ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED NEWSPAPER

Monday 11 March 2013 29 Rabial II 1434 - Volume 18 Number 5635 Price: QR2

Shareholders Squash: Qatar’s approve QIIB’s Tamimi reigns $2bn sukuk supreme

Business | 21 Sport | 29

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Qatar in major gas Emir meets Bosnian Deputy Premier find after 42 years 2.5 tcf of natural gas discovered in an offshore field

DOHA: Qatar, the world’s larg- has been made after four years German company Wintershall est exporter of liquefied natural of intensive exploration activi- entered into an exploration gas (LNG) which sits over mas- ties, including the drilling of two and production sharing agree- sive natural gas reserves, has exploration wells. This discovery ment (EPSA) for Block 4 North discovered as much as 2.5 tril- is the result of QP’s implementa- in November 2008. Mitsui Gas lion cubic feet (tcf) of natural tion of the guidance of the Emir Development Qatar joined in gas in an offshore field (Block 4 H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa 2010 by acquiring 20 percent of North). Al Thani, to intensify the explo- the contractor’s interest under This is Qatar’s first new dis- ration and development of our the EPSA with Wintershall covery of gas in 42 years — the natural resources and increase retaining 80 percent interest last find (of its biggest gas field) Qatar’s hydrocarbon reserves,” and operatorship. was in 1971. H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh The uncovering of the gas This discovery was made after Al Sada, the Minister of Energy field after an interval of 42 years four years of intensive explora- and Industry, said yesterday after triggered eager reactions from tion activities, at the block in the announcing the major discovery. Qatar’s industry leaders. H E Khuff formation and in the imme- Block-4N exploration agree- Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, diate vicinity of the North Field, ment is one of a series of explo- Chairman, Qatar Administrative the world’s largest natural gas field. ration and production sharing Control and Transparency The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bosnia- The new discovery can, agreement (EPSA) that Qatar Authority, who is also the former Herzegovina, Zlatko Lagumdzija, at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. Talks during the meeting dealt with bilateral though, in no way be compared Petroleum has signed with inter- energy minister, said the new ties and ways to promote them. to the huge reserves of the North national oil companies to explore discovery will enhance Qatar’s Field which are estimated at a Qatar’s Oil & Gas resources over supply capacity. “Wintershall whopping 900 trillion cubic feet. the last few years. The Block-4N began its operations years ago The new field that has been dis- exploration agreement, which to develop the well,” Al Attiyah covered covers 544 square kilo- now achieved its goal, is dedi- said in a phone-in interview with metres and has water depths of cated for Khuff gas exploration, Al Sharq from Germany. Court sentences two state around 70 metres. the minister said. THE PENINSULA “Gas discovery in Block-4N Qatar Petroleum (QP) and Continued on page 2 staff to community service DOHA: A lower Qatari court minor offence to prison, ask him department that employs the has ordered two state employ- to do community service for a convict. ees — both nationals — to do maximum 12 days. The Attorney General’s deci- community service for 10 days In case a convict refuses to sion, for instance, specifies that an each after it convicted them of abide by a court’s community employee of the Ministry of Awqaf a minor offence. service order, he is liable to be and Islamic Affairs found guilty The court verdict is path- sentenced to 12 weeks in jail. of committing a minor offence breaking and comes barely four One of the above convicts has could be asked by a preliminary days after Qatar’s Attorney been asked to memorise verses of court to either memorise verses General issued a decision based the Holy Quran for 10 days, while of the Holy Quran or help others on amendments to a 2009 penal the other will supervise cleaning do that, or do cleaning work in a code suggesting community serv- in a mosque for a similar period. mosque as punishment — both for ice for the employees of some While a minor offence com- a short period of time as a com- ministries and state agencies who mitted by an employee of a des- munity service. are accused of committing minor ignated state departments or Local Arabic daily Al Watan offence while on duty. ministries is to be reported to a hinted that the two erring H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada posing for a group picture with other officials after announcing the discovery Vide the decision a preliminary lower court by the Prosecution, employees might have been found court could, instead of sentencing the court order is to be exe- guilty of assaulting someone. of new gas reserves, in Doha, yesterday. a state employee charged with a cuted by the ministry or the THE PENINSULA

Syria rebels postpone meeting to form govt QCB issues QR4bn debt AMMAN: Syria’s opposition be held on March 12 after being political prisoner after Assad took immediately to pre-empt any deal DUBAI: The Qatar Central Bank yesterday issued QR1bn ($300m) has postponed a meeting to form postponed once already, has been over from his father in 2000. that could see Assad remaining in of local currency sukuk and QR3bn of local currency conventional a provisional government, in rescheduled for March 20, but it Labwani said the coalition was power, Labwani said. bonds, as part of an adjustment of monetary policy and in order to the latest setback to opposition was uncertain it would be held split in two over the merits of A second coalition source said help commercial banks meet Basel III liquidity requirements. Local efforts to create an administra- even then, the sources said. forming government, with some that the meeting could go ahead on currency debt will be issued every quarter, half with three-year tion to take over if President “We cannot afford a split over preferring to wait to see if UN March 20 and that even if only a maturities and half with five-year, the central bank said in a state- Bashar Al Assad is ousted, coali- this issue any more. The revolu- mediator Lakhdar Brahimi’s small number of members attended ment. It did not give specific dates or sizes for future issues, saying tion sources said yesterday. tion was not born chaotic,” said efforts to form a transitional they could approve a government they would be announced later. See also page 21 The Syrian National Coalition coalition member Kamal Al government as part of a politi- with a simple majority. meeting to elect a provisional Labwani, a veteran opposition cal compromise succeed. Other REUTERS Obama’s Israel visit from March 20 prime minister, which was due to figure who spent nine years as a wanted to form a government See also page 9 JERUSALEM: US President Barack Obama’s three-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories will begin on March 20, Israel said yesterday, in the first official announcement of the Doha witnesses light rains much-anticipated visit. A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Aster Hospital to Netanyahu’s bureau said Obama was due to arrive on Wednesday, March 20, at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv and then head to come up near FFC Jerusalem for talks with President Shimon Peres and a dinner meeting with Netanyahu. . See also page 8 DOHA: DM Healthcare, which runs the Aster clinics in Qatar, Falklands residents vote in referendum yesterday announced plans to open its first hospital in the LONDON: Residents of the Falkland Islands yesterday voted in a country by early 2015. referendum intended to show the world that they want to stay British The 50-bed Aster hospital amid increasingly bellicose claims by Argentina. Buenos Aires has dis- will be built in the Airport missed the vote as meaningless, but witnesses reported up to 90 peo- Area (behind the Family Food ple waiting in the rain to vote at a polling station in Stanley. Britain Center) at an estimated cost of has held the barren islands since 1833. Full report on page 13 QR60m, it was disclosed yes- terday. The facility, once ready Japan marks 2nd tsunami anniversary will become the fifth private hospital in Qatar. TOKYO: Japan today marks the second anniversary of a fero- The Group yesterday signed cious tsunami that claimed nearly 19,000 lives and sparked the an agreement with the Qatar- worst nuclear accident in a generation. The government will host based Al Estiana Real Estate a national ceremony in Tokyo, attended by Emperor Akihito and Development which will be Doha overcast by dark clouds. The city witnessed light rains last evening. The weather could be windy and Empress Michiko, to mourn 15,881 people who died and 2,668 others responsible for construction and partly cloudy today, with chances of scattered rains in some places in the country, the weather bureau said who remain unaccounted for. They and the rest of the nation will commissioning of the hospital yesterday. Report on page 4 QASSSIM RAHMATULLAH observe a moment of silence at 2:46pm (0546 GMT), the moment a project. THE PENINSULA 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck on March 11, 2011, in waters off Full report on page 3 the northeastern Pacific coast. AGENCIES MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME 29th Gulf Traffic Week begins Emir receives Gaza minister First day sees cultural events, police canines and cavalry parade

DOHA: Director General of to the tent to watch artistic per- spread traffic awareness through Al Mahmoud School, Sumayya Public Security (DGPS) Staff formances by children. Major public participation,” the direc- Primary Independent School for Major General Saad bin Jassim Mukheem Al Khayareen, head tor said. Girls and Malik bin Anas School Al Khulaifi opened 29th Gulf of media and traffic awareness, He added that more joint presented cultural events. Traffic Week activities being at delivered a speech on behalf of efforts are required to ensure An awareness stage show called Darb Al Sai ground near Sports Brigadier Mohammed Saad Al traffic safety noting that the Saloom & Radar enthralled the Roundabout. Kharji, Director of the Traffic department tries in partnership audience well. The script was After the DGPS cut the ribbon Department. with various government and pri- written by Teyseer Abdullah marking the launch of activities, “Today we celebrate the 29th vate entities to get out the best and the play was directed by Ali a parade was performed by the Gulf Traffic Week embodying the solutions for traffic issues. Al-Sharshini. police music band followed by spirit of brotherhood and cooper- Talib Afifa, a victim of traf- Later, the DGPS and the vis- units of police canines, cavalry ation among the GCC countries fic accident presented a poem iting delegations took a tour of and camels. in the face of common concerns explaining the tragedies of those various stalls set up by companies, Staff Major General Al and challenges to establish rules ignoring traffic rules and man- ministries and other entities. Khulaifi and guests then headed and etiquette of traffic and ners. Students from Abdullah THE PENINSULA

The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani receiving Gaza’s Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs Ismail Radwan at the Emiri Diwan yesterday.

Boost for electricity production Continued from page 1

Fahad Hamad Al Mohannadi, General Manager, Qatar Electricity and Water Company, who is also a board member of QP, said the discovery will help boost Qatar’s electricity production capacity in a substantial way. Rainer Seele, CEO of Wintershall, said: “Wintershall has been actively exploring in Qatar for more than 30 years and we are pleased with the results of the wells in Block 4 North. We are looking forward to proving our capabilities as a reliable and technically competent operator and partner, and to extend the excellent working relationship Director General of Public Security Staff Major General Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi, along with senior Ministry of Interior officials inaugurating the 29th with QP in this potential future development.” Gulf Traffic Week at Darb Al Sai ground, yesterday. (ABDUL BASIT) THE PENINSULA Workshop on press freedom violations DOHA: A workshop on moni- It also aims to introduce a The workshop will discuss toring press freedom violations unified set of standards for the state of media following the in the Arab region is being held fact-finding, documenting viola- Arab Spring to answer the core at Concord Doha hotel. tions and organising advocacy question of whether respect for The three-day event is organ- campaigns. press freedoms has increased ised by the Doha Centre for Media DCMF General Director after regime changes, or viola- Freedom (DCMF). Jan Keulen said: “Amid the tions against media have taken Participants include repre- increased targeting of media new shapes. sentatives of various Arab and and journalists in the region, The workshop will also exam- international media development we all have an obligation to ine increased national-level organisations. assess the way we address this efforts by non-governmental The workshop seeks to identify gloomy reality. In this con- organisations to monitor and and evaluate the ongoing moni- text, the workshop represents document press freedom viola- toring efforts led by regional and an opportunity to collectively tions in countries such as Yemen, international organisations in brainstorm about the reality Palestine and Tunisia among light of increasing press freedom of violations and the means to others. violations. address it.” THE PENINSULA 1,000 delegates to attend 7th World Cargo Symposium

DOHA: The 7th World Cargo Symposium organ- ised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is to be held under the patronage of Minister of Economy and Finance H E Yousef Hussain Kamal. Final preparations are under way to welcome more than 1,000 delegates to one of the world’s larg- est meeting of air freight executives and stakehold- ers taking place this week. The event to be held from Tuesday to Thursday, will focus on the role of the Middle East in the global air cargo industry and address the challenges and opportu- nities the industry face. Qatar Airways is the conference host, while its freight subsidiary Qatar Airways Cargo is the main sponsor. Local spon- sors include International Bank of Qatar (IBQ), Ooredoo (formerly Qtel) and Alfardan Automobiles. The Minister will give an address on the opening day. IATA Director General Tony Tyler and Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker will give speeches. QNA MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Aster Hospital to come up near airport 50-bed facility to cost QR60m

DOHA: DM Healthcare, which Chairman and Managing Director runs the Aster clinics in Qatar, of DM Healthcare, told a press yesterday announced plans to conference at Crown Plaza hotel. open its first hospital in the “We are now entering the ter- country by early 2015. tiary sector with our first Aster The 50-bed Aster hospital Hospital that will be ready in two will be built in the Airport Area years,” he said. (behind Family Food Centre) at Asked about services and the an estimated cost of QR60m, it fee structure of the new hospital, was disclosed yesterday. he said: “We mainly target the Aster Hospital is the 15th hos- middle-income segment of the pital of DM Healthcare, a lead- population and families coming in ing healthcare conglomerate in the income bracket of QR7,000 to the GCC and India, and its ninth QR12,000 (per month). multi-speciality hospital in the “However, such considerations Dr Azad Moopen, Chairman and Managing Director of DM Healthcare, and Mohammed Johar, Director of Al Estiana Consortium,exchanging documents GCC. will become immaterial when at the contract signing ceremony at the Crown Plaza Hotel yesterday. (SALIM MATRAMKOT) The group yesterday signed an Qatar implements the proposed agreement with Qatar-based Al national insurance scheme in the diet and nutrition, etc. and a well-equipped pharmacy. Operations in Qatar; Mohamad DM Healthcare launched Estiana Real Estate Development, next three years.” The diagnostic services in The facility will be connected Meslah and CEO of Al Khater operations in Qatar in 2003 and which will be responsible for con- Aster Hospital will offer gen- radiology such as MRI scan, CT through satellite networks with Sharafuddin Iqbal, among other operates six medical centres, six struction and commissioning of eral specialities such as family scan and digital X-Ray and Pax Aster medical and diagnostic cen- dignitaries, were present at the pharmacies and two diagnostic the hospital project. medicine, gynaecology and obstet- services will be made available tres and pharmacies in Qatar. signing ceremony. centres. They are located in res- “We have been serving peo- rics, paediatrics, dentistry, oph- along with full-fledged pathology Mohammed Johar, Director of Al Estiana is a consortium for idential and business districts, ple in Qatar for over the past 10 thalmology, ENT, orthopaedics, services through an advanced Al Estiana; Hamad Mubarak Al developing hospitals and schools including Musherib, C Ring years and our six Aster clinics dermatology, general surgery as laboratory. Khater, Chairman of Al Khater in Qatar, formed by Al Khater Road, Al Hilal, Al Rayyan, Al are receiving 1,500 patients daily well as services such as clinical The hospital will also have phys- Business Centre; Dr Sameer Business Centre, Al Umra Real Khor and Industrial Area. on an average,” Dr Azad Moopen, psychology, physiotherapy and ical rehabilitation departments Moopan, CEO of DM Healthcare’s Estate and Al Magd Development. THE PENINSULA Widam signs agreement to supply subsidised cattle feed DOHA: Qatar Company for the launch of Widam perfectly supporting our shareholders, we sales processes of the feed will be “In the future, we will establish state’s predetermined amounts Meat & Livestock Trading — timed with this announcement,” have signed a coordination agree- simple and well-managed. new selling points to cover all of and approved prices at QR16 for Widam (formerly Mawashi), Ahmed Nasser Sraiya Al Kaabi, ment with the Department of “Widam has provided special Doha, which will be revealed at a barley and QR10 for shuar. has signed a cooperation agree- Managing Director and CEO of Supply allowing us to distribute locations and private stores for later stage.” In addition to subsidised feed, ment with the Department of Widam, said. subsidised feed,” he said. these processes, and the compa- WIDAM yesterday started Widam also offers clients a wide Supply at the Central Tenders “We hope this agreement Jamil Omran, Sales and ny’s employees will be available selling cattle feed that consists variety of feed sourced from Committee to be one of the would support domestic animal Marketing Manager at Widam, every day from 5am to 5pm and of barley and shuar through many countries, including Qatar, main distributors of subsidised resources and hold many returns said: “Since we are available at the on Fridays from 5am to 10.30am the main outlet in the Central Australia, America, Sudan, Iran cattle feed in Qatar, a press for investors. Central Market, we expect heavy and from 1pm to 5pm to provide Market. and the UAE, the statement release said yesterday. “Based on our commitment to demand, but we can confirm to all any assistance and support for all Sales will be limited to Qatari added. “We’re very happy to see cattle breeders and to continue our clients and customers that all cattle breeders. cattle breeders, based on the THE PENINSULA MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Maher Attar’s solo expo Deputy Premier meets Bosnian Deputy PM opens at Amima Gallery Exhibition features lomography photographs of Qatar

BY RAYNALD C RIVERA as I see it through photos,” he “But here you can see the explained. result; it’s a mix, the old fashion DOHA: Renowned Doha-based From breathtaking landscapes of photography and new technol- Lebanese photographer Maher to towering skyscrapers to dhows ogy as they are printed on very Attar offers a snippet of what and horses, the diverse collection high quality Epson digigraph the public might expect from an of photos offers a glimpse into paper. upcoming book at his solo exhi- Qatar and its people. “Digigraphie is done by Epson bition which opened yesterday Compared to his previous exhi- to give importance to photogra- at Anima Gallery. bitions, Attar has used lomogra- phy in which the images are lim- “The 21 photos on display is phy camera in capturing all the ited edition and can last for many Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud with part of a project which I started images, which he called a ‘bet’ and years.” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bosnia-Herzegovina Zlatko Lagumdzija, yesterday. in 2007 to document the real many times a challenge. Currently the director of culture of Qatar amid its rising “For me, it’s a big bet with the image bank at the office of towers,” Attar told The Peninsula, the new technology today, but I H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, adding he has so far taken over a wanted to do something differ- Maher Attar has 30 years of hundred photos for his project in ent,” he said. experience at international photo Weather department forecasts scattered rains progress. “Lomography concept is some- agencies. Titled ‘A still on a land in thing completely different. Under He is the founder of Art & DOHA: The weather could be and in the north. These areas dust. Offshore, the wind speed motion’, the exhibition features this concept, you work with a very Privilege publishing company, windy and partly cloudy today, could witness rains today as well. has been forecast at between 25 lomography photographs taken basic camera, with plastic lens, which has published a number with chances of scattered rains The maximum temperature has and 35 knots. There will be high in various places in Qatar with with expired film, one speed, with of books on Qatar including Souk in some places in the country, been forecast at 28 degrees Celsius, tides as well. Temperatures might a variety of subjects, all aimed at all the faults. If you lose a shot, Wa k i f in 2006 and DOHArama in the weather bureau said yes- while the minimum would be 21 vary between 21 and 28 degrees documenting the quintessence it’s over.” 2010. terday. “Though you may see degrees. Since the wind direction Celsius until Wednesday, while of Qatari culture as seen by the The project has been a great The exhibition is open to the the sun shine after early after- would be north-westerly initially, from Thursday it would be a bit photographer. challenge for Attar, in which he public at Anima Gallery until May noon,” a forecaster said. it could bring moderate chill. hotter with the mercury soaring “Doha is different from has to wait for two months to get 28. The limited edition photos are Doha witnessed light rains last In some places the wind, with up, to 32 to 33 degrees Celsius, the Dubai and other Gulf cities the films back from Paris where for sale. evening, but the showers were speeds ranging from 10 to 27 knots, forecaster said. and I wanted to document this the photos are printed. THE PENINSULA moderate on the eastern coast could throw up light to heavy THE PENINSULA

Nominations invited for International Francophonie Day Wise Prize for Education

DOHA: Nominations have been fifth World Innovation Summit invited for the 2013 Wise Prize for Education, taking place on for Education. October 29, 31 in Doha. The win- Now in its third year, the Prize ner will receive a prize of $500,000 is the first major global recogni- and a gold medal. tion of an individual or team of up The 2012 Wise Prize for to six people for an outstanding Education Laureate is Dr Madhav contribution to education. Chavan, a former chemistry Nominations are sought from teacher who devised a simple all sectors private, public and but innovative formula based on voluntary and from around the partnership to spread education, world. literacy and numeracy at minimal Those nominated should have cost. demonstrated an inspiring and The NGO of which he is co- visionary approach and a proven founder and CEO, Pratham, track record of achievement in started in the slums of Mumbai the field of education. and is now the largest non- Submissions must be made governmental provider of basic through the Wise website www. literacy and numeracy for wise-qatar.org/nominate-wise- underprivileged children in prize-2013 by 11.59pm (GMT) on India. Millions of children ben- April 30. efit from these programs each Valid nominations will be year. reviewed by an international com- The inaugural Laureate of the mittee of education experts and WISE Prize for Education in the final selection will be made by 2011, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, is the The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari with ambassadors and heads of missions of member states of the a high-level Jury of distinguished founder of BRAC, one of the larg- International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) during a lunch hosted by the French Ambassador Jean-Christophe Peaucelle. The International individuals chaired by Dr Abdulla est non-governmental providers Francophonie Day is celebrated all around the world on March 20 every year. bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of of education in the world, whose Wise. diverse programs have benefited The winner will be announced millions of people in 10 countries before an international and across three continents. multi-sectoral audience at the THE PENINSULA Ezdan Malls general manager honoured

DOHA: Malik Qaiser Awan ment to his management team and brands who believe in making (pictured), General Manager staff who contributed immensely change happen. of Ezdan Malls, was honoured throughout his career. Awan is a senior management with the ‘Leadership Award Asia Retail Congress is Asia’s professional with a remarkable for Retail Excellence’ at the most important global platform track record spanning over two Asia Retail Congress by an to promote world class retail decades in the mid to high–end independent jury of eminent practices aimed at company segment with some of the world’s professionals from around chairs, presidents, CEO’s from leading retail chains across the the world, in Mumbai, India. leading international retailers Mena region and Asia. He attributed the achieve- and directors of international THE PENINSULA Doha E-health Dialogue on Wednesday

DOHA: The Doha E-health Dialogues will hold its first roundtable on March 13 on National Electronic Patient Health Records. The Doha E-health Dialogues was launched by International law firm Pinsent Masons and a leading professional serv- ices firm PwC. The event at W Hotel Doha will feature speak- ers including Matthew Godfrey-Faussett, Partner from Pinsent Masons, and Dr Fadi Al Buhairan, Health Industries- Technology, from PwC. A presentation from Peeter Ross, senior con- sultant at e-Europe will also share the experiences of Estonia in implement- ing an Electronic Health Record System, the first country where such a sys- tem has been implemented. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Emir sends invitation to Kuwait, Sudan

IKEA opens Doha store today DOHA: The Emir of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah has received a message from the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani inviting him to the 24th session of the Arab League 33,000sqm shop offers over 7,500 home furnishing items Council in Doha this month. The message was handed over by Qatar’s Ambassador to Kuwait Abdul Aziz BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB Saad Al Fuheid during an audience with Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed. Meanwhile, Sudan’s President Omar Hassan Al Bashir received a written DOHA: The Swedish furni- message from the Emir, containing a invitation to the 24th session of the ture retailer, IKEA, is launch- Council. ing its Qatar store today with The message was delivered by Qatar’s Ambassador to Sudan Rashid bin the official opening ceremony Abdulrahman Al Nuaimi during a meeting with Al Bashir. of its trademark blue box store QNA at Doha Festival City, John Kersten, Managing Director IKEA – UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Oman, told a press con- ference yesterday. This will be IKEA’s first store in Qatar and 341st world- wide. Spread over 33,000sqm, the store will offer over 7,500 home furnishing items, besides several other facilities such as restaurants. Around 300 trained IKEA employees have been recruited to assist visitors in the “unique IKEA way of customer service”. The company expects about 1.6 million visitors over the next 12 months. “The IKEA store is a day out for the entire family. The store’s display areas give families plenty to talk and think about and the restaurant and children’s play area called Smaland can keep John Kersten (right), Managing Director, IKEA — UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Oman, and James McGowan, Regional everyone content and enter- Brand Communications Manager, at a press conference at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, yesterday. tained,” Kersten said. (QASSIM RAHMATULLAH) Products will be available on bank loan (on the instalment Kersten highlighted the IKEA store visit. payment basis) at zero percent furniture giant’s unique con- “Almost 80 percent of Qatar’s interest. IKEA has signed a deal cept and retail model and said residents have previously with Commercialbank for it. IKEA’s cost-structure, pricing interacted with IKEA stores The newest outlet is the larg- policy and iconic store platform and products in other loca- est in the region and first of its are the three key ingredients of tions worldwide. This means kind in the world, with the high- its global business model that that IKEA’s brand affinity and The newest outlet est number of local adaptation. benefits millions of custom- awareness is already present in is the largest Among the 40 local features, ers through home furnishing Qatar,” said Kersten. in the region it has three separate majlises for solutions at the lowest possible He believes that Qatar is an male and female visitors. price. extremely robust and promising and first of This is the third IKEA store Details of IKEA products and market for IKEA’s operations, its kind in the in the region, managed by Al solutions are available in a 330- expecting quick community world, with Futtaim group. page catalogue which reaches endorsement of IKEA’s con- the highest The Al Futtaim group oper- 211 million people in 41 coun- cept and innovative products ates IKEA stores in the UAE tries every year. to enhance their home living number of local at Dubai Festival City and Yas About 150,000 copies of the environments. adaptation. Island, Abu Dhabi. It plans to catalogue, which is also available Present were James open a store in Egypt, at Cairo online, have been distributed for McGowan, Regional Brand Festival City, as part of IKEA’s free to households across Qatar Manager, Venessa Kaye, expansion strategy across the to help people draw inspiration Country Marketing Manager, Public Relations, and others. region. and better prepare for their Georgios Kotsolios, Director THE PENINSULA MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 06 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

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

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

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

Kenyatta in Kenya Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

HE victory of Uhuru Kenyatta in Kenya’s presidential polls has presented the international community with some tough choices. Kenyatta, Obama’s well-timed Tthe son of Kenya’s first president, faces charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague arising from post-election violence in 2007 and he has been accused of using his vast wealth to pivot to the Pacific bankroll death squads that slaughtered women and children. His running mate William Ruto also faces similar charges. BY JIM HOAGLAND The electoral commission announced on Saturday that capable of restraint when it is pushed Kenyatta scraped to a first round win over his main rival, onto him — and the arrival of the new Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in Monday’s election. Odinaga RESIDENT Obama’s determina- Chinese leadership under Xi Jinping tion to get US troops out of the that was showcased at the People’s The continuing has disputed the results and has threatened to go to court. PMiddle East and Central Asia is National Congress in Beijing this last development by China Kenya is one of Africa’s foremost states and having to much clearer than are his purposes in week. More to the point, the continu- deal with a leader who is facing charges at the ICC will cause repositioning US military assets into the ing development by China of its mari- of its maritime power, extreme embarrassment to the international community, Pacific. He seems at times to be a man time power, missile forces, anti-satellite missile forces, anti- fleeing a burning building looking for a capabilities and cyberspying creates including the United States. Washington, some Western satellite capabilities and leaders and former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan have calmer place to go. the need for a new US strategy in the But his geographic “pivot” can work Pacific. cyberspying creates made it clear, though not in clear terms, that Kenyatta if Obama defines his goals realistically It is now accepted at the Pentagon would not be welcome. But they are in a predicament. He and pursues them with a combination of that an attack by Beijing on Taiwan the need for a new US has been elected by his people, and how do you reverse that firmness and opportunism. By design or could not be successfully turned back strategy in the Pacific. decision? And how will the ICC deal with the case in the new otherwise, he is locating pressure points by US planes and ships. The dense situation? and acquiring bargaining chips in Asia deployment of missile batteries along psychological pressure on China at Kenyatta can’t be ignored that can be useful in fashioning a more the mainland Chinese coast has shifted this point. They can be toned up, or stable US relationship with China. the immediate balance of power, mean- down, depending on how conflictual the because Kenya can’t be ignored. This contrasts with his first-term ing that the United States will now US-China relationship becomes. The victory of Kenya’s assistance is crucial in failure in deal- depend on its ability to inflict massive The Obama pivot has caught Beijing’s Uhuru Kenyatta the battle against Indian Ocean ing with Iran, retaliatory damage to deter China from attention. Chinese intellectuals com- piracy and in tackling regional the Israeli- crossing the Taiwan Strait. “We can no plain that Washington has made no Palestinian con- longer be a shield,” says a senior military attempt to explain the Air-Sea Battle in polls has put problems including violence in the Wisely managed, Democratic Republic of Congo. flict and other planner. “We have to switch to being an concept to Beijing or to engage in a the international Obama’s pivot challenges where effective spear.” strategic dialogue about China’s “vital The UN relies on bases in Kenya he armed him- China’s growing ability to interfere interests” in the South China Sea. The community in a from which to help run big trans- gives the president self only with with or destroy US military satellites need for China to explain actions that predicament. national operations across the a chance to test good intentions has also spurred the Navy’s develop- have put its neighbours and Washington continent. Nairobi, the capital of the still uncertain and pious wishes ment of a still-embryonic war-fighting on edge — including its human rights Kenya, is home to the largest US before hitting doctrine known as the Air-Sea Battle abuses at home — is less evident to but not foreclosed walls of resist- concept — essentially an attempt to rep- them. embassy in Africa and a sprawling United Nations campus ance. No wonder licate at sea the coordination between That will have to change before that runs programmes around the world, making it difficult possibilities of he longs to wash air and armour defences that NATO there can be a meaningful leadership both for US and UN to do anything drastic. change with and in his hands of the employed in Western Europe during dialogue involving Xi and Obama. But The chances are that the international community will China. troubled, ungrate- the Cold War. this time at least, Obama has improved have to accept the new realities. Already the ICC has agreed ful Middle East Hillary Clinton’s first-term diplomacy his chances for success by introducing to postpone the trial, and more postponements are entirely (which will not let provides Obama with another oppor- a set of complications and potential him move away that easily). tunity. She skillfully converted the punishments that the new generation possible. Countries like China are likely to embrace the new The president may be on steadier anxiety of China’s neighbours over that of Chinese leaders may prefer to avoid. leaders, forcing other leaders to follow suit. ground in Asia if his deft handling of country’s assertiveness into a common Xi has emphasized to at least one Kenya’s press has called for reconciliation between the the visit by Japanese Prime Minister front. Not long ago I heard Vietnam’s high-level foreign visitor that his cohort winners and losers in the presidential election, but calm Shinzo Abe last month is any guide. ambassador to Washington, Nguyen came of age during the turmoil of Mao’s prevailed in the country the day after results were declared, Obama underlined US support for Japan Quoc Cuong, publicly describe the US Cultural Revolution. They were either in striking contrast to the aftermath of the 2007 polls. without getting bogged down in details military presence in the Pacific as “a Red Guards persecuting their elders and of the nasty islands dispute between stabilizing factor” in world politics. Live siblings, victims of such persecution or The Sunday Nation said the conciliatory tone adopted Tokyo and Beijing. And his warmth long enough and you will see and hear in many cases both persecutor and vic- by Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto after the election toward Abe was carefully calibrated to everything, I suppose. tim at different phases of that vastly was “certainly a good start toward confronting the deep encourage the Japanese prime minister But these pressure points — solidar- destructive period. They have witnessed ethnic divisions in the country brought about by political to shelve his own penchant for nation- ity with Japan, friendship with Asian the price of taking gigantic risks with competition”. alistic rhetoric. nations upset over China’s growing stability. Wisely managed, Obama’s pivot For pivots as well as people, timing is shadow, expanding deployment of US gives the president a chance to test the The country needs peace, stability and economic progress, everything. This turn fortunately coin- missile defence systems around China still uncertain but not foreclosed pos- and dialogue is the only way forward. If Kenyatta is ready for cides with the return to office of Abe and putting a few more ships and sibilities of change with and in China. reconciliation, he must be given a chance • — a tough-minded, activist politician Marines in the Pacific — exert mostly WP-BLOOMBERG The other side Quote of Iraq invasion: A total waste the day HE final judgment on the little.” Bowen had analyzed many hun- higher. No accurate figure is ever likely Saddam Hussein was a calamity. It US invasion of Iraq and its dreds of audits and site inspections to be known, but 170,000 dead was also a disaster for US big busi- catastrophic consequences conducted all over Iraq and visits to a between 2003 and the end of last year ness, which assumed blithely that Tfor the country and its people large number of Iraqi and US officials seems to be a conservative estimate. once the dictator was ousted, a My father is happy, has very much been delivered in a US and politicians. The bottom line of his To this must be added many more grateful Iraqi population would have report just published. Though “Learning findings was that at least $ 8 billion had people who have been maimed for life, welcomed US oil and construction because now he sees I from Iraq” deals with the waste and simply disappeared through corruption, as well as tens of thousands of widows companies into the country, awarding am more famous than ineffectiveness of US money spent on poor security and a breakdown in com- and orphans. And this year of course, lucrative reconstruction contracts and rebuilding the country, its conclusions munications with Iraqi authorities. The as the three-year-old national unity gov- generous new licenses for oil and gas Ban Ki-moon, the can be applied to the whole US remaining $ 52bn had not been spent ernment of Nouri Al-Maliki proves ever exploration and production. Secretary-General of involvement in Iraq from the 2003 effectively. less national and ever-more incapable Bush and his family were oil men. assault on Saddam Hussein. Nor is this by any means all that of unity, Al Qaeda terrorists are taking His Vice President Dick Cheney had the United Nations. In his final report before his office is the United States wasted in its Iraq an almost daily toll of lives, with bomb- been boss of the oil firm Halliburton. wound up, the Inspector General for intervention. The war and subsequent ings and shootings, designed to re-start Many of the neocons who surrounded He was the most Iraq Reconstruction, Stuart Bowen occupation cost in the region of $ 800 inter-ethnic violence. Bush were linked to some of the largest famous Korean person Psy concluded that Washington’s $ 60 billion and nearly 5,000 US lives. The For Iraq and its people, the deci- American corporations. Korean Singer of billion rebuilding effort had “achieved butcher’s bill for Iraqis was considerably sion by George W. Bush to topple ARAB NEWS before me. Gangnam Style MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 North Korea’s attitude hurts China

facing a host of domestic problems from Even the modicum corruption to pollution. Besides the February 12 nuclear of affection Chinese test and a long-range rocket launch in December, Pyongyang last week threat- ened the United States with a preemptive used to feel towards nuclear attack, a largely empty warning since experts believe it does not have the North Koreans, capability to hit the US mainland. North Korea has also told China it was ready to push ahead with a fourth and brothers-in-arms even a fifth nuclear test, a top official with direct access to both capitals told during the 1950- Reuters in February. “The timing of this with the new lead- ership coming onboard causes some dis- 53 Korean War, has cussion amongst the leaders when there normally would be very little foreign pol- all but vanished, icy discussion,” said Paul Haenle, former China director on the US National Security Council and White House rep- the country and its resentative to the North Korea denu- clearisation talks. leader becoming “The elites within China have really come out strongly.” an object of China’s new leadership, including Xi, do not have the emotional ties to North Korea that their predecessors had. Visits derision and then used to be marked with smiles and bear hugs. incomprehension. Xi also understands there is little pub- lic sympathy at home for Pyongyang. BY BEN BLANCHARD AND “North Korea’s behaviour has infuri- SUI-LEE WEE ated ordinary Chinese, and this has put pressure on the government. Xi Jinping BEIJING: Six months ago, China’s North Korean citizens and soldiers attend a rally to support “The March 5 statement issued by a spokesman of the Supreme Command has talked about how the government state media was lauding North Korea of the Korean People’s Army”, in North Pyongyang Province, yesterday. has to pay attention to public opinion,” as a great place to invest as both coun- said Cai Jian, an expert on Korea at tries tried to promote a cross-border Shanghai’s Fudan University. economic zone. “The new leadership will be more prac- One nuclear test, a long-range rocket against North Korea’s nuclear and bal- The Global Times, an influential tabloid bureaucrat to answer. tical, more cooperative with the inter- launch and much sabre-rattling later listic missile programmes. China also offi- published by Communist Party mouth- “Regarding international trade, I national community when it comes to and China is a central player in new UN cially says it does not believe sanctions piece the People’s Daily, has called for haven’t noticed anything in particular. North Korea.” sanctions against Pyongyang, something will resolve the latest crisis over North China to cut North Korea off completely. As for the next step, the Chinese govern- To be sure, China will not cut North Chinese experts say marks a major shift Korea, a position repeated by Foreign It warned on Friday that Pyongyang ment has already expressed its attitude Korea off completely. in Beijing’s policy toward its impover- Minister Yang Jiechi on Saturday. should not underestimate China’s anger. on this issue. I’ll leave my response at The country is a useful buffer from ished neighbour. But after North Korea’s third nuclear “The ‘friendship’ between China and that,” said Jin Shuoren, an ethnic Korean US troops stationed in South Korea, At the same time, Chinese news- test, on February 12, China negotiated North Korea ... obviously cannot be legislator from part of Jilin which sits on and Japan too. China also does not want papers have been calling North Korea the new sanctions with Washington and decided by Pyongyang’s temper,” the the border. North Korea to go the same route as an ungrateful and unreliable liability. said it wanted them implemented fully. widely read newspaper wrote in an Not long after the nuclear test, one Myanmar, once a staunch ally of Beijing Businessmen and officials charged with The measures, announced on Thursday, editorial. Chinese official at the economic zone told but which is now rapidly expanding ties building commercial ties don’t even want tighten financial curbs on North Korea, Back in August, an editorial by a Reuters that plans to invest had not been with Washington. to talk about the country. order mandatory checks of suspicious Chinese Commerce Ministry official in put on hold. And if China turns the screws too No one is suggesting China will aban- cargo and strengthen a ban on luxury the People’s Daily said China needed to North Korea has not helped by treating much then North Korea could collapse don the regime of leader Kim Jong-un or goods entering the country. encourage and support its companies to some major Chinese investors poorly — — Beijing’s ultimate nightmare scenario. even implement the new sanctions to the An exasperated China appears to have invest in North Korea. The China Daily and then denouncing their complaints in Not only would that release a flood letter, but a relationship once regarded run out of patience after years of trying cited another official as praising North its state media. North Korea previously of refugees into northeastern China, it “as close as lips and teeth” is on thin ice to coax Pyongyang out of isolation and to Korea’s growth prospects. almost never criticised its neighbour or would also raise the question of what as China’s frustration grows. embrace economic reform. At this month’s annual meeting of any Chinese entities in public. would happen to North Korea’s nuclear “I think it’s remarkable and identifi- To top it off, Kim Jong-un has failed China’s largely rubber stamp parliament, Signs of unhappiness with Pyongyang material. able, the change in China’s policy towards to pay fealty to China, his country’s only Chinese with North Korea links wanted have seeped out of China’s military “China does not want these sanctions the Korean peninsula,” said Zhu Feng, major ally, as his father and grandfather to talk about anything but North Korea. establishment too, although it is hard to to affect North Korea’s stability or cause director of the International Security did. He has not visited China since taking A question from a Reuters reporter at know for certain what the top brass are domestic unrest or instability in the lead- Programme at the elite Peking University. over when his father Kim Jong-il died at a news conference by officials from Jilin thinking. ership,” said Fudan’s Cai. Zhu said China was now putting its the end of 2011. province, which borders North Korea and “It does not matter if you were a com- In fact, China may not enforce the hopes on diplomatic coercion to get North Even the modicum of affection Chinese does a lot of business with the country rade and brother-in-arms in the past, if sanctions as toughly as it could. Korea to change its behaviour. used to feel towards North Koreans, including trying to develop the Rason you harm our national interest then we’ll One well-connected Chinese expert “Beijing has ultimately woken up to brothers-in-arms during the 1950-53 economic zone, caused consternation. get even with you,” retired major-general on North Korea, Zhang Liangui of the reality ... At the UN Security Council, Korean War, has all but vanished, the Asked if the central government had Luo Yuan, a prominent foreign policy Central Party School, said he didn’t think Beijing very noticeably shifted to a country and its leader becoming an object ordered Jilin to reduce trade and invest- hawk, wrote on his blog on Saturday. the sanctions would do any good, given harder policy to get North Korea very of derision and incomprehension, espe- ment with North Korea in the wake of the Kim’s actions have also become an how adept Pyongyang is at skirting them. badly hurt.” cially as China powers ahead economi- February 12 nuclear test, officials looked unwanted headache for incoming Chinese “These sanctions will not cause pain China has backed previous sanctions cally and rises in global stature. flustered and finally asked a low-ranking president Xi Jinping, who is already for North Korea,” he said. REUTERS Standing up for rights of the Falklands — A vote with no purpose oppressed in Sri Lanka BY ALICIA CASTRO position? To call for dialogue. This call is consistent with United The last phase of the govern- for an independent and cred- are locked up without charge, ince yesterday, the popula- Nations resolutions, which define An internal ment offensive involved squeez- ible international investiga- and that state-sponsored abuse tion of the Falkland Islands the Malvinas/Falkland ques- ing anything up to 330,000 people tion” into alleged human rights of Tamil activists is widespread. Shas been going to the polls tion as a “special colonial situ- UN review into the Vanni region, south of the violations. Other UN investigations record in a referendum on whether to ation” involving a sovereignty Jaffna peninsula. The Commonwealth heads of over 5,000 outstanding cases of remain a British overseas terri- dispute between Argentina and A report in March 2011 by a government meeting (Chogm) is enforced and involuntary disap- tory. Hopes for a surprise result the United Kingdom that must reported last special UN panel laid bare the due to take place in Sri Lanka pearances; and nearly 100,000 should be tempered: it is likely be settled through negotiations scale of human suffering. Tens in the autumn. Canada, which internally displaced people remain that the 1,600 British citizens between both parties, taking November that of thousands had been killed by is Conservative-led, has robustly without proper protection. will vote for the status quo. But into consideration the interests government shelling, which had called for the meeting — which In 2005, the whole of the UN whatever the outcome, it is clear of the inhabitants of the islands. targeted UN food distribution the Queen would normally open endorsed the idea of a “respon- this referendum will not end the The British inhabitants unques- the government lines and hospitals. — to be moved from the country. sibility to protect” — the notion dispute. tionably enjoy civil and political The report also detailed appall- The Labour government took this that governments and the inter- The dispute between Argentina rights, but they do not have the obstructed the ing behaviour by the LTTE, the course when we were planning for national system should take and the United Kingdom over right to decide this dispute. “Tamil Tigers”, alleging that civil- the 2011 meeting. active measures to protect civil- the sovereignty of the Falklands/ We want to make it clear that ians were prevented from escap- It is time for the British ian life. This is a moment to show Malvinas will remain as unre- we are wholly and unconditionally provision of aid ing and used as hostages. government, which has trum- that calls for justice and democ- solved as it has been ever since committed to respecting the iden- The UN report found cred- peted its priority of making the racy have teeth. Britain needs a Royal Navy warship took by tity and way of life of the inhab- and assistance ible allegations of serious viola- Commonwealth a model of good to back the call for Chogm to be force the islands 180 years ago. It’s itants of the Malvinas, as we do tions of international law by the governance and democratic val- moved. important to note that the ref- with the 250,000 British descend- to civilians. Sri Lanka government and the ues, to make its voice heard. For it to go ahead in Sri erendum will have no real effect ants living in mainland Argentina. LTTE, including war crimes and The insistence on justice and Lanka would be a mockery of from the perspective of interna- They are British, but the terri- BY DAVID MILIBAND crimes against humanity. accountability is not legalistic Commonwealth values and UN tional law: unlike other cases of tory where they live belongs to An internal UN review nitpicking. It’s about the message authority, and a further invita- decolonisation, it was never called Argentina. Argentina is not in a n early 2009, as foreign min- reported last November that the that is sent to those who violate tion for its government to ignore for or supervised by the UN. minority in this view. All coun- ister, I travelled to Sri Lanka government obstructed the pro- human rights. Just think about international pleas for decency Only British citizens partici- tries in the region recognise the with Bernard Kouchner, the vision of aid and assistance to the insouciance of President and accountability. And it would pate in elections on the Malvinas Malvinas as an integral part of IFrench foreign minister, so civilians, did not protect humani- Assad and his supporters. be a nail in the coffin of the Islands, and only British citizens Argentinian national territory we could see for ourselves the tarian workers, and was largely to Nor are concerns about the vision of a pluralistic Sri Lanka, will participate in this referen- and strongly reject the existence situation at the end of the bru- blame for the shelling of heavily actions of the Sri Lanka govern- respectful of the place of all its dum. It is a referendum organised of a colonial enclave. Likewise, the tal 26-year civil war. We met populated areas and the deaths ment merely historic. The leading peoples. by British people, for British peo- region rejects unilateral British the president and his ministers of civilians. opposition candidate in the 2010 UN conventions are the civi- ple, with the purpose of assert- activities exploring and exploit- in Colombo, and then travelled And a further report last presidential election was jailed lising product of the wars — and ing that the territory has to be ing natural resources on the to refugee camps further north. month, by the United Nations soon afterwards. T slaughters — of the 20th century. British. In case any locals still Argentinian continental shelf, as I will never forget what I saw, high commissioner for human he chief justice of Sri Lanka has They are a universal badge of hadn’t made up their minds by well as the British military pres- and in particular the pleading rights, criticises the progress been impeached and dismissed, humanity. The UK government the weekend, local news outlets ence. What we seek is simple: a of Tamil women carrying slips made on accountability and rec- neutering the independence of should be standing up for them. ran last-minute stories warning dialogue of two sovereign states. of paper with the names of their onciliation and, significantly, the the judiciary. David Miliband was UK foreign that any share of the no vote will Alicia Castro is the Argentinian husbands and sons who had been commissioner, Navi Pillay, reaf- Human Rights Watch says minister from 2007 to 2010 “strengthen the Argentinian posi- ambassador to the United Kingdom. taken away for “screening”. firmed her “long-standing call that several thousand people THE GUARDIAN tion”. But what is the Argentinian THE GUARDIAN MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Obama’s Israel visit begins on March 20 Talks to focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, conflict in Syria and peace process with Palestinians: Netanyahu

JERUSALEM: US President Barack Obama’s three-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territo- ries will begin on March 20, Israel said yesterday, in the first official announcement of the much-antic- ipated visit. A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bureau said Obama was due to arrive on Wednesday, March 20, at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv and then head to Jerusalem for talks with President Shimon Peres and a dinner meeting with Netanyahu. The White House has not announced specific dates for the Obama visit, his first to Israel and the West Bank as president. Israeli media reports and a Palestinian official have said that it will run from March 20-22 and take in talks with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Jerusalem and Ramallah. According to the official Israeli programme released by Netanyahu’s office, Obama is due to visit on Thursday the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and then travel to Ramallah in the West Bank to meet Palestinian Authority officials. Later on Thursday he is sched- uled to deliver a speech at the International Convention Centre in Jerusalem and in the evening attend a dinner reception at the official resi- Palestinian activists stand in front of a graffiti as they participate in a protest against Israel at the north beach in Durban, ahead of the Israeli Apartheid Week, yesterday. dence of Peres. On Friday the American president is to attend a ceremony at Mount Herzl, where he will lay a wreath on the grave of assassinated former Netanyahu in final throes of forming coalition prime minister Yitzhak Rabin before heading to the Yad Vashem Holocaust TEL AVIV: Israeli Prime Minister Israeli media suggested the government Jewish Home swept into fourth place with on his so-called “natural partners” — the institute. Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday could be in place as early as tomorrow, 12, with both agreeing they would not ultra-Orthodox Shas and United Torah Obama will also be taken to see entered the final stretch of talks to but it was not clear whether the proce- enter the coalition without the other. Judaism —with Yesh Atid and Jewish a US-funded Iron Dome missile form a new coalition government which dure would be delayed as Peres is wrap- Former foreign minister Tzipi Livni, Home bent on changing the draft law defence battery on Wednesday or will be sworn in just days before US ping up a week-long tour of Europe from head of the centrist HaTnuah (six seats), to compel more ultra-Orthodox men to Friday, the statement said, before president’s visit. which he will only return on Wednesday. has already agreed to join the coalition serve in the army. “Netanyahu has found taking off for the next leg of his trip Time is of the essence for the Israeli “It’s clear that at this stage, we are and take on the role of justice minister as it hard to part from the all-too comfort- in Jordan. leader who is facing a final deadline of in the midst of an irreversible process,” well as playing a key role in a ministerial able coalition,” the Maariv daily said. Obama noted there would be no big March 16 to announce the shape of his said former foreign minister Avigdor team in charge of peace talks. “Today he is heading for the unknown.” Middle East peace initiative on the new government after receiving a two- Lieberman, who was involved in the nego- Netanyahu is also expected to bring As for the division of ministerial port- table during the trip which he said week extension to the initial 28 days he tiations. “There is no doubt that there in centrist party Kadima (two seats) to folios, media reports were unanimous would be “an opportunity to consult was given. will be a government this week.” join a government headed by his Likud- that Likud’s Moshe Yaalon would take with the Israeli government about If he fails to piece together a working With the deadline looming, Netanyahu Beitenu, which combines his rightwing the defence ministry, while Netanyahu a broad range of issues — includ- majority of at least 61 MPs, the task will has in recent days stepped up the pace of Likud with the hardline Yisrael Beitenu would temporarily hold on to foreign ing Iran, Syria, the situation in the be handed to another party leader. negotiations which began five weeks ago, of Lieberman. Likud-Beitenu’s poor affairs while Lieberman is on trial for region, and the peace process,” a US He has also been under the additional and after much hesitation, reportedly election showing, which saw it shedding alleged fraud and breach of trust. official said last week. Palestinian- pressure of preparing for a long-awaited agreed to work with Yair Lapid’s centrist a quarter of its 42 seats to win a nar- Lapid, a former TV anchor who gave Israeli peace talks have been dead- visit by Obama. Protocol dictates that Yesh Atid and Naftali Bennett’s far-right row victory with just 31, has forced an up his job to enter politics just last year, locked for more than two years. Netanyahu inform President Shimon Jewish Home party. unwelcome change on Netanyahu who was seen taking the finance portfolio, Netanyahu has said his talks with Peres when he has succeeded in forming Lapid’s faction, which was only set spent the past four years in a comfortable while Bennett would likely become min- Obama would focus on three issues: a government, after which the new coali- up in April 2012, won a shock victory rightwing-religious coalition. ister of trade and industry in a cabinet Iran’s nuclear programme, the con- tion must be approved by the parliament, in the January election, taking 19 of But the pact between Lapid and of 24-25 ministers, down from 30 in the flict in Syria and the diplomatic proc- or Knesset, and sworn in. the Knesset’s 120 seats, while Bennett’s Bennett has forced Netanyahu to give up outgoing government. AFP ess with the Palestinians. AFP

Gulf rights group Tunisia faces crunch week slams Saudi for in resolving political crisis jailing activists KUWAIT CITY: A Gulf rights TUNIS: Tunisia faces major group has strongly condemned hurdles this week, with par- heavy jail terms against two liament set to vote on a new prominent Saudi rights activ- government and agree a ists and called on the authori- calendar for a long-delayed ties in the kingdom to free them constitution, as opposition immediately. activists mark the assassina- “We strongly condemn these tion of a leftist leader. jail terms and demand that Saudi More than two years after authorities release them immedi- mass protests that toppled ately and scrap the verdicts,” said former dictator Zine El Abidine the Gulf Forum for Civil Societies Ben Ali and inspired revolu- (GFCS), a pan-Gulf liberal group, tions in other Arab Spring in a statement overnight. countries, Tunisia has been “We caution against the use of grappling with a political cri- the judiciary as a means of set- sis triggered by the killing last tling political scores, which has month of Chokri Belaid. become a policy used repeatedly There are hopes that it may by Gulf states during the past two finally be able to overcome this years,” the forum said. crisis, which brought down the The criminal court in Riyadh government of Hamadi Jabali, Women activists of Islamist Ennahda party waving flags during a on Saturday sentenced activ- when parliament holds a vote meeting in Tunis, yesterday. ists Mohammed Al Gahtani of confidence tomorrow for the and Abdullah Al Hamed to new cabinet line-up of premier- president retain key powers. retreating. It is in the interests 10-year and five-year jail terms designate Ali Larayedh. Tunisian politicians hope to of Tunisians,” said Ben Jaafar, respectively. Gahtani is an offi- His Islamist Ennahda party see the constitution approved whose secular Ettakatol is one cial with the independent Saudi and its two secular partners in by the beginning of the sum- of Ennahda’s partners in the Association of Civil and Political the outgoing coalition control mer, so that elections can be outgoing three-party coalition. Rights (ACPRA). The court also 109 out of the 217 seats in the held in October or November. “Our people are patient but ordered the group’s dissolution for National Constituent Assembly. Larayedh, who served as their patience has its limits, we “failing to obtain authorisation.” But hopes of a breakthrough interior minister under Jebali, must attend to their problems,” The two activists were con- in Tunisia’s political impasse said his cabinet would work “to he added. But opposition parties victed of violating a law on cyber- are mitigated by deadlock over the end of 2013 at the latest,” have already made clear their criminality by using Twitter to the new constitution. indicating that elections would disappointment with the coali- denounce various aspects of polit- The assembly must draw up take place before the third tion government, criticising the ical and social life in the ultra- a calendar today for the draft- anniversary of the revolution limited concessions made by the conservative kingdom. They now ing and adoption of the text, as in January 2014. ruling Islamist party that pre- have 30 days to appeal. well as for parliamentary and Assembly speaker Mustapha vented other parties from join- The two men reacted calmly to presidential elections. Ben Jaafar has called for an ing a broader coalition. the verdict, saying they planned to More than two years after end to the tug-of-war, with the Ennahda points to the large continue their “peaceful struggle.” Ben Ali’s ouster, Tunisia is still political uncertainty in Tunisia number of ministries — almost The GFCS said it held the without a fixed political sys- exacerbated by social tensions half — that were assigned to Saudi authorities responsible tem due to a lack of consen- and the growing influence of independent candidates as for the “physical and psycho- sus between the main parties, militant Islamist groups. proof of its flexibility, with tech- logical safety” of the two activ- Ennahda pushing for a pure “We must abandon nar- nocrats appointed to head the ists, and called on international parliamentary system and row party interests even if key interior, foreign, defence rights groups to apply pressure others demanding that the that means making sacrifices, and justice ministries. AFP on Riyadh to free them. AFP MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09

Blast injures several Syrian Islamist people in south Iran TEHRAN: An Iranian semi- official news agency reported that an explosion had injured rebels set up several people in a port in the south of the country. The late Saturday report by Ilna did not specify the cause of the blast. It says it also damaged several eastern council cars and shattered windows of nearby buildings includ- ing a hotel in Imam Khomeini port, some 1,000km southwest Surprise dawn assault in Homs of Tehran. The port, one of Iran’s major import and export BEIRUT: Rebel groups, includ- UNHCR could only “mitigate” terminals, is located in oil-rich ing the jihadist Al Nusra Front, the suffering of the people but the Khuzestan province, the scene have set up a religious council responsibility to find a solution of occasional protests in recent to administer affairs in the east fell on “those that have political years by members of Iran’s of Syria which is mostly under responsibilities.” Arabic-speaking minority seek- their control, a rights watchdog “Now if this escalation goes on ing more rights. Iran in the past said yesterday. and nothing happens to solve the has blamed explosions in the “God commanded the Islamic problem we might have in the end province on saboteurs tied to battalions to form a religious of the year a much larger number Arab and Western intelligence council in the east to administer of refugees: twice or three times agencies. the affairs of the people and fill the present level,” Guterres told a security gap,” the groups said reporters in Ankara. in a statement distributed by the Members of the military take over security after the withdrawal of police in Port Said, 170km northeast of Cairo, Saudi rethinking Syrian Observatory for Human FIERCE FIGHTING yesterday. Rights. The council will include Meanwhile, insurgents method of execution several offices charged with launched a surprise dawn raid RIYADH: A Saudi newspaper functions including justice, polic- yesterday to retake a key district says a ministerial committee ing and emergency services, the of the central city of Homs. Egypt minister urges end is looking into formally drop- statement said. Activists said the raid sparked ping public beheadings as a Video footage distributed by fierce fighting on the ground and method of execution in the oil- the Britain-based Observatory saw President Assad’s forces call rich kingdom. Saudi Arabia is showed an Islamist convoy draped in air strikes in a bid to repulse to rumours of police abuse the only country in the world with black flags bearing Islamic the rebel fighters. where a death sentence results inscriptions and driving in the They said the attack was a bid in beheading in a public square. Deir Ezzor area of the east. to take pressure off other rebel- CAIRO: Egypt’s interior min- and wounding a number of pro- belong to any faction, ideology, The authoritative daily Al The video shows rebels attach- held areas following the launch ister pleaded yesterday for an testers and bystanders,” Human opposition,” he said. Watan says in its yesterday’s edi- ing a banner to a building in the last week of a widescale army end to ‘rumours’ of police abuse, Rights Watch said in a statement Discontent in Egypt’s police tion that the ministerial committee town of Mayadeen, on which is offensive in Homs, which has been saying his forces had never fired last week. But Ibrahim insisted ranks has boiled over into an is considering fatal shootings as an written “Religious Committee of dubbed ‘capital of the revolution’ a single shot at protesters since that police have never fired on unprecedented strike, with offic- alternative. There have been calls the Eastern Region.” against Assad’s forces. the start of the 2011 uprising. protesters. “We haven’t fired a ers saying they will refuse orders in the kingdom for replacing public Rebels in the eastern provinces Regime troops seized Baba Mohammed Ibrahim, who is single shot since January 25. Not until they are no longer used as beheadings with lethal injections of Deir Ezzor, Hassaka and Raqa Amr from rebels just over a year facing an unprecedented strike by a single shot,” he said in reference political pawns, adding to the carried out in prisons. The king- have made significant military ago after a bloody month-long thousands of police officers across to the start of the 2011 uprising problems of President Mursi. dom executes anyone convicted of gains as they battle forces loyal to siege that left the district in ruins the country calling for his resig- that toppled long-time president “We are suspending our work murder, armed robbery, rape and President Bashar Al Assad in the and claimed hundreds of lives, nation, told reporters the media Hosni Mubarak. indefinitely because we refuse trafficking in drugs. It has executed country’s oil-producing region. including those of two foreign was waging an attack against the He said his forces were being to take responsibility for the 15 people so far this year, 76 last The Al Nusra Front, completely journalists. ministry and spreading lies. attacked and called on political mistakes of a government that year and 79 in 2011. unknown before the rebellion in “We announce the ‘great vic- “We are the ones being hit with factions to withdraw their people wants to get involved in political Syria that began two years ago, tory battle’ to liberate neighbour- stones. We are the ones being hit from the streets “so we can tell conflicts,” police Colonel Hassan has been a rebel standard-bearer hoods (controlled by the army), with live bullets... this is putting the difference between a thug and Mostafa said in Port Said. Gunmen kill protest since mid-2012 when it became namely Baba Amr, and ease the too much psychological pressure a protester.” “All of society is against us, the spearhead of the insurgency pressure on our comrades and on officers,” Ibrahim said. Ibrahim said the police were it considers the demonstrators organiser in north Iraq ahead of the Free Syrian Army. on besieged Homs districts,” a “The police is being attacked under immense pressure, which (killed in clashes) to be martyrs, KIRKUK, IRAQ: Gunmen FSA fighters, composed mainly rebel said in a video posted on all day in the media. Why the is why the officers were on strike. and we don’t even have the right killed an anti-government pro- of army deserters, have said that the Internet. rumours? Why the attacks?” Thousands of policemen have to defend ourselves,” he added. test organiser in north Iraq despite being fewer in number, Omar, an activist who is in He said people were making up refused to obey orders and The police, particularly the yesterday, while a city council the Al Nusra jihadists have better touch with the insurgents, said stories of torture in police custody some have locked police stations Central Security Forces (CSF), member and a farmer were shot logistic and economic backing and rebels infiltrated Baba Amr and accusing the police of shoot- demanding the minister’s resig- have been engaged in violent and dead in other attacks, police receive financing “from abroad.” under cover of darkness. “Those ing protesters, which is “untrue.” nation, accusing him of being too deadly street clashes with pro- and doctors said. Unknown gu The Front has gone for stra- manning the army checkpoints The police have been engaged close to President Mohammed testers, turning the public even nmen shot dead protest organ- tegic targets in the east such as barely had time to realise what in violent clashes with protesters Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood and more against an already reviled iser Bnayan Sabar Al Obeidi in oil wells, and also recruits local was going on,” he said. across the country for months, of using them as pawns in a politi- institution long accused of abuses. front of his house in the northern fighters and pays them. The army later massed and local and international rights cal battle. But Ibrahim painted The CSF is the branch of the city of Kirkuk, they said. Obeidi’s Al Nusra makes no secret of reinforcements around Baba groups have accused the force of a more unified front, saying that interior ministry used to quell death comes two days after activ- its aims to see Syria become an Amr, Omar said. The Syrian unlawful killings. the strikers were a minority and protests. The police want a law to ists said security forces fired on a Islamist state. Damascus accuses Observatory for Human Rights Clashes in the canal city of added that he himself wanted to clearly lay down their powers and demonstration in Mosul, another both Saudi Arabia and Qatar of said troops sealed off several Port Said in January following be kept out of politics. duties, and have also demanded north Iraq city, killing at least one financing Islamist groups battling streets around Baba Amr amid 21 death sentences handed down “We call on everyone to keep us weapons to deal with ongoing protester and wounding others. the Assad regime. shelling and clashes in the dis- to supporters of a local football out of their equations. We don’t political protests. AFP AGENCIES UN High Commissioner for trict, with air raids following team left more than 40 peo- Refugees Antonio Guterres hours later. Observatory chief ple dead. “Evidence gathered... warned that the number of Rami Abdel Rahman said the indicates that the police began Syrian refugees, which has “surprise” dawn assault came shooting when they came under already passed the million mark, after troops had reduced their fire on January 26, but contin- could double or triple by the end presence in Baba Amr to target ued shooting after the threat of the year. Guterres said the other rebel-held districts. AFP against them receded, killing

Libyan congress suspends sessions over security TRIPOLI:Libya’s General National Congress has temporarily suspended its sessions due to security concerns after a violent protest that left its mem- bers barricaded in a meet- ing room for several hours and a gun attack on its leader’s car. The congress had been due to hold a session yes- terday but congress leader Mohammed Magarief said that meeting as well as tomorrow’s would be can- celled. He said the lack of a secure meeting hall was also one of the reasons for the suspension. “We will not meet under pressure or while being threatened,” Magarief told a news conference. Gunmen in a crowd of Libyans demanding that lawmakers pass a bill bar- ring former associates of ousted dictator Muammar Gaddafi from power shot at Magarief’s car last Tuesday. Magarief was driving away from a building on the outskirts of the capi- tal Tripoli where law- makers had gathered to vote on the bill when the unknown assailants shot at his car. REUTERS

MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

Seven children of a family die in German fire Britain, Italy Whistleblowing and Greece say hostages dead lawyer on killed in Nigeria

LAGOS: Britain, Italy and Greece yesterday said that a trial in Russia claim by a Nigerian Islamist group that it had killed seven foreign hostages appeared to Revenge by Kremlin, say relatives be true, while London denied it had sought to stage a rescue. MOSCOW: A whistleblowing after he said he was denied medi- Islamist group Ansaru said Russian lawyer whose death cal care over 358 days in jail. in its statement announcing in custody became a symbol of Putin said Magnitsky died the deaths on Saturday that it rights abuses and strained rela- of heart failure, but his former carried out the executions in tions with the United States will employer, London-based invest- part because British planes had go on posthumous trial today in ment fund Hermitage Capital, arrived in Nigeria in recent weeks what relatives say is revenge by says he was killed for testifying to attempt a rescue, citing local the Kremlin. against officials he accused of a media reports. But Britain’s Sergei Magnitsky, who died $230m theft through fraudulent defence ministry said there had while in pre-trial custody in 2009, tax refunds. been no rescue attempt and sug- is being prosecuted for defrauding Hermitage owner William gested the planes were in Nigeria the state in what will be the first Browder is being tried in absentia to transport troops for the mili- time Russia has ever tried a dead alongside his former employee. He tary effort in nearby Mali. person, a development Amnesty also faces new fraud charges filed Ansaru on Saturday announced International says sets a “danger- last week over dealings a decade the deaths of all the expatriates ous precedent”. ago in shares in state gas firm abducted from a construction Magnitsky had been jailed after Gazprom. Browder has said the Members of the fire services fighting a blaze that broke out in a flat in the town of Backnang, near Stuttgart, site of Lebanese-owned com- accusing police and tax officials of charges are an “absurdity” meant southern Germany, yesterday. At least eight members of a family of Turkish origin, including seven children, pany Setraco on February 16 in multimillion dollar tax fraud. His as revenge for his campaigning for Bauchi state in Nigeria’s north. were killed. The youngest victim was six months old. employer says the charges against the US rights legislations named Ansaru, considered an offshoot of him were a reprisal and he was after Magnitsky. the Nigerian Islamist group Boko murdered, and the Kremlin’s own Pro-Kremlin television chan- Haram, backed up its claim with human rights council aired suspi- nel NTV showed a documentary “screen captures of a forthcoming cions he was beaten to death. alleging Browder exploited his video showing the dead hostages,” The circumstances of his late employee’s death for his own SITE Intelligence Group said. demise led the United States last ends. Critics say NTV often airs Cardinals pray before conclave Nigerian police last month said year to bar entry to Russians such programmes to influence the hostages were four Lebanese, accused of involvement in his case public opinion before charges are VATICAN CITY: Roman Baroque church in the heart of horse candidate to find consensus. one Briton, a Greek citizen and an or in other rights abuses. filed against government foes. Catholic Cardinals prayed yes- Rome. Just up the road, another No conclave has lasted than Italian. A company official later Critics say the trial — more Authorities say recent legal terday for spiritual guidance non-European touted as a pos- more than five days in the past said the Middle Eastern hostages than three years after he died changes make it possible. But ahead of a closed-door conclave sible candidate, US Cardinal century. Pope Benedict was included two Lebanese and two and despite pleas by relatives to Magnitsky’s family lawyers say to choose a new pope to lead the Sean O’Malley, also received star elected within barely 24 hours Syrians. British Foreign Secretary drop the case — is an attempt the law allows such cases only at Church at one of the most dif- treatment as he arrived for Mass in 2005 after just four rounds of William Hague said all the hos- by President Vladimir Putin’s the request of the deceased’s rela- ficult periods in its history. in ornate vestments. voting. But this time, no clear tages were “likely to have been government to hit back at tives for the purpose of clearing Cardinals will hold a final pre- A coach load of faithful from favourites have emerged to take killed” by their captors. He named Washington and show the public their reputations. No one has been conclave meeting today to dis- northern Italy travelled down to the helm of the troubled Church. the British man as construction Magnitsky was a crook not a hero. held accountable for Magnitsky’s cuss the state of their Church, Rome to hear Milan’s cardinal, Apart from Scola, Scherer worker Brendan Vaughan. “It’s inhuman to try a dead death. One prison official was left reeling by the abdication last Angelo Scola, give a sermon at and O’Malley, other potential “This was an act of cold-blooded man. If I take part in this circus, tried last year but prosecutors month of Pope Benedict. the monumental Santi Apostoli candidates most mentioned murder, which I condemn in the I become an accomplice to this,” asked the court to clear him. The 115 cardinals who will church. Scola is seen as the lead- are Canada’s Marc Ouellet, US strongest terms,” he said, express- Magnitsky’s mother Natalya said. “Something happened in that take part in the secret ballots, ing Italian candidate. cardinal Timothy Dolan and ing his determination to work with “I won’t take part in the hearings.” prison that no one wants to talk which start tomorrow, fanned Some cardinals, such as Argentina’s Leonardo Sandri. the Nigerian authorities “to hold Russia took the highly unusual about,” Zoya Svetova, an investi- out around Rome to hold myriad Manila’s Luis Antonio Tagle, who It was unclear how much the the perpetrators of this heinous act step of reopening the investiga- gator for the independent prison Masses, either in the quiet of pri- is considered a long-shot because geographical distribution of the to account, and to combat the ter- tion against Magnitsky in 2011, watchdog, the Public Oversight vate chapels or in the grandeur of his relatively young age, 55, kept cardinals would weigh. Sixty car- rorism which so blights the lives of as international criticism of Commission, that probed his death. of Rome’s great cathedrals and an even lower profile, mostly stay- dinals come from Europe, includ- people in northern Nigeria and in Russia over his death mounted. “Magnitsky became a symbol of basilicas. ing inside the walls of seminaries ing 28 Italians, while there are the wider region”. “First they killed him, now they the fight against corruption, and Each cardinal is tradition- or other religious institutions. 19 from Latin America, 14 North The Italian foreign ministry in are dancing on his grave,” said the goal of this trial is to show he ally assigned to a church in the The 115 cardinal electors under Americans, 11 Africans, 10 Asians a statement branded it “a horrific a lawyer for Magnitsky’s family, is no symbol but just a criminal Italian capital and congrega- the age of 80 will enter the Sistine and one from Oceania. act of terrorism for which there Nikolai Gorokhov. who didn’t pay his taxes,” she said. tions swelled in parishes visited Chapel tomorrow afternoon The Italians held the papacy is no explanation except barbaric After Magnitsky’s lawyers The case has weighed heav- by those considered the most and hold one vote that evening. for 455 years before the 1978 and blind violence.” The Greek boycotted pre-trial hearings, ily on US-Russian relations. likely papal contenders — such They will vote up to four times election of Polish-born Pope John foreign ministry also said the the court appointed a lawyer to Moscow retaliated against the US as Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer day thereafter until one of their Paul. Many of the Italian car- “available information suggests defend him. The court-appointed Magnitsky Act with its own visa of Sao Paulo, Brazil. number receives a two-thirds dinals work within the Vatican that the Greek citizen abducted lawyer, Nikolai Guerasimov, ban against Americans suspected “We’re all preparing for the majority, or 77 votes. bureaucracy, which has come in Nigeria alongside six nationals declined to comment on the case. of violating the rights of Russians conclave because we need to If a pope is not elected in two under heavy criticism in recent of other countries is dead.” Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov abroad. It also banned US families make the right decision to or three days it means that cardi- years because of infighting and Nigerian authorities yesterday also declined to comment. from adopting Russian children. decide who is going to be the nals are probably severely divided perceived incompetence. declined comment. Magnitsky died at the age of 37 REUTERS new pope,” Scherer told a small and might have to turn to a dark REUTERS AFP Labour Party wins Malta elections Mandela back home after medical tests JOHANNESBURG: Global peace icon Nelson Mandela was back home yesterday after spend- ing a night in hospital for a “scheduled medical checkup”, the president’s office said. “Former President Nelson Mandela has this afternoon... returned to his Johannesburg home fol- lowing a successful medical examination at a Pretoria hospital,” said presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj. “The doctors have com- pleted the tests. He is well Malta’s Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat is greeted by supporters in the counting hall in Naxxar, after first and as before, his health samples indicate that the party had won the general election by a clear majority, yesterday. The opposition remains under the man- Labour Party has won a general election for the first time in over 15 years, with Muscat claiming a “landslide agement of the medical victory” in the eurozone’s smallest member. team,” said Maharaj. Mandela had been admitted on Saturday for “a scheduled medical check-up to manage the Pistorius ‘on verge of suicide’: Aide existing conditions in line with his age”, less than LONDON: Oscar Pistorius is Azzie also said Pistorius, who According to the documentary three months after being a broken man “on the verge of is out on bail, regularly talks makers, Mentorn Media, police treated for a lung infection suicide” as he fights a charge of about Steenkamp as he awaits in Johannesburg said they have and gallstones. premeditated murder, a friend his next court appearance on requested all records of phone News of his latest hospi- of the Paralympic star has said. June 4. “He just always seems calls and messages exchanged talisation sparked concern Pistorius stands accused of to mention Reeva and to ask between Pistorius and Steenkamp the 94-year-old had fallen murdering his girlfriend Reeva us to pray for her and her fam- on the day she was killed. ill again. Authorities did not Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day, in ily,” Azzie said. “But most of all, Officers added they were divulge at which Pretoria a case that rocked the nation. The you’ve got to understand that we also sifting through a “massive” hospital he was staying. 26-year-old South African claims are there for him and we will number of texts on Steenkamp’s But a witness said that he shot her through a bathroom always be his friend. phone, producers said. There are patients at the Mediclinic door thinking she was an intruder. “He has no confidence in his no plans for police to enter into Heart Hospital were on Speaking in the upcoming BBC3 tone of voice and he is just a man a plea bargain with Pistorius’s Saturday moved out of the documentary Oscar Pistorius: What that is almost like someone that legal team for a lesser charge, the ward that Mandela stayed in Really Happened?, close friend Mike is walking around in circles and show’s makers claimed. during an 18-day December Azzie said the star was “a broken doesn’t know where he is going. The documentary, which airs hospitalisation. The hospital man” since the incident, and his “I would say that, just speaking today, also shows Steenkamp’s told them the ward needed state of mind has worsened since to him, that he is a broken man close friend Gina Myers taking to be repainted, but no one he was tasked with selling his race- and that I would go as far to say the cameras into her bedroom as was allowed near the area. horses to raise money to pay for his that he would be on the verge of she recalls the last time they were AFP spiralling legal fees. suicide. It really worries me.” together. AFP MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Falklands votes in sovereignty referendum Argentina intensifies claim over British-ruled territory

STANLEY: Residents of the for thought after the referendum,” by Argentine President Cristina Falkland Islands started voting said John Fowler, deputy editor of Fernandez and her foreign min- yesterday in a sovereignty ref- the islands’ weekly newspaper, the ister, Hector Timerman, have erendum that seeks to counter Penguin News. “This is an attempt galvanised patriotic sentiment on Argentina’s increasingly asser- to say ‘hang on a minute, there’s the islands, which lie nearly 8,000 tive claim over the British-ruled another side to the story’.” miles (12,700km) from London territory. People queued to vote at the and just a 75-minute flight away Diplomatic tension between town hall in the quiet island capi- from southern Argentina. Britain and Argentina has flared tal of Stanley, where referendum Tensions have risen with the up after more than three decades posters bearing the slogan “Our discovery of commercially viable since they went to war over the Islands, Our Choice” adorned oil resources in the Falklands South Atlantic archipelago, and front windows. The post office basin and by Fernandez’s per- that has unsettled some of the produced a line of official stamps sistent demands for Britain to roughly 2,500 islanders. to mark the occasion. hold sovereignty talks over the With patriotic feelings running In distant islands and far- Malvinas, as the islands are called high, Falklands-born and long- flung sheep farms, ballot papers in Spanish. London says it will term residents will cast ballots in were being flown and driven in only agree to negotiations if the the two-day referendum in which by mobile polling stations. “For islanders want them, which they they will be asked whether they me, this referendum is extremely show no sign of doing. want to stay a British Overseas important because I have no wish Timerman said last month Territory. Officials are expected to to be part of Argentina,” said Rob the referendum had the “spirit announce the result at about 8pm McGill, 67, who runs a guesthouse of a public-relations campaign” (2300 GMT) after polls close today. in isolated Carcass Island and and the foreign ministry accused An overwhelming “yes” vote is voted by post. “I consider myself a Britain of pursuing “irresponsible likely, prompting Argentina to dis- Falkland Islander, but my ances- initiatives in bad faith”. miss the referendum as a meaning- tors came from Britain,” he said. Argentina says the sover- less publicity stunt. A high turnout Some islanders are the eignty dispute can only be is expected, however, as islanders descendants of British settlers decided between London and embrace it as a chance to make who arrived eight or nine gen- Buenos Aires. Argentina has their voices heard. erations ago and the Falklands claimed the islands since 1833, “We hope the undecideds, or the retain an unmistakably British saying it inherited them from uninformeds, or those countries character despite a sizeable com- the Spanish on independence that might otherwise be prepared munity of immigrants from Chile and that Britain expelled an A Falkland islander wearing a suit with the Union Jack colours gestures before casting his vote at the Town Hall to give the nod to Argentina’s sov- and Saint Helena. Argentine population. polling station in Stanley, yesterday. ereignty claim might have pause Residents say fiery remarks REUTERS

Children at risk Backlash over move to allow from UK welfare knives back on US planes cuts: Archbishop LONDON: In his first major WASHINGTON: A decision to kind used by hijackers in the and the removal of any layer of political move since taking scrap a post-9/11 ban on pocket September 11, 2001 attacks security will put crew members office, the spiritual leader of knives being carried by passen- remain banned, the TSA’s deci- and the flying public unnecessar- the world’s Anglicans attacked gers on US aircraft has trig- sion to relax the rules on pocket ily in harm’s way,” CAPA presi- Britain’s government over wel- gered an angry backlash from knives has appalled airline offi- dent Mike Karn warned. fare yesterday, saying further pilots, flight attendants and air- cials and staff. But terrorism expert JM cuts to welfare benefits would line chiefs. “These items have been banned Berger was sharply critical of the drive thousands of children Starting from April 25, travellers for more than 11 years and will add rule change. “TSA continues to into poverty. will be able to carry small knives little value to the customer security make people take off their shoes In a statement, Archbishop with folding blades on US planes process flow in relation to the addi- before entering the gate at an air- Justin Welby said the govern- following a shift in security strat- tional risk for our cabin staff and port even though there has never ment’s planned changes to the egy by the federal Transportation customers,” Delta Air Lines Chief been a single fatality from a shoe benefit system would hit many Security Administration. Executive Richard Anderson wrote bomb on an airplane,” Berger said. families hard at a time when TSA chief John Pistole said in a letter to the TSA. “In contrast, terrorists armed Britain already risks tipping into the new guidelines would bring The Flight Attendants Union only with small blades killed its third recession in four years. US security regulations into line Coalition, which represents some almost 3,000 people in a single “Politicians have a clear choice. with international standards and 90,000 workers, said its members day in 2001.” Satirical media out- By protecting children from the were designed to help airport staff were “outraged”. The Coalition let The Onion commented in a effects of this bill, they can help find more dangerous items such of Airline Pilots Associations has spoof report that the TSA “will fulfil their commitment to end as explosives. also spoken out against the move. henceforth allow small terrorists child poverty,” Welby said in a While box cutters of the “We believe the threat is still real on commercial aircraft”. AFP statement. REUTERS

Venezuela poll race begins

CARACAS: Venezuela’s charged election race kicked off yes- British Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat Party leader Nick Clegg terday with throngs attending mass at the coffin of deceased visits a creche for the children of party members attending the Liberal leader Hugo Chavez and vowing to back his preferred suc- Democrats Spring Conference in Brighton, southern England, yesterday. cessor, Nicolas Maduro, over likely opposition contender Henrique Capriles. The pair have until today to register their candidacies for the UK’s junior coalition partners April 14 vote, which will determine whether Chavez’s self-styled nationalist-socialist revolution will live on in the Opec nation, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Chavez died on say ready for comeback Tuesday at age 58 after a two-year battle with cancer. Former vice president Maduro, 50, is seen winning the elec- BRIGHTON: Britain’s junior involving a former minister have tion comfortably, according to two recent polls. Maduro pushed coalition partners, struggling also dented its reputation. a snap election to cash in on a wave of empathy triggered by with falling poll ratings, prom- A nationwide poll in the Observer Chavez’s death, and was sworn in as acting president on Friday ised voters yesterday that win- newspaper put the Liberal to the fury of Capriles. ning a vote for a parliamentary Democrats in fourth place on 8 The boyish 40-year-old Miranda state governor, who often seat was proof it was ready for percent, behind the right-leaning wears a baseball cap and tennis shoes, lost to Chavez in October. a comeback. UKIP on 17 percent, Cameron’s But he won 44 percent of the vote - the strongest showing ever The coalition, led by Conservatives on 27 percent and by the opposition against Chavez. Conservative Prime Minister opposition Labour on 39 percent. Capriles has accused the government and Supreme Court David Cameron, has been hard But winning the seat for Eastleigh, of fraud for letting Maduro campaign without stepping down. on the Liberal Democrats, out of southern England, has buoyed the Although the ruling Socialist Party is favoured to win, opposi- power for generations until its Liberal Democrats. tion supporters are trying to raise their spirits for a month of creation following an inconclusive Liberal Democrat Party campaigning. “There’s no reason to think that the opposition national election in 2010. leader Nick Clegg urged Liberal is condemned to defeat,” Teodoro Petkoff, an anti-government Left-leaning voters have aban- Democrats to seize the momen- newspaper editor, said. Maduro has vowed to carry on where doned the party, arguing it has tum and make their voices heard. Chavez left off. betrayed its core values. The “I have spent nearly three years Capriles says, if elected, he would copy Brazil’s “modern left” breaking of a pledge to abolish uni- urging you to hold firm ... to remain model of economic and social policies. Venezuela’s opposition versity fees compounded the dam- steady under fire,” Clegg said. coalition backed Capriles as its candidate yesterday, and he was age, cutting poll ratings by more “Today I have a different message widely expected to formally accept the nomination. With candi- than half the 22 percent gained in for you - win. Get back out there. dates assigned a campaigning window of just 10 days, and at an 2010. A sex scandal over a former Tell our side of the story. And we immediate disadvantage given the state resources at Maduro’s senior party figure and a court case will win again.” REUTERS disposal, Capriles faces an uphill battle. REUTERS

Obama pokes fun at self, reporters at Gridiron Club dinner

WASHINGTON: US President Barack scandal helped bring down Richard Nixon’s Obama’s policies. Woodward suggested the Obama poked fun at himself, Bob presidency. “Can anybody tell me when an move was an example of White House intimi- Woodward and Washington reporters at administration has ever regretted picking dation. “Who knew Gene could be so intimi- a dinner that brought together the coun- a fight with Bob Woodward?” Obama joked. dating,” Obama joked about Sperling. “Or let try’s press and political elites. “What’s the worst that could happen?” me phrase it differently: who knew anybody Attending the Gridiron Club dinner, Woodward and White House economic named Gene could be so intimidating?” Obama made light of a recent back and adviser Gene Sperling had a public tussle The Gridiron Club and Foundation, founded forth between his administration and that played itself out in a leaked email, in in 1885, is the oldest and one of the most elite Woodward, the veteran Washington Post which Sperling told the veteran journalist organisations of journalists in Washington. journalist whose reporting on the Watergate he would regret taking a position on one of REUTERS MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA

Sudden cold China restructures government front kicks up Overhaul aimed at streamlining ministries; censorship agencies merged to create one body dust storm in Tokyo BEIJING: China announced will be spun off into a newly cre- plans yesterday to stream- ated China Railway Corp, respon- TOKYO: A huge dust storm line government ministries, sible for building railways and hit Tokyo yesterday, blanketing doing away with the powerful managing freight and passenger the city with brown dust that Railways Ministry and creat- services. Safety, quality and other darkened the skies and rapidly ing a super-agency to regulate regulatory standards will be the transformed what had been a the media and realigning other purview of a state railway admin- clear and sunny day. bureaucracies in a bid to boost istration under the Ministry of Visibility in the capital deterio- efficiency. Transport. rated quickly as dry dust particles The plan introduced to the Another influential bureauc- whirled through the air. rubber-stamp national legisla- racy, the family planning commis- Meteorologists said the phe- ture is being pushed by the newly sion, which oversees enforcement nomenon was caused by a sud- installed Communist Party lead- of the much disliked policies that den cold front, and was not linked ership and reflects its priorities to limit most families to one child, with the suffocating pollution that reduce waste and address quality will be merged with the Health hung over the Chinese capital of life issues for a more prosper- Ministry in a sign the government Beijing last winter. ous, demanding society. may be rethinking its approach “A rapidly developing low pres- Among the changes, the to family planning. The proposal sure system in the north was mov- corruption-plagued Railways called for “maintaining and per- ing down south. It was bringing Ministry will be split, its regula- fecting family planning policies” a snow storm in the north, and tory responsibilities going to the and said the party would continue strong winds in Tokyo and sur- Transport Ministry and its opera- to set policy. Meanwhile, popula- rounding areas,” said a meteorolo- tions to a commercial entity. The tion research is being transferred gist at the Japan Meteorological food and drug agency will see a to the economic planning agency, Agency. boost in authority to try to end highlighting government concern “In the Kanto region (Tokyo the safety scandals that have been about the effect an ageing popula- and surrounding areas), the a source of public anger, and two tion and shrinking labour force strong winds picked up dry dust censorship arms, one for broad- may have on the economy. particles from the ground, which casters and one for print media, In another bureaucratic boost, lowered visibility,” he said. will be merged. the government will pull together The phenomenon was expected The restructuring, the seventh separate agencies involved in to be temporary, and rain should since China began market reforms fisheries and other maritime law strip the dust from the air, he 30 years ago, marks the latest enforcement into one administra- said. Japan and other regional periodic attempt to reduce gov- tion. The move appears aimed at countries have voiced concern ernment meddling in the economy better asserting China’s claims about the impact of airborne pol- and society. Despite the effort, the in disputed stretches of the East lution drifting from their influen- government’s role in the economy China’s Communist Party Chief Xi Jinping reads as attendants serve tea at the Great Hall of the People during the and South China seas and, if ener- tial neighbour. and the power of state companies third plenary session of the National People’s Congress in Beijing, yesterday. getically pressed, could aggravate The toxic haze that periodically have grown over the past decade, already high tensions with Japan, blankets parts of China has been often to the detriment of private Vietnam and the Philippines. blamed not only on emissions and foreign companies, which face slowed decision-making. Overall, the realignment would official in the Communist Party The National Energy from coal burning in power sta- a welter of industrial and other “Departments of the State do away with four agencies and office involved in drafting the Administration, created five tions but also on fumes from vehi- policies that have raised barriers Council are now focusing too reduce the number of ministry- reform programme. years ago to help oversee a press- cles on the traffic-clogged streets to success. much on micro issues. We should level bodies by two to 25. Underscoring the government’s ing need for the fast-growing of the world’s largest largest auto This time, the streamlin- attend to our duties and must not The public has been complain- determination is the abolishing of but resource-strapped economy, market. ing plan includes guidelines to meddle in what is not in our busi- ing about government inefficiency the Railways Ministry. With deep would be expanded to absorb a Media reports have said that restrict and better define the ness,” Ma Kai, secretary-general and for that reason “we should ties to the military, the ministry regulatory body that sets electric environment ministers from central government’s responsibili- of the State Council, or Cabinet, dare to push ahead with crack- has resisted previous rounds of rates. Japan, China and South Korea ties, limiting its issuing of permits told the legislators. He said that ing the tough nut of structural reform and has continued to serve The food and drug administra- will meet in May to discuss ways for projects, the setting of stand- overlapping government functions reform,” the state-run Jinghua as both regulator and operator. tion is being elevated in status to to combat air pollution. ards and other policies that have has often led to buck-passing. Daily quoted Wang Feng, an Under the new plan, operations ministry level. AP AFP Tibetans held on 54th anniversary NLD re-elects Suu Kyi Two die in S Korea mountain fire of uprising SEOUL: Two women were as opposition leader killed and 17 injured yesterday KATHMANDU: Nepalese in mountain fires that destroyed police arrested 11 people in YANGON: Aung San Suu Kyi by elderly activists including some dozens of houses in South Korea Kathmandu on suspicion of was re-elected as Myanmar in their 80s and 90s known as the as thousands of firefighters “anti-China activities” yester- opposition chief yesterday at a “NLD uncles”. struggled to stop the flames day morning, the anniversary landmark congress that disap- But it held back from a sub- from spreading. of the 1959 rebellion against pointed some members hop- stantial revamp, instead selecting The fire started on Saturday China’s rule in Tibet. ing for new blood in the wider older veteran party members for evening in a remote part of the “Some of the people we arrested leadership ahead of a key a core executive of 15 and unani- southeastern coastal city of were Tibetan but we have not 2015 election. mously reappointing Suu Kyi as Pohang and was put out by yes- interrogated all of them yet,” Hundreds of National League chairwoman. terday afternoon after killing a police spokesman Uttam Subedi for Democracy (NLD) members “We are not completely satis- 79-year-old woman and injuring told AFP. gathered in Yangon for their first fied. We accept their decision and 14 people. Nepal, home to around 20,000 national conference — a display we will support it. But we do want The blaze destroyed 58 houses Tibetans, is under intense pres- of political strength that would more new blood among the lead- and left about 120 people home- sure from Beijing over the exiles, have been unthinkable under the ership,” said an NLD youth mem- less, firefighters said. and has repeatedly said it will former junta. ber who asked not to be named. Police said they were inves- not tolerate what it calls “anti- The meeting highlighted the “We want to see people in their tigating a 12-year-old boy who China activities”. On February 13, myriad challenges facing the 40s and 50s who are educated and allegedly set fire to a pile of dry a Tibetan monk doused himself in hugely popular opposition, includ- have experience in politics being leaves near his hill-side home petrol in a Kathmandu restaurant ing its lack of experience as well more involved.” with friends. A separate bushfire and set himself on fire, becoming as party infighting, as it eyes vic- NLD spokesman Han Tha in Gongju, 95km south of Seoul, the 100th self-immolation bid in a tory in key elections due to be Myint said the party recognised killed an old woman yesterday. wave of protests against Chinese held in 2015. the need to gradually promote And a mountain fire raged late rule since 2009. The gruesome “We have to seize the chance,” younger activists. Saturday in the nearby port city burnings, most of which have Suu Kyi, a former political pris- “That’s our main concern — of Ulsan, injuring three people and occurred in Tibetan-inhabited oner who entered parliament last most of our senior leaders are scorching 23 houses, according to areas of China, are seen as a sign year, urged the estimated 850 rep- getting old,” he said. the National Rescue Services. of desperation in the community resentatives who attended the “That’s why we have decided Fanned by strong winds, the over perceived religious persecu- three days of talks. that the capacity of our youth fire in Ulsan was still spreading tion in Chinese-ruled Tibet. In “I thank the members who must be built up and we must yesterday despite efforts by more the lead-up to yesterday’s 54th struggled hand-in-hand with recruit some competent people than 4,000 firefighters and gov- anniversary of the Tibet uprising, A fire on a mountain near a residential area in the southeastern coastal city the NLD for 25 years, and I also from outside.” ernment workers to control it. the Nepal government re-exerted of Pohang, South Korea, yesterday. welcome our new members,” she After being sidelined by AFP its security efforts. AFP said. “A party can be energetic if Myanmar’s military rulers for it’s refreshed with new blood all two decades, the NLD entered the time.” the political mainstream last year The party had faced calls as a result of sweeping reforms among younger members to reju- initiated by a new reformist venate its leadership, dominated government. AFP Sri Lankan cardinal prominent in papal election

Maids protest COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s a possible first Asian Pope. But from Sri Lanka’s Roman Catholic He led an inter-faith group to Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith at 65, Ranjith is a decade older church — moves which critics campaign for the restoration of heads the Catholic church in a than the Filipino, a factor which, called backward-looking. European Union trade conces- predominantly Buddhist nation, together with his ideological lean- “You have to look at his actions sions which had been withdrawn but a stint at the Vatican has ings, could work in his favour. in the right context,” Benedict because of Sri Lanka’s failure to made him a long-shot candidate Ranjith received his early edu- Joseph, his spokesman told AFP. improve its human rights record. to be the next Pope. cation at boys’ schools in Colombo, “Things were getting out of However, the clerics failed to A stern traditionalist, Ranjith before undertaking biblical stud- hand and sometimes even the convince the EU which insisted on was appointed by the outgo- ies at Hebrew University in Good Friday service clashed with Colombo delivering on promises ing Benedict XVI to oversee the Jerusalem. He has also studied in sermons of laymen. That is why to clean up its act after decades church’s liturgical practices in Rome and speaks fluent Italian, a he issued the guidelines in 2009 of ethnic bloodshed which claimed 2005, having previously served as must for a Pope. to ensure that Catholic religious up to 100,000 lives, according to papal nuncio, or ambassador, to In 2005, he took up the Vatican traditions were maintained with- UN estimates. Indonesia and East Timor. post as the Secretary General out any dilution.” Despite his closeness to Sri With Forbes magazine last of the Congregation for Divine He was named as a cardinal in Lanka’s political establishment, month including him among pos- Worship and the Discipline of the 2010, only the second in a coun- he announced a surprise boycott sible papal contenders, the inter- Sacraments, gaining access to the try with a large Buddhist major- of all state functions in 2011 to national spotlight has fallen on inner workings of the Holy See. ity and where Christians account protest a police raid of an orphan- Indonesian maids shout slogans outside the Indonesian Consulate in Sri Lanka’s second-ever cardinal. Soon after becoming the for fewer than 1.5 million out of a age run by Mother Teresa’s Hong Kong, yesterday. Foreign domestic workers from Indonesia took The charismatic Cardinal Luis Archbishop of Colombo in 2009, population of 20 million. Missionaries of Charity nuns. to the streets to ask their country to allow ‘direct hiring’ and not force Antonio Tagle of the Philippines Ranjith banned lay preachers But he soon emerged as a The state dropped the case and them to go through employment agencies. is the name most often men- and banished cultural practices strong personality among Sri the authorities issued an apology. tioned by Vatican observers as borrowed from other religions Lanka’s religious leaders. AFP MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Philippines Alleged abuse welcomes release of UN in Malaysia peacekeepers MANILA: The Philippine gov- ernment yesterday welcomed the release of its 21 UN peace- alarms Manila keepers after they were freed by Syrian rebels and crossed into Jordan, where officials waited to Filipinos caught up in Sabah fighting receive them. The troops, members of a UN MANILA: The Philippines and should be properly and imme- force monitoring a 1974 ceasefire expressed “grave concern” yes- diately addressed by concerned between Syria and Israel, were terday over allegations that authorities,” said the statement. abducted on Wednesday. innocent Filipinos in Malaysia Sabah police chief Hamza Taib, President Benigno Aquino “was are being abused after being when asked about reports in the very happy to receive the news,” caught up in fighting in Sabah Philippine media quoting Filipino his spokeswoman Abigail Valte with followers of an obscure nationals recounting abuse by said. “The president was very sultanate. Malaysian security forces, denied concerned and this is very good Fifty-three militants and eight these reports. “There is no such news indeed.” police officers have been shot dead thing,” he said yesterday. The Foreign Department said in since a group of armed Filipino President Benigno Aquino’s a statement that “the Philippine Islamists arrived in the state last spokeswoman Abigail Valte also government and its people express month to resurrect long-dormant voiced concern following the deep appreciation to the Jordanian land claims of a self-proclaimed reports. government and military officials” Philippine sultan. “This kind of treatment on Filipino Jamalul Kiram III (right), Sultan of the Philippine island-province of Sulu who has laid claim to the Malaysian for their role in transporting and Local press reports in the our Filipino citizens or Filipino state of Sabah, listens to his younger brother, Sultan Bantilan Esmail Kiram, at his home in Taguig City, south of receiving the soldiers. Philippines have claimed that nationals is unacceptable,” Valte Manila, yesterday. “The 21 peacekeepers are in innocent Filipinos were being told reporters. the custody of the Jordanian beaten and shot by Malaysian She said the Philippines had But she also reiterated that the from an Asian boxing tourna- The statement from the border patrol headquarters,” mili- security forces as part of the long called for “humane treat- Philippines was asking Malaysian ment in the Philippines due to Malaysian federation did not tary spokesman Colonel Arnulfo crackdown against followers ment” for Kiram’s followers who authorities to let Filipino diplo- the incursion of armed Filipinos elaborate and it was unclear if Burgos told reporters. of self-declared Sultan of Sulu entered Sabah last month in an mats have full access to arrested in Sabah, a Filipino boxing official the Malaysians were concerned “The Philippine ambassador Jamalul Kiram III. Sabah police attempt to claim the Malaysian Filipinos to provide them with said yesterday. for their safety in the Philippines, is coordinating directly with have denied the allegations. state for the sultanate. consular assistance. Malaysia sent a message say- said Picson. Jordanian authorities and is ready The Philippine Department “What more our Filipino She also recalled that Aquino ing it was pulling out of the Asian “We’re disappointed that sport to receive the 21 peacekeepers,” of Foreign Affairs said govern- nationals who are not in any way had personally asked Malaysian Confederation Youth Boxing will be affected by the political he said after their ordeal ended ment agencies will document involved in the situation in Sabah? Prime Minister Najib Razak ear- Championships which started conflict,” he said. on Saturday. these latest reports as it called They have just gotten caught up lier to ensure that the estimated yesterday at Subic Bay Freeport, Three boxers and three officials Burgos said the group’s com- on Malaysia to clarify the alleged because they are residing there. 800,000 Filipinos in Sabah would north of Manila, said Ed Picson, from Malaysia were scheduled mander had met with the freed incidents. That is unacceptable,” she said. not be persecuted despite the director of the local amateur box- to take part in the tournament, men, and that they would stay “The Department of Foreign So far 85 people have been crisis. ing association. which is to be attended by 26 at an Amman hotel for two days Affairs views with grave concern arrested for possible links to the Filipino Muslims from the “Due to the armed conflict Asian countries, he said. before being transferred back for the alleged rounding up of com- intruders in Sabah, Malaysian southern Philippines have been in Sabah, our National Sports Pakistan is also pulling for duty with the UN Disengagement munity members... in Sabah and officials have said. crossing the maritime border Council has directed MABF unspecified reasons while the Observer Force (UNDOF). the alleged violations of human Valte reiterated the Philippine with Sabah freely for centuries, (Malaysia Amateur Boxing Syrian delegation failed to show Army spokesman Colonel rights reported in the media by government’s appeal for the fol- to find work and to trade. Many Federation) to cancel our trip to up for reasons which remain Randolph Cabangbang said the some Filipinos,” a statement said. lowers of Kiram to lay down their have lived in Sabah for years. Subic,” Picson quoted the message unclear, he added. families of the soldiers had all been “The allegations are alarming arms and surrender. Meanwhile, Malaysia withdrew as saying. AGENCIES informed of their release and were grateful to everyone who helped. “We updated them. During the first calls, many of them cried, especially the parents as they were thanking us for the news,” he said. The Philippine Department Lawyer declines post of Comelec commissioner of Foreign Affairs stressed the impartiality of the UNDOF con- MANILA: Lawyer Maria commissioner would be addressed that Sardillo has a family member by this. Since she is an election me that she did not have a copy tingent the men were serving Bernadette Sardillo declined immediately. with health concerns. “And I think lawyer, she would be a big help of her appointment papers then. with and called on all parties to her appointment as Commission “I am deeply grateful for having that was the reason why the family to the Comelec. We won’t have to I was hoping that she would come respect their freedom of move- on Elections (Comelec) commis- been considered as commissioner asked her to remain in the private teach her much,” Brillantes said next week,” he said. ment and safety. sioner and President Benigno in the Commission on Elections. sector,” Valte said over radio dzRB. in a telephone interview. Malacanang on Thursday The freed peacekeepers will Aquino has accepted her However, it is also with deep Valte said there was no replace- The poll chief said he called announced that Sardillo and undergo post-traumatic stress decision. regret that I am withdrawing ment for Sardillo yet. and texted Sardillo many times Lanto would replace Comelec debriefing, the Armed Forces of Deputy presidential spokes- my application to the commis- Asked about calls to appoint an yesterday but failed to get any commissioners Rene Sarmiento the Philippines (AFP) said yester- person Abigail Valte yesterday sion. This decision was reached information technology expert to response. “I want to know why she and Armando Velasco who had day. “As a matter of procedure, our said the Office of the President after consultation with my fam- the Comelec, Valte said the pri- declined but she is not answer- both retired after completing peacekeepers will be given medical received a letter from Sardillo ily who has prevailed upon me mary consideration in naming ing my calls and text messages. their seven-year terms. attention to make sure that they on Thursday, the same day her to remain in the private sector. people to become officials of the There must be a reason why she Sardillo was the lawyer of the are truly well and healthy. Likewise, appointment was announced by Nevertheless, please be assured poll body was their capability to declined,” he added. Lakas-Kampi-CMD in the 2010 a quick security debriefing will also President Aquino, turning down of my continued support to your execute the mandate. According to Brillantes, he presidential elections. be conducted. Although they were her nomination as Comelec administration,” Valte quoted Comelec Chairman Sixto called Sardillo upon hearing of She is a lawyer of former given adequate stress management commissioner. Sardillo as saying in her letter. Brillantes yesterday said he her appointment last Thursday Supreme Curt associate jus- training prior their deployment, At the same time, Valte assured According to Valte, the presi- was disappointed that Sardillo but she did not give a hint that tice Dante Tinga, who filed an they will also undergo post-trau- the public that their concerns on dent has accepted the withdrawal declined her appointment to the she would not accept the offer. electoral protest against Taguig matic stress debriefing,” said AFP the appointment of Macabangkit of the application and that the poll body. “I asked her when she would be Mayor Lani Cayetano. spokesman Arnulfo Burgos Jr. Lanto as another Comelec only information given them was “I’m disappointed and saddened coming to Comelec but she told THE PHILIPPINE STAR AGENCIES

Riot of colours New law to Political dynasties still curb cable TV signal tapping rule the roost: Study MANILA: Illegal tapping of MANILA: Political dynas- son, who may also have reached signals provided by cable tel- ties continue to reign in the his three-year term either as evision (CATV) network and Philippine political landscape, vice-mayor, councillor, provincial destruction or removal of cable especially in isolated and far-off governor or vice-governor, run- Internet facilities will be penal- provinces, despite anti-dynasty ning for each other’s position, he ised under a law to be signed initiatives of civil society, a added. by President Beningno Aquino study by the Asian Institute A fat dynasty monopolising soon, a lawmaker said yesterday. of Management (AIM) Policy power is an undesirable situation, Taguig City Representative Centre has found. he pointed out, as checks and bal- Sigrifido Tinga, Chairman of the Ronaldo Mendoza, Executive ances among elected officials in House Committee on Information Director of the centre and leader a certain local government are and Communications Technology, of a research team that looked difficult if they are all from one led the adoption of Senate Bill into reigning political clans with a family. 3345 as amendment to House tight control of elective positions In Maguindanao, the Ampatuan Bill 00709 authored by Cagayan in local governments nationwide, dynasty held eight out of the 37 de Oro Representative Rufus said political dynasties continue mayoralty posts in the province’s Rodriguez. to monopolise political power 37 municipalities, Mendoza said. The move hastened the in many local governments like Other provinces with a big approval of the measure in both provinces, municipalities and cit- number of fat dynasties include chambers of Congress. ies nationwide, and categorised Apayao province, Dinagat Islands, Senate Bill 3345 or the Anti- A statue (centre) of Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, the only boxer in the world to hold eight champion- current reigning political clans Siquijor and Sulu. Cable Television and Cable ships in as many weight divisions, seen in the foreground as fireworks from Royal Fireworks of The Netherlands as “fat” or “thin” dynasties. Mendoza said in their study, Internet Tapping Act of 2012 has light up the sky during the Fourth Philippine International Pyro-Musical Competition in Manila, yesterday. Despite the Maguindanao which looked into dynasties that been passed early this year and massacre that was condemned took and kept power in the 2007 is awaiting Aquino’s signature, here and abroad, the Ampatuan and 2010 elections, there were Tinga said. family continues to reign in more fat dynasties in the political He said cable providers incur Maguindanao, topping the list of landscape in the 2010 elections. about 6.3 billion pesos in losses Four killed as boat capsizes off Albay the “fat” dynasties in the country. Mendoza presented the 2012 annually due to cable theft. Mendoza said “fat” dynasties study results yesterday in a “With the proper safeguards, are political families that have forum attended by academe and aside from subscribers getting bet- MANILA: Four people died engine of the boat with 25 people boat, causing it to capsize and several members holding elective civil society that tackled the ter service and reception, the pro- when a motor boat capsized on board malfunctioned while it sink, he said. positions in a certain local gov- issue of political dynasties at vider will be able to quickly recover off Albay yesterday afternoon, was travelling from Napao village The boat skipper identified ernment for three years. the Discovery Suites in Ortigas investment cost, which they in while 21 others were rescued, to Poblacion, both in Bacacay, a as Diego Crisol was one among A “thin” dynasty is a political Center, Pasig. turn will be able to use in improv- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) town in Albay. the four people who died in the clan that has only two members Mendoza, however, said the ing services like going digital, add- said. When the passengers on the accident, Balilo said, adding that — like a father and son — swap- Philippines was not alone in ing more content and other value Philippine Coast Guard spokes- boat named John Aspe were other passengers were immedi- ping certain positions, as when a having the problem of political added services,” he said. man Lieutenant Commander frightened by the engine failure, ately rescued. mayor-father, at the end of his dynasty. THE PHILIPPINE STAR Armand Balilo said that the a huge wave hit the unfortunate THE PHILIPPINE STAR maximum three terms, lets his THE PHILIPPINE STAR MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN Karzai accuses US, Taliban of collusion Stop harassing university students, president tells US forces

KABUL: Afghan President The issue of US troop levels more than a decade of war with Hamid Karzai yesterday after most US-led Nato com- Western forces. ratcheted up his criticism of bat troops withdraw by the end US diplomats have been seek- Washington during a visit of 2014 will be one of the main ing to broaden exploratory talks of the US defence secretary, subjects on the agenda at talks with the Taliban that began underscoring tension between between Karzai and US Defence clandestinely in Germany in late allies struggling to stabilise the Secretary Chuck Hagel, who is in 2010 after the Taliban offered to country ahead of a Nato troop Afghanistan to visit US troops. open a representative office in withdrawal. Karzai also said the Taliban Qatar. Karzai accused the United and the United States had been Regional power Pakistan indi- States and the Taliban of colluding holding talks in Qatar on a “daily cated a few months ago that it to convince Afghans that foreign basis”, but the militant group would support the peace proc- forces were needed to maintain and Washington denied they had ess by releasing Afghan Taliban peace in the country beyond next resumed efforts on dialogue that detainees who may help promote year, when most foreign combat stalled a year ago. the peace process. forces are due to leave. The US government has said But there have been no tan- Then, his government alleged it remained committed to politi- gible signs the move advanced US-led forces and Afghans work- cal reconciliation involving talks reconciliation. ing with them were abusing and with the Taliban but progress Hagel arrived on Friday for arresting university students and would require agreement between his first trip abroad as defence US Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel being greeted at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan on Saturday. urged them to stop. the Afghan government and the secretary. Referring to two bomb attacks insurgents. His visit coincides with the on Saturday that killed 17 peo- “This is simply incorrect,” said passing of a deadline imposed ple, Karzai said the blasts were a US official, who declined to by Karzai for US special forces Hagel’s press meet dropped aimed at convincing people that be identified, when asked about to leave the province of Wardak, the Taliban would return if US Karzai’s remarks about the talks. after Karzai accused them of KABUL: Afghan President Afghanistan since he was sworn international military force to jus- forces withdrew. The Taliban spokesman overseeing torture and killings Hamid Karzai yesterday can- in 11 days ago and as US-Afghan tify its presence in Afghanistan. “Those bombs ... were in the in Afghanistan, Zabihullah in the area. celled a high-profile press con- ties focus on the withdrawal of “The Secretary is looking service of the Americans to keep Mujahid, also denied that US forces have denied involve- ference in Kabul with new US foreign troops. forward to meeting President foreigners in Afghanistan longer, negotiations with the United ment in any abuses and it was not Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, The start of Hagel’s trip on Karzai,” Hagel’s spokesman said to keep them here,” Karzai told a States had resumed and said no clear if they were leaving Wardak with US officials saying the Friday was overshadowed by about their meeting, which was gathering to mark International progress had been made since by the deadline. event was dropped for “security a suicide bombing outside the still on schedule. “The press Women’s Day. they were suspended. The Afghan government said concerns”. defence ministry in Kabul. conference was not cancelled The Taliban have for years “The Taliban strongly rejects in a statement the abuse and A palace official, who declined Nine people were killed in the because of the president’s recent demanded the withdrawal of for- Karzai’s comments,” he said. detention of university students to be named, said however, that explosion which occurred while comments.” eign forces and have never sug- The Kabul government has was a violation of sovereignty the press conference had been the defence secretary was in a The decision was “reached in gested that they wanted them to been pushing hard to get the and it called on US-led forces cancelled because of “scheduling briefing at a nearby US military consultation with our Afghan stay. Taliban to the negotiating table to stop it. pressure”, without giving further base in the city. partners,” George Little added. Karzai has a history of making before foreign troops withdraw. The government said in a details. Karzai also made a contentious US officials travelling with inflammatory remarks, particu- Afghan officials have not decree security forces and univer- Karzai and Hagel’s appear- speech yesterday in which he said Hagel said on condition of ano- larly railing against the United held direct talks with the mili- sity authorities had to stop foreign ance together in front of the the US was in daily talks with the nymity that the press conference States with which he has an tants, who were toppled in 2001 forces going in to universities. cameras was to be a key part of Taliban and that insurgent sui- had been “cancelled due to secu- uneasy relationship. and have proven resilient after REUTERS the Pentagon chief’s first visit to cide attacks enabled the US-led rity concerns”. AFP

Eight state heads invited to gas Pakistan premier’s personal Blast near Pakistan pipeline project inauguration mosque claims girl PESHAWAR: A remote-con ISLAMABAD: With the groundbreaking of the Iran-Pakistan gas trolled bomb exploded near pipeline project set for today despite unrelenting US opposition, the Indian trip paid by taxpayers a mosque in northwestern diplomatic community is buzzing over which of the foreign heads of Pakistan yesterday, killing a state invited to the ceremony would be turning up. ISLAMABAD: While officials unavailable for comments. five-star hotel either in Jaipur or four-year-old girl and wounding President Asif Ali Zardari and his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud are reluctant to share details Director General of Inter- Agra runs into tens of thousands three others, an official said. Ahmadinejad, who is hosting the ceremony, are reported to have sent of the expenditures of Prime Services Public Relations Maj of rupees. A modest room in a The bomb was planted beside invitations to eight heads of state and government. Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf’s Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa did five-star hotel costs at least $200 the outer wall of the mosque in Neither of the countries would divulge the guest list for the event Ajmer trip, his boarding a not respond to phone calls and per night, which would bring the Landi Kotal town in the Khyber being held at Gabd Zero point on the Iranian border but diplomatic Pakistan Air Force plane sug- messages. cost of accommodation close to tribal region, local administration sources say they include leaders from Central Asian states, Gulf gests the cost has been borne by “The return airfare from Rs1m. chief Shakeel Burki said. Cooperation Council and Afghanistan. Pakistani taxpayers. Islamabad to New Delhi to Jaipur “It will immediately be difficult “The blast killed a four-year- According to one source, China too has been invited. A 29-member entourage, and back is over Rs100,000 per to quantify the financial impact old girl and wounded three others, Afghanistan is so far the only country to have declined to attend including the premier and his person,” said Khawaja Zafar, the of the premier’s private visit to one of them seriously,” he said. the ceremony. family, departed for the shrine of director of United Travel Agency India, but one thing is evident No one has claimed responsibil- President Hamid Karzai’s regrets, a diplomatic source said, had more Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Gharib in Islamabad. that the visit is part of a financial ity of the blast which came a day to do with renewed tensions with Pakistan than his US connection. Nawaz in Ajmer on a special Had PM Ashraf been mak- hari-kari going on since Ashraf after a bomb placed in a mosque The Afghan president does not have the best of relations with Iran aircraft. ing the trip like an ordinary assumed the office of prime min- in a densely populated neighbour- either. The Times of India reported a citizen, he would have ended up ister,” said renowned economist hood of Peshawar went off dur- The confirmations received by the Iranian government till yesterday, 40 member entourage, including paying at least Rs3m on account Dr Ashfaque Hasan Khan, who is ing afternoon prayers, killing six according to a foreign ministry official, were from Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar the crew, was on board. of travel charges in addition to also Dean of the Business School people. Peshawar is vulnerable to and United Arab Emirates. Foreign Office spokes- other costs. of National University of Science bomb blasts and Taliban attacks INTERNEWS man Moazzam Ali Khan was The cost of staying in a and Technology. INTERNEWS as it runs into the semi-autono- mous tribal belt, considered a safe haven for Taliban, Al-Qaeda and other insurgents fighting both in Pakistan and across the border in Afghanistan. Pakistan is in the grip of vio- Drunken row sparked anti-Christian riots lence including bomb attacks, which has raised questions over LAHORE: Christians demon- southwestern city of Quetta. an argument over discussion on security as the country prepares strated in cities around Pakistan The Punjab government ini- religious issues”. for a general election expected in yesterday to protest after a tially promised 200,000 rupees Spokeswoman for Punjab police May. Muslim mob torched more than ($2,000) compensation to each Nabila Ghazanfar said four sen- 100 Christian homes following family affected by the violence, ior officers including Khan had allegations of blasphemy. but chief minister Shahbaz Sharif been removed from their posts US drone strike kills More than 3,000 people raised this to 500,000 rupees after for “negligence” and “failure to rampaged through Joseph visiting the scene yesterday. control” the mob. militant in Waziristan Colony, a Christian area of “The chief minister declared Rights campaigners say MIRANSHAH, PAKISTAN: the eastern city of Lahore, on that the repair work of all the Pakistan’s strict blasphemy A US drone strike yesterday Saturday after allegations that houses would be completed in 72 laws, which can carry the death killed at least one militant rid- a Christian had made deroga- hours,” a senior Punjab govern- penalty, are often used to settle ing on horseback in a moun- tory remarks about the Prophet ment official said. personal disputes and should be tainous area of Pakistan’s Mohammed (peace be upon The senior police official for reformed. northwestern tribal belt, secu- him) three days earlier. the area of the attack, Multan The legislation came under rity officials said. Around 150 people have been Khan, said the trouble began with international scrutiny last year The missile attack, the first by arrested, police said, and though a row between Sawan Masih, a after 14-year-old Christian girl an unmanned American drone no-one was killed the incident Christian sanitary worker, and Rimsha Masih was held for three in Pakistan for at least a month, highlights the religious tensions his Muslim friend Shahid Imran. weeks in a high security prison for came in Dehgan village, 30km affecting Pakistan as it prepares “They used to sit together allegedly burning pages from the west of Miranshah, the main town for a general election expected in and drink together almost every Quran. The case against her was in lawless North Waziristan. May, following a spate of deadly evening. They were drunk on eventually thrown out. North Waziristan is one of attacks on the minority Shia Wednesday when they had some The Supreme Court has sched- seven tribal districts on the rug- community. arguments,” Khan told reporters uled a hearing on the attack today ged border with Afghanistan Police and locals said a drunken on Saturday. and summoned the chief of police which are a haven for Taliban and row between two friends was the It was during the argument in Punjab and the provincial pros- Al Qaeda-linked militants. trigger for the allegations of blas- that Masih allegedly made the ecutor to appear. “A US drone fired one missile, phemy, a hugely sensitive issue in blasphemous remarks, Khan said, Tahir Ashrafi, president of killing a militant travelling on Pakistan, where 97 percent of the prompting Imran to report the Pakistani Ulema (religious schol- horseback,” a security official said. population are Muslim and even matter to police. ars) Council, condemned the Local intelligence officials said unproven claims can spark public Pakistani Christian demonstrators shout slogans on a blocked street in Officers arrested the Christian attack saying Islam did not per- the drones fired two missiles kill- violence. Lahore, yesterday. on Friday, but this did not stop a mit such violence. On Saturday ing two militants. Security officials In Lahore yesterday Christians mob assembling to attack Joseph Pakistan’s President Asif Ali in northwestern city of Peshawar protesting over the attack and them after they blocked a busy between police and protesters Colony on Saturday morning. Zardari and Prime Minister Raja said the man was believed to be a demanding greater protection road, senior police officer Abdul in Karachi and further dem- Local resident Altaf Masih, Pervez Ashraf ordered an inquiry “foreign national” — a term officials clashed with police, who used Ghaffar Qaisarani said. onstrations in Islamabad, the also a sanitary worker, said into the attacks. use to describe Al Qaeda linked batons and tear gas to disperse There were also minor clashes central city of Multan and the “while they were drunk they had AFP militants. AFP MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17

Five of nine Largest religious festival ends Asian cardinals for papal poll 120 million take holy dip on last day of Kumbh; authorities wrap up huge logistics exercise from country ALLAHABAD: The world’s He said the job of dismantling biggest religious festival con- the infrastructure that sprawled PANAJI: India’s Catholics may cluded yesterday with nearly over 5,000 acres (2,000 hec- account for less than two per- two million pilgrims taking a tares) to house the pilgrims had cent of the country’s popula- dip in a holy river that suppos- already begun. tion but they will be Asia’s most edly washed away the sins of “We built a tent city to cele- powerful voice in the election to 120 million people in the last brate the Kumbh Mela and now choose a new Pope. 60 days. we are tearing it down,” he said. Five of the nine Asian cardi- The Kumbh Mela, celebrated Mishra said five electrical sub- nals who have the right to vote at every 12 years at the conjunc- stations and tens of thousands of the upcoming papal enclave hail tion of two sacred rivers on the streetlights that gave the impro- from India, an overwhelmingly outskirts of the northern city of vised city its yellow glow between Hindu nation where Catholics Allahabad, drew massive crowds dusk and dawn would be removed are also outnumbered by Muslims of devotees, ascetics and foreign were being removed. and Sikhs. tourists. All police stations, mobile field Only Italy, the United States The two-month-long Kumbh hospitals, fire stations, shops, and and Germany will be represented Mela ended on the occasion of cafes were now shut and more by more cardinal electors when Mahashivratri, a major Hindu than 35,000 makeshift toilets had they meet in Vatican City. festival celebrated across India been removed, he said. But with around 17 million and Nepal. The Kumbh Mela has its ori- practicising Catholics, India is Authorities at the festival gins in Hindu mythology, which home to the Church’s second larg- yesterday said the last batch describes how a few drops of the est community in Asia after the of holy men marked the end of nectar of immortality fell on the Philippines. the Kumbh by plunging into the four places that host the festival Like elsewhere on the conti- waters of the Ganga and Yamuna. — Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and nent, Indian Catholics would love Other pilgrims filled the “Ganga Haridwar. to see an Asian take over from Jal” (holy water) in plastic bottles The “Mother Ganga” is wor- Benedict XVI, with Luis Antonio for religious ceremonies at home. shipped as a god and is seen as the Tagle, the archbishop of Manila, Many nude saints smeared giver and taker of life. In many the name most often mentioned their bodies with ashes and cases, pilgrims used up all their by Vatican observers. sand, chanted final prayers and money to come to the Kumbh Oswald Gracias, the arch- departed from the venue. Mela, hoping that their prayers bishop of Mumbai who is one “Over 60 million people Devotees take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna in the early hours of the last bathing day of could come true. of the five Indian cardinals, has attended the festival in 2001 and Kumbh Mela or Pitcher Festival, in Allahabad, yesterday. “People from all walks of life expressed doubt that an Asian this time we believe 120 million participate in the festival but will be elected Pope for the first people have participated,” festi- there is one thing common among time and insists that a candi- val chief Mani Prasad Mishra told train station in Allahabad killed of the dizzying range of Indian feeling spiritually uplifted and all of them — they have a desire date’s birthplace should not be a AFP late on Saturday. 36 pilgrims who were return- spiritualism. amazed by the scale of the event. to lead a pure life,” said Chandra major factor. The festival involves crowd ing home. Assorted dreadlocked, Despite the hardships of waking “There is a sense of relief Bala, a temple priest in Allahabad “For me it’s not important management on a jaw-dropping holy men, priests and self-pro- early, plunging into the polluted because the festival finally is city. what continent he comes from,” scale and despite all the precau- claimed saints from all over the river water and the relentless coming to an end. Most of the “The power of the Kumbh Mela he told the Catholic News Service. tions in place was hit by tragedy country assembled for the spec- crush of the crowds, pilgrims pilgrims have returned home,” is the power of humanity.” “We want a person who is most last month when a stampede at a tacle that offers a rare glimpse from all over the world described said Mishra. AFP suitable for this assignment and most suitable for the very great responsibility, the one to whom the Holy Spirit guides us.” AFP Bengal poll panel biased towards Left: Trinamool Biggest mall

KOLKATA: Firing a fresh salvo at the like the panchayats and the civic bodies, during the rule of the Left Front, which of India-Marxist leader Mohammad Salim opens in Kochi state poll panel, West Bengal’s ruling have for months locked horns over the pan- had recommended her to the post. It now said. Trinamool Congress yesterday accused chayat polls. seems she is taking all the measures to “His (Roy) comments are totally unwar- KOCHI: Billed as India’s big- its chief of favouring the Left Front and While the commission wants a three- save them from an inevitable loss in the ranted and frivolous. Bureaucratic bodies gest shopping complex, the trying to defer the upcoming rural polls phase voting and deployment of central polls,” he said. must be given the independence to func- LuLu Shopping Mall was to save it from “an inevitable defeat”. paramilitary forces, the state government “The state government will notify the tion impartially,” state Congress president inaugurated by Kerala Chief Opposition parties flayed the comments. is pitching for a two-phase poll by pressing polls as also fixing the date. There are no Pradip Bhattacharya said. Minister Oommen Chandy here “The state government had made all into service only the state police personnel. two ways about this,” added Roy citing the The Bharatiya Janata Party too joined yesterday. Built at a cost of over preparations for the panchayat (rural body) Maintaining that it was the constitu- Constitution. Meanwhile, the opposition the chorus of criticism against Roy’s Rs106bn, it is spread over 2.5 polls in February, but for some unexplained tional right of the state government to not attacked Roy for his comments. remarks. million square feet and is owned reasons and beyond our comprehension, only notify the rural polls but also fix the “The Trinamool wanted to hold pan- “If Roy alleges that those appointed dur- by EMKE group of United Arab the state election commission deferred the schedule, Roy accused state Chief Election chayat elections at gunpoint. Their leader- ing Left Front times are working on behalf Emirates (UAE) businessman polls from February,” Trinamool General Commissioner Meera Pandey of favouring ship is devoid of any respect for institutions of the Left, then the corollary is that those M A Yousuf Ali, who hails from Secretary Mukul Roy told the media here. the Left Front during whose regime she in a democratic set up like the Election appointed in Trinamool time are working Kerala. The mall has nine thea- The Trinamool and the state poll panel, was appointed to the post. Commission and this is reflected in the for the Trinamool,” BJP state president tres, 16 pairs of escalators, ele- which conducts the elections to local bodies “She (Pandey) was appointed in 2010 remarks made by Roy,” Communist Party Rahul Sinha said. IANS vators and travelators. IANS Whimsical approach to Gulf returnees fforts by Indian then the NRDs have picked up in the construction industry. could set up housing complexes authorities to reset- again. In the first eight months Prof Jain opines that in order exclusively for the purpose of tle uprooted returnees of 2012-13 alone the deposits to ameliorate the problems of rehabilitation. Efrom the Gulf region had touched $11.24bn. Gulf returnees some well- Privately, there are some vol- seem to jump from one amnesty This background is necessary planned rehabilitation schemes untary bodies already engaged scheme to the other. In the news to understand in full measure are required to be launched by in this work. The Indo Arab now are returnees mainly to the apathy of the governments the Central or state govern- Confederation Council, for Andhra Pradesh who are leav- at the centre and state level in ments. In Gulf migration areas, example, is an organisation ing the UAE under a recent dealing with the issue of reset- those schemes can be conceived of Gulf returnees engaged in scheme to pardon and repatri- tlement and rehabilitation of either as a part of the general implementing various rehabili- ate migrants staying illegally. these who were adored when employment problem or exclu- tation schemes in Kerala. Top Indian leaders rarely abroad. sively for the returnees. Last year, the Ministry miss an opportunity to wax According to Professor Any rehabilitation scheme of Overseas Indians Affairs eloquent over the huge contri- Prakash C Jain of Jawaharlal should be designed as part of (MOIA) put into motion the butions of non-resident Indians Nehru University, perhaps the the overall manpower export Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi to the home country. For many most significant problem of Gulf policy. In this connection, the Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY) that years now, India has remained returnees is the problem of eco- idea of re-export of experienced calls upon migrants to make a the global topper in receiv- nomic integration. The problem returnees can be promoted yearly contribution of Rs4,000 ing remittances. This year of unemployment is particularly which might also give India a that will be matched with a gov- the money sent home through acute among the highly edu- competitive edge in the inter- ernment contribution of Rs900 legal channels is expected to national labour market. for a period of five years. That cross a whopping $70bn. The There are some like well- can hardly be called a rehabili- World Bank has noted that the THE NR EYE known Kerala historian M G S tation scheme. sharp increase in remittances Narayanan who has suggested In the wake of the recent to India has come from the Gulf Moiz Mannan that the government should amnesty-spurred wave of countries. appoint a permanent advisory returnees, Andhra Pradesh NRI deposits have immensely cated and technically qualified. committee to look into the prob- Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar helped India in averting its As substantial proportion of the lems of Gulf returnees and Non- Reddy was quoted by the media balance of payments crisis. A Gulf returnees belongs to this Resident Indians (NRIs). as having assured ‘every assist- time series data compiled by category of workforce. The view is that such a per- ance to rehabilitate the work- the Department of Economic There is yet another dimen- manent committee should ers,” particularly in terms Analysis and Policy of the sion to the problem of unem- comprise economic experts, of housing and employment. Reserve Bank of India on the ployment among Gulf returnees. sociologists and social engi- Let’s see. country’s balance of payment They are status conscious, and neers to advise the govern- Earlier, this year, during his trends since 1948-49 shows that their actual occupations abroad ment. Besides, it would also find speech at the Pravasi Bharatiya Non-Resident Indian Deposits often concealed anyway, neither ways to constructively invest Divas, Kerala Chief Minister (NRDs) have risen continu- will they risk their prestige by the hard-earned income of Oommen Chandy had said his ously since the mid-1970s. The taking to farming nor will they the NRIs. government was chalking out a data further suggest that the ever contemplate turning again In Kerala, some NRI organi- project for rehabilitating Gulf dependence on NRDs grew into porters, waiters or labourers. sations have suggested a multi- returnees and providing them substantially in the 1980s from In may be recalled that after pronged approach to help livelihood in the state. Let’s see. $1.8bn in 1980-81 to $10.4bn the 2007 wave of returnees, workers in the Gulf affected A few months ago, during a in 1989-90 and $10.6bn in several special job melas were by factors like recession. Their tour of the Jagtial Assembly 1990-91, before falling for the hurriedly organised for the skills could be utilised domesti- segment in Telangana, former first time in 1991-92 to $7.8bn. affected people. The response cally or they could be helped in Andhra Chief Minister The reversal in the rising trend was lacklustre. For example, relocating to other countries. N Chandrababu Naidu, was said of NRDs was clearly linked to hardly 10 percent of the 1,400 or There is also a suggestion to to have assured some affected large-scale withdrawal of such so returnees who turned up at provide admissions and free families that (as and when he deposits by Non-Resident a mela organised by the Medak education for an initial period came to power) he would cre- Indians following the outbreak DRDA in Andhra Pradesh were of resettlement. Other than ate a separate ministry for Gulf of Gulf War in late 1990. Since willing to accept the jobs offered that, the state governments returnees. Well, let’s see. MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Huge crowds Cake for Maha Shivaratri! cheer jailed Kerala leader Maudany attends daughter’s marriage

KOLLAM: Traffic stopped, seen speaking to him when he crowds went delirious and took the mike to address the Kerala politicians shook hands gathering. with Abdul Nasser Maudany as Dressed in his customary black the jailed Muslim leader came cap and sun glasses with his thick here to attend his daughter’s salt and pepper beard intact, wedding yesterday. Maudany began the religious The People’s Democratic function with a small prayer. Party leader, under custody in “All of you know that I am una- Karnataka for his alleged involve- ble to deliver a speech,” he said. ment in the 2008 Bangalore bomb “When I sit in the darkness of blasts, was given parole to attend the jail, the one thing that keeps the “nikah”. me going is the love and affection Traffic on the main road out- I get from Kerala cutting across side a hall where the event took religions. place was blocked for an hour. It “I know that when I suffer, I took 15 minutes for Maudany to am aware that there are so many alight from the van and reach the others who suffer more than me.” podium at the venue. He added: “I take this oppor- Kerala’s top politicians tunity to thank Chief Minister exchanged pleseantaries with him. Oommen Chandy and opposi- Hindu devotees carry a cake onto a mini truck, for distribution during the Maha Shivaratri festival dedicated to the Lord Shiva, in Amritsar, yesterday. Leading from the front was tion leader V S Achuthanandan CPI-M state secretary Pinarayi for their efforts to see that I Vijayan, who sat to Maudany’s get permission to attend my right side. On his left was Indian daughter’s ‘nikah’.” Union Muslim League’s Lok Maudany was given parole till More child labourers rescued in Rajasthan Sabha member E T Mohammed March 13 by a court in Bangalore Basheer. to attend the wedding. He was Among the others who sat told not to speak to the media or JAIPUR: A day after rescuing from a train in Bharatpur on in the train’s toilets. However, Bihar, and taken them to Jaipur with him were Congress MPs his supporters. 168 child labourers, Rajasthan Saturday. a GRP (Government Railway to make them work at bangle fac- M I Shahnawaz and Peethamabara He arrived here on Saturday Police rescued 63 others aged A senior government railway Police) team raided the train tories here. Now they were shift- Kurup, Kerala legislators night from Thiruvananthapuram between seven and 13 years from police (GRP) officer said: “We got and rescued the children. Most ing these children to West Bengal C Divakaran, Thomas Issac, after his departure from a train here while they were a tip-off from some social activists of the children are from Bihar for employing them in factories Varkala Kahar, and Left Bangalore was delayed by more being taken to West Bengal to that 63 children were being taken and were working at some ban- there,” said the officer. Democratic Front convenor than 10 hours. work in factories, officials said. to West Bengal in the Jodhpur- gle factories in Jaipur,” said the The GRP had rescued 168 chil- Vaikom Viswan. Conspicuous by their absence Police also arrested 10 men Howrah Express for working in officer. dren from the Ajmer-Sealdah When the groom, dressed in a were ministers in the Chandy on charges of human trafficking, factories there.” The officer added that 10 men Express Saturday. black suit, came up to the dais, cabinet. they added. When the train reached were arrested from the train. These children were also being there was a huge cheer as he paid Maudany, also a religious leader It is the second major bust Jaipur railway station, these “These people are also from taken from Jaipur to Kolkata his respect to Maudany. here, has been in police custody of human trafficking gangs in children were made to get on the Bihar and work as labour con- to be employed as labourers in Karnataka police officials in Karnataka since August 2010. Rajasthan within 24 hours as train by some people. “Several of tractors. They had bought these factories. accompanying Maudany were IANS police had rescued 168 children the children were made to stand children from their parents in IANS

All eyes on civic bodies Delhi Police’s oldest female Modi defines his poll results in canine gets retirement brand of secularism Karnataka today NEW DELHI: In her hey- Delhi which has 14 more dogs are inducted when they are eight NEW JERSEY: Snubbed by wellbeing should be our goal,” he days, her sharp olfactory senses — all Labradors — the veteran months old and normally remain the Wharton India Economic said in the 51-minute speech in BANGALORE: Ahead of the helped nab many hardened canine has assisted in the train- in service till they turn eight. Forum, Gujarat Chief Minister Hindi. Karnataka assembly polls in criminals and curb narcot- ing of several other dogs before “The dogs are very important Narendra Modi nevertheless “And if this happens, secular- May, political parties, particu- ics smuggling in the city. With their induction. as they help us detect explosives, spoke to the Indian diaspora in ism will automatically run in our larly the ruling BJP and main age and instincts failing her, “Handlers took her help in seize drugs and track criminals,” North America yesterday and blood.” “I agree, friends, that as challenger Congress, will know the oldest female canine in the training the new dogs as she was Digvijay told IANS. asked them to put “India First” an Indian, as a citizen who loves today their hold on the state’s Delhi Police dog squad is being so experienced... but sadly she is According to Delhi Police wherever they may be and India, you will also agree with urban voters as results of the retired at the ripe age of 11. not in her prime physical shape spokesperson Rajan Bhagat, a whatever they do. my definition ... We might do any urban local bodies poll will Bought for Rs5,000 from a local due to her age,” said Constable Labrador would be replacing Anu “My definition of secularism is work or take any decision, India be out. dog breeder in 2002 when she was Vidyasagar, Anu’s handler. and will be purchased from the simple: ‘India First’. Whatever should be supreme,” said Modi. Around 70 percent of 8.5 millon just seven months old, she was He added that an NGO would be Indian Army. you do, wherever you work, India The Gujarat chief minister, voters out of total electorate of fondly named Anu for being the adopting her after her retirement. “We have already written to should be the top priority for all who has been denied a US visa more than 40 million had voted “most friendly” canine. She will be According to many other handlers, them for purchasing two dogs,” its citizens,” Modi said in a live over his alleged role in the 2002 on Thursday to elect 207 urban relieved of her duties by the end Anu was the star of several dog Bhagat told IANS. video address from Ahmedabad Gujarat riots, made no reference local bodies. Though voting was of March after serving the police shows when she was young and At present, 59 dogs of four dif- to Indians living in America to either the riots or the Wharton scheduled for 208 local bodies, force for over 10 years. had won many awards for her ferent breeds are in the dog squad and Canada. controversy. polling did not take place in one “She is the only dog who can intelligence and agility. While age of Delhi Police’s Crime Branch Organised by the Overseas “Development is the only road because of boycott by the people roam around freely, be it the has slowed her down, it has failed located in Chanakyapuri and R K Friends of the BJP under the which will lead our nation out of demanding various facilities for training ground or the office. to affect the winner in her. Puram in south Delhi, Kalyanpuri Bharatiya Janata Party’s glo- the era of darkness and Gujarat the area, according to the state Not even the senior officers mind “Recently, she won a bronze in east Delhi and Janakpuri in bal community outreach pro- has shown a ray of hope to the election commission. this...she is loved by all,” a police medal in the All-India Police west Delhi, apart from the main gramme, Modi’s speech was country through its development,” A good showing in the poll is officer told IANS, requesting Duty Meet competition held in unit in Model Town. Of the 59 telecast through US-based TV said the third-term chief minis- of particular importance to the anonymity. Haryana,” the handler added. dogs, 45 are Labradors, five are Asia channel and was watched ter, highlighting the development Bharatiya Janata Party to boost The only female Doberman in According to Sub-Inspector Dobermans, seven are Cocker live by several hundred people at model of his government. its morale to face the assembly the head unit of the city’s dog Digvijay, in charge of the Model Spaniels and two are German two centres in New Jersey and Selling brand Gujarat and India elections as the party’s image squad in Model Town in north Town dog squad unit, the canines Shepherds. IANS Chicago. as a tourism destination, he asked stands battered by corruption “Country is above all religions the Indian diaspora and also the scandals and dissidence. and ideologies,” said Modi, whose hotel and motel industry, domi- While no scandal has bro- invitation to speak via video nated by Gujaratis, to promote ken out after Jagadish Shettar Yasin Malik under house arrest at Wharton’s annual student- their native land. became the BJP’s third chief min- run India-centric conference in “This would be your big service ister in over four years last July, Philadelphia on March 23 was to India. It is not always necessary there is no end to disunity in the cancelled following a protest to invest in India or send dollars, state unit. from a segment of professors and motivating people to travel to This is the first major election students. India is also another way of serv- the party faced after coming to “Nothing less than India’s ice,” he said. IANS power in the state for the first time in May 2008. In the last urban local bodies poll held in 2007, the Congress BJP, Congress workers clash was the biggest winner fol- lowed by the Janata Dal-Secular NEW DELHI: At least councillor B B Tyagi along (JD-S) with the BJP taking the 12 people were injured in with two other BJP councillors third spot. a clash between Congress arrived there with their sup- Shettar, who has been declared and Bharatiya Janata Party porters and indulged in a heated by the BJP as its chief ministerial (BJP) workers here yesterday argument with local Congress candidate for the assembly polls, evening after a heated argu- leaders,” said a police officer. is confident of his party winning ment at an official function, “The argument became vio- a majority of the over 4,800 seats police said. lent when the BJP supporters for which balloting took place on The incident was reported started manhandling and show- Thursday. from Jagatram Park in east ing black flags to Congress sup- The Congress claims it will win Delhi’s Shakarpur around porters,” the officer said. around 60 percent of the seats 3.30pm where East Delhi MP According to the officer, while the JD-S says it will take Sandeep Dikshit and Delhi 12 peopel were injured in the the first place. Finance Minister A K Walia attack. “It is not yet ascertained The Congress has fielded the Supporters of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front carry its Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik on their shoul- were to come for the inaugura- whether these people belong to highest number of candidates — ders as he arrives in Srinagar, yesterday. Authorities have placed the head of the pro-independence group tion of a sewer line. Congress or BJP,” the officer 4,492, followed by the BJP (3,954) under house arrest. “The clash began after BJP added. IANS and JD-S (3,651). IANS

MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME The Croods premiere China masters science of Fajr (Dawn) 4:32 stopping world’s Shorook (Sunrise) 5:48 Zuhr (Noon) 11:44 fastest trains Asr (Afternoon) 3:08 BEIJING: China has mastered Maghrib (Sunset) 5:42 braking technology to stop the Isha (Night) 7:12 world’s fastest trains that travel a maximum speed of 500 kilo- metres per hour, a railway sci- entist said. WEATHER The eddy-current braking test- ing system has been completed Today Tuesday Wednesday Weather and put into use, Li Heping, a sen- Conditions: ior researcher of China Academy Clear Clear Partly cloudy of Railway Sciences, told China’s Clear. High of (Xinhua) News Agency. 28C. Windy. Eddy-current braking, a high- High: 28° High: 28° High: 28° Winds from the end technology for rail trans- Low: 21° Low: 20° Low: 19° NNW at 20 to portation, is used in high-speed 40 km/h. trains travelling at 200 kmph or above. The technology is under development in countries that have high-speed railways. DOHA - SUN & SEA Chinese researchers can make dynamic simulation to brake SUN TIDE SEA high-speed trains at a maximum SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND speed of 500 kmph, and launch 05:48 17:42 04:30&17:00 11:15&22:45 03-35/25 KT testing research of eddy-current braking in all speeds and situa- tions, he said. THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW Li noted that China is inter- HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER nationally advanced in overall technologies of high-speed trains. MUSCAT 34/24 Partly cloudy 32/22 Partly cloudy In December last year, the MAKKAH 32/22 Clear 36/23 Clear high-speed line linking Beijing The Croods KUWAIT 25/17 Clear 25/19 Clear Actors Ryan Reynolds (left) and Emma Stone attend premiere at AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 and Guangzhou — the world’s The Croods BAHRAIN 25/20 Clear 25/19 Clear theatre in New York City, yesterday. is a prehistoric comedy adventure that follows the world’s first longest — went into service, bring- SANAA 26/11 Partly cloudy 26/19 Partly cloudy family as they embark on a journey of a lifetime when the cave that has always shielded them from danger ing China’s total high-speed rail RIYADH 25/10 Clear 26/13 Partly cloudy is destroyed. Travelling across a spectacular landscape, the Croods discover an incredible new world filled network in operation to a length DUBAI 32/21 Partly cloudy 26/21 Clear with fantastic creatures — and their outlook is changed forever. of more than 9,300km. China plans to have 18,000km BAGHDAD 23/12 Clear 25/161 Clear of high-speed lines in operation by 2015. Tests show China’s new- THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW generation high-speed trains HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Bulgarian bishop fails to sell Rolex to pay bill can run as fast as 486.1 kmph, a record high in the world. ATHENS 20/12 Partly cloudy 20/12 Clear SOFIA: A top Bulgarian cleric Saint Marina church. “I’d rather its clergy receive a pittance in sal- Li also disclosed China will put WASHINGTON 19/13 Partly cloudy 18/04 Chance of rain yesterday failed to sell his gold go to heaven without a watch than ary. Nikolay’s Rolex and a Lincoln dual-powered high-speed trains SYDNEY 25/19 Chance of rain 27/18 Partly cloudy Rolex to pay the electricity bill to hell with one,” the state BTA car owned by his counterpart in into operation next year, with LONDON 01/-1 Chance of snow 04/-1 Partly cloudy of his cash-strapped church agency quoted him as then saying. the city of Varna have sparked self-owned intellectual proper- PARIS 05/02 Chance of rain 04/-3 Cloudy as there were no takers for A public tender for the Rolex angry comments in the press. ties. The trains, driven by elec- ISTANBUL 14/11 Chance of storms 17/11 Chance of rain the watch in the EU’s poorest however failed to attract any bid- The cost of electricity in tric force and cells, will mainly MANILA 32/24 Partly cloudy 32/24 Chance of storms country. ders yesterday due to its high ask- Bulgaria more than doubled in be used for inter-city routes DHAKA 34/20 Partly cloudy 35/21 Clear Metropolitan Nikolay of the ing price of 11,600 leva. January from December, sending traveling 200-250 kmph, leaving DELHI 31/17 Clear 31/17 Partly cloudy southern city of Plovdiv decided Bulgaria’s Orthodox Church is tens of thousands into the streets no emissions. to sell the watch late last month the largest property owner in the in protests that to Prime Minister Dual-powered trains are fueled ISLAMABAD 27/15 Partly cloudy 27/14 Partly cloudy to pay the almost 3,000-leva country after the state but is short Boyko Borisov’s resignation last with cells in areas without elec- (¤1,538/ $2,000) power bill of the of funds to cover utility bills and month. AFP tric traction. AGENCIES Monday 11 March 2013 29 Rabial II 1434 Volume 18 Number 5635 Price: QR2

QC website to promote local firms

Business | 24

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Central Bank issues QR4bn debt to meet Shareholders Basel III norms

DUBAI: Qatar’s Central Bank yesterday issued QR1bn of local approve QIIB’s currency sukuk and QR3bn of local currency conventional bonds, as part of an adjustment of monetary policy and in order to help commercial banks meet $2bn sukuk Basel III liquidity requirements. Local currency debt will be issued every quarter, half with three-year maturities and half Bank holds general assembly with five-year, the central bank said in a statement. It did not DOHA: Qatar International capital, and the recommendations give specific dates or sizes for Islamic Bank’s (QIIB) share regarding the bonuses, compensa- future issues, saying they would holders have given the approval tion and allowances to the board The Chairman of QIIB Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Thani Al Thani (centre), Vice Chairman Sheikh Abdullah bin Thani Al be announced later. for the board of directors’ deci- members. Thani (left) and Chief Executive Officer Abdulbasit Ahmed Al Shaibe, at the AGM of the bank held at Ezdan Hotels “The aim of issuing these bonds sion to issue $2bn sukuk. The Addressing the assembly Dr and Suites in Doha, yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT is to develop monetary policy and new issuance is followed by the Sheikh Khalid said Qatar’s grow- the implementation of a mecha- QIIB’s debut debt deal of $700m ing economy has helped QIIB to nism of coordination between sukuk in the international mar- consolidate its lead position in the net profit reached QR679m sukuk, Abdulbasit Ahmed Al the sukuk market or this market monetary and fiscal policy and kets in October, 2012. Qatar’s banking sector in 2012. recording a growth rate of 4 Shaibe, Chief Executive Officer of was not developed according to support the strength of the bank- The ordinary general assembly, With a number of projects and percent on year-on-year basis. QIIB said International Islamic the expectations of international ing system and financial and chaired by the bank Chairman expansion plans in the pipeline, He said the board is working would decide at an appropriate investors” market tools,” it said. A senior Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Thani bin the bank is looking at 2013 with on updating its strategic plans time when to hit the market. “We Waleed bin Hadi, chairman, commercial banker in Qatar said Abdullah Al Thani, yesterday more confidence. matching with global banking have not yet decided when to go Shariah Board at QIIB said the yesterday’s issuance was allocated approved all the 11 items figured “We are confident, God willing, standards. for the issuance. It depends on board has supervised the opera- directly to local banks. Pricing in the agenda, including the 2012 that QIIB will be able to maintain The board has also reviewed its international market conditions.” tions of the bank through its audit was not immediately known. financial results. its leadership and excellence to policies and made sure that it is On the sudden surge in the committee and ensured that the In January, the International The agenda included the elec- take all measures and maintain strictly in line with the strictures sukuk segment, Abdulbasit noted bank is strictly following the Monetary Fund’s mission chief for tion of two members to the its international financial stand- of Qatar Central Bank and Qatar the greater awareness about the Shariah law. Qatar told Reuters that authori- Governing Council, to consider ards using the latest banking Financial Markets Authority. The sukuk has made it one of the The board has checked the ties planned debt issues to build the recommendation for the tools,” Dr Sheikh Khalid said. bank’s enhanced governance poli- favourite instruments of inter- bank’s financial disclosures for a domestic sovereign yield curve, Board of Directors, recommen- The chairman noted that the cies are reflected in its annual national investors. 2012 and found it is strictly com- as part of the country’s efforts dation to disburse an annual bank’s total revenue in 2012 corporate governance report. “Many years ago international plying with Shariah. to develop a local currency debt dividend of 35 percent of the amounted to QR1.183bn while On the issuance of the $2bn investors were not either aware of THE PENINSULA market. REUTERS

MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Online platform to promote local businesses Qatar Chamber partners with Gulf Expo Online

DOHA: Qatar Chamber companies. At the same time, “ExpoOnline is a leading source (QC), in partnership with without additional cost, partici- of business information and Qatarexpoonline.com, has pating companies are promoted trade support services on global, launched an online platform for in a year-round permanent exhi- regional and national industry the QC-member companies to bition. Each company is listed in sectors, including international showcase Qatari businesses to an industry-specific category and trends and domestic markets the global audience. sub-category within its respective interlinked with more than 200 m The announcement was made country, making each company national portals,” said Mohammed during a joint press conference easy to find by potential business Abdulla Al Obaidly, Gulf Expo held at the QC here yesterday. partners. Apart from country- Online, Chief Executive Officer. QatarExpoOnline.com is wide exposure, each national The facility will help enable part of ExpoOnline.com Global expo portal is interlinked with companies to promote their prod- Network, the pioneer in interna- the entire global network,” said ucts or services internationally. tional on-line exhibitions and a Remy Rohani, Director General The online exhibitions are free leading source of business infor- of QC, after the signing ceremony. to access from all over the world mation and trade support services “With millions of trade online and are open 24/7 throughout on global, regional and national visitors per week, the Qatari the year, within over 50 industry industry sectors that monitor companies will have the oppor- specific sectors and categories, he international trends and domes- tunity to promote their com- said. tics markets — all in a single, eas- pany internationally through Andreas Kaisis, Executive ily accessible and friendly virtual QatarExpoonline.com. The site Chairman of IMC Business FROM LEFT: The Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Expo Online, Mohammed Abdulla Al Obaidly, the Director General environment, interlinked with is the ideal vehicle that makes any Global PLC, said: “ExpoOnline is of Qatar Chamber, Remy Rohani, and the Executive Chairman of IMC Business Global PLC, Andreas Kaisis, during nearly 200 national business por- company available to new custom- an innovative online business-to- the press conference at Qatar Chamber headquarters yesterday. SHAIVAL DALAL tals, covering practically all the ers and investors from around the business service that leverages world. world. Only the companies regis- the power, technology and reach “With a competitive annual tered with the QC will be allowed of the Internet to deliver simple, the experience of attending any and services clustered by country trade visitors, greatly increasing fee, QatarExpoonline.com will to utilise this facility,” said Saleh valuable and cost-effective mar- world-class physical exhibition, and product category. Businesses their exposure and reaching new offer an ideal alternative to con- Al Sharqi, Deputy Director keting and information.” offering organisations the oppor- can thus promote their products markets worldwide, said Andreas. ventional advertising for local General of QC. ExpoOnline virtually recreates tunity to exhibit their products and services to millions of online THE PENINSULA

GCC banks assets hit $1.47 trillion; Qatar leads with 15pc growth

DOHA: The GCC banking sec- percent in 2012 to $859bn. Qatar, recipient of credit facilities in the UAE and after declining in relatively sound even with strong government and institutional bor- tor continues to remain robust which accounted for 15 percent of Qatar and grew by 10.5 percent 2010-11, started to pick up in 2012. growth in the balance sheet of rowers, they have in recent years with assets increasing by 11 total GCC banking assets in 2012, in 2012 as growth in those sectors Saudi Arabia has the second banks. started to diversify their funding percent in 2012 to $1.47 tril- stood at the forefront of growth. picked up. largest banking assets in the GCC This is mainly due to the good sources, through access to the lion. Higher energy prices and Credit facilities increased by 26 QNB is the largest bank in the at $462bn. Credit facilities went asset quality of GCC banks as capital/bond market. increased hydrocarbons pro- percent in 2012, pushing up bank- GCC with assets at $101bn as at up by 17 percent in 2012 as loans the non-performing loans (NPL) In 2012, a total of 919 bonds duction have provided for large ing sector assets by 18 percent. year-end 2012. for trade and manufacturing grew. ratio has remained low for the were issued in the GCC amount- public spending programmes, The public sector has been the The UAE has the largest bank- Kuwait’s credit facilities grew GCC region. The NPL ratio for ing to $111bn, according to data which, coupled with a pick up key contributor to credit growth ing sector in the region, account- at a slow pace of 4 percent in 2012, GCC banks stood at 4.5 percent from Bloomberg. This is in com- in construction and real estate in Qatar. Credit facilities to the ing for 33 percent of overall GCC driven mainly by the increase in for 2012, based on Bloomberg data. parison to the $107bn in credit activities, have driven growth public sector increased by an aver- banking assets, with total assets loans to the construction and real Apart from traditional bank facilities that were granted by in credit facilities, according to age of 43 percent over the past at $489bn as at November 2012. estate sector. Oman experienced financing, corporate debt capital GCC banks. Even as bonds have QNB Group. three years, which can mainly be Credit facilities went up by 12 strong growth in bank financing markets have also emerged as emerged as an alternative, bank Credit facilities form the largest attributed to bank financed pub- percent in 2012, supporting the which went up by 14 percent in a good funding option for gov- financing will remain as the pri- component of overall GCC bank- lic spending on infrastructure expansion in total banking assets 2012 as personal and public sector ernments and corporates in the mary source of funding for insti- ing sector assets and accounted projects. by 8 percent in 2012. Loans to the loans increased. region. While bank financing tutional and corporate borrowers, for 58 percent of overall assets The real estate and construc- construction sector form the larg- The banking systems in the has traditionally been the pre- according to QNB Group. in 2012. They alone grew by 14 tion sector was the second largest est portion of credit facilities in GCC region have remained ferred source of funding for GCC THE PENINSULA

Seventh edition of MultaQa UDC signs QR795m deal to build The conference opens today Pearl Qatar towers DOHA: The seventh edition opportunity for regional and inter- DOHA: United Development of the annual MultaQa Qatar national executives and experts to Company (UDC) has signed conference, jointly organised share their knowledge and experi- a QR795m ($218m) contract by the Qatar Financial Centre ence, contributing to the indus- with a leading Qatari construc- (QFC) Authority and Global try’s further professionalisation.” tion company to build the two Reinsurance, is set to open here On the opening day, Al Shaibi Abraj Quartier AQ01 and AQ02 today. will highlight the crucial role of Gateway Office towers at The Over the next two days, over the insurance sector in developing Pearl-Qatar. 500 senior delegates from more a vibrant financial services sector Standing high at around 201 than 30 countries will discuss key in Qatar. His presentation will be metres on opposite sides of the trends and drivers for the MENA followed by the first industry key- main access road to The Pearl- region’s buoyant (re)insurance note address, delivered by Chris Qatar, the two 40-storey tow- markets as well as relevant glo- O’Kane, CEO of Aspen Group, ers will boast a build up area of bal developments. The Minister of who will elaborate on contempo- more than 230,000 square metres. Economy and Finance H E Yousuf rary challenges facing the global Construction works commenced Hussein Kamal will deliver the property and casualty industry. on February 15 and is expected keynote address. Ashok Kumar Roy, Chairman- to be completed by the end of “The QFC Authority is cum-Managing Director, General January, 2016. delighted to host the annual Insurance Corporation of India, Describing the contract as a MultaQa Qatar for the seventh will discuss the role of the (re) major step forward for the island, time. We are proud that since its insurance industry in emerging UDC’s Chief Executive Officer launch in 2007 this meeting has markets. Ebrahim Al Sulaiti, said: “These become the leading platform for Akshay Randeva, Director, towers will set the standard for the risk and insurance industry Strategic Development, QFC the development in terms of qual- to network and discuss the main Authority and Dr Kai-Uwe ity and architectural articulation themes affecting the industry in Schanz, Chairman of MultaQa for exterior material and finishes the MENA region,” Abdulrahman Qatar and Partner with Dr and will feature comprehensive Al Shaibi, Managing Director Schanz, Alms & Company will smart systems.” and Board Member of the QFC report on findings of the First Abraj Quartier is one of the Authority, said yesterday. MENA Insurance Barometer, a 10 precincts that make up The Shashank Srivastava, CEO survey conducted on behalf of the Pearl-Qatar Island. and Board Member of the QFC Qatar Financial Centre Authority Developed by UDC, the island Authority, said: “The insurance with 35 senior executives repre- is located 350 metres offshore sector plays a pivotal role in pro- senting insurers, reinsurers and of Doha’s prestigious West Bay moting the economic and social brokers operating in the region District and is one of the largest development of the MENA region. on the second day. urban developments in the Gulf. MultaQa Qatar offers a unique THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Commercialbank holds workshop for SMEs

DOHA: Commercialbank, one affect small businesses today. grow and succeed within their of the leading full service banks Commercialbank hosts similar respective industries. I would in Qatar, collaborated with customer workshops regularly like to thank CNA-Q for deliver- the College of North Atlantic, on topics relevant to the growth ing a quality workshop on SME Qatar (CNA-Q) to host another of SMEs. growth and look forward to fur- customer workshop titled ‘Low These workshops also provide a ther developing this collabora- Cost, Effective Marketing platform for Enterprise Banking tion,” said Kenneth John Clark, Research’ for its Enterprise customers to meet and discuss Head of Enterprise Banking at Banking customers at the with their peers various matters Commercialbank. Commercialbank Majlis Room that will generate new ideas to The workshop was conducted in the Doha Golf Club. benefit their business. by Brenda Lockyer, Chair of The third in this series, the “Commercialbank is very aware CNA-Q’s School of Business workshop was well attended of its responsibility to the com- Studies, who has over 20 years’ by a select group of Small and munity, and banks have a duty to experience in marketing and com- Medium Enterprise (SME) busi- facilitate growth for SMEs and munications, public relations and ness owners and key decision provide value-added advisory fundraising management for the makers who shared their views services, arming them with the education, health care and charity on some of the challenges that market knowledge to help them sectors. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,520.94 0.17 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 11,873.25 0.17 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,573.66 0.12 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,117.05 0.03 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,032.67 0.17 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5123.134 -7.753 -0.15 5143.4 4664.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,023.6 0.09 % QR185.8601 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3793.05 19.29 0.51 3809 3600.81 UK ...... QR 5.3995 QR 5.4785 QE All Share Industrials 2,813.91 0.19 % SILVER QE All Share Insurance 1,949.87 0.92 % Dj Indu Average 14296.24 42.47 0.3 14320.7 12035.1 QR 3.4082 Euro ...... QR 4.6939 QR 4.7889 QE All Share Real Estate 1,628.3 0.40 % CA$ ...... QR 3.5066 QR 3.5812 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Telecoms 1,134.07 0.42 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.7893 QR 3.8797 QE All Share Transportation 1,416.07 0.44 % Hang Seng Inde/D 22771.44 -6.4 -0.03 23944.74 22445.34 Yen ...... QR 0.0375 QR 0.0384 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7060 QR 3.7786 Iseq Overall/D 3843.21 17.18 0.45 3885.68 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0661 QR 0.0675 10-03-2013 07-03-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 17992.91 -7.54 -0.04 18312.65 16036.31 Index 8,520.94 8,506.22 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0368 QR 0.0375 Change 14.72 10.97 Nikkei 225 Index 11968.08 35.81 0.3 11933.82 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0880 QR 0.0907 % 0.17 0.13 $110.40 SL Re ...... QR 0.0284 QR 0.0289 YTD% 1.94 1.76 S&P 500 Index/D 1541.46 1.67 0.11 1545.25 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0457 QR 0.0466 Volume 4,589,941 5,367,123 Straits Times/D 3298.54 6.73 0.2 3319.19 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0413 QR 0.0421 Value (QAR) 237,097,797.89 234,550,281.55 $109.28 Trades 3,025 3,192 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3937 QR 0.4015 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 16 | Down 18 | Unchanged 04

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 10-03-2013

Improvements in the US economy boosted markets HE United States econ- services in the Eurozone con- JPY continued to county’s econ- higher payroll taxes and look months, while “the underlying omy gained traction in tracted less than economists weaken ahead omy, is being beyond the nation’s debt disagree- pace of monetary expansion con- Tthe midst of a post-crisis forecast last month. The Euro of the US pay- supported by a ments in Washington. tinues to be subdued”, indicating environment, leading the finan- then plummeted to 1.2965 after roll report, as sustained level Change in Non-Farm pay- that the ECB will continue with cial markets towards recovery, as a report showed that Euro area expectation of an of consumer rolls came much better than its accommodative monetary pol- better than expected economic exports fell in the fourth quar- improving labor Weekly Money Market Review spending. The expected. The US economy pay- icy stance. ECB President reiter- indicators bloom markets with ter for the first time in 3-years. market will con- Institute for rolls increased by 246,000, against ated that the “medium term risks positive sentiment, and pushing The Euro surged following the vince the Federal Reserve to end Supply Management’s factory a forecasted 165,000, and better by for inflation remained balanced global indices on to the green ECB’s decision to keep interest its program of asset purchases. index increased to 56.0, ahead of 79,000 from the previous figure. and that the positive impact from side, with the Dow Jones reach- rates unchanged. The single cur- The Japanese Yen touched a January’s figure of 55.2. As the Europe improving financial conditions ing record highs. The economy in rency continued to rise to touch a high of 96.55, as the greenback number above 50 signals expan- ECB Keeps Interest Rate on economic fundamentals may the US is in a growing phase, in high of 1.3134, as President Mario strengthens to its highest level sion, the index surpassed an Unchanged need time to materialize”. After which it created great momen- Draghi held to his view that the since August. The Swiss Franc expected slip to 55.0. A continu- To no one’s surprise, the dismissing comments over the tum towards recovery. Better eco- Eurozone will gradually recover weakened against the greenback ous hike in the manufacturing European Central Bank have kept existence of a “currency war”, Mr. nomic figures raised the question later this year and then closed after a better than expected industries will make-up for three the key benchmark interest rate Draghi said on the matter “that whether the Federal Reserve will the week at 1.3010. The Sterling jobs report from the US. The straight months of contraction, unchanged at 0.75%. The Euro the exchange rate is not a policy alter its accommodative policy of Pound endured a volatile week. CHF opened the week at 0.9429, and will create more jobs. regained ground across major target for the ECB. The nomi- quantitative easing. Moreover, Cable opened the week at 1.5038, weakening to a high of 0.9489 Unemployment Claims Drop currencies after the decision nal and real exchange rates are sentiment on the Euro remained only to rise to 1.5199, ahead of on Thursday, in tandem with Fewer Americans filed for outcome of no immediate need by, and large continue to be near supported, after ECB President the UK’s services report, which the Euro, against a stronger US first-time claims for unemploy- for further easing. “We always their long term averages. The Draghi said monetary policy proved to be better than expected. Dollar. The Swiss Franc closed ment last week, indicating that think and study and reflect, but exchange rate is very important would remain firmly accommo- The Sterling Pound plunged the week at 0.9528. demand is still resilient enough we are not committing to or plan- for growth and price stability. dative and added that confidence against the US Dollar, ahead of ISM Non-Manufacturing to maintain current employment ning anything special,” said Mario The central bank will stick with was returning to financial mar- the Bank of England 2-day meet- PMI Expands levels. Unemployment benefits Draghi. “Yes, we have discussed the G20 consensus”. The ECB kets. In addition, the Bank of ing to a low of 1.4967 as more Manufacturing industry in unexpectedly dropped last week the possibility. We wouldn’t pre- President added that the central England have refrained from any easing measures were priced in the United States expanded in to a six week low. The number commit to anything as specific bank “will continue to look at further easing, while keeping the the market. The currency then February, at the fastest pace in of Americans filing applications as a rate cut in the future”, the the exchange rate as part of the interest rate unchanged. climbed to 1.5083, after the BoE a year, an indication that finan- for unemployment benefits fell ECB President said over the pos- overall assessment of the current The Euro started the week refrained from boosting its asset ciers, shielded with market opti- by 7,000 to 340,000, lower than sibility of an interest rate cut. situation”. After some turbulence at 1.3022, as positive sentiments purchase target. The Pound mism, are dwarfing concerns and the expected 354,000. Advancing Moreover, Draghi has stated in the the markets following the overwhelmed the financial mar- closed the week at 1.4920. The disagreements over the nation’s stock prices and housing recovery that inflation has declined below Italian elections, Draghi stated kets. The single currency rose Japanese Yen opened the week at budget deficit in Washington. are fueling a wave of good senti- 2% in February as expected, and that Italy “should continue on the to 1.3075 levels, after a report 93.59, weakening against the US The US service industry, which ment in US households, making that inflationary pressures should structural reform path”. showed that manufacturing and Dollar throughout the week. The equates to almost 90% of the it easier for Americans to endure remain contained over the coming THE PENINSULA MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Nadal wins on hard-court return; Ferrer makes exit The Spaniard registers straight-set victory; Federer, Azarenka advance Victoria Azarenka of Belarus celebrates after winning a point INDIAN WELLS, California: ill-timed double faults that helped against Daniela Hantuchova of Rafael Nadal made a trium- Harrison break back in the sev- Slovakia during the fourth day of phant return to hard-court enth game. the BNP Paribas Open at Indian tennis yesterday, booking his “With 4-1 and a few break Wells in Indian Wells, California, third-round berth at Indian points, I felt that I was playing yesterday. Wells with a straight-sets vic- OK,” Nadal said. “Nothing special, tory over American Ryan but OK. Harrison. “And after that I lost that Seeded only fifth in a tourna- game, the 4-2 with one double Indian Wells ATP ment he won in 2007 and 2009, fault, three forehands outside of and WTA Results Nadal was nevertheless squarely the stadium. Indian Wells, California: Results in the spotlight as he played his “After that, the set became yesterday from the fourth day first hard-court match in 346 very tricky.” of the ATP Masters and WTA days. Nadal was clearly delighted BNP Paribas Open (x denotes After a few tense moments in after saving a break point to hold seeded player): the opening set, he came through for a 6-5 lead, and he took charge Men’s Second Round: Benoit Paire (FRA) with flying colours, beating 73rd- of the tiebreaker early. He deliv- bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER x21) 6-4, 6-2; ranked American Harrison 7-6 ered another double fault on his Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) bt Fernando Verdasco (7/3), 6-2 in one hour and 33 first set point, but pocketed the (ESP x29) 6-1, 6-0; Kevin Anderson (RSA) bt minutes. set on the next. David Ferrer (ESP x4) 3-6, 6-4, 6-3; Leonardo Nadal was sidelined for seven He broke Harrison twice en Mayer (ARG) bt Mikhail Youzhny (RUS x30) 6-2, months recovering from a left- route to a 4-1 lead in the second, 6-3; Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI x18) bt Wayne knee injury. The former world No. and this time the American could Odesnik (USA) 3-6, 6-2, 6-1; Roger Federer 1 got his comeback off to a blaz- not get back on terms. (SUI x2) bt Denis Istomin (UZB) 6-2, 6-3; Jerzy ing start with three clay-court Nadal closed the match out Janowicz (POL x24) bt David Nalbandian (ARG) tournaments in Latin America, with a love game, sealing victory 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-3; Gilles Simon (FRA x13) bt with one runner-up finish and with an overhead winner. Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) 6-3, 3-6, 7-5; Lleyton Hewitt two titles. “Any victory is important for (AUS) bt John Isner (USA x15) 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, But he had not played a hard- me because that gives me the 6-4; Ivan Dodig (CRO) bt Julien Benneteau (FRA x28) 6-4, 6-2; Andreas Seppi (ITA x20) bt Daniel court event since pulling out in chance to play another day,” he Brands (GER) 7-5, 6-4; Florian Mayer (GER x27) Miami with left knee tendinitis said. “That’s what I need, to play Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning a point during the first set tie breaker against Ryan Harrison of bt David Goffin (BEL) 6-4, 6-2; Richard Gasquet last March, and he had not been matches. I need to compete.” (FRA x10) bt Bernard Tomic (AUS) 7-6 (7/1), the US during their match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, yesterday. sure he would be ready to test the Nadal moved closer to a pro- 6-2; Ernests Gulbis (LAT) bt Janko Tipsarevic knee on the punishing cement jected quarter-final match-up (SRB x9) 6-2, 6-0; Rafael Nadal (ESP x5) bt this month. with old foe Roger Federer, the Ryan Harrison (USA) 7-6 (7/3), 6-2; Tomas “Two weeks ago, I didn’t really defending champion who cruised The Swiss great, seeded sec- surprised to see Nadal across the “He’s playing good,” Ferrer Berdych (CZE x6) bt Mischa Zverev (GER) 6-2, know if I would be here playing,” into the third round with a 6-2, ond behind world No. 1 Novak net in the quarter-finals. said. “He’s not playing with pain 6-4. he said. 6-3 victory over Uzbekistan’s Djokovic, is seeking a first tourna- “Him not having played, for in his knee and that is a very good Women’s Second Round: Jamie Hampton After jumping to a 4-1 lead, Denis Istomin. ment triumph of 2013 after being me, doesn’t make any difference, point.” (USA) bt Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE x20) 6-3, 6-3; Julia Nadal found himself in a battle Federer wrapped up the match denied title repeats at Rotterdam really. I still expect him to be Other men advancing included Goerges (GER x21) bt Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) 6-3, with Harrison, thanks in part in 57 minutes and did not face a and Dubai. really difficult and tough to beat France’s Gilles Simon, who saved 6-3; Angelique Kerber (GER x4) bt Irina-Camelia to a few wayward forehands and break point. Federer said he would not be here.” three match points in a 6-3, 3-6, Begu (ROM) 6-3, 6-2; Yanina Wickmayer (BEL Nadal’s fellow Spaniard David 7-5 victory over Paolo Lorenzi. x30) bt Mirjana Lucic (CRO) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2; Peng Ferrer echoed those thoughts Australian warhorse Lleyton Shuai (CHN x32) bt Alexandra Dulgheru (ROM) after becoming the first major Hewitt beat last year’s runner- 6-0, 4-6, 6-3; Samantha Stosur (AUS x7) bt casualty of the tournament. up John Isner 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 6-4. Madison Keys (USA) 6-3, 6-4; Nadia Petrova Fourth-seed Ferrer, who over- Women’s top seed and defend- (RUS x10) bt Stefanie Voegele (SUI) 6-2, 6-3; Garbine Muguruza (ESP) bt Ekaterina Makarova took Nadal in the world rank- ing champion Victoria Azarenka Maria Sharapova (RUS x17) 6-3, 1-6, 6-4; Ana Ivanovic (SRB x11) ings, was beaten 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 by survived a shaky start to make of Russia signs bt Taylor Townsend (USA) 6-1, 6-2; Magdalena autographs during the 37th-ranked South African Kevin it safely into the third round Rybarikova (SVK) bt Lucie Safarova (CZE x16) BNP Paribas Open at Anderson. with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over two- 6-2, 4-6, 6-2; Kirsten Flipkens (BEL x28) bt the Indian Wells Tennis The defeat followed Ferrer’s time former champion Daniela Monica Niculescu (ROM) 46 64 63; Victoria Garden in Indian Wells, comprehensive 6-0, 6-2 loss to Hantuchova. Azarenka (BLR x1) bt Daniela Hantuchova Nadal in the final at Acapulco a Azarenka, unbeaten in 2013 and California, yesterday. (SVK) 6-4, 6-1; Mona Barthel (GER x24) bt Kiki week earlier. winner of the Australian Open Bertens (NED) 6-1, 6-4; Elena Vesnina (RUS Perhaps with that still in mind, and the WTA event in Doha, fell x29) bt Kimiko Date-Krumm (JPN) 3-6, 7-5, Ferrer said he expected Nadal to behind 4-1 in the first set, but 6-1; Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x8) bt Alize Cornet flourish on hard courts, just as he surrendered just one game in the (FRA) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3; Urszula Radwanska (POL) has on clay. next 12. AFP bt Sloane Stephens (USA x15) 6-3, 6-4.

Indian police to summon boxer Smith leads Knicks past Jazz NEW YORK: After learning 3-pointers, and Raymond Felton players in double figures, starting Amar’e Stoudemire was lost had 15 for New York. with point guard Mike Conley’s 22 over drugs haul for the remainder of the regu- Enes Kanter scored 14 points points and ending with power for- NEW DELHI: Indian police lar season because of a knee and Gordon Hayward had 13 for ward Ed Davis’ near double-dou- said yesterday it will question injury, the New York Knicks Utah (32-31), which was without ble of 12 points and nine rebounds. Olympic bronze-medallist went out yesterday and tried to injured forward Paul Millsap. There was the Grizzlies’ focus boxer Vijender Singh over show they could make up for his The Jazz finished their road as they improved to 42-19 heading alleged links to a man who absence. trip 0-4 and have dropped seven into an upcoming four-game, five- was arrested after heroin The Knicks routed the Utah of eight overall. day West Coast road trip. worth $24m was seized from Jazz 113-84, controlling the game Elsewhere, there were plenty They took an 18-point lead into his house. most of the way despite missing of things to like about the the fourth quarter and didn’t have Police said the arrested man Stoudemire as well as forward Memphis Grizzlies’ 96-85 victory many mental lapses the rest of had named Vijender and fellow Carmelo Anthony, who was out over the New Orleans Hornets in the way. boxer Ram Singh, both unre- for the third straight game with FedExForum. In another match yesterday, the lated, as his “clients”. his own knee issue. There was superb ball move- Brooklyn Nets took it to Atlanta “It is crucial for us to ques- JR Smith scored 24 points to ment and unselfishness, with the in a 93-80 victory, snapping a tion Vijender Singh because the lead the Knicks (38-22), who Grizzlies scoring 38 baskets on 21 streak of eight straight losses to Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby scores a goal past Toronto Maple peddler has named the boxer won for the third time in their assists. the Hawks at Philips Arena dat- Leaf goalkeeper James Reimer and team-mate Tyler Bozak during the as his client. Even Vijender’s past four games. Steve Novak This, of course, led to extremely ing to January 30, 2009. first period of their NHL hockey game in Toronto, yesterday. friend, Ram Singh has told us scored 20 points, including five balanced scoring, with seven The Hawks have lost five of that they were both using her- their last six games. Brook Lopez oin,” senior officer HS Mann had 18 points and nine rebounds, said. Andray Blatche also scored 18 and Police seized 26 kilograms Deron Williams contributed 17 Bruins cruise past (57 pounds) of heroin worth points for the Nets. Reggie Evans 1.3bn rupees ($24m) from added nine rebounds. the alleged peddler. He was Former Hawks guard Joe arrested along with five others. Johnson, booed every time he struggling Flyers Mann, who heads the investi- touched the ball, had a quiet night John Jenkins gation, said Vijender will be for the Nets with eight points, BOSTON: Last Tuesday night (12) of the summoned next week. The star four rebounds, five assists and in Washington, the Boston NHL Results boxer has strongly denied links Atlanta four steals. Bruins scored three goals in the Boston 3 Philadelphia 0 with the alleged peddler, slam- Hawks drives Trevor Ariza scored 17 of his first period but wound up blow- NY Islanders 5 Washington 2 ming the “ridiculous charges” against Mirza season-high 26 points in the sec- ing the lead and falling in over- Columbus 3 Detroit 0 Teletovic against him. ond half and grabbed 10 rebounds time to the Capitals. St Louis 4 San Jose 3 (33) of the He won a bronze medal in as the Washington Wizards Yesterday at home, Boston Pittsburgh 5 Toronto 4 the middleweight category at Brooklyn defeated the Charlotte Bobcats ripped off three goals in a 2:18 Carolina 6 New Jersey 3 the 2008 Beijing Games. Ram Nets at 104-87, handing Charlotte its 10th span on three first-period shots Singh, said that both he and Philips Arena straight loss REUTERS in a row. And this time there was Montreal 4 Tampa Bay 3 Vijender had “experimented in Atlanta, no collapse as the Bruins cruised Minnesota 2 Nashville 1 with drugs thinking that they Georgia, to a 3-0 victory over the strug- Phoenix 2 Dallas 1 were food supplements”. yesterday. NBA Results gling Philadelphia Flyers. Los Angeles 6 Calgary 2 “We did not know that we Brooklyn 93 Atlanta 80 The Bruins won their second were taking drugs. We were straight and improved to 16-3- explaining that to the Detroit Red NY Knicks 113 Utah 84 told that we were consuming 3, while the Flyers dropped to Wings. food supplements meant to Washington 104 Charlotte 87 11-14-1 (4-10-0 on the road) with Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky increase strength and stam- Memphis 96 New Orleans 85 their third straight loss. had 30 saves and the Blue Jackets ina,” he said. REUTERS Elsewhere, the Columbus Blue cruised to a 3-0 win over the Red Denver 111 Minnesota 88 Jackets are in the early stages of a Wings in Nationwide Arena. Phoenix 107 Houston 105 rebuilding process, but good luck REUTERS MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Woods takes control at Doral The American fires seven birdies to take four-stroke lead; McDowell in second place

MIAMI: Tiger Woods fired at a PGA event, he has never fired seven birdies, the last of them so many birdies in the first three WGC-Cadillac a 16-footer at the final hole, on rounds, his old personal best of his way to seizing a four-stroke 22 birdies in 54 holes achieved at Championship lead after 54 holes yesterday at the 2007 Tour Championship and the World Golf Championships 2005 Ford Championship. MIAMI: Leading finish- Cadillac Championship. Woods, who led McDowell by ers yesterday after the third World No. 2 Woods, whose 24 two strokes when the day began, round of the $8.5m World birdies through the first three opened with three birdies and Golf Championships Cadillac rounds is a personal best for any answered a bogey at the par-4 Championship (USA unless PGA event since he joined the US fifth with birdies at the par-5 noted, par 72): tour in 1996, fired a five-under- eighth and 10th holes. 198 Tiger Woods 66-65-67 par 67 to match the day’s low A nine-foot birdie putt at the 202 Graeme McDowell (NIR) 66-67-69 round and stand on 18-under- par-3 15th gave Woods a five- par 198. stroke lead on the field but he 203 Phil Mickelson 67-67-69, Steve Northern Ireland’s Graeme would stumble spectacularly at Tiger Woods Stricker 67-67-69 McDowell, playing alongside the par-4 17th. reacts after 205 Sergio Garcia (ESP) 66-72-67, Woods, eagled twice in the same Woods smacked his tee shot sinking a birdie Michael Thompson 69-69-67, Keegan round for the first time in his into a palm tree and it stuck putt on the Bradley 68-68-69, Charl Schwartzel career on his way to a 69 that left there but was lucky to have a line 18th green (RSA) 71-65-69 him on 202 and partnered with he drew across the middle of the during third 206 Bubba Watson 66-69-71, Freddie Woods in the final round as well. ball as an identifying mark clearly round play Jacobson (SWE) 66-69-71 “Tiger was a tough guy. He visible, allowing him to take an in the 2013 207 Jason Dufner 69-69-69, Dustin played great,” McDowell said. unplayable lie drop rather than WGC-Cadillac “I’m glad I gave myself a chance going back to the tee with a lost Johnson 68-69-70 Championship tomorrow.” ball. 208 Charles Howell 68-71-69, John PGA golf Woods, a 14-time major cham- After blasting to the edge of the Senden (AUS) 69-69-70, Peter pion seeking his 76th career PGA green, Woods two-putted from 35 tournament at Doral, Florida, Hanson (SWE) 67-71-70 victory, has won 49 times in 53 feet for a bogey, then followed by 209 Nicolas Colsaerts (BEL) 71-71-67, events where he has led entering dropping his birdie putt at 18, yesterday. Rickie Fowler 69-69-71, John Huh the final round but he has never pumping his right fist in celebra- 71-67-71 lost in that situation when leading tion as the ball went into the cup. by three strokes or more. “I piped it at 18, stuffed a soft 210 Adam Scott (AUS) 72-70-68, Justin Just after finishing the round, 9-iron in there and that was a Rose (ENG) 68-72-70, Hunter Mahan Woods was already contemplating nice putt to make,” Woods said. 67-72-71, Webb Simpson 72-67-71, tougher conditions on the last day. “It was nice to get some positive- Ian Poulter (ENG) 68-70-72 “Tomorrow (today) is supposed ness, especially after the way 17 211 Alexander Noren (SWE) 69-70-72, to be tougher. The wind is sup- went.” Scott Jamieson (SCO) 70-69-72 posed to be tougher,” he said. “And McDowell eagled the par-5 these greens are baked out. It’s opening hole and added birdies hard to hold them.” at the third and sixth hole, but Phil Mickelson and Steve Woods birdied two of the next Puerto Rico Open Stricker shared third on 203 with three and after McDowell took South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel, a bogey at the par-4 11th, the Scores Spain’s Sergio Garcia and Northern Irishman was three RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico: Americans Michael Thompson strokes off the pace. Leading finishers yesterday and Keegan Bradley sharing fifth McDowell stumbled back with after the third round of the on 205. a double bogey at the par-4 14th Gomez, Brown on top in Puerto Rico $3.5m US PGA Puerto Rico With the Masters only a month but responded two holes later Open (USA unless noted, par away, Woods is showing the form with his second eagle of the day, 72): that has him within reach of the sinking a tricky chip shot from RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico: Argentine Fabian He eventually finished at three-over 75, leaving 198 - Fabian Gomez (ARG) 69-64-65, Scott record 18 major titles won by Jack greenside rough. Gomez and American Scott Brown share the lead him seven shots off the leaders. Brown 68-63-67 Nicklaus, having already won ear- “I was struggling to get my at 18-under at the Puerto Rico Open as they head Australian Matt Jones shot the best round of the 202 - Blayne Barber 66-70-66, Brian Stuard lier this year at Torrey Pines. focus back,” McDowell said. “I into today’s final round four strokes clear of the day with an eight-under 64 that moved him within 67-69-66, Jordan Spieth 69-66-67, Woods has three career tri- was scruffy and clumsy and very field. six strokes of Gomez and Brown. Steve LeBrun 67-65-70 umphs at Doral’s Blue Monster frustrating. Nice to get the train Gomez, searching for a maiden PGA Tour vic- Gomez said he was hoping for some wind for and six in this $8.5m WGC back on the rails.” tory, shot a seven-under round of 65 at the Trump today’s play. 203 - Morgan Hoffmann 67-68-68, Andres event, which has been hosted by Mickelson and Stricker will International Golf Club with his one bogey coming “There are many good players in this field and it’s Romero (ARG) 65-65-73 several courses, but he has not play together for the fourth day on the 10th hole. a course where you can go low. So you have to work 204 - Matt Jones (AUS) 71-69-64, Brendon won a WGC event in his past in a row after firing the exact Brown, from Augusta, Georgia, had a five-under hard and play well. de Jonge (ZIM) 70-69-65, Ryo Ishikawa 10 attempts as he seeks his 17th same scores in each of the first 67, also with just one bogey. “If it gets windy, that’ll be better. It will play a (JPN) 70-68-66, Boo Weekley 71-67- career WGC victory. three rounds. Andres Romero, another Argentine who was in little more difficult. If there’s no wind, you will need 66, Justin Bolli 67-69-68, George While Woods has produced “I really think I can make a run strong contention, fell down the leaderboard after a lot of birdies to win,” he said after yesterday’s end McNeill 71-64-69, Peter Uihlein lower scores over his first 54 holes tomorrow,” Mickelson said. AFP a triple bogey on the par-four 12th. of play. AFP 67-65-72 Al Gharafa take 2-1 lead Emir Cup Endurance Race as Eljaish reach final BY DANOTZKI SANTOS

DOHA: Al Gharafa dominated Al Rayyan all game long and held their composure in crunch time to win 80-75, and take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five semi- finals in the Heir Apparent Cup at the Al Gharafa Sports Hall, yesterday. Coach Koussay Hatem and his wards are a win away from book- ing a ticket to fight Eljaish, who swept their own series with Al Arabi earlier. Earl Calvin Cage was a picture Al Gharafa’s Thomas of grit from the first whistle scor- Victor Hakim attempts ing 14 points in the first 10 min- to shoot a basket in utes to pump his team up to an the Heir Apparent Cup early 28-22 advantage. semi-final match at Al The winners and the participants of the Emir Cup Endurance race along with officials pose for a picture. Qatar The point guard added seven Gharafa Sports Hall Olympic Committee Secretary-General Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is also seen. Saif Mubarak more markers and as Awako yesterday. BELOW: Obaid al Khaili won the prestigious race that was held in Mesaieed. PICTURE BY: JUHAIM Emanuel and Victor Hakim Eljaish’s Babcar Ngom, Thomas began finding their range, Mohammed Bakir and the hosts went up 38-25 before Al Arabi’s William Byrd settling down with a 10-point in action during their margin at 44-34 before the half England survive Italy scare side’s semi-final match. time break. The blue shirts raced to a 52-38 LONDON: England came A Wales victory at the to the team that beat France lead early in the third as Omondi PICTURES BY: through a huge scare to keep Millennium Stadium will deny 23-13, handing a first start to Robin Amoke strung up six of KAMMUTTY VP their Grand Slam hopes alive England a first Grand Slam since Saracens prop Mako Vunipola. Gharafa’s first eight points in the with an unconvincing 18-11 vic- their World Cup-winning year of He also selected a new half- period. tory over Italy in the Six Nations 2003 at the Millennium Stadium. back combination in scrum-half With the white shirts behind Championship at Twickenham And this result left England Danny Care, who replaced Ben 72-76 and time down to 40 sec- yesterday. with a mere plus eight points Youngs, and Flood, in for the onds, Mohammmed Hassan When Italy scored the only try difference advantage over their injured Owen Farrell. Mohammed buried a trey from of the match, through Australia- title rivals. Italy threw the competition the left flank to chop the lead to born wing Luke McLean in the England came into this match wide open on the first weekend a single point, 75-76. Emanuel 49th minute, they cut England’s having won all their previous 18 with a 23-18 win over pre-tour- closed the game with a pair of lead to 15-11. Tests against Italy. nament favourites France only conversions in the stripe. But England, with recalled fly- But come the finish they to subsequently lose heavily to Earlier in the evening, Eljaish half Toby Flood kicking all of the were forced into some desperate Scotland and Wales. trashed Al Arabi, 71-60, to sweep hosts’ points courtesy of six pen- scrambling as Italy laid siege to The Italians were like a ship their series 3-0 and clinch the first alties, hung on to set up a title- their line. without a rudder against Wales finals berth. The final takes place decider away to champions Wales England coach Stuart in the absence of captain Sergio on Friday. THE PENINSULA on Saturday. Lancaster made several changes Parisse. AFP MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29 Qatar’s Tamimi reigns supreme Second title in as many weeks for the local lad; Hei of Hong Kong wins Under-17 title

DOHA: Qatar’s Abdulla Al Tamimi defeated Ma Tsz Hei of Hong Kong in closely contested match to win the Under-19 title at the Doha Junior Open Squash Tournament. On Sunday at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, the top seed won 11-9 8-11 11-6 9-11 11-9 to clinch his second title in as many weeks. Last week, Tamimi defeated Shaun Kwan Ka Junn of Malaysia to win the Qatar Junior Open. Yuen Tsun Hei of Hong Kong won the Under-17 final defeat- ing Shyan Kuwan Ka Lapp of Malaysia by 12-10, 12-10, 11-2. In the Under-15 category, Ahmad Al Homaidi defeated Abd El Aziz Omeira 4-11, 11-5, 5-11, 11-9, 11-2. Waleed Zaman won the Under-11 crown, beat- ing Mohamed Ouda in straight games. The under-13 title was bagged by top seed Abdulaziz Al Ishaq, who defeated Ali al Dosari, also in straight games. The tournament, an Asian Squash Federation Junior Super Series Silver event and a World The prize winners at the Doha Junior Open Squash Championship pose with their trophies along with Qatar Squash Federation (QSF) President Nabeel Ali bin Ali, and other officials at the Squash Federation (WSF) World Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on Sunday. The event was held in the Under-19, U-17, U-15, U-13 and U-13 categories. RIGHT: Qatar’s Abdullah Al Tamimi, winner in the Junior Circuit event, was organ- Under-19 category poses with his trophy. PICTURES BY: IBRAHIM KUTTY ised by Qatar Squash Federation (QSF). Participants received WSF ranking points in Under- 19 and ASF ranking points in all other categories. Competitions were held in the Under-19, U-17, U-15, U-13 and U-11 categories. Meanwhile, the 11th InterContinental Squash Championship will be held from April 11 to 15 at the InterContinental Squash courts, it was announced here yesterday. The tournament will be con- tested in the following ten catego- ries: Boys Under-9, Boys Under-11, Boys Under-13, Boys Under-15, Boys Under-17, Men’s level B, Men’s Level A, Men’s over-45, Ladies and Men’s Professionals. The entry forms are avail- able at Radisson Blu Recreation Centre, and Sheraton Recreation, InterContinental, and Qatar Squash Federation. Qatar’s Abdullah Al Tamimi (second right) poses for a picture along with QSF President Nabeel Ali bin Ali (right), Hisham Algosaibi, Secretary General of QSF and Talal Ali Abdullah Al Mawlawi The closing date to submit (left), Assistant Secretary General of QSF. CENTRE: QSF President Nabeel Ali bin Ali giving away the prize. RIGHT: Abdullah Al Tamimi (left) in action against Ma Tsz Hei of Hong Kong in the entries is April 3. Under-19 final of the event. Tamimi won 11-9, 8-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9 to win a second title in two weeks. Last week, he won the Qatar Junior Open in the same category. Ahmad Al Homaidi THE PENINSULA won the under-15 crown, while Yuen Tsun Hei of Hong Kong won the under-17 title. The Under-13 and Under-11 titles were won by Abdulaziz Al Ishaq and Waleed Zaman respectively. Schmid wins Round 10 Hagi Football Academy of Porsche GT3 Cup all set for Doha tourney DOHA: Aspire Academy is set for our players to compete against on Saturday and Sunday respec- DOHA: Clemens Schmid of Al Nielsen in the silver category Ender from Austria won while to take on top international two big European academies and tively and are staying at the Nabooda Racing won Round got the fifth best place and she Lebanese driver Ziad Ghandour football teams – Gheorghe Hagi for all participants taking part Torch-Doha Hotel. The European 10 of the Porsche GT3 Cup started from the third row on the came second and Jaber Al Khalifa Football Academy 1998 and in the tournament to gain expe- players will also be given the Challenge Middle East at Losail grid. from Bahrain finished third. 1999, and Schalke 04 1998 and rience that will inevitably help opportunity to train at the pre- International Circuit with a As the same scenario like On Saturday, Schmid produced 1999 – this week in a triangular them in the future. It’s also a cinct using the state-of-the-art dazzling performance under Saturday, Clemens dominated all a flawless race to claim his fifth tournament at Aspire Academy chance for the players to learn facilities. the lights in a race packed with the race from the beginning until win in a row and extend his lead outdoor football pitches. from each other.” Aspire Academy regularly enthralling action featuring one the end battling very hard with by eight points over Saudi Falcons The three-day football com- He continued, “We are looking organizes, as well as hosts, inter- of the strongest grids in the his- Abdulaziz Al Faisal who ended in Abdulaziz Al Faisal in the overall petition, which will be held from forward to a high level of football national sports tournaments at tory of the leading one-make second position. German driver championship standings. today to March 13, will see the being played here over the next Aspire Zone designed to help the series on Sunday night. Markus Pommer clinched the The young Austrian grabbed Aspire 1998 and Aspire 1999 few days.” development of youth talent. The Austrian driver only third place. In the silver category, maximum points on the 5.38km teams go head-to-head against The games are set to kick off In January this year, Aspire needed four laps during the Nielsen finished in first place Losail International Circuit, their European counterparts in a at 4.15pm every afternoon on the Zone Foundation co-hosted qualifying practice to get the in her category whereas Faisal defying challenges from adver- battle to claim the highly coveted outdoor pitches at Aspire Zone the second annual Al Kass pole position for the Race 2 of the Bin Laden from Saudi Arabia sary Abdulaziz (second) and first place position. and two matches a day will take Tournament with Qatar Football weekend. Saudi driver Abdulaziz and Mohammed Mattar from Germany’s newcomer to the series Ivan Bravo, Director General place simultaneously. Association and Al Kass Sport Al Faisal took the second place Bahrain were second and third and former F2 driver Markus of Aspire Academy, said, “We are Spectators are encouraged to Channels. The annual competi- on the grid. respectively. Pommer (third). thrilled to be welcoming Gheorghe visit the precinct to cheer on the tion brought together 12 teams The Danish driver Christina In the bronze category, Manfred THE PENINSULA Hagi Football Academy and young teams. from around the globe to compete Schalke 04 to Aspire Academy. Gheorghe Hagi Football over a period of ten days at Aspire The tournament is an opportunity Academy and Schalke 04 arrived Zone. THE PENINSULA Qatar Nations Cup

Action from the Qatar Nations Cup match at Al Wakra Sports Club. Last month, the Qatar Stars League launched The podium winners at Round 10 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at Losail International Circuit the tournament as part of a new community football programme aimed at engaging all communities in Qatar. pose for a picture along with officials of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation on Sunday. Clemens Schmid France will play Tunisia in the first semi-final, while Sudan will take on Spain. The matches begin at 8.30am of Al Nabooda Racing won Round 10 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. on March 15 at Al Wakra Sports Club. MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Top athletics Games star Rudisha set to official unveils new logo in Doha DOHA: The Qatar Athletics join Blake at Doha event Federation (QAF) yester- day unveiled its new logo and acronym. Samsung Diamond League: QAF ropes in the top Kenyan runner Formerly Qatar Association of Athletics Federation (QAAF), the new logo was unveiled by federa- BY RIZWAN REHMAT tion President Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad at a press conference. DOHA: Reigning world cham- QAF also presented its new pion and Olympic Games modern logo, with which it enters gold medallist David Rudisha a new modern era in Qatar’s ath- of Kenya will join Jamaican letics history. sprinter Yohan Blake at the “Every sketch in the new icon season-opener in Doha where has its own special meaning,” Al the IAAF Samsung Diamond Hamad said. League kicks-off the new season “The three golden lanes in the on May 10. upper part of the logo symbolise Rudisha, who ran a world the maximum velocity and the record time of 1:40.91 to win single golden lane in the lower the 800m gold at the London part stands for the starting Games last year, is the second block,” he explained. biggest name after Blake to join “The runner who is coming out the list of athletes for the Doha of the starting block is heading leg, Qatar Athletics Federation towards victory, the gold medal, (QAF) President Dahlan Jumaan through the golden lanes,” the Al Hamad announced yesterday. QAF president said. “It’s always nice to return to Mohammed Al Kuwari, Doha,” Rudisha said in a state- Secretary General, QAF, said ment released yesterday. “I have Doha is targeting to increase great memories from the Qatar awareness and boost the image Sports Club track where I have and popularity of its social media won three times so far,” the Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) President Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad (centre), platforms on Facebook and 24-year-old added. flanked by Mohammed Al Kuwari, Secretary General, QAF, and Fahad Al Hajri, Twitter. “The spectators are always Media Director, QAF, during a press conference at Al Bidda Tower in Doha “Both platforms facebook.com/ enthusiastic and push the ath- yesterday. RIGHT: Kenya’s David Rudisha reacts after winning the men’s 800m sdldoha and twitter.com/sdldoha letes to their limits,” the two-time final during the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in this have been active since their offi- African champion said. August, 2012 file photo. BELOW: The new logo of the Qatar Athletics Federation. cial inauguration last year and in Rudisha was the first person to both pages visitors and followers run under 1:41.00 for the event, can find useful information,” Al and he holds the three fastest, six Kuwari said. “Fans can also find of the eight fastest, and half of the material concerning not only twenty fastest times ever run by Doha meeting but all other fra- a male in this event ternal Samsung Diamond League “I do not run many races over meetings, along with information the season and so it is important on the results of Qatari athletes that every race is a quality race. around the globe,” he added. I have beaten Kipketer’s former THE PENINSULA world record (1:41.11) three times now and one day I hope to break the 1:40 barrier. It’s not impossi- Samsung Diamond ble but it is a very difficult task to accomplish” added Rudisha, who League has run under 1:42 an astonishing The Samsung Diamond seven times, a unique feat in the League encompasses 32 indi- history of the two-lap distance. vidual Event Disciplines, with a “David Rudisha is looking points scoring ‘Diamond Race’ forward to being here,” QAF which runs throughout the President Al Hamad said yester- 14 meeting series. Winners of day. “We had promised to get big “Many more Olympic and and are rapidly lowering their Male Athlete of the Year 2010, Hamad Bin Suhaim Stadium,” he each Diamond Race will get a names. Last week Yohan Blake world champions will soon sign records.” was honoured by the IAAF with said last week. Diamond Trophy and a cash confirmed his entry and now up and boost the image of Doha He added: “I am sure the the ‘Male Performance of the “The fourth Samsung Diamond prize but more importantly, we have the official word from 2013, the first Samsung Diamond organisers will set up a competi- Year 2012’ award and is globally League season will commence will have shown season long David,” he added. League meet of the new season” tive race. It is the first race of recognised worldwide as one of once again in Doha and we are consistency to earn the honour “Rudisha’s addition to the 2013 said Al Hamad, who is also the the season but that I am confi- the top athletics icons. aiming to welcome a world class of being the World No.1. roster justifies our ambition to IAAF Vice-President. dent that I can produce a strong The QAF president said the field. The conditions here are perpetually improve the Doha Rudisha said: “I have to stay performance.” track and field fans in Qatar and excellent and we are aware that athletics meeting level and to focused and keep on training Rudisha defied the odds and the Middle East can be assured of athletes love to compete in Qatar,” showcase the on-site spectators hard, because the level of the not only easily won the Olympic a bumper field. he added. Japan’s Kizaki and to the millions fans who will 800m competition is continuously 800m final in London, but he also “We are really looking forward Twenty-three-year-old Blake, watch through their TV screens, rising. Many new athletes from lowered his own world record by to welcoming Yohan in Doha and who earned a 4x100m relay gold wins Nagoya a meeting to remember,” Al my country, Kenya and other 0.10 seconds (1:40.91). to see the reigning 100m World medal in a world record time at Dahlan said. African nations have emerged For his London heroics, the Champion competing at the the London Olympic Games along marathon with silvers in 100m and 200m, will become the ninth Jamaican NAGOYA, Japan: Japan’s to enter the 100m dash in Doha. Ryoko Kizaki won the Nagoya He will also get the chance to International Women’s All eyes on Games hero Barshim break the meet record of 9.84secs Marathon yesterday after a created in 2006 by Justin Gatlin of shoulder-to-shoulder battle DOHA: All eyes will be on the US. Raymond Stewart (1997) with Berhane Dibaba of Ethiopia Qatar’s London Olympic Games and Asafa Powell (2010) are the in the last two kilometres. hero high jumper Mutaz Essa other Jamaicans to have won the Kizaki left behind Athens Barshim who will lead the home 100m races in Doha. Olympic gold medallist Mizuki athletes at the IAAF season- “This will be my first time in Noguchi shortly before the 36km opener in May in Doha. Qatar and I am looking forward (22-mile) mark then duelled with “Yes, he is a great athlete. He to going to Doha, for my first Dibaba, finally clinching victory in has done really well for Qatar ever Diamond League appearance on a personal best time of two hours since he won the bronze at the the Asian continent,” Blake said 23 minutes 34 seconds. London Games,” Qatar Athletics last week. Dibaba was second in 2:23:51 Federation (QAF) President “I have heard about the fast and Noguchi third in 2:24:05. Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad said track in Doha and I hope to break “I was anxious before the start, yesterday. the meeting record. I always want I couldn’t sleep well last night, “Our aim is to see him win to surprise the audience, every- but I was able to run in my own medals. He has raised the stand- where I go,” the Jamican star said. rhythm in the latter half of the ards and has done well at the In the last couple of seasons race,” said Kizaki, 27. international stage,” Al Hamad Blake has ran faster than Fasuba’s “I didn’t have enough experi- added. current meeting record - seven ence when I competed in the Barshim is the national record times. Blake’s personal best is London Olympics. But I didn’t and joint Asian record holder 9.69, a time that ranks him tied give up and tried to challenge with a best mark of 2.39 metres. with Tyson Gay for second place again today,” said Kizaki, who was The 21-year-old was the Asian in the 100m all-time lists. 16th in the Olympics. Indoor and World Junior cham- He is equally fast in the 200m “I’m going to make the best use pion in 2010. He won the high with a personal best of 19.26, the of this experience and hopefully I jump gold medals at the 2011 Qatar’s Motaz Barshim celebrates winning a bronze medal in the men’s high jump at the 2012 London Olympic second fastest time in history, can win a medal at the worlds,” Asian Athletics Championships Games at the Olympic Stadium in this August 2012 file photo. Barshim will lead the home hopes at the 2013 while in early February he even added Kizaki, who qualified for and 2011 Military World Games. IAAF Samsung Diamond League opener on May 10 this year in Doha. tried the 400m in a meeting in the World Championships in “We are trying to have more Kingston where he finished in Moscow in August. When the rivals to him to compete against 46.77. last pace-setter, Russia’s Mariya in Qatar. That would help him get “This year we will have the 2013 Samsung Diamond League “I am the second fastest man Konovalova, abandoned the race even better,” the QAF president Jamaican and US trials in late Doha (Qatar) 10.05.2013 in the world at the moment. My at the 30km (19-mile) mark, said. “He’s a force on the IAAF May or early June. That will allow Shanghai (China) 18.05.2013 ambition is to become the best. only Kizaki, Dibaba and Noguchi circuit. He has succeeded at many the athletes to go and get practice New York (USA) 25.05.2013 I have to continue working very remained in contention. events after the Olympic Games,” at other IAAF meets at the start Eugene (USA) 01.06.2013 hard for that. Anything is pos- Noguchi briefly took the lead at he added. of the season,” Al Hamad said. Rome (Italy) 06.06.2013 sible,” the Jamaican, popularly around 31km, but could not stay “He is the new face in high “We are confident of roping in Oslo (Norway) 13.06.2013 known as ‘The Beast’, said. with the pace when Dibaba moved jump. He is very popular,” he more top athletes. Birmingham (Great Britain) 30.06.2013 Mohamed Al Kuwari, Secretary up a gear before the 36km point. added. “We will have the region’s “We couldn’t get Usain Bolt Lausanne (Switzerland) 04.07.2013 General, QAF, said the hosts are “I felt my feet were heavy,” said best athletes at our event and because he doesn’t want to start Paris (France) 06.07.2013 promoting the event on social Noguchi, now 34. “I thought too Mutaz is an example for them the season so early,” Al Hamad Monaco (Monaco) 19.07.2013 media Facebook and Twitter much that I wanted to show my too,” the QAF president said. said when asked about the London London (Great Britain) (2 Days) 26.07.2013 where fans can dig for info on the best race again and it made my Al Hamad said QAF would Games’ hero in the 100, 200 and Stockholm (Sweden) 22.08.2013 Doha participants and they could latter half of the race tough. It announce names of more athletes 4x100 getting a ticket do Doha. Zurich (Switzerland) 29.08.2013 also find details on the one-day was far from perfect, but I feel in the coming days. THE PENINSULA Brussels (Belgium) 06.09.2013 event. THE PENINSULA I’m closer.” REUTERS MONDAY 11 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 31 England salvage draw Paceman Wagner takes three wickets in second innings

DUNEDIN, New Zealand: world’s second- thoughts. You and Kevin Pietersen who was A determined England batted ranked side. Scoreboard don’t want that caught behind for 12. through the final day to salvage a “We never gave to snowball.” As the senior batsmen came draw from the first Test against up the belief that England (I innings): ...... 167 England and went, nightwatchman Finn New Zealand at the University we could get the New Zealand (I innings): ...... 460-9 decl resumed the doggedly pressed on to his maiden Oval in Dunedin yesterday. job done but we England (II innings): final day at 234 half-century, frustrating the New At stumps England were 421 weren’t quite able A Cook c Watling b Boult ...... 116 for one and Zealand bowlers as he played a for six, a lead of 128 runs, after to finish off,” he N Compton lbw Wagner...... 117 added 31 before straight bat to anything heading facing a 293-run deficit on the said, rueing the S Finn lbw Martin ...... 56 Nick Compton towards the stumps. first innings in the rain-inter- loss of the open- J Trott c&b Wagner ...... 52 fell for 117, He survived two tough chances, rupted Test. ing day because K Pietersen c Watling b Wagner ...... 12 trapped leg edging the ball towards the slip Despite the best efforts of of rain. I Bell (not out) ...... 26 before wicket cordon, and his 203 minutes at England nightwatchman Steven “Another day J Root (run out-Southee) ...... 0 by a swinging the crease included a 72-minute Finn and New Zealand quick Neil of Test cricket M Prior (not out) ...... 23 delivery from period when he faced 50 dot balls Wagner on the final day, an out- would have been Extras (B-6, LB-11, W-1, NB-1) ...... 19 Wagner. before advancing from 53 to 54. right result was never more than phenomenal. You Total (for 6 wkts) ...... 421 Compton’s But having refrained from a remote possibility on the unre- lose that first day Fall of wickets: 1-231, 2-265, 3-355, maiden Test anything flashy for more than sponsive wicket. and you have to 4-367, 5-386, 6-390. century and his two sessions Finn was undone New Zealand saw a glimmer try and work out Bowling: Southee 36-8-94-0 (1nb); Boult 231-run open- immediately after tea when he of hope in the first three overs how to congest 35-12-49-1; Wagner 43-9-141-3 (1w); Mar- ing stand with attempted to play across the line Newcastle United’s Italian defender Davide Santon (right) vies with Stoke after tea when Finn was eventu- such a good game tin 44-13-90-1; Williamson 12-3-30-0. Cook, who made against Bruce Martin and was City’s English striker Peter Crouch during the English Premier League ally removed after 203 minutes into four days. 116, may well deemed leg before wicket. football match at St James’ Park in Newcastle Upon Tyne, northeast at the crease for 56 and Joe Root Unfortunately we weren’t able to.” have secured his international Root’s brief stay in the middle England, yesterday. quickly followed, run out without England captain Alastair Cook career. Compton’s previous nine ended when he was called for an scoring. was relieved to escape with a draw Test innings had produced a best unnecessary single by Bell and But Ian Bell, with an after the tourists posted only 167 score of only 57. was run out without scoring on a unbeaten 26, and Matt Prior in their first innings. He said it Wagner, a late inclusion in the direct hit from Tim Southee. Late Gerrard penalty (23 not out) carried England put them on good footing for the side when Doug Bracewell cut his Bell and Prior then steered through to stumps, seeing off second Test. foot, staked a strong claim to be England safely through to stumps, the third new ball of the innings “The character to dig ourselves retained for the second Test after which was called with 15 overs in the process. out of a hole is very pleasing,” he finishing with figures of three for remaining. gives Liverpool win Despite being unable to force said. 141 to go with his four-wicket bag Although Wagner was the a victory, New Zealand captain “It certainly gives us some in the first innings. principal wicket-taker for New LIVERPOOL: Steven Gerrard post with the outside of his right Brendon McCullum saw it as a confidence, especially when you In the session between lunch Zealand, Trent Boult was the rocked Tottenham as the boot. morale-boosting performance for get bowled out for 160 in the and tea, the left-arm seamer most economical bowler with one Liverpool captain’s late pen- Bale’s response was a way- his side who dominated the early first innings, as a batting unit claimed the wickets of Jonathan for 49 from 35 overs. Martin took alty clinched a 3-2 win over the ward shot high into the Kop and stages of the Test against the you can start to have negative Trott, caught and bowled for 52, one for 90 in 44 overs. AFP Champions League hopefuls at moments later he set up Gylfi Anfield yesterday Sigurdsson with a clever backheel Tottenham, who scored twice for a shot that went just past a Ingram sets through defender Jan Vertonghen post. Ashraful and Rahim after Luis Suarez’s opener, would The Wales midfielder was have opened up a 10-point gap on hurt in an aerial challenge with up South rivals Arsenal in fifth place had Gerrard and needed treatment boost Bangladesh they held on to their lead. before continuing, but Bale soon Instead, Gerrard won it for recovered to provide the far-post African win Liverpool, who had equalised cross for Belgian centre-half GALLE, Sri Lanka: 2011, hit one six and 20 fours in his through Stewart Downing, Vertonghen to head Tottenham Mohammad Ashraful and sixth Test hundred, and the fifth BLOEMFONTEIN,South and the Reds climbed above level on in first half stoppage-time. Mushfiqur Rahim smashed against Sri Lanka, while Rahim, Africa: Colin Ingram hit an Merseyside rivals Everton into Vertonghen struck again on 53 impressive centuries in a record 24, smashed one six and 18 fours unbeaten century to set up sixth place on goal difference. minutes to put the visitors ahead. stand as Bangladesh dominated in his second Test century. a comfortable 125-run win Tottenham remain third, two Bale flighted a free kick from the third day of the opening “We needed a partnership and I for South Africa in the first points ahead of fourth placed the right and although Jamie Test against Sri Lanka in Galle had one with Mushfiq. The wicket one-day international against Chelsea, who have a game in hand. Carragher won the header, the yesterday. was very nice and I believed if I Pakistan at Chevrolet Park It was in-form Gareth Bale ball was not cleared and the alert Ashraful hit an unbeaten don’t make any mistake I won’t yesterday. who commanded the most atten- Vertonghen deftly shot into the 189 not out, the highest by a be out. I just wanted to continue, The left-handed Ingram made tion, and the crowd waited in bottom corner. Bangladeshi in Tests, on his come- just batting, batting and batting,” 105 not out as South Africa piled anticipation as he addressed a However, the visitors presented Ganguly sees back and Rahim made a career- said Ashraful. up 315 for four after being sent in free kick for the first time. Liverpool with an unexpected life- best 152 not out as the tourists “Every time I play against Sri to bat. Pakistan could only make The Welshman’s aim was true line on 65 minutes that the hosts posted 438-4 in their first innings Lanka I feel very confident. It’s 190 in reply. enough and goalkeeper Brad gratefully accepted. Dhoni hand at stumps in reply to Sri Lanka’s still a very good wicket and I South African captain AB Jones, deputising for the injured Kyle Walker played a long 570-4 declared. think we can bat two more ses- de Villiers described the win as Pepe Reina, was forced to concede back-pass that Lloris came out in Sehwag’s Their 261-run unbroken stand sions easily.” “a huge step in the right direc- a corner. of his area to clear but missed, was Bangladesh’s highest for any It was a frustrating day for tion” after what he admitted had However, it was Suarez, Bale’s leaving winger Downing to equal- wicket in Tests, the previous best Sri Lanka as none of their bowl- been “worrying and frustrating” main rival for the Footballer of ise past Vertonghen on the line. exclusion being 200 for the second wicket ers could keep up pressure on recent one-day performances by the Year award, who drew first Michael Oliver pointed to the between Tamim Iqbal and Junaid Ashraful and wicketkeeper-bats- the team. blood after 21 minutes to put penalty spot soon after when KOLKATA: Expressing Siddique against India in Dhaka man Rahim on a good batting Pakistan captain Misbah-ul- Liverpool ahead. Suarez was bundled over by Benoit surprise over the drop- in 2010. pitch. Haq said his side had been unable The goal, his 29th of the sea- Assou-Ekotto, and Gerrard made ping of dashing India opener Bangladesh also surpassed The hosts went wicketless after to exploit helpful bowling condi- son, was fashioned by a smart no mistake to win it for Liverpool Virender Sehwag, former cap- their previous highest total of 413 striking twice in the opening 11 tions early on. exchange of passes between with eight minutes left. AFP tain Sourav Ganguly said cur- against Sri Lanka in Tests. overs. Misbah said an opening part- Coutinho and Jose Enrique down rent team skipper MS Dhoni The tourists, who avoided the “Certainly we are not in posi- nership of 72 by Graeme Smith the left. English Premier had a hand in the exclusion. follow-on in the final session, now tion that we hoped when we came and Hashim Amla had set up the Enrique’s final pass to Suarez “It would be wrong to assume trail by 132 runs with six wickets to the ground this morning. We South African innings. as the Uruguayan sped in behind that there are no inputs from in hand. were hoping for a better day and “The way the ball was seam- Tottenham’s defence allowed League results Dhoni in selection matters. If The 28-year-old Ashraful, who all credit to Bangladesh,” said Sri ing, they played really well. We Liverpool’s leading scorer to flick Liverpool 3 Tottenham 2 a captain asks for a particu- played his last Test in December Lanka coach Graham Ford. were looking to get early wickets. the ball past Lloris at the near Newcastle 2 Stoke 1 lar player it is difficult for the “Obviously we believe we can If South Africa had scored 270 selectors to say no. So I believe Scoreboard win and I think everybody knows or 280 it could have been a good there were inputs from Dhoni that game can change rapidly. game,” he said. AFP Alexis and Messi goals even if he may not attend selec- Sri Lanka (I innings): ...... 570-4 decl There is still a lot of cricket left tion meetings,” said Ganguly. Bangladesh (I innings): in this match.” Scoreboard “I am very surprised at his Jahurul Islam c Chandimal b Eranga ...... 20 Bangladesh added 303 to their see Barca past Depor exclusion. If Sachin (Tendulkar) Anamul Haque b Mendis ...... 13 overnight total of 135-2 for the SOUTH AFRICA and Dhoni who have been Mohd Ashraful (batting) ...... 189 loss of just two wickets. G Smith c K Akmal b S Ajmal ...... 30 struggling with their respec- Mominul Haque c Mathews b Kulasekara .55 Ashraful, 65 overnight, com- MADRID: A much-changed completely dominated. Cesc H Amla c S Malik b Mohd Hafeez ...... 43 tive forms can be persisted Mohd Mahmudullah st Chandimal b Herath 0 pleted his century with an aggres- Barcelona side warmed up for Fabregas had the first clear open- AB de Villiers c Y Khan b S Ajmal ...... 65 with, then what’s wrong with Mushfiqur Rahim (batting) ...... 152 sive shot when he firmly drove their Champions League clash ing of the match when he skied C Ingram (not out) ...... 105 Sehwag,” he asked. Extras (B-2, LB-1, NB-6) ...... 9 unorthodox spinner Ajantha with Milan on Tuesday with over despite taking a wonderful F du Plessis c U Gul b J Khan...... 26 Describing Sehwag as one of Total (for 4 wkts) ...... 438 Mendis through the covers for a a 2-0 win over Deportivo la first touch to control Dani Alves’s F Behardien (not out) ...... 34 the all-time Test cricket greats, Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-65, 3-170, 4-177. four in the morning. Coruna to open up a 14-point ball over the top before Daniel Extras (B-1, LB-5, W-6) ...... 12 Ganguly said team India will Bowling: Kulasekara 21-3-76-1 (nb1); Rahim also played some hand- gap at the top of the table. Aranzubia had to race from his Total (for 4 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 315 miss his presence. Eranga 22-3-80-1 (nb5); Herath 42-9-103- some shots during his big innings Lionel Messi was one of a line to stop Cristian Tello latch- Did not bat: R McLaren, R Peterson, R Klein- “He has completely changed 1; Mendis 23-2-92-1; Mathews 6-1-16-0; and reached his hundred in the number of first-team regulars ing onto a lovely through ball by veldt, K Abbott, L Tsotsobe the grammar of Test match Dilshan 20-3-55-0; Thirimanne 2-0-13-0. last session when he swept who started on the bench, but Thiago. opening. The sheer number of Mendis for a four. AFP Fall of wickets: 1-72 2-83 3-203 4-265. their replacements just man- The Depor keeper was having runs and the manner in which Bowling: Junaid Khan 9-0-59-1; Umar Gul aged to get the job done as Alexis a sensational evening as he then he has scored them, India will 10-1-68-0 (1w); Mohammad Hafeez 10-0- Sanchez’s header gave them a somehow tipped Manuel Pablo’s miss his presence. His impact 48-1 (3w); Saeed Ajmal 10-0-53-2 (1w); deserved half-time lead. misguided clearance onto the post in the game is comparable only Shahid Afridi 8-0-60-0 (1w); Shoaib Malik Messi was introduced after the and made a brilliant double stop to greats like Sachin, (Rahul) 3-0-21-0. break though and he wrapped up from Villa and Adriano, although Dravid and (Sunil) Gavaskar,” PAKISTAN the points two minutes from time in truth Villa should have been he said. Mohd Hafeez (run out) ...... 25 with his 40th league goal of the more clinical when clean through The southpaw also refused Nasir Jamshed c Smith b Kleiveldt ...... 25 season after a neat one-two with on goal. to read much into the India’s Younus Khan c de Villiers b Abbott ...... 30 Alexis inside the area. The goal finally arrived consecutive Test match wins Asad Shafiq c Abbott b McLaren ...... 5 The Barca side contained seven seven minutes before half- against Australia in the ongoing Misbah-ul-Haq c de Villiers b McLaren .....38 changes from the team that time, although again Aranzubia four match home series. Shoaib Malik c McLaren b Tsotsobe ...... 19 started last weekend’s 2-1 defeat wasn’t easily beaten as Alves’s “People have a very short Kamran Akmal c Smith b McLaren ...... 2 to Real Madrid as Gerard Pique, cross from the right was headed memory. I am amazed at some Sahid Afridi c Behardien b Kleinveldt ...... 34 Sergio Busquets and Andres down by Alexis and although the people lauding team India’s Umar Gul c&b Kleinveldt ...... 2 Iniesta all joined Messi on the keeper may have kept his first recent efforts. They seem to Saeed Ajmal lbw Kleiveldt ...... 0 sidelines, while Victor Valdes and effort from crossing the line, the have forgotten that we were Junaid Khan (not out) ...... 0 Xavi also missed out through sus- Chilean followed up to smash in badly drubbed in 10 out of 13 Extras (LB-6, W-4) ...... 10 pension and injury respectively. only his second league goal of the Test matches we last played,” Total (all out in 36.2 overs) ...... 190 Their absence gave many of season. he added. Fall of wickets: 1-42, 2-52, 3-65, 4-114, Barca’s squad players the chance Depor’s first real effort on goal Sehwag was Thursday 5-135, 6-148, 7-165, 8-178, 9-178. to shine and Thiago may have arrived moments later as Pizzi’s dropped from the squad for the Bowling: Tsotsobe 9-0-52-1 (3w), Abbott been the one to have forced him- free-kick fizzed well over the bar, last two Tests against Australia, 6-0-35-1, Kleinveldt 5.2-2-22-4 (1w), Peter- self into the side for Tuesday, but Barca were soon back on top after failing to perform and Bangladeshi captain Mushfiqur Rahim (right) and team-mate Mohammad son 8-0-47-0, McLaren 7-0-19-3, Behardien should Xavi not recover in time, and Villa fired wide again at the impress the selectors. IANS Ashraful run between the wickets during the third day of the opening Test 1-0-9-0. as he was particularly impres- end of a sublime passing move match at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle, yesterday. Result: South Africa won by 125 runs. sive in a first-half that the hosts from the hosts. AFP Monday 11 March 2013 29 Rabial II Safar 1434 Volume 18 Number 5635 Sport Price: QR2 %-%!%&.-"&/0"/,#"%-1&,23!"!,*!04-%35,# *.$")"*6 LATEST NEWS UPDATES IN TAMIL Nadal wins Woods takes TAMIL TIMES WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Middle East Edition on hard-court control in

return Florida Available every Wednesdays in all leading supermarkets and shops in Qatar & Bahrain Tel. : +974 44557622 / 44557623          Fax. : +974 44557759           !"#$%&'(")"*+&,)+(" Sport | 27 Sport | 28 email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 ExxonMobil Qatar to sponsor Chi Al Shaqab

DOHA: ExxonMobil Qatar ExxonMobil Qatar. The highly will be the main sponsor of the anticipated equestrian festival Chi Al Shaqab 2013 after the will be held under the patron- oil and gas company signed an age of H E Sheikh Mohammed agreement with H E Sheikha bin Hamad Al Thani, Al Shaqab Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Chairperson, and Sheikha Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson of Al Mayassa. Shaqab, yesterday. The event will take place at Al The competition to be held Shaqab’s state-of-the-art facili- from March 27 to 30, will be the ties, and will be the first event first edition of the annual inter- of its kind to take place in the national equestrian competi- Middle East and Asia. tion to be hosted by Al Shaqab, In a statement after the a member of Qatar Foundation. signing ceremony, Sheikha Al The four-day festival will play Mayassa said: “Preserving and host to an assortment of world- promoting Qatari culture is part class show jumping, dressage and of Al Shaqab’s obligations and a endurance events with 170 rid- cause we have dedicated much ers from over 25 nations, along time to. Moreover, the opportu- with 200 horses, expected to nity to host leading equestrian participate. events provides a platform to Al Shaqab Vice-Chairperson H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani (right) and ExxonMobil Qatar President and General Manager Bart Cahir Over 10,000 visitors are antici- raise global awareness on our (second right), along with the officials talk during a meeting. RIGHT: A view of the Al Shaqab Equestrian Arena. ExxonMobil Qatar will sponsor the pated at this prestigious festival, facilities. This is crucial to our Chi Al Shaqab 2013 that will take place from March 27 to 30. A total of 170 riders from 25 countries will be taking part in this prestigious event. including members of the Qatari nation’s sport strategy, which Royal Family and other leading itself is a central pillar of Qatar Chairperson, Sheikh Mohammed a long history of supporting sponsoring this prestigious event. that highlight as well as pre- dignitaries from the Gulf region, National Vision 2030.” and Sheikha Al Mayassa as well equestrian events in Qatar. The He said: “ExxonMobil Qatar is serve Qatar’s unique heritage is as well as local and international “Chi Al Shaqab brings together as the Al Shaqab’s board mem- organisation’s ongoing dedica- honoured to support an event of an important part of our com- VIPs from the equine world. all these elements, and we appre- bers for their continuous sup- tion to fostering a sport that is such national pride that features mitment to the community,” he The agreement was signed ciate ExxonMobil – not only for port and dedication to reach inherently tied to the history and an important part of Qatar’s added. in the presence of Fahad bin their support to this event but highest levels of success in this culture of Qatar is in line with Al heritage. People who attend can enjoy Saad Al Qahtani, Al Shaqab also for showing great belief in competition. Shaqab’s own vision. This part- “Chi Al Shaqab 2013 will pay family-orientated activities, Director and Chi Al Shaqab 2013 the equine culture of Qatar. The He said: “Al Shaqab has a clear nership represents a combined tribute to this rich history, while including a fashion exhibition President, Suzanne McCarron, partnership will open doors for strategy and is working in favour effort to promote and preserve also serving to promote the con- and trade market, a dedicated President of ExxonMobil more cooperation in the future,” of this sport by organising the the equine heritage and we are tinued development of equestrian ‘kids zone’, an international food Foundation and Bart Cahir, Sheikha Al Mayassa added. event annually.” proud to be working alongside sports in Qatar and around the court, and a multitude of cultural President and General Manager Echoing these sentiments, Speaking of the agreement ExxonMobil to host the first Chi world. At ExxonMobil Qatar, presentations and events in the of ExxonMobil Qatar Inc. and Al Qahtani expressed his sin- with ExxonMobil Qatar, Al Al Shaqab.” supporting events of cultural enormous 17,000 square metre other officials of Al Shaqab and cere appreciation to Al Shaqab Qahtani said: “ExxonMobil has Cahir expressed his delight in and traditional significance plaza. THE PENINSULA Chelsea fight back to

Manchester United’s English earn replay with United forward Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring his FA Cup: Blackburn Rovers hold Millwall in stalemate team’s second goal against Chelsea during the MANCHESTER, England: the area on the left. Rooney, who Seven minutes after his intro- Earlier, Millwall and Blackburn English FA Cup Holders Chelsea inflicted more faced media speculation over his duction, Hazard got on the end of Rovers fought out a goalless quarter-final match pain on Manchester United future when he was dropped to a pass by Juan Mata to unleash a stalemate in a scrappy FA Cup at Old Trafford, when they came from two goals the bench for the Real Madrid right-footed strike from the edge quarter-final. down to draw 2-2 in a fluctuat- game, stepped up to swing the of the area which flew in to ignite Millwall, who knocked out Manchester, ing FA Cup quarter-final at Old ball over the top of everyone and a Chelsea recovery. Premier League side Aston northwest England, Trafford yesterday. into the far corner. Nine minutes later, Demba Ba Villa in the fourth round, and yesterday. The hosts, knocked out of Chelsea, who suffered their own fed Oscar who played in Ramires Blackburn, who knocked out the Champions League by Real European troubles this week with with the Brazilian finding the net Arsenal in the last round, failed to Madrid on Tuesday after a con- a 1-0 defeat by Steaua Bucharest to stun United and even some of find the net on a blustery and cold troversial red card for Nani, took in the first leg of their last-16 tie, Chelsea’s fans who had been voic- day at Millwall’s south London a fifth-minute lead through Javier offered little in terms of attack in ing their discontent earlier in the New Den home. Hernandez and soon doubled it the first half while United looked game. Millwall had the better chances with a Wayne Rooney free kick. dangerous whenever they went Chelsea ended the match look- and Rob Hulse should have put Just when the Premier League forward. ing the more likely winners, with them ahead after 58 minutes but leaders had started to smell a But that all changed in the sec- Mata going close in the dying somehow shot over the bar with Wembley date, Chelsea pulled ond half with Chelsea manager seconds when David de Gea bril- the goal at his mercy. one back on 59 minutes through Rafael Benitez making an early liantly stuck out a foot to save his Blackburn came close when Rooney to be offered substitute Eden Hazard before double substitution that yielded powerful effort and earn United Josh King headed against a post. Ramires levelled nine minutes swift rewards. a replay. AGENCIES later. The day’s other quarter- final will also be replayed after new deal: Ferguson Championship (second division) English FA Cup Millwall and Blackburn Rovers LONDON: Manchester dismissed speculation that played out a 0-0 draw. Manchester Semi-Final Draw United’s England striker Wayne Rooney’s Old Trafford days were City and Wigan Athletic booked Rooney will be offered a new numbered, telling reporters: “He their places in the semi-finals on Draw for the English FA Cup semi-finals contract before his deal ends in will be here next year, you’ve got Saturday. made yesterday: 2015, the club’s manager Alex my word on that.” Still smarting from their cruel Millwall or Blackburn vs Wigan Ferguson was quoted as saying Yesterday’s newspaper reports Champions League exit, United Man United or Chelsea vs Manchester City by British media yesterday. backed that up as Ferguson came sought to quickly soothe the pain. “There is no issue with the con- to Rooney’s defence and stressed Ties to be played on the They struck twice within the tract. When it has to be renego- his qualities, having said he was first 11 minutes, Hernandez weekend of April 13/14. tiated, it will be,’ Ferguson said right to leave the forward out of opening the scoring when mid- in The Mail on Sunday ahead of their Champions League last 16, fielder Michael Carrick’s long ball United’s FA Cup quarter-final at second leg at Old Trafford for tac- over the top found his head and English FA Cup home to Chelsea. tical reasons. he nodded the ball neatly over British media went into over- “We don’t want good players to stranded keeper Petr Cech. Results drive last week reporting that leave. He (Rooney) is the (Paul) The Mexican poacher has now Quarter-finals Rooney would be offloaded by Gascoigne, the Bobby Charlton. scored in six of his last seven Manchester United 2 (Hernandez 5, Rooney Ferguson after he was left out of He’s the best English player. He’s games against Chelsea, who have the starting lineup for United’s coming to his mature years,” 11) Chelsea 2 (Hazard 59, Ramires 68) been the most successful team in biggest game of the season against added the United boss. the FA Cup in recent years hav- Millwall 0 Blackburn 0 Real Madrid in the Champions “He’s had a lot of issues this ing won it four times in the last Played Saturday league on Tuesday. year in terms of illness, injuries six seasons. Everton 0 Wigan 3 (Figueroa 30, The 27-year-old came off the and not had a long run of games, Ferguson’s men doubled their Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa (right) challenges Chelsea’s Cezar McManaman 31, Gomez 33) bench in the 73rd minute but but he’s still got me 14 goals. He’ll lead six minutes later after winger could not stop United losing 2-1 end up with 20 goals, no doubt Azpilicueta during their English FA Cup quarter-final match at Old Trafford Manchester City 5 (Tevez 11, 31, 50, Nani was fouled by Victor Moses to exit the competition. about that,” the 71-year-old said in Manchester, northern England, yesterday. Kolarov 27, Silva 65) Barnsley 0 to win a free kick just outside However, on Friday Ferguson to reporters. AFP