mbps — the first time this speed 0.6 percent following some robust Waleed Al Sayed (pictured), top-quality services to its custom- was reached in tests in Qatar and pre-Christmas retail sales data. Chief Executive Officer, Oore- ers. After we successfully demon- the whole GCC region. The speed But a Treasury spokesman doo Qatar, said: “We’re aiming to strated 600 Mbps CAT 11 speeds was achieved by aggregating said in a statement that the lat- further improve the broadband in October, we have now helped 60MHz of spectrum across three est growth figures “highlight that experience for our customers with Ooredoo launch the three-band bands and applying 256QAM risks remain” to the British econ- faster data speeds and an excel- carrier aggregation technology higher order modulation, touch- omy despite it growing favourably A general view of Oxford street in Central London yesterday. Though lent network performance. Nokia to deliver higher data throughput ing a milestone in speed and per- compared to its eurozone neigh- Britain’s economy grew slower than expected in the third quarter, shoppers Networks is helping us to meet with superior reliability.” formance of Ooredoo’s network. bours. visit some of London’s busiest shopping areas ahead of the festive period. these goals and we look forward This investment has been AFP to deploying the latest technical designed as part of Ooredoo’s THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Qatar Institute for Public Finance launched QIPF is an interactive forum for officials to exchange knowledge and insights around public financial management

DOHA: The Qatar Institute for At a turning point for the tiative, aiming to serve as a taining to this space, showcasing eration with the OECD, has the Qatar National Vision 2030, Public Finance (QIPF) saw its Mena region, led by paradigm knowledge and reform hub in international case studies from enabled useful dialogue between the QIPF indeed marks a region- official launch as a collaboration shifts in economies, evolving fis- public financial management markets around the world. peers, and the sharing of inter- wide initiative and a springboard between the Qatar Finance and cal policies and key growth in via research, training and con- Opening the seminar, Ian national and local good practices. to address current and future Business Academy (QFBA), the private sectors, Qatar is witness- sultation. Ultimately, its mission Hawkesworth, Head, PPP and We trust the creation of the QIFP policy issues and share best prac- OECD (Organization for Eco- ing a period of economic prosper- is four-fold: raising awareness Capital Budgeting, OECD, took will contribute to the develop- tice in public financial manage- nomic Co operation and Develop- ity in the lead up to the World around effective and efficient attendees through the new ment of high-quality budget- ment.” ment) and the Qatar’s Ministry Cup 2022. public finance in the region, shar- OECD framework for public gov- ing and public expenditures in “The QIPF will deliver upon of Finance (MoF), here last The QFBA, with support from ing best practice in policy and ernance of infrastructure. Qatar and the region,” said Jón three core activities: research week. the MoF and financial regulators, framework development; serv- The seminar featured success Blondal, Head of the Budgeting based public policy papers on top- Capping the QIPF launch, a is actively spearheading capac- ing as a market intelligence and case studies of the UK’s PPP &Public Expenditures division ics specific to the region, regional media roundtable was held yes- ity building projects and initia- data resource for the industry; framework, Portugal’s experi- in the OECD’s Public Govern- seminars for experience sharing terday at the QFBA headquar- tives that support this growth and bolstering interaction among ence in managing political and ance & Territorial Development among high-level agency officials ters, discussing QIPF’s mission and empower private and public the various public finance profes- fiscal risks from PPPs as well as Directorate. in Mena, and a fiscal literacy to become a Mena hub for knowl- finance professionals to raise the sionals in the region.” said Dr Al reporting, measurement, trans- Badr Al Qayd, Director of programme that will be engag- edge and reform in Public Finan- bar in their fields. Horr, CEO of QFBA. parency and accountability issues the International Cooperation ing Qatari officials and citizens cial Management via research, “After the success of Kawader QIPF’s launch seminar, which in infrastructure. Department at the MoF, said: in a series of workshops,” he said. training and consultation, said a and Kafaa’ in Qatar, the QIPF was held on December 13, tack- “The first regional seminar “Aligning with the human and statement yesterday. is QFBA’s first region-wide ini- led hot topics and key issues per- organised by the QIPF, in coop- economic development pillars of THE PENINSULA

Total partners with contractors for HSE management forum

DOHA: Energy giant, Total, tives on Total’s Golden rules, the dent Operations gave the open- recently gathered all its major challenges they faced, and lessons ing speech at the event stressing contractors in its annual HSE learnt. ‘Golden Rules’ as a part of on the importance of safety. (Health, Safety, Environment) the safety culture programme “Safety is not only the top most Contractors forum, to demon- implemented by the Total world- priority, it’s the way we do busi- strate this year’s motto of ‘better wide, which, when implemented ness. Our success as a company together’. diligently, significantly reduces the strongly depends on our commit- Over 50 attendees which include risk of incidents. ment to safety, our attitude and Total’s management team with contractors at the annual Health, Safety, Environment Contractors forum. Total’s contracting companies, as An award ceremony was also behaviour. We want to continue well as Total’s Management, HSE, organised to reward contractors working fruitfully with our con- Asset and Operations depart- for the best HSE performance tractors, and breaking any bar- ence and participation of many of result, Total continues to maintain oil company active in all branches ments, and contractor manage- for 2015 based on a strict selec- riers there are to create a better our contractor companies already close collaboration with its con- of Qatar’s oil and gas sector. This ment teams came together to tion criteria. Dopet, who works working environment. We will demonstrates their commitment tractors through initiatives that includes exploration and produc- reinforce the company’s commit- in Total’s offshore site ‘Al Khalij take all what is being said in this towards HSE”. encourage informative exchanges. tion, refining and petrochemicals, ment to safety. Field’, was awarded. event, and continue to reinforce Contractors are of key priority Total has had a continuous and the marketing of lubricants. Participating companies were Eric Delattre, Vice-President safety best practices. I would like to Total, as they perform a major presence in Qatar for close to 80 invited to share their perspec- Al Khalij Asset and Vice-Presi- to thank all attendees, as the pres- part of the total man-hours. As a years, and is the only international THE PENINSULA

Allianz buys insurance PBoC will extend trading hours US calls for 256pc tariff on firm in Philippines for yuan after IMF’s inclusion imports of steel

MANILA: European insurance ing growth rates second only to BEIJING: China will extend giant Allianz is buying a control- China in Asia. trading hours for its currency from China ling stake in one of the largest One of the key aspects of the starting next month, the central NEW YORK: Corrosion-resist- insurance firms in the Philippines investment is a 15-year “bancas- bank said yesterday, after the ant steel imports from China for an undisclosed amount, the surance” agreement where Allianz International Monetary Fund were sold at unfairly low prices Filipino outfit said yesterday. insurance products will be sold included the yuan in a global bas- and will be taxed at 256 percent, Munich-based Allianz signed through PNB’s network of more ket of reserve currencies. according to a preliminary find- a deal to purchase a 51 per- than 660 bank branches, Alterejos Trading hours for the yuan, ing of the US Department of cent share in PNB Life Insur- added. which currently close at 4.30pm Commerce. ance, owned by listed Philippine “The Philippines is a very fast- local time (0800GMT), will close Imports from India, South National Bank (PNB), said Caesar growing insurance market sup- at 11.30pm in the People’s Bank of Korea and Italy will be taxed at Alterejos, chief financial officer of ported by a healthy economic China’s Foreign Exchange Trade lower rates, the agency said in a PNB Life. outlook and a large, young popu- System (CFETS), the bank said statement. Imports from Taiwan He declined to reveal the price lation of over 100 million people,” in a statement on its website. The and Italy’s Marcegaglia SpA will tag. a disclosure to the stock exchange yuan’s spot rate at 4.30pm will be not face anti-dumping tariffs. The investment in PNB Life, quoted Allianz Asia-Pacific chief the day’s last price, it added. The government found dump- one of the country’s 10 largest executive officer George Sartorel The changes allow more over- ing margins of 3.25 percent for insurers, will mark the return of as saying. seas banks to participate in the most South Korean steel imports, Allianz to the Philippines, hav- “The transaction with PNB is a onshore foreign-exchange market. with Hyundai Steel Co’s ship- ing pulled out from a joint ven- unique opportunity to enter into They will “accelerate the devel- An advertisement poster promoting yuan, US dollar and euro exchange ments subject to duties of 3.5 ture with another local insurance the market.” opment of the foreign exchange services at a foreign exchange store in Hong Kong. percent. Imports from Italian company in 2003. “They are com- PNB Life posted total revenues market” in China. companies excluding Marcegaglia ing back now because there is a of 2.142bn pesos ($47.6m) in 2014, The decision comes as China will be taxed at 3.1 percent. change of environment (in Asia) its website said. seeks to increase usage of the reserve currency basket from news taking place outside of Indian imports are subject to especially in the Philippines,” Alterejos predicted the compa- yuan in the wake of the Interna- October of next year. Asia hours,” Kenix Lai, a foreign- duties from 6.6 percent to 6.9 Alterejos said. ny’s revenues would be “substan- tional Monetary Fund’s decision “The trading hours extension exchange analyst at Bank of East percent. The Southeast Asian archi- tially higher” this year, without earlier this month to include the is a vital step in bolstering the Asia Ltd in Hong Kong, said. “We’re concerned that the pelago has enjoyed an economic giving exact figures. currency along with the dollar, yuan’s global use as this allows dumping that’s occurring is at resurgence in recent years, post- AFP euro, yen and pound in its elite the exchange rate to reflect BLOOMBERG higher levels than these determi- nations reflect,” Tim Brightbill, a partner at Wiley Rein LLP, a law firm representing U.S. steelmaker Nucor Corp, said in an interview. “We have serious concerns that these preliminary duties are not Google attracts US automakers with self-driving technology enough at a time when unfairly priced imports continue to surge SAN FRANCISCO: Google’s Inc and Google. “We are entering in Las Vegas. “We have been and event in Las Vegas has become to partner with “top tier” manu- into the US market at unprec- self-driving car technology is the era of the technology and soft- will continue working with many more important for automakers facturers to bring its products edented rates.” attracting top US automakers, as ware-defined vehicle,” said Thilo companies and discussing a vari- and manufacturers including Toy- to market. The company also is US producers including Nucor, Ford, Fiat Chrysler and General Koslowski, a vice president in the ety of subjects related to our Ford ota Motor Corp and Kia Motors considering making its self-driv- US Steel Corp and Steel Dynam- Motors talk with the company automotive practice at Gartner Smart Mobility plan,” Alan Hall, a Co are holding press conferences ing cars available as a service, so ics Inc filed cases in June alleging while laying the groundwork for Inc. “You’re just seeing the auto spokesman for the automaker said to discuss their latest innovations. they can be periodically returned that some products from China, a future with autonomous cars. industry recognise the importance on Tuesday in a statement. In recent years, carmakers have to Google to be upgraded, he said. India, Italy, South Korea and Tai- Ford Motor Co and Google of that.” “We keep these discussions pri- added more electronics to vehicles Google plans to makes its self- wan had been dumped in the US, are discussing working together, Automakers are getting close to vate for obvious competitive rea- and have started talking as much driving car unit a standalone harming domestic companies. In including in a joint venture to Google as they consider using the sons, and we do not comment on about their computer- aided sys- business under the Alphabet Inc. November, the government found build cars using Google’s technol- search giant’s technology to add speculation.” An agreement with tems as about engine technology. corporate umbrella next year. that all those countries, except ogy, said a person familiar with brains to their vehicles, instead of Ford wouldn’t preclude Google Self-driving cars add other The main question is how Taiwan, subsidised their domes- the talks who asked not to be building their own rival systems. from similar deals with other layers of complication that will technology companies and the tic production by as much as 236 identified because the discussions It’s a mutually beneficial relation- automakers. require major investment by the automakers will work together, percent of its price. are private. ship, Koslowski said. “In order to reach our long- auto companies. Toyota said in Koslowski said. “We can’t ignore The tariffs, combined with That follows comments in Octo- “Some Silicon Valley compa- term goal of transforming mobility November it plans to start a five- the power and the clout and the countervailing duties as high ber from Mark Reuss, product nies would like to do everything for millions of people we’re talk- year, $1bn research and develop- might that these tech companies as 236 percent announced on development chief for General themselves, but it’s really the car ing to many different companies ment effort in California to add have,” he said. “The big question is, November 3, create a barrier to Motors Co, that the automaker companies that understand the about how to bring self-driving self-driving capabilities to its if the vehicle manufacturers would imports of these steel products was “very interested” in explor- automobile,” he said. “On the same vehicles into the world safely, but vehicles. ultimately just focus on the manu- from China, said Caitlin Webber, ing ways its manufacturing skills side, a lot of technology companies we’re not going to comment on Google spent almost $10bn on facturing aspect?” an analyst at Bloomberg Intelli- could complement Google’s sys- have expertise on their side, which rumor or speculation about spe- research and development in its Instead, the manufacturers may gence in Washington. tem. Sergio Marchionne, chief is interesting to the automotive cific conversations,” Johnny Luu, 2014 fiscal year. The company need to partner with companies “A 500 percent duty is obviously executive officer of Fiat Chrysler companies.” a Google spokesman, said in an doesn’t disclose what proportion like Google in the short term so prohibitive,” Webber said in an Automobiles NV, has said repeat- Yahoo Autos reported on Mon- e-mail. goes to cars, but it has tested self- they can develop the technical interview. “The lower ones are edly the past few months that day that Ford would announce a GM CEO Mary Barra and driving cars for more than 2 mil- expertise needed to eventually much less prohibitive and would his company wants to work on joint venture with Google on self- Volkswagen brand chief Herbert lion miles. Company co-founder offer their own products. probably have a lower impact on autonomous driving with tech- driving technology in January at Diess are scheduled to give key- Sergey Brin said at an event in imports.” nology companies such as Apple the Consumer Electronics Show note speeches at CES. The annual September that Google was likely BLOOMBERG BLOOMBERG THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Thumama substation begins operations QIB unveils Multi-million dollar substation serves new residential facilities at Al Thumama area upgraded

DOHA: Qatar General Electric- with extra high voltage cables connected network substations in ity & Water Corporation (Kah- that are buried underground. a tight deadline to ensure contin- website ramaa) yesterday announced to That includes seven OHLs linked ual power supply to all customers, have successfully commissioned to Ras Abu Fontas A, Ras Abu with no interruptions. DOHA: Qatar Islamic Bank its multi-million dollar ‘Al Thu- Fontas B, Al Wukair Super and Kahramaa has been able to suc- (QIB) has announced the launch mama Super 220/132kV Substa- Al Wakra substations, comprising cessfully manage to overcome this of its upgraded website www.qib. tion 1’ project. a total length of 54km. challenge. The project comprises com.qa offering richer content, The newly-built substation The project was completed 13 contracts at a total value of an easier navigation experience, serves the new residential facili- before the target deadline, as QR788m (about $216.4m). a modern layout and most impor- ties at Al Thumama area by over-head lines replacement with This includes 220 kV cable tantly a responsive design which transferring bulk power from cables was essential to complete installations for a total length allows customers to navigate Ras Abu Fontas B and Messaieed the basic infrastructure projects of 183 km and 132 kV at a total through the site from any device. Power Generation Plants. of Public Works Authority (Ash- length of 58km, as well as dis- The upgraded website, which The substation connects to ghal) and Qatar Rail aimed at mantling 54km of over-head lines. serves the needs of both individual Doha South Super as well, which year 2022 in the area. Combined Work hours exceeded and corporate customers, carries is the interconnection point of the The main challenge of the 748,147 man-hours, with no lost a suite of new features with real- GCC grid. The 220kV and 132 kV project was to dismantle those time due to injury (LTI). time stock watch integrated with over-head lines (OHLs) linked to over-head lines that were Qatar Exchange website, QIB’s Al Thumama have been replaced installed over years and link the THE PENINSULA Newly-built Al Thumama substation. latest offers, an improved news sections and online poll surveys to get customers’ opinions and feed- back. It also features new detailed Branch and ATM locators ena- bling customers to find their clos- Huawei ships 100m smartphones est branch or ATM. The website Uber partners with is designed to help visitors find the information they want in an easy and fast manner. this year on global premium push QIB’s website is fully respon- Chinese auto maker sive and delivers a user friendly HONG KONG: Huawei Technol- The company bets on “the trend its production plans said earlier experience on any device being SAN FRANCISCO: Uber yes- is active in 21 cities in that coun- ogies Co shipped more than 100 among consumers to upgrade to this year. The startup founded by that desktop, laptop, tablet or terday announced a partnership try, with plans to be in 100 cities million smartphones this year as higher-end devices from entry- Lei Jun saw domestic shipments smart phone. In addition, it is with a major Chinese auto maker within a year. a drive to attract higher-end cus- level smartphones,” John Butler drop in the third quarter in their social friendly whereby customers as the controversial ride-sharing The firm established a Chi- tomers helped defy an industry and Matthew Kanterman, ana- first-ever decline, according to can share products and services’ service revved up its efforts in the nese business entity, Uber China, slowdown that hit rival Chinese lysts with Bloomberg Intelligence, researchers at Canalys and IHS. webpages with their friends and country. in a Shanghai Free Trade Zone vendors. wrote Tuesday. “Huawei is likely During the first nine months of families via email and across all Uber and Guangzhou Automo- late this year. The head of Uber China’s largest mobile brand to maintain this tack in 2016, as this year, Xiaomi moved about 53 social media platforms. The links bile Group will work together in in October said the ride-sharing boosted shipments by 33 percent it invests in expanding its mid- million smart phones. to QIB’s Group Facebook, Twitter, areas including investment, sales, firm has spent a billion dollars to and moved into the top three glo- range and high-end smart phone Lenovo is struggling to turn Instagram social profiles which marketing, and promoting new gain traction in China. bally, the Shenzhen- based com- product suite.” around the Motorola brand it are embedded in the new site, energy vehicles such as hybrid or Uber’s share of the Chinese pany said in a statement on its A third of the smart phones acquired in 2014. The company is make it easy for visitors to follow electric cars, the San Francisco- market had climbed from one website. Samsung Electronics Co shipping by Huawei in the third taking $900m of charges to cut QIB and retrieve the latest offers based company said in a release. percent at the start of the year to and Apple Inc are the world’s two quarter cost more than 2,000 costs and restructure the divi- and developments at the Bank. Terms of the strategic part- about 30 percent, but it remains biggest producers. Huawei, which yuan ($309). Growth at Hua- sion. Still, the Chinese market “We are happy to deliver a web- nership included Uber China a distant second to the Chinese debuted its first Android device wei, founded by former Chinese has proven volatile in past years. site that is rich in content, easy to promoting GAC automobiles and ride-hailing app Didi Kuaidi, Uber in 2009 to complement its main army engineer Ren Zhengfei, Xiaomi once led local vendors use and reflects the level of cus- the group’s used-car trading plat- co-founder and chief executive business of making network- comes as IDC forecasts domestic through viral marketing and tomer service we work hard to form to ride-sharing service driv- Travis Kalanick told a Wall Street ing equipment, is pushing into market growth will slow to the crafting a social-media experience deliver each day.” said Dinos Con- ers and partners. Journal technology conference in markets from the US to Europe low single-digits this year. That for its users. It’s now ranked fifth stantinides, QIB’s Chief Strategy “I believe we can unlock new California. to take on Apple and Samsung. has rippled through a domestic globally, behind Lenovo. Huawei Officer. QIB’s website is available opportunities to evolve how China While the mobile-based service Expanding beyond China, where industry crowded with brands accounted for 7.5 percent of all in both English and Arabic with a moves, and open up even more was hitting profitability in some slowing market growth has hurt such as Gionee, OnePlus, Oppo phones shipped globally in the feature to identify your preferred transportation possibilities for cities in North America and Xiaomi Corp and Lenovo Group and Meizu, backed by Alibaba third quarter of 2015, behind language from your first visit. It riders across China,” Uber China Europe, it remains a money-los- Ltd, is part of a goal to sell 60 Group Holding. Xiaomi is in dan- Apple’s 13.5 percent and Sam- can be accessed by going to the head of strategy Zhen Liu said ing “underdog” in China, Kalanick percent of smartphones over- ger of missing its target of sell- sung’s leading 24 percent, accord- address www.qib.com.qa or www. of the alliance. Uber launched in said. seas and generate about $16bn of ing 80 million smart phones in ing to IDC. qib.qa China in February of last year and AFP revenue from phones this year. 2015, people with knowledge of BLOOMBERG THE PENINSULA

IBM launches consortium for sports venues China Southern Airlines

DOHA: The technology and con- sulting giant, IBM, has launched to buy 10 Airbus aircraft a new Sports, Entertainment and Fan Experience consulting SINGAPORE: China Southern lines to buy more planes. China practice which will operate on Airlines Co, Asia’s biggest carrier has always been the biggest geo- the global level as well as support by fleet size, announced an order graphic market for Airbus’s A330 Qatar’s booming sports industry. to purchase 10 Airbus Group SE wide-body. Chinese airlines have The company has also wide-body aircraft to meet the been widely expected to place announced a Sports and Enter- growing demand for travel in the fresh orders, especially after Air- tainment Global Consortium cre- world’s most populous country. bus last year said it would develop ated to design, build and deliver The order for 10 A330-300 air- a regional variant of the plane for the ultimate fan experience. craft is valued at $2.27bn at list the Chinese market. For Airbus, As sports enterprises and ven- prices, the airline said in a state- filling gaps in the production line ues look to digital capabilities to ment to the Hong Kong stock of aircraft getting upgraded is a create deeper levels of engage- exchange yesterday. The planes, key concern. Rival Boeing faces ment with fans and convert that which are for delivery between a similar challenge with its best- engagement into sources of rev- 2017 and 2019, will help increase selling 777-300ER, which will be enue, they must be able to deliver the airline’s capacity by 4 percent, succeeded in 2020 by the 777X. high-bandwidth connectivity with Officials at the launch event. the company said. The A330 is Airbus’s only services and content increasingly Yesterday’s order builds on wide-body plane to break the customised to individual prefer- markets where the new consult- ticular will accelerate the devel- Branch Leader at IBM Qatar. “It’s the 110 planes valued at $10bn 1,000-delivery mark. Boeing ences. The new Sports, Enter- ing practice can help bolster opment of the objectives of Qatar an ongoing experience that starts that China Southern and its sub- reached that threshold with its tainment and Fan Experience national development plans for National Vision 2030. when a fan purchases tickets, sidiary agreed to purchase from 767, 777 and 747 models. The A330 consulting practice formalises the the sport industry. “Sports enterprises and venues travels to the venue, attends an Boeing Co last week. Asian air was the first wide-body to reach experience that IBM Interactive In recent years Qatar has need to look at innovative ways event; and it continues well after travel growth is lifting demand a construction rate of 10 planes a Experience—the industry’s largest enjoyed unprecedented global to get to know their loyal fans the event is over.” According to for Boeing and Airbus, with China month, though Boeing’s 787 has hybrid digital agency and consul- recognition in sports and contin- as individuals, and convert that a consulting firm, A T Kearney, forecast to surpass the US as the since also achieved that output. tancy—has delivered for events ues to advance through targeted loyalty into a legacy of sustain- sports annually generate nearly world’s largest aircraft market. China’s total aircraft fleet will such as The Masters and tennis efforts aimed at creating a safer able industry development - not $700bn around the world. The country’s economic expansion surge to 7,210 by 2034 from 2,570 Grand Slam events. and healthier society. Hosting of just on game days but 365 days is making air travel affordable to last year. Qatar is one of the key regional the 2022 FIFA World Cup in par- a year,” said Nadim Nakkash, THE PENINSULA more people, prompting its air- BLOOMBERG

Global sukuk faces challenge in 2016 as CIMB sees $40bn sales

KUALA LUMPUR: As glo- finance industry also now face market, but at the same time, if the first company from China to Arabia, which is the top exporter those projects, said CIMB’s Safri. bal Islamic bonds languish in higher costs after the US raised companies curtail plans due to sell sukuk if it gets a sale off the among the Organization of the Malaysia has a $444bn develop- the bleakest year for sales since interest rates for the first time slowing growth then sukuk sales ground. While issuance in the six- Petroleum Exporting Countries ment program, with many local 2010, the next 12 months look in almost a decade and signalled next year will be more in line with member Gulf Cooperation Council and is part of the GCC. While companies undertaking the con- just as challenging. Malaysia’s more increases. “Sukuk supply 2015. Global issuance has fallen has dropped 33 percent to $9.9bn Saudi Arabia’s fiscal deficit is struction of roads, railways and CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, the will fall with rising yield expecta- 29 percent from last year’s total in 2015, the poorest showing since pushing the government to con- power plants as part of that plan top sukuk arranger worldwide tions,” said Angus Salim Amran, and offerings are down 17 per- 2011, sales are expected to gather sider selling bonds and search for who sell Islamic bonds for financ- for seven of the last nine years, the Kuala Lumpur-based head of cent to 54.2bn ringgit ($12.6bn) pace next year as Qatar and Saudi savings, major development ini- ing. “It won’t be an easy year,” predicts a pick up in 2016 to at financial markets at RHB Invest- in Malaysia, the world’s biggest Arabia lead spending, said Moha- tiatives won’t be delayed, Finance said Mohd. Effendi Abdullah, least $40bn from 2015’s $34.5bn. ment, Malaysia’s second-biggest market for the debt, data com- mad Safri Shahul Hamid, the Minister Ibrahim al-Assaf said the Kuala Lumpur-based head The forecast is still 20 percent Islamic bond arranger. piled by Bloomberg show. Kuala Lumpur-based senior man- this year. of Islamic markets at AmIn- less than the record $50.1bn in “Lower oil prices may encour- Worldwide sales amounted to aging director and deputy chief The kingdom is likely to con- vestment Bank Bhd, Malaysia’s 2012, data compiled by Bloomberg age governments and corporate $48.5bn in 2014 and $48.8bn in executive officer of CIMB Islamic tinue selling debt to finance its fourth-biggest sukuk arranger. show. Slowing economic growth to explore better cost efficien- 2013. CIMB predicts investment Bank Bhd, a unit of CIMB Group. burgeoning deficit, according to “While project financing sukuk could weigh on companies’ capi- cies, which may reduce borrowing and infrastructure spending will Qatar is spending $182bn on an October report by Standard may pick up, corporate may defer tal and their investment spend- requirements and lead to lower be the likely drivers behind new infrastructure such as roads and & Poor’s credit analyst Mohamed sales or seek alternative cheaper ing, tempering any increase in sukuk sales.” he said. Angus said Islamic bond offerings in 2016. stadiums as it prepares to host Damak. The Indonesian gov- funding in light of the rising Shariah-compliant bond issu- the potential decrease in govern- Ghana and Morocco are also the soccer World Cup in 2022. ernment has set aside over 300 interest-rate environment and ance next year, according to ment revenue and higher budget set to debut Shariah-compliant A 41 percent slump in oil prices trillion rupiah ($21.9bn) for general economic slowdown”. RHB Investment Bank Bhd. Bor- deficits may encourage sovereigns debt in 2016, while Sichuan Devel- in the past 12 months could also infrastructure next year and rowers in the $2 trillion Islamic to tap the Shariah-compliant debt opment Holding would become foster more issuance from Saudi may step up sukuk sales to fund BLOOMBERG THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS Google and Ford will India close to sealing disrupt Detroit together By Edward Niedermeyer

ITH the auto industry on the verge of its self-driving Westinghouse deal future, insiders and car enthusiasts have been gear- ing up for a clash of the titans, pitting the lumber- By Sanjeev Miglani and Paritosh for Nuclear Damage (CSC) — is expected port its nuclear programme, another Wing giants of Detroit against the nimble disruptors Bansal within weeks, the Indian official said. senior Indian government source said. of Silicon Valley. But a new blockbuster deal between Ford and The CSC requires signatories to shift “There are no more technical hurdles Google to co-produce autonomous vehicles is the strongest sign NDIA expects to seal a contract with liability to the operator and offers access in the development of nuclear energy for yet that the much-anticipated day of reckoning may never come. Westinghouse Electric Co LLC to build to relief funds. peaceful purposes,” the source said. When Google first started developing and testing its self-driving six nuclear reactors in the first half of In a statement, Westinghouse said it French nuclear company Areva, which car technology, it used modified production vehicles to test its next year, a senior government official expected India would move towards a uses Japanese components, also has a deal to laser-based sensing system. But the technology remained some- said, in a sign its $150bn nuclear power framework that satisfies the CSC and chan- build six reactors in India, although restruc- thing of an oddity, a “science experiment” in the minds of auto Iprogramme is getting off the ground. nels accident liability exclusively to the turing within that company was likely to industry professionals, until May 2014, when Google revealed The proposed power plant in Prime operator. The statement made no reference delay construction until 2017, the first offi- its first self-driving prototype. With no human controls of any Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of to ongoing negotiations. cial said. kind, Google’s “toaster” demonstrated the search-engine giant’s Gujarat will accelerate India’s plans to A deal with Westinghouse, a unit of French utility EDF agreed earlier this immense ambition: to disrupt traditional auto ownership with an build roughly 60 reactors, which would Toshiba Corp, could also put pressure on year to buy a majority stake in Areva’s entirely new mobility paradigm that owes nothing to the century make it the world’s second-biggest nuclear General Electric Co, whose nuclear energy reactor business. Areva has been in price of automotive evolution. energy market after China. India wants to venture with Hitachi was offered a site six negotiations with NPCIL for several months In the 18 months since, Google’s boldness has brought self- dramatically increase its nuclear capacity years ago to build reactors. now, officials at the Indian operator said driving car technology out of the lab and into the public conversa- to 63,000 megawatts (MW) by 2032, from GE has still not decided whether it would in November. Areva did not immediately tion. Combining the promise of push-button mobility with Silicon 5,780 MW, as part of a broader push to move ahead with the plan, the official said, respond to a request for comment. Valley’s popular narrative of disruption, Google has been running move away from fossil fuels, cut greenhouse adding that India was keen for a decision Negotiators from Westinghouse and herd on the entire auto industry, pushing century-old companies gas emissions and avoid the dangerous from the company soon. GE Hitachi Nuclear Indian operator NPCIL have held several toward a future that could see demand for cars fall by as much effects of climate change. Energy said it had strong interest in India, rounds of talks on the nuclear plant in as 40 percent. Now, it seems, Ford has opted out of that game The United States signed a pact with and that the CSC would be “a sustainable Mithi Virdi, the government official said. of chicken. India in 2008, opening the way for nuclear solution to concerns about India’s existing NPCIL declined to comment on the The details of the deal between Google and Ford, first reported commerce that had previously been stymied domestic nuclear liability law”. negotiations. Federal minister for Atomic by Yahoo Autos, remain fuzzy. Until both companies address the due to New Delhi’s nuclear weapons pro- India’s plans for ramping up nuclear Energy Jitendra Singh told parliament this upcoming Consumer Electronics Show next month in Las Vegas, gramme and shunning of the global Non- capacity have in the past fallen far short of month that talks were going on with French we won’t know the specifics. Ford’s decision may accelerate the Proliferation Treaty (NPT). targets and industry officials say that the and US firms to arrive at project proposals. decline of the traditional industry, but by taking an early seat at But hopes that reactor makers would get aim to lift the share of nuclear power to He offered no details. the table right next to Google, the firm has secured a position of billions of dollars of new business evapo- a quarter of its energy mix, from barely 3 But the government source said Westing- relevance in the new mobility paradigm. rated after India adopted a law in 2010 giv- percent now, is very ambitious. house and NPCIL were negotiating all six Here’s what we do know: Ford will license Google’s self-driving ing the state-run operator Nuclear Power Later this week, India is expected to offer reactors in one go, instead of an earlier plan software on a non-exclusive basis, and the two companies will Corp of India Ltd (NPCIL) the right to seek Russia a site in its southern state of And- to strike deals for two at a time. jointly test vehicles on public roads. It will take the form of a joint damages from suppliers in the event of an hra Pradesh to build six reactors, on top Construction of the roughly 1,100 MW venture, in order to shield both companies from the legal liability accident. Indian officials have been trying of the six it is already expected to build in reactors could begin later in 2016, the offi- concerns that have emerged as the greatest threat to self-driving to assuage suppliers’ concerns, including by neighboring Tamil Nadu, Indian and Rus- cial, who is close to the negotiations, added. technology. With Ford as a partner, Google may well be able to setting up an insurance pool with a liability sian officials have said. The idea was to allow the Americans and avoid the high fixed costs needed to establish a low-margin auto- cap of Rs15bn ($226.16m). Separately, India expects Japan, which the French, India’s two close partners, to mobile manufacturing infrastructure. A final hurdle, ratification of the Inter- supplies components used in most reac- catch up with the Russians in its nuclear For its part, Ford will get a leg up on the self-driving software national Atomic Energy Agency’s Con- tors, to ratify an agreement some time sector, the official said. that its larger competitors such as Toyota have already begun to vention on Supplementary Compensation in the second quarter of 2016 to sup- REUTERS invest huge amounts of money in. Between Ford’s family control and Google’s reliance on former Ford men — the tech giant has former Ford chief executive officer Alan Mulally on its board, and its mobility operation is headed by John Krafcik, who ran product development at the automaker — the alliance makes a lot of sense on paper. There have been other recent signs pointing toward compro- mise between Detroit and Silicon Valley. California regulators have published draft rules that seem to require a human at the controls of all vehicles, a splash of cold water on Google’s push- button autonomy. If regulators won’t embrace Google’s human-free vision, it only makes sense for the software firm to partner up with a hardware giant. As long as Google’s self-driving initiative remains within the bounds of the shrinking sedan segment, Ford doesn’t need to worry much about a contraction in demand for its own vehicles. So, while there are a number of common-sense reasons for Ford and Google to team up, serious challenges remain for the alliance. Like other automakers, Ford is walking a delicate line between accepting the inevitability of increasingly automated driving while hoping to maintain a business model based on private ownership. For Google, its widely-touted hopes of making drivers licences a thing of the past, bringing cars into the sharing economy, and elim- inating on-road deaths must be adapted to the long development times and evolutionary nature of the established auto industry. Will Ford keep designing traditional cars, with Google’s software merely providing a new level of automated functionality? Or does the Detroit-Silicon Valley romance herald a revolution in Ford’s product line-up and design philosophy? Will Ford’s larger, more profitable vehicles remain privately-owned and human-driven, while money-losing sedans transition to an automated, Uber-style fleet for on-demand mobility? Could this deal be the start of an even deeper collaboration between the two firms, even leading to a full merger of an auto industry icon and Google’s planned stand-alone car company? These are the unknowns that Ford and Google are probably still wrestling with. And with change coming thick and fast in this exciting field, today’s answers may not be the same as tomorrow’s. But what this deal proves is that Detroit and Silicon Valley are increasingly likely to collaborate rather than compete to answer those questions. BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

Cheap oil’s great, except when it’s a nightmare

By Marc Champion took hold. Equally, much of the can turn abruptly to shortage IHS, the consulting group of inflicting economic pain on much a weakening economy by attack- job growth in the US in recent and prices can rocket upwards, which Yergin is vice chairman, of the population. Former Presi- ing Ukraine — would respond to RENT crude hit an years has come from expansion triggering recession. Think 1973. projects that oil companies around dent Hugo Chavez is more often economic meltdown. 11-year low of $36.20 on of the shale industry, now endan- In that year, Opec imposed an the world will invest $600bn less regarded as a beneficiary of the Nigeria, a country of almost Tuesday, in part because gered by lower-priced imported oil embargo in response to US in developing new production long oil-price rise that followed 180 million people that’s also bat- BOpec has ceased to func- oil. Even without this change, involvement in the Yom Kippur between 2015 and 2020 than it had his election in 1999 — much like tling a terrorist insurgency, Boko tion. So, ding dong, the cartel is though, there would be reason to war and the oil price quadrupled. been forecasting in 2014, before Russia’s Vladimir Putin, who Haram, is getting hit especially dead. By all means sing and ring think hard about how the sudden Annual US growth declined from the oil price began its decline. came to power at the same time. hard; energy accounts for 35 per- the bells out. Just not too loudly. wealth transfers that extreme oil- 5.6 percent in 1973, to minus 0.5 That’s a lot of cancelled invest- But according to Yergin it was cent of gross domestic product This isn’t, of course, the first price volatility causes will pan out percent in 1974. ment and capacity. another oil price collapse in 1998 and 90 percent of exports. Presi- time that oil prices have sud- over time. Opec has rarely been a That was a dramatic exam- An oil-price slump in the that “set the stage” for Chavez’s dent Muhammadu Buhari asked denly taken a tumble. Nor would well-meaning price regulator and ple, when oil markets were 1980s, for example, was one of election. parliament to adopt a budget 20 the Organisation of Petroleum was often ineffective; today it con- tight, demand was strong, a cri- many reasons why Saddam Hus- So whom should we worry percent larger than last year’s to Exporting Countries be the first trols only about a third of oil out- sis occurred and the oil price sein invaded Kuwait, with all the about today? One country is, stimulate the economy, paid for oil cartel to go limp. So we — or at put and may not even qualify as a exploded. Prices then fell back in ramifications that has since had again, Iraq. Already politically by new borrowing. least the energy guru and Pulitzer cartel. That’s imaginable through the 1980s and remained low for for regional stability and the loss fragile, the International Mon- Opec may well be on its way prize-winning author Daniel the creation a “good” cartel, or years, changing expectations and of US blood and treasure. Saddam etary Fund warned this summer out. It is the third global oil car- Yergin — know something about governments disciplined enough investment appetite: had ended his 1980-1988 war with that Iraq faces two existential tel that has sought to control the what to expect. to raise and lower gas taxes to As late as 2003, institutional Iran owing about $37bn to Kuwait threats: Islamic State and a falling commodity’s supply and thereby In the short term, the answer offset oil’s fluctuations, steadying investors were urging oil compa- and the other Gulf states. Even oil price. A Syrian-style implosion its price: The Texas Railroad is straightforward and zero-sum: demand. nies to exercise what they called today, Iraq gains 93 percent of its is only too easy to imagine. Commission regulated output at Cheap oil is good for growth in For oil-consuming countries, capital discipline. They were say- budget from oil revenues, so when Russia has coped relatively well a time when the US dominated oil consumer economies and bad for low crude prices act as a free ing: ‘don’t invest heavily, because the oil price fell from over $100 by allowing the rouble to fall with production; the “Seven Sisters” oil producers. That picture may be tax cut, but they also drive down oil will be at $20 forever.’ Then a barrel to settle below $40 by the oil price, broadly maintain- companies also formed a cartel more complicated for the US this investment in future output. Cap- the very next year prices began the mid-1980s and mainly stuck, ing public finances. But if oil stays to carve up resources and control time, Yergin says, because it only ital expenditure in oil gas extrac- their explosive rise. That was Iraq’s government was badly hit. at $40 or below for a number of prices. None is missed. When it imports about a quarter of the oil tion tends to track the price of oil because people had been investing Venezuela’s economy was struck years, that may not be enough. It comes to low oil prices, though, it consumes today. That’s down pretty closely. for a $20 world and then demand by the same oil-price slump. The is hard to predict how Putin — we should be a little careful what from 60 percent in 2005, before When demand bounces back took off, led by the double digit economy contracted sharply who had great success consolidat- we wish for. the shale oil revolution really or there’s a supply shock, glut growth in China. and then flatlined for a decade, ing political support in the face of BLOOMBERG THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

QE Indices Summary QE Index 10,217.19 0.42 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 15,881.15 0.42 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,794.74 0.11 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,722.07 0.23 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,756.82 0.65 % GOLD Services Buying Selling QE All Share Industrials 3,016.18 0.65 % All Ordinaries 5167.677 9.831 0.19 5963.5 4936.3 QR126.5822 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 2,424.56 0.12 % Cac 40 Index/D 4554.85 -10.32 -0.23 5283.71 4076.16 QE All Share Real Estate 2,344.91 1.25 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.3686 QR 5.4471 QE All Share Insurance 4,120.9 0.78 % Dj Indu Average 17251.62 123.07 0.72 18351.4 15370.3 QR 1.6783 Euro ...... QR 3.9501 QR 4.0301 QE All Share Telecoms 936.51 0.58 % CA$ ...... QR 2.5915 QR 2.6427 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,942.56 0.14 % Hang Seng Inde/D 21830.02 38.34 0.18 28588.52 20368.12 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.6484 QR 3.7408 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 6691.7 -21.03 -0.31 6921.44 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0298 QR 0.0304 Aus$ ...... QR 2.6037 QR 2.6697 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 32641.09 -17.88 -0.05 36471.59 28648.23 CRUDE OIL 23-12-2015 22-12-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0542 QR 0.0554 Index 10,217.19 10,174.80 Nikkei 225 Index 18886.7 -29.32 -0.16 20952.71 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0344 QR 0.0351 Change 42.39 268.80 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0757 QR 0.0781 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2134.72 1867.01 % 0.42 2.71 $ 36.57 SL Re ...... QR 0.0251 QR 0.0260 YTD% 16.84 17.18 Straits Times/D 2895.81 27.07 0.94 3549.85 2808.31 Taka ...... QR 0.0466 QR 0.0466 Volume 5,391,665 11,210,627 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0340 QR 0.0347 Value (QAR) 175,478,058.77 346,227,953.52 Straits Times/D 3324.09 0.44 0.01 3387.84 2953.01 $ 31.36 SA Rand ...... QR 0.2388 QR 0.2435 Trades 3,334 5,183 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01 Up 11 | Down 24 | Unchanged 04

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 23-12-2015

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED A B G Infra-Xc/D 163.2 5.4 2720 Century Enka-B/D 183.5 0.2 16047 Gangotri Tex-B/D 1.33 -0.07 1404 Jindal Drill-B/D 136.7 5.5 9892 Neuland Lab-B/D 812.75 29.5 16795 Bp/D 341.55 6.35 8629250 A C C-A/D 1347.95 -3.2 13677 Century Text-A/D 581.75 5.8 128007 Garden P -B/D 31 2.55 245648 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 112.3 0.9 442678 O N G C-A/D 230.7 0.4 370291 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3666 8.5 342846 Aarti Drugs-B/D 557.05 -4.8 2679 Chambal Fert-B/D 59.25 -0.1 20351 Godfrey Phil-B/D 1259.6 22.3 73133 Kabra Extr-B/D 98.5 -1.85 3103 Oil Country-B/D 33.1 0.75 147429 Bt Group/D 460.55 5.5 4711362 Aban Offs-A/D 214.2 1.35 362837 Chola Invest-B/D 647 1.9 2586 Goodricke-B/D 198.5 -3.9 65771 Kajaria Cer-A/D 969 18.2 1584 Orchid Pharm-B/D 61.7 9.25 1595846 Centrica/D 209.1 -1.1 2536568 Ador Welding-B/D 345.7 -8.8 2075 Chowgule St-T/D 20.95 0.95 19750 Goodyear I -B/D 573.75 -0.25 3439 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 152 -1.1 6953 Orient Hotel-T/D 25.5 -0.8 19183 Gkn/D 293.8 -1.8 714648 Aegis Logis-B/D 101.25 -1.75 46661 Cimmco-B/D 81.3 0.2 2442 Hcl Infosys-B/D 61.1 -0.7 680002 Kalyani Stel-T/D 171.4 2.1 69528 Oudh Sugar-B/D 35.9 -0.55 50175 Hsbc Holdings/D 529.5 2.4 3470664 Alembic-B/D 46.5 3.25 658612 Cipla-A/D 644.2 1.1 57685 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 17.5 -0.4 1919810 Kanoria Chem-B/D 80.3 -1.15 61251 Patspin India-/D 10.89 0.51 65198 Imperial Tobac/D 3482 7 424938 Alkyl Amines-B/D 366.5 -1 1841 City Union Bk-/D 92 0 15963 Himat Seide-B/D 220.6 1 165602 Kg Denim-B/D 60.1 3.95 85603 Punjab Chem.-B/D 178.5 -1.4 8208 Kingfisher/D 327.7 1.6 750031 Alok Indus-A/D 6.5 -0.05 1295640 Colgate-A/D 989.15 -9.05 15326 Hind Motors-T/D 7.43 0.01 40765 Kilburnengg-Xd/D 84.55 0.35 21280 Radico Khait-B/D 113.75 -1.45 67045 Land Secs Grou/D 1169 8 292463 Apollo Tyre-A/D 151.8 0.05 255065 Container Cor-/D 1305.65 6.85 5862 Hind Org Chem-/D 15.7 0.7 85630 Kinetic Eng-B/D 103.2 -3.7 13974 Rallis India-A/D 174.85 0.1 20200 Legal & Genera/D 262.1 -1.1 3039047 Asahi I Glass-/D 162 -4.55 5547 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 489 4.4 2258 Hind Unilever-/D 855 2.9 73105 Kopran-B/D 79.2 0.7 606338 Reliance Indus/D 424.5 70.7 973526 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 71.5 0.55 17882636 Ashok Leyland-/D 88.4 -0.9 501095 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 92 -0.95 22127 Hind.Petrol-A/D 830.65 -1 59499 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 431.1 -1.7 1615 Ruchi Soya-B/D 27.85 -0.1 31339 Marks & Sp./D 441.2 -6.4 2150116 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1690 -25.15 1432 Dhampur Sugar-/D 63.85 0.65 52359 Hindalco-A/D 79.5 -1.7 1395201 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 59.1 -1.25 49313 Saur.Cem-B/D 71.85 -2.2 108663 Next/D 7215 -5 188402 Ballarpur In-B/D 17.5 -0.4 421427 Dr. Reddy-A/D 3001.6 -7.45 25846 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1226 -4.95 93129 Lloyd Metal-B/D 6.9 0.13 7959 Tanfac Indust-/D 39 0.55 1811 Pearson/D 755 6 450456 Banaras Bead-B/D 48 -1.25 1242 E I H-B/D 121 0.35 12673 I F C I-A/D 26.65 -0.5 602255 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 6.96 0.02 67287 Thirumalai-B/D 218.1 -1.8 27313 Prudential/D 1496 13.5 1232932 Bata India-A/D 496.9 12.8 31847 E.I.D Parry-A/D 198.05 4.45 227469 Idbi-A/D 89 -1.95 863947 Lumax Ind-B/D 460.4 -5.4 1475 Til Ltd.-T/D 508.9 -8.6 7034 Rank Group/D 284 0.5 18594 Bayer Crop-A/D 3286.75 -87.6 14401 Eicher Motor-A/D 16150 119.55 1452 Ifb Agro-B/D 451.1 -5.5 1340 Lupin-A/D 1785.75 -16 38413 Timexgroup-T/D 34.35 -1.35 32998 Rentokil Initi/D 157 1.6 316629 Beml Ltd-A/D 1262.35 13.3 42252 Electrosteel-B/D 21.15 0 270953 India Cement-A/D 85.25 -2.75 171214 Lyka Labs-T/D 126.4 -0.7 169844 Tinplate-B/D 74 -2.25 130395 Rolls Royce Pl/D 565 -4.5 1369926 Bh Electronic-/D 1270.1 14.95 28562 Emco-B/D 31.25 -0.65 29658 India Glycol-B/D 103 -3.8 24317 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 303 14.6 23941 Ucal Fuel-B/D 134.3 -0.6 56831 Rsa Insrance G/D 424.3 -4 729968 Bhansali Eng-T/D 27.6 0.55 1220507 Escorts Fin-B/D 4 -0.03 36594 Indian Card-B/D 222 3.3 1840 Mah.Seamless-B/D 177.2 0.8 13329 Ucal Fuel-B/D 134.3 -0.6 56831 Sainsbury(J)/D 256.6 -3 1870290 Bharat Bijle-B/D 851.25 -4 29858 Escorts-A/D 159.7 -1.55 84616 Indian Hotel-A/D 111.5 -1.75 68789 Mangalam Cem-B/D 205.6 -0.9 2530 Ultramarine-B/D 118.3 1.2 16126 Schroders/D 2902 4 52421 Bharatgears-B/D 93.05 -1.7 8411 Essar Oil-T/D 240 -3.35 568761 Indo-Tcount-T/D 1054.85 -35.1 7819 Maral Overs-B/D 34.85 0.65 18428 Unitech P -A/D 6.75 0 4646025 Severn Trent/D 2125 -11 97179 Bhartiya Int-B/D 525.25 -5.25 10919 Eveready Indu-/D 295.9 -0.45 20638 Indusind-A/D 934.6 -13.25 57733 Mastek-B/D 187.6 1.8 28205 Univcable-T/D 76 -1.75 9319 Smith&Nephew/D 1152 9 548384 Bhel-A/D 166.15 -1 282314 F D C-B/D 232.3 -0.65 7612 J.B.Chemical-B/D 274.2 -1.4 29468 Max India L-A/D 500 2.9 8755 Uppergsugar-T/D 71.4 1.8 1194 Smiths Group/D 933 10 295905 Bhuwalka Stl-X/D 7.13 -0.37 6700 Federal Bank-A/D 56.15 -0.15 311540 Jagson Phar-B/D 52.7 1.45 128379 Mrpl-A/D 67.15 0.2 91651 Standrd Chart /D 557 8 1870078 Bom.Burmah-B/D 470.95 8.95 10423 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.2 -0.03 134005 Jamnaauto-B/D 128.3 0.4 295334 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 34.35 -2.5 8963 LONDON Tate & Lyle/D 590 2 184493 Bombay Dyeing-/D 65.2 1.6 332139 Finolex-A/D 291.45 0.9 2865 Jbf Indu-B/D 241.4 17.4 413890 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 34.35 -2.5 8963 Tesco/D 143.2 -2.1 5063113 Camph.& All-B/D 590.25 44.25 39736 Forbes-B/D 1484 -16.25 1262 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.45 0.01 48650 Nahar Spg.-B/D 117 -2.5 23912 3I Group/D 469.3 3.3 285048 Unilever/D 2795.5 0 747967 Canfin Homes-B/D 1070.7 20.85 6138 Gail-A/D 338.55 1.85 87373 Jct Ltd-B/D 9.66 -1.05 6638138 Nation Alum -A/D 41.25 -2.9 446028 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3229 -7 256604 United Util Gr/D 921.5 -1 650851 Caprihans-Xc/D 92.7 3.7 39984 Galada Power-B/D 17 -0.25 3745 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 13.45 0.6 1002941 Navneet Edu-B/D 85.75 0.5 8973 Barclays/D 220.3 3.9 8224068 Vodafone Group/D 210.8 0.9 14096557 Castrol India-/D 440.7 4.35 158784 Gammon India-T/D 18.3 1.65 604767 Jik Indust-T/D 0.98 0.03 4801 Nepc India-T/D 1.85 0.05 65465 Bg Group/D 916.9 17.1 3757547 Whitbread/D 4369 -25 87285 THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BREAK TIME EASY SUDOKU CROSSWORD 1234 56789 10111213 PANF I SH ROMAINE

14 15 16 ARBOR I O ARALSEA RICOACT GRACIAS 17 18 19 FONTS WOE MATTY 20 21 22 I SEE BARQS NANO VOW TAXCUTS G I N 23 24 25 26 ESSAYS S ICKJOKE 27 28 29 30 I PSA TREE

31 32 33 34 MCDRE AMY O I NK ED ILE SLEEPIN INE 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 SASE EXLAX FATS 43 44 45 46 47 HITAT CPU YOSHI AR I ZONA PGATOUR 48 49 50 51 52 53 PONYCAR ESPOUSE 54 55 56 57 SLEEKED RASSLED Yesterday’s answer 58 59 60 61 62 ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE 63 64 65 69 Giveaways at events 24 “See ya!” 70 Birds that fly in V’s 27 Word in a heart tattoo Easy Sudoku Puzzles: Place a digit from 1 to 66 67 68 71 Geologic time periods 29 Make butter the old- 9 in each empty cell so every row, every column 69 70 71 fashioned way and every 3x3 box contains all the digits 1 to 9. DOWN 30 French city historically 1 Eye of ___ and toe of frog known for silk ACROSS 34 Austin Powers, e.g. (ingredients in a witches’ brew) 32 Cry when an auctioneer 1 Requisite 35 Precursor of Windows 2 Green gems brings down the gavel 5 Trudges (through) 37 What three strikes make 3 Started, as on a journey 36 Oozes 10 Sig Ep, e.g. 39 Radisson or 4 Capital of Bangladesh, old- 38 Circus structure HYPER SUDOKU 14 Jane Austen novel Ritz-Carlton style 40 Many an April 15 mailer 15 Capital on the Nile 43 Grazing expanse 5 In a frightening way 41 “Yadda, yadda, yadda” 16 ___ Strauss & Co. (jeans maker) 45 Excite, with “up” 6 Attorney-at-___ 42 Necklace of flowers 17 Bot that systematically browses 47 Archibald or Thurmond of the N.B.A. 7 Classical paintings 44 Carpet alternative the Internet 48 1982 Harrison Ford sci-fi film 8 Graham who wrote “Our 46 Wordy 19 Unwrap 53 91, to Caesar Man in Havana” 48 Makers of tortes and tarts 20 Bullet that leaves a trail 54 Beach ball filler 9 Woes 49 Stay out of sight 21 To whom a private says “Sir, 55 The “p” of m.p.h. 10 Chunk of ice in the Arctic 50 Spanish fleet of 1588 yes, sir!” 56 ___ l’oeil (literally, “deceives Ocean 51 Polite and refined 23 Language of the Quran the eye”) 11 Prepare to go home from 52 Liesl’s love in “The Sound of 25 Neither’s partner 58 The Lone Ranger, to Tonto vacation, say Music” 26 Billiard stick 61 Sounds like a sheep 12 Park or Madison, in 57 Brawl 27 “I have a dream” monogram 63 Zest Manhattan 59 Rare blood type, for short 28 “The Color Purple” novelist 64 Classic red wagon 13 Dye specialist 60 Brickell or Falco 31 Words from Wordsworth 66 Was a passenger 18 2000s sitcom starring a 62 B’way hit signs country singer 33 “Boo” follower, in a triumphant 67 College class hours 65 “___ all good” 22 Math class drawing shout 68 Architect Saarinen

Yesterday’s answer

How to play Hyper Sudoku: A Hyper Sudoku Puzzle is solved by filling the numbers from 1 to 9 into the blank cells. A Hyper Sudoku has unlike Sudoku 13 regions (four regions overlap with the nine standard regions). In all regions the numbers from 1 to 9 can appear only once. Otherwise, a Hyper Sudoku is solved like a normal Sudoku. BABY BLUES BABY

NOVO How to play Kakuro: SHOWING AT The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any SCREEN 1 The Peanuts Movie (2D/Animation) 11:00am, 1:20, 3:40, 6:00, 8:20 & 10:40pm KAKURO SCREEN 2 Point Break (2D/Action) 10:00am, 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40 & 11:55pm VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells TEL: 444933989 / 444517001 like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, SCREEN 3 Point Break (3D/Action) 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00 & 11:45pm some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some SCREEN 4 Paparazzi (2D/Arabic) 10:00am, 12:15, 2:30, 4:45, 7:00, 9:15, 11:30pm SCREEN 5 Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) cells will contain two numbers. 10:00am, 12:40, 3:20, 6:00, 8:45 & 11:30pm However, in a crossword the numbers reference SCREEN 6 Love The Coopers (2D/Comedy) clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! 11:00am, 1:10, 3:20, 5:40, 9:50pm & 12:00midnight They denote the total of the digits in the row or SCREEN 7 The Peanuts Movie (2D/Animation) 11:00am, 1:00, 3:00 & 5:00pm column referenced by the number. Room (2D/Drama) 7:00am, 9:15 & 11:40pm Within each SCREEN 8 Dilwale (2D/Hindi) 11:00am, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm collection of cells SCREEN 9 Star Wars: The Force Awakens (3D IMAX/Action) - called a run - any 10:15am, 12:45, 3:30, 6:15, 9:00 & 11:45pm of the numbers 1 SCREEN 10 Point Break (2D/Action) 10:30am, 3:40 & 9:00pm to 9 may be used Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) 1:00, 6:20 & 11:40pm but, like sudoku, each number may MALL only be used once. SCREEN 1 The Peanuts Movie (2D/Hindi) 2:30 & 6:00pm Yesterday’s The Good Dinosaur (2D/Animation) 4:15pm answer Belle & Sebastian 2 (2D/Adventure) 7:45pm Morning Star (2D/Action) 9:30pm Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Room (2D/Drama) 11:15pm SCREEN 2 Love The Coopers (2D/Comedy) 2:30pm Room (2D/Drama) 4:30pm Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) 6:30pm Dilwale (2D/Hindi) 8:45pm Point Break (2D/Sports) 11:30pm SCREEN 3 Pasanga 2 (2D/Tamil) 2:15pm Paparazzi (2D/Arabic) 4:30pm Point Break (2D/Sports) 6:45pm El Leila El Kebira (2D/Drama) ALL IN THE MIND 9:00pm Thanga Magan (2D/Tamil) 11:15pm Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, LANDMARK vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards. SCREEN 1 Thanga Magan (2D/Tamil) 2:15pm Paparazzi (2D/Arabic) 4:30pm Dilwale (2D/Hindi) 6:30pm Point Break (2D/Sports) 9:15pm & 11:30pm SCREEN 2 The Good Dinosaur (2D/Animation) 2:15pm The Peanuts Movie (2D/Hindi) 4:00 & 5:45pm Belle & Sebastian 2 (2D/Adventure) 7:30pm Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) 9:15pm Morning Star (2D/Action) 11:30pm Hoy en la Historia SCREEN 3 Room (2D/Drama) 2:45 & 6:45pm Love The Coopers (2D/Comedy) 4:45pm El Leila El Kebira (2D/Drama) December 24, 1865 9:00pm Pasanga 2 (2D/Tamil) 11:15pm The Ku Klux Klan was formed in ROYAL PLAZA Pulaski, Tennessee, by six former Confederate officers seeking to SCREEN 1 The Peanuts Movie (2D/Hindi) 2:15pm restore white supremacy through Belle & Sebastian 2 (2D/Adventure) 4:00pm threats and acts of violence The Good Dinosaur (2D/Animation) 5:45pm Point Break (2D/Sports) 7:30 & 11:30pm 1800:     Morning Star (2D/Action) 9:45pm      SCREEN 2 Love The Coopers (2D/Comedy) 2:30pm 1995: In a gesture symbolising a new Paparazzi (2D/Arabic) 4:30pm Room (2D/Drama) 6:45pm era of peace in Bosnia, Serb and El Leila El Kebira (2D/Drama) 9:00pm Muslim forces swapped more than Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) 11:15pm ARCHERY, ATHLETICS, BADMINTON, BASEBALL, 200 prisoners of war ASIAN TOWN BASKETBALL, BOXING, CRICKET, CURLING, CYCLING, 1995:     £  Dilwale (Hindi) 1:00, 7:00pm & 01:00am DIVING, FENCING, FOOTBALL, GOLF, GYMNASTICS,           Pasanga 2 (Tamil) 12:45, 5:45, 10:45pm &12:00midnight HANDBALL, HOCKEY, HORSE RACING, JUDO,    £  !"     Pathemari (2D/Malayalam) 11:00pm LACROSSE, MOTOR RACING, NETBALL, POLO,    Thanga Magan (2D/Tamil) 3:15, 8:15, 9:15pm & 01:15am Salt Mango Tree (2D/Malayalam) ROUNDERS, ROWING, RUGBY, SAILING, SKATING, 1995: Palestinian Christians 8:30pm Bajirao Mastani (2D/Hindi) 4:00 & 10:00pm Mama Manchu (2D/Telugu) SKIING, SOCCER, SQUASH, SWIMMING, TENNIS, celebrated Christmas in Bethlehem 12:30, 3:45 & 6:00pm Soukhyam (2D/Telugu) 1:00, 3:15 & 6:30pm VOLLEYBALL, WRESTLING. # $  '&'#()*+, THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

MLB: Leake signs NBA: Raptors rally to defeat Mavericks $80m contract DeRozan scores 28 points in 103-99 victory; Bryant powers Lakers to win over Nuggets with Cardinals NEW YORK: Right-handed TORONTO: Toronto guard able to withstand it.” German star starting pitcher Mike Leake DeMar DeRozan scored a game- forward Dirk Nowitzki led the signed a five-year, $80m contract high 28 points and the Raptors Mavericks (15-13) with 20 points with the St Louis Cardinals on held off a late rally to beat visiting and seven rebounds. He stands Tuesday. Dallas 103-99 on Tuesday in an 10 points shy of passing Shaqui- It’s the first major addition of NBA thriller. lle O’Neal for sixth on the NBA’s the offseason for St Louis. The Raptors guard Kyle Lowry all-time scoring list. At Miami, Cardinals lost two prominent added 17 points, 10 rebounds Detroit sank 15 three-pointers free agents – outfielder Jason and seven assists while center and erased an early 18-point defi- Heyward and right-hander John Bismack Biyombo scored nine cit to edge the Heat 93-92. Lackey – to the Chicago Cubs. points and grabbed a career-best Reggie Jackson scored 18 points Leake, 28, was acquired by the 20 rebounds and Luis Scola added to lead the Pistons while Kentav- San Francisco Giants in late July 15 points and nine rebounds for ious Caldwell-Pope and Stanley after spending his first five-plus Toronto. Johnson each added 14 points and seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. “They all came up big,” DeRo- Steve Blake had 12, while Andre He was 11-10 combined last sea- zan said. “We needed everybody Drummond scored 11 points and son. tonight.” grabbed 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Hall of Famer The Raptors never trailed, up Chris Bosh scored 20 points, pitcher John Smoltz will replace by as many as 18 points in the Dwyane Wade added 19 and Harold Reynolds and Tom Ver- first quarter and well ahead Hassan Whiteside finished with ducci on Fox Sports’ lead televi- when the Mavericks brought in a 16 points and 16 rebounds to lead sion baseball crew, the network reserve unit with barely five min- the Heat, who fell to 16-11. confirmed on Tuesday. utes remaining. Wade and Bosh each missed The 48-year-old Smoltz, The Mavericks battled back jumpers in the closing seconds as inducted into the Hall of Fame and trailed by only two points Detroit hung on for the victory, this past summer after a 21-year with 11.6 seconds to play on a the Pistons’ fifth in six games. career on the mound, will join Jeremy Evans layup, but Evans In Denver, retiring Kobe Bry- play-by-play announcer Joe Buck missed a free throw and Toron- ant matched his season high with in the booth next season. Smoltz to’s Terrence Ross made two free 31 points to power the Los Ange- has worked game for Fox the past throws, the last of his 16 points, les Lakers over the host Nuggets few years and also has served an to finish the scoring. 111-107. Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (centre) tries to move the ball past Dallas Mavericks forwards Charlie analyst for MLB Network and “It was a big win,” DeRozan Bryant hit two free throws and Villanueva (left) and Justin Anderson in the second half of their NBA game at Air Canada Centre in Toronto TBS. said. “We finished ugly but we a jumper in the final minute to on Tuesday. The New York Daily News got a big win. We knew they were secure the victory, with Denver reported that Reynolds, a former going to make a run but we were fans chanting his name in the major league infielder, and Ver- closing seconds. their largest lead in any game this assists while guard Mike Conley 1-29. Rookie centre Jahlil Okafor ducci, a sports reporter and col- NBA RESULTS The Lakers improved the worst season, but were outscored 32-16 added 18 points and six assists as led Philadelphia with 18 points. umnist, will be assigned to other Memphis 104 Philadelphia 90 record in the Western Conference in the third quarter as the Lakers the visiting Grizzlies ripped the The 76ers turned the ball over 28 duties at the network. Both were to 5-23 and rose to 3-16 on the fought back. host 76ers 104-90. times, resulting in 36 Memphis lead analysts for Fox’s World Detroit 93 Miami 92 road this season. Denver fell to In Philadelphia, Memphis cen- The 76ers suffered their 11th points, and missed 11 of 32 free Series telecasts the past two Toronto 103 Dallas 99 11-17. tre Marc Gasol scored 19 points loss in a row and have the worst throws. years. LA Lakers 111 Denver 107 The Nuggets led by 21 points, and added six rebounds and five 30-game start in NBA history at AFP AGENCIES Sharp, Niemi star as Blackhawks win Panthers put 10 players NEW YORK: Patrick Sharp have lost four of five. made his first game against his Canucks 2, Lightning 1 in Pro Bowl line-up former team, the Chicago Black- Vancouver weathered 10 power hawks, quite memorable with plays from Tampa Bay, and when NEW YORK: Carolina quarterback Cam a goal and an assist and Antti they finally got a minute of full- Newton (pictured) was among a league- Niemi stopped all 20 shots he strength play, Henrik Sedin fed high 10 players selected from the undefeated faced to earn his 35th career his twin brother, Daniel Sedin for Carolina Panthers to participate in next shutout in a 4-0 Dallas Stars win the deciding goal in a road win at month’s NFL Pro Bowl all-star game, the at American Airlines Center on Amalie Arena. league announced on Tuesday. Tuesday. Sharp, acquired by Dal- Sven Baertschi scored the Retired NFL stars Michael Irvin and las in a trade last summer after other goal for the Canucks while Jerry Rice will select their squads from the spending 10 seasons in Chicago, Jonathan Marchessault scored for available talent pool four days before the scored his 12th goal of the season the Lightning. January 31 contest at Honolulu. 11 seconds into the third period to Devils 4, Red Wings 3 The unbeaten Panthers’ members of the add an insurance marker. A three-goal outburst in the Pro Bowl also include running backs Jonathan Stewart and Mike Colton Sceviour, Jason Spezza first period led to a New Jersey Tolbert, tight end Greg Olsen, guard Trai Turner, center Ryan Kalil, and Mattias Janmark also scored win vs Detroit at Joe Louis Arena. defensive tackle Kawann Short, cornerback Josh Norman and lineback- for Dallas, which won its third Dylan Larkin, Mike Green and ers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. straight. Jason Demers had two Riley Sheahan scored for the Red The Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and defending Super Bowl assists for Dallas and it was Nie- Wings and Jimmy Howard made champion New England Patriots each had seven Pro Bowl picks, includ- mi’s third shutout of the season Dallas Stars defenceman Johnny Oduya (left), left wing Patrick Sharp three saves on six shots before ing their quarterbacks, Arizona’s Carson Palmer, Seattle’s Russell Blues 2, Bruins 0 (right) and defenceman Jason Demers celebrate the goal by Sharp being pulled in favour of Petr Wilson and New England’s Tom Brady, who was named to his 11th St Louis hit the Christmas against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period of their NHL Mrazek late in the first period of career Pro Bowl lineup. break with a victory over Boston game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Tuesday. the match. Other Cardinals selected were receiver Larry Fitzgerald, guard Mike for its fourth win in the last five Panthers 2, Senators 1 (SO) Iupati, defensive end Calais Campbell, cornerback Patrick Peterson, Brandon Pirri and Aleksander free safety Tyrann Mathieu and special teams player Justin Bethel. NHL RESULTS games. Vladimir Tarasenko and Brassard scored twice and Barkov scored in the shootout Seattle players chosen included defensive end Michael Bennett, line- Robby Fabbri scored third-period assisted on Mats Zuccarello’s as Florida beat Ottawa at BB&T backer Bobby Wagner, strong safety Kam Chancellor, free safety Earl St Louis 2 Boston 0 goals and Jake Allen stopped 32 overtime winner as the New Center. Thomas, cornerback Richard Sherman and rookie return specialist NY Rangers 3 Anaheim 2 shots for his fifth shutout of the York Rangers snapped a three- Corban Knight scored in reg- Tyler Lockett. New Jersey 4 Detroit 3 season as the Blues won their fifth game slide with a victory against ulation for the Panthers, and New England’s selections included tight end Rob Gronkowski, defen- Vancouver 2 Tampa Bay 1 straight game at TD Garden. Anaheim at Madison Square Jaromir Jagr and Quinton How- sive end Chandler Jones, linebacker Jamie Collins, cornerback Mal- Florida 2 Ottawa 1 The Bruins, suffering only their Garden. den had assists. colm Butler, special teams player Matthew Slater and kicker Stephen Minnesota 2 Montreal 1 second regulation loss in their last Henrik Lundqvist stopped 17 Mark Stone scored a power- Gostkowski. In all, 86 players were chosen, including 25 first-time Pro Dallas 4 Chicago 0 16 games, were blanked for the shots to help give the Rangers play goal on assists from Erik Bowl players, three of them rookies -- Lockett, St. Louis Rams running first time this season and saw their fourth victory in 15 games. Karlsson and Mika Zibanejad for back Todd Gurley and Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters. Calgary 4 Winnipeg 1 their winning streak stopped . Corey Perry and Rickard Ottawa. Arizona 3 Toronto 2 Rangers 3, Ducks 2 (OT) Rakell scored for the Ducks, who AGENCIES AFP San Jose 5 Los Angeles 3 Phelps challenges former sponsor Speedo with new brand

NEW YORK: For the first time is a managing director at talent is part of the industrial gas com- second offense in 10 years. in his career, Michael Phelps agency Octagon, a unit of Inter- pany Air Liquide SA. When asked about Phelps ear- is preparing for an Olympics public Group. Carlisle said the agreement, lier this month, at an event in without the support of longtime “The offer that stood out as whose value is unknown, runs New York, Speedo International sponsor Speedo, and is instead being the most compelling was through 2020 and functions more president David Robinson noted wearing a suit designed by Aqua launching his own brand with like a partnership, with equity- that Phelps became the greatest Sphere, a virtual unknown in Aqua Sphere.” type elements, which may include Olympian while wearing Speedo. swim racing that is making its For both Phelps and Aqua royalties or a cut of sales that go “We understood he was retir- Games debut at Rio de Janeiro Sphere, the stakes are high as to Phelps in addition to licensing ing, and at that point we moved next year. they pursue a piece of the esti- fees. on and started to look at the new Phelps has helped Aqua Sphere mated $1bn in annual sales of Teaming up with an athlete fresh talent that was coming design a range of products in his competitive and fitness swimwear so closely associated with a sin- through,” said Robinson. name, called “MP”, with the ini- worldwide. gle brand, as Phelps has been Speedo is sponsoring 24 swim- tials to adorn the suit, goggles and Rio is the first Olympics that with Speedo, can sometimes be a mers this year, including Phelps’s cap he will wear at Rio should he will feature a technical racing challenge, Bruin Sports Capital’s US team-mates Ryan Lochte and qualify for the US team. suit made by Aqua Sphere, which Abrutyn said. Missy Franklin. The 30-year-old, who came FINA, the international govern- Michael Phelps (USA) won the Men’s 200IM championship in a time He pointed to Adidas’s sponsor- Suit designs changed in 2009 out of retirement last year hav- ing body of swimming and water of 1:59.39 during the Championship Finals of day four at the George F ship of Andre Agassi at the end when FINA said it was banning ing already amassed a record 18 sports, has approved. Haines International Swim Center in Santa Clara, California, in this June of his tennis career after Agassi “tech suits” made from poly- Olympic gold medals at three The brand faces some formi- 21, 2015, file photo. had spent many years with Nike. urethane and other materials that summer Games, used the Aqua dable competition from the likes Agassi’s name never became led to a streak in world records. Sphere suit at the US Winter of Speedo and other established closely associated with Adidas, Now racing suits have to be made National Championships earlier swimsuit makers, such as TYR Sports Capital. “Everybody loves a sport in the global market, his and eventually he returned to from only textiles and not plas- this month. and Arena. But if Phelps performs comeback story, and Aqua Sphere agent said. Nike. tics. “When he announced he was like he has in the past, Aqua could stand to benefit consider- Aqua Sphere has access to an Character issues have also sur- Phelps is scheduled to compete coming back, there wasn’t a Sphere could have a chance to ably,” Abrutyn said. international network of manu- rounded Phelps, who was photo- at the USA Swimming Pro Swim swimwear company that didn’t break through, according to David Phelps was attracted to the facturing, product development graphed with a marijuana pipe Series event in Austin, Texas in aggressively court him,” said Abrutyn, executive vice president fledgling brand because it offered and sales offices through its par- in 2009 and pleaded guilty to a January. Phelps’ agent, Peter Carlisle, who at sports marketing firm Bruin him the chance to promote the ent company, Aqua Lung, which drunk driving charge in 2014, his REUTERS THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT England aim to dethrone Test kings South Africa in rankings Four-match series starts with Boxing Day Test, Steyn passes fitness test

DURBAN: South Africa’s status confidence that each of their as the top-ranked Test-playing scheduled top six batsmen go into nation has been dented after the series with a score of 50 or their crushing defeat in India last more under their belts from the month and is in danger of being two warm-up matches over the eroded completely by England last week. over the next month or two. They included centuries from The two nations begin a four- Cook and Joe Root, who is look- match Test series in Durban on ing to take his Ashes form from Saturday, which is expected to be earlier this year into the series. evenly matched and should pro- “We will have to play some strong vide answers to several questions cricket, be disciplined and play at asked of both amid their recent our best if we are going to com- trials. pete with them,” Root said this England will look to solve per- week. But South Africa have lost sonnel problems in key batting much of their swagger since char- and bowling slots and build more ismatic captain Graeme Smith consistency in their selections, and all-rounder Jacques Kallis while South Africa seek to dispel retired. suggestions that they are a side After their poor batting display on the decline, suddenly lacking in India, they have persuaded a in the confidence that has been reluctant AB de Villiers to again the hallmark of their reign as the don the wicketkeeper’s gloves to world’s top Test side. make room for an extra batsmen. Both countries return to seam- But they have received a boost Australia’s Steve Smith acknowledges the crowd after reaching his dou- friendly wickets after losing on with attack bowler Dale Steyn ble century during the second Ashes Test, at Lord’s in this July 2015 spinning tops in India and – for England’s Alastair Cook plays a shot during a cricket tour match passing a fitness Test after a file photo. some of the time – the United against the South Africa A side in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in groin injury provided him with a Arab Emirates in the last two this December 21, 2015 file photo. much-needed break and a chance months. to rekindle the hunger of old. He South Africa’s limitations could yet provided a talismanic Australia’s Smith named against spin were cruelly exposed changes – notably the axing of Alex Hales will be the eighth influence. in India in a one-sided four-Test stalwart Ian Bell – to the squad to open the innings with the cap- The Boxing Day Test will be series, which the home team won for the South African tour. tain while the No.3 slot is likely followed by a New Year’s Test in 3-0 and which could have been a England are still seeking to to go to Nick Compton, making Cape Town from January 2 to 6. ICC Cricketer of the Year whitewash had weather not inter- solve the longstanding problem of a return to the side after last- The third and fourth matches will vened. finding a reliable opening part- ing only nine Tests at the top of be played in the high altitude of DUBAI: Australia captain Steve losing the Ashes remains.” South England were beaten 2-0 by ner for Alastair Cook, having gone the order after being appointed Johannesburg and Pretoria next Smith has been named ICC Crick- Africa’s ODI captain AB de Vil- Pakistan in a three-match series through seven in 39 Tests since Strauss’ immediate successor. month. eter of the Year for 2015, the liers was named ODI Player of in the UAE, prompting several Andrew Strauss retired in 2012. It will be a boost to England’s REUTERS sport’s Dubai-based governing the Year while his team-mate and body revealed yesterday. T20I captain Faf du Plessis won The 26-year-old finished the the award for the T20 Perform- year, which runs from September ance of the Year for his 56-ball Windies coach to September, as the leading Test 119 against West Indies in Johan- Warner faces new batting partner run-scorer with 1,734 runs from nesburg in January. 25 innings, averaging 82.57. De Villiers scored 1,265 runs in frustrated by MELBOURNE: Australia bats- ships work or they don’t. And He also became the second 20 innings averaging just over 79. man David Warner has profited obviously they come and go. It’s youngest player to reach the But it was his record-breaking from his opening partnership really hard to see someone who’s number one ranking for Test efforts against West Indies, also missing stars with Joe Burns but the fledgling worked really hard ... not get batsmen behind Indian legend in Johannesburg in January, in relationship could be nipped in picked. Sachin Tendulkar. the second ODI that earned him MELBOURNE: Coach Phil the bud by selectors for the Box- “I’m in the same position. If Smith thus became the fourth the honour. De Villiers broke the Simmons called on West Indies ing Day Test against West Indies. I don’t score runs, someone will Australian to win the Sir Garfield record for the fastest ODI cen- administrators yesterday to break Since teaming up with Queens- take my position as well.” Sobers Trophy in its 12th edition, tury of all time, managing the feat the impasse that has star players lander Burns in the opening Australia can seal the three- following in the footsteps of Ricky off just 31 balls, five fewer than unavailable for the Test series in Test of the New Zealand series, match series against West Indies Ponting (2006 and 2007), Mitch- previous record-holder Corey Australia. Warner has smashed three cen- with victory in Melbourne and ell Johnson (2009 and 2014) and Anderson of New Zealand. Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, turies, including a sparkling 253 the only setbacks in their prep- Michael Clarke (2013). Like Smith, though, De Villiers Darren Sammy and Andre Rus- in Perth, from four Tests. arations have been an injury to He was also adjudged the Test had mixed feelings about his sea- sell are in Australia but playing Burns smashed a century in the David Warner back-up bowler Nathan Coulter- Cricketer of the Year, although son. in the Twenty20 Big Bash League series-opener against New Zea- Nile and a knee niggle for captain while he was a part of the Aus- “It’s certainly been a memora- while their national side strug- land at the Gabba but has had a Steve Smith. tralia team that won the World ble year with many highlights but gles. The West Indies were over- more modest output since and the veteran’s retirement in the Vice-captain Warner backed Cup in the one-day format, he a lot of disappointments as well,” powered by an innings and 212 could be the batsman to make way wake of the Ashes defeat and, Smith to be fit for the match. captained his country in their he said. runs by the home side inside three for the fit-again Usman Khawaja while diplomatic, was not overly- The sorry state of West Indies Ashes defeat to England. “If I was to look back, the cen- days in the first Test in Hobart. for the second Test at the Mel- enthused by the idea of building cricket has been a major talk- “Given that there are so many tury I scored against the West “I’m totally frustrated,” Sim- bourne Cricket Ground. yet another relationship. ing point in Australia, with some great players around the world, Indies at the Wanderers will mons told reporters ahead of the The Warner-Burns partner- “At the end of the day it’s the questioning whether the Carib- I’m incredibly honoured to receive probably go down as the most second Test starting at the Mel- ship has proved effective in all selectors’ responsibility to select bean islanders deserved the mar- these awards,” said Smith in a memorable knocks of the year. bourne Cricket Ground on Sat- but one of the four Tests, with the the team, that’s their job,” Warner quee Tests of the summer. statement released by the ICC. “In saying that, centuries count urday. pair piling on 100-run stands in told reporters in Melbourne yes- Warner forecast no relief for While team success is always for nothing if the team isn’t win- “It’s enjoyable to see Russell Brisbane and Perth against New terday. the beleaguered tourists, who he my number-one motivation, ning, so hopefully in the future bowling at 140 clicks (kph) and Zealand. “The way (Burns) started obvi- said had offered little resistance awards like this are very special. I can contribute to many more (batsman Dwayne) Bravo hitting Their breathtaking 75-run ously in the first Test against New on day one in Hobart when he and I’m thrilled and very proud to Proteas wins.” three or four sixes and Chris partnership in the opening 11 Zealand was fantastic. Burns were caning their bowlers. receive them. Australia’s women’s captain (Gayle) in (the Big Bash). overs of the series-opener against “He’s been working a lot in the “It felt like, from our point of “I will look back on 2015 with Meg Lanning won the women’s “It is frustrating that we don’t West Indies in Hobart set the nets really hard to try to get his view ... they did go through the mixed feelings. Winning the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year award have them yet playing in a Test tone for a trouncing of the tour- game back to where it was. motions when we were batting on Cricket World Cup at home was with Stafanie Taylor of West series but it’s something that’s ists in three days. “It’s great to try and build a that day when we batted big. But a career highlight, and being Indies taking the T20I honour. been going on for a while.” Warner enjoyed a solid part- relationship,” Warner added. it’s a new game.” appointed captain is a great hon- Simmons, who was suspended nership with Chris Rogers before “Obviously sometimes relation- REUTERS our, but the disappointment of AFP in September after criticis- ing selection for the tour of Sri Lanka before being reinstated last month, said it was a dilemma the Caribbean bosses had to resolve. Aussies look for series win over struggling West Indies “It’s up to the administration to work out how we get to the stage SYDNEY: Australia have their “Things have to play into our of, let’s say New Zealand, because eyes on regaining the top Test hands as well with South Africa’s they have similar things and they ranking as they set about retain- series against England. We’ve got are getting all their players to ing the Frank Worrell Trophy a big job at hand, our goal is to be play,” Simmons said. against the dispirited West Indies number one in all three formats.” “And it’s up to our administra- in Saturday’s second Test in Mel- The dashing opener insisted tion and our bosses to find out bourne. complacency would not be an how is the best way that we can The Australians lie third on issue for Australia, despite the get these guys on the pitch.” the ICC Test ladder, behind South West Indies being forced to fol- Dwayne Bravo last week fired a Africa and India. low on in Hobart. salvo at those running the game If South Africa lose their four- “It did look like they did go in the Caribbean. Test series with England which through the motions when we “Times change and I think that begins on Boxing Day then Aus- were batting on that (first) day, is one of our problems, we tend to tralia will grab top spot if they when we batted big,” Warner said. hold on too much to the past and can sweep the West Indies series The home side could make two not focus on the future. That has 3-0. changes with Usman Khawaja been our downfall,” he said. That looks on the cards after expected to return from missing “It’s painful to see the state of the Windies were thrashed by an the last two Tests with hamstring our cricket.” innings and 212 runs inside three trouble, while newcomer Scott Bravo was stripped of the one- days in the first Test in Hobart. Boland may get his chance as a day captaincy a year ago then left They last won a Test in Australia replacement for injured paceman out of the West Indies’ World Cup almost 18 years ago. Nathan Coulter-Nile. squad after the team he skippered Jason Holder’s West Indies have Khawaja has been sidelined walked out of their tour of India been pilloried as one of the worst since scoring 174 and 121 in the Australian players celebrate a dismissal on the third day of their first Test against the West Indies in Hobart, last year in a row over contracts. touring teams to head Down first two Tests against New Zea- in this December 12, 2015 file photo. He has not been picked for one- Under in recent times and have land last month and proved his dayers since and quit Test cricket struggled to be competitive in all fitness with an explosive 109 off this year after being ignored their tour games, even against 70 balls in the Big Bash League replacement in Hobart. Darren Bravo top scored with 108 in “But I believe the guys have by selectors. Simmons said he modest opposition. Twenty20 series last weekend. Bravo, one of the Caribbean tour- the West Indies’ first innings, that sort of resilience in them. and his coaching staff had been “We know we’ve got a big Test The return of Pakistan-born ists’ few shining lights during the while opener Kraigg Brathwaite “We’ve scored international exhorting the players to push to series here, then against New Khawaja is expected to be at the first Test, insists his side will be contributed 94. hundreds already, we’ve proven their maximum against Australia. Zealand, to achieve the number expense of either Joe Burns or much better prepared for the “When you’re not scoring runs we are definitely capable of play- one status,” Australia vice-cap- Shaun Marsh, who hit his high- Melbourne Cricket Ground show- it’s always difficult to pick your- ing at this level.” AFP tain David Warner said. est Test score of 182 as Khawaja’s piece on Boxing Day. self up,” Bravo said. AFP THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29 Hiddink tells Chelsea players ‘look in the mirror’ Interim manager says future of under performing players at the club is at risk if they don’t raise their game

LONDON: New Chelsea interim sising. Not to look back to much. a return to the club for former manager Guus Hiddink has asked “We cannot ignore what has player Didier Drogba who was Embattled Van his under performing players to happened in the recent past, but I in the stands alongside him for “look in the mirror” and claims asked them and told them to look the 3-1 win over Sunderland last Gaal storms out their future at the club is at risk in the mirror and be hypercritical week. if they don’t up their game. and give the best for the team. “I worked with him five or six of United press The Dutchman has replaced They have to look forward.” years ago, and I was delighted to Jose Mourinho but confirmed at He added: “There must be a have such a professional in the a press conference yesterday it is great desire to play. If you don’t squad,” he said. conference only likely to be a short-term role. have that desire, please knock on “He is a legend already in this He arrives with Chelsea strug- my door and we’ll talk. We’ll talk club, but also outside this club in MANCHESTER, United King- gling in 15th spot in the Premier briefly.” the world. So it’s nice for guys dom: Embattled Manchester League with supporters unhappy Hiddink is reprising the role he with these big hearts to connect United manager Louis van Gaal with players for their perceived took in 2009, a season where he them somehow with the club. But showed signs of cracking under failure to work for their predeces- helped Chelsea win the FA Cup. he is playing for Montreal, under pressure as he stormed out of a sor. “I shouldn’t be here, halfway contract. media briefing yesterday after Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and into the season,” the 69-year-old “All the big clubs, and the becoming annoyed by questions Eden Hazard bore the brunt of said as he gets ready for his first smaller ones, have these spe- about his future. supporter criticism but Hiddink’s game in charge at home to Wat- cific guys, figures, who can go Van Gaal has reportedly been message to them was a clear one. ford on Boxing Day. into whatever they like - coach, given two games to save his job “I spoke fully to the squad and, “That means things are not ambassador, manager - but they after United’s miserable six- of course, we talked a bit about going as well as foreseen at the must be given the opportunity match winless run cost his side the past, why I’m here, the rea- beginning of the season. But any- New Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink during a press conference at to do so. They give the Chelsea their place in the Champions sons why we are down,” he said. how I’m glad to be back. It’s a few Chelsea Training Ground yesterday. brand a big image, worldwide. League and saw them drop out “But on the other hand I told years ago that I was here in a sim- “The official process I don’t of the Premier League’s top four. them things happen in football ilar situation and I tried to help know, but I spoke openly from Rumours have been rife this and I want everyone to look in the out when I was asked to do so. what will happen. We have only club, the players, the fans inside the bottom of the heart that such week that the former Barcelona mirror, not just for two seconds, “I worked at that time with a spoken about until the end of the Chelsea and abroad, that the team impact players can be huge for the and Bayern Munich boss is about but longer. lot of love for the club and to work season. have big desire to wash away the club. How it goes on now, it’s oth- to be sacked and replaced by Jose “And see what anyone can con- with the players is great. “No manager can guarantee last half year and go up to the ers who have to deal with that. Mourinho, who was dismissed by tribute from now on to raise us “First we said let’s go to mid- three points every week, but we next coming games.” Not me.” Chelsea last Thursday. up. That was what I was empha- May. But then we’ll see. I will see have to show to ourselves, the Hiddink has refused to rule out AFP Quizzed about the speculation by reporters ahead his weekly press conference ahead of Sat- urday’s trip to Stoke, van Gaal Tottenham quickly became irritated and it Bony fumes at Pellegrini over Arsenal snub was less than five minutes before he decided he had enough. forward Njie LONDON: Wilfried Bony has today that I didn’t start but I’m Refusing to take any more slammed Manuel Pellegrini for not the coach. questions, the Dutchman walked failing to start him in Manchester “The coach does what he out, saying as he passed a table out for up to City’s defeat at Premier League thinks is best for the team. I’m of mince pies and wine that had title rivals Arsenal. sure everyone on the bench been laid on for the media: “I wish three months Ivory Coast striker Bony had wants to play. He just has to you a merry Christmas and also scored three in four games while choose 11 players. maybe a happy new year when I City’s star forward Sergio Aguero “So when I come on I just try see you. LONDON: Tottenham striker was out with a heel injury. to do my best to try to score or to “Enjoy the wine and a mince Clinton Njie faces up to three But Aguero was back for give an assist to the other players pie. Goodbye.” months on the sidelines after Monday’s clash at the Emir- to score to help the team to win.” Van Gaal only answered three undergoing knee surgery, coach ates Stadium and started as Bony, 27, arrived at City from questions from the broadcast Mauricio Pochettino revealed yes- City lost 2-1 in a match that Swansea in January for a fee of media and then refused to take terday. could have a significant bearing £28m but has only started 10 any questions from the written The Cameroon international on the title race. league games in that time. press. required an operation after sus- With City boss Pellegrini’s He also revealed he would talk It was clear the 64-year-old, taining an injury in Spurs’ Europa position already under increased to Pellegrini about his position who is only halfway through his League win over Monaco a fort- speculation following Pep Guar- amid speculation regarding his three-year contract, was in an night ago. diola’s announcement he will own future. angry mood from the moment he “You never know because be leaving Bayern Munich next “That’s my feeling today,” he took his seat in the media room every day it’s about how the knee year, Bony has heaped more said when asked if he would air at the club’s training ground in responds but maybe two months pressure on the Chilean with his views to his manager. Carrington. or a little bit more,” Pochettino his rant. “We have lost the game so we “Has anybody in this room said. When asked by reporters if he just have to be ready for the next not a feeling to apologise to me? The setback leaves Tottenham deserved to be starting instead of game. I will continue to work hard That’s what I’m wondering,” he even shorter of forward options coming off the bench in the sec- and think about the next game, snapped after being asked about with Harry Kane currently the ond half, Bony said: “I think so. prepare very well then it will Arsene Wenger’s claim Van Gaal’s club’s only out-and-out first-team “He (Aguero) is coming back depend on the coach who he is Manchester City’s Wilfried Bony in action with Arsenal’s Laurent treatment had been “disrespect- striker. from injury. He hasn’t played for a going to put in.” Koscielny during their English Premier league match on Monday. ful”. Pochettino insists Njie, Son couple of weeks. I’m disappointed AFP AFP Heung-min and Nacer Chadli can play up front but all three are more comfortable in an attacking midfield role and Spurs are now likely to step up their search for another striker in January. Wenger springs to Van Gaal’s defence Tottenham moved into the top four for the first time this season LONDON: Arsene Wenger has is going on there. “I think a lot has fact that the managers come out after beating Southampton last blasted media speculation sur- been made on that (Mourinho’s so early for what they will do, weekend and a win at home to rounding Louis van Gaal as dis- departure), and I do not need to because it’s not necessarily good Norwich on Saturday could see respectful. add anything. for their own team, nor for the them climb to third. The Arsenal manager said yes- “I do not want anyone to lose speculation about the managers Pochettino refused to rule out terday that he has “huge respect” their job, my personal feelings who are going through a little bit a potential title challenge by his for Van Gaal, his Manchester on that front is that it is always of a difficult patch. young side. United counterpart, and the sad when someone loses their “I think he is of course a top- “People don’t realise the effort Dutchman’s previous success. job.” quality manager, nobody would we make and how hard our play- And Wenger refused to answer It is not just Van Gaal, but dispute that. Not so much for ers work because we are the questions about the future of Van Manuel Pallegrini at Man- what he has won already, because youngest squad in the Premier Gaal amid speculation United chester City is rumoured to be Bayern won before, Barcelona still League,” Pochettino said. could be lining up a move to under threat, with Spaniard wins today. “Sometimes they deserve more replace him with Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola touted as a pos- “But I think about the positive praise for the position they have. who was recently sacked by Chel- sible successor when he leaves attitude he has towards the game Maybe the team deserve more sea. Bayern Munich at the end of and the fact he wants his team to praise than we have so far. “I do not want to go into a world the season. play football in a positive way. I “Can we win the title? In foot- of speculation,” said Wenger. And while Wenger said he respect that highly.” ball, all is possible.” “I personally have a huge would welcome Guardiola in the Arsenal, who beat third-placed “The last 10 games are very respect for Louis van Gaal and I Premier League, he said it was Manchester City 2-1 on Monday, important and it’s how you arrive think what is going on there is unfair for managers to announce travel to Southampton on Sat- there to attack different objec- disrespectful. in advance their future plans. urday where victory would take tives or achieve important things. “This guy has worked for 30 “Yes, I would welcome (him) them top of the Premier League It’s important how we arrive in Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger gesturing during the English Premier years in football and has delivered to the competition,” said if Leicester City fail to win at Liv- the last 10 games.” League match against Manchester City on Monday. unbelievable quality of work. I Wenger. erpool. AFP think it is a bit disrespectful what “Personally I don’t like the AFP FIFA presents reform package for February congress ZURICH: Shaken by corrup- policy and management positions, and are taking the necessary to 41 in an investigation spanning level.” In future, each member tion scandals, global soccer with a 36-member FIFA council steps.” dozens of countries. association would be responsible body FIFA yesterday presented replacing the 25-member execu- FIFA is in the throes of crimi- The draft statute amendments “for any and all acts of the mem- the detailed reforms it will ask tive committee.. nal investigations in the United released yesterday take respon- bers of their bodies caused by the members to adopt in February at “This is a landmark occa- States and Switzerland. sibility for good conduct right to gross negligence or wilful miscon- a special congress that seeks to sion in the history of FIFA, Its ethics committee this week the top. duct of such members”. restore its reputation and elect and it comes at a crucial time banned Blatter and UEFA boss “The President shall aim to One new statute stipulates that a new leader. as we focus on the hard work Michel Platini, long expected to foster a positive image of FIFA the congress may suspend a mem- The reforms include limiting of restoring credibility and sta- succeed him in the job, for eight and to ensure that FIFA’s mission, ber solely at the request of the the number of terms top officials bility,” acting FIFA President years for ethics violations. Both strategic direction, policies and Council. can serve, following the banning Issa Hayatou said in remarks deny any wrongdoing. values, as defined by the Council, This appeared to be an attempt for eight years of Sepp Blatter prepared for a February 26 con- Soccer bosses from across are protected and advanced,” one to avoid an incident last year, (pictured), who had been FIFA gress in Zurich. South and Central America amendment reads. when the Palestine football asso- president for 17 years. His reign “I hope that all of the confed- were among the latest 16 people It set a similar high bar for ciation proposed the suspension ended in the worst graft scandal erations and our member asso- charged this month by the United Council members, which now of the Israeli FA. of the body’s history. ciations will fully embrace these States with multi-million-dollar must “faithfully, loyally and inde- This sparked fears of similar The amendments also seek to reforms. This will demonstrate to bribery schemes for marketing pendently act in the best interests situations should FAs seek to kick put a tighter rein on FIFA’s 209 the world that we have listened and broadcast rights, bringing of FIFA and the promotion and out political enemies. member associations and separate and learned from recent events the number of indictments so far development of football at global AFP THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Qatar targets show jumping Qatar Stars gold at 2016 Olympic Games League: Top QEF President says Qatari riders shaping up well before the Rio show By Rizwan Rehmat four up the ante

DOHA: Qatar’s show jumping team will be targeting gold at the Olympic Games next year, Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) with key wins president said yesterday. In February this year, the DOHA: Round 14 of the Qatar were able to eke out a 1-0 victory Qatari team earned a place at Stars League (QSL) saw normal over Al Ahli thanks an early goal the Rio 2016 Olympic Games services resume for the big teams from their in-form striker Abder- with victory at the second leg of while some of the smaller teams razzak Hamdallah. the Furusiyya 2015 series in Abu managed to cause an upset or two. The Moroccan ha scored 11 Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Al Sadd kicked off the goals for his team this season (UAE). round with a 5-1 thrashing of and is currently in third place in Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Mesaimeer. The last couple of the goal-scoring charts behind Attiyah, President of QEF, yester- rounds had seen varying results Lekhwiya’s Youssef Msakni (13 day said: “One of our targets was for the Wolves. goals) and Al Rayyan’s Tabata to qualify for the Olympic Games Al Sadd defeated Al Rayyan in (14). and we got that. The other target the Qatar Classico but then lost In the other match, Al Arabi is that we must reach the podium to El Jaish in the next round. Al endured their second consecutive at Rio Games. We are looking for Sadd had gone into this match loss when they went down 1-0 to the gold medal in Brazil and we without a few of their key play- Al Wakrah. Al Arabi was the will be working towards that tar- ers but the bench stepped up and stronger team on paper but that get.” produced a strong performance didn’t translate into a positive Al Attiyah added: “Sure, we are that will make coach not going (to Rio) just to com- Jesualdo Ferreira a pete. We are going there to win happy man. the gold.” The QSL power- Qatari riders Ali Yousef Al houses are currently Rumaihi, Khalid Al Emadi, Ali A trainer with her horse is pictured at the outdoor arena at Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) in Doha yesterday. fourth in the table and bin Khalid Al Thani and Bassem The three-day Qatar International Show Jumping Championship starts at the same venue today. INSET: President will be looking to move Hassan Mohammed emerged of QEF Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah. PICS LOTFI GARSI up higher. as the top contestants as they Mesaimeer with just topped the field in the UAE last four points, and at the February. “This edition of Qatar Inter- rankings) because his top horses five star events. After this event, bottom of the table, are The famous quartet will feature national Cup is the Arab League were not available. You know this they will travel back to Europe to in big trouble right now at this week’s Qatar International Open round as well as a qualifier is a sport in which you have to prepare for the Olympic Games. and will need a mirac- Show Jumping Championship for the Olympic Games,” Al Atti- take care of the horses,” Al Atti- “There’s a deadline for us to ulous performance to that will be held at QEF’s out- yah said. yah said. name the horses next month. avoid relegation. door arena. “It (Arab League Open) started Al Attiyah said Qatar has We have to find one or two best The highlight of The three-day event starts from Morocco and it will end in increased the number of events horses. It is not easy to find the the Monday’s set today at 11:30am. A total of 11 the United Arab Emirates. Qatar held in Doha and overseas, pri- best horses but we are doing our of matches was Al competitions will be held over the International (Dec 24 to 26) and marily because home riders need best,” Al Attiyah said. Kharaitiyat emerg- course of three days. Rayyan International (Jan 1-3) maximum exposure in their build- “Then we will keep an eye on ing victorious against Competition 11 will be an FEI are two separate events. up to the Rio Games. the horses and our riders. Our Qatar Sports Club. World Cup Arab League Open “The prize money (QR1,685,000) “This year we have a lot of riders are well trained and in It was a keenly con- class which is an Olympic Games is high because we need to do top events at the federation premises good shape. tested affair, one that qualifier (certificates capability). events for our riders. We have and at Al Shaqab. We have the “That will give us the chance to saw five goals being Al Attiyah said this week’s two riders - one is Ali Bin Khalid Doha Tour and the final event in battle for the gold medal in Rio,” scored but in the end championship was key to Qatari Al Thani and the other Bassem Katara,” Al Attiyah explained. Al Attiyah said. it was Al Kharaitiyat riders and other competitors who Hassan Mohammed - he is close “Our riders are also compet- who claimed the brag- have already reached Doha. to Ali. Maybe he is a bit far (in ing in Europe. They compete in THE PENINSULA ging rights with a 3-2 victory. As for the table top- pers, Al Rayyan, they QEF, Al Emadi would have gone into their match against Al Sailiya with a little Enterprises bit of nervousness. Al Rayyanare leading the league by ten points sign deal as but Sailiya had exhib- ited great form coming Doha gets into this match, having won four consecutive matches. set for eve nt But a busy second half saw Al Rayyan DOHA: The Qatar Equestrian skipper Rodrigo Tabata Federation (QEF) and Al Emadi convert a penalty in the Enterprises yesterday a sponsor- 86th minute and bring ship deal ahead of this week’s victory to his, albeit Qatar International Show Jump- a win that Al Sailiya ing Championship. made them work hard Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al for. Attiyah, President of QEF, and The other match Mohammed Al Emadi, CEO, Al on Monday ended in Emadi Enterprises, yesterday put a goalless stalemate pen to paper at QEF headquar- between Umm Salal Al Gharafa’s Fahid Sattam Al Shammari and ters. and Al Khor. Chico Flores of Lekhwiya take their argument Al Emadi said: “Regarding the Tuesday was again a to another level during their Qatar Stars League sponsorship, we are not associat- busy day for the QSL (QSL) match at Al Ahli Stadium in Doha on ing ourselves with this event for teams with three teams Tuesday. Lekhwiya won 4-0. nothing. We feel that they (QEF) in action. The spotlight stage a lot of successful events - was on the Match of here in Doha and overseas. They the Week clash between Lekhwiya result for the Dream Team. These organise hugely popular top and Al Gharafa. results mean that they table has events very professionally.” Trainers take their horses for warm-up sessions at Qatar Equestrian Federation’s (QEF) outdoor arena in Doha The defending champions were seen a bit of rejig. Al Rayyan are He added: “We feel the private yesterday. Competitions at the same venue will start at 11:30am today. made to work hard for their vic- leading the table with 39 points. sector should back all sports tory but a brilliant second-half El Jaish have climbed to the events, especially horse racing performance saw them defeat second spot with 29. Lekhwiya and show jumping because riding events related to horse racing not about making money. But we Al Gharafa 4-0 and extend their find themselves in third with 28 is close to our heart. It is part of and show jumping was close to Al have to take part in equal meas- QATAR INTERNATIONAL winning run to six matches. and just one point below them in our culture.” Emadi Enterprises. “The private ure,” Al Emadi said. SHOW JUMPING Djamel Belmadi’s boys have Sadd with 27. Al Emadi said sponsoring sector has to be at all events. It is “Yes, we know this is a gov- rediscovered the form which has Al Arabihave dropped off a bit ernment event but we have to be CHAMPIONSHIP seen them being crowned cham- and find themselves in fifth place equal participants for the sport pions three times in the previous with 23 points. to grow. After all we are doing DOHA: The three-day sched- four seasons. something for our country. We ule at Qatar International Show In the other matches, El Jaish- THE PENINSULA can’t just say ‘we love our coun- Jumping competition to be held try’. When we say that we have at Qatar Equestrian Federa- to show support and mean what tion’s (QEF) Outdoor Arena we say,” he said. starting today. The event ends “We believe that our words on Saturday. should be translated into action. Today We select this line (horse racing) 11:30am - Competition 1 because Qatar does a great job in 1:30pm - Competition 2 Paris and in events held in Doha. 3:30pm - Competition 3 The world talks about our events held in Paris. We are proud to be 6:00pm - Competition 4 part of this success,” he explained. Tomorrow Al Attiyah said: “We are 1;30pm - Competition 5 delighted to have the support of 3:30pm - Competition 6 Al Emadi Enterprises for this event and Al Rayyan Show Jump- 6:00pm - Competition 7 ing Championship (Jan 1 to 3). We Saturday believe these two events will be 11:30am - Competition - 8 Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, President of QEF, and Mohammed Al another extension of our desire to 1:30pm - Competition 9 promote show jumping in Qatar.” Emadi, President of Al Emadi Enterprises, shake hands after a sponsorship 3:30pm - Competition 10 Action from Umm Salal’s match against Al Khor in round 14 of Qatar Stars signing ceremony in Doha yesterday. THE PENINSULA 6:00pm - Competition 11 League at Al Gharafa Stadium. The match ended in a goalless draw. 31 THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015 Sport www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Qatar squad prepares for Rio Olympic Games Chef de Mission Al Fadala talks about aspirations and hopes ahead of the biggest sporting event in the world

DOHA: With less than eight tee (QOC) in 1979. Since then, letes to join them on their Olym- competition in the Furusiyya 2015 months to go to the start of the Team Qatar has grown stronger pic journey. Series in Abu Dhabi and secured Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Team in number and in performances, Commenting on building on their well-deserved qualifying Qatar’s Chef de Mission Mohamed and made history at the London Team Qatar’s sporting momen- spot for Rio. Al Fadala discusses the prepara- 2012 Olympic Games by sending tum, Al Fadala said: “By partici- This is a historic achievement tions, aspirations and hopes for their first female athletes ever pating in the Rio 2016 Olympic for Qatar and the very first time the delegation as they countdown who competed in swimming, Games, the QOC hopes to show Team Qatar has qualified for the to the biggest sporting event in table tennis, athletics and shoot- the true face of its talented Equestrian competition.” the world. ing. London 2012 also saw Team athletes and the hard-working The Qatari National Handball The Rio 2016 Olympic Games Qatar’s sporting heroes Mutaz federations. After winning two Team has also seen similar suc- will mark the 8th time Qatar Barshim and Nasser Al Attiyah bronze medals thanks to Mutaz cess by building on an incredible has participated in the Games, win bronze medals in high jump and Nasser at London 2012, the performance in the 24th Men’s with Qatar’s first appearance and skeet shooting respectively. ambition now is to improve on Handball World Championships in the Games coming in 1984 Since then, Barshim and al-Atti- all fronts; both in terms of an in January 2015 in which they in Los Angeles – only five short yah have continued to dominate increase in the number of partici- placed second after a narrow years since the establishment the international sporting scene pating athletes and Team Qatar’s defeat in the final to Olympic and of the Qatar Olympic Commit- while inspiring local Qatari ath- performance.” World Champions France. Team Al Fadala, who is also the QOC’s Qatar later went on to earn their Director of Public Relations, will qualifying spot to Rio in an amaz- serve as Chef de Mission of the ing 28-19 victory over Iran in the Rio 2016 Delegation Asian Qualifiers, in front of an The Qatari athletes’ delegation elated home crowd. heading to the Rio 2016 Olympic Commenting on the Handball Games is slated to be the biggest team’s qualification, Al Fadala athlete contingent in Qatar’s said: “Qatar’s National Hand- Qatar’s high-jumper Mutaz Barshim, winner of the bronze medal at the history and already include the ball team’s recent success in the 2012 Olympic Games will compete in the Rio Games. National Equestrian Team, the Asian Olympic Qualifiers is a per- Handball Team and many seri- fect example of one of the main Among the members of Qatar’s Sporting Excellence is an integral ous competitors in athletics with things QOC hopes to achieve by National Athletics Team that part of Qatar’s Athlete Develop- several more athletes expected to hosting world-class events such have qualified for the Rio 2016 ment Pathway and has fostered qualify throughout 2016. as the Men’s Handball World Olympic Games is gravity-defy- and developed some of our best Commenting on the equestrian Championships, which is to raise ing high-jumper Mutaz Barshim, home-grown sporting talents such team’s qualification, Al Fadala the level of our athletes by allow- as well as upcoming star Ashraf as Barshim and ElSeify. QOC’s said: “The Qatari Equestrian ing them to compete against the Elseify. Elseify is a two-time commitment to sporting excellence Team has developed considerably very best in the world. By doing Junior World Champion in the takes a grass-roots approach and and is now ranked among the very so we also inspire new athletes Hammer Throw and much like as time progresses we are really best in the world. who for the first time ever can established superstar Barshim, starting to see this bear fruit and In February 2015, Sheikh Ali witness incredible sporting he too graduated from Qatar’s its clear that Team Qatar’s future Ashraf Elseify, a two-time Junior World Champion in the Hammer Throw, bin Khalid Al Thani, Ali Al- spectacles first hand thus each world-class Aspire Academy for grows brighter every year.” who has qualified for the Rio Olympic Games. Rumaihi, Khalid Al Emadi and World Championships leave a Sporting Excellence. Bassem Hassan Mohamed bested lasting legacy for our youth.” “The Aspire Academy for THE PENINSULA

Mullen guides Upholland to victory in Al Karana Cup Pakistan insists recalled paceman Amir rehabilitated

KARACHI: Pakistan’s cricket board yesterday insisted pace- man Mohammad Amir, who is at a national fitness camp after being banned from cricket over a spot-fixing scandal, was fully rehabilitated and deserved another chance at international cricket. The 23-year-old’s attendance at the camp in Lahore is regarded as a first step towards reviving his career after he was jailed in 2011 and hit with a five-year ban for admitting bowling no balls in exchange for cash. “From the first day, Amir has admitted his guilt and has sought Upholland representative Mohamed Al Gazzali receiving the trophy from H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Ali Al Abdullah Al Thani at the Racing and Equestrian Club in Doha yesterday. forgiveness from his country, his Upholland, guided by Richard Mullen, won the Al Karana Cup (Class 1). Erroneous, ridden by Harry Bentley, finished second while Exodus, who had JP Guillambert in the saddle, ended fans and from Pakistanis,” the the 1900 dirt track race in third spot. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement. It said Amir had cooperated with multiple investigations, and continued: “Amir was 19 years old when he was indicted. He came Giri, Carlsen share lead at Qatar Masters Open from a rural underprivileged background and both (the) ICC DOHA: World No.2 Anish Giri Qatar Masters Reigning world champion and (International Cricket Coun- of Netherlands drew his fourth world No.1 Carlsen, who drew cil) and the British justice sys- round match with Li Chao B of Open Chess his first round match with Nino tem were lenient towards Amir China to share the Qatar Mas- Top-five players after Round 4 Batsiashvili of Gergoria has since because of his remorse and coop- ters Open Chess tournament lead Wesley So (USA) 3.5/4 recovered to win next three erative conduct.” with four others. Magnus Carlsen ( Norway) 3.5/4 matches. Carlsen heads a list of According to the board, Amir Yesterday at the Aspire Zone, Maxim Matlakov (Russia) 3.5/4 77 Grandmaster’s taking part in had completed a rehabilitation the 21-year-old Dutch, who had a Anish Giri (Netherlands) 3.5/4 the ten-day championship. It is programme which included “lec- perfect score after three rounds, for the first time since 1971 that tures to junior teams warning Li Chao B (China) 3.5/4 had to share a point with his Chi- a reigning world champion is them against corruption, sessions nese opponent. Magnus Carlsen of Norway, competing in an open event since with psychologists and with sen- Keeping company with Giri at Maxim Matlakov of Russia, and Boris Spassky at Vancouver. ior players”. the top were Wesley So of USA, Chao. THE PENINSULA While completing that pro- gramme, he was allowed to play domestic cricket. Qatar Masters Amir could be included in the Open Chess Pakistan side for the national team’s upcoming tour of New Top pairings of Round 5 Zealand, where they play three GM Carlsen Magnus vs GM Li Chao B one-day internationals and three GM Giri Anish vs GM So Wesley Twenty20 matches. GM Matlakov Maxim vs Amir, then Test captain Sal- GM Kramnik Vladimir man Butt and Mohammad Asif GM Karjakin Sergey vs GM Dubov Daniil were charged with accepting GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar vs GM money in exchange for arrang- Khismatullin Denis ing deliberate no-balls during a GM Yu Yangyi vs Xu Yinglun Test match at Lord’s in England GM Bologan Viktor vs in 2010. GM Wojtaszek Radoslaw The three players and their GM Korobov Anton vs GM Swiercz Dariusz agent Mazhar Majeed were jailed by a British court in 2011. GM Salem A.R. Saleh vs GM Ni Hua At the time, Amir was tipped GM Howell David W L vs as one of the most talented fast GM Ganguly Surya Shekhar bowlers in the world. His ban was GM Sjugirov Sanan vs GM Hou Yifan Anish Giri of Netherlands, who shares the lead at the Qatar Masters relaxed in April this year and IM Vignesh N R vs GM Fedoseev Vladimir Action from the Qatar Masters Open Chess championship at Aspire Zone Open Chess tournament with four others during his fourth round match completely lifted three months in Doha yesterday. The ten-day championship ends on December 29. Venue: Aspire Zone, Women’s Sports with Li Chao B of China in Doha yesterday. ago. Committee Hall from 3.00pm AFP Thursday 24 December 2015 13 Rabia I1437 Volume 20 Sport Number 6654 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Meguid downs Schoor to win Qatar Circuit 2 German proves unlucky for the second time in Doha

DOHA: Number one seed Omar Abdel Meguid ended 2015 on a high by securing his first PSA World Tour title of the year cour- tesy of a resounding victory over Germany’s Jens Schoor in the final of the Qatar Circuit 2. Yesterday at the Khalifa Inter- national Tennis and Squash Com- plex the World No.35 was helped along the way by an injury to his semi-final opponent, Iker Pajares Bernabeu, which meant that Meguid could get off the court before two games had elapsed, ensuring he had fresh legs for the final encounter. Schoor on the other hand was forced into a fourth game by Malaysia’s Ivan Yuen but eased to victory without dropping a point in the final game. Meguid started Omar Abdel Meguid (right) of Egypt, winner of the Qatar Circuit 2 tourna- the match on the front foot and ment, poses for a picture with runner-up Jens Schoor (left) of Germany dictated the tempo of the fixture, and Talal Ali Abdullah Al Mawlawi, Assistant General Secretary of Qatar moving Schoor around the court Squash Federation at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex cleverly and attacking whenever in Doha yesterday. ANVAR SADATH he was presented with some space. This approach paid immedi- ate dividends and the 27-year-old Egyptian quickly rose into a two- game advantage to put himself on the cusp of victory. Meguid had too much for his opponent and sealed the win and leave Schoor ruing a second successive final defeat in this season’s Qatar Circuit. THE PENINSULA