www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

BUSINESS | 21 SPORT | 36

QIIB: CI affirms Fossati ‘satisfied’ ‘A-’ rating with with draw against positive outlook Al Sadd in ‘Clasico’

TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 • 5 Rajab 1437 • Volume 21 • Number 6764 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

King Salman in Turkey Emir condoles Q-Post starts with King Salman

DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday sent online shopping a cable of condolences to the Cus- todian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia on the death of Princess Misha’el bint Faisal bin and delivery Turki I bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reports QNA. Emir sends unlike other existing e-commerce services in Qatar, we are the only message to Company plans to licensed company which can reach use drones for homes. We also have more than 40 Kuwait Emir retail services from which people parcel delivery. can access our services. We also DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim have smart parcel lockers which no bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a other company has,” Faleh Al Naemi, written message to Emir of Kuwait Q-Post Chairman and Managing H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al By Raynald C Rivera Director told reporters on the side- Jaber Al Sabah about fraternal The Peninsula lines of the conference. relations between the countries A unique feature of the service, and the latest regional and inter- the smart lockers, Al Naemi said, will national developments, reports be in different locations “to make it QNA. Foreign Minister H E Sheikh DOHA: Qatar Postal Service Com- convenient for clients so they can Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al pany (Q-Post) has added a new collect the goods they bought from Thani handed over the message Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (right) welcomes the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques service to its portfolio with the the lockers 24/7.” when the Emir of Kuwait met him launch of “Connected by Qatar Post”, “Connected” is a full-service King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia during an official welcoming ceremony upon his at Al-Seif Palace yesterday. an e-commerce service, yesterday. solution that offers simple shop- arrival at Esenboga Airport in Ankara, Turkey, yesterday. → See also page 7 Q-Post also announced plans to use ping and shipping processes. While drones for parcel delivery in the near many international online stores Upcoming Syria future. do not offer international shipping “Connected” is an online ship- options, “Connected” provides inter- talks crucial: UN ping service which allows everybody national shipping addresses in the in Qatar to shop their favour- UK for entire Europe and the US. This Discussion on law compliance goes online DAMASCUS: The UN peace envoy ite brands online and have them will soon be available in China and to Syria said yesterday in Damas- delivered using various options. Japan as well. cus that an upcoming round of The parcels can be collected from The new service also offers con- By Sanaullah Ataullah cially those related to traffic, and ministry’s Twitter account. talks in Geneva aimed at end- 30 Q-Post branches, delivered at solidation of parcels from separate The Peninsula promote human rights in the country. The online forum comes under ing the country’s war would be home or collected from smart lock- vendors into one shipment for reduc- The ministry has created a page the slogan, “public awareness about “crucially important”. Staffan ers. The new service was launched ing shipping charges. on its website for the public to post the laws and protection of human de Mistura’s comments came as at the fifth Arab Smart Cities Summit Customers can track every stage DOHA: The Ministry of Interior has their comments and suggestions. It rights”. The ministry has posted ques- offensives by Syria’s Al Qaeda which opened at The Ritz-Carlton of the parcel journey that is closely launched an online discussion forum can be accessed through the link tions on the page seeking answers affiliate and rebels triggered a yesterday. ““Connected” is basi- monitored. on its website seeking feedback from https://www.moi.gov.qa/IntServices/ from the public. spike in violence. cally an e-commerce service that citizens and expatriates on ways of Actions?action=viewCurrentDiscuss provides people more options. But → Continued on page 2 making the public obey laws, espe- ion. The link has been shared on the → Continued on page 5 → See also page 7 Asia-Pacific rights group opens office at NHRC

By Mohammed Osman ceremony was attended by several (ANNHRI) will allow us to conduct The Peninsula senior government officials and documented and balanced stud- representatives of regional and inter- ies about the labour situation here national human right institutions. far from some hidden agendas and DOHA: Asia-Pacific Forum of The office, on the eighth floor of media statements,” Al Marri said, National Human Right Institu- NHRC headquarters, is tasked with when asked about the possible role of tions (APF) yesterday opened its sub a mainly technical role related to the new office in monitoring the liv- regional office at the National Human capacity-building rather than mon- ing conditions of expatriate labourers Right Committee (NHRC) premises itoring human rights situation in the in Qatar. here. region, NHRC chairman Dr Ali bin The opening of the office was Qatar is a member of APF, which Smaikh Al Marri said on the sidelines officially announced at a joint press is a coalition of national human of the opening ceremony. conference attended by Al Marri and rights institutions, with 22 coun- “However, our cooperation APF Director Kieren Fitzpatrick. tries as members, from across the with the APF and Arab Network for Asia-Pacific Region. The opening National Human Rights Institutions → Continued on page 5 Hopes rise as Yemen truce takes hold

AFP amid mutual recriminations. The conflict in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula nation has ruined large parts of the country and raised MARIB: A UN-brokered ceasefire was taking hold in Middle East tensions, with Saudi Arabia and its Sunni allies Yemen yesterday despite sporadic clashes, raising hopes backing the government and Iran supporting the rebels. that peace talks due next week may finally resolve the Jihadists including from Al Qaeda in the Arabian country’s devastating conflict. Peninsula (AQAP), the powerful Yemeni branch of the Forces loyal to President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi, the extremist network, have taken advantage of the conflict Shia Huthi rebels who drove his government out of the to seize territory and gain influence. capital, and the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in But pressure has been building for the ceasefire and Yemen last year all pledged to honour the truce after it there are hopes it can be the cornerstone of a long-last- took effect at midnight on Sunday. ing peace deal that can be hammered out at talks taking The UN special envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh place from April 18 in Kuwait. Ahmed, called the ceasefire “a first step in Yemen’s return General Mohamed Ali Al Makdashi, the chief of staff to peace”. for Hadi’s forces, said early yesterday the ceasefire was “This is critical, urgent and much needed. Yemen largely holding despite some violations by rebels. cannot afford the loss of more lives,” the Mauritanian dip- “The truce has not collapsed and we hope the rebels lomat said. Previous efforts to stop the fighting in Yemen end their attacks and respect the ceasefire,” he said, alleg- — which has left thousands dead and forced more than ing breaches in several areas including the cities of Taez two million people from their homes — have collapsed in southwestern Yemen and Marib east of Sana’a. 02 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 HOME

Emir endorses Cabinet decision to form Tenders Arab Future Committee

QNA Cities Summit

DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday 2016 opens endorsed Cabinet Decision No. 13 of 2016 setting up the Ten- ders Committee at the Ministry of Transport and Communications. as they are a main pillar and a driv- The decision is effective from Minister highlights ing force of an economy,” he told its date of issue and will be pub- the opening ceremony of the Arab lished in the official gazette. Qatar’s strides in Future Cities Summit Qatar 2016. telecommunications Al Sulaiti said while Qatar is investing heavily on infrastruc- Emiri decree and transportation ture and human development, it is sectors. also making great strides, specifi- ratifies media MoU cally in telecommunications and transportation. Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti (right), Minister of Municipality and with Sri Lanka The Minister stressed that By Raynald C Rivera development should not only be Environment H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi (second right) and other officials tour the exhibition The Peninsula on infrastructure and smart cit- during the Arab Future Cities Summit Qatar 2016 at the Ritz-Carlton yesterday. DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim ies on the level of technology and Pic: Kammutty / The Peninsula bin Hamad Al Thani yester- transportation. day issued Emiri Decree No. 21 “We have to develop comprehen- of 2016, endorsing a memoran- DOHA: Qatar is making great invest- sive systems that support and serve Al Sulaiti, along with Minister of at the opening ceremony at Ritz- in the Middle East, North Africa, and dum of understanding on joint ments to advance information different sectors and link Qatar with Municipality and Environment H E Carlton Doha. Southeast Asia,” said Al Sayed. news cooperation and exchange technology, telecommunications the global economy. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi Reem Al Mansoori, Assistant “We need to take the next step between the governments of Qatar and transportation sectors recognis- “We have the resources, we have inaugurated the two-day summit. Undersecretary, Digital Society Sector and build platforms that integrate the and Sri Lanka. ing their vital contribution as main the vision, we have the leadership to Twenty-two ambassadors were Development, Ministry of Transport network assets and the data produced It was signed in Colombo on drivers of the economy, Minister make our dreams a reality,” he said. among those present at the opening and Communications, and Waleed to provide actionable intelligence that March 24 last year and its text is of Transport and Communications “The ministry is looking ceremony. Al Sayed, CEO, Ooredoo Qatar, also makes the smart city experiment a attached to the decree. It will have says H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti forward to implementing projects More than 450 delegates are addressed the opening event. living, breathing reality,” he added. the power of law according to Arti- said yesterday. and programmes based on clear taking part in the summit which “As operators, we provide the fixed Topics discussed on the first cle 68 of the Constitution. The “Information technology, tele- strategies and definite timeline highlights smart city adoption, with and mobile network assets that are the day of the summit included decree is effective from the date communications and transportation to benefit from IT capacity and a focus on developing innovative foundation for smart cities around the telecommunications for smart cities; of issue and will published in the have become very important in the various platforms in providing approaches to deliver more efficient world. “Ooredoo has strived to ensure innovative ICT solutions, smarter city official gazette. Qatari economy and in the life of smart transportation and smart and sustainable services to citizens. these assets are among the very best in future; smart cities infrastructure; every individual and this drove us infrastructure for all those who ‘Connected by Qatar Post’ — a new available, providing 4G, 4G+ and and smart mobility – the future of Condolences sent to develop these sectors considering work and live in Qatar,” he added. eCommerce service — was launched nationwide Fibre across our markets transportation. to Saudi King Q-Post offers free lifetime membership DOHA: Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani Continued from page 1 yesterday sent a cable of con- Q-Post will be piloting parcel deliv- dolences to the Custodian of the ery using drones, said Al Naemi. Two Holy Mosques King Salman On its launch, Q-Post is having “We will be using drones for bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi an offer which is free lifetime mem- parcel delivery. This is an impor- Arabia on the death of Princess bership instead of the membership tant project in the pipeline. We will Misha’el bint Faisal bin Turki ibn fee of QR99 and 30 percent off on conduct trials in partnership with Abudulaziz Al Saud, praying the the base charge for first shipment. the authorities concerned to see Almighty Allah to have mercy upon “Connected is a new serv- how we can utilize this service,” he her, make paradise her last abode ice added to our portfolio to serve explained, adding the project will be and grant her family solace and people in Qatar in a better way. We launched in six months’ time. fortitude. understand that e-shoppers need “Advanced postal and e-com- Prime Minister and Interior ease and convenience. With this merce companies have tried it. Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin new service we literally bring the Amazon, for example, has invested Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent a world right at their doorsteps,” said $130mn on it,” explained Al Naemi, similar cable to King Salman. Al Naemi. adding at the moment Q-Post is not . Meanwhile, Q-Post will soon looking at profitability but on pro- launch a new project that would rev- viding clients more access to its new Advisory Council olutionise parcel delivery in Qatar. services. H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari with South African Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga holds meeting and other officials in Pretoria.

DOHA: The Advisory Council yesterday held its weekly meet- Al Kawari to speak on vision for Unesco today ing of the 44th ordinary session under the chairmanship of Dep- uty Speaker Issa bin Rabia Al QNA the role of education will be a big part combat racism and promote peace. Kuwari. of his tenure. Motshekga expressed He also met researchers at the The council reviewed the her admiration of Qatar and its role foundation to discuss his vision for approved agenda and endorsed the in improving education services Unesco. The foundation endorsed minutes of its previous meeting. DOHA: Qatar’s candidate for the post worldwide. She highlighted the role him for the role and wished him well. It also read out a memo by of Unesco director-general and Cul- of Education Above All initiative and Today, Al Kawari will attend a the Cabinet’s General Secretar- tural Adviser to the Emiri Diwan H E its Educate a Child program as some- ceremony along with diplomats and iat addressed to the Ministry of Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari thing South Africa benefited from. South African officials and will speak Interior on the council’s recom- met South African Minister of Basic She then wished Qatar’s nominee about his vision for Unesco, focusing mendations about a request for a Education Angie Motshekga in Pre- success in his bid. on its role in Africa. He is held in high general discussion on the delays toria. The meeting was on Al Kuwari’s regard in Africa particularly due to Faleh Al Naemi, Chairman and Managing Director, Qatar Post, speaking in issuing licences to facilities by Al Kawari presented his strat- schedule for the visit to South Africa. his work as Deputy Chairman of the the General Directorate of Civil egy and vision as Qatar’s nominee Al Kawari also visited the Nelson Anti-Racism Committee in his capac- at the Arab Future Cities Summit Qatar 2016 at the Ritz-Carlton Defence and took note of it. to the post, stressing that enhancing Mandela Foundation, which aims to ity as a UN delegate. yesterday. Pic: Kammutty / The Peninsula Win a brand new Suzuki car 60 students attend Quick Startup contest with Ooredoo Mobile Money The Peninsula

The Peninsula dialling *140#, or downloading the free ‘Ooredoo Money’ app on their mobile and following simple on- DOHA: Quick Startup 2016, a compe- screen instructions. tition organised by Carnegie Mellon DOHA: Ooredoo has announced a Once cash is deposited into a University in Qatar (CMU-Q) and new competition for Ooredoo Mobile mobile money wallet at any Ooredoo sponsored by Qatar National Bank Money (OMM) customers, offering shop or through Ooredoo self-serv- (QNB), saw 60 students from uni- them the chance to win a brand ice machines (SSM), customers can versities in the country spending new Suzuki car when they transfer use the wallet balance to transfer the weekend developing business money internationally or purchase money home to 200 countries, using plans and being mentored by indus- Ooredoo services via Ooredoo’s MoneyGram for a fee of QR1. try experts, college professors and award-winning mobile money serv- Users can also top up any Hala Qatari business incubators. ice. account (with 10 percent extra CMU-Q uses business-focused Officials with students at the event. Anyone who registers for Oore- recharge bonus), recharge data (with competitions such as Quick Star- doo Mobile Money and uses the 25 percent extra recharge bonus), tup as one of the avenues to promote service to make an international pay Ooredoo bills or send money entrepreneurial skills in the country. Students began the three-day Qatar Business Incubation Centre; Darweesh, Umair Qazi and Pance money transfer, purchase a Hala locally to another mobile, securely Ilker Baybars, Dean and CEO, training with a concept that they went Peter Moore from College of the North Ali from CMU-Q were awarded sec- top-up, pay their Ooredoo bills or and reliably 24 hours a day. CMU-Q, said: “As Qatar progresses, on to develop into a viable business Atlantic Qatar (CNA-Q); Juha Per- ond place, and third place went to recharge data or the Ooredoo Pass- For details, customers can ask entrepreneurship and startups are plan. alampi from Qatar University (QU); CNA-Q’s Farnaaz Khan, Khadija port by July 10 will automatically be about Mobile Money at an Oore- crucial for diversification of the At the end of the weekend, teams and Milton Cofield from CMU-Q. Salim, Mohammed Zameel Zubair entered into the competition. doo shop or visit Mobile Money economy. Quick Startup uses friendly presented ideas to a judging panel The winning team members were and Seham Abuhuzeimah. For details New customers can register for section on the Ooredoo website at competition and mentorship from that included Yasmeen Hasan from Aisha Al Derhim (CNA-Q); and Fatima about upcoming events at CMU-Q, Mobile Money for free with a valid https://www.ooredoo.qa/portal/ experts to foster a culture of busi- Bedaya Centre; Indica Amarasinghe Alansari and Ruqaya Alsada from QU. please visit: https://www.qatar.cmu. Qatar ID at any Ooredoo shop, by OoredooQatar/win-a-suzuki-car ness innovation.” from ictQatar; Belal Alkadhi from Ibrahim Rehman, Serene edu/calendar/month_view/ HOME TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 03 Qatar Airways wins ‘Best In-flight Duty Free’ award

six months. The wide selection of always been regarded by our passen- — all from the comfort of their seat. The airline’s customer luxury and affordable brands in QA’s gers as one of the finest in quality and QA was also recently recognised in-flight duty free programmes were product range, and the award, voted for the outstanding quality of its on- experience again commended, together with competi- for by readers of Pax International, board entertainment platform, Oryx recognised by tive prices and outstanding customer recognises our customers’ satisfaction One, awarded for Middle East Con- service levels. and QDF’s dedication to providing an tent Innovation by Inflight magazine readers of the travel The in-flight duty free award exceptional shopping experience to all and F&E Aerospace. trade title, Pax comes just weeks after QA’s hub, passengers flying with QA. QA was applauded for offering Hamad International Airport (HIA), “QDF brings together some of the over 3,000 channels of entertainment International, over six was announced as the world’s fifth world’s leading brands for our cus- and a wide selection of content to suit months. ‘Best Airport for Shopping’ at the 2016 tomers to purchase on board and in its global passengers’ needs, from the Skytrax World Airport Awards. our home, HIA, where it has created a latest premieres to classic movies and Qatar Duty Free (QDF) operates visionary travel retail experience that popular TV to special-interest pro- the 40,000 square metre duty free sets it apart from airports worldwide,” grammes and TV series tailored to the The Peninsula shopping emporium at HIA, includ- Al Baker added. Middle East market. ing 70 boutiques and over 30 cafés QA boasts a hand-picked selection A global partnership with Oore- and restaurants. of affordable and luxury brands that doo has further enabled QA to Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive, make in-flight shopping an essential enhance passengers’ journeys with DOHA: Qatar Airways’ (QA) customer QA Group, said: “QA prides itself in part of every passenger’s journey. free on board connectivity. experience has again been recognised being attentive to customer expe- Its in-flight duty free magazine Passengers flying on QA flights for its industry leadership position, rience details — from the check-in Extravaganza introduces passengers served by its B787, A350, A380 and having received the ‘Best In-flight process to the seat comfort on board. to a collection of over 170 in-flight A319 and select A330 and A320 air- Duty Free’ for the Middle East and This extends to our in-flight duty free products, offering an ideal balance craft can enjoy free Wi-Fi for the Africa 2016 in the Pax International programme. of classic bestsellers and contempo- first 15 minutes with a simple-to-use Readers Awards. “We curate a specific, exclusive rary new launches. portal that makes it easy for them to The annual awards for “the collection of market-leading duty Passengers can choose from a browse the Internet or post on their industry’s most deserving players” free products for our guests travel- collection of fragrances, cosmetics, social media channels while in the air. The luxury and affordable brands in in-flight duty free programmes are selected by readers of the travel ling across our global network. skincare, watches, jewellery, fashion Continued use is offered at very rea- were commended, together with competitive prices and outstanding trade title, Pax International, over “QA’s in-flight duty free has accessories, toys and QA memorabilia sonable rates, from $5 to $20. customer service levels.

Arab Parliamentary Union hails Qatar’s efforts to bring Darfur peace

QNA provide financial and moral support to enforce the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur and launch development programmes, expressing appreciation for all efforts made by the joint DOHA: The heads of Arab parliaments has mediation of the United Nations, the African praised Qatar’s constructive efforts which Union, the Arab League and the Organisation culminated in Doha Document for Peace in of Islamic Cooperation to bring about peace Darfur, expressed satisfaction over the signa- in Sudan. The APU also reiterated in the final ture of the document and called on all parties statement that the Palestinian issue is the Arab to work hand in hand for its implementation nation’s primary cause and demanded that all to lay a solid foundation for security, stability resolutions issued by its previous conferences and development. and meetings be implemented. This came in the final statement at the end On Yemen, the conference valued highly of its 23rd meeting of the Arab Parliamentary UN efforts to resolve the Yemeni crisis peace- Union in Egyptian capital Cairo yesterday. fully in accordance with the resolutions of the Advisory Council Speaker Mohammed bin United Nations, praising the efforts of the State Mubarak Al Khulaifi led Qatar’s delegation to of Kuwait and its current diplomatic efforts to the meeting. The statement called on heads of put an end to the conflict and realize stabil- the parliaments to urge their governments to ity in Yemen. Participants of the first FameLab competition held in Qatar. 2 young scientists win national FameLab 2016 2 brands of low-quality edible oils recalled

The Peninsula fraudulent and corrupt goods. An item is con- The Peninsula the Ministry of Education and to be an innovative platform for Adel will participate in the sidered fraudulent or corrupt if it has expired Higher Education, Qatar Univer- enabling young scientists, high finals at the London Interna- or it fails to meet standard specifications. sity (QU) and Hamad Bin Khalifa school students, teachers and tional Science Youth Forum, Penalties for violations of law number (8) of University (HBKU). engineers in Qatar to share their where she will meet young DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Com- 2008 on consumer protection range between DOHA: For the first time in More than 65 students, 45 passion for science, technology, scientists from all around the merce has carried out an unannounced administrative closures and a minimum fee Doha, 12 scientists from Qatar teachers and 55 researchers engineering and maths with the world. “I was really excited inspection campaign targeting edible oil vend- of QR3,000 and up to QR1m. The ministry pitched their projects at the applied to take part in the inau- public,” said Dr Abdul Sattar Al when I got through because I ers and have collected cooking oil samples in stressed that it will intensify its inspection cam- world’s largest science com- gural event. Divided into two Taie, Executive Director, QNRF. was given the opportunity to order to ensure their conformity with stand- paigns to crack down on all violations of the munications competition categories, 12 participants made “We are very proud of the meet a lot of interesting people ard specifications. consumer protection law. The ministry said — FameLab 2016. it through to the national final winners and would like to working in the same industry,” The inspection campaigns come within the it will refer violators of laws and ministerial The global initiative gave held at HBKU’s Student Centre invite high school students, said Aida. “The majority of them framework of the ministry’s efforts to crack decrees to competent authorities, who will take participants with passion for in Education City. STEM teachers, scientists and are researchers, so it has been a down on violations and protect consumer appropriate action against perpetrators in order public engagement three min- After each contestant gave professionals to participate in very inspiring experience. It has rights. The lab results confirmed that the first to protect the rights of consumers. utes to present a project of their their presentation before an this engaging competition in the been a little stressful, but that’s sample was non-compliance with standard The ministry urged consumers to report choice. audience and a panel of judges, coming years to help achieve normal. I really enjoyed it.” specifications in terms of its fatty acid content any violations to its Consumer Protection and The initiative of the British Aida Ra’fat was awarded first Qatar National Vision 2030,” The ‘Young Scientists’ win- while the second sample contained a higher Anti-Commercial Fraud department and send Council initiative, in partner- place in the ‘Aspiring Scientists’ he added. ner, 16-year old high-school than permitted amount of antioxidants E391 complaints and suggestions through call cen- ship with The Times Cheltenham category, and Ro’aa Adel was the Ra’fat will now take part in student Adel, believes that her according to GCC specifications. tre: 16001; email: [email protected]; Twitter Science Festival; and Qatar overall winner of the ‘Young Sci- the international FameLab final innovative contributions to sci- The products were recalled in accordance MEC_QATAR; Instagram MEC_QATAR; and National Research Fund (QNRF), entists’ contest. “FameLab Qatar at The Times Cheltenham Sci- ence and medicine will make with article (5) of law number (8) of 2008 which the ministry’s app on smartphones available was held in collaboration with — in its first cycle — has proven ence Festival in June. the world a better place. prohibits the sale, display or advertising of on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR.

Municipality GU-Q students take a big leap into cracks down on the world of investment banking street vendors

The Peninsula said club founder, chairman, and aspects of the industry, and echoes The Peninsula GU-Q freshman, Abdulla Zeedan. voices and opinions from global and “School clubs are a vital part of local leaders within this field. a Georgetown education, where we “Investment options fall under a DOHA: The newly launched Invest- believe learning happens both inside really broad umbrella - everything DOHA : The Public Monitor- ment Club at Georgetown University and outside the classroom,” said the from private equity, to stocks, to ing Section at Doha Municipality, in Qatar (GU-Q) is bringing the fast- club’s faculty advisor Dr. Christine business investments - so we want in collaboration with the Public paced world of investment banking Schiwietz, who is also the assistant to encourage everyone to really Hygiene Department, conducted an to their Education City campus with dean for academic affairs at GU-Q. understand the vast potential of this inspection campaign against street a public event set to feature the CEO “By engaging in real world events world,” explained Abdullah, who has vendors in Al Asmakh and caught of the Qatar Stock Exchange Rashid and challenging students to grap- had an interest in the field well before some vendors and necessary action Ali Al Mansoori today at 6pm. ple with the same opportunities he began his university studies. was taken against them. At the Investment Club event, and risks that are present in invest- The Qatar Stock Exchange is Ali Nasser Al Hajri, Head of the Mr. Rashid Ali Al-Mansoori, who ment banking, they learn about their committed to supporting Qatar’s section, said that the crackdown has been the CEO of the Qatar Stock world through a hands-on approach, economy by giving investors a plat- will continue to catch violators and Exchange since October 2012, will while also serving as leaders in their form through which they can trade spread awareness about the munic- take part in a Q&A about the industry, communities.” fairly and efficiently. This institution ipality laws. which will be followed by the official The club, which is entirely stu- is part of a comprehensive national The Pest Control Section at the launch of the new club’s magazine, dent-developed and student-driven, strategy that aims to establish Qatar municipality carried out 1,615 public titled “The Georgetown Portfolio”. is committed to developing an active as a world-class international mar- requests last month, including 105 “We decided to start this club in investment banking culture by giving ket and to position Qatar as a regional through the website of the Ministry order to spread investment knowl- GU-Q students a chance to develop financial centre by introducing new of Municipality and Environment edge throughout the Georgetown and pitch investment ideas, create trading products, technology, and website, 391 through iPhone, 134 community, but we hope that inter- mock stock portfolios, and under- international investors to Doha. through Android, and 812 routine est and education spreads to other take other projects associated with More information about the club, operations against rodents and universities in Education City, as well investment banking. The magazine the magazine, and the event, can be A civic worker carrying out a pest control request. insects. as throughout the Qatar community,” provides an in-depth look at various found on the university’s website. 04 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 HOME Aid for Syrian refugees in Greece

Qatar Charity has distributed humanitarian aid at a cost of around QR1m, including basic needs such as food, shelter, clothes, shoes and blankets, among others

The Peninsula

DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) has dis- tributed humanitarian aid at a cost of around QR1m to Syrian refugees Johnson and Johnson baby powder and children’s shampoo. in Greece. The aid includes basic needs like food, shelter, clothes, shoes and blankets among others. The Johnson and Johnson baby powder project is implemented by QC in collaboration with a UK-based Some of the beneficiaries with humanitarian aid. NGO. and kids’ shampoo safe: Ministry Thousands of Syrian refugees took asylum in Greek Islands and Then, they move from the was implemented at a cost of QC followed up the cases the government is unable to meet Turkish shores to the Greek around QR1m from September of at least seven refugees who By Sidi Mohammed the products to an acclaimed laboratory the needs of such huge numbers coasts. They stay there for around to December last year. were detained because their The Peninsula in the US to check if it complies with the of people. Greece has been suf- three to four days until their In order to meet urgent need documents were either unclear, Qatari and Gulf specifications. fering from an economic crisis for papers and documents are ready for shelters, QC cooperated or destroyed. They were later The dealers in Qatar have given the a long time. Therefore, QC came for their transportation to Athens, with other active humanitar- released. General Authority the names of factories forward to launch this charity the Capital. They, then, travelled ian institutions and the UN High It also provided 204 tickets to DOHA: The Ministry of Municipality and which export the products to the country, project, said a statement. to other European countries such Commissioner for Refugees so as a number of families who could Environment yesterday confirmed the The test results confirmed that it meets the The refugees reached the as Germany, Austria or Sweden. to check the refugees in a number not afford travelling to Athens. safety of Johnson and Johnson baby pow- Gulf and Qatar specifications and stand- Greek Islands without any per- Some 350 cooked meals were of hotels on Cos Island. The projects financed by der and children shampoo, being sold in ards, said the statement. sonal baggage, food or clothes, distributed on a daily basis at Around 1,200 families philanthropists in Qatar, said Qatar, saying that laboratory tests have The Authority had also sent a random mainly because the boats’ own- three hotels where so many ref- (approximately 6,000 people) Mohammed Rashid Al Ka’bi, showed that the products meet the Qatari samples for lab tests of the shampoo which ers could refuse extra weight on ugees stay. Around 21,000 people and 7,000 single people were Director of Relief Management specifications and standards. entered the local market between January their boats. benefited from this project which given rooms at the hotels. at QC. The General Authority for Specifica- to March this year, despite reports from tions and Standardisation at the Ministry accredited laboratories showing that it is said that it had stopped sale of the prod- free from any harmful substances. ucts as a precautionary measure following The results of the tests conducted by an reports circulating on social media about accredited laboratory specialized in test- Qatar Customs seizes 84 gold bars a woman in the US having developed can- ing cosmetics show that the samples are cer after using those Johnson and Johnson free from any harmful substance and meet products. The measure was taken in col- the Qatari specifications for hair shampoo. laboration with the Consumer Protection So the Authority stressed that people The Peninsula This prompted the authori- Department at the Ministry of Economy have the right to seek clarification in case ties to cross-examine the cargo and Commerce. of any doubt or suspicion about the safety with special devices and later The department also sent samples of products. conducted a thorough manual DOHA: The General Authority of inspection, during which they dis- Customs recently seized a huge covered 17.8kg of Marijuana inside amount of Marijuana weighing food containers. 17.8kg from a personal shipment Food items were mixed with Safari promotion winners named from an African country. dried marijuana fibres to dupe In another unrelated event the authorities. But due to prompt the customs authorities at Hamad action the attempt was thwarted. International Airport caught an The second seizure was gold bars Asian passenger trying to smuggle and seized from an Asian travel- in 6.5kg gold bars hidden it inside ler by the customs officials at the his clothes. Hamad International Airport. An Ahmed bin Ali Al Mohannadi, Asian passenger coming from one Chairman of the General Author- of the Gulf state declared a small ity of Customs, honoured the two amount of gold and was allowed to inspectors who were responsi- do the proper paper work for tran- ble for these major drug and gold siting it through Qatar. hauls, stressing on continuing the While he was doing his paper- efforts for protecting the country work, an inspector felt suspicious security. about the traveller and on inspec- He emphasized that the cus- tion found small wrapped parcels toms is supporting its employees in hidden inside the clothes at the all ports and providing them with bottom of the luggage. continuous training in order to There were more such par- enhance their experience. The first cels on the right and left pockets seizure happened when the cargo of his thigh. The booty. employee felt something suspi- Eighty-four gold pieces weigh- cious about the personal cargo ing 6.5 kg were seized, which will Ajab Mansoor Al Qahtani, customs inspectors succeeded in from the African country, which value in excess of QR600,000 at Customs Director at Hamad Inter- foiling smuggling of many banned Safari Mall, leading hypermarket group, held its first month draw as part of a was packaged in a strange way. the current market price. national Airport said that the materials during last period. promotion, in the presence of the management team and ministry officials. First winner Fathima Muhammad won 500gramme gold, while the second winner was Abdul Asees P M. The next draw is on May 6. Charming Charlie opens first store in Qatar

The Peninsula “As one of the world’s commer- cial capitals, Doha is an essential market for our expanding footprint in the Middle East. DOHA: Charming Charlie, the It’s exciting to bring Charm- rapidly growing women’s con- ing Charlie’s colourful palette of temporary jewellery and accessory accessories and playful shop- retailer, has opened the brand’s ping experience to more women first location in Qatar, at Ezdan throughout the world,” Chanar- Mall in Doha. atsopon added. The 2,900-square-foot store The retailer offers unrivalled is operated by Apparel Group, value through high-quality style Charming Charlie’s international and an accessible price. licensing partner, which has fur- Launched in 2004 by Chanar- ther growth planned for the brand atsopon, Charming Charlie has in the Middle East this year. Sprouting Floral Necklace 89 (left) and River Oaks Woven Tote 199 over 350 retail stores in the US, Known for carrying a wide are among the women’s contemporary jewellery and accessories Canada, the Middle East and the array of accessible fashion acces- on offer. Philippines. Apparel Group is a sories merchandised by colour, global fashion and lifestyle retail the store offers a full range of conglomerate in Dubai. products, including fashion jew- Each location showcases the materials and whimsical details. It caters to thousands of shop- ellery, handbags, apparel, small brand’s newest retail concept with “We’re thrilled to be introduc- pers through 55 international leather goods, scarves, watches, signature double doors in vibrant ing the Charming Charlie brand brands it represents at more than sunglasses, a special occasion col- pink lacquer and a residential- to Qatar,” said Charlie Chanar- 1,000 stores in four continents lection accessories, footwear and style interior that mixes feminine, atsopon, Founder and CEO, and employing 10,500 multicul- more. mid-century accents with luxe Charming Charlie. tural staff. HOME TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 05 Workshop for clinical clerkship directors

Qatar University College of Medicine orients officials on academic essentials, and equip them with knowledge, skills and capacities for teaching, education, assessment and Dr Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri (left), Chairman, NHRC, and Kieren evaluation. Fitzpatrick, Director, Asian Pacific Forum, during the opening of the Asian Pacific Office of Human Rights Committee Qatar yesterday. Pic: Abdul / The Peninsula The Peninsula Environment ‘suitable for work

DOHA: Qatar University College of Medicine (QU-CMED) recently held of rights institutions in Qatar’ a workshop to orient clinical clerk- Participants attending the workshop. ship directors on academic essentials, Continued from page 1 and equip them with the necessary to Paris principles. knowledge, skills and capacities for “We have a schedule of training teaching, education, assessment and HMC Medical Education director Dr Medicine - Qatar professor of clini- practitioners on lifelong learning Al Marri pointed out that having for this year in Qatar and in other evaluation. Abdullatif Al Khal, as well as col- cal paediatrics Prof Ibrahim Janahi. and orient them on efficient teach- the APF sub regional office and the states that have human right institu- Themed “Workshop for Clini- lege faculty. The program agenda They addressed topics on “Building ing techniques that lead to productive ANNHRI also shows that Qatar has tions, like Jordan and Palestine” said cal Clerkship Directors”, the forum included presentations by CMED a New Medical School: The Role of learning and successful outcomes. created suitable environment for the Fitzpatrick speaking to the reporters was organized in collaboration with associate dean for academic affairs Accreditation Standards”, “Work- This will contribute to advanc- work of human rights institutions, an on the sidelines of the event. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). and professor of surgery and medical shop-Review and Application of ing the healthcare sector in line with achievement which was not possi- The sub-regional office will Over 13 participants from the Col- education and adviser to QU presi- WFME Standards: Standards that the goals and values of the National ble without the strong support of the undertake a range of training lege, HMC and Primary Health Care dent Prof Hossam Hamdy, professor deal with teaching, assessment and Health Strategy and Qatar National political leadership of the country. and capacity building projects for Corporation (PHCC) were given valu- of psychiatry, Liaison Committee on quality assurance”, “Curriculum Vision 2030.” HMC senior consult- APF promotes establishment of member national human rights insti- able insight into clinical teaching and Medical Education (LCME) co-sec- Development for Clinical Clerkships”, ant in emergency medicine Dr Khalid independent national human rights tutions based in West Asia and North information on successful teaching/ retary and Association of American “Identification of Overall Goals and Bashir who attended the workshop, institutions in the Asia Pacific region Africa, he added. learning approaches and the con- Medical Colleges (AAMC) Accred- Objectives”, and more. expressed his gratitude to the Col- and support members to be as effec- In his opening speech, Al Marri ditions or external influences that itation Services senior director Dr Dr Toft said: “Through this work- lege for organizing the workshop tive as possible with support from pointed out that NHRC was selected enhance it, the role of teachers and Dan Hunt, University of Illinois at shop, the College of Medicine is and inviting many internationally- the competent government entities, for the position of the vice chairman learners, and the types of teacher/ Chicago (UIC) College of Medicine highlighting its ongoing commitment renowned speakers. “It helped me civil society organizations, media of the APF for 2013-2015 and the idea learner interactions. Office of International Education to education excellence and collabo- to get a deeper understanding of my and international organizations such of opening the sub-regional office Attendees included QU VP for associate dean Dr Ara Tekian, and rative health education training. future role”, he said, adding, “med- as UN, said Al Marri. of APF came during this period, Medical Education and CMED dean HMC executive director of research, “The College continues to deliver ical education is changing, and the The launch of two days train- which led to signing an MoU with Dr Egon Toft and CMED associ- Pulmonology Division chief and on its mission and vision to promote presentations covered the future of ing workshop was also announced the Forum. ate dean for Clinical Affairs and senior consultant and Weill Cornell clinical teaching, engage healthcare innovative emergency medicine.” yesterday. The work shop is being The forum helps national insti- attended by fifty trainees from West tutions in the region in order to help and South Asia and is run conducted every person enjoy fair treatment by experts from the APF who will with respect, live free from violence address topics such as establishment and discrimination and have oppor- HMC physiotherapists trained in chronic musculoskeletal problems of human right institutions according tunities and make choices in life.

The Peninsula concept is a novel therapeutic tech- “We at HMC’s Physiotherapy nique developed by Australian Department are always keen to physiotherapist, Jenny McCon- adopt evidence-based models of nell, and is based on the use of an treatment to ensure that our patients DOHA: The Physiotherapy adhesive tape on affected areas are provided with safe and effective Department at Hamad Medical Cor- of the body to enable mechanical care,” added Al Mudahka. poration’s (HMC) Rumailah Hospital, realignment and the correction of Manual physiotherapy expert in collaboration with the Australian- misalignments in joints as well as and faculty member at the based McConnell Institute recently to help reduce pain.” renowned Australian Neurodynamic organized a training course on man- The McConnell Institute provides Institute, Alvio Alpacini led lectures ual physiotherapy for around 30 training for physical therapists, ath- at the course. physiotherapists from across HMC. letic trainers and other healthcare Participants at the course were Noora Al Mudahka, Chief of the practitioners to improve the man- able to acquire new skills which Physiotherapy Department high- agement of chronic musculoskeletal could be immediately put into lighted that the course was aligned problems. practice. to HMC’s commitment to upgrad- The McConnell concept for the They also gained insights into ing the skills and efficiency of its management of musculoskeletal the biomechanical assessment of therapists in administering the lat- problems is based on understanding patients and the management of est techniques and delivering high both the symptoms and the causa- complex musculoskeletal problems, quality healthcare services to all tive factors, and addressing each of as well as providing patients with patients. these using an adhesive tape tech- simple strategies to better manage She explained: “The McConnell nique and specific muscle training. their conditions themselves.

Schools Arabic Debating Championship begins

The Peninsula It will conclude tomorrow. organizing this event, is to invest in In this year’s championship, 54 the art of debate and to bring about teams are taking part from Arab the advancement of minds in soci- and non-Arab countries. The eties for a better future. DOHA: Under the patronage of championship was inaugurated A press conference was also H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad on Sunday which was attended held for participants from South Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and by QatarDebate officials led by Dr American countries competing for CEO, Qatar Foundation for Edu- Hayat Abdullah Maarafi, Execu- the first time in the international cation, Science and Community tive Director, and participants in championship in its third edition. Development, QatarDebate Centre the International Championship. Brazil, Argentina, Panama and has launched the third interna- In her opening speech, Dr Colombia expressed their delight tional Schools Arabic Debating Maarafi welcomed the guests to accept the invitation and praised Championship at Qatar National and participants and stressed QatarDebate centre on being a Convention Centre. that QatarDebate centre aim, by great host.

Visitors post comments on online forum

Continued from page 1 bring stability in the community For example, despite fines imposed and enhance the development for violating the traffic law, some “Do you believe only punish- process. motorists still not abide by the law,” ments for violating some provisions The law also regulates rights said a commentator. of the law including traffic law are and duties of individuals and state,” “I think that the focus of aware- enough to ensure respect of law? Or the ministry said, while explaining ness should be on youngsters do you think there is need for rais- the purpose of the new web page. because a big number of road acci- ing public awareness, along with the For instance, if people (motor- dents are caused by reckless driving punishments, to protect the rights ists) comply with provisions of the of youths,” said another comment. of all (individuals, community and traffic law it will protect the rights “The young motorists who institutions)? of individuals (users of the road) indulge in stunt driving hardly “What are the roles different related to safety, security, lives and pay attention to the awareness segments of the society can play to properties (vehicles). campaigns launched on social net- maintain law and order and respect The page, created yesterday at working sites and newspapers. of law?” around 9am is being visited by a “So a very different kind of “The law is considered an number of people, who have also campaign is needed to convince important tool for social control started posting their comments. them to adhere to the law in a very that helps maintain law and order, “Punishments are not enough. smart way,” read another. 06 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 MIDDLE EAST

South Sudan rebels in Juba as part Darfur votes on status in referendum of peace deal

which is stability and security in Dar- fur,” said Jibril Bilal, spokesman for AFP Darfur was a the Justice and Equality Movement. single region until He said most people in Darfur were “not interested in the referen- JUBA: Rebel troops in South Sudan 1994 when the dum because they know the result is have completed their return to the government split a foregone conclusion for the National capital Juba as part of a peace deal, Congress”. Rebel groups also ques- days ahead of the expected arrival it into three states, tioned how the displaced would vote of their commander, ceasefire adding another two and residents of three IDP camps in monitors said yesterday. Central Darfur held peaceful demon- The 1,370-strong force of sol- in 2012, claiming it strations against the ballot. diers and police were flown to Juba would make local “We protested in the three camps to ensure security for rebel chief government more of Hamidiya, Khams Dagaig and Riek Machar — named as vice- Hasahisa, we marched around the president in February — who is efficient. camps chanting: ‘No to the referen- due to arrive in Juba next week. dum!’,” said Ibarhim Sudi a resident The rebels were brought to of the Hamidiya camp and member of Juba on United Nations and char- its IDP office, without giving precise tered airplanes “as required by AFP numbers for the people taking part. phase one of the transitional secu- Police also dispersed around 300 rity arrangements plan,” the Joint student demonstrators at El Fasher Monitoring and Evaluation Com- university on Monday afternoon who mission (JMEC) said. EL FASHER: Sudan’s war-scarred were chanting slogans against the vote, JMEC was set up by the Darfur region voted yesterday in the a witness said. Despite US concerns and regional IGAD bloc to ensure a first day of a referendum on its future rebel objections, Sudan insists the tim- repeatedly broken and delayed status despite international criticism, ing is appropriate and that there has August 2015 peace deal is Governor of North Darfur state Abdulwahid Yousif (second right) leaves a polling station at the Abu Shouq a rebel boycott and protests in camps been high interest in the vote. implemented. for the displaced. camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in El Fasher, in North Darfur, yesterday. The referendum commission says Machar has said he will arrive President Omar Hassan Al Bashir “3,583,105 out of 4,588,300 entitled to in Juba on April 18 to form a unity — wanted on war crimes charges over expression of the will of the people”. At another polling station in a Darfur was a single region until register” have signed up, a figure that government with President Salva the conflict — has insisted voting go Voting got underway at 9am camp for the displaced, resident 1994 when the government split it cannot be verified because of limited Kiir, returning for the first time ahead on whether to unite Darfur’s (0600 GMT) yesterday, the first of Fathiya Adam Hassan had just voted. into three states, adding another two press access to Darfur. since he fled the capital in Decem- five states into a single region or three days of voting. A slow trickle “I voted for a single region, I want one in 2012, claiming it would make local In response to the rebellion in ber 2013 when civil war broke out. maintain the status quo. of people in North Darfur state cap- region to solve Darfur’s problems,” the government more efficient. The vast 2003, Bashir unleashed ground However, rebel spokesman A united Darfur with greater ital El Fasher turned out to cast their 38-year-old said outside the booth. western region has been mired in con- troops, allied militia and air power, Mabior Garang on Sunday accused autonomy has long been a demand ballots in polling stations guarded Searching for her name on a list flict since 2003 when ethnic minority and was indicted by the Interna- “hardliners” in the government of of ethnic minority insurgents battling by armed police and decorated with of registered voters outside the health insurgents rebelled against Bashir’s tional Criminal Court on charges of trying to undermine the peace proc- the Sudanese government since 2003, posters urging a strong showing. centre where voting was taking place, Arab-dominated government over war crimes, crimes against human- ess, including boosting government but they have boycotted the referen- The state’s governor Abduwahid Samia Haroun said she supported a claims they were marginalising them. ity and genocide. troop numbers in the capital. dum, saying it is unfair. The United Yousif voted early at a small school five-state system, the choice favoured Rebels have long demanded a Bashir denies all charges. At least Garang said the rebels “find States has also voiced concerns, serving as a polling station in an area by the ruling National Congress Party. return to the single-region system but 300,000 people have been killed in this situation unacceptable and warning “if held under current rules mostly inhabited by government A spokesman for the West Darfur gov- say current unrest means the vote will the conflict, the UN says, although reserve the natural right of self- and conditions, a referendum on Dar- employees, where around 100 women ernment said that voting had started not be fair. “The government turns a Khartoum puts the death toll closer defence”, but said they remained fur cannot be considered a credible were queuing to cast their ballots. in the state with minor hiccups. blind eye to the fundamental matters, to 10,000. committed to the peace process.

Egypt ex-agriculture minister French defence chief gets 10 years jail for graft in Iraq to coordinate

AFP graduate, rose through the ranks at the on anti-IS war agriculture ministry to become minister in March 2015. Helal and his chief of staff had been AFP CAIRO: An Egyptian court yesterday sen- charged with having “requested and tenced a former agriculture minister to 10 received” bribes from businessman Ayman years in prison for corruption, a judicial Al Gamil — via an intermediary — to legalise official said, months after his arrest for the purchase of a property bought from the BAGHDAD: French Defence Minister Jean- taking bribes. state. The scandal prompted the resignation Yves Le Drian arrived in Baghdad yesterday Salah Helal had been detained in Sep- of prime minister Ibrahim Mahlab’s gov- on an unannounced visit for talks with Iraqi tember after being told to step aside during a ernment, with Ismail Sharif replacing him. officials on the war against the Islamic State corruption scandal that prompted the entire President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi’s admin- jihadist group. government to resign a few days later. istration has vowed to crack down on Le Drian discussed the campaign against His chief of staff Muhyidin Mohamed corruption. Anti-graft watchdog Trans- IS, in which France is playing a major role, with Said was also sentenced to 10 years. parency International ranked Egypt 94th President Fuad Masum and parliament Speaker Helal was also fined 1m Egyptian pounds out of 175 nations on its corruption index Salim Al Juburi, their offices said in statements. Iraqi Defence Minister Khalid Al Obaidi (left) and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le ($112,600), and Said was fined 500,000 in 2014. It says it has been challenging He also met with Prime Minister Haider Al Egyptian pounds. The businessman who to assess whether the level of graft has Abadi and Defence Minister Khalid Al Obeidi. Drian (second left) during a welcoming ceremony at the headquarters of Iraqi defence paid the bribe, and another who facilitated increased or declined because of the rap- France is part of a US-led coalition that is ministry in Baghdad yesterday. it, were spared jail because they confessed, idly changing context since Egypt’s 2011 carrying out air strikes against IS and providing the official said. Helal, 59, an agronomy revolution. training and other assistance to Iraqi and Syrian The United States has carried out the major- in neighbouring Syria. Le Drian’s visit comes forces. According to the French military, France ity of coalition strikes and has deployed some just days after US Secretary of State John Kerry has carried out more than 580 strikes against 3,900 military personnel to the country, includ- vowed during a trip to Baghdad that the coali- IS, destroying over 1,000 targets. The country ing special forces carrying out raids against IS. tion and Iraq would turn up the heat on IS after carries out 15 percent of coalition air operations, The jihadist group overran large areas north the jihadists suffered a string of losses. and it has around 350 soldiers deployed to Iraq. and west of Baghdad in June 2014, but Iraqi But while the jihadists are on the defensive, Le Drian, who arrived in Baghdad from forces have since regained ground with backing they are still able to carry out frequent bomb- Kuwait where he met his counterpart, will from the coalition. IS still controls significant ings targeting civilians and security forces in also visit French troops during his trip to Iraq. territory in western Iraq and holds major areas government-held areas. Murderer of Turkish Iraq’s parliament to block female student shot dead in prison: Report PM’s technocrat cabinet

ISTANBUL: A man convicted for the murder of a 20-year-old female student that sparked Reuters Abbas al-Bayati, a Shi’ite MP from the ruling fury over violence against women in Turkey last State of Law coalition. “The blocs are trying year was yesterday shot dead in prison, local to find substitutes for their own ministers in media reported. the outgoing cabinet who would be techno- Minibus driver Ahmet Suphi Altindoken BAGHDAD: Iraq’s parliament is unlikely to crats at the same time.” was jailed for life without parole in Decem- vote on a new cabinet line-up proposed by Another senior Shi’ite lawmaker said it ber 2015 for murdering and attempting to rape Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi in an attempt could take another 10 days or more before Ozgecan Aslan, in a crime that sparked nation- to curb corruption after lawmakers said yes- parliament votes on a revamped list. “I see wide protests. terday that the dominant political blocs would no clear response from the political blocs,” to Altindoken’s father, Necmettin, 51, who was name their own ministerial candidates. Abadi’s list, said Hamid Al Mutlaq, a Sunni MP. one of two men jailed as accomplices to the mur- Abadi last month presented parliament with At least two of Abadi’s candidates, der, was also shot and wounded in the attack at a list of 14 names, many of them academics, to nominated for the posts of finance and oil the high security prison in the southern Adana free the ministries from the grip of a political ministers, have withdrawn their names. The region, the Dogan news agency reported. class he has accused of using a system of ethnic cabinet reshuffle is part of long-promised Ahmet Suphi Altindoken, 27, was hospital- and sectarian quotas instituted after the US-led anti-corruption measures which Abadi has ised after the attack but doctors were not able invasion in 2003 to amass wealth and influence. to deliver on or risk weakening his govern- to save him. The father’s life was however not But political blocs, unhappy with Abadi’s ment as Iraqi forces gear up to try to recapture in danger, Dogan added. The circumstances proposal to replace their representatives with the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State. of the attack and who carried it out are being unaffiliated technocrats, have opted instead US Secretary of State John Kerry, visiting probed and prosecutors from the Adana region to name substitutes that maintain the current Baghdad on Friday, urged Iraq not to let the have launched an inquiry. party balance, lawmakers said. political crisis interfere with the fight against Ahmet Suphi Altindoken was shot close Abadi asked parliament on March 31 to the jihadists and voiced unequivocal support to his heart and a 6.35 millimetre pistol was accept, reject or modify a line-up which also for the prime minister. Abadi proposed the used, the report added. During the trial it was shrank the cabinet to 16 posts from 22. Law- new cabinet in part under pressure from the revealed that Aslan had been travelling on makers said they would take up to 10 days to clergy of the Shi’ite majority community and Altindoken’s minibus, and when all the other respond. That deadline passed at the week- popular discontent at the lack of basic pub- passengers had got off he drove to a wood and end without a decision. lic services in a nation facing economic crisis tried to molest her. “There is no agreement on the list,” said due to low global oil prices. MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 07

Saudi King receives Abbas creates red carpet welcome constitutional in Turkey ANKARA: The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Ara- bia arrived in Turkey yesterday for a visit aimed at tightening increasingly close ties, receiving a lavish court in a first welcome that underlined the strength of relations. The King was welcomed at Ankara airport by a delegation personally led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in an unusual break from protocol and the constitutional court is to moni- showing the importance Turkey attatches to the tor laws. By the law, it is a completely visit. Television footage showed the King, wear- The nine-member independent body and we have full ing black sunglasses, serenely descending from body, which will confidence in it.” the plane with a special escalator rather than steps Abbas’s decision comes at a before being welcomed by Erdogan. have supremacy time of worsening splits between King Salman is expected to hold talks today at over all lower Fatah and Hamas and as questions Erdogan’s presidential palace in Ankara expected courts, was created are raised about what will happen to focus on the Syrian conflict and the fight against when the president steps down or militants. King Salman will then attend the Organ- without fanfare by if he were to die in office without a isation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in presidential decree successor. Abbas took office after the Istanbul on Thursday and Friday after wrapping death of Yasser Arafat in 2004, and up talks in the Turkish capital. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia on April 3. was elected to a four-year term as Local media reported that he will stay in president in 2005. But new elections (left) receiving honorary doctorate degree from President of Cairo University, Jaber Nassar, in Ankara in a 4,850 sq ft) otel suite, with bullet proof were not held in 2009 and he contin- Cairo, Egypt, yesterday. windows reinforced by bomb-resistant cement. ues to govern by decree. Parliament Reuters has not sat since 2007. Palestinian commentators see the court, whose decisions would be Bahrain designates 68 binding on the executive, the legis- Syria jihadists push offensives GAZA/RAMALLAH: - Palestin- lature and the judiciary, as a means groups as ‘terrorist’ ian President Mahmoud Abbas has of bolstering presidential authority quietly established a constitutional and marginalising Hamas. All nine and threaten truce: Monitor court that analysts say concentrates members are either Fatah mem- AFP more power in his hands and may bers or seen by Hamas and others allow him to sideline the Islamist as being allied with Fatah. group Hamas in the event of a suc- Hamas, which won Palestinian DUBAI: Bahrain yesterday published a list AFP “Al Nusra and allied rebel groups are waging three cession struggle. elections in 2006 and seized con- of 68 Islamist groups it classified as “ter- synchronised offensives” on front lines in Aleppo, The nine-member body, which trol in Gaza a year later, saw itself rorist”, the state news agency BNA said. Hama and Latakia provinces, Observatory director will have supremacy over all lower sidestepped during the swearing-in Lebanon’s Shia Hezbollah movement, Rami Abdel Rahman said. So far, they have seized a courts, was created without fanfare process. Two of the nine members already branded as “terrorist” by the BEIRUT: Syria’s Al Qaeda affiliate and allied rebels hilltop in Latakia province, the heartland of Presi- by presidential decree on April 3 and are from Gaza. Fatah said Hamas GCC and the Arab League, topped the list pushed offensives around northern, central and dent Bashar Al Assad’s Alawite sect, the group said. will be inaugurated once its ninth prevented them from leaving the approved by Bahrain’s cabinet, BNA said. coastal Syria yesterday, triggering a spike in violence “This is the offensive that Al Nusra warned it member is sworn in, officials said. territory to be sworn in at a cere- Also on the list was Al Qaeda and its that could threaten a truce ahead of peace talks, a would carry out several weeks ago,” Abdel Rahman Critics say the body is packed mony in the West Bank on April 5. branches in Yemen and North Africa, as monitoring group said. said. He was referring to a threat issued by the jihad- with jurists from Abbas’s Fatah So instead they were sworn in via well as Al Nusra Front in Syria and the The Islamic State (IS) group also took back control ist group when President Vladimir Putin, a key backer party and risks deepening Pales- video link on Sunday. “This is a fac- Islamic State group (IS). Nigeria’s Boko of the town of Al Rai near Turkey, which rival rebels of Assad’s regime, announced the partial pullout of tinian political divisions. Fatah tional court,” said Sami Abu Zuhri, Haram, Egypt’s Islamic Jihad and Al Mura- had captured last week, the Syrian Observatory for Russian troops from Syria last month. says it is Abbas’s right to create the Hamas’s spokesman, arguing that bitoun in Mali are also on the list. Human Rights said. Neither the Al Qaeda-affiliated A military source confirmed that an offensive was court, which it says is independent of it gave Abbas the ability to sidestep Also included are the little-known Al Al Nusra Front nor IS are included in a truce brokered under way. “Armed groups are trying to attack some the 81-year-old president. “Neither parliament or if a new parliament Ashtar Brigades and Resistance Brigades, by the United States and Russia that came into force military positions in Latakia and Hama provinces, but the president nor any of the lead- is eventually elected. Abbas’s legal as well as the clandestine February 14 on February 27. they have not succeeded in making any advances,” ers (of Fatah) has a private agenda adviser, Hassan Al Awry, said the Coalition, all believed to be Shiite groups But the fact that rebels are fighting alongside Al the source said. regarding this issue,” said Osama Al court was needed in part because in Bahrain. A similar list already issued Nusra in such a broad offensive, while regime forces Further north, rival jihadist group IS took back Qwasmi, the spokesman for Fatah in parliament’s legal status was in by the United Arab Emirates includes 83 push back, has sparked concerns over the durability the town of Al Rai, their key supply route from neigh- the West Bank. “The prime task of question given the lack of elections. groups. of the shaky truce. bouring Turkey, the Observatory said. 08 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 ASIA / PHILIPPINES

Mindanao mayor World should abandon N-weapons: Kerry surges ahead in Philippine election security in Syria and Ukraine. opinion poll The ministers from Britain, Can- The group issued a ada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan statement reaffirming and the United States laid white Reuters wreaths at a cenotaph to the vic- their commitment tims of the Aug. 6, 1945, bombing, to building a world which reduced the city to ashes and MANILA: A tough-talking mayor without nuclear arms killed some 140,000 people by the in the southern Philippines, who end of that year. has vowed to end corruption and but said the push While he is not the highest-rank- crime, has topped the latest opin- had been made more ing U.S. official to have toured the ion poll and become the new museum and memorial park, a dis- frontrunner in the presidential complex by North tinction that belongs to then-U.S. election campaign ahead of elec- Korea’s repeated Speaker of the House of Represent- tions in May. atives Nancy Pelosi in 2008, Kerry is Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, 71, the “provocations” and by the most senior executive branch offi- only candidate for president from worsening security in cial to visit. the southern island of Mindanao, ”Everyone in the world should see has seen a steady rise in support Syria and Ukraine. and feel the power of this memorial. It after polling badly early in the is a stark, harsh, compelling reminder campaign. His tough stand on not only of our obligation to end the crime has begun to resonate with threat of nuclear weapons, but to many Filipinos. Reuters rededicate all our effort to avoid war In the latest opinion poll, itself,” the chief U.S. diplomat wrote former favourite Senator Grace in a guest book. Poe dropped to second. The May Asked later if this meant Obama 9 general elections will be closely HIROSHIMA: US Secretary of State should come, Kerry said: “Everyone watched by investors, who fear the John Kerry yesterday called his visit means everyone. So I hope one day political succession in one of Asia’s to a memorial to victims of the 1945 the president of the United States will fastest growing economies could US nuclear attack on Hiroshima “gut- be among the everyone who is able derail gains made during Pres- wrenching” and said it was a reminder to come here. Whether or not he can ident Benigno Aquino’s six-year of the need to pursue a world free of come as president, I don’t know.” single term. US Secretary of State John F Kerry (right) and British Foreign and Commonwealth Minister Philip Hammond nuclear weapons. At Kerry’s suggestion, the minis- The SWS opinion poll released The first US secretary of state to ters also made an impromptu visit to walk past children after offering a prayer for victims of the atomic bombing in 1945 at Hiroshima Peace on Monday found Duterte was the visit Hiroshima, Kerry said Presi- the Atomic Bomb Dome, the skele- Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, yesterday. top choice among 27 percent of dent Barack Obama also wanted to tal remains of the only structure left 1,500 respondents in the March 30 travel to the city in southern Japan standing near the hypocentre of the to April 2 survey. “The SWS sur- but he did not know whether the bomb explosion and now a UNESCO G7 ministers oppose provocation vey validated Duterte’s numbers leader’s complex schedule would World Heritage site. Three days after are rising steadily as evidenced by allow him to do so when he visits a US warplane dropped a nuclear large crowd attending his politi- the country for a Group of Seven bomb on Hiroshima, another atomic cal rallies,” said Ramon Casiple, (G7) summit in May. bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, on in East and South China Seas executive director of the Institute Kerry toured the Hiroshima Peace August 9, 1945. Japan surrendered of Political and Electoral Reforms. Memorial and Museum, whose haunt- six days later. In the previous SWS opinion ing displays include photographs of A visit by Obama could be contro- Reuters playing a major role in the world, it Philippines, the group also called poll in early March, Duterte had 21 badly burned victims, the tattered and versial in America if it were viewed should take an attitude of seeking on countries to observe interna- percent while Poe, abandoned in a stained clothes they wore and statues as an apology. A majority of Ameri- truth from the facts to handle the tional maritime laws and implement church when a baby, had 27 per- depicting them with flesh melting from cans view the bombings as justified to issues the international community is any binding judgments delivered by cent in that period. She slid down their limbs. end the war and save US lives, while HIROSHIMA: Foreign ministers from most concerned with at the moment,” courts and tribunals. to second place with 23 percent in “It is a stunning display. It is a gut- the vast majority of Japanese believe the Group of Seven (G7) advanced Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Manila has asked the Inter- the latest poll. wrenching display,” he said. “It is a it was not justified. economies said they strongly Lu Kang told a daily news briefing. national Court of Arbitration in Vice President Jejomar Binay reminder of the depth of the obligation The G7 foreign ministers’ trip to opposed provocation in the East “If the G7 is taken hostage by the the Hague to decide on its dispute remained in third spot with 20 everyone of us in public life carries the museum and memorial is part of and South China Seas, where China selfish interests of certain countries, with Beijing, which has said it does percent, former interior minister ... to create and pursue a world free Japan’s effort to send a strong nuclear is locked in territorial disputes with then this probably won’t be beneficial not recognise the case. A ruling is Manuel Roxas, who is the presi- from nuclear weapons,” he told a news disarmament message from Hiro- nations including the Philippines, to the G7’s influence, role and future expected by June. dent’s hand picked successor, was conference. shima, the world’s first city to suffer Vietnam and Japan. development.” China is building islands on fourth with 18 percent and Senator After the tour by Kerry and his atomic bombing. In the latest verbal exchange on Earlier, the G7 foreign ministers reefs in the South China Sea to bol- Miriam Satiago had 3 percentage. fellow G7 foreign ministers, the “I think this first-ever visit by who controls the vital trade water- said after meeting in the Japanese city ster its claims. Brunei, Malaysia, the In the vice president contest, group issued a statement reaffirm- G7 foreign ministers to the peace ways, China said it had not seen the of Hiroshima that they opposed “any Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam the only son and namesake of the ing their commitment to building memorial park is a historic first step G7 statement, but that countries in intimidating coercive or provocative also have claims on the waters, that late dictator Ferdinand Marcos has a world without nuclear arms but towards reviving momentum toward the region were seeking to promote unilateral actions that could alter the are believed to have huge deposits taken a lead with 26 percent after said the push had been made more a world without nuclear weapons,” stability and that disputes were being status quo and increase tensions”. of oil and gas and through which Senator Francis Escudero, who led complex by North Korea’s repeated Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio “exaggerated”. In an apparent reference to an estimated $5 trillion in trade is opinion polls since 2015, dropped “provocations” and by worsening Kishida said. “If the G7 wants to continue China’s territorial spat with the shipped every year. seven points to 21 percent.

Philippine-US exercises Heat wave shuts Hong Kong pro-democracy more than 250 protester stands trial Malaysian schools

AFP AFP — two of assaulting a police officer and three of resisting a police officer. On the opening day of the five- KUALA LUMPUR: More than day trial, a courtroom packed with 250 Malaysian schools were HONG KONG: A pro-democracy pro- reporters and members of the public closed yesterday due to a heat- tester who was allegedly beaten by was shown video footage of offic- wave brought on by the El Nino police in an attack captured by tele- ers pointing to a masked man who weather phenomenon which is vision cameras and beamed around poured liquid onto the city’s Lung Wo severely affecting food production the world stood trial yesterday over Road, close to government buildings. and causing chronic water short- allegations he assaulted officers. In another piece of footage, ages in many countries. Political activist Ken Tsang taken from a local broadcaster, Authorities ordered schools stands accused of splashing liquid Tsang is shown being arrested. in the states of Perlis and Pahang on police officers during mass street Tsang, dressed in a suit, sat to shut after temperatures soared rallies in 2014 -- the same night as attentively on the defendant’s bench. above 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 he was beaten in an attack. The inci- He donned a yellow ribbon-shaped degrees Fahrenheit) over a 72-hour dents took place at the height of the badge, the symbol of the Umbrella period, according to local reports. protests seeking free leadership Movement, named after the umbrel- The education ministry said elections in Hong Kong, rocking the las used to ward off sun, rain, tear the decision was made to pro- reputation of the city’s police force. gas and pepper spray during the tect the health of some 100,000 The police who allegedly beat protests. Two Philippine Marines (left) meet their US counterparts after disembarking from a V-22 Osprey students, Bernama reported. The him, who are not the same officers Outside court, the 40-year-old aircraft as part of the 11-day “Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder) annual joint US and Philippine military sweltering heat in Malaysia has Tsang is accused of assaulting, are refused to say whether he would tes- exercises at San Jose airport in Antique province in the central Philippines yesterday. US and Philippine reportedly slowed vegetable pro- to stand trial separately. The pro- tify during the trial. “I won’t be able troops began major exercises on April 4. duction, leading to price hikes. democracy Civic Party member has to say anything because of the legal Paddy fields and rubber planta- pleaded not guilty to five charges procedures,” he said. tions have been also been affected by the severe temperature rise. Jan- uary and February 2016 smashed global temperature records, the 3 Chinese passengers grounded Philippine offensive kills 8 militants World Meteorological Organisation said in March, attributing the highs to the “unprecedented” advance of climate change. AFP AP on Saturday later died and four other occurred as the Philippines marked Many parts of Asia have been militants were killed in fresh fighting its Day of Valor holiday to remember affected by the strong El Nino dry Sunday in the hilly outskirts of Tipo its war dead. spell which has also hit agriculture BEIJING: China has banned three passengers from major airlines for “unciv- Tipo town on Basilan island. At least 53 other soldiers were in Thailand and the Philippines. ilised behaviour”, state media reported yesterday, as the country seeks to MANILA: Eight more Abu Sayyaf A ruthless Abu Sayyaf com- wounded in the 10-hour battle El Nino is triggered by a warming instil manners in its increasingly well-travelled populace. extremists have been killed and a mander, Puruji Indama, was seriously that initially killed five extrem- in sea surface temperatures in the The three were blacklisted for hitting a checkpoint security officer with top militant commander has been wounded in the head either by gun ists, including a Moroccan fighter Pacific Ocean. It can cause unusu- a can of milk, attacking airline personnel over a flight delay, and refusing wounded as Philippine troops or artillery fire, Tan said. Indama has who was wearing a suicide vest ally heavy rains in some parts of to switch off a tablet PC during a landing, the China Daily newspaper said. pressed a major offensive in the been linked to deadly bombings, kid- rigged with pipe bombs when he the world and drought in others. They are the first to be included in a system rolled out by the China Air country’s south following the kill- nappings for ransom and beheadings died, Tan said. But Malaysia’s Meteorological Transport Association in February, and will be unable to book flights with ings of 18 soldiers in fierce fighting of Filipino marines. More than 1,500 army troops are Department said the current heat- five of China’s biggest airlines for up to two years, it added. over the weekend, the military said Daylong fighting in the outskirts involved in the offensive, including wave was expected to ease soon. Chinese authorities last year declared 11 types of action “strictly pro- yesterday. of Basilan’s Tipo Tipo town left 18 ground forces pursuing Abu Sayyaf “The worst is over because the inter- hibited” on flights and at terminals, including damaging airport security Regional military spokesman Maj soldiers dead on Saturday in the gunmen on Basilan, a poor, pre- monsoon season started last week facilities and assaulting crew members, according to the China Daily. Filemon Tan said four Abu Sayyaf military’s largest single-day com- dominantly Muslim province, about and more rain is expected,” direc- Such behaviour has frequently made headlines in the country with the gunmen who were wounded in battle bat loss so far this year. The killings 880km south of Manila. tor-general Che Gayah Ismail said. world’s worst track record for flight delays. ASIA / AFRICA TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 09 South Korea reveals defection of two North officials

Reuters was posted in an African country specialised in anti-South espionage made for domestic political reasons not North Koreans who have entered had defected to the South last year operations before defecting and had and said disclosing the defections was illegally.” South Korea’s Joongang The South’s Unification with his family. The defection of a divulged the nature of his work to in the public interest. Ilbo newspaper said the 13 worked and Defence Ministries high-ranking officer in the General South Korean authorities. China is North Korea’s main ally at a restaurant in the Chinese city SEOUL/BEIJING: Two senior North Reconnaissance Bureau is a coup for South Korean officials declined and is known for sending defectors of Ningbo until around Tuesday last Korean officials, including an army said a North Korean Seoul. The North set up the bureau to comment. News of the defections back to the North, so South Korean week when they disappeared, quot- colonel specialising in espionage army colonel defected in 2009, consolidating several come after a period of tension on media reports that restaurant workers ing a Chinese worker at the Ryugyong against the South, defected to South intelligence agencies to streamline the Korean peninsula following the had been there initially raised some Korean Restaurant. Korea last year, the Seoul government last year and had operations aimed at the South. North’s fourth nuclear test in January surprise. Asked about the workers Calls to the restaurant seeking said yesterday. been granted political Its head, General Kim Yong Chol, and a long-range rocket launch the on Monday, a Chinese foreign minis- comment went unanswered. South News of the defections followed a asylum. is accused by the South of being next month. The South Korean gov- try spokesman said it had received a Korean media said the 13 left China South Korean announcement on Fri- behind a 2010 torpedo attack against ernment’s public acknowledgement report about a group of 13 North Kore- and travelled to a Southeast Asian day that 13 workers at a restaurant run the South that sunk a navy ship and of defections is unusual. ans in China who had gone missing. country before being flown to South by the North in an unidentified coun- Defence Ministries said a North killed 46 sailors. The North denies any The main liberal opposition Min- “After an investigation, (we found) Korea, citing unidentified government try had defected, a case it described as Korean army colonel defected last responsibility for the sinking. joo Party on Monday accused the the 13 North Koreans used valid pass- sources. The South’s Unification Min- unprecedented, arriving in the South year and had been granted political The bureau is also known to government of conservative President ports to leave the country normally in istry declined to comment on where a day earlier. asylum. He had worked in the secre- operate an elite team of computer Park Geun-hye of trying to influence the early hours of April 6,” Chinese the North Koreans had been before South Korea did not say where the tive General Reconnaissance Bureau, specialists working to infiltrate the conservative voter turnout ahead of foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang arriving in South Korea. 13 had worked. China said yesterday which is focused on espionage activ- networks of the South and other coun- Wednesday’s parliamentary elections told a regular briefing, without saying The two Koreas have been fierce that 13 North Koreans had been there ities against the South. tries and to conduct cyber attacks by announcing the defection of the where they had gone. rivals since the 1950-53 Koran War and had left lawfully. It did not say if South Korea’s Unification Minis- against key institutions. restaurant workers last week. “What needs to be stressed is that and about 29,000 people had fled they were the same group. try, which handles North Korea issues, South Korea’s Yonhap news Both ministries denied sugges- these people had valid identity docu- North Korea and arrived in the South, The South’s Unification and also said that a senior diplomat who agency said the North Korean colonel tions that Monday’s revelations were ments and legally came to the country, since then, including 1,276 last year.

Painting masks Xinjiang offers Taiwan accuses China of $772,738 reward kidnapping eight of its for tip-offs on nationals from Kenya militant attacks BEIJING: China’s violence-prone far western region of Xinjiang will offer rewards of up to 5m yuan Reuters in Beijing. Only 22 countries recog- ($772,738) for tip-offs about terror- nise Taiwan, with most, including ist attacks, the government there Kenya, having diplomatic relations said yesterday, in the latest stabil- with Beijing, recognising its “one ity move by authorities. TAIPEI: Taiwan yesterday accused China” policy. Hundreds of people have China, which regards the self-ruled Taiwan had sent officials from its been killed in unrest in Xinjiang island as a breakaway province, of representative office in South Africa in the past few years. The gov- kidnapping eight of its nationals who to Kenya to try to deal with the case ernment blames the violence on it said had been acquitted in a cyber- as it has no office in Kenya, the For- Islamist militants who want to crime case in Kenya. eign Ministry added. establish an independent state Kenya’s attorney-general said in China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, called East Turkestan for minor- January it was considering a request which oversees relations with Tai- ity Uighurs, a mostly Muslim from Beijing to extradite 76 Chinese wan, did not respond to a request for people who speak a Turkic lan- charged with cyber crime in Kenya comment, and neither did China’s guage and hail from Xinjiang. for trial in their homeland. But Tai- Ministry of Public Security. Exiles and rights groups wan said some of these people were Chinese Foreign Ministry though say the unrest is more a A Dhaka University Art Institute student paints masks to sell as a part of Bengali New Year preparations actually from Taiwan and that a total spokesman Lu Kang said he needed reaction to repressive government of 23 of its people had been acquit- to “further understand” the situation, in Dhaka yesterday. The Bengali calendar is solar, with the year beginning on Pohela Boishakh, which policies than being organised by ted last Tuesday by a Kenyan court when asked during a regular news this year falls on April 14, in Bangladesh. any cohesive militant group. China and given 21 days to leave. briefing on Monday. strongly denies abusing anyone’s Yet China pressured Kenyan “But in principle, countries which rights in Xinjiang. police to put eight of the Taiwanese follow the ‘one China’ principle are The rewards, starting at nationals on to a Chinese jet bound worthy of approval,” he added, with- 200,000 yuan, are for tips about for China on Friday, Taiwan’s For- out elaborating. Kenyan government attacks, kidnappings, murders and eign Ministry said. It did not say how officials were not immediately avail- other terrorist acts, the Xinjiang they were taken. able for comment. Central Africa gets new govt government’s news portal, Tian- “This is an uncivilized act of Ties between Taiwan and China shan Net, said. People can also illegal kidnapping and a serious rapidly improved after the China- apply for other perks, such as pri- violation of basic human rights,” the friendly Ma Ying-jeou took power in AFP the bloodletting sparked by a coup Bozize, a Christian, by the mainly ority admission to schools and ministry said in a statement, add- 2008 as Taiwan president and signed three years ago. Three candidates Muslim Seleka rebel alliance. work promotions, it added. ing it was demanding the immediate a series of landmark trade and busi- who came up short against President The coup sparked a series of Tips will be treated in confi- return of the eight. Taiwan’s ruling ness deals. But China has looked on Faustin-Archange Touadera, elected revenge attacks involving Mus- dence and steps taken to ensure Democratic Progressive Party, which with suspicion at Taiwan since Tsai BANGUI: The Central African Repub- in a February 14 run-off vote, are in lim forces and Christian vigilante tipsters and their families do not distrusts China, also weighed in on Ing-wen and her independence- lic unveiled yesterday its first new the cabinet, including Defence Min- groups known as “anti-balaka” (anti- suffer any form of revenge attacks. the issue, demanding China “repat- leaning DPP won presidential and government since a peaceful pres- ister Joseph Yakete. machete) militias. riate our people and guarantee their parliamentary elections in January. idential vote in February seen as a Jean-Serge Bokassa, tapped for Thousands were slaughtered in the Bangladesh court legal rights”. Last month, China resumed step toward reconciliation after years interior minister, and Charles Armel spiral of atrocities that drove about a China views Taiwan as a way- ties with former Taiwan ally Gam- of sectarian violence. Doubane, who will handle foreign tenth of the population of 4.8 million suspends lawsuits ward province, to be brought under bia. China and Taiwan had for years Prime Minister Mathieu Sim- affairs, also ran unsuccessfully to to flee their homes. The new cabinet Beijing’s control, by force if neces- tried to poach each other’s allies, plice Sarandji’s cabinet announced lead the war-torn nation. CAR’s most will also include some familiar faces, against editor sary. Defeated Nationalist forces fled often dangling generous aid pack- on national radio has 23 members, recent episode of bloodletting was with at least three having served under to the island in 1949 after a civil war ages in front of leaders of developing with none drawn from the Mus- sparked by the March 2013 ousting Touadera when he was Bozize’s prime with the Communists now in control nations. lim and Christian militias behind of long-serving president Francois minister from 2008-2013. DHAKA: A Bangladesh court yester- day suspended 72 defamation and other criminal lawsuits filed by gov- ernment supporters against a top Cambodian oppn newspaper editor, following criti- Building collapse Australian prisoner ‘carves IS cism of a crackdown on the press. MP arrested over Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam faced the multiple lawsuits seeking ‘fake’ border map slogan’ into head of cellmate billions of dollars in damages over his newspaper’s reports published in 2007 alleging corruption against PHNOM PENH: A Cambodian AFP outraged by the alleged attack. “I will the woman who is now prime min- opposition member of parlia- ask the Inspector of Custodial Services ister. The High Court stayed the ment has been arrested for posting for a full and thorough investigation of lawsuits and granted Anam bail a map on Facebook professing to the management of radicalised pris- after he filed a petition challenging show that the government had SYDNEY: A radicalised prisoner alleg- oners in the system, including the their legality, said assistant attor- ceded territory to Vietnam to edly carved an Islamic State slogan assault,” he told reporters. ney general Arobinda Roy. whip up opposition, a government into the forehead of a fellow inmate The manager of the facility has “The High Court granted him spokesman said yesterday. in Australia, reports said yesterday, been suspended but the state’s Cor- bail in all the cases today and Cambodia has for centuries but officials denied extremism was a rective Services Commissioner Peter also stayed the proceedings until fretted about its much bigger problem in the jail system. Severin denied Islamic radicalisation a rule (formal request) is disposed neighbours - Vietnam to the east The 18-year-old, named as Bour- was a big problem in the prison sys- of,” Roy said. The court formally and Thailand to the northwest - han Hraichie, has been charged tem. “What we are dealing with is asked authorities for an expla- encroaching on its territory. The with causing grievous bodily harm not a systemic issue,” he said. nation as to whether continuing issue remains emotive and many and intentional choking following Steve McMahon, a spokesman the cases “should not be declared Cambodians are suspicious of the incident after lockdown at the for the Public Sector Association, illegal”, he said. Anam conceded both countries. medium-security Kempsey prison which represents prison guards, told in February that the 2007 stories Um Sam An, a member of the north of Sydney last week. reporters Hraichie should have been had been based on uncorroborated opposition Cambodia National He reportedly assaulted his segregated. “The 18-year-old, in our leaks from the military-backed Rescue Party (CNRP), was arrested cellmate then used a razor blade to belief, had presented enough infor- caretaker government at the time. on Sunday in the province of Siem carve “e4e” into his head, an appar- mation and bad behaviour to have It ruled Bangladesh until Sheikh Reap after arriving from overseas, ent reference to the Islamic State been segregated, or at the very least, Hasina become premier in 2009. a party colleague and fellow law- group’s “eye for an eye” mantra, been put in a single cell,” he said. He admitted he had been maker said. before placing a towel on his face The teenager, who has been wrong to publish them, sparking “He created a fake border and pouring boiling water over him. transferred to a maximum secu- an outcry from government sup- map and used it as an incitement The cellmate, who was rushed rity prison, is due to face court in porters and calls from Hasina’s son to overthrow the government,” to hospital with injuries to his head May. Canberra has been increas- for Anam to be tried for treason. said government spokesman Phay and burns to the face, was initially ingly concerned about home-grown Pro-government groups filed Siphan. Formal charges would be reported to be a former soldier, extremism and raised its terror sedition cases and lawsuits seeking filed when he appeared before a although officials later distanced threat alert level to high in Septem- over $17bn in damages for defa- Rescue workers search at the site after a three-storey residential court. Phay Siphan said he would themselves from the claim. ber 2014. It has conducted a series mation, a criminal offence that in be charged with forgery and building collapsed in Shanghai, China, yesterday. New South Wales Corrections of counter-terrorism raids in sev- Bangladesh also carries a penalty incitement. Minister David Elliott said he was eral cities over the past 18 months. of up to two years in jail. 10 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Truce in Yemen The Group of Seven countries’ foreign ministers pose for a group photo session at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park with viewing UN-brokered ceasefire took effect in Yemen on the Atomic Bomb Dome (rear) in Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, yesterday. Monday raising hopes that peace talks scheduled for next week may finally lead to a solution to the country’s devastating conflict. But it was not a smooth start. Hours into the truce, residents Areported heavy artillery fire, gun battles and air strikes in several parts of the country though that’s unlikely to torpedo the ceasefire because all sides -- forces loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, the Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition Islamic State, Al Qaeda that intervened in Yemen last year -- have agreed to abide by its terms. The UN special envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, called the ceasefire ‘a first step in Yemen’s return to peace’. and nuclear madness The ceasefire offers a rare opportunity for all sides to bring this conflict to an end. Its collapse will not only lead to a continuation of the conflict but will make future peace got their hands on a nuclear bomb of their leaders’ mutual hostility. summer of 2014, in a more veiled process more difficult. This conflict in the Arab world’s or nuclear material they most cer- This possibility, he said, quoting an threat, he told a youth group that most impoverished nation has already ruined large parts of tainly would use it to kill as many unnamed senior US official, “would “Let me remind you that Russia is the country and raised tensions in the region. It has killed innocent people as possible.” be an absolute and unprecedented one of the world’s biggest nuclear thousands and forced more than two million people from their That seems likely to be true: both disaster for (the United States) and powers. These are not just words homes. Previous attempts at peace have failed due to mutual groups have said so, and a mem- our allies.” — this is the reality. What’s more, ber of Islamic State — which has More cheer? Russia didn’t attend we are strengthening our nuclear recriminations. But the responsibility for ending the conflict lies already used chemical weapons — the nuclear summit. Moscow had deterrent capability and develop- primarily with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels which have been obtained surveillance footage of a said last November that it thought ing our armed forces.” responsible for the overthrow of an internationally-recognised manager at a nuclear facility in Bel- the United States was trying to “take The United States, like Rus- government President Abedrabbo gium, with a view, officials say, of the role of the main and ‘privileged’ sia, modernises and upgrades its Mansour Hadi. The Houthis, a northern possibly developing a “dirty” bomb player in this sphere” — so it didn’t nuclear forces continually, and By John Lloyd minority, descended on the capital (a conventional explosive device show. Russia, Obama said to report- is likely to sell Patriot intercep- Reuters packed with radioactive material). ers, had made little, if any, progress tor missiles to Poland — much to Sanaa from their mountainous region As the UN The head of US National Intelli- on the Security Summit’s goals — Russia’s fury. But somehow, the in September 2014 and seized the gence, James Clapper, told a Senate because Putin has been pursuing widening gulf between the nations special envoy capital city. They must withdraw from committee last month that “the a vision of of “emphasising mili- has to be bridged, or we face the for Yemen the territories they captured and pave threat of WMD is real. Biological and tary might.” largest problem of all: a widely- has said, the the way for the restoration of the Hadi hose who complain that chemical materials and technolo- The United States and Russia are dispersed ability to annihilate government. the news is depressing have gies, almost always dual use, move estimated to have between them much of the world. ceasefire is There are signs that all sides are a valid point. But it could easily in the globalised economy, 95 percent of the world’s 15,000 The news should not just be ‘a first step get exponentially worse. as do personnel with the scientific nuclear warheads: the United States “depressing,” but rather a prompt keen to avoid actions that will kill TChina, Russia, Egypt and Turkey expertise to design and use them.” 6,970, Russia, 7300. The United for greater engagement and under- in Yemen’s the ceasefire. For example, General are becoming even more authori- The veteran commentator on ter- States has been slightly reducing standing of its complexity. And with return to Mohamed Ali al-Makdashi, the chief tarian. The European Union is “on rorism, Bruce Hoffman, wrote in its stock; Russia has not. Obama, in understanding comes the need to of staff for Hadi’s forces, said that the the verge of collapse,” according March that Islamic State is mov- a speech in Prague near the begin- support those politicians, officials peace’. truce was largely holding despite some to George Soros, one of its strong- ing towards the “final Definitive ning of his first presidency seven and organisations seeking com- violations by rebels. “The truce has not est supporters. Global warming is Victory State… when the caliphate years ago, called for a nuclear-free promise and solution. worsening. The BRICS countries, ultimately triumphs over the rest world — as Ronald Reagan had done If the 20th was the American collapsed and we hope the rebels end which were to be engines of glo- of the world.” For that, it will need before him. century, the 21st must be the world’s, their attacks and respect the ceasefire,” bal growth, are all struggling with nuclear weapons. By contrast, Putin has threat- in which the facts of multiple threats he said, alleging breaches in several economic decline and political cul- Hoffman also believes that the ened to use nuclear weapons on prompt a mutual response. With- areas including the cities of Taez in the southwest and Marib east de-sacs — with the slightly shaky two groups most hungry for global Islamic State, on Turkey and as a out it, the cocoons we seek to hide of Sanaa. The Houthis, allied with troops loyal to ex-president Ali exception of India. In every case, domination — Islamic State and response to Western protests when from bad news crumble more by Abdullah Saleh, also expressed their commitment to the truce. except those of India’s Prime Min- al Qaeda — may merge, in spite Russian forces seized Crimea. In the the year. The truce will provide a rare reprieve to residents and ister Narendra Modi and China’s Xi Jinping (though not his extended facilitate the supply of much-needed family), the leader has been accused aid. Nearly half of Yemen’s 22 provinces are on the verge of of corruption. famine, the UN World Food Programme has said. In the United States, both the The UN-sponsored peace talks are set to begin on April number of jobs and the GDP are 18 in Kuwait, which will bring together the Houthis and the rising, but the bitterness of the polit- government they overthrew. The UN and the international ical divide and the willingness of parts of the electorate to endorse community must exert pressure on all sides to agree to a prejudice as a political principle solution. is itself a crisis, and will be for the next president. The determi- nation of the rich to stay rich and get richer is vividly displayed in the leaks from Panama. But the news can get more Quote of the day depressing. We might get blown up. Earlier this month, President Barack Obama invoked the need Macedonian police had for world leaders to cope with “the danger of a terrorist group obtain- used tear gas and rubber ing and using a nuclear weapon.” bullets at migrants. This In his speech at the Nuclear Secu- is a great shame for rity Summit, he had much success to report: earlier commitments to European culture and for secure or eliminate nuclear mate- countries who want to be rial had been followed by most of part of it. the world’s states. A “but” was coming, and it was large: both al Qaeda and Islamic Alexis Tsipras State actively seek nuclear weap- Chemical warfare agent filled aerial bombs await destruction at Muthanna Complex in Iraq in an Greek Prime Minister onry, Obama said, and “there is no doubt that if these madmen ever undated file photo.

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] OPINION TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 11 Despite leadership changes, it’s the same old Ukraine

By Leonid Bershidsky Bloomberg

hen he resigned on Sunday, Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said he was proud of his gov- Wernment’s achievements. They will, he predicted, be appreciated in due time. That may be so, but just now he is one of Ukraine’s most despised men, some- one who failed to make the country more European but instead made deals with oli- garchs and corrupt bureaucrats. His resignation to give way for an ally of President Petro Poroshenko won’t, how- ever, make Ukraine any more governable. Yatsenyuk’s departure was only a mat- ter of time. In February, he barely survived a no-confidence vote in parliament, and a burly legislator tried physically to carry him off the dais as he hung on to the lec- tern. His party, the Popular Front, defies its name by not even showing up in recent Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (centre) listens to Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk (left) and Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Groysman after a ceremony polls for lack of voter support. Under Yatsenyuk, the Ukrainian econ- to honour several hundred students who died during a battle on January 29, 1918 while defending the Ukrainian capital from the olsheviks,B in Kiev. omy has moved from sharp recession to stagnation. The tax system is still oppres- sive, property rights uncertain, bureaucrats unelectability, especially following accu- seemingly desperate. He has suggested politician: He has always ridden Poro- Victoria Nuland, the assistant sec- greedy and the middle class impoverished. sations of corruption levelled against the some exotic replacements for Yatsenyuk, shenko’s coattails, both as governor of retary of state who has been the Obama Despite tiny quarter-on-quarter output prime minister by former Georgian Presi- such as former Swedish Foreign Minis- Vinnitsa, where Poroshenko’s confection- administration’s point person on Ukraine, growth at the end of last year, the Ukrainian dent Mikheil Saakashvili, now governor or ter Carl Bildt and former Slovak Finance ery empire has its base, and as speaker. acknowledged in March 15 testimony before retail sector was still shrinking in Febru- Odessa. Admitting no new coalition could Minister Ivan Miklos, to US Vice Presi- What’s known of his economic program the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee: ary, 2016. These are not the kind of results be formed was, however, unacceptable to dent Joe Biden, seen in Kiev as the current isn’t encouraging: Vox Ukraine, the inde- Ukraine’s European future is put at risk Ukrainians wanted from their 2014 “Rev- Poroshenko: He would then have to dis- leadership’s fairy godmother. Then, the pendent Kiev think tank run by some of the as much by enemies within as by external olution of dignity.” band the parliament. candidacy of US-born Finance Minister country’s top economists, have described forces. The oligarchs and kleptocrats who Poroshenko has known for a while that An early election would extend the polit- Natalie Jaresko was dangled before the it as alarmingly populist. Groysman’s pro- controlled Ukraine for decades know their Yatsenyuk wouldn’t last. The parliamen- ical crisis by months and almost certainly Washington allies. Jaresko took this seri- nouncements on strengthening agriculture, business model will be broken if Maidan tary coalition that served as the basis for scupper fresh installments of aid from the ously enough to write a lengthy Facebook building roads and fighting corruption while reformers succeed in 2016. They are fighting Yatsenyuk’s cabinet had started falling International Monetary Fund. The IMF has post on March 22, saying she would be strengthening social support are little dif- back with a vengeance, using all the levers apart last year, with smaller parties seek- lately halted disbursements because of willing to form a “technocratic,” “depolit- ferent from Yatsenyuk’s intentions, and of the old system: their control of the media, ing distance from the prime minister’s toxic the political uncertainty. “Once there is icised” government of “nobody’s people.” often are misguided. state owned enterprises, Rada deputies, the more clarity about the status of the gov- Jaresko won’t get the chance. The pres- The seeming openness of the Ukrainian courts and the political machinery, while ernment, we’ll look forward to engage with idential party has put forward Volodymyr political debate -- the top figures in Kiev holding old loyalties and threats over the the authorities on policies to strengthen Groysman, a long-time Poroshenko associ- have Facebook accounts and are happy to heads of decision-makers to block change. and transform Ukraine,” fund spokesman ate and, most recently, parliament speaker, pour their hearts out -- may be endear- Yet Nuland expressed hope that 2016 Under Yatsenyuk, the Ukrainian William Murray said last month. as Yatsenyuk’s replacement. Yatsenyuk’s ing, but all the important events still take would become a “turning point year for Besides, an early election would proba- Popular Front will be the only party join- place in back rooms, and personal loyalty Ukraine’s sovereignty and European future” economy has moved from sharp bly result in a defeat for Poroshenko’s own ing forces with the Poroshenko bloc this and business connections go further than if it went for “clean leadership; justice; an recession to stagnation. The tax party. According to a March 16 poll by KMIS, time around: This is the only chance for patriotic considerations. As a result of the end to zero-sum politics and backroom one of the more respected polling organ- the party to retain some influence and the political crisis, Ukraine is not getting a bet- deals; and public institutions that serve system is still oppressive, property isations in Ukraine, the party, which now price Yatsenyuk appears to have exacted ter prime minister -- it’s getting a more Ukraine’s citizens rather than impoverish- rights uncertain, bureaucrats greedy holds 29 percent of the seats in parliament, for getting out of the way and letting Poro- politically beholden one. A president who ing or exploiting them.” That is not what’s and the middle class impoverished. would only win less than 6 percent of the shenko appoint his man. would be unable to repeat his 2014 land- happening so far. Poroshenko is making vote. Besides, a Saakashvili-backed new US officials have sought to balance Poro- slide victory -- and who is yet to answer it clear that he will exhaust his capacity Despite tiny quarter-on-quarter “Movement for Purification” could deal the shenko, an ambitious, impatient, imperious convincingly why he set up a tax-free off- for holding on to power before any serious output growth at the end of last year, Poroshenko party an unpleasant surprise leader, with other figures. That tactic has shore structure to prepare his business for change is allowed to take place. For all its if it stepped up its criticism of the presi- apparently failed. Poroshenko has never sale -- is consolidating power. He is also outward displays of democracy, Porosh- the Ukrainian retail sector was still dent, not just the prime minister. stopped pushing Groysman; all his other doing his best to prevent an election that enko’s Ukraine is increasingly just another shrinking in February, 2016. Poroshenko’s attempts to get out of proposals may have been decoys. would have radically changed the polit- post-Soviet state defined by the greed and this losing situation have been frantic and Groysman is not much of an independent ical landscape. ambition of its rulers. Investment deal paves way for Asia’s TAPI gas pipeline

of the Asian Development Bank, the pipeline, while Afghanistan is set to Afghanistan as much as $400 million After the recent lifting of western project’s primary backer. receive 0.5 billion cubic feet daily. in annual transit fees. sanctions on Iran, that country has The agreement provides an initial Originating in Turkmenistan’s Many economic experts believe the again broached the decades-old notion budget of over $200 million to fund Dawlatabad region, the pipeline new energy linkage between Central of an Iran-Pakistan (IP) pipeline, which the next phase of the project, including will stretch almost 150 kilometers to and South Asia will lead to improved could be seen as potential competitor funding for engineering and route Afghanistan. Some 750 kilometers political, economic and security ties to the TAPI project. surveys, environmental and social of the pipeline will pass through between participating states. India had at one time sought to safeguard studies, and procurement Afghanistan’s Herat, Farah, Helmand In order to reach India and Pakistan, be part of the IP project, but later and financing activities. and Kandahar provinces, eventually the pipeline must pass through restive withdrew citing security concerns, Project construction officially reaching Pakistan. Afghanistan, which is still dealing with as the proposed pipeline would pass kicked off last December. On Sunday, leaders of Turkmenistan, a years-long Taliban insurgency and through arch-rival Pakistan. The idea for a natural gas pipeline Afghanistan, Pakistan and India the recent appearance in the region Islamabad, meanwhile, has been By Zabihullah Tamanna to South Asia via Afghanistan and participated in a groundbreaking of the Daesh terrorist group. subject to strong US pressure to drop The deal was inked in Anatolia Pakistan was first conceived 25 years ceremony for the project outside the city Pakistani Defense Minister Khwaja the plan and focus on the TAPI project. Ashgabat, capital of ago, but it has taken decades to be of Mary in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Asif said recently that his country -- Nevertheless, Pakistan hinted executed. Desert. The event was attended by which is in dire need of energy -- would last year that implementation of the Turkmenistan, in the Afghanistan, Pakistan and India Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly use all its influence with the Taliban to IP project would begin as soon as presence of petroleum hareholders in the Turkmenistan- have long been exploring ways of Berdymuhamedow, Afghan President ensure the pipeline’s security. sanctions on Tehran were lifted. Afghanistan-Pakistan-India acquiring low-cost energy for domestic Ashraf Ghani, Pakistani Prime Minister The Afghan government, however, Tehran has long expressed a desire ministers and senior S(TAPI) Gas Pipeline Company consumers and local industry. Nawaz Sharif and Indian Vice-President criticised Asif’s remarks, which it said to export its gas through Pakistan. government officials have signed an investment deal paving Turkmenistan, for its part, can Hamid Ansari. contravened earlier pledges by Pakistan Ashgabat, however, wants to sell its the way for the delivery of natural gas now look forward to generating more Experts believe the pipeline project not to interfere in Afghanistan’s internal gas to the same customers via the TAPI from the four to the two latter countries -- a move revenue from its abundant oil and gas will positively affect Afghanistan’s affairs. project. According to Faiz Mohammad participating states expected to help address regional resources. security and help stabilise its In a statement, the Afghan Zalan, a Kabul University lecturer, energy shortages. The $10-billion project, slated for economy by generating thousands of presidency said the country’s armed implementation of the TAPI project and executives of the The deal was inked in Ashgabat, completion in 2019, will supply some new employment opportunities and forces were capable of providing will ultimately depend on the mutual Asian Development capital of Turkmenistan, in the presence 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas promoting local development. security, noting that a special military interests of participating states, the Bank, the project’s of petroleum ministers and senior annually. Pakistan and India will According to Rafiullah Nazari, unit was being set up for the express stability of the region and the success government officials from the four receive over 1.3 billion cubic feet of director of the Afghanistan Regional purpose of safeguarding the pipeline. of the foundering Afghan peace primary backer. participating states and executives gas daily from the 1,800-kilometer Studies Center, the pipeline could earn - Iran process.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 12 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 PAKISTAN

Stringing it together US embassy 14 die in bus warns of attack on Kabul hotel bombings in Reuters WASHINGTON: The US embassy in Afghanistan issued an emer- gency warning to US citizens Afghanistan yesterday, saying it had received reports that insurgents are plan- ning attacks targeting the Star Hotel in Kabul. Dawlat Waziri confirmed one of “In response to this poten- the ministry’s buses carrying army tial threat, the US Embassy Dead include 12 army recruits had been attacked but put Kabul is advising American citi- recruits in east of the number of wounded at 26. zens to avoid the Star Hotel and embattled country. “It was a crowded area and it is to remain vigilant when visiting hard to say now how many of them hotels in Kabul, especially during were from the defence ministry,” large gatherings,” the embassy said Waziri said. Hours earlier, a bomb on Twitter. The warnings follow hit a mini-bus carrying Education at least two rocket attacks in the Reuters Ministry workers in eastern Kabul, diplomatic zone of Kabul on Sat- killing two people and wounding urday just hours after US Secretary seven, the ministry said. of State John Kerry held meetings Taliban spokesman Zabihullah with Afghan government leaders JALALABAD: A Taliban suicide Mujahid said the Islamist group had in the capital. bomber on a motorcycle killed at carried out the attack outside Jalala- The Taliban has stepped up A traditional weaver works on a carpet on a handmade loom in a workshop on the outskirts of Karachi, least 12 army recruits on a bus in bad. However, no group had claimed its insurgency since most foreign eastern Afghanistan yesterday, responsibility for the Kabul attack. Pakistan, yesterday. troops withdrew from Afghanistan officials said, hours after a similar Government workers and mem- at the end of 2014. attack killed two people in the cap- bers of the security forces are often ital Kabul. targeted by insurgent groups, includ- The latest blast hit a bus in the ing the Taliban, who are seeking to Sorkh Rud district of Nangarhar topple the US-backed government in province, which borders Paki- Kabul. The Taliban have stepped up Lawmaker gets police response after eight years stan. Twelve bodies and at least 38 their insurgency since most foreign wounded had been taken to the main troops withdrew from Afghanistan hospital in Jalalabad, the principal at the end of 2014, although Kabul city in eastern Afghanistan, hospi- had enjoyed a period of relative calm Internews vice-president of Awami National house office (SHO) of Secretar- with her complaint might have been tal chief Ihsanullah Shinwari said. during the harsh winter months. Party (ANP), had lodged a complaint iat police on March 24, 2016, Gohar misplaced by the police. The number of casualties was That lull was expected to end with the Secretariat police in 2008 reminded the police of her complaint, She expressed surprise over the expected to rise, several officials soon with the Taliban poised soon after a threatening letter alleg- adding she had also provided the copy performance of the capital police. said. “The suicide bomber was on to launch their annual spring ISLAMABAD: Former member of the edly sent by a religious outfit was of the threatening letter to the police. “If this is how a member of par- a three-wheel motorcycle and tar- offensive. National Assembly (MNA) of Pakistan delivered to her Parliament Lodges “I received no information on liament is treated by the Islamabad geted new army recruits who were In Kabul, bus conductor Rahim and senior ANP leader BushraGohar residence. She personally appeared the status of my complaint until police, what would be the fate of a heading to Kabul for training,” said Gul said the force of the blast threw had to wait for eight years to get a the then secretary interior, Syed March 24, 2016, when a police offi- complaint lodged by an ordinary cit- a police official, who asked not to him out of the vehicle. “We picked up response from the capital police Kamal Shah, and informed him about cial called me and requested for a izen,” she said in her letter. be identified because he was not the Education Ministry staff and we in connection with her complaint the letter. Soon afterwards, the police meeting regarding my complaint,” When contacted, additional SHO authorised to discuss matters con- were driving on the road when there regarding a threatening letter she visited her residence and registered the former MNA said. Mohammad Yasin said the investiga- cerning the Afghan army. was an explosion,” Gul told Reuters received from extremist elements. a complaint. She suspected that the copy of the tion was launched eight years ago but Defence Ministry spokesman Television. Gohar, who is the senior In a letter written to the station threatening letter she had attached he assumed the charge a month ago. Protests Six dead but no extensive banned in Pakistan damage after earthquake capital Reuters The US Geological Survey measured the quake at a depth of about 210 km (130 miles). AP Despite its depth, the quake still caused ISLAMABAD: Six people were killed across widespread panic in areas such as Chitral, a northern Pakistan although there appeared to Reuters witness and a villager in the area said. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan yesterday be no widespread damage after a strong earth- “It was a very dangerous situation, because announced a ban on demonstra- quake rattled major cities across South Asia at our houses were already damaged from recent tions in Islamabad after recent the weekend, authorities said yesterday. rainfall,” said Isa Khan, whose home in the vil- rallies by Islamic extremists led The 6.6-magnitude quake on Sunday star- lage of Susoom, about 25 km (15 miles) north of to the destruction of property and tled residents in the Afghan capital, Kabul, and Chitral, suffered moderate damage. forced four days of road closures forced some in high-rise buildings to flee into Most of the homes in his village are made in the heart of the capital. the streets of the Indian capital, New Delhi. of mud and brick. Interior Minister Chaudhry It was also felt in Islamabad and in Lahore “We saw a lot of walls being damaged in Nisar Ali Khan announced the in Pakistan’s east, about 630 km (390 miles) front of us,” Khan said. move at a news conference, say- from the quake’s epicentre in remote north- Pakistan’s NDMA said in a statement the ing the ban will not be extended to eastern Afghanistan, just inside the border air force had been asked to conduct an aer- other parts of the country. with Tajikistan and across a narrow finger ial photography survey to assess the damage The move came less than two of land from Chitral - a district in the Khyber in mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber weeks after tens of thousands of Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan’s northwest. Pakhtunkhwa. radical Islamists descended on Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Khan said Chitral residents were still await- Islamabad to protest against the Authority (NDMA) said five people were killed ing compensation after a 7.5-magnitude quake execution of a policeman who had in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. hit the area on Oct. 26 last year, killing more assassinated a secular governor Another was killed in northern Gilgit- than 300 people and destroying thousands of over his opposition to the coun- Baltistan state, the NDMA said. At least seven homes. try’s harsh blasphemy laws. people were reported injured across Pakistan, The Hindu Kush area between Pakistan and The protesters blocked roads many of them in the northwestern frontier city Afghanistan is seismically active, with quakes and clashed with police, dis- of Peshawar. often felt across a region where the Indian and rupting life around government There were no immediate reports of wide- Eurasian continental plates collide. A Pakistani man carries his son after he received medical treatment in the northwestern offices and parliament. The pro- spread damage in either Afghanistan or India, Just over a decade ago, a 7.6-magnitude testers eventually dispersed after city of Peshawar, Pakistan, yesterday. despite the quake rattling buildings in all three quake in another part of northern Pakistan the government warned it would countries for more than a minute. killed about 75,000 people. resort to force. Khan said the government would not allow a repeat of the experience. He said he was willing to meet Choppers overhead as British actors bring Hamlet to Kabul with opposition leader Imran Khan, who a day before vowed to hold a rally outside the residence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Reuters and his doubting quest to avenge a murdered Labour’s Lost” was performed in the bomb- the eastern city of Lahore if he did father is not without relevance to a country that damaged surrounds of the 16th century Babur not resign over documents leaked has known more than its fair share of assassina- Gardens in Kabul in 2005. More recently, a from a Panama-based law firm KABUL: Occasionally fighting to be heard over tion and betrayal over 30 years of war. troupe of Afghan actors took a Dari “Comedy that Khan says link Sharif’s fam- the clatter of helicopters flying into the nearby Its 400 year-old iambic pentameter verse, of Errors” to the Globe Theatre in 2012. ily to offshore accounts. Nato headquarters, British actor Naeem Hayat not to mention the particular stage conventions “When I was very young, I studied Shake- Imran Khan, a former cricket delivers Hamlet’s reflections on mortality and of Shakespearean drama, can make it a chal- speare in Afghan theatre,” Farookh said. “He star who is not related to the inte- retribution to a shivering audience in Kabul. lenge for audiences, even in English-speaking has a huge heritage and I am proud to say that I rior minister, also plans to hold He is part of a production of William countries. have played Shakespeare’s Othello.” a rally in Islamabad on April 24. Shakespeare’s most famous play by Britain’s But Abdul Qadir Farookh, a well-known Sunday’s performance of Hamlet, close to Khan’s supporters held mass rallies Globe Theatre company which has already Afghan actor who featured in the 2007 Hol- the site of a rocket attack the previous night, in central Islamabad for several travelled to countries ranging from Rwanda lywood film of Khaled Hosseini’s bestselling was preceded by instructions about what to do weeks in 2014. to Antigua or Lithuania as part of a two year- novel “The Kite Runner”, said the poet’s herit- in the event of a security emergency. Last week, Sharif announced long tour intended to visit every country in age extended well beyond Britain. But a mixed audience made up of diplomats the establishment of an independ- the world. “Shakespeare was no ordinary person,” he and other members of Kabul’s much-reduced ent judicial commission to probe But even with such exotic locations behind said. Actors from Britain’s Globe Theatre perform international community as well as Afghan whether his family illegally owns it, British ambassador Dominic Jermey said the Although Afghan audiences have had little in a production of drama “Hamlet” at the dignitaries and students gave it an apprecia- offshore companies and property. improvised stage on the tennis court of the Brit- contact with Western theatre over decades of British embassy in Kabul yesterday. tive welcome on a chilly spring night. Sharif wants a retired judge to lead ish embassy in Kabul on Sunday night was “one war and austere Taliban rule, the Bard, a reli- “This is really something new for us,” said the commission, but Imran Khan of the more unusual locations for performing able staple of British cultural diplomacy over Farookh himself played “Othello” in an theatre student Masood Hunardost. “I have been insists it be headed by Pakistan’s Hamlet”. the years, has a limited but respectable record Afghan television production before the Tali- waiting for such a day to see foreigners per- chief justice. The story of the melancholy Danish prince in the country. ban era and a Dari-language version of “Love’s forming a Shakespeare drama in Afghanistan.” INDIA TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 13 60% polling in Bengal amid sweltering heat

percent in Bankura and 56.74 per- cent in Burdwan,” said an Election The EC received over Commission (EC) official. 1,100 complaints The EC received over 1,100 com- plaints from across the three districts from across the regarding voter intimidation, vio- three districts lence and Electronic Voting Machine regarding voter (EVM) malfunctioning. “Around 950 of the complaints have been intimidation, violence redressed so far. Many of them were and Electronic found to be baseless. We are look- ing into all aspects,” said the official. Voting Machine Mishra alleged incidents of vio- malfunctioning. lence occurred across the three districts. “There have been inci- dents in Jamuria, Pandaveswar and Raniganj (Burdwan), Patrasayer IANS (Bankura) and Keshpur and Garbeta (West Midnapore), but the people have withstood against all these intimidating tactics,” said Mishra. KOLKATA: Notwithstanding the “I don’t have any trust in the sweltering heat, 60 percent of the police or the administration, but I nearly 70 lakh voters turned out till trust the EC and the people,” he said. V oters wait in queues to cast their votes in the second phase of Assam Assembly election in Guwahati city yesterday. 1pm yesterday to cast their ballot in Several incidents of violence 31 constituencies in the second part were reported, with the Left Front, of the first phase of the West Bengal Congress and the Bharatiya Janata assembly polls. Party alleging the polls were far Assam voter dies in clash with security forces However, the opposition par- from peaceful and fair. ties accused the ruling Trinamool Several crude bombs kept in a Congress of resorting to widespread bag were seized from near a booth violence. in Jamuria of Burdwan district. IANS been recorded so far but the percent- areas as well. Vijayendran said poll- Modi) has said about me. But he Groups of people, said to be Tri- A Communist Party of India- age was likely to increase further to ing across the 61 constituencies was (Modi) also knows that what he has namool Congress activists, staged Marxist (CPI-M) polling agent had to 85 percent. by and large peaceful. said is not true.” angry demonstrations against CPI-M be hospitalised after he was attacked He said a total of 191 Elec- Former prime minister and Con- Tight security measures were put state secretary and candidate from at a polling booth in Chandrakona of GUWAHATI: The second and final tronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were gress leader Manmohan Singh cast his in place at the school since Monday Narayangarh constituency Surjya West Midnapore. phase of polling to the Assam assem- replaced in different polling stations vote at the Dispur Government High morning. Security forces, including Kanta Mishra when he visited some “Since last night (Sunday), Trina- bly in 61 constituencies yesterday saw due to their malfunctioning. School in Dispur area of Guwahati. personnel from the Central Reserve of the booths on receiving com- mool goons have been on the prowl, 82.02 percent of the over one crore One person died following a baton His wife Gurcharan Kaur, also a Police Force and Special Protection plaints of electoral malpractices. intimidating voters and attacking voters casting their ballot, on a day charge by Central Reserve Police voter in Dispur constituency, how- Group, allowed voters to enter the Polling began at 7am in the 31 polling agents. Such is the condi- that witnessed the death of a voter in Force (CRPF) personnel after a scuffle ever, did not come to vote. “I think polling centre only after frisking. constituencies, of which 13 are in tion that we are not getting polling a clash with security forces and inju- took place between a group of people the people of Assam will reward the Long queues were seen before the West Midnapore and nine each in agents. There has been widespread ries to many others in different places. and security forces at a polling station Congress party for the good work it polling stations since around 6am. Bankura and Burdwan districts. violence, voter intimidation, polling Polling officials estimate that the in Barpeta Road. Three other people has done for the people in the last A total of 1,04,35,277 voters were The scorching heat accounted for a is far from peaceful in Sabang,” said final poll percentage is likely to touch were injured in the incident. 15 years,” Manmohan Singh told the eligible to cast their ballot in the sec- casualty. Polling officer Parimal Barui Congress leader and former minis- 85 percent as reports were still com- In another incident, security per- waiting media persons. ond phase. Of these, 50,440,51 voters at booth No.295 in Pandaveshwar of ter Manas Bhunia. ing in from polling centres. sonnel deployed at a polling station at Asked about the Bharatiya Janata were women and 22 from the third Burdwan district collapsed and died Tension prevailed in Bankura’s Balloting, which started at 7am, Nagarbera had to open fire in the air Party’s allegation that he had not gender. of suspected sun stroke. Sonamukhi where a CPI-M polling saw incidents of violence in some to control a crowd. No one was, how- done anything for Assam when he There were 525 candidates in the “Till 1pm, 59.78 percent poll- agent was attacked and masked areas. ever, injured in the incident. was the prime minister, he said: “I do fray — 48 of them women. Voting took ing was recorded. The turnout is 65 men, armed with bamboos and cane, Chief Electoral Officer Vijayen- Election officials said similar inci- not want to counter what the prime place in 12,699 polling stations across percent in West Midnapore, 57.60 were seen roaming around. dran said 82.02 percent polling has dents were reported from some other minister (Prime Minister Narendra the state. Order exempting private medical colleges from NEET recalled 11 dead and scores hurt as high-voltage

IANS Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Jus- Recalling the order, the bench Sen (both now retired) and Justice vires the provisions of articles 19(1) wire falls on mob tice R Banumathi recalled the 2013 said: “After giving our thoughtful and Dave by a majority judgment of two (g), 25, 26(a), 29(1) and 30(1) of the verdict that paved the way for the pri- due consideration, we are of the view had quashed the MCI notifcation for constitution. in Assam vate medical college not to admit the that the judgment delivered in Chris- coming entrance test through NEET. The majority judgment questioned NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court students coming through NEET and tian Medical College (supra) needs However, Justice Dave had differed. the practical aspect of holding a single yesterday recalled its 2013 verdict directed fresh hearing of the matter. reconsideration. We do not propose to Pronouncing the majority judg- NEET as “in a single window com- GUWAHATI: At least 11 peo- quashing a Medical Council of India The recall means that now state reasons in detail at this stage so ment, then Chief Justice Kabir said: petition, the disparity in educational ple were killed and over a dozen (MCI) notification mandating common more than 600 privately-run and as to see that it may not prejudicially “We also have no hesitation in hold- standards in different parts of the injured when a high-voltage elec- National Entrance-cum-Eligibility minority medical institutions will affect the hearing of the matters.” ing that the Medical Council of India country cannot ensure a level play- tric wire fell on a mob at Pengeree Test (NEET) both for undergraduate have to draw their students from It also recorded that the judgment is not empowered under the 1956 ing field”. in Assam’s Tinsukia district yester- and postgraduate medical and den- the list of the successful candidate recalled had not taken into considera- Act to actually conduct the NEET” On the other hand, Justice Dave in day, police said. tal courses in government and private who had appeared for NEET and tion some of the “binding precedents” and introducing it was beyond its his dissenting minority judgment had The high-voltage wire fell after institutions. they would not be able to conduct and there was no discussion among domain as the ‘Regulations on Grad- held “it cannot be said that introduc- being hit by bullets as police fired Allowing the plea for the review their own entrance examinations. the three judges before the pro- uate Medical Education (Amendment) tion of the NEET would either violate in the air to disperse a group of of its July 18, 2013 order, the consti- The review was sought by the MCI nouncement of the judgment. 2010 (Part II)’ and the ‘Post Gradu- any of the fundamental or legal rights protesters, who had not only laid tution bench of Justice Anil R Dave, and A P Private Medical and Dental The then bench of then Chief Jus- ate Medical Education (Amendment) of the petitioners or even adversely siege to the Pengeree police sta- Justice A K Sikri, Justice R K Agrawal, Colleges. tice Altamas Kabir, Justice Vikramajit Regulation, 2010 (Part II)’ were ultra affect the medical profession”. tion but also attacked the police station with stones and brickbats. “A group of people from neigh- bouring villages laid siege to the police station on Monday morn- Prince William and Kate ing. The mob was demanding the police to hand over to them five murder accused, who were arrested over a recent murder visit Gandhi Smiriti case,” a police official said. The mob wanted to punish the accused for the murder, he added. “The mob soon became unruly IANS Commission official, the couple and started pelting stones at the asked several questions about the police station. We started a lathi- spinning wheel that Mahatma Gan- charge but it failed to disperse the dhi used and is put on display there. crowd,” the official said. NEW DELHI: The Duke and Duchess They were also inquisitive about “Police then fired in the air to of Cambridge, Prince William and Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at the disperse the crowd. Unfortunately, Kate Middleton, yesterday visited complex’s entrance, and were told the bullets hit the high-voltage Gandhi Smriti here and paid trib- it was a symbol of peace. electric wire overhead and it fell utes at the ‘Martyr’s Column’ — the Inscribed on the bronze statue of down on the agitators, killing nine spot where Mahatma Gandhi fell to Mahatma Gandhi in the company of of them on the spot and injuring an assassin’s bullets in 1948. a boy and a girl is his famous quote: over a dozen others.” Two of the The British royals arrived at ‘My life is my message.’ injured died later in a hospital, tak- the Gandhi Smriti on Tees January The Duke and the Duchess also ing the toll to 11. Road after laying a wreath at the met around 30 schoolchildren, who Although the situation was Amar Jawan Jyoti - dedicated to the sang ‘bhajans’ that gave the message under control, there was sim- ‘Unknown Soldier’ - at India Gate. of peace, as propagated by Gandhi. mering tension in the entire area, Mahatma Gandhi lived at the On Sunday, the royal couple police said. Assam BJP president complex for 144 days before he attended a welcome charity dinner Sarbananda Sonowal expressed was assassinated there on January hosted by the British High Commis- concern over the incident and 30, 1948. The couple visited the sion in Mumbai. demanded a high-level probe. museum at Gandhi Smriti, which The high-profile dinner was Sonowal, the union minister of Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, pay tributes houses articles related to the Father attended by the Who’s Who of Bolly- youth affairs and sports, also of the Nation. wood, who rolled out the red carpet announced Rs.1 lakh compensa- during their visit to Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi yesterday. According to a British High for the royal couple. tion to the families of the deceased. 14 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 INDIA

Agreement on Kerala police India-Lanka bridge soon: hunt suspects Gadkari

NEW DELHI: India and Sri Lanka in temple fire could soon finalise an agreement for building a bridge connecting both the countries, union Road Transport, Highways and Ship- were later released, but Nair did not ping Minister Nitin Gadkari said say whether they were able to help yesterday. Police detained authorities track down any of the “The project is under consid- five workers for 15 temple board members who fled eration, it is under discussion. But after the accident. nothing has been finalised,” Gad- questioning about The Press Trust of India news kari told journalists at the Foreign fireworks stored at agency reported that police were Correspondents Club here. investigating six people — missing He said discussions have the site, hoping to temple board members and asso- been held on the issue with Sri learn more about ciates of firework contractors — for Lankan President Maithripala possible charges of attempted murder Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil who owned the and culpable homicide, both pun- Wickremasinghe. ishable by life imprisonment, and The Sri Lankan side is also fireworks and who P eople take shelter under a temple where a fire triggered by fireworks resulted in an explosion and a roof illegally storing a cache of explosives. “interested” in the project, he had contracted the The death toll from the disaster collapse in Kollam, Kerala, yesterday. said, adding that even the Asian pyrotechnical display. stood at 110, with more than 380 Development Bank has made a injured, including many with burn recommendation to that effect. injuries and others hurt when an Wickremasinghe said in adjacent building storing fireworks Fireworks accident leaves Colombo on March 23 that no AP collapsed, police said. formal talks between India and Following the fire, which broke Sri Lanka have started yet on the out around 3am on Sunday, villag- project. ers and police pulled many of the many lives singed and scarred The issue had figured in Sri PARAVOOR: Medical teams yester- injured out from under slabs of Lankan parliament as well. day tended to hundreds of people concrete and twisted steel girders. “The Asian Development injured in a massive fire that killed They were taken to hospitals in the IANS the temple have been damaged beyond fireworks took place,” she said bit- Bank is ready to fully finance a at least 110 people, while authorities Kerala state capital of Thiruvanan- repair. terly. More reports are emerging about bridge building project connect- searched for those responsible for thapuram, about 60 kilometers (37 “My house has been com- damage to houses located within one ing Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka. illegally putting on the fireworks dis- miles) south of Paravoor, as well as pletely destroyed. The only way out square kilometre radius of the temple. “The project was also dis- play that caused the weekend blaze the nearby city of Kollam. KOLLAM: A day after the tragedy is to demolish it and rebuild,” said “I do not have a single plate, glass cussed by Prime Minister Narendra at a Hindu temple in southern India. Scores of worried relatives at Kerala’s Puttingal Devi temple a 70-year-old woman. One can see or cup left. My window is also not left Modi with his counterpart during Amid the burned wreckage of crowded the Kollam District Hos- left 109 dead and over 300 injured, numerous two-wheelers lying at var- with any glass, everything is broken. the latter’s recent visit,” Gadkari the Puttingal Devi temple complex pital yesterday, searching for loved women living in the temple’s vicinity ious places near the temple site, and a The locks of the closed doors and said last year. in the village of Paravoor, rescue ones still missing. are heartbroken to see their lives and few bags and suitcases from the tem- windows have all flown away due to Addressing correspondents officials sifted through huge piles “We are just trying to calm them property ruined by it. porary stalls scattered around. explosion,” said another woman. of foreign media and others on of dust, wood and concrete for down so that they can give us the Many of the wailing women com- Some complained their source of Meanwhile, a judge filed a petition Monday, Gadkari said the first clues about how an unauthorised information, with which we can help plained to TV media crew, who arrived water has been contaminated by the in the Kerala state High Court yester- Maritime India Summit 2016 to be pyrotechnic display staged before them find their missing relatives,” at the temple site yesterday morning, burnt explosives and ash. day calling for an immediate ban on inaugurated by Modi in Mumbai on dawn on Sunday sparked a fire that said K Shijil, a help-desk worker that their miseries have just surged. “Our well is now fully polluted the use of high-decibel explosive fire- April 14 will be a game changer in swept through the temple as it was at the hospital who was giving out One of the women, Deepa, a repre- after the blast. We have no other works in the state. The court will take the development of India’s coastal packed with thousands for a reli- emergency kits that included a towel, sentative of the local body at Paravur, source of water,” said a housewife. up the petition on Tuesday. and port infrastructure. gious festival. clothes, drinking water and cookies. said the tragedy has struck in more Another housewife was seething The Travancore Devaswom Board, The three-day summit being Police detained five workers for Among a throng of people ways than one. in anger, seeing Prime Minister Naren- which runs more than 1,200 temples organised in pursuance of the gov- questioning about fireworks stored crowding the help desk was Som- “Apart from the injuries sustained dra Modi and Congress vice president in the state, said it was opposed to a ernment’s policy of giving prime at the site, hoping to learn more raj, a gray-haired man in his 50s. by many, the people living nearby the Rahul Gandhi accompanied by their complete ban. Prayar Gopalakrishnan, importance to developing infra- about who owned the fireworks He was looking for his son-in-law, temple have been struck by a trauma massive security cover visiting the site the board’s president, said the displays structure is aimed at attracting and who had contracted the pyro- Anu Lal, who had been watching the following the explosions and their of devastation. were part of temple festival rituals, but potential investors to the vast technical display, police constable fireworks show with him when the aftermath.” Women said about 15 “Why are our lives not valuable? added that they should be done with opportunities in the maritime R Unnikrishnan Nair said. The five disaster occurred. houses in the immediate vicinity of There was no security check when the sufficient safety precautions. sector. Jaitley heads Defence and tourism among six India-Maldives agreements signed to US today for IMF-WB NEW DELHI: India and the Maldives “It also includes exchange of infor- “The action plan envisages an (MoU) envisages cooperation in the and management, participation in yesterday signed six agreements in the mation relevant to the determination, institutional mechanism at the level area of tourism. travel fairs and exhibitions in each meetings fields of defence, tourism, taxation, assessment and collection of such of the defence secretaries to further This includes expansion of other’s country and promotion of space research, and conservation of taxes, the recovery and enforcement bilateral defence cooperation.” bilateral cooperation, exchange safe, honourable and sustainable mosques following delegation-level of tax claims, or the investigation Another agreement related to of information and data related tourism. NEW DELHI: Finance Minister bilateral talks led by Prime Minister and prosecution of tax matters,” the orbit frequency coordination of the to tourism, encouraging coopera- The sixth agreement is on coop- Arun Jaitley will today leave for narendra Modi and visiting Maldiv- external affairs ministry said in a proposed South Asia Satellite at 48 tion between tourism stakeholders eration in the conservation and a 10-day visit to the US to attend ian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul statement. degrees east. including hotels and tour operators, restoration of ancient mosques and the Spring Meetings of the Interna- Gayoom here. The two sides also signed an “The agreement shall be used for establishing exchange programmes joint research and exploratory sur- tional Monetary Fund and World One agreement seeks to avoid agreement on an action plan for the purpose of performing intersys- for cooperation in human resource veys in the Maldives. Bank, a UN session on the drugs double taxation of income derived defence cooperation. tem orbit-frequency coordination for development, investment in the tour- “The MoU proposes to under- problem, and an interaction with from international air transport. “The action plan is in the con- the operation of South Asia Satellite; ism and hospitality sectors. take conservation and restoration of American investors, said an offi- Another agreement envisages text of defence cooperation being an and fulfilling ITU level regulatory It also provides for exchang- ancient mosques and other histori- cial statement. mutual assistance for exchange of important component of the India- requirements and obtaining interna- ing visits of tour operators, media cal monuments in Maldives. Detailed Jaitley will leave today evening information that is relevant to the Maldives bilateral relationship and the tional level protection/recognition for and opinion makers for promotion proposals for such projects will be on an official visit to the US and administration and enforcement of shared strategic and security inter- the South Asia Satellite,” the ministry of two-way tourism, exchange of developed by Archaeological Survey arrive in Washington early morn- the domestic laws concerning taxes ests of the two countries in the Indian statement said. experience in the areas of promotion, of India and Department of Heritage, ing on April 13, said a finance covered by the agreement. Ocean region,” the statement said. A memorandum of understanding marketing, destination development Maldive”,” the statement said. ministry statement. The IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings will also be attended by Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan and Thirsty wait India seeks Asean role Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian. In the first leg of his US visit, Jaitley on April 13 will address the in fighting terrorism Carnegie Endowment for Interna- tional Peace - on “Steering India Towards Growth”, it said. “On April 14, Jaitley will hold IANS cyber crimes and piracy, food and one to one meeting with his US energy insecurity, environmental counterpart, Treasury Secretary degradation and humanitarian dis- Jack Lew, which would be followed asters,” Saran said. by the 6th Economic and Finan- NEW DELHI: India yesterday sought “Of all these challenges, terror- cial Partnership Dialogue between the cooperation of the member ism is of foremost public concern.” India and US,” the statement said. nations of the Association of South- Saran referred to Prime Minister Jaitley will also meet National east Asian Nations (Asean) in the Narendra Modi’s recent remarks that Development Bank’s board of global fight against terrorism. while the reach and supply chains of governors and BRICS finance min- “The dialogue and cooperation terrorism were global, genuine coop- isters and central bank governors, among Asia-Pacific states, both eration among nation states was not. it said. bilaterally and in multilateral forums “ARF was one of the earliest On April 15, he will participate has intensified,” Preeti Saran, secre- forums to focus on counter-terrorism in the G-20 session for finance tary (east) in the ministry of external and transnational crime,” she said. ministers and central bank gover- affairs, said in her opening remarks “At the Inter-Sessional Sup- nors. Thereafter, he will participate at the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) port Group (ISG), we will review the in the event to honor the UN Sec- Inter-Sessional Support Group Meet- ARF ISM (inter-sessional meeting) retary General Ban Ki-moon for ing on Confidence Building Measures on counter-terrorism and transna- nurturing the World Bank-United (CBMs) and Preventive Diplomacy tional crime (CTTC), and also the Nations partnership. (PD) here. ARF workshop to preventing vio- After the first leg of his tour, “At the same time, global lent extremism,” she added. Jaitley will reach New York on P eople waiting to fill their containers with drinking water from a water source nearby Palkhanda village, security faces several challenges— The secretary (east) also said April 17, where he will address a near Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, yesterday. Water levels in major water reservoirs were 30 percent lower terrorism and proliferation of that the world today was witness to Special Session of the UN on the than in 2015 at the end of March 2016. weapons of mass destruction (WMD), a mixed picture on disarmament and World Drug Problem on April 19. territorial and maritime disputes, non-proliferation. EUROPE / UK TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 15 Cameron faces down critics over offshore dealings

put his finances in the spotlight. London mayor Boris Johnson and Cameron used his statement to opposition Labour leader Jeremy Britain PM announce a new crackdown on tax Corbyn also released details of their announced a new avoidance and a new agreement taxes. But Cameron rejected calls for with the British Virgin Islands and all lawmakers to reveal their finan- crackdown on tax other tax havens to share informa- cial affairs, saying it would be a “very avoidance and a new tion with British law enforcement and big step”. tax authorities. Currently MPs must only declare agreement with the “There’s no doubt that in some of shareholdings above £70,000 British Virgin Islands these jurisdictions and countries there (€87,000, $100,000) on a parliamen- are some very bad things happening... tary register of interests and do not and other tax havens and that’s why we want our author- have to disclose the quantity of some to share information ities to go through everything they revenues such as rental income. with British law can,” the prime minister said. The prime minister released a tax While not illegal, Cameron’s off- summary for the past six years and enforcement and tax shore dealings risk undermining his revealed he had received a £200,000 authorities. efforts to lead international action gift from his mother in 2011. against tax evasion, which will see This came after he received him host an anti-corruption summit £300,000 in his father’s will, raising in London in May. questions over whether the gift was Cameron admitted he had not intended to avoid inheritance tax, for AFP handled well the revelations about his which the threshold is £325,000. father’s Blairmore fund following the Cameron said it was a “natural leak of documents by Panamanian human instinct” to want to pass on law firm Mossack Fonseca. money to your children. LONDON: Prime Minister David But he rejected the “deeply hurt- The prime minister and his wife Cameron defended his tax affairs and ful and profoundly untrue” suggestion also owned shares his father’s fund, announced a deal to open up Britain’s that his father was trying to avoid which they sold for £31,500. overseas tax havens yesterday as he tax, saying it was a legitimate busi- Labour leader Corbyn accused confronted critics of his offshore deal- ness to trade in dollar-denominated Cameron of failing to appreciate the Prime Minister David Cameron (centre) reading a statement in the Houses of Parliament in London, ings for the first time in parliament. securities. And while it was right to public anger over “scandal of destruc- yesterday. Cameron this weekend became “tighten the law and change the cul- tive global tax avoidance” revealed the first British leader to publish his ture” to crack down on evasion and by the leak. “What they have driven tax returns after admitting he held aggressive avoidance”, Cameron said home is what many people have The agreement, which includes be impossible for wider society—espe- The plans, first mooted last year, shares in his late father’s Bahamas- the government should “defend the increasingly felt—there is now one the Cayman Islands, British Virgin cially people in the world’s poorest have been criticised by lawyers and based investment fund, which he sold right of every British citizen to make rule for the super-rich and another Islands, Bermuda, Isle of Man and countries—to hold businesses and accountants who warn they could before he took office in 2010. money lawfully”. for the rest,” he said. Jersey, although not Guernsey and governments to account,” it added. criminalise firms who unwittingly “I didn’t want anyone to be able to He added: “Aspiration and wealth Cameron announced that Britain’s Anguilla, appears to have been struck Cameron also announced that break the rules, and could put Britain’s suggest that as prime minister I had creation are not somehow dirty overseas territories had agreed to pro- in the past few days. legislation to make companies crim- financial sector at a disadvantage. any other agendas or vested interests,” words.” vide law and tax agencies with full But the Oxfam charity said Cam- inally responsible if they fail to stop In addition, Cameron said a new he told the House of Commons in his As he stood at the dispatch box, access to information on who owned eron “needs to do better than this”. staff facilitating tax evasion would taskforce would analyse the Panama first appearance since Panama Papers finance minister George Osborne, and benefited from companies. Unless the registry is public “it will come into force this year. Papers “and take rapid action”.

Ukrainian pilot risks developing Polish workers in UK worry about possibility of Brexit fatal blood clot: AP to live and work in Western Europe. might happen. There seems to be no There are about 850,000 Poles and, if rejected, leave the country. Britain’s dynamic economy has clear arrangement for what the future working in Britain, while Poland has “I am not worried about myself, Lawyer attracted more people from Poland will look like if there is Brexit.” an overall population of 38 million. but many of my friends are afraid,” than any other single EU country, and Krupa said there is a lot of anec- So it’s little surprise that Poles over- said Pawel Pruszkowski, a Pole who WARSAW: Hundreds of thousands of they worry that they could be among dotal evidence that many Poles are whelmingly hope that Britain remains has worked in the UK since 2012. people whose personal fates hinge on the big losers if British voters opt for applying for British citizenship, or in the EU — 80 percent, according to a Some longtime Polish residents of AFP whether Britain leaves the European “Brexit” in the June 23 referendum. plan to, even though the fee of more survey by the University of Edinburgh. Britain say they worry mostly about Union or stays don’t even have a say in “There is a lot of uncertainty than £1,100 puts off many others. Under British law, immigrants the broader economic implications the matter: Polish immigrants, a com- and worry now,” said Jakub Krupa, Ilona Korzeniowska, editor of who have resided in the UK for more of Brexit. MOSCOW: Medical tests on jailed munity so numerous that Polish has the head of Poles in UK, an umbrella Polish Express, a Polish-language than five years can apply for perma- Jacek Mazur, who has worked in Ukrainian pilot on hunger strike become Britain’s second most-spo- organisation that works with Polish newspaper published in Britain, said nent residency. The Polish Institute Britain for 10 years, says he is confi- show her blood is thickening, ken language. groups in Britain, and the London cor- her website has seen a spike this year of International Affairs, estimates dent he would be allowed to stay after putting her at risk of developing a When Poland and many other respondent for Polish news agency in Poles looking for information about that still leaves between 120,000 so many years of working in Britain, blood clot which could kill her, her countries once behind the Iron Cur- PAP. “Nobody really expects a situation citizenship. She said many Poles don’t to 400,000 Poles who arrived after but he fears the electrical supply com- lawyers said yesterday. tain joined the EU 12 years ago, Poles in which all of the old borders are back, have enough information to under- 2012. If Britain leaves the EU, they pany he works for in Hastings could Nadiya Savchenko was con- gained unprecedented opportunities but people don’t really understand what stand how Brexit would affect them. would have to apply for work visas lose its markets in the EU. victed last month over the killing of two Russian journalists in east- ern Ukraine and sentenced to 22 years in a Russian prison. The 34-year-old military Ancient treasure on display Iceland’s Pirate Party pilot denies any involvement in the shelling death of two Russian state television reporters. ready to seize power Last Wednesday, she began a dry hunger strike, refusing both food and water, to protest her sen- AFP elected to parliament in 2009. tence and demand her immediate “She was searching for herself. return to Ukraine. She’s a rebel and she had this idea “As doctors told her, her blood for the Pirate Party, which caught has turned into tar, which is very REYKJAVIK: Iceland’s Pirate Party, on right away,” recalled Stefania difficult for her heart to pump founded in 2012 as a marginal pro- Oskarsdottir, a political science pro- through,” one of her lawyers, test group, is now unexpectedly in a fessor at the University of Reykjavik. Nikolai Polozov, said. “There’s a position where it could seize power In 2013 legislative elections, the possibility she may develop a blood in a country fed up with the political newly-created party managed to clot and die suddenly, literally in and financial establishment. squeeze into parliament, just sur- her sleep,” he added. Recent public opinion polls have passing the threshold of five percent After test results showed her shown the party with 43 percent of of votes required to be represented in health was worsening, Russian voter support, with many Icelanders parliament -- 5.1 percent—and tak- prison officials threatened to start furious to discover that hundreds of ing three seats. force-feeding her and offered to their rich and powerful countrymen Since then it has continued to put her in hospital, which she were named in the so-called Pan- surprise political observers, gain- refused. But she agreed to be put ama Papers leak. ing much more voter support than a on a drip and receive glucose and The Pirate Party, a libertarian slew of other protest parties founded sodium chloride intravenously. movement campaigning for more in the wake of the 2008 financial In a statement, Russia’s prison transparency in politics as well as meltdown that plunged Iceland into administration yesterday said Limestone column sculptures from 900-1250 BC seen in the exhibition ‘The Maya - Language of Internet freedom and copyright a deep recession. Yet Pirate Party Savchenko was in “stable” con- Beauty’ in the Martin Gropius Bau in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. The exhibition, which opens today reform, is modelled on a Swedish members are trying not to get in over dition and had agreed to receive and lasts till August 7, shows around 350 pieces of indigenous art. namesake launched in 2006. their heads, despite their popularity. “supporting treatment”. “We can’t predict whether (voter “In the other parties, when support) will stay like this or not, you’re young and get involved in but what we can see is that people politics, it’s simple: you start out like our style, our approach,” Asta listening to the speeches given by Gudrun Helgadottir, one of three party leaders, and you clap. Here, Germany examining Turkish request to prosecute satirist Pirate Party members to hold a seat it’s not like that. Everyone takes part, in parliament, said. everyone can write proposals that Things have moved quickly for will be debated,” said Karl Hedinn, Reuters the crime of “offending foreign states’ German Chancellor Angela Merkel, treatment of journalists. That led the small party, which in many a 21-year-old party member who organs and representatives”. who has spearheaded EU efforts to Turkey to call in Germany’s envoy ways is still under construction. Its zips around central Reykjavik on a Government spokesman Steffen secure Turkey’s help in dealing with to provide an explanation, although national headquarters, located in skateboard. Seibert said Turkish embassy had sent Europe’s migrant crisis. She has told Germany rejected Turkish protests. Reyjkavik’s Old Harbour, consist of The party insists on a flat struc- BERLIN: - Germany said yesterday Germany’s foreign ministry a cable Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davu- Speaking as if he were addressing a two-room office that looks more ture, almost devoid of hierarchy it was examining a formal request with “a request from Turkish side for a toglu in a telephone conversation that Erdogan, Boehmermann explained like an apartment intended for a except for an executive committee made by Turkey to prosecute a prosecution in connection with com- the poem was “deliberately offensive”. that NDR broadcast had fallen under tiny protest party breathing fresh air consisting of seven members, seven comedian who recited an obscene ments made in this broadcast.” Boehmermann, who has made the right to artistic freedom, press into Icelandic politics, rather than substitutes and a rotating presidency. poem about Turkish President Recep “The content of this cable and the a name for himself by pushing the freedom and freedom of opinion. the seat of a party ready to take the “This weak structure is the Tayyip Erdogan in a satirical show on way forward will now be carefully boundaries of satire in a once-staid Seibert yesterday stressed that an reins of power. Pirates’ strength but also its weak- national television. examined by the government,” Seib- media landscape, made clear on the article in Germany’s constitution on Birgitta Jonsdottir, a 48-year- ness. They have to find competent German prosecutors have already ert told a regular government news show that he was courting controversy. freedom of opinion was of the utmost old poetess and WikiLeaks activist, people to make it work, otherwise begun investigating Jan Boehmer- conference. “It will take a few days. I Before reading his poem, Boeh- importance to Merkel and was non- founded the party in 2012 after the it’ll be complicated. In politics you mann, the iconoclastic host of the can’t and don’t want to anticipate the mermann referred to a satirical song negotiable, regardless of whether or dissolution of the Citizens Move- have to be pretty organised so that late-night Neo Magazin Royale on the results of this examination.” broadcast on NDR television that had not she found an opinion tasteful or ment, another small pro-direct on election day, your voters actually public channel ZDF, on suspicion of The incident is awkward for mocked Erdogan for his authoritarian tasteless. democracy party for which she was cast their ballots,” Oskarsdottir said. 16 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 EUROPE Greece slams Macedonia over tear gas incident

were treated for injuries after the there had been “an excessive and flare-up on the Greece-Macedonia asymmetrical use of force” that had Hitting back, border: 200 for breathing problems, created a “very difficult situation on Macedonia accused 30 for wounds caused by plastic bul- Greek soil”. police on the Greek lets and 30 for other injuries. The Greek government said it had It was the latest violence to erupt lodged two “very strong protests” side of failing to at the flashpoint Idomeni crossing, with Macedonian authorities, while intervene as around where around 11,000 migrants have Kyritsis said it had also “launched been living rough for weeks after action against other European coun- 3,000 migrants Balkan states closed their borders, tries which have sent police observers “violently” tried to cutting off access to western Europe. to the Macedonian side,” including Many of them are fleeing war in Slovenia and Hungary. cross the frontier in Syria and Iraq. A statement from the Macedo- Sunday’s incident. MSF said in a tweet that tensions nian interior ministry said 23 of its were high in Idomeni on Monday with security forces were injured in Sun- Migrants and refugees scuffle with Greek police after they tried to push a train carriage through a police fresh protests. day’s incident, in which “migrants bus on rail tracks leading to Macedonia at a makeshift camp at the Greek-Macedonian border near Idomeni “Protestors in Idomeni have violently tried to enter Macedonia village, Greece, yesterday. AFP dragged a train wagon in front of the from Greece”. police bus. Tensions are high,” it said. It added that primary estimations MSF spokesman Jonas Haeensen showed “more than 3,000 migrants added: “We have treated 30 to 40 took part in the incidents, in which Citizen’s arrest of migrants sparks protest IDOMENI, GREECE: Fresh protests people, mostly men but also women Greek police did not try to intervene broke out yesterday at a flashpoint and children, for injuries across the and stop them”. border crossing, as Greece and Mac- body caused by rubber bullets. Macedonian police have denied AFP Border police who arrived at the encourage such acts. But the author- edonia blamed each other for an “According to their accounts, using any kind of bullets. scene found the three unhurt and with ities’ reaction has been ambiguous. incident in which tear gas and rubber Macedonian police fired on them,” Tensions had mounted in the Ido- their hands free. “This is.. illegal,” border police bullets were fired on migrants trying he said. meni camp on Sunday a day after Such arrests have happened chief Antonio Angelov said in com- to breach the closed border to get to Macedonian police accused pamphlets were distributed in Arabic SOFIA: A citizen’s arrest of three ille- increasingly in recent weeks, targeting ments a week after he handed out western Europe. crowds of hurling stones and other saying the border would be reopened. gal migrants sparked controversy in migrants arriving through the border certificates of appreciation to another Greece lashed out at Macedonia objects at them in a bid to break down Greek authorities were aware of Bulgaria yesterday, with rights groups with Turkey in a move denounced by vigilante group for intercepting 20 for using “excessive force”. Macedo- a fence at the border, saying they had the tract and had doubled the police protesting while the government the Bulgarian branch of the Helsinki migrants near the border with Turkey. nia, however, hit back and accused used tear gas to protect themselves. presence at the frontier on Sunday. refrained from condemning the practice. Committee (BHC) rights group. Prime Minister Boyko Borisov also police on the Greek side of failing to But a spokesman for the Greek The makeshift encampment at Amateur video footage broadcast “These images (show) the most expressed his thanks to the group’s intervene as around 3,000 migrants migration coordination agency, Gior- Idomeni, where people are living in on several Bulgarian televisions and brutal citizen’s arrest so far in Bulgaria. leader in a telephone call. “The state “violently” tried to cross the frontier gos Kyritsis, blasted the Macedonian squalid and overcrowded conditions, in social media showed three men The prosecution must open a probe belongs to all of us, whoever wants in Sunday’s incident. reaction as totally unwarranted and has become a symbol of the misery lying on the ground, their hands tied immediately,” BHC president Krasimir to help (protecting it) is welcome,” Medical charity Doctors With- out of proportion. faced by thousands who have fled behind their backs as someone shouts: Kanev said, warning that a failure he said. But the BHC denounced such out Borders (MSF) said 260 people He told Vima radio station that war and poverty to reach Europe. “Go back to Turkey!” to act by the authorities would only rewards as “unacceptable”.

Hungary to scrap Red carpet welcome unpopular Sunday EU mulls visa-free trading ban travel for Ukraine

AFP Parliament to take effect. The source said the Commis- The Commission sion would include some form of BUDAPEST: Hungary’s govern- would include some safeguard enabling EU countries to ment yesterday moved to scrap an reinstate visas temporarily in case unpopular year-old ban on Sunday form of safeguard of a surge of migration. trading for most shops, avoiding enabling EU countries Ukraine has a population of what looked to be an embarrass- some 45 million. Russia’s 2013 ing referendum defeat on the issue to reinstate visas annexation of Crimea and the fight- for Prime Minister Viktor Orban. temporarily in case of ing with pro-Russian separatists in “The government proposes eastern Ukraine has not so far led to that parliament abolishes the leg- a surge of migration. a large exodus from the country, EU islation and reinstates the previous officials note. system,” Orban’s cabinet chief The Dutch voted by 61 percent Antal Rogan said. last week in a non-binding refer- Parliament could vote on the Reuters endum called by Eurosceptics to proposal today , meaning shops reject the association agreement could be trading again next Sun- on closer political, security and day, he said. trade ties between Kiev and the Mandated by parliament in Czech Republic President Milos Zeman welcomes Austrian President Heinz Fischer after he arrived BRUSSELS: The European Com- 28-nation bloc. December 2014 and in effect from by historic train to Stochov station near Prague, Czech Republic, yesterday. Fischer is on a two-day mission will propose this month Less than a third of the electorate March 15 last year, the law ordered official visit to the Czech Republic. granting visa-free travel to Ukrain- turned out, but the turnout was just shops larger than 400 square ians despite a Dutch referendum more than the 30 percent required metres to stay closed on Sundays. vote against an EU-Ukraine agree- for the result to be valid. It had been pushed by the ment partly motivated by hostility to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Christian Democrats, junior part- migration, a senior EU source said. Rutte said the government could ners to Orban’s conservative Fidesz Commission President not proceed with ratification of the party, which said no-one should 3 militants killed in Russia attack Jean-Claude Juncker promised deal which the other 27 EU coun- be forced to work on Sundays and Ukrainian President Petro Poro- tries have already approved, and the day should be kept as “a fam- shenko in March that the EU which has provisionally entered ily event”.A recent poll showed executive would put forward the into force. over 60 percent were against it, AP Novoselitskoye in the Stavropol The militants set off explosives eagerly awaited proposal in April, The EU Commission said it was however. some studies showed a region was not yet clear. when they tried to break into the offering Ukrainians the most tan- up to Dutch leaders to reflect on the negative impact on retailers’ sales The Stavropol region is close to police station, Russia’s counter-ter- gible benefit of closer ties at a time vote and suggest a way forward. figures and on jobs. the North Caucasus, where an Islamic rorist agency said. Russian news when a free trade deal has not yet Ukraine is not the only country MOSCOW: Two militants were insurgency has simmered for years. reports said the blasts damaged the borne fruit for their economy. impatiently awaiting visa-free travel. killed and a third blew himself up in The attack could raise secu- building and vehicles parked outside. “It may look as if we’re ignoring EU leaders have promised to speed an attempt to attack a police station rity concerns for the 2018 World Schools and day care centres in the Dutch voters, but we have to keep up visa liberalisation for Turkey, Austria probes link in southern Russia yesterday, police Cup, since the Stavropol region will Novoselitskoye were evacuated, as our word to Ukraine, which has met aiming for agreement by late June if said, adding that no police officers or host four training bases for national well as the local hospital, with the the conditions,” the source said. Ankara meets the many conditions. between Paris and civilians were hurt. soccer teams competing in the tour- exception of 14 seriously ill patients. The proposal must be approved The Commission is also working on The identity of the mili- nament. The bases about 100km from Security was stepped up at schools, by a qualified majority of EU mem- a politically sensitive proposal to Mumbai attacks tants who attacked in the town of the site of yesterday’s attack. day care centers and hospitals. ber states and by the European extend it to Kosovo.

VIENNA: Austrian prosecutors yesterday said they are probing a possible link between a Pakistani After protests, French PM vows to help youth get jobs held in Salzburg in connec- tion with last November’s terror assaults in Paris and 2008 attacks AFP must listen to its young people.” of Socialist President Francois Hol- in the Indian city of Mumbai. The measures, worth up to lande’s government. “Leads pointing to this are €500m ($570m) a year, include an ini- The government argues that being looked into,” prosecutors in tiative to encourage employers to hire the reforms aim to make France’s Salzburg said, adding however the PARIS: French Prime Minister Manuel young workers on full-time contracts rigid labour market more flexi- identity of the Pakistani suspect, Valls unveiled measures yesterday rather than on a part-time basis. ble, but opponents say they are too who is in custody since December to help young people into work, in Employers would be forced to pay pro-business. in Austria, has not been confirmed. response to weeks of protests against additional taxes on short-term con- On Saturday, around 120,000 “Wide-ranging investigations proposed reforms to labour laws. tracts to encourage them to hire on people joined protests across France on this question, among others, Valls made proposals in a meeting long-term contracts instead. Another against the labour law reform, but that are ongoing, although the prose- with eight youth organisations that proposal is for new graduates of mod- was around a quarter of the 390,000 cutors’ office has been waiting for oppose the reforms, including the big- est means to receive a four-month who turned out at the start of the information from Pakistan since gest student union, UNEF. extension to their study grants to tide demonstrations a month ago. December 2015,” they said. UNEF welcomed the measures, them over until they find work. Opposition to the reform has also A source in Paris and the Sun- saying they were “a genuine response Valls’ office believes 126,000 been one of the many causes cham- day Times said the man is thought to young people’s demands” but did people could benefit from the lat- pioned by the predominantly young Employees clear the venue with a bulldozer after French gendarmerie to be a bomb maker for Pakistani not rule out joining the next major ter measure. Youth unemployment, “Up All Night” activists who have held evacuated the protesters who occupied the square for eleven days, in extremist organisations Lashkar- protest on April 28. at around 25 percent, has been one overnight protests for the past 11 days Paris, France, yesterday. e-Taiba and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. Valls said after the meeting: “France of the millstones around the neck in cities across France. AMERICAS TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 17

Two Trump kids Trump slams won’t be voting for dad in New York Cruz strategy primary Reuters

as ‘crooked’ WASHINGTON: Presidential candi- date Donald Trump says two of his children feel guilty about missing a winning the nomination at a bro- voter registration deadline, meaning kered Republican convention in July. they will not be able to vote for him Donald Trump is Cruz’s campaign has worked in New York’s Republican primary. confronting Ted effectively in states that have a Eric Trump, 32, and Ivanka complex delegate allocation proc- Trump, 34, the Republican front-run- Cruz’s strategy of ess, including Colorado, where the ner’s second and third children, have using state party US senator from Texas picked up 34 campaigned extensively with their delegates on Saturday at the state father, but both missed the deadline rules to secure more Republican convention. for registering as Republicans to vote delegates in hopes “The people out there are going in the New York primary on April 19. crazy, in the Denver area and Colo- Trump joked that he would have of winning the rado itself,” Trump said. “They’re to find some way to punish Eric and nomination. going absolutely crazy because they Ivanka for their mistake. “No more weren’t given a vote. This was given allowance!” he said with a laugh. by politicians - it’s a crooked deal.” For already registered voters, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks in front of a capacity crowd at a rally for his campaign Trump’s camp has amplified any request to switch party affilia- Reuters complaints about the delegate allo- in Rochester, New York. tion must have been made by early cation system, which varies from October. The deadline for new voter state to state, as the prospect of A Republican candidate needs “Now they’re trying to pick off Trump’s fears that state party officials registrations was March 25. a contested Republican conven- 1,237 delegates to clinch the nomina- those delegates one by one,” Trump favored Cruz. After Saturday’s results, “They were unaware of the rules,” WASHINGTON: Republican presi- tion looks more likely to determine tion and avoid a convention floor fight, said on Fox News. “That’s not the way the party tweeted, “We did it. #Never Trump said. “They feel very, very dential front-runner Donald Trump’s the party’s nominee for the Nov. 8 which could involve several rounds of democracy is supposed to work. They Trump,” the Denver Post reported. guilty. “But it’s fine. I mean, I under- concerns about how delegates are election. voting for delegates. Trump has 743 offer them trips, they offer them all The party then deleted the tweet, stand that.” allotted turned into a roar yester- Cruz campaign did not respond delegates while Cruz has 545, accord- sorts of things and you’re allowed to which it said was unauthorised, and Records from the New York State day as he accused the campaign of to requests for comment on Trump’s ing to a survey’s count. do that. You can buy all these votes. said it was investigating. Board of Elections show both Eric and rival Ted Cruz of buying votes after latest allegations but spokeswoman Trump yesterday also accused Trump’s new delegate strategist, Colorado Republicans defended Ivanka are registered voters who are his weekend win in Colorado. Catherine Frazier said : “More sour Cruz of trying to steal delegates in Paul Manafort, said the campaign their voting process re-tweeting a post “not enrolled in a party. ABC News The New York billionaire, who grapes from Trump who continues South Carolina, a state Trump won in would protest what he called Cruz’s by commentator Ari Armstrong who reported. has won many state contests for a to lash out in tantrums every time February. Cruz came in third but won “Gestapo tactics, the scorched-earth called the system “representative.” Like their father, they have made delegate lead, is confronting Cruz’s he loses. We are winning because three delegates Saturday at congres- tactics” on delegates. “Claiming delegates were ‘stolen’ political contributions to both Dem- strategy of using state party rules to we’ve put in the hard work to build sional district meetings, according to A tweet from the Colorado Repub- insults the Republicans who partici- ocrats and Republicans, Federal secure more delegates in hopes of a superior organisation.” local media. lican Party appeared to briefly verify pated,” Armstrong wrote. Election Commission records show.

Portuguese court Cuban migrants stranded rejects ex-CIA Reprieve for NASA’s agent’s Kepler spacecraft extradition appeal AP was to be pointed toward the centre of the Milky Way for a new kind of AP planet-searching campaign. This isn’t the first time the CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA: To 7-year-old Kepler has cheated death. LISBON: Portugal’s Supreme Court astronomers’ relief, NASA’s planet- Controllers managed to keep the has rejected a former CIA opera- hunting Kepler spacecraft has won spacecraft working a few years ago, tive’s appeal against extradition to another reprieve. despite repeated breakdowns. But Italy to serve a six-year sentence The spacecraft — responsible Kepler had never suffered an emer- for her part in an extraordinary for detecting thousands of planets gency like this before last week. renditions program, a court offi- beyond our solar system — slipped “It was the quick response and cial said yesterday. into emergency mode last week determination of the engineers The official told reporters that nearly 75 million miles from Earth. throughout the weekend that led Sabrina De Sousa’s only remain- Ground controllers managed to sta- to the recovery,” Mission manager ing recourse to avoid being sent to bilize the probe Sunday, and NASA Charlie Sobeck said in a web post- Italy would be to appeal to Portu- announced the good news yesterday. ing from NASA’s Ames Research gal’s Constitutional Court, arguing Engineers still don’t know what Centre in Mountain View, Califor- her extradition order is uncon- Shelters containing tents house Cuban migrants stranded in Paso Canoas, in the border between went wrong and will study incom- nia. “We are deeply appreciative of stitutional. The official spoke on Panama and Costa Rica. According to Panamanian authorities, the number of Cubans stranded in ing data for clues. They also want to their efforts, and for the outpour- condition of anonymity. the area waiting for permission by Central American countries to continue their journey to the US, be certain the spacecraft is healthy ing of support from the mission’s De Sousa’s Portuguese lawyer, increased to 2,147. enough to resume observations. The fans and followers from around the Manuel Magalhaes e Silva, did not trouble occurred right before Kepler world.” respond to a request for comment. De Sousa, who was working in Italy under diplomatic cover, faces prison for her role in the 2003 kidnapping in Milan of Osama ‘Dog Whisperer’ Millan cleared in probe over cruelty Moustafa Hassan Nasr, a terror suspect who was under surveil- lance by Italian law. De Sousa was among 26 Americans convicted in Reuters Attorney’s Office said yesterday. The investigation by the district by the district attorney’s decision. A change.org petition signed by absentia in the case, which also The Department of Animal Care attorney was dropped due to “insuf- “My team and I are 100 percent more than 13,000 people called Millan’s implicated Italy’s secret services and Control in Los Angeles County ficient evidence,” said Jane Robison, dedicated to the proper care of all methods inhumane, saying he “used and has proven embarrassing to launched the investigation after a a spokeswoman for the office. animals, including the animal in this the animal as a bait for the dog all for successive Italian governments. LOS ANGELES: An animal cru- February 26 episode of the Nat Geo Millan’s attorney, Brian Klein, said case,” Milan said. “I am continuing my ‘entertainment’ purposes.” It asked Nat A lower Lisbon court ruled in elty investigation into celebrity dog WILD TV series “Cesar 911”, in which his client cooperated fully with the work rescuing and rehabilitating even Geo WILD to cancel his show. January that De Sousa should be trainer Cesar Millan, known as the Millan trains a French bulldog-terrier investigation. “His methods are safe the most difficult problem dogs, which Millan, who found fame through turned over to Italy following her “Dog Whisperer,” has ended and no mix called Simon to co-exist with his and humane,” Klein said by phone. has saved the lives of thousands of his Dog Whisperer”TV show has sold arrest at Lisbon Airport in October charges will be filed, a spokeswoman owner’s pot-bellied pigs after having Millan said in a statement that animals that otherwise would have millions of books about his training on a European warrant. with the Los Angeles County District killed two of them. he was “pleased but not surprised” been euthanised.” techniques.

Cubans embrace English language Eyeing a world record as Cold War enmity fades

Reuters Gonzalez, a 45-year-old civil engi- No. 2 in the Communist Party and one neer who has changed jobs and now of the original leaders of the revolu- works as a taxi driver, earning more. tion that defeated a pro-American Teaching English has become a government in 1959. HAVANA: Gilberto Gonzalez learned minor boom industry in Havana, with The government added English Russian at a school in Havana at the dozens of schools opening in pri- to list of priorities for schools last height of the Cold War when the Soviet vate homes in the wake of President year, along with Cuban history and Union was Cuba’s closest ally, but 30 Raul Castro and US President Barack Spanish. The official embrace of Eng- years later he’s rusty and remembers Obama’s December, 2014 agreement lish and the prospect of millions of little more than, ‘da,’ and ‘nyet.’ to normalise relations. US tourists coming to the Caribbean Now, as relations thaw with the English has been the most popu- island once Washington completely United States, Gonzalez wants his lar second language for many years removes travel restrictions have led children to learn English to grasp in Cuba. But the detente has added to a surge of teachers and students. opportunities arising from Cuba’s new impetus and learning the lan- Classes cost between $10 and new closeness to the old enemy. He guage has won support from the $30 a month, in a country where the has ordered them to sign up at a pri- Communist leadership. average state salary is just $25. But vate English school in the city. “We have to speak English. If you a growing number of Cubans are People jump off a bridge, which has a height of 30 metres, in Hortolandia, Brazil. According to “It doesn’t matter that it’s expen- can speak two or three languages, all enjoying income from private ven- organisers, 149 people were attempting to set a new world record for “rope jumping”, in which people, sive, but it is what can open doors the better, but English is essential,” tures and from money sent by family tied to a safety cord jump off a bridge. what we are starting a new era,” said said José Ramón Machado Ventura, members overseas. 18 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 AMERICAS

US Navy officer Brazil panel likely to back impeachment charged with spying for China the impeachment decision, which is had not managed to pinpoint a crime to impeachment at around the time of due to be put to the vote in the full by Rousseff and the move to oust her Monday’s committee vote, expected in Supporters and lower house of Congress next Sunday. was unconstitutional. “It is absurd to late in the evening. and Taiwan opponents of the Bracing for clashes, police erected remove a legitimately elected pres- Rousseff’s opponents need 342 a 1-km long metal fence down the ident for an accounting problem,” votes, or two thirds of the house, to embattled left- middle of the wide grass esplanade he said. approve impeachment and send the Reuters leaning president in front of Congress to separate rival A survey released on Friday by process to the next stage in the upper gathered in the demonstrators. Brasilia-based consultancy ARKO chamber. The battle over Rousseff’s Advice found that 33 of the 65 If a simple majority of senators WASHINGTON: A US Navy officer Brazilian capital impeachment has polarised the committee members will vote for then votes in favour of impeachment, with access to sensitive US intel- ahead of the nation of 200 million people and impeachment, with 22 against and Rousseff would be temporarily sus- ligence faces espionage charges brought the government of Latin 10 undecided. pended from office and Vice President over accusations he passed state impeachment America‘s largest economy to a vir- The margin of victory will be Michel Temer would become acting secrets, possibly to China and Tai- decision. tual standstill. important in swaying undecided law- president pending a pending a six- wan, a US official told reporters. Presidential aides said that a makers in the lower house plenary month trial in the Senate. The official, speaking on con- majority of the 65-member com- vote, where recent polls show neither Support for impeachment among dition of anonymity, identified mittee was expected to recommend side has guaranteed enough support. Brazilians has slipped in recent weeks the suspect as Lieutenant Com- that Rousseff, Brazil’s first female Rousseff, a former leftist guerrilla, as Rousseff stepped up her attacks on mander Edward Lin, who was Reuters president, be impeached on charges faced massive protests for his ouster has denied any wrongdoing and ral- what she maintains is an illegal bid by born in Taiwan and later became of manipulating budget accounts to on corruption charges and resigned lied the rank and file of her Workers’ her opponents to unseat her. a naturalised US citizen, accord- boost her reelection prospects in 2014. on the eve of his conviction by the Party to oppose what she has called a According to a survey by pollster ing a Navy profile article written The government is focused on Senate. coup against a democratically elected Datafolha, 61 percent of Brazilians about him in 2008. BRASILIA: A congressional impeach- convincing lawmakers to vote against “There are sufficient indications president. want Rousseff to be impeached, com- A redacted Navy charge sheet ment committee is expected to vote impeachment or abstain in the full to proceed with impeachment,” But, caught in a political storm pared to 68 percent in March. said the suspect was assigned to in favour of sending President Dilma house vote on next Sunday by offering Congressman Jovair Arantes, the fueled by Brazil’s worst recession in The poll showed that 58 percent the headquarters for the Navy’s Rousseff (pictured) to trial for break- government jobs that became vacant committee’s rapporteur said at the decades and its biggest ever corrup- also want to see Temer impeached, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, ing Brazil’s budget laws, presidential when Rousseff’s main ally, the PMDB, opening session. tion scandal, Rousseff has lost key indicating he had little popular sup- which oversees intelligence col- aides said, in the first major step broke with her two weeks ago. Arantes said in his official report coalition allies in Congress. port if he took over from Rousseff. lection activities. The charge sheet toward her possible removal from If Rousseff’s opponents are that there were constitutional grounds Her mentor and predecessor as If the case is taken up by the Sen- redacted out the name of the sus- office. successful, it would be the first to impeach Rousseff. president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, ate after being confirmed by the lower pect and the Navy declined to Supporters and opponents of the impeachment of a Brazilian presi- Attorney general Jose Eduardo himself facing a graft investigation, house, Rousseff would have to step provide details on his identity. embattled left-leaning president gath- dent since 1992 when a politically Cardozo, addressing the raucous will lead a big protest in Rio de Janeiro down for up to 180 days while a trial It accused him twice of com- ered in the Brazilian capital ahead of isolated Fernando Collor de Mello committee meeting, said Arantes seeking to whip up popular opposition is held. municating secret information and three times of attempting to do so to a representative of a foreign government “with intent or rea- son to believe it would be used to Canada’s New Democrats Mayan ritual the advantage of a foreign nation.” The document did not identify what foreign country or countries reject Mulcair leadership were involved. The US official said both China and Taiwan were pos- sible but stressed the investigation was still ongoing. Reuters He has been held in pre-trial Delegates at a confinement for the past eight months or so, the official added. party gathering in USNI News, which first TORONTO: Members of Canada’s Edmonton, voted reported Lin’s identity, said he left-leaning New Democratic Party spoke fluent Mandarin and man- voted to oust their leader, Thomas 52 percent for a aged the collection of electronic Mulcair, six months after the party convention to choose signals from the EP3-E Aries II sig- suffered a resounding defeat in a nals intelligence aircraft. general election it had initially been a new leader. The US Navy profiled Lin in a favoured to win. 2008 article that focused on his Delegates at a party gathering in naturalisation to the US, saying his Edmonton, Alberta, voted 52 percent Trudeau, the son of former Prime family left Taiwan when he was 14 for a convention to choose a new Minister Pierre Trudeau. and stopping in different countries leader. Mulcair, 61, said he would During the campaign, Mulcair before coming to America. step down as head of the party, but promised to balance the budget in “I always dreamt about coming not until a replacement is named. a bid to bolster the party’s economic to America, the ‘promised land,’” The New Democrats voted to hold a credentials, but the stand alienated he said. “I grew up believing that leadership convention in two years. many grassroots supporters who all the roads in America lead to The next Canadian election is not wanted change after nearly a dec- Disneyland.” expected until 2019. Prime Minis- ade of Conservative austerity. China’s Foreign and Defence ter Justin Trudeau’s Liberals, who Trudeau’s Liberals outflanked Ministries did not immediately started last year’s election cam- the New Democrats on the left, respond to a request for comment. paign in third place in the opinion advocating deficit spending to spur Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said polls, won a parliamentary major- the faltering economy. People participate in a Mayan ritual during the inauguration of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous it had no information on the case. ity in the October vote. Mulcair became NDP leader in Issues of the UN at the Academy of Mayan languages in downtown Guatemala City. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry declined The NDP’s constitution stipulated 2012 seven months after the death of to comment. that Mulcair needed a simple major- Jack Layton, who led the party to its ity to stave off a leadership vote, and best-ever federal election perform- he had said he would consider a ance in 2011. Mulcair said he would higher threshold of 70 percent. The remain as the member of parliament results fell short of either target. for his Montreal electoral district. Obama calls Libya his ‘worst mistake’ ever Mulcair’s party lost more than Guy Lachapelle, a political half its seats and fell to third place science professor at Concordia Uni- in last year’s election. In a speech versity in Montreal, said Mulcair’s AFP to plan for the day after what I think who was killed in a popular uprising, accomplishment, he said. before the leadership vote, Mulcair ouster represented the loss of the was the right thing to do in interven- Libya descended into near-anar- “The day that we passed health took responsibility for the defeat, party’s last significant foothold in ing in Libya.” Last month, Obama chy, ruled by rival militias vying for care reform,” Obama said. but urged party members to “keep the mainly French-speaking prov- made a searing critique of British power while the Islamic State group “We sat out on the Truman Bal- standing with me.” Mulcair led in ince of Quebec, where the party lost WASHINGTON: US Barack Obama Prime Minister David Cameron and has gained influence in the country. cony with all the staff that had opinion polls when the election nearly three-quarters of its seats in says the biggest mistake of his pres- former French leader Nicolas Sarkozy The head of a UN-backed unity worked so hard on it and I knew what campaign started. His party, with the last election. idency was the lack of planning for for their roles in the bombing cam- government arrived earlier this it would mean for the families that the second most seats in the House Nelson Wiseman, a political sci- the aftermath of the fall of late Lib- paign they led in Libya. month in Tripoli to begin garnering I’d met who didn’t have health care.” of Commons, had been the official ence professor, said the next leader yan leader Moamer Kadhafi, with Cameron became “distracted” support for his government. The president said his worst day opposition to the Conservative gov- would likely be an anglophone and the country spiraling into chaos and and Sarkozy wanted to promote his Obama also reflected on some in the White House was when he ernment of Prime Minister Stephen unlikely to command huge support grappling with violent extremists. country during the 2011 Nato-led mil- of the best moments of his tenure as traveled to Newtown, Connecticut, Harper. But the centre-left Liberals in Quebec, where the NDP had once Reflecting on his legacy in a Fox itary intervention, Obama said in an president—due to end in January. after a gunman shot 20 young chil- rode a late surge to a majority victory been popular. “The party is in seri- News interview, Obama said his interview with The Atlantic magazine. “Saving the economy from a dren and six adult staff members at an under the charismatic leadership of ous trouble now,” he said. “worst mistake” was “probably failing Since the downfall of Kadhafi, great depression” was his biggest elementary school in December 2012.

Canada aboriginal community SpaceX Falcon 9 lands successfully declares suicide crisis emergency

Reuters the communities in the country.” Shisheesh and the First Nation’s “There’s just not been a serious band office could not be immediately response from any level of govern- reached for comment. ment until now,” he said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin TORONTO: A Canadian aborig- Canada’s 1.4 million aboriginals, Trudeau said on Twitter: “The news inal community of 2,000 people who make up about 4 percent of the from Attawapiskat is heartbreaking. declared a state of emergency after country’s population, have higher We’ll continue to work to improve 11 of its members tried taking their levels of poverty and a lower life living conditions for all indigenous own lives this month and 28 tried to expectancy than other Canadians people.” do so in March, according to a doc- and are more often victims of violent Another Canadian aboriginal ument provided by a local politician. crime, addiction and incarceration. community in the western province The declaration was signed by The Canadian Press reported of Manitoba appealed for federal aid Chief Bruce Shisheesh of the remote the regional First Nations govern- last month, citing six suicides in two northern community of the Attawap- ment was sending a crisis response months and 140 suicide attempts in iskat First Nation in Ontario. It was unit to the community following the two weeks. The problems plagu- provided to journalists by the mem- declaration. The Health Canada fed- ing remote indigenous communities A picture shows the main-stage booster of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket landing on a platform at sea in ber of parliament for the area, Charlie eral agency said in a statement it sent gained prominence in January when the Atlantic Ocean, in USA. Private firm SpaceX successfully launched its Dragon spacecraft to supply Angus, who said in an interview, two mental health counselors as part a gunman killed four people in La the astronauts on the International Space Station with supplies and scientific equipment on Saturday. “This is a systemic crisis affecting of that unit. Loche, Saskatchewan. AMERICAS TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 1917 Divisive Fujimori faces runoff battle to lead Peru

She also faces a challenge from and is seeking to be elected president moderate conservative Pedro of the chamber. Official results with Pablo Kuczynski, 77, a British- and With a slick electoral machine that 82.6 percent of votes US-educated former World Bank held glittering campaign rallies, Keiko executive, who has vowed to defeat Fujimori had been widely tipped in counted yesterday the “Fujimoristas.” polls to win Sunday’s vote by double showed Fujimori Official results with 82.6 percent digits. But the balance of power can of votes counted yesterday showed shift over the coming months. Opin- had 39.55 percent Fujimori had 39.55 percent of the ion polls have given a mixed picture of the vote against vote against 22.1 percent for Kuczyn- of which candidate might win in June. 22.1 percent for ski, known as “PPK.” He beat left-wing Latin America analyst Maria Luisa contender Veronika Mendoza to win Puig at the Eurasia Group wrote in a Kuczynski, known as second place. In the second round note Monday that Fujimori could “win “PPK.” on June 5, “Kuczynski will get lots a tight race due to her appeal to poor of anti-Fujimorista votes,” said Luis voters, a sector Kuczynski will strug- Benavente, head of the polling agency gle to reach.” Vox Populi. “The second round will be Fujimori and Kuczynski have very polarised.” vowed to strengthen law and order AFP Keiko Fujimori worked during her and invest in services for the poor campaign to distance herself from her in this country of 30 million people. father’s authoritarian image. He was Forty percent of Peruvians live at risk sentenced in 2009 to 25 years in jail of poverty, according to development LIMA: Keiko Fujimori has vowed to for massacres of supposed terrorists charity Oxfam. unite Peru after her first-round pres- by death squads in 1991 and 1992. Economic analysts said foreign idential election victory, but she faces Celebrating her first-round vic- investors would be relieved that Men- a fierce runoff battle to overcome the tory with a broad smile on Sunday doza was out of the running since she divisive legacy of her jailed father. night, Keiko Fujimori vowed to unite had vowed to tighten state control of The 40-year-old conservative the country. “Peru wants reconcilia- Peru’s resources. candidate claimed a boost from Sun- tion and no more conflict,” she said. The country has one of the fastest- day’s vote in her quest to become the “We have to step on the accelerator growing economies in Latin America, first female president of the South of growth again so it reaches all the despite a recent fall in commodity Peru’s presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori waves to supporters in Lima. American mineral-exporting nation. remote villages” of the country, she prices. Growth slowed in recent years But she faces resistance from added. under outgoing President Ollanta voters who mistrust her because her Strengthening her hand, Keiko’s Humala. “Regardless of who wins, a contin- Maravi said he voted for Mendoza candidates are virtually the same,” father Alberto Fujimori is in jail for Popular Force party also won a big Both US-educated, Fujimori and uation of current business-friendly and will now back Kuczynski — not he said. “But I think Peruvians that corruption and human rights atroci- majority in Peru’s single-cham- Kuczynski say they are committed to economic and investment policies is because he likes him, but because voted for Mendoza will now vote for ties committed during his 1990-2000 ber congress in Sunday’s vote. Her maintaining Peru’s economic growth likely,” wrote Puig. he does not trust Keiko Fujimori PPK, so the Fujimori story does not presidency. younger brother Kenji scored highly through foreign trade and investment. In Lima, 19-year-old student Josue after her father’s rule. “These two happen again.”

Brazil patrol Lawyers for two on death row for murder seek reprieve

AFP relatively little media attention in 2011. At the time, several of the the United States—partly because the justices qualified as “bizarre and allegations of bias surfaced long after objectionable” the testimony of the the trial. But on April 22 the Supreme psychologist, but the court stopped WASHINGTON: Advocates for two Court rules on whether to take up a short of agreeing to review the case. African Americans on death row for much higher-profile case — that of The Court’s decision this month murder are seeking a reprieve for Duane Buck — which involves sim- whether or not to take up the now- both men on the grounds their tri- ilar allegations of racial bias in the emblematic case comes as the als were tainted by racial bias, taking trial process. vacancy left by the death of one of its their campaigns all the way to the US Buck was sentenced to die in nine justices, Antonin Scalia, has cre- Supreme Court. Texas in 1997 for shooting dead his ated a likelihood of split 4-4 rulings. Amnesty International is waging ex-girlfriend and a friend, in front Both the New York Times and the a last-ditch effort to secure a stay for of her children. His attorneys do not Los Angeles Times have now pub- Kenneth Fults, 47, who is due to be dispute his conviction for the dou- lished editorials calling for Buck to executed by lethal injection today ble murder, but they argue that racial be granted a new trial. “A man was in the southeastern state of Georgia considerations entered into his sen- sentenced to death at least in part for the murder of a white woman 20 tencing, infringing his rights under because of his race—a violation of his years ago. Fults was sentenced to the US Constitution which guarantees constitutional rights,” wrote the Los Brazilian army soldiers check people as they patrol the Solimoes river as the armies of Brazil, Peru and death after pleading guilty to shoot- the right to an impartial jury. Angeles Times in urging the Supreme Colombia participate in an an operation to combat illegal logging and drug trafficking in the region ing Cathy Bounds five times in the During the 1997 hearing, psychol- Court to grant him a hearing. of the triple border, in Tabatinga, Amazonas state. back of the head. ogist Walter Quijano testified that Both papers highlighted the fact But eight years later, an investi- blacks pose a greater risk of “future that other men sentenced to die in gator working with his lawyers spoke dangerousness” than whites. cases involving testimony by the to a juror in the case, Thomas Buffin- Under Texas law, a person can same psychologist were granted fresh gton, aged 79 at the time, who used be sentenced to death only if shown hearings. But Buck’s death sentence a racial slur when referring to Fults. to pose a danger to society and the still stands because of a procedural Kirchner to face fraud accusations “Once he pled guilty, I knew I prosecutor cited this testimony in error by his lawyers. would vote for the death penalty asking for capital punishment. Advocates for Buck also cite because that’s what that nigger “This was a case that did not strong evidence of prejudice in Harris AFP She due to arrive in Buenos peso futures well below value. Aimed deserved,” Buffington, who has since have an enormous amount of evi- County, Texas, where he was sen- Aires 0115 GMT today following four at stabilizing the currency, the sales died, told the lawyer under oath. dence speaking to the question of tenced and which accounts for nine months in southern Patagonia, where led to a sharp drop in bank reserves. Georgia’s State Board for Par- future dangerousness,” said Chris- percent of all capital penalty sen- she secluded herself after leaving Argentina’s former economy dons and Paroles was to rule Monday tina Swarns, litigation director at the tences meted out in the United States. BUENOS AIRES: Tens of thousands office last December. The charges, minister and former central bank on an appeal for clemency filed by legal defense fund of the National Studies have shown Harris of supporters are expected to rally ranging from embezzlement to chairman are also named in the case. Fults’ lawyers in which they high- Association for the Advancement of County prosecutors were three times in Buenos Aires, when former presi- money laundering, come amid an News reports over the weekend said light allegations of racial bias but Colored People. more likely to seek the death pen- dent Cristina Kirchner returns to the atmosphere of political polariza- Kirchner could also be investigated also characterise him as intellectu- “Buck did not have prior con- alty against African Americans than Argentine capital to face the first of tion in Argentina and accusations of for alleged money laundering in a ally impaired and the product of a victions for violence, so having this against white defendants between an expanding series of corruption bias among prosecutors and judges. separate case fanned by revelations violent, neglectful childhood. expert in the field saying that because 1992 and 1999. Juries in the county allegations against her. A federal prosecutor is seeking an from the “Panama Papers” leaks. Should that fail, his last resort of his race he was going to be dan- were also more than twice as likely to Kirchner is due to testify tomor- investigation of the populist former It is just one among the cases would be an intervention by the gerous in the future, it clearly had a impose capital punishment on Afri- row in an investigation into whether president based on information given connected to former leading officials Supreme Court, which rejected a pre- very profound impact on the jury.” can Americans. she mishandled public funds in by a protected witness in an ongo- from the center-left governments of vious appeal by his lawyers’ last year. The Supreme Court has inter- Kate Black, a member of Burk’s connection with Central Bank cur- ing case, local media reported, citing Kirchner (in power from 2007-2015) His lawyers have asked the court to vened once before in Buck’s case, defense team, invokes his good rency-related operations during the court sources. Kirchner faces ques- and her late husband, former presi- take up the case again. granting a stay hours before his conduct during 18 years in jail as a final months of her presidency. tioning over the central bank’s sale of dent Nestor Kirchner (2003-2007). The Fults case has drawn scheduled execution in September further argument in his favour. Brazilian scientists find new Zika-linked brain disorder in adults

Reuters nervous system as well. The findings add to myelitis - nerve disorders typically caused patients who visited her hospital between Health Organization, and WHO believes the growing list of neurological damage asso- by direct infections in nerve cells. December 2014 and June 2015. All had that Zika likely is the cause. Dr James Sej- ciated with Zika. “Though our study is small, it may provide been infected with arboviruses, the family var, a neuroepidemiologist for the U.S. Centers According to the World Health Organi- evidence that in this case, the virus has differ- of viruses that includes Zika, dengue and for Disease Control and Prevention, said the CHICAGO: Scientists in Brazil have uncov- zation, there is a strong scientific consensus ent effects on the brain than those identified chikungunya. ADEM cases linked with Zika do not appear ered a new brain disorder associated with that, in addition to Guillain-Barre, Zika in current studies,” Dr. Maria Lucia Brito, a Six of these patients developed symp- to be occurring at the same accelerated rate Zika infections in adults: an autoimmune can cause the birth defect microcephaly, neurologist at Restoration Hospital in Recife, toms consistent with autoimmune disorders. as cases of Guillain-Barre, but said doctors syndrome called acute disseminated though conclusive proof may take months or Brazil, said in a statement. Of these six, four had Guillain-Barre and two should be on the lookout for ADEM and other encephalomyelitis, or ADEM, that attacks years. Microcephaly is defined by unusually ADEM typically occurs in the aftermath had ADEM. In both ADEM cases, brain scans central nervous system illnesses. the brain and spinal cord. small heads that can result in developmen- of an infection, causing intense swelling in showed damage to white matter. ADEM symp- “Of course, the remaining question is Zika has already been linked with the tal problems. the brain and spinal cord that damages mye- toms typically last about six months. ‘Why?’” Sejvar said. “Why does Zika virus autoimmune disorder Guillain-Barre syn- Brazil said it has confirmed more than lin, the white protective coating surrounding All six patients tested positive for Zika, and appear to have the strong association with drome, which attacks peripheral nerves 940 cases to be related to Zika infections nerve fibers. all had lingering effects after being discharged GBS and potential other immune/inflamma- outside the brain and spinal cord, causing in the mothers. Brazil is investigating It results in weakness, numbness and loss from the hospital, with five patients reporting tory diseases of the nervous system?” temporary paralysis that can in some cases nearly 4,300 additional suspected cases of of balance and vision, symptoms similar to motor dysfunction, one with vision problems, Sejvar, who has studied Guillain-Barre require patients to rely on respirators for microcephaly. multiple sclerosis. and one with cognitive decline. Syndrome (GBS) in Brazil and is involved in a breathing. In addition to autoimmune disease, some Brito presented her findings on Sunday at At least 13 countries have reported major clinical trial of Guillain-Barre in Puerto The new discovery now shows Zika may researchers also have reported patients with the American Academy of Neurology meet- cases of Guillain-Barre linked with out- Rico, said he hopes future studies will shed provoke an immune attack on the central Zika infections developing encephalitis and ing in Vancouver. The study involved 151 breaks of Zika, according to the World more light on such questions.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 23o C Maximum: 36o C

FAJR 03.57 am ZUHR 11.35 am MAGHRIB 05.57 pm HIGH TIDE 07:45 - 21:15 Expected strong wind and high seas due to SHOROOK 05.15 am ASR 03.04 pm ISHA 07.27 pm LOW TIDE 03:15 - 13:45 thunder activity. Partly cloudy to cloudy with chance of scattered rain, thunder by evening.

20 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST Jumbo cannons www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

MOST READ

G7 foreign ministers oppose provocation 1 in East and South China Seas Ukraine looks to new pro-EU 2 government after PM quits

Oil prices rise in Asia as Doha 3 meeting, US report loom

TWEET OF THE DAY

People take part in water battles with elephants as part of celebrations of Songkhran — the Thai new year — in the city of Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok, yesterday. The festival is marked across Thailand with water fights around the new year, which falls tomorrow.

INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY Mr. Nice The annual author who wasn’t so nice earlier dies at 70 exhibition organised by AP 70. A statement on Marks’ website as a countercultural entrepreneur. culture shock, absurd amounts of UCL Qatar’s MA said he died in his sleep on Sunday One of his preferred routes was money, and the comforting knowl- Museum and “surrounded by his four loving chil- to smuggle drugs in the equipment edge of getting so many people Gallery Practice LONDON: Howard Marks, a con- dren.” Born in a coal-mining village in of touring rock bands — without the stoned,” Marks told the Observer students was victed drug smuggler who reinvented Wales in 1945, Marks studied physics bands’ knowledge. He claimed to have newspaper last year. inaugurated by himself as an author, raconteur and and philosophy at Oxford University lived under 43 aliases and worked Marks was acquitted of drug deal- Sheikh Turki bin drug-reform campaigner after pub- before becoming a marijuana dealer as a spy for Britain’s MI6 intelligence ing after a British trial in 1980, but the Faisal Al Thani. lishing best-selling autobiography and then smuggler, building up a glo- agency. “Smuggling cannabis was a scale of his operation soon had inter- “Mr. Nice,” has died of cancer at age bal business and cultivating an image wonderful way of living — perpetual national law enforcement on his tail.

Jon Snow a no-show at ‘Game Why we dance: Dancer opens gait to appreciation of Thrones’ The Washington Post who is chair of the dance department maturity, too. Indian dance has so at New York University’s Tisch School many layers of complexity to it that premiere of the Arts. it takes 10 to 12 years to even begin A dancer who spent 10 years with to get a grasp of it.” WASHINGTON: It was a life-chang- Kalanidhi in Bethesda is today one If that’s what dancers must Reuters ing moment for Anuradha Nehru. of India’s top Kuchipudi dancers. do, imagine what a US audience Her guru, the late Vempati Chinna “I’m known in India today as Amrita must know to fully appreciate the Satyam, the man who taught her Lahiri’s guru,” Nehru says with a performance. LOS ANGELES: The cast of “Game Indian classical dance, was touring laugh. She has found creative ways of Thrones” played down rumours the United States with a solo dancer. In fact, that’s not a bad place to to reach wider audiences. In 2013, fan-favourite Jon Snow would live He invited Nehru to perform with be for a woman who wants to help Kalanidhi performed with Opera on in the hit fantasy series at the them on their final night in Wash- Indian classical dance take off in the Lafayette in a production of “Lalla- season six premiere on Sunday, ington. United States and make it possible for Roukh,” a 19th-century opera that is insisting the heroic character was Nehru practised for two months young dancers to become professional set on the road from Delhi to Kash- dead. to prepare for that moment. When her Indian dancers. mir. Director Ryan Brown says that Stars Emilia Clarke (Daen- dance was over, Nehru says her guru It may seem to be a quixotic goal. when he decided to use an Indian erys Targaryen), Maisie Williams told her: “What are you doing with But Nehru has tilted at bigger wind- dance company in the show, he did a (Arya Stark) and Nikolaj Coster- your life? You’re wasting your time. mills than that. As a young woman search online and discovered Nehru Waldau (Jaime Lannister) walked Anyone can do a job, but not every- growing up in southern India, she “in our own back yard. It was almost the carpet at Los Angeles’ TCL Chi- one can dance like you.” studied Kuchipudi. College, marriage unbelievable that a group of that qual- nese Theatre but Kit Harrington, And with that, Nehru, the founder and family forced her to set aside her ity could exist so close by and kind of who plays Snow, was a notable of Kalanidhi Dance — a Bethesda, vision for a while, but she was always under the radar.” no-show. Maryland-based company celebrating working on ways to get back to dance. Even though Nehru knew almost Snow appeared to be killed its 25th year — embarked on a jour- She says she didn’t have a choice. nothing about opera, Brown says, “she off at the end of season five of the ney that nurtured her lifelong passion “I think the only thing is that I can’t was just so attuned to every musical popular drama based on novels by for dance in a country more attuned imagine not continuing,” Nehru says gesture in this music and style that George R R Martin but HBO sent to ballet and Bollywood dancing than in her Bethesda home, which doubles was previously unknown to her.” fans into a frenzy last year when it to Kuchipudi, a form of Indian clas- as a school and dance studio. “I never Opera Lafayette later used Kala- tweeted a season six teaser poster sical dance. set out with a goal in mind. I always nidhi in another production of an with a shot of his bloody face. The company is the subject of a did it because I loved doing it.” 18th-century opera-ballet by Jean- “Listen, my only reply is the short film, “Why We Dance,” by local Kuchipudi demands that kind of Philippe Rameau based on Egyptian man had about 25 knives in his filmmaker Ellie Walton. She says she devotion. It’s a complex art that com- mythology. “Even though those two chest — how much steel does he was captivated by the courage it took bines storytelling, music and creative aesthetics in Western music are very need to have in his body to be con- for Nehru to pursue this art form and expression. Besides the 28 single- different, she had the same kind of firmed dead? He’s dead, dead as a “that process of how are you simul- hand gestures and 13 double-hand careful listening and reaction to the doornail,” Liam Cunningham, who taneously losing yourself in the art gestures, there are six foot positions musical gestures of that language,” plays Davos Seaworth, said. form you love and how are you build- and 108 different units of movement, Brown says. “On top of that, I find that “It’s so sad. He’s gone, gone ... ing a community through it.” Her film not to mention moves for the nine she not only comes up with beauti- Such a shame. Such a nice young aims to show how even if viewers are basic emotions portrayed in many of ful physical images but that they are man,” added Iwan Rheon, who unfamiliar with the form, the dance the dances. Even that description is an really pertinent to the dramatic sto- plays Ramsay Bolton. “goes to a deeper core that people can oversimplification, Nehru says. rytelling that’s going on.” The fifth season finale, which connect to.” The discipline requires hours “She’s an astounding artist,” saw Snow stabbed repeatedly and Even within the larger classical of practice, physical conditioning, Brown says. NYU’s Curran, who appearing to bleed to death, drew Indian dance world, Kuchipudi, which rhythmic know-how and a sense of Asha Dwarka, Silpa Nanan, Chitra Kalyandurg, Anuradha Nehru and worked with her on that second col- the show’s largest US audience hails from southern India, is some- maturity to be able to convey a story Smitha Viswanathan perform "Rasa" in 2007. Nehru founded the laboration, says Nehru also invited with some 8.1 million viewers, thing of a niche market. But Nehru, or an emotion. No movement is with- company Kalanidhi Dance, which has nurtured Kuchipudi, a form of him to lead a modern-dance work- according to reports. 55, has found ways to overcome that, out meaning. Indian classical dance. shop with her dance company. “Anu It is also the point that Mar- in part through collaborations, with Dancers, Nehru says, need five is kind of fearless,” Curran says. tin’s books have reached, so not Washington’s Opera Lafayette and or six years just for body condition- vocabulary. “It’s five years before we dance aspects,” she says, “because “She watched every hour of every hint there. with modern dancer Seán Curran, ing and learning the basic dance even start teaching the expressive expressive dance comes with rehearsal.” www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 23 QE 10,159.66 -31.01 PTS PAGE | 24 DOW 17,556.55 -20.41 PTS Over 90 developers to Daily Mail in talks FTSE100 6,200.12 -4.29 PTS showcase projects in with potential Cityscape Qatar BRENT $40.40 +$0.68 Yahoo bidders

TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 • 5 Rajab 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

QIIB: Capital Intelligence affirms ‘A-’ rating with positive outlook

The Peninsula

DOHA: Capital Intelligence Rat- ings has confirmed QIIB’s rating at ‘A-’ with a positive outlook. The ratings agency also affirmed the Chairman of Ezdan Holding Group Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani (centre), CEO Ali Mohammed Al Obaidli (third right), bank’s long and short term for- Moahamed Hussain Al Abdulla (left), Ali Abdul Rahman Al Hashmi (second left), Dr Yousuf Ahmed Al Naama (third left), Walid Ahmedl A Saadi eign currency ratings at ‘A’ and (second right) and Abdulbasit Ahmed Al Shaibei (right) during Ezdan Holding Group’s Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly, at Ezdan ‘A2’ respectively, clearly indicat- Tower yesterday. Pic: Kammutty VP/The Peninsula ing the QIIB’s strong position and credit worthiness. On the QIIB rating affirmation, Capital Intelligence said that the bank maintained the profitability Ezdan to issue Sukuk worth $2bn level of the operational activi- provide everything that we can to ties and its high quality assets, as support growth in various sectors. well as high levels of liquidity. The Our main strengths lie in paying bank has also maintained the cap- our attention and focusing our issued in May or June this year. The December this year or January 2017. 700 shops, a hypermarket and two ital adequacy at a good level and activities on the domestic mar- We are working to Ordinary and Extraordinary General The chairman noted that the schools,” said Al Obaidli. is working to further enhance it ket since it contains very strong Assembly of Ezdan Holding Group Group’s performance over 2015 was He added that groups two malls, through the issuance of capital factors upon which we rely our develop a realistic new yesterday approved recommendation exceptional in terms of increasing one in Al Wakra and another in Al instruments eligible under the first various activities that do not investment operations to of Board of Directors for issuance of profits despite the challenges that Wukair, are expected to be ready in tranche of the capital. exclude any sector. At the same emphasise our presence Sukuk worth $2bn. gripped several markets in the region the current year. Commenting on the rating time we give priority to infra- in the various investment “We are satisfied with the solid due to the plunging oil prices and fall- Sheikh Dr Khalid stated that affirmation, QIIB Chief Execu- structure and other mega projects financial position of the Group, which ing stock markets. “We seek, through Ezdan Holding Group has been in tive Officer Abdulbasit Ahmed Al and attach great attention to sectors, including the has witnessed tremendous growth in this move, to promote Islamic finance the lead, following the footsteps of Shaibei (pictured), said: “As an small and medium enterprises as issuance of Shariah- the pace of our record profitability. We culture in the whole world, and to the state leadership and adopting active participant of the Qatari an important factor in promoting complaint bonds (Sukuk) are working to develop a realistic new make Qatar one of the developing its vision in supporting the national banking sector, we at QIIB are development.” worth $2bn,” said Sheikh investment operations to emphasise our nations of this vital sector, noting economy. He said that the Group will pleased with every success we Al Shaibei said QIIB’s rating presence in the various investment sec- that investing in Sukuk would min- spare no effort to presents its success achieve. And every step confirms affirmation from Capital Intelli- Dr Khalid bin Thani tors, using several mechanisms, including imise risk rates and raise cash-flow achieved to the nation and society, that we are moving forward and gence reflects the strong initiatives bin Abdullah Al Thani, the issuance of Islamic Shariah-com- within the Group,” said the Chairman. and that such success is added to the dealing with the developments made by the bank and the systematic Chairman of Ezdan plaint bonds (Sukuk) worth $2bn,” said Speaking on the sidelines of the national work record and honorable based on the interest of our share- and continuous implementation Holding Group. Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdul- meeting, Ali Mohammed Al Obaidli, history. “ Ezdan will remain committed holders and customers and in line of the interim and strategic plans lah Al Thani, Chairman of Ezdan Holding CEO, Ezdan Holding Group, said to its promises towards the community with the growth of Qatar’s econ- approved by our Board of Direc- Group. “Such vision came after we have the fund raised through sukuk will in the allocation of permanent fund to omy from which we draw our tors coupled with maximum efforts meticulous study and our participation be utilised for financing company’s support the charitable work out of its strength and gain consistent finan- for taking advantage of low-risk in a number of local and international projects. “We got approval for sukuk profits, through the endowment of up cial position.” opportunities, both internally and By Sachin Kumar conferences dealing with Islamic today and in the first phase we plan to 22.8 percent of the Group shares by He added: “Qatar’s economy externally. The Peninsula finance industry in the contemporary to raise $500m by issuing sukuk in Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani. proves yet again that it is vital and QIIB was founded in 1990 as world. In addition to all that, we have May or June this year,” he said. Such initiative is regarding the first of dynamic and one that is being able the second Islamic Bank in Qatar been keen to focus on using the best The CEO said that the work on its kind in Qatar,” he added. The assem- to cope with the various develop- and is currently the third largest Islamic financing practices, including affordable housing project in Al bly also endorsed the recommendation ments. We, at QIIB, are proud to bank in the country in terms of DOHA: Qatar’s real estate major Islamic bond,” he added. Wukair is ongoing. “We are con- of the Board of Directors regarding be a part of this economy’s suc- assets and market value. The bank Ezdan Holding Group will raise $2bn The group is expecting to finish structing megaproject which is the distribution of 5 percent cash div- cess story and will always seek to has diverse regional and interna- through Sukuk issuance. Of this total first phase affordable housing mega spread across 1 square kilometers idends to shareholders at the rate of participate in its development and tional partnerships. amount sukuk worth $500m will be project in Al Wukair by the end of and has 8,500 vilas and apartments, 50 dirhams per share. Oil climbs to four-month high as Doha talks on output cap near

Bloomberg considerable short covering before the rose 6.6 percent to $39.72 on Friday, meeting.” the biggest increase since February Oil has rebounded after falling to 12, to cap an 8 percent weekly gain. the lowest level in more than 12 years Total volume traded was 22 percent NEW YORK/DOHA: Oil rose to a amid signs that a global glut will ease above the 100-day average. four-month high in London ahead of as US output declines. Saudi Arabia, the Meanwhile, Kuwait Oil Company a meeting in Doha this month where biggest producer in the Organization of said it will soon offer contracts for off- producers will discuss freezing output. Petroleum Exporting Countries, said it shore rigs and support services to drill Brent futures rose as much as 2.7 will agree to a freeze only if it’s joined its first undersea wells as the Persian percent, erasing an 1.3 percent loss. by other suppliers including Iran, while Gulf nation tries to boost crude out- Venezuela said the first priority of the Kuwait said a deal can be done without put to the highest level in more than April 17 talks should be to cap output, Tehran’s support. four decades. while Azerbaijan said it backs a freeze. Brent for June settlement Kuwait is targeting production of Prices dropped earlier after Iraq, Opec’s advanced 79 cents, or 1.9 percent, 3.165 million barrels a day later this second-biggest producer, boosted to $42.73 a barrel on the London- year or in 2017, up from a current 3 output 2 percent and exports by 18 based ICE Futures Europe exchange million barrels a day, Chief Exec- percent last month, the state-run Oil at 10:36 am in New York. The con- utive Officer Jamal Jaafar said at a Marketing Co. said. tract earlier rose to $43.06, the highest conference in Kuwait City. He made “There’s a lot of excitement since December 7. Prices increased his comments a day after fellow OPEC about the Sunday meeting,” said 8.5 percent last week. West Texas member Iraq reported a record level John Kilduff, partner at Again Cap- Intermediate for May delivery rose of production and less than a week ital LLC, a New York hedge fund 65 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $40.37 a before some of the biggest oil-pro- FROM LEFT: Jason Bordoff, Founding Director of the Centre on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, focused on energy. “Speculation that barrel on the New York Mercantile ducing nations are to discuss freezing Andrew Brown, Upstream Director of Shell, and Mohammad Husain, President and CEO of Equate an agreement will be reached is gen- Exchange. Futures touched $40.75, the output to reduce a glut and shore up Petrochemical Company at the fourth Kuwait Oil and Gas Conference in Kuwait City, yesterday. erating some buying. There should be highest since March 23. The contract prices. 22 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS

QICDRC names three new judges

The peninsula

DOHA: Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) has appointed three new judges. One judge has been appointed to the Court and two to the Regulatory Tribunal, QICDRC 2016 Kia Sportage bags Best announced yesterday. George Arestis, a former judge Small SUV of the Year title of the Supreme Court of Cyprus and European Court of Justice in The newly appointed judges — Gopal Subramanium, George Arestis and Edwin Glasgow. Luxembourg, has joined the Court. Edwin Glasgow QC, an Eng- The Peninsula new Sportage will help Kia reinforce lish silk, arbitrator and mediator, of India and a former Solicitor General Centre. Speaking of their appointment, 16 judges from 10 different jurisdictions its position among the market lead- and Gopal Subramanium, a Sen- of India, have joined the specialist Reg- the Registrar of the QICDRC, Christo- reaffirming its position as a truly inter- ers in an increasingly hard-fought ior Advocate of the Supreme Court ulatory Tribunal of the Qatar Financial pher Grout said: “The QICDRC now has national Centre”. and crowded segment.” DUBAI: Kia’s all new Sportage- The fourth-generation Kia has been awarded the coveted Sportage features a bold new look, ‘Best Small SUV of the Year’ hon- with the vehicle’s designers creat- our at the prestigious 2016 Middle ing a sense of sporty and powerful East Car of the Year Awards energy from every angle. The design (MECOTY). The award, which was of the new Sportage has been led Toyota launches 2016 Innova announced at a gala ceremony in by Kia’s European design studio Abu Dhabirecently,is an addition to in Frankfurt, Germany, with input thegrowing collection of significan- from the brand’s Namyang, Korea thonours that the brand has bagged and Irvine, California design centers. The 2016 Toyota Innova over the years. The all-new Sportage creates vis- Commenting on the award win, ual harmony out of the tension and is available in a choice Mr. Soon-Nam Lee, the President contrast between its sharp, defined of 6 colours. These of Kia Middle East & Africa (MEA) feature lines and smooth surfacing. include Super White, Regional HQsaid: “Theall-new MECOTY is regarded as the most Sportagehas gained tremendous prestigious award in the Middle White Pearl CS, Silver popularity here in the Middle East East’s automotive industry. Lead- ME, Gray ME, Attitude among both customers and motor- ing global car brands competed in ing experts.” different categories including Group Black MC and Avant- Lee added:“The Kia Sportage A (Sedan/ Executive), Group B (SUV/ Garde Bronze ME. has played a key role in driving Kia Truck) and Group C (Performance). Motors’ sustained growth and suc- The winners were determined by a cess around the world in recent judging panel comprising prominent years, with more than 1.6 mil- automotive journalists from across The Peninsula lion of the third-generation model the Middle East. Members of the jury sold worldwide between 2010 and panel represented countries such as 2015. Leading the way in terms of its the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, refinement, innovation, distinctive Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar and DOHA: Toyota is once again redefining design and high material quality, the Saudi Arabia. conventional notions of a Multi-Pur- pose Vehicle (MPV) with the launch of the all-new 2016 Toyota Innova in the Middle East. The new Innova, which can comfortably seat up to eight pas- Alinma Bank Q1 net profit rises The launching of the all new Toyota Innova 2016, at Four Season Hotel in Doha, yesterday. sengers, combines the essence of an Pic: Baher Amin/The Peninsula MPV with the tough, emotional ele- ments of an SUV to introduce the Reuters ultimate family vehicle. The global of customers who desired not only regardless of the road or weather. We Our team had held extensive inter- model we know today debuted in 2004, its high functionality but also a styl- also took Innova’s Quality, Durabil- actions with customers to determine and over the years, Innova’s superb ver- ish vehicle as well. The new vehicle ity and Reliability (QDR) philosophy the design and mechanical direction satility, impressive performance and intends to replace the conventional to a new level with this latest model.” the vehicle should take. The new DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Alinma Bank reported a 13.7 percent rise in first- excellent value haveearned customers image of an MPV with a bold appear- “The new Innova will not only Innova has been built to exceed cus- quarter profit yesterday, beating the average forecast of analysts. and admirers the world over. ance that hints at the presence of an satisfy existing customers who love its tomer expectations throughout its Net profit in the three months to Mar. 31 was SR391m ($104.3m), com- The 2016 Toyota Innova is avail- SUV. I am confident that this ground- legacy, but it will also win over cus- model life. At the same time, it has pared to SR344m in the same period last year, it said in a bourse statement. able in a choice of 6 colours. These breaking image will satisfy customers tomers looking for a spacious and been designed to not only protect Three analysts polled by Reuters forecast on average the firm would make include Super White, White Pearl CS, who are looking for something spe- more stylish vehicle with additional the existing market but also pioneer a quarterly net profit of SR375.1m. Alinma, the tenth-largest bank in the Silver ME, Gray ME, Attitude Black MC cial. Its appeal is best expressed features,”saidTakayuki Yoshitsugu, a new category of MPVs. We sincerely kingdom by assets, cited a decrease in total operating expenses as a result and Avant-Garde Bronze ME. through its positioning statement: The Chief Representative, Middle East and appreciate the support of all our cus- of a drop in provisions for credit losses, as well as a rise in net income from Hiroki Nakajima, Executive Chief MPV designed for ‘multi performance’. North Africa Representative Office, tomers who have put their faith in the investment and financing activities, for its profit rise. Engineer of the Innova, said: “The Innova has always remained true to Toyota Motor Corporation.“The model Innova over the years and we look Saudi companies issue brief earnings statements early in the reporting new Innova’s design direction grew its purpose as an MPV – delivering has received significant upgrades that forward to delighting them with this period before publishing detailed results later. from my insights into the expectations a spacious and comfortable journey extend beyond just its appearance. new model.”

Banque Saudi Porsche Centre Doha celebrates arrival of new Porsche 911 Fransi posts 2.7% Q1 profit gain The Peninsula and tuned engine management. This allows the 911 Carrera to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 Reuters seconds – making it two tenths of a DOHA: Bursting with more power, second faster than its predecessor. refined design and increased effi- The 911 Carrera S with PDK and Sport ciency, the new Porsche 911 range Chrono Package performs its show- DUBAI: Banque Saudi Fransi, a has arrived at Porsche Centre Doha, case discipline in just 3.9 seconds. lender part-owned by Credit Agri- Al Boraq Automobiles Co. w.l.l. show- The four-wheel-drive versions cole, posted a 2.7 percent rise in casing cutting-edge technological of the new 911 boast improved drive first-quarter net profit yesterday, advancements in what is the most dynamics and driving safety. In addi- beating analyst forecasts due to an highly evolved 911 to date. tion, the adaptive Porsche Active increase in total operating income. Now available in a range of model Suspension Management (PASM) The bank, the sixth-largest by variants including coupe and cabrio- chassis with its ten-millimetre lower assets in the kingdom, made a profit let, the new 911 features entirely new ride height, included as standard, ena- of SR1.08bn ($288m) in the three turbocharged power units evolved from bles an even greater spread between months ending March 31, compared the racetrack to the road, as part of sporty circuit and relaxed long-dis- with SR1.05bn in the same period Porsche’s commitment to technology tance driving. a year earlier, it said in a bourse transfer. This gives the world’s best-sell- Power distribution to all four statement. Four analysts surveyed ing sports car a boost in performance wheels is now handled by Porsche by Reuters had on average forecast alongside significantly improved fuel Traction Management (PTM) from the bank would make a quarterly economy. On the exterior, the new 911 the 911 Turbo with electrohydraulic profit of SR964.3m. impresses with an evolutionary yet fur- control. This enables the 911 Carrera Banque Saudi Fransi, which ther sharpened design, while inside it 4 to achieve better acceleration values had reported rising profits in the features the new Porsche Commu- than its rear-wheel-drive counter- previous eight quarters, attributed nication Management (PCM) system parts for the first time, sprinting from its improved earnings perform- delivering improved connectivity and Salman Jassem Al Darwish, Chairman and CEO at Porsche Centre Doha, Mohamed Saeed Hassan, Regional zero to 100km/h in 4.1, with the S ance in the first quarter to an controls. model registering 3.8 seconds. The 911 increase in total operating income, After Sales Manager, Porsche Middle East and Ahed Dawood, Brand Manager at Porsche Centre Doha, during Advanced over more than 50 Targa 4 and Targa 4S, with compara- which gained 2.6 percent helped the arrival of the new Porsche 911, in Doha, yesterday. Pic: Qassim R/The Peninsula years, the brand icon is the heritage ble equipment, need just 0.2 seconds by higher incomes from commis- model from which every Porsche longer. Regarded as the top athletes sions and fees. These profits from stems. Having been developed and 911 is a car that has achieved iconic for every driver with each type boast- which set the benchmark in terms of in the range and thanks to a 3.8-litre special commissions increased 8.9 proven on the most challenging cir- status over the decades and we are ing one overriding trait: pure Porsche performance, driving pleasure and six-cylinder bi-turbo engine, the 911 percent year on year to SR1.05bn. cuits of the world, the 911 is the sports immensely pleased to be sharing its performance. The innovations, which efficiency. Across the range, a gain Turbo now delivers 540 hp, with the Saudi companies issue brief car which has won more races than latest evolution with our enthusiasts allow each version to deliver even of 20 hp has been achieved, despite coupe model sprinting from zero to earnings statements early in the any other but seamlessly balances and customers here in Qatar. This more power but with increased effi- a fuel reduction of up to 1.0 litre per 100km/h in 3.0 seconds. The gain of reporting period before publishing exceptional everyday usability. model represents standard-setting ciency, are nothing short of ground 100km. 20 hp has been achieved by modified more detailed results later. Loans and Speaking on the arrival of the sports car performance along with breaking and further extend the 911’s The new 911 Carrera produces 370 inlet ports in the cylinder head, new advances at the end of March stood at new 911 range, Salman Jassem Al the convenience of everyday usability, position as a segment leader.” hp, whilst the 911 Carrera S delivers injection nozzles and higher fuel pres- SR124.98bn, gaining 3.5 percent on the Darwish, Chairman and CEO at Por- all packaged in a legendary design. The Carrera and Targa mod- 420 hp, thanks to a combination of sure. Top speed in the new 911 Turbo is same point of 2015, while deposits sche Centre Doha, commented: “With Thanks to the extensive range avail- els feature a completely new engine turbochargers with modified com- 320km/h, 5km/h faster than the pre- dipped 5.6 percent to SR141.82bn its unique success story, the Porsche able right from the start, there is a 911 generation with bi-turbo charging, pressors, enhanced exhaust system vious model. over the same period. BUSINESS TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 23

GOIC to organise QIIC ratifies 40% cash dividends financial analysis workshop for SMEs The Qatar Islamic Insurance Company (QIIC) succeeded The Peninsula between megaprojects and SMEs from a financial perspective, objec- in exceeding its tives of financial analysis, financial business and analysis applications for existing DOHA: The Gulf Organization for and future projects, various key operational goals Industrial Consulting (GOIC) offers a cost sections and the importance of and targets in 2015 series of training workshops in 2016 their classification, the components, to develop the skills of the industrial structure and sources to finance by generating gross sector staff and help them keep up investment projects and the effect premium of about with recent developments and of the source of financing on the updates in this vital sector. project results and decision-mak- QR293.10m, and The Gulf Organization for Indus- ing process. aggregate net profit trial Consulting (GOIC) will organise The workshop will shed light on The Chairman of Qatar Islamic Insurance Company (QIIC), Sheikh Abdullah bin Thani Al Thani (centre), CEO a training workshop on “Basic working capital estimation and its of about QR88.16m. Ali Ibrahim Al Abdul Ghani (right), and Shariah Supervisory Board Chairman Dr Ali Moehi El Din Al Gura Financial Analysis for SMEs” at its importance to the production cycle, Daghi at the AGM of the company at the Doha Sheraton yesterday. Pic: M Salim/The Peninsula headquarters in Doha on April 24. main components of annual pro- The three-day workshop targets duction costs and the importance owners of SMEs that are currently of their classification, components By Mohammad Shoeb profit reached about QR81.99m, our insurance underwriting capac- General Assembly the shareholders operational or still under construc- of final accounts and their analy- The Peninsula constituting Earnings per Share ities, retention and profit efficiency, ratified all the agenda of the meet- tion, investors seeking to establish sis methods, analysis of production (EPS) of QR5.47. re-engineer our motor insurance ing, including an amendment to the SMEs, investment managers at dif- costs and income using percentages, The Board of Directors of QIIC, operations, maximize the efficiency Statute of the company according to ferent SMEs and parties in charge of calculation of key financial indica- in co-ordination with the Shariah’ of our investment assets diversifi- regulatory requirements in accord- financing SMEs at financing banks. tors for future projects, investment DOHA: Qatar Islamic Insurance Supervisory Board, has decided to cation and profitability, rise in the ance with the Commercial Companies The training aims at introduc- and financing decisions and the Company (QIIC) yesterday held its reimburse policyholders with cash Qatarisation percentage.” Law No. 11 for the year 2015, and ing necessary financial analysis tools increase of efficiency and operations Annual General Meeting (AGM) and surplus equaling 20 percent of the “Although we recognise that authorised the Board to complete generally used to analyse financial and their relationship with financial the shareholders approved all the premiums written in 2015, which is 2016 will pose a real challenge to the all the necessary procedures for it data provided by periodic accounts indicators. agenda, including the Board’s pro- the highest so far. Qatari private sector and, especially and authorised the Chairman / Vice or reports of institutions and com- The training session will be posal to distribute cash dividends of Sheikh Abdulla bin Thani Al the Qatari joint stock companies, Chairman to sign the amended Stat- panies. These financial analyses delivered by Mustapha Al Mahdi 40 percent of the paid-up capital (QR4 Thani, Chairman of the Board, who given the current global economic ute of the company. allow owners of SMEs to under- Nasser, expert in financial analy- per share) for the last financial year presided over yesterday’s AGM, said: turmoil and the unprecedented QIIC shareholders also approved stand key relationships between sis for industrial projects at GOIC. ended December 31, 2015. “As for the future, the Board will competitive environment dominat- to the proposal of the Board of various cost elements on the one Nasser has a cumulative expertise The Company succeeded in pursue, with unwavering deter- ing the domestic insurance market, Directors to amend the Article (17) hand, and between these elements of more than 30 years in the field exceeding its business and opera- mination, the Company’s strategic we are confident that we will consol- The Company shall be managed by a and income and sources of funding of financial analysis of projects, tional goals and targets in 2015 by plans for the years (2015-17) to idate our market position, create new board consisting of seven members on the other. The good understand- investment assessment, the set-up of generating gross premium of about ensure its continued growth and business opportunities in Qatar and ‘instead of 11 members’ elected by ing of these relationships and their companies and their restructuring. QR293.10m, and aggregate net profit prosperity. Our approved three year abroad and ensure QIIC’s continued the Ordinary General Assembly by mutual influence is at the basis of GOIC offers a number of train- of about QR88.16m, of which net strategic plan and goals will permit success in 2016 and beyond”, added secret ballot, (that is to be applied sound and timely decision-making. ing workshops to concerned parties policyholders’ surplus amounted to us to increase our share of insur- the Chairman. in the coming Assembly elections The training workshop includes according to their specific needs in about QR6.17m and shareholders’ ance business in Qatar, maximise Later in the Extraordinary in 2017). several topics such as differences various fields. Sun Group International to expand CRA plans to launch .doha, after steady its footprint in 2016: Chairman growth in websites registered with .qa The Peninsula is equally renowned for his entrepreneur- ial achievements and his philanthropic contributions. He is the 2016 recipient of India’s one of the highest civilian honours The Peninsula DOHA: The UAE-based Sun Group Interna- “Padma Shri”. tional is set to expand its operations to African “Padma Shri is one of the highest civil- region. The Group is in talks with government ian awards. This honour means a lot for entities in the region. me. It will encourage me to do more work DOHA: The Communications Regulatory Talking to The Penin- in area of social services. Authority (CRA) yesterday announced its sula, Dr Sundar Menon I am a member of several plans to launch “.doha” as a new top-level (pictured), the Group charitable trusts and I am domain (TLD) for eligible entities and Chairman said the Group planning to undertake organizations in Doha to register their is in final rounds of discus- more philanthropic ini- websites. This comes as part of CRA’s sions with the Botswana tiatives this year,” strategy to foster the development of Government authorities. Dr Menon’s Trust con- Qatar’s domain extensions as a key pub- qa”,”.edu.qa”, and “.sch.qa”. These domain Meanwhile, international Registrars are The Sun Group Interna- tributes to the social and lic resource, by providing stable, secure, extensions are serving the Qatari market taking leverage of their customer base to tional is also in the process educational welfare of and trusted domain name services, as a well and in turn the market seems to be register the domains for those wanting to of diversifying its busi- the weaker sections of the priority in helping shape Qatar’s role in adapting quite naturally to the use of these secure their trademarks and brand names nesses in India and UAE. Indian society. It’s objec- the digital economy. TLDs in general. The successful delegation in the new extensions. CRA is continually The Sun Group Inter- tives reflect the strong “Qatar Domains Registry (QDR), an of the geographic TLD ‘.doha’ by the Internet monitoring the landscape to make adjust- national is a transnational social commitments. Many initiative under CRA, has registered 21,601 Corporation for Assigned Names and Num- ments based on demand. A full list of the concern that has many ven- social welfare schemes have domains since its launch in 2011,” said Faisal bers (ICANN), in March 2015, came as a good QDR accredited registrars is available at this tures based in Qatar, the been devised including the Ali Al-Shuaibi, CRA’s spokesperson. “After news for QDR as it will help raise greater link http://www.domains.qa/en/registrars/ UAE and India. education of tribal chil- facilitating the steady growth in its domain awareness for all TLDs. In fact, one of the accredited-registrars It owns fleets of ships dren, provision of medical volumes, QDR is now on a fast track to make reasons new TLDs were originally intro- Qatar-specific domains provides busi- and road tankers that aid to the poor and disa- .doha the dot capital of Qatar on the internet duced by ICANN was to offer registrants nesses and individual users with a means supply fuel to diverse loca- bled and the arrangement world map. Strategic initiatives in Qatar can greater availability in domain name choice. of differentiating themselves as distinctly tions, but has also operated fully equipped of the community marriages for underprivi- now have a web address ending in .doha as With the onset of new TLDs being released Qatari and also of getting noticed in search fuel stations. leged women. a unique alternative to the traditional .qa,” in the market, the dynamic scenario in the engines and country-specific directories, Dr Menon came to the Middle East in 1985 Moreover, the Trust has joined hands with he added. domain name world has opened up newer all of which can help target both local and and worked as a business executive. He later Santhi Medical Information Centre on a Tribal The current set of extensions that are challenges for Registry Operators and for Reg- global audiences. Likewise, the new city ventured out on his own, aggressively grow- Project in Attapadi, in the southern Indian State made available by QDR through its accred- istrars across the world. However, with every domain extension opens up a range of new ing his business into a multi-million dollar of Kerala for the upliftment of the indigenous ited Registrars for public registrations challenge there are even bigger opportunities, opportunities for our local minds to innovate group, one of the leading oil and bunker trad- tribal Population. include “.qa” and “.com.qa”, “net.qa”, and the precisely why QDR has witnessed a steady by securing a unique online space funda- ers in the Gulf region. Dr Menon, a member of several social Arabic equivalent of “.qatar” each second increase in the number of Registrars willing mentally associated with Doha. “Many public sector oil companies in the welfare trusts in India, believes that India’s level “.qa” with its unique set of eligibility to expand their portfolio of offerings to their CRA would like to especially encour- African region are opening up their logis- education system should generate more requirements. diverse customer base. Five out of the total age locally owned businesses and SME’s to tic sector to the private entities. We see huge ‘employable graduates” rather than produc- Additionally QDR has also allotted cer- of 17 Registrars that QDR has accredited are register their businesses through the Qatar opportunities in these countries”, Dr Menon ing more and more “un employable” graduates. tain extensions referred to as closed zones based in Qatar and few more have approached Domain Registry. To find out more, go to said. Listed among the leading businessmen in Currently, his Trust is involved in launching only for various government and non-profit to get accredited to realize the potential of https://www.domains.qa/en and connect the Gulf region by Forbes Magazine, Dr Menon vocational schools in India’s rural areas. entities, including “.gov.qa”, “.mil.qa”, “.org. offering geographic TLDs. with QDR through Twitter @QatarDomains. Over 90 real estate developers to showcase projects in Cityscape Qatar

By Sachin Kumar Ezdan Holding Group, which aims of its first projects in this business, growth of the real estate market in Ahmed Zakaria, Exhibition The Peninsula to reach a large segment of partici- namely Ezdan Mall Gharafa. The the state, putting it in the position to Director, speaking on behalf of Cit- pants at the exhibition. It has several Group plans to open Ezdan Mall Al reap ‘Property Company of the Year’ yscape Qatar said: “This year we projects in the real estate, hospital- Wakrah and Ezdan Mall Al Wukair Award in Qatar for 2015 in recognition have a comprehensive collection ity and retail sectors. The number of during the current year. Concern- for its achievements and excellence in of exhibitors, with a greater focus DOHA: More than 90 real estate units the company owns and runs ing under-construction residential this important sector over the years. on international residential prop- developers will showcase their new amounts to about 20,000 residential projects, the Group is working on He added that the Group will erties, and they will showcase both and current projects and exclusive and commercial units. The Group the completion of more than 9,000 keep marching up this prosperity their brand as well as their projects deals in Cityscape Qatar 2016. The also seeks to promote its existing residential and commercial units, path in the real estate sector, thanks to the industry’s most influential real estate exhibition will have around and under-construction projects in within Ezdan Holding Group’s most to its projects and services that are stakeholders and importantly to 10 percent growth in exhibition size various areas. prominent project. being improved on a permanent basis potentially buyers.” this year. In hospitality, Ezdan owns and Commenting on the group’s par- to meet all the needs of residents Cityscape Qatar 2016 will feature Large Real Estate developers in manages about 3,900 units, spread ticipation in Cityscape Qatar, Ezdan and achieve high levels of clients’ exclusive deals and special offers for Qatar are focusing their efforts to over its chain of hotels, namely Ezdan Group CEO, Ali Mohammed Al Obaidli satisfaction. prospective buyers who are looking to bridge the gaps of demand in the mar- Hotels West Bay, the under-construc- (pictured), said that Ezdan show- Ezdan will also be joined by buy a new home, rental property, hol- ket and therefore, releasing hundreds tion Ezdan Palace Hotel and The cases a strong participation this year, to develop the real estate industry in United Development Company (UDC), iday home or investment opportunity of residential, commercial and mixed- Curve Hotel, where the Group owns through which it aims to highlight its Qatar, as it constitutes one of the most whose extensive property portfolio in Qatar and the region. Among the use units, all will be announced as a strategic stake of 32.5 percent. long experience in real estate to ben- vital sectors. includes their Abraj Quartier Tow- special offers include Ezdan’s offer- part of the developmental plans for Meanwhile, the Group has recorded efit other operators and developers Al Obaidli added that Ezdan ers, commercial towers located at ing of an exclusive invitation to the real estate in Qatar. Leading the a remarkable success within the in the market. The Group also seeks Holding Group has significantly The Pearl, Qatar which are expected grand opening of their breathtaking, companies at Cityscape Qatar is Malls Sector since the inauguration to communicate with entrepreneurs contributed to the development and to be completed in mid-2016. Ezdan Palace Hotel. 24 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS India’s Tata Steel begins formal sale of UK unit

AFP financing package as part of the deal. in Europe with the soaring levels of on its pension and environmental The money is provided mainly by imports from China”. liabilities, and wants relief from high a combination of banks and share- Greybull said the existing LPE energy prices. holders. The LPE sale also includes management team would stay and Port Talbot is reportedly losing LONDON: Indian giant Tata Steel two mills, a port terminal, an engi- run the business. Trade union mem- £1 million a day in the face of high announced yesterday the sale of a neering workshop and a design bers at Scunthorpe are being balloted energy costs and plunging prices major British steel division employ- consultancy, all in Britain, as well on whether to accept a three percent caused by a chronic global oversupply ing 4,400 people, as it formally placed as a mill in northeast France which pay cut and reduced pension contri- of steel and a glut of cheap imports, the rest of its steel assets in the coun- employs 400 people. butions for a year to smooth the deal. particularly from China. try up for sale. After a fortnight of pressure from Greybull partner Marc Meyo- “We remain very interested The government has been racing the opposition, trade unions and the has said: “We are delighted to have in acquiring downstream — steel to find a buyer for Tata’s assets — and press over the government’s handling reached agreement for the acquisition processing — activities, where we save 15,000 jobs — after the compa- of the crisis, business minister Sajid of LPE, which we believe can become have a proven track record of achiev- ny’s shock announcement last month Javid was to address lawmakers later a strong business, with a highly skilled ing a positive turnaround,” Gupta said, it was selling its British assets due to on Monday on efforts to find a buyer workforce and great potential. according to The Times newspaper. a global oversupply of steel, cheap for Tata’s assets. He said the aim was to avoid He said he wanted to make “a imports into Europe, high costs and He flew to India last week to meet redundancies and grow the operation. sound judgement on what will be currency volatility. company executives and has said the “At its core, it is a very good busi- the most economical and sustaina- Tata Steel said it had agreed to sell government will make every effort ness,” he said. Meyohas said the name ble operating model”. its Long Products Europe (LPE) division, to secure a serious buyer for the Port British Steel was “world renowned” Business minister Javid hailed whose chief asset is the Scunthorpe 4,400 employees in the UK,” said 4,000 workers. The LPE deal is Talbot plant and other assets. and had an “incredible heritage”, but Monday’s news as “a step in the right works in eastern England, to Grey- Hans Fischer, chief executive of Tata expected to complete within eight “The board of Tata Steel Europe... would not be drawn on whether Grey- direction for the long-term future bull Capital, a British-based family Steel’s European operations. weeks, subject to conditions being has decided to commence the process bull was interested in buying other of British steel manufacturing in investment office. Long products are Tata Steel is still looking for a met. of divestment of its entire sharehold- parts of Tata Steel’s UK assets. Scunthorpe.” “We will continue to items such as steel pipes that are sold buyer for the rest of its British assets LPE, which will be renamed Brit- ing in its subsidiary Tata Steel UK,” the Metal processing company Liberty work with Tata and Greybull and, by length. including the Port Talbot steelworks ish Steel, was sold for a nominal £1 company said in a statement. House is looking at the Port Talbot as we have said, stand ready to pro- “This transaction will offer a on the south Wales coast, Britain’s ($1.40, ¤1.25). Greybull said it is Fischer said the industry was fac- plant, though the group’s president vide funding on a commercial basis future for the LPE business and its biggest steel plant, which employs arranging a £400m investment and ing “challenging market conditions Sanjeev Gupta is not keen on taking if required,” he said. Daily Mail in talks with potential Yahoo bidders

Daily Mail to join with some big players to get a has spoken sniff of these assets.” with a half-dozen The Daily Mail’s parent, Daily US-based private- Mail and General Trust Plc, reported net debt of £723m ($1bn) at the end equity firms and a bid of January, largely owing to pension would only be made plan contributions. “Discussions are at a very early stage,” a representative for in conjunction with a Daily Mail said Monday in an e-mailed partner statement. “There is no certainty that any transaction will take place.” Yahoo said it would explore stra- Marissa Mayer tegic alternatives, including selling its Bloomberg main Internet operations, earlier this a buyer could unite the Mail’s online year after scrapping a long-time plan operation with Yahoo’s media assets to spin off its valuable Asian assets. in a separate company. Yahoo’s mar- The company’s stock has declined LONDON: The publisher of Britain’s ket value is about ten times that of about 20 percent in the past 12 Daily Mail newspaper is interested the Mail. months as turnaround efforts led by Demonstrators take part at a protest of steelworkers against European policies in Duisburg, western in buying Yahoo! Inc.’s media and Yahoo’s media assets would aug- CEO Marissa Mayer stalled and sales news properties, according to a per- ment Daily Mail’s growing online have sagged, leaving Yahoo vulner- Germany. yesterday. son familiar with the matter, and is in presence in the US by adding some of able to activist investors. talks to join with potential bidders who country’s biggest news, weather and Verizon Communications Inc. would carve up the US Internet com- messaging portals. The US site, Dai- plans to make a first-round bid for pany. “Discussions are at a very early lyMail.com, has gained ground since Yahoo’s Web business on April 18 German steelworkers take to stage,” a representative for Daily Mail starting in 2012 by focusing on celeb- and is willing to acquire the compa- said yesterday in an e-mailed state- rity news and younger readers. It and ny’s Yahoo Japan Corp. stake to help ment. “There is no certainty that any MailOnline.com in the UK are among sweeten the offer, according to peo- transaction will take place.” the most-read news sites in English. ple familiar with the matter. Google, streets demanding job guarantees Marissa Mayer, Yahoo’s chief While ComScore Inc. ranked Yahoo the main division of Alphabet Inc., is executive, has given potential buyers sites third among US visitors in January also considering bidding for Yahoo’s an April 18 deadline to submit their with 205 million, Mail had 75 million core business, a separate person said. bids. Daily Mail has spoken with a unique visitors and placed 33rd. The Wall Street Journal first Reuters business up for sale, putting thou- has yet to find a buyer for its loss- half-dozen US-based private-equity “People need to remember that reported news of the Daily Mail’s sands of jobs at risk. making plant in Wales. firms and a bid would only be made we are talking about the Daily Mail talks with possible private-equity “I have another 39 years left to The European Union has set in conjunction with a partner, said the buying bits of Yahoo here, not all of partners. Mail formed a market- work. I don’t want to be left on the import duties on some Chinese steel person, who asked not to be named Yahoo,” said Alex DeGroote, a media ing agency last year with Snapchat street,” said Ingo, a 28-year-old Thys- products and has started anti-dump- because the plans are private. The analyst at Peel Hunt in London. Inc. and WPP Plc, the world’s largest DUISBURG, GERMANY: German senkrupp employee, who identified ing investigations into others under Mail could take over Yahoo’s media and “These assets make strategic logic advertising company, and bought steelworkers took to the streets yes- himself only by his first name, at a pressure from Britain, France and news properties while its partner buys for Daily Mail, but the company is the Elite Daily web site, a news terday, demanding more measures march towards Thyssenkrupp’s steel Germany but will not impose any the web business, they said. Alternately, heavily in debt and they would have platform geared toward so-called against the dumping of cheap Chi- headquarters in the city of Duisburg new measures until November. millennials. nese imports and greater job protection in the Ruhr valley industrial heart- “Brussels must decide: dirty steel Daily Mail fell 0.2 percent to 694 amid uncertainty over the future of land. That rally drew 16,000 workers. from China or good clean steel from pence at 11:24 am in London, giving Thyssenkrupp’s steel business. Steelmaking in Europe has dwin- (the German state of) NRW,” Knut the company a market value of 2.5 Germany is Europe’s biggest dled over the past decades as heavy Giesler, head of IG Metall in the state billion pounds ($3.5bn). Yahoo shares steelmaker and 45,000 workers industry has declined while other of North Rhine-Westphalia said. closed down 0.3 percent to $36.07 joined rallies across the country, the countries, in particular China, have The industry employs 86,000 in New York on April 8, for a market IG Metall union said. The powerful ramped up production, selling excess people in Germany and had revenues value of $34.2bn. union is demanding job guarantees if steel on world markets at prices of ¤40bn ($46bn) in 2014. Thyssenk- DailyMail.com said in June it Thyssenkrupp merges its steel European producers cannot match. rupp is the top producer, followed by was partnering with daytime TV business with that of India’s Tata There was some positive news, ArcelorMittal and Salzgitter. talk-show host Dr Phil McGraw for Steel or another player - a prospect though, as Tata Steel reached a deal German Economy Minister Sig- an online video series. The venture, that has become more likely in the on Monday to sell part of its British mar Gabriel was due to address called DailyMail TV, will be based at past weeks. operations to investment firm Grey- the protesters at Duisburg on Mon- the Daily Mail’s New York office with Workers fear they could face a bull Capital, saving more than 4,000 day, while IG Metall also organised anchors and studios also in London, similar fate to their peers in Britain, jobs. Still, thousands of other jobs demonstrations in Berlin and the Los Angeles and Sydney. where Tata has put its entire steel remain at risk as the Indian company southwestern state of Saarland. Kenya’s KCB open to banking deals after lender collapses

Bloomberg options and opportunities and cannot spe- October, while Dubai Bank Kenya Ltd. own,” Njoroge said in a statement e-mailed by also asked for the detention of six other direc- cifically discuss a particular entity.” went into liquidation in August after run- the bank. “We will avail this facility for as long tors from state-owned National Bank Ltd. who Business Daily, a Nairobi-based newspa- ning out of money. as is necessary to return stability and confi- were placed on forced leave last month pend- per, reported earlier on Monday that KCB is The central bank placed Chase Bank in dence to the Kenyan financial sector. ing an internal audit. NAIROBI: KCB Group, Kenya’s biggest lender one of at least five companies interested in receivership on April 6, a day after the lend- Smaller banks in Kenya are starved of I&M CEO Arun Mathur didn’t immediately by assets, said it has an interest in new mar- buying Chase Bank. The list includes Equity er’s chairman and group managing director liquidity, with seven of the nation’s 42 insti- return a call by Bloomberg requesting com- ket opportunities after a local newspaper Group, Centum Investments Ltd., Commer- resigned when it announced restated earnings tutions holding 80 percent of the financial ment. Calls to Equity CEO James Mwangi’s reported it may be among potential buyers cial Bank of Africa Ltd. and I&M Holdings Ltd., with a qualified opinion by auditors. On Sun- system’s cash, according to the regulator. At mobile phone didn’t connect. Centum didn’t of Chase Bank Kenya Ltd., which collapsed it said. day, Njoroge announced the regulator would the same time, they’re also having to strug- immediately respond to e-mailed questions last week. Chase Bank collapsed last week after provide support to banks facing liquidity con- gle against an increase in non-performing and Commercial Bank of Africa denied it’s “KCB is open to the potential consolida- a run by depositors. It’s the third Kenyan straints because of the “anxiety” caused by loans with not enough money set aside to interested in Chase. tion in the market, but nothing specific has lender to be seized by the authorities since Chase’s closing. cover them. “We are not in discussions,” CBA Group been pinned down,” KCB spokeswoman Judith Patrick Njoroge was appointed governor “We will avail a facility to any commer- On April 8, the police ordered the arrest Managing Director Isaac Awuondo said Odhiambo said in an e-mailed response to of the central bank in June. Imperial Bank cial or microfinance bank that comes under of Chase Bank Chairman Zafrullah Khan and by phone. “We have not evaluated the questions. “We continue to pursue various Ltd. was taken over by the regulators in liquidity pressures arising from no fault of its Group Managing Director Duncan Kabui. It opportunity.” BUSINESS TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 25

Virtual reality experience VW aiming to World Bank trims East return to debt market as Asia growth forecasts early as May

Reuters A further fall in commodity prices Reuters would have a negative impact on Possible risks include major commodity exporters and a weaker-than- reduce the space for public spend- FRANKFURT: Volkswagen is hop- SINGAPORE: The World Bank ing and investment, the bank added. ing to return to the bond market as trimmed its 2016 and 2017 economic expected recovery Growth in Malaysia was likely to early as May, people familiar with growth forecasts for developing East in high-income come in at 4.4 percent in 2016 and 4.5 the matter said, aiming to raise bil- Asia and Pacific, and said the outlook economies, a faster- percent in 2017, down from 5.0 per- lions of euros to replace the costly was clouded by risks such as uncer- cent in 2015, as weaker demand from bank loan it has been relying on tainty over China’s growth prospects, than-expected China and low commodity prices in the wake of its emissions test financial market volatility and fur- slowdown in China, constrain growth and public spend- cheating scandal. ther falls in commodity prices. ing, the bank said. Europe’s biggest carmaker The Washington-based lender as well as increases Growth in Thailand was seen at has been effectively shut out of now expects the developing East in financial market 2.5 percent in 2016 and 2.6 percent in the unsecured bond market since Asia and Pacific (EAP) region, which 2017, down from 2.8 percent in 2015, September, when it admitted to includes China, to grow 6.3 percent volatility that could with weaker external demand and rigging US diesel emissions tests. in 2016 and 6.2 percent in 2017, slow- cause monetary policy uncertainty likely to weigh on Investors have been put off ing from 6.5 percent growth in 2015. conditions to tighten private investment. by uncertainty over the costs of Its previous forecast in October was Indonesia is likely to see growth the scandal, which could run into 6.4 percent growth in 2016 and 6.3 and have adverse accelerate to 5.1 percent in 2016 and tens of billions of euros in regula- percent in 2017. effects on the real 5.3 percent in 2017, from 4.8 per- tory fines, vehicle refit costs and The expected slowdown in the cent in 2015, despite low commodity lawsuits. That has left the German region is mainly due to the contin- economy, the bank prices and headwinds to external company relying on an expen- ued moderation of growth in China, said. demand. sive €20bn ($23bn) bridging loan which is likely to see growth slow to “However, this outlook is con- agreed with banks in December. 6.7 percent in 2016 and 6.5 percent tingent on the implementation of an With the publication of its in 2017, from 6.9 percent in 2015, the well as increases in financial market ambitious public investment pro- annual results on April 28, how- bank said. The growth forecasts for volatility that could cause mone- gramme, and the success of recent ever, Volkswagen (VW) hopes to China were unchanged from October. tary conditions to tighten and have reforms to reduce red tape and provide some clarity on costs. “The fundamentally positive adverse effects on the real economy, uncertainty for private investors,” “Volkswagen has started talking base case for growth and poverty the bank said. the bank said, regarding Indonesia. to banks, and a first issuance may reduction in the region is subject to “In particular, vulnerabilities Growth is expected to firm in the take place right after the publi- A staff member demonstrates the Fear of Heights Show games elevated risks,” the World Bank said created by the interplay between Philippines to 6.4 percent in 2016 cation,” one of the sources said, in its latest East Asia and Pacific Eco- high levels of indebtedness, price from 5.8 percent in 2015, on the back at the new Bandai Namco ‘VR Zone: Project I Can’ experience speaking on condition of anonym- nomic Update report yesterday. deflation, and slowing growth in of accelerated implementation of the centre in a shopping mall in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. The virtual ity as the matter isn’t public. Possible risks include a China bear close monitoring, as existing pipeline of public-private reality centre will allow people to try out six different VR reality “The provisions figure (VW’s weaker-than-expected recovery in do corporate and financial sector partnership projects, and spending simulation games. The centre opens to the general public for a estimated cost of the scandal) will high-income economies, a faster- vulnerabilities across much of the related to the May 2016 presidential limited time from April 15. enable bond investors to do their than-expected slowdown in China, as region.” election, the bank said. math,” another said. A VW spokes- man said on Monday the company expected to issue debt on capital markets before the end of June. Ahead of its results, VW and US Turkish deputy governor Cetinkaya is next central bank chief regulators have been set an April 21 deadline by a federal judge to agree a fix for the nearly 600,000 cars affected in the United States. Reuters had discussed the nomination with benchmark bond yield fell to a five- in Turkey. “I don’t understand why the ill-afford a disruptive change at the Such an agreement will be key to Erdogan. month low below 9.8 percent. market celebrates ... I think the new top of the central bank when it is fac- VW putting a cost on the scandal. Cetinkaya, born in 1976, has been But economists cautioned that governor will be more courageous ing growing economic headwinds. The company postponed its 2015 a deputy governor at the central bank his monetary policy stance was not than Basci on interest rate cuts,” he The central bank kept its main results in February, saying it was LONDON: The Turkish cabinet since June 2012. He has a background in well known and that he would need told Reuters. interest rate on hold for the 13th not yet in a position to give a pre- approved the appointment of Murat Islamic banking, beginning his career at to win the confidence of the market. Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet consecutive month in March but cut cise figure. Cetinkaya as the new chief of the Albaraka Turk and working as a deputy He will chair his first policy meeting Simsek was earlier quoted by the its overnight lending rate, the upper “As soon as VW strikes a set- central bank yesterday, government director at Islamic lender Kuveyt Turk on April 20. state-run Anadolu Agency as saying band of its “rate corridor”, in a move tlement, it will start a roadshow spokesman Numan Kurtulmus said, in his last private sector position before “I have doubts about whether that the new central bank governor which some economists saw as a sop and we may see the issuance of an reassuring investors who had feared joining the central bank. Cetinkaya can fill Basci’s shoes either would come from within the insti- to political pressure. unsecured bond within one or two a power struggle over the nomination. “Compromise candidate, so good academically or in terms of exper- tution and would be named in the Erdogan said yesterday that banks weeks”, one of the sources said. Current Governor Erdem Basci’s that the presidency and government tise. His stance on monetary policy coming days. should lower interest rates on con- “VW is keen to come to the mar- term expires on April 19 and there are working together on this ... A bat- will be decisive from now on,” said Basci’s reluctance to cut interest sumer loans, while one of his aides ket ... markets are on fire”, another had been market concern that Pres- tle over the nomination would have Haluk Burumcekci of Istanbul-based rates had frustrated Erdogan, who said the central bank should con- source said. ident Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a vocal been very market negative,” Timo- Burumcekci Consulting. argues Turkey needs lower borrow- tinue to cut the overnight lending rate. Conditions for a return to the advocate of low interest rates despite thy Ash, strategist at Nomura, wrote Former central banker and Hurri- ing costs to stoke growth, unnerving “We think Cetinkaya will struggle to bond market appear favoura- Turkey’s high inflation, might seek to in a note. yet newspaper columnist Ugur Gurses investors worried about political resist increasingly vocal demands ble, as auto bond spreads have impose a candidate of his choice. The lira firmed slightly to said that Cetinkaya’s background influence over monetary policy. Other from Erdogan and his allies for looser decreased by more than 30 basis A government official and an 2.8261 against the dollar as news in Islamic banking suggested his senior figures in government saw monetary policy,” William Jackson, points since the European Central economy official said earlier that of Cetinkaya’s expected nomina- appointment was backed by Erdogan, Basci as a steady hand in difficult an economist at Capital Economics, Bank’s announcement to expand Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu tion emerged. Turkey’s 10-year who wants to see the sector developed economic times, and fear Turkey can wrote in a note. its asset purchasing programme.

Indonesia motor show ECB seeks to mollify Germany after dispute over ‘helicopter money’

Reuters of helicopter money was the straw action, distracting from the ECB’s that broke the camel’s back,” said 1.7-trillion-euro-plus money print- Joerg Kraemer, an economist with ing scheme, also irritated some euro Commerzbank in Frankfurt. zone central bank governors, a per- FRANKFURT: Almost a month after German analysts see the idea as son familiar with the matter said. stoking a divisive debate about how far an excessive ramping up of a loose The ECB declined to comment. it should go in pumping money into the money policy that is already fuel- But many at the ECB resent what they flagging eurozone economy, the Euro- ling rising property prices in their see as unrelenting criticism from pean Central Bank is trying to soothe country, and also because it would German politicians, journalists and relations with Germany after unusu- undermine the euro by printing economists, who reject the ever more ally strong criticism from Berlin. money and giving it away for free. generous measures the ECB is taking Late last week, German Finance “We’ve seen most of the impact to fire up the slow economy. Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble was of QE (Quantitative Easing) last year “I think this shooting at the insti- reported as blaming the ECB’s cheap- and there is little more to come,” said tution, especially in this country, is money policy in part for the rise of the Lars Feld, one of the ‘wise men’ that sometimes difficult to swallow,” Peter country’s right-wing anti-immigration advise the German government on Praet, the ECB’s chief economist, told Ferrari cars are displayed at the Indonesia International Motor Show in Jakarta. Alternative for Germany (AfD). economic policy. a conference of economists last week The discussion is likely to con- “Higher interest rates would now in Frankfurt. tinue when ECB President Mario be good for the profits of banks and There seems little prospect, how- Draghi meets Schaeuble this week insurers and would stop the emer- ever, of the debate abating ahead of in Washington at the International gence of property bubbles, such as a meeting of the 19 euro zone cen- Monetary Fund’s spring gathering of the one we might see in Germany.” tral bank governors on April 20-21. Greek talks with IMF/EU lenders drag on central bankers and ministers from On Sunday, a number of German A spokesman for Schaeuble’s finance around the world. politicians criticised the ECB’s stance, ministry described it as a “legitimate A storm of protest erupted in with one minister blaming low inter- discussion”. Reuters Mechanism and the International Monetary Fund - broke thrifty Germany after Draghi last est rates for putting a “gaping hole” in Others forecast that the idea of off shortly before 0400 GMT. They were scheduled to month described the idea of “helicop- pensions, as rumours of possible legal sending money directly to Europe- resume later. “There are some small details to settle on ter money” - sending money directly action over helicopter money swirled. ans could shadow such gatherings. the fiscal side of things ... We are very close,” one govern- to citizens - as a “very interesting” - It marked a new low in the often “It will be hard to get the idea of hel- ATHENS: Greece and its international lenders are edg- ment source said, adding that the sides still diverged over if unexamined - concept. Late last fraught relations between the euro- icopter money out of people’s heads,” ing closer to a compromise on signing off on a review of pension reforms and regulating non-performing loans. week, top ECB officials, including zone’s biggest country and the central said a euro zone official. bailout reforms which could unlock more aid to the coun- The review has dragged on for months mainly due the ECB’s chief economist and its bank’s Italian chief, who has recently “The criticism in Germany is try, government sources said yesterday, after marathon to a rift among the lenders over Greece’s projected fiscal vice president, backpedalled, say- bemoaned what he described as the justified but a little dishonest,” said talks with creditors. shortfall by 2018 - initially seen at 3 percent by the EU, ing the idea was not on the table. But “nein zu allem” (“no to everything”) Commerzbank’s Kraemer. “There is Just over 10 hours of overnight negotiations between 1 percent by Athens and 4.5 percent by the IMF. Athens the damage had already been done. approach - a swipe at Germany. no way Schaeuble would be balanc- Athens and its lenders - the European Commission, and its lenders have agreed to use 3 percent as the base- “The ECB’s policy was already But the discussion about ever ing his books were it not for the ECB’s the European Central Bank (ECB), European Stability line scenario in the Athens-based talks. unpopular in Germany and the idea wider boundaries of possible ECB policy.” 26 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 10,159.66 0.31 % QE Total Return Index 16,372.21 0.31 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,002.68 0.98 % QE All Share Index 2,830.6 0.36 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,732.45 0.32 % QE All Share Industrials 3,132.07 0.14 % QE All Share Transportation 2,539.13 0.01 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,460.61 0.64 % QE All Share Insurance 4,588.6 1.11 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,156.48 0.76 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 6,709.02 1.18 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 11-04-2016 Today 10-04-2016 Previous day Index 10,159.66 10,128.65 Change 31.01 36.11 % 0.31 0.36 YTD% 2.59 2.88 Volume 13,203,659 6,213,694 Value (QAR) 374,711,756.05 222,184,357.56 Trades 5,912 3,777 Up 23 | Down 14 | Unchanged 01

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5013.191 -4.805 -0.1 5379.6 4762.1 Cac 40 Index/D 4332.14 29.02 0.67 4586.11 3892.46 Dj Indu Average 17576.96 35 0.2 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 20440.81 70.41 0.35 21794.84 18278.8 Iseq Overall/D 6216.37 27.12 0.44 6791.68 5611.89 Karachi 100 In/D 33566.22 -401.32 -1.18 34058.06 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 15751.13 -70.39 -0.44 18951.12 14865.77 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2134.72 1810.1

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.1509 QR 5.2242 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 4.1282 QR 4.1867 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2.7827 QR 2.8375 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.7815 QR 3.8773 Yen QR 0.0334 QR 0.0340 A C C-A/D 1447.5 8.2 13323 Eveready Indu-/D 238.4 2.5 9403 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 290.5 26.4 124200 Thirumalai-B/D 214.1 -3.4 25744 Aus$ QR 2.7335 QR 2.7876 Aarti Drugs-B/D 455.1 -0.55 1306 F D C-B/D 186.8 2.85 2094 Kalpat Power-B/D 206.4 -1.1 5329 Til Ltd.-T/D 391.9 -0.6 1027 Ind Re QR 0.0543 QR 0.0554 Aban Offs-A/D 183.3 6.25 474880 Federal Bank-A/D 43.6 0.35 223365 Kalyani Stel-T/D 167.4 -0.4 39097 Timexgroup-T/D 28.75 -0.9 11418 Aegis Logis-B/D 105.1 -1.95 52125 Ferro Alloys-B/D 4.95 0.34 31941 Kanoria Chem-B/D 68.35 -0.6 25300 Tinplate-B/D 71.4 2.5 106446 Pak Re QR 0.0345 QR 0.0351 Alembic-B/D 36.75 0.4 66365 Finolex-A/D 356.9 -2.4 4613 Kg Denim-B/D 93.4 3.5 49257 Ucal Fuel-B/D 102.6 0.2 2935 Peso QR 0.0782 QR 0.0797 Alok Indus-A/D 4.94 -0.05 1077760 Forbes-B/D 1275 56.25 48371 Kilburnengg-Xd/D 62.45 -1.75 9649 Ultramarine-B/D 117.5 0.6 15409 SL Re QR 0.0249 QR 0.0255 Apollo Tyre-A/D 168.2 0.25 147551 Gail-A/D 351.6 3.5 116333 Kinetic Eng-B/D 75 -2.25 8811 Unitech P -A/D 5.03 0.05 5555922 Taka QR 0.0460 QR 0.0470 Asahi I Glass-/D 161 2.7 17879 Galada Power-B/D 14.85 -0.15 3764 Kopran-B/D 52.25 -0.6 35656 Uppergsugar-T/D 137.5 3.1 31788 Nep Re QR 0.0340 QR 0.0346 Ashok Leyland-/D 109.7 2.7 1050723 Gammon India-T/D 12.69 0.05 58261 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 360 15.1 2151 LONDON Ballarpur In-B/D 16.44 0.48 538755 Garden P -B/D 23 -0.1 3555 Lgb Broth-B/D 480 16 1433 SA Rand QR 0.2452 QR 0.2502 Bata India-A/D 533.5 6.1 826459 Godfrey Phil-B/D 1185.7 36.5 31188 Lloyd Metal-B/D 32.8 2.8 354612 Beml Ltd-A/D 881.55 -5.7 79854 Goodricke-B/D 186.5 0 16289 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 4.9 -0.25 28857 3I Group/D 451.8 -0.4 236086 GOLD AND SILVER Bh Electronic-/D 1149.9 -19.45 24603 Goodyear I -B/D 492.6 1.2 1152 Lupin-A/D 1517.5 -23.25 99944 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3375 7 104337 Bhansali Eng-T/D 18.65 -0.2 28256 Hcl Infosys-B/D 46.65 0.15 496208 Lyka Labs-T/D 84.95 2.25 59028 Barclays/D 154.1 3.4 16425046 GOLD QR146.9729 per gramme Bharat Bijle-B/D 970.5 36.25 30236 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 19.15 0.5 2134290 Mah.Seamless-B/D 182.1 -4.3 6522 Bp/D 350.1 -0.25 9574203 SILVER QR1.8464 per gramme Bharatgears-B/D 69.7 0 2218 Himat Seide-B/D 187.15 0.4 29948 Mangalam Cem-B/D240.8 -4.2 13561 Brit Am Tobacc/D 4198.5 8.5 1047797 Bhartiya Int-B/D 461 6.7 7204 Hind Motors-T/D 5.13 0.04 13152 Maral Overs-B/D 27.2 0.2 2628 Bt Group/D 439.65 2.2 3870705 Bhel-A/D 127.35 4.9 2136133 Hind Org Chem-/D 15.9 0 7152 Mastek-B/D 151 2.4 54055 Centrica/D 234 1.7 5676059 Bom.Burmah-B/D 380.2 1.15 2678 Hind Unilever-/D 863.3 13.3 64642 Max Financial-/D 348.4 7 2935 Gkn/D 286.1 3.9 2119129 Bombay Dyeing-/D 47.55 0.25 80167 Hind.Petrol-A/D 834.7 18.65 54935 Mrpl-A/D 68.15 -3.45 218732 Hsbc Holdings/D 421.2 3.2 8642048 Camph.& All-B/D 573.4 6.7 3043 Hindalco-A/D 92.35 4.5 1486378 Nahar Spg.-B/D 98.35 0.8 16978 Kingfisher/D 376.9 -0.9 1365001 European markets Caprihans-Xc/D 85.45 2.8 5750 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1079.65 0.6 164073 Nation Alum -A/D 39.7 0.85 128541 Land Secs Grou/D 1122 1 441038 Castrol India-/D 379.4 2.05 13329 I F C I-A/D 24.15 0.35 583856 Navneet Edu-B/D 83.5 -0.85 10604 Legal & Genera/D 235.1 1.3 4219286 push higher Century Enka-B/D 185.5 -0.5 7870 Idbi-A/D 68.05 0.9 436260 Nepc India-T/D 1.57 0.07 8707 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D66.0695 0.17 28173914 Century Text-A/D 589.6 13.55 273916 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 367.1 37 19701 Nrb Bearings-B/D 127.6 -3.5 2139 Marks & Sp./D 443.3 -0.9 1893124 Chambal Fert-B/D 57.8 0.9 62353 India Cement-A/D 91.9 0.3 526939 O N G C-A/D 207.45 1.4 392150 Next/D 5460 -60 211029 AFP Chola Invest-A/D 770 30.6 110955 India Glycol-B/D 91.95 2.1 25270 Ocl India-B/D 488.95 6.95 1590 Pearson/D 837 3 687025 Chowgule St-T/D 17.25 0.56 1051 Indian Hotel-A/D 101.25 -0.55 15255 Oil Country-B/D 24.85 0.15 3425 Prudential/D 1320 9.5 1363391 Cimmco-B/D 73.5 1.6 1987 Indo-Tcount-T/D 1006.15 25 4971 Onward Tech-B/D 74.75 -6.85 28138 Rank Group/D 242.98 -1.7 81253 LONDON: Most European stock markets rose yester- Cipla-A/D 502.6 -2.95 165422 Indusind-A/D 960.35 22.75 26073 Orchid Pharm-B/D 43.05 4.3 1239778 Rentokil Initi/D 178.5 0.4 311920 day as traders reacted positively to inflation data out of City Union Bk-/D 93.65 -1.05 10461 J.B.Chemical-B/D 243.8 -3.85 10291 Orient Hotel-T/D 21.75 -0.25 22474 Rolls Royce Pl/D 663.575 -3.5 679480 China and a rebound in oil prices, with Italian banking Colgate-A/D 815.05 -4.35 17960 Jagatjit Ind-X/D 83.9 0 6728 Orient.Carb.-T/D 500 -13 1719 Rsa Insrance G/D 469.4 -0.7 400748 shares racing higher. In Frankfurt, the DAX 30 climbed Container Cor-/D 1257.05 -11.45 7794 Jagson Phar-B/D 34.65 0.25 9463 Orient.Carb.-T/D 500 -13 1719 Sainsbury(J)/D 291.1093 2.7 2299820 0.6 percent and the Paris CAC 40 won 0.2 percent. Lon- Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 414 9.6 3720 Jamnaauto-B/D 145.4 -0.6 42647 Oudh Sugar-B/D 80.45 -3.95 140060 Schroders/D 2500 0 189910 don’s FTSE dipped 0.07 percent. Dcm Shram Ind-/D 131 -0.4 4772 Jbf Indu-B/D 209.25 -1.15 12270 Punjab Chem.-B/D 163.1 -2.2 2283 Severn Trent/D 2234 -5 86237 “A drop in the US dollar and a jump in the price of oil Dhampur Sugar-/D 92.05 -2 161488 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.34 0 70000 Radico Khait-B/D 90.75 -3.8 31042 Smith&Nephew/D1169.64 -5 515982 helped stocks build on morning gains on Monday after Dr. Reddy-A/D 3028.6 -7.2 24629 Jct Ltd-B/D 4.7 -0.11 664504 Rallis India-A/D 178.8 8.55 49374 Smiths Group/D 1098 16 353008 China reported a slowdown in producer price inflation,” E I H-B/D 107 2.3 14982 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 8.23 0.03 9580 Rallis India-A/D 178.8 8.55 49374 Standrd Chart /D 448.1 4.55 2968443 said analyst Jasper Lawler at CMC Markets. E.I.D Parry-A/D 216.6 -1.9 69167 Jik Indust-B/D 0.89 -0.04 1000 Reliance Indus/D 442 12.4 161222 Tate & Lyle/D 587.5 -3 248126 Meanwhile investors in Italy were waiting for Eicher Motor-A/D 19360.9 182.7 3100 Jindal Drill-B/D 130.4 -1.4 1659 Ruchi Soya-B/D 29.9 -0.3 37927 Tesco/D 194.7 4.15 6684990 announcements from the treasury following reports the Electrosteel-B/D 18.6 0.2 53729 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 82.6 0.1 104246 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 495.65 -3.1 2915 Unilever/D 3241 2.5 875580 government would create two funds to help struggling Emco-B/D 26.75 0.25 10355 Jmc Projects-T/D 221.8 -0.4 3944 Saur.Cem-B/D 65.9 -0.05 91945 United Util Gr/D 956 -1.5 304554 banks. Italian bank shares have been on a rollercoaster Escorts Fin-B/D 4.08 -0.09 3885 Kabra Extr-B/D 89.3 -2.1 5882 Tanfac Indust-/D 27.6 0.6 1481 Vodafone Group/D226.65 -0.85 13344902 in recent weeks over the prospects for merging smaller banks and resolving their bad debts, and the latest reports Escorts-A/D 153.3 0.05 135841 Kajaria Cer-A/D 954 9.15 5683 Tanfac Indust-/D 27.6 0.6 1481 Whitbread/D 3823 25 142843 sent them sharply higher. Shares in Banca Populare rocketed 10.3 percent higher, while Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena jumped 9.8 percent. Even larger banks like Intesa Sanpaolo and Unicredit climbed higher, gaining 3.1 percent and 5.1 per- Qatar Exchange index edges up; Gulf bourses mixed cent, as the reported plans would ease their burden in guaranteeing the operations in buying shares in smaller banks. Milan’s FTSE-Mib index climbed 1.3 percent. Reuters percent. NCB Capital said in a note countries and North Africa. the company had announced plans 11.1 percent on Sunday, tumbled Wall Street stocks moved higher ahead of a heavy that despite gross margins hitting a Dubai’s index edged down 0.3 to build a skyscraper surpassing 6.7 percent. week for earnings reports, with the Dow adding 0.3 six-quarter low, favourable raw mate- percent, pulling away from a five- its Burj Khalifa, the tallest build- In Qatar, the index edged up 0.3 percent in midday trading. Earnings season for the first rial pricing and a lower than expected month high hit on Sunday as local ing in the world. percent in week high volumes, with quarter opens with a report from Alcoa and proceeds in DUBAI: Saudi and Egyptian stock impact of subsidy cuts, enforced by traders booked profits in small and In Egypt the main index the main support coming from real earnest with JPMorgan on Wednesday, followed by Citi- markets corrected yesterday , the government this year to help plug mid-cap stocks which have been dropped 0.8 percent as bourse data estate shares. Mazaya Real Estate group, Wells Fargo and Bank of America later in the week. while Abu Dhabi’s and Qatar’s a budget gap, did less than expected the backbone of the bourses gains showed local and other Arab trad- Development jumped 9.9 percent. Japan’s Nikkei earlier led most Asian stock markets bourses edged up, supported by damage to gross margins. over the last four weeks. ers exited positions. Shares, which lower as the yen resumed its march against the dollar and the real estate sector. Jarir Marketing, a giant retailer Investment firm Shuaa Cap- have rallied since the mid-March HIGHLIGHTS investors nervous about the stuttering global economy With no major companies which sells electronics and sta- ital, which has rallied 40 percent devaluation of the currency, contin- SAUDI ARABIA: The index fell tentatively await the start of corporate earnings season. reporting earnings, Riyadh’s index tioneries, fell 0.4 percent, erasing since a month ago, dropped 3.7 per- ued to correct for a second day, with 0.5 percent to 6,312 points. However, Shanghai surged after data showed Chinese fell 0.5 percent to 6,312 points, eras- some prior session gains. On Sun- cent. Builders Arabtec and Drake real estate investment firm Amer DUBAI: The index edged down inflation held above two percent for a second-straight ing some of the 1.4 percent gains day it reported a net income drop and Scull were also sold off, falling Group slumping 5.0 percent. The 0.3 percent to 3,424 points. month in March, indicating some stability in the eco- on Sunday as profit takers cashed of nearly 30 percent, short of ana- 1.7 and 1.6 percent respectively. But stock is now flat since the deval- EGYPT: The index fell 0.8 per- nomic powerhouse. out. The index fell below its crit- lyst expectations, although sales Union Properties, a mid-sized devel- uation on March 14. cent to 7,342 points. The broad regional losses follow last week’s sell-off ical resistance band between turnover were not as extreme as the oper, added a further 0.6 percent, Abu Dhabi’s stock exchange ABU DHABI: The index advanced as traders become increasingly fearful central banks 6,325-6,400 points and short term company had previously expected. its fourth straight session of gains. added 0.2 percent, lifted by real 0.2 percent to 4,391 points. are running out of ideas to ramp up global growth, with technical indicators are consid- The company’s Chairman, Emaar Properties fell 0.3 per- estate shares. Aldar Properties rose QATAR: The index edged up 0.3 the International Monetary Fund expected to lower its ered overbought, making the case Mohammad Al Aqeel, told CNBC cent after the company said on 1.4 percent after the company said percent to 10,160 points. forecasts this week. stronger for a correction, said a Arabia late on Sunday that Jarir Sunday that Abdulla Lahej had on Monday, a day ahead of City- KUWAIT: The index added 0.6 In Tokyo the benchmark Nikkei ended 0.4 per- note by Riyad Capital. will push ahead with expansion discontinued his role as group scape Abu Dhabi where developers percent to 5,284 points. cent lower as exporters took another hit from the yen’s Almarai, which jumped 3.6 per- plans for 2016, starting with the chief executive officer, adding the exhibit planned projects, it will add OMAN: The index increased strength. The unit, which is considered a safe bet in times cent after reporting on Sunday a slight launch of two new branches in the group chief operating officer will new villas to its Yas Island develop- 0.5 percent to 5,681 points. of uncertainty, has climbed about five percent against rise in first-quarter net profit in a second quarter. The retailer is also be handling the role, without elab- ment with a project valued at Dh6bn BAHRAIN: The index slid 0.2 the greenback this month alone. challenging market, fell back 1.3 planning to expand to other Gulf orating further. On the same day ($1.63bn). Dana Gas, which jumped percent to 1,116 points. BUSINESS VIEWS TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 27

US plans to curb tax Is US petrol consumption ‘inversions’ could hit overstated and by how much? foreign companies

By Tom Bergin (US authorities) are trying to fix? Reuters It feels more like a tax grab,” she said. She said the complexity of the issue and uncertainty over how the Internal Revenue Serv- lanned changes that Presi- ice (IRS), the US tax authority, dent Barack Obama says are would seek to use their new pow- Paimed at ensuring Ameri- ers would make investing in new can companies do not avoid tax US projects less attractive. by shifting their headquarters “It will have a chilling effect on overseas could also force for- foreign direct investment in the eign companies to adopt more United States,” McLernon added. conservative US tax-planning The Treasury says it is target- strategies. ing situations where large debts One of the measures restricts are incurred to fund dividends the ability of US subsidiaries of shortly after an inversion or for- foreign companies to deduct the eign acquisition, rather than the interest they pay on loans from most common way US subsidiar- their parent firms from their ies accumulate inter-group debt. taxable income. It aims to stop a That is by having the subsidiary redomiciled American firm from gradually pay all its profit to its reducing its US tax bill by piling parent as dividends and then bor- inter-group debt on its US oper- row money from its parent for ations, and effectively shifting new investment. profits overseas. But it could also “The proposed regulations affect European companies that generally do not apply to related- use similar strategies to reduce party debt that is incurred to fund their tax bills in the United States actual business investment, such By John Kemp imports, exports and stockpiles flow through The difference between exports and after buying US firms. as building or equipping a factory,” Reuters directly into errors in implied consumption. domestic consumption is more than an The new rules announced a Treasury factsheet released last Estimated exports are the largest source order of magnitude: the amount of gaso- by the Treasury department this week said. of uncertainty about consumption in the line exported amounted to less than 7 week aim to curb so-called ‘inver- Providing the money a for- trong growth in US petrol con- short term. If the EIA over-estimates exports, percent of domestic consumption, accord- sions’ - where a US group acquires eign company takes out of its US sumption has been one of the it will under-estimate domestic consump- ing to the EIA. a smaller overseas company and subsidiary is in line with the US most important factors supporting tion, and vice versa. The agency would need to make some shifts its domicile to a lower-tax company’s profits, the transac- oil prices in 2016, but some ana- The agency collects its own compre- truly enormous errors in estimating exports jurisdiction. tions should escape IRS scrutiny, lysts question whether the official hensive data on production, imports and to have more than a marginal impact on its Drugmaker Pfizer’s plan to Shay said. Sdata is overstating the strength of gasoline stockpiles from refiners, importers, pipe- estimates for consumption. A comparison buy rival Allergan and move to Companies don’t usually pub- demand. US petrol consumption has been line companies and motor fuel blenders. But between the agency’s weekly estimates for Ireland was one of the planned lish details of their inter-group running at a record seasonal rate since Feb- it relies on data collected by US Customs and exports (smoothed with a four-week aver- inversions that prompted the financing so it’s impossible to ruary, according to weekly data published the Census Bureau to measure exports, and age) and the actual volume exported as Obama administration to act. The put a figure on how much profit by the Energy Information Administration these are only available with an average lag reported later by the Census Bureau sug- $160bn deal fell apart last week foreign companies shelter from (EIA) in its “Weekly Petroleum Status Report” of around 8 weeks (“Weekly Petroleum Sta- gests errors are mostly within 125,000 b/d as a result of other aspects of the US tax through inter-group loans. (WPSR). tus Report: Explanatory Notes”, EIA). and at most about 250,000 b/d. Treasury reforms. Richard Murphy, professor of But the consumption figures are so high In the meantime, the agency is forced to The resulting error in implied gasoline Under the new rule regarding practice in international polit- that some analysts question whether the estimate the volume of refined fuels which consumption is normally 1 percent, or at debt, if a US subsidiary transfers ical economy at City University gasoline is actually being exported rather are exported, and any errors in those esti- most 2.5 percent, which is a fairly a high money to its overseas parent London, estimates the IRS could than consumed domestically. The EIA’s oil- mates flow through directly into errors in degree of accuracy for an economy-wide within three years before or after lose tens of billions of dollars in data collection programme is designed to implied consumption. statistic. Estimating errors are potentially borrowing money from it, by pay- taxes each year in this way. track the flow of petroleum from the well The EIA estimates exports in the WPSR much more serious for distillate fuel oil, ing a dividend or buying shares in Companies that have reduced head to the final consumer. and then replaces the estimates with hard where exports averaged almost 1.2m b/d in the parent, then US tax authorities their US tax bills via inter-group Under authority that dates from the data from the Census Bureau when the 2015, compared with domestic consump- could potentially treat the loan as lending include drugmaker Glax- energy crisis of the 1970s, the agency col- monthly numbers are published in “Petro- tion of almost 4m b/d. if it was equity. oSmithKline, education group lects information on domestic production, leum Supply Monthly” (PSM). The EIA’s The EIA reported that finished motor This means the interest on the Pearson, utility Scottish Power imports, exports, refining and stockpiles. weekly and monthly surveys both showed petrol exports averaged 445,000 b/d for debt would not be deductible for and telecoms group Vodafone. The major gap in the system is consump- domestic petrol consumption was sub- the four weeks ended February 26, while US income tax purposes. All said their lending to US tion. Consumption is almost impossible to dued in January, most likely because of bad domestic consumption averaged 9.256m Experts said that European subsidiaries had been unwound measure in real time weather affecting large parts of the coun- b/d. In fact, we now know from customs companies would still be able to and that they complied with all because there are too try at the beginning and end of the month. data, finished petrol exports averaged shift profits via inter-group debt, tax rules. Details of their lend- many end-users (there But consumption reportedly rebounded about 720,000 b/d during the month of but may have to do so gradually ing arrangements came to public 260 million registered to record seasonal rates in weekly sur- February, according to the US Interna- over a longer period of time. attention following data leaks or vehicles in the United veys for February and March leading some tional Trade Commission. “It, without doubt, significantly legal action with tax authorities. States). analysts to question whether the EIA is If exports were understated by changes the rules of the game,” A 2013 Reuters examina- So the EIA uses under-estimating exports. This is certainly 275,000 b/d, then domestic consumption said Stephen Shay, professor of tion of tax planning by Europe’s the disappearance of possible. The EIA’s estimating procedure has was overstated by a similar amount and law at Harvard University. largest software group, SAP AG, refined products from a backward-looking component so it can was probably running at around 8.981m “In the old days you bought showed how the German com- US petrol exports its primary reporting miss sudden changes in the rate of exports b/d in February. Even adjusting for higher and then you levered up as much pany shifted profits from the are very small in system as a proxy for and only responds with a lag. exports, domestic petrol demand was still as you can and that is not going United States, which has a corpo- the amount of fuel con- The question is how large these errors running at near-record rates in February to happen in the same way, but rate tax rate of at least 35 percent, relation to domestic sumed by end-users. The in estimating exports tend to be and how and likely climbed even further in March. how much of a constraint that to Ireland whose headline rate is consumption so volume of “product sup- much of an error they impart to estimates Government statistics are often reported becomes is unclear,” he added. 12.5 percent. plied” is calculated as of domestic consumption. US petrol exports to several decimal places or significant Nancy McLernon, president of According to Reuters calcu- even relatively large the residual of domestic are very small in relation to domestic con- figures, which can make them seem more the Organisation for International lations based on 2015 corporate errors in estimating refinery production plus sumption so even relatively large errors in precise than they really are. Every sta- Investment, a trade group for the filings, SAP America Inc reduces imports minus exports estimating exports have only a small impact tistic, especially for large estimates like US subsidiaries of foreign compa- its US tax bill by around $200 mil- exports have only minus the change in on consumption estimates. economic output, is an estimate and sub- nies, denied non-US groups were lion a year by borrowing $7.4bn a small impact stockpiles. In 2015, the country exported an average ject to a range of measurement errors. routinely shifting profit overseas from SAP Ireland US Financial on consumption Because product of 475,000 barrels per day (b/d) of finished Government data should always through debt. Services Ltd at an interest rate of supplied is calculated petrol and another 150,000 b/d of blending be treated as approximations to the “Where’s the problem they at least 7 percent. estimates. as a residual, any errors components compared with domestic con- underlying reality and analysed with an measuring production, sumption of nearly 9.2m b/d. appropriate degree of caution. UK banks struggle to lure talent for top jobs as rules bite

By Stephen Morris and senior positions, lawyers and recruiters said. Standard Chartered, which makes almost are leaving the industry, compounding the Ambereen Choudhury “Top jobs at banks are very exposed nowa- all of its profits in Asia, offered the chairman’s problem by reducing the supply of suitably Bloomberg days, especially with grandstanding politicians seat to former Australia and New Zealand experienced candidates.” out to humiliate them,” said Simon Morris, a Banking Group Ltd. CEO Mike Smith, only Standard Chartered’s board has said it’s lawyer at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP in Lon- to be turned down, people familiar with the essential any nominee have knowledge of ondon’s banks that were once among don. “Markets are poor, dampening returns, search said. Smith, 59, rejected the role in part Asian markets as well as experience deal- the most coveted employers in the glo- the regulators’ increased risk-averse approach because he didn’t want to relocate to London. ing with regulators, yet such candidates are Lbal financial system are struggling to fill limits the gambles a bank can make and hence Barclays has contacted several senior in short supply, the people said. Peace is leav- top roles because potential penalties are seen further the rewards for its managers.” investment bankers in New York about its ing his position this year and the board’s senior to outweigh the perks. British lawmakers introduced the rules opening, people with knowledge of the search independent director, Naguib Kheraj, is lead- Standard Chartered Plc has been seeking in response to public anger after many top said. Deterrents cited by potential candidates ing the search. an external replacement for Chairman John executives of bailed-out lenders including include a hardening stance of the U.K. govern- Further complicating Standard Chartered’s Peace for more than a year. Barclays Plc has Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc and Lloyds ment against banks, tough market conditions task, fellow Asia-focused bank HSBC Holdings Bankers are concerned been hunting for a successor to oversee the Banking Group Plc received millions in com- and disgruntled investors in Britain’s second- Plc announced March 18 it’s seeking an exter- about regulations that investment bank since last year after Tom King pensation. Banks were also fined for a series largest lender, the people said. Blythe Masters, nal replacement for Chairman Douglas Flint made it known he wanted to retire more than of market abuses, including manipulation of who worked under Staley at JPMorgan Chase & next year. The search is being led by senior could see executives nine months ago, according to people with the London interbank offered rate, that further Co., said in December she’s committed to her independent director Rachel Lomax and Sam thrown in jail for failing to knowledge of the plan who asked not to be undermined the reputation of the City, as the current job at a financial startup after Reu- Laidlaw, head of the nomination committee. identified as recruitment is private. U.K. capital’s main financial district is known. ters reported Staley approached her to run “StanChart and HSBC are out there look- spot serious misconduct Bankers are concerned about regulations The searches face specific obstacles as Barclays’s investment bank. ing for new chairmen and it certainly won’t be on their watch, which that could see executives thrown in jail for fail- well. Both banks are in the midst of turna- “The risk and reward dynamic has shifted easy to find successors, but they are out there,” ing to spot serious misconduct on their watch, round efforts that will probably take several to make these roles far less appealing,” said said Hugh Young, Asia managing director of has shifted the City of which has shifted the City of London’s reputa- years and are pushing through thousands of John Purcell, founder and CEO of London’s Aberdeen Asset Management Plc, which owns London’s reputation from tion from a light-touch Babylon to a risky place job cuts. Barclays Chief Executive Officer Jes Purcell & Co., an executive-search firm. There the second-largest stake in Standard Char- a light-touch Babylon to a to work. Combined with British politicians’ Staley and Standard Chartered’s Bill Winters is a “culture of scalp-hunting, compensation tered and is HSBC’s sixth-largest shareholder. desire to name and shame, an unforgiving both took on their own roles within the last restrictions, an onerous regulatory environ- “We think Douglas has done a good job, but risky place to work. press and diminishing cash compensation, the year and have been working to set out new ment and consequent personal reputational for any replacement candidate, unblemished nation’s banks have been left struggling to fill strategies. risk. For these reasons, many senior executives records are nigh on impossible.” 28 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS sight Technology start-ups snap at the Reports of oil rally’s death premature as heels of Asian private bankers inventories decline By Jeremy Wagstaff and Saeed Azhar By Brian Wingfield The number of active oil rigs in Reuters and Moming Zhou the US declined to the lowest Bloomberg level since 2009, Baker Hughes Inc. data show. Most members of the Opec CANNING a bank state- and other major producers ment into a computer EDGE funds bet- including Russia plan to meet may not sound particu- ting that oil’s rally April 17 in Doha, Qatar, to con- larly high-tech, but it’s was over missed an sider an oil-production freeze unsettling some of Asia’s 11 percent gain after amid a global glut. Saudi Ara- private bankers. By HUS crude inventories unex- bia, the world’s largest crude Saggregating all the monthly state- pectedly fell. Short positions in exporter, has said it will not ments mailed to high net worth West Texas Intermediate crude cap production unless other individuals on the multiple accounts jumped 35 percent in the week producers do the same. Iranian they hold at different institutions, Sin- ended April 5, according to the officials, who haven’t commit- gapore start-up Mesitis offers clients US Commodity Futures Trad- ted to attend the Doha gathering, a single window on their holdings. ing Commission. The next day, have said their nation plans to “There’s a need for this,” says the government reported a 4.94 expand exports following the Pooja Gurbani, a Singaporean in her million-barrel drop in US oil removal of international sanc- UBS employees demonstrate how their eye movements are being tracked to provide feedback on the 30s who handles tens of millions of inventories, the first decline in tions in January. The meeting dollars of family money. “It makes us interface design of a banking application on a tablet computer at their innovation centre Evolve in Singapore. eight weeks. can produce an agreement see more, it makes us more intelli- “Everybody thought there even without Iran’s participa- gent investors.” a scanner may seem low-tech, but Canopy service, Ketan Samani, chief on,” said Geoffroy De Ridder, operat- was going to be a build in the tion, Nawal Al Fezaia, Kuwait’s With 4.7 million high net worth it gets around the lack of applica- digital officer at UBS Wealth Manage- ing head for UBS Wealth Management inventories” and the actual data Opec governor, has said. individuals — typically those with tion programming interfaces (APIs) ment APAC, said. in Asia Pacific. Offering advice may proved otherwise, said Carl “It looks like investors are $1m in liquid financial assets - Asia- that many banks and financial insti- Indeed, UBS and others such as not, however, be as safe as it looks. So- Larry, director of oil and gas betting nothing will come out Pacific is the largest and fastest tutions in the United States offer to Standard Chartered are building their called ‘robo-advisers’ automate wealth issues in Houston for consult- of the meeting,” Dan Flynn, a growing wealth region, according to allow third-party access to data. own fintech teams. Inside a colo- advisory roles, calling into question ant Frost & Sullivan, Inc. “The trader at Price Futures Group in Cap Gemini and RBC. That level of digital integration nial-era building that once served the value of traditional banker/client market’s bouncing back a little.” Chicago, said in a phone inter- But its private banking indus- hasn’t taken off in Asia, prompt- as the British military headquar- meetings, and potentially threatening WTI oil for May delivery view. “I wouldn’t be so sure try is only slowly waking up to the ing regulators such as the Monetary ters in Singapore, UBS is lab-testing an important source of bank income. dropped 6.2 percent to $35.89 a about that.” demands of a new, tech-savvy gen- Authority of Singapore (MAS) to prod new technologies to serve its wealthy Some Asian bankers are dismiss- barrel on the New York Mercan- Wagers that prices will eration of wealthy clients and family banks to do more. clients in Asia. Credit Suisse has ive. “They’re kind of just algorithms in tile Exchange during the report fall rose by 26,521 contracts of offices, creating opportunities for “You don’t really have a choice a mobile app tailored for its Asia- the sky, they’re pretty dumb,” said Neal week, before rebounding to $39.72 futures and options to 102,119 in financial technology, or fintech, because we’re already here,” Mesitis’ Pacific private banking clients. Cross, chief innovation officer for DBS, April 8. Prices were up 1.7 percent the week ended April 5. It was start-ups. Gurbani said she was so co-founder and CEO Tanmai Sharma Samani sees the main threat from a Singapore bank which spends close at $40.40 as of 11:24am yesterday. the largest percentage increase impressed with the Mesitis service told a recent banking event hosted by so-called fintech disrupters in pay- to $700m a year on technology. He was The drop in supply data last since July and pulled the net- that she ditched her private banker the MAS. “This is do-able and absurdly ments, lending and credit cards. “All speaking in December. week ran counter to analysts’ long position down 12 percent, and even invested in the firm, one of a easy.” Sharma’s company is now run- those are under attack now. Non- Mesitis’ Sharma, a former man- forecasts for an increase. Pro- CFTC data show. handful of start-ups across Asia look- ning trials at three private banks to traditional players have come in and aging director at Deutsche Bank, duction declined to the lowest Net bearish positions on die- ing to disrupt the traditional wealth integrate its software into their systems, the barriers have lowered to some believes the opposite. He says start- level since November 2014 while sel fuel increased 27 percent as management business. but he says most of his firm’s business degree,” he said. ups will chip away at both businesses refiners used the most crude in futures declined 7 percent to For sure, sending statements to is directly with banks’ clients. But UBS and other private banks by aggregating customers’ data and three months, Energy Informa- $1.0746 a gallon. The net-long a third party and viewing holdings Private banks are cautiously tak- hope their core advisory business - offering smarter insights on their tion Administration data showed. position in gasoline declined online won’t appeal to everyone, ing note. Clients in Asia are digitally built around face-to-face meetings investments. “Robo is a logical off- US output is sliding after 32 percent, to 21,665 contracts, especially ultra high net worth indi- tuned-in and the region’s billionaire - will escape the onslaught. “We shoot of the aggregation business we $100bn in spending cuts last the biggest drop since January. viduals - those with at least $30 wealth will overtake that of the U.S. are moving towards being paid for do,” said Sharma. “We have the data year by explorers amid the worst Prices on Nymex dropped 5.2 million of investable assets - and within a decade, a UBS study predicts. advice, with new products coming in anyway, so using that data to make price meltdown in a generation. percent to $1.3778 a gallon. Mesitis says it is not regulated. UBS, the world’s biggest wealth regardless of the number of transac- efficient investment portfolios is a Feeding paper statements into manager, is evaluating Mesitis’ tions the clients are making and so logical next step.”

Ultra-low and negative rates have serious Larry Fink, Capital consequences for individuals saving for retirement Chairman and Chief and, ultimately, consumer spending. Lower rates mean Executive Officer, BlackRock Comment investors will have to stash away more cash now.

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Name in the Market Has Brexit squashed

World Bank MENA @ DealB%k sterling’s April bounce? WorldBankMENA ENERGY EFFICIENCY By Patrick Graham “Even through the financial cri- #Climatechange: Funds are pouring millions Reuters sis and the run-up to the May 2015 #Water resources in into start-ups, particularly General Election, sterling has con- #MENA could decrease by 15% - 45% depend- financial tech companies sistently appreciated against the ing on locations dollar during April,” said Kamal using the Internet and HETHER it is Brexit nerves Sharma, an FX strategist with Bank Marmore MENA @ automation to replace or just a bad run on shaky of America Merrill Lynch in London. traditional banking. Wfinancial markets, sterling “A combination of the end of the marmoremena is on course for its first April loss in UK tax year and a heavy month of #Dubai launches 12 years, boding ill for the run-in dividend payments by UK corpo- world’s first medical to the referendum on EU member- rates are factors.”Analysts say that #tourism portal. ship in June. While the pound has either suggests sterling may have the proved more robust since a col- potential to recover before the end of MoneyBeat lapse at the end of February, and it the month from current multi-year KPMG US @KPMG_US rose again yesterday, it is down just lows. Or it could signal worse is to over 1 percent on the Bank of Eng- come in May and June, once the sup- Internal auditors can land’s trade-weighted measure of its port for sterling that normally shows assist tech compa- strength so far this month. up in April evaporates. nies in developing a That compares with a consist- The market’s most-watched tax code of conduct to help comply with There’s an undeniable gloom ent run of strong performances in positioning data, from the US Com- new #BEPS hanging over U.S. earnings the first month of the UK financial modity Futures Trading Commission, year that stretches back more than on Friday showed investors added to season.Analysts expect a decade through the worst banking bets against sterling in the first week Argaam Plus @ companies in the S&P 500 storms since the 1930s. of this month. Traders and analysts have A Reuters poll on Friday sug- ArgaamPlus index to report a 8.5% drop in blamed the pound’s weakness on gested the pound would fall 7 nerves ahead of the June 23 ref- percent in the immediate aftermath #Saudi ACWA earnings per share for the first erendum on European Union of a vote to leave. Some banks say it Power opens $840 quarter compared with the membership, poorer expectations for could be closer to 20 percent. Opin- mln #solar plant in #Morocco same period last year. global growth or a current account ion polls suggest the vote is too close deficit that ballooned to 7 percent of to call, though bookmakers’ odds economic output at the end of 2015. tend to favour Britain staying in. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 31 PAGE | 32 Marquez extends Willett springs a MotoGP reign surprise to win in Austin Masters

TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 • 5 Rajab 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

China aims to Qatar eye draw as battle for become football 2018 World Cup spot hots up superpower

Third round draw AFP to be announced today as coach BEIJING: China’s perennially low-ranked Jose Carreno heads football team will be one of the world’s Qatari delegation in greatest by 2050, the government vowed in a plan released by China’s top economic Kuala Lumpur planning body yesterday. The 14-page plan outlined a multi- decade vision to vault Team Dragon -- currently ranked 81 in the world by The Peninsula FIFA -- into the elite and “realise the goal of being the top class soccer nation”, it said. The statement was issued by a DOHA: Qatar football coach Jose joint committee of the National Sports Carreno will be eager to find out Administration, the Chinese Football the group teams today when the Association, the education ministry and third round draw of the 2018 FIFA the National Development and Reform World Cup qualifying campaign are Commission. made in the Malaysian capital Kuala President Xi Jinping, an avowed soccer Lumpur. lover, has declared that China should ful- Carreno and Qatar Football fil his three dreams of hosting, qualifying Association (QFA) official represent- for, and winning a World Cup. ative Ahmed Hassan have arrived But the world’s most populous country in Kuala Lumpur to attend the pro- has had dismal results, only ever appear- ceedings of the 2018 FIFA World ing once at the World Cup in 2002. Cup Asian qualifiers final round The committee said that in the next draw to be held today. four years China will have 20,000 soc- In total, 12 teams will be Qatari football players take part in a training session at cer academies, 30 million elementary and involved in the proceedings, namely Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on the eve of their middle school pupils playing the sport, the 8 group winners and the four 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 qualifying match against among more than 50 million Chinese best second-placed teams from Maldives in this file photo. active in the game. the currently on-going qualifica- By following the blueprint China will tion process. “realise the dream of springing to the top Eight AFC Member Associa- at football” and bring to life “the sports- tions have qualified for 2018 FIFA teams of each group (two teams in World Cup, impressed in the first for Delivery and Legacy, the body superpower dream” and “national revival World Cup Russia Asian Qualifiers total) will advance to the 2018 FIFA round of qualifying when they overseeing organisation of the 2022 SEEDINGS FOR 2018 FIFA WORLD dream”, it said. Final Round by virtue of finishing World Cup Russia Asian Play-off topped Group C with seven wins out World Cup, told AFP yesterday. CUP QUALIFIERS The report came shortly after China’s as group winners from Preliminary Round. of eight games. Russia 2018 repre- “The fact of having 2022 is an FINAL ROUND DRAW 2-0 shock win against previously unbeaten Joint Qualification Round 2 with The winner of the Asian Play-off sents Qatar’s last chance to qualify extra motivation for the players,” Al Qatar, thrilling local fans and sending the another four also qualifying as the Round (one team in total) will take for a World Cup on merit before Thawadi added. Pot 1: Iran (42nd), Australia (50th) team through to the final Asian qualifying four best second-placed teams. on the side that finishes fourth in automatically playing as hosts in Qatar won the first seven of Pot 2: Korea Republic (56th), Japan (57th) stage for Russia 2018. The 2018 World Cup They will be drawn into two the fifth round of the CONCACAF 2022. If Carreno’s emerging side their eight Group C matches, los- qualifying draw takes place in the Malay- Pot 3: Saudi Arabia (60th), Uzbekistan groups of six teams to play home- qualifiers in a two-legged inter- manage to progress from the third ing only to China in the final match, sian capital Kuala Lumpur today. (66th) and-away under the round-robin confederation playoff. round, they will make history as the when Qatar’s progress to the next The team have enjoyed a recent spurt format. The 12 nations, seeded based on first Qatari team to play in football’s round was already assured. Along Pot 4: United Arab Emirates (68th), China PR of success under reinstated coach Gao The winner and runner-up of the latest FIFA rankings which were biggest tournament. the way they set a record for their (81st) Hongbo, who replaced Frenchman Alain each group (four teams in total) will released on April 7, will be drawn “It is important that we are biggest ever victory -- 15-0 versus Pot 5: Qatar (83rd), Iraq (105th) Perrin after he was sacked following a 0-0 qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup from six country pots as follows: there (Russia),” Hassan Al-Thawadi, Bhutan -- and finished with a goal Pot 6: Syria (110th), Thailand (119th) draw with Hong Kong in November that Russia finals while the third-placed Qatar, hosts of the 2022 FIFA head of the Supreme Committee difference of plus-25. left China facing elimination. Al Attiyah leads a star-studded line-up at Sealine Rally Qatar star to defend Jordan rally title The Peninsula selected for the funded prize Poland’s three-time Sealine win- drive arranged by the QMMF in ner Rafal Sonik looks set for a conjunction with FIA Women in head-to-head battle with Chile’s The Peninsula Motorsport last autumn. Ignacio Casale in the quad cat- DOHA: Two-time Dakar Rally The provisional list of car egory. champion and last week’s Abu entrants includes 46 cars and “We are delighted with the AMMAN, JORDAN: One of the Arab world’s most iconic Dhabi Desert Challenge winner team members from a stagger- strength and depth of the entry sporting figures, Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah has Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah will be ing 29- countries, from as far our team has received for the confirmed that he will take part in the Jordan Rally chasing a fourth win at the Sea- afield as New Zealand, Colom- Sealine Rally and we are work- which will be held from May 5 to 7. line Cross-Country Rally when bia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, the ing around the clock to put the Al Attiyah has just won the Abu Dhabi Desert Chal- the next round of the FIM and FIA United States, Asia, Africa, the finishing touches to everything,” lenge, and is preparing to represent Qatar in the Olympic World Cups takes place across the Middle East and Europe. The list said QMMF president Abdulrah- Games this summer in shooting, but he is one of the first deserts of the State of Qatar from is still subject to FIA approval. man Abdulatif Al Mannai. drivers to confirm his entry for the Jordan Rally, the April 16 to 22. Nineteen motorcycle riders and “We extend a warm welcome to third round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship. The multi talented Qatari legend two quads feature on the pro- our many visitors from around The 12-time regional rally champion is the most tops the entry in the car category visional entry list in the FIM the world and wish them a safe successful driver in the history of motor sport in this with his Overdrive Toyota Hilux section. Toby Price, the defending and successful week of motor region and will be back to defend the Jordan Rally that but he will be hard-pressed on Dakar champion and last week’s sport in Qatar,” he added. he won comfortably last year. this occasion by a trio of X-raid Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge The competitive action gets Drivers have until April 19 to get their entries. Mini All4 Racings, driven by winner, heads the two-wheel underway next Monday (April A special spectator event will be followed by the Yazeed Al-Rajhi, Vladimir Vas- category, where he faces fierce 18) with the first of five punish- grand launch on May 5, followed by two days of tough ilyev and Ricardo Porem, and a competition from Red Bull KTM ing selective sections around driving through the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley areas. Two-time Dakar Rally champion and last week’s Abu fleet of powerful Toyotas, Nissans factory team mates San Sunder- the Qatar deserts. First up for May 6 will see drivers tackle 10 special timed stages and Buggies in the hotly-con- land and Pablo Quintanilla. competitors in both the car and Dhabi Desert Challenge winner Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah covering 115.5 competitive kilometres, while May 7 tested T1, T2 and T3 categories. Qatari hopes rest on the shoulders motorcycle categories will be in action in his Overdrive Toyota Hilux. The Qarari star presents eight more tricky stages covering 105.54 kms. The star-studded list of drivers of Ahmed Fahad Al-Kuwari on a administration and scrutineering will chase his fourth win at the Sealine Cross-Country The event is to be held under the patronage of HRH and riders, released by the Qatar KTM 450 EXC, while riders from checks at Losail on April 16 and Rally when the next round of the FIM and FIA World Cups Prince Feisal Al Hussein, the chairman of Jordan Mot- Motor and Motorcycle Federation 14 countries (including Bolivia, 17 and the traditional pre-event takes place across the deserts of the State of Qatar from orsport which manages and organises motor sport in (QMMF) also includes six girls in Chile, USA and Kazakhstan) boost media conference at 4.00pm on April 16 to 22. Jordan. For more information, fans and competitors three Nissan Patrols, who were an impressive field. Sunday afternoon. can visit www.jordanrally.com. 30 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 SPORT

Misbah and IPL: Finch and Bravo give Younis to lead teams in Lions victorious start Pakistan Cup The Peninsula

Gujarat Lions batsman Aaron Finch The IPL Debutants INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE hits a cover drive during their 2016 LAHORE: Veteran batsman Indian Premier League Twenty20 Misbah ul-Haq and Pakistan’s highest run-getter in Tests ride on Finch’s cricket match against Kings XI Younis Khan will lead two of quick-fire knock to loss, spearheaded by skipper Suresh Punjab at I S Bindra Stadium in Raina (20) and Finch. five teams in a 50-over tour- Rising Pune Supergiants Mohali yesterday. reach 162-run target Raina guided the team past the nament to be played later this batsman Kevin Pietersen with 14 balls to spare 50-run mark in the sixth over with month, the Pakistan Cricket a big six over midwicket. But then he Board (PCB) announced fell off the very next ball, foxed by yesterday. KP mulls a Marcus Stoinis slower delivery to Fresh from successfully offer a simple catch to mid on. organizing the Pakistan Super IANS Finch remained unperturbed by League (PSL), PCB yesterday playing Raina’s dismissal and used all his announced details of the Paki- experience to lead his team’s chase, stan Cup to be held from April bringing up his 50 in the eight over. 19 to May 1. for South MOHALI: Debutants Gujarat Lions He forged another 50-run part- Pakistan’s 75 top crick- began their Indian Premier League nership with Karthik to bring up the eters will take part in the (IPL) journey with an impressive 100 in the 11th over. Pakistan Cup 2016, the coun- Africa five-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab Earlier, Kings XI Punjab posted try’s premier domestic 50-over at the I S Bindra Stadium in Mohali 161 for six after Gujarat captain tournament. The tourna- AFP yesterday. Suresh Raina won the toss and opted ment will bring together teams Lions reached the 162-run target to field, opening batsmen Murali representing Balochistan, with 14 balls to spare with Australian Vijay (42 off 34) and Manan Vohra ZIC Federal Capital, Boom NEW DELHI: Former England opener Aaron Finch (74) scoring the (38 in 23) provided a 78-run stand Boom Bubblegum Khyber batsman Kevin Pietersen has said majority of the runs. Dinesh Karthik in 8.2 overs. Pakhtunkhwa, Cookania Cake he is considering playing interna- (41 not out) was also a chief contrib- Then Dwayne Bravo (4/22) and Rusk Punjab and Inverex Sindh. tional cricket for his native South utor. Their run chase stuttered early left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja Balochistan will be led by Africa after he was sacked from on when former New Zealand cap- (2/30) led Gujarat’s fightback as the Pakistan ODI captain Azhar Ali the England side two years ago. tain Brendon McCullum departed for hosts lost four wickets for 102 runs while Ijaz Ahmed and Taimur The flamboyant batsman, who a second ball duck, advancing down in 12 overs. Australian all-rounder Azam will form the coaching was born in Pietermaritzburg but the track to be smartly stumped by Marcus Stoinis (33 in 22 balls) and panel. left for England more than a dec- Wriddhiman Saha off the bowling wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha Pakistan Test captain Mis- ade ago, would be eligible to play of Sandeep Sharma in the first over. (20) did the repair work and took bah will lead the Federal side. for South Africa in 2018. But Lions recovered from the the total to 161/6. Mansoor Rana and Sabih The 35-year-old has not played Azhar will form the coaching an international match since he SCOREBOARD panel for the Federal team. was controversially dumped from Star batsman Younis will the England side following their KINGS XI PUNJAB GUJARAT LIONS lead Khyber Pakhtunkhwa disastrous Ashes tour of Australia M Vijay b Jadeja 42 A J Finch st Saha b Sahu 74 with Abdul Rehman and Kabir in 2013-14. M Vohra c Karthik b Jadeja 38 B B McCullum st Saha b S. Sharma 0 Khan forming the coach- Pietersen has since moulded D A Miller b Bravo 15 S K Raina c Johnson b Stoinis 20 ing panel. Punjab will be captained by Shoaib Malik himself as a Twenty20 special- G J Maxwell b Bravo 2 K D Karthik (not out) 41 ist, regularly featuring in leagues and Atiq uz Zaman will join of the shortest format around the W P Saha c Jadeja b Bravo 20 R A Jadeja (run out-Johnson) 8 Mautashim Rashid on the world. M P Stoinis c Finch b Bravo 33 Ishan Kishan c Sharma b Johnson 11 coaching panel.

“Yes, it is a thought in my A R Patel (not out) 4 D J Bravo (not out) 2 Pakistan T20 skipper Sar- head,” Pietersen was quoted as M G Johnson (not out) 0 Extras (LB-3, W-3) 6 faraz Ahmed will lead Sindh in the Pakistan Cup. Tauseef saying by Cricinfo website and Extras (B-1, LB-2, W-4) 7 Total (for 5 wkts in 17.4 overs) 162 other media about playing for Ahmed and Iqbal Imam will be Total (for 6 wkts in 20 overs) 161 South Africa. Did not bat: J P Faulkner, P Kumar, P J Sang- part of the coaching panel for “If it happens, it happens, if Fall of wickets: 1-78, 2-91, 3-101, 4-102, wan, S Ladda . Sindh. In an unprecedented it doesn’t, it doesn’t. Obviously, 5-157, 6-157. Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-52, 3-117, 4-133, 5-151. move, the five captains and playing international is some- Bowling: P Kumar 4-0-25-0; P J Sangwan Bowling: Sandeep Sharma 3-0-21-1; M G the coaches will be involved in thing I have done for a very long 2-0-21-0; J P Faulkner 4-0-39-0 (2w); S Ladda Johnson 4-0-35-1 (2w); M M Sharma 2.4-0-24- selecting the teams through a time,” he said after turning out 2-0-21-0; R A Jadeja 4-0-30-2 (1w); D J Bravo 0; M P Stoinis 2-0-27-1; A R Patel 2-0-17-0 Player Draft scheduled to take on Saturday for the Rising Pune 4-0-22-4 (1w). (1w); P Sahu 4-0-35-1. place today. Supergiants team in the Indian Around 150 players will Premier League (IPL). be eligible for selection at the “Do I miss playing interna- Draft. In order to provide top tional cricket? Do I miss batting quality exposure to younger in international cricket? Yes, I do players, each team will be very much so you never know. Bangalore aim to launch IPL campaign in style required to pick one regional “The eligibility for South Africa U-19 cricketer. is still a year away. So we will have Highlighting plans for to wait and see but it is definitely IANS swashbuckling batsman from the injury suffered during the World the event, Chairman Execu- still an option,” said Pietersen, Caribbean Chris Gayle, Proteas’ T20, will miss the first few matches tive Committee PCB Najam who has scored 8181 runs from AB de Villiers and recently retired but India’s young spinner Yuzven- Sethi pointed out that the 104 Tests at an average of 47.28. Australia all-rounder Shane Watson dra Chahal will aim to deliver well tournament will help revive The prolific batter, who left BENGALURU: Formidable Royal make a fearsome batting line-up in in the absence of Badree. fan engagement in domestic South Africa and later qualified Challengers Bangalore will aim to the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Hyderabad’s performance has cricket. to play for England via his English get their Indian Premier League Watson, who played for Rajas- been a trifle disappointing in the “Our public loves cricket mother, has repeatedly expressed (IPL) campaign off to a winning than Royals in earlier IPL editions, past few seasons despite having and we are trying to further his desire to return to the England start when they take on Sunrisers was the costliest player in this year’s match-winners in the squad. elevate our product. There is side. Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy auction. He was bought for a whop- The team, led by Australia’s greater involvement of senior But any chances of a comeback Stadium today. ping Rs.9.5 crore by RCB. hard-hitting batsman David Warne, cricketers with the Draft proc- effectively ended after Pietersen The team from Karnataka has With his international duty gone will aim to put aside their poor per- ess in place,” Sethi said. published an autobiography in never won the title in the past eight from his shoulders, the all-rounder formance in the past and start afresh “Players will also receive a late 2014 that criticised some of editions, but led by India’s Test skip- will aim to deliver both with bat and today against a good and well bal- 100% increase in remunera- his teammates and England and per and hard-hitting batsman Virat ball to help the Bangalore team get anced RCB. tion and the support staff is Wales Cricket Board officials. Kohli they will aim to get the unfin- closer to the quarry in their title Hyderabad will miss the services very experienced. We are cel- ished job done this time around. In hunt. India’s Sarfaraz Khan, Stuart of India star batsman Yuvraj Singh ebrating unity in diversity and 2009 and 2011, they came closest to Binny and Mandeep Singh will also who is nursing an ankle injury. I urge the fans to come and the title but let the trophy slip out of hope to contribute. But their batting line-up com- watch these matches in the ENGLISH COUNTY SCORES their hands on both occasions. RCB will miss injured Aussie prising of skipper Warner, India’s stadium,” Sethi said in a state- Kohli has been in sublime form pacer Mitchell Starc, but New Zea- Shikhar Dhawan, England’s Eoin ment released yesterday. Cool and Cool will be FIRST DIVISION lately, especially in the recent land’s Adam Milne is likely to lead Morgan, Kiwi Kane Williamson and World Twenty20 with 273 runs in the bowling attack alongside Kane all-rounder Moises Henriques makes the presenting sponsor of At Chester-le-Street: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli poses as five matches to bag the Player of the Richardson, Harshal Patel, Sreenath a good unit. India’s veteran pacer the tournament while Jun- Durham 256 (K Jennings 116; L Gregory he attends the opening ceremony of Tournament. The right-handed bats- Arvind and Varun Aaron. Ashish Nehra will add experience aid Jamshed, Brighto Paints 4-58) v Somerset 30-3 the 2016 Indian Premier League(IPL) man will hope he continues his good In the spin department, the West to the side alongside Bhuvneshwar and Goldenpearl will be co- cricket tournament in Mumbai in this form in the cash-rich T20 League. Indies leg-spinner Samuel Badree, Kumar and Kiwi pacer Trent Boult sponsors, details showed At Southampton: April 8 file photo. Besides Kohli, the presence of who is yet to recover from a shoulder in the bowling department. yesterday. Hampshire 189-8 (R McLaren 84 no; K Barker 5-44) v Warwickshire

At Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire 446 (S Mullaney 113, S Patel 85, R Wessels 81, C Read 63 no; R History made as Championship tosses tradition away Rampaul 5-93) v Surrey 7-0

SECOND DIVISION AFP teams preparing ‘result’ pitches to his decision to bat first after winning Veteran West Indies fast bowler before the visitors slumped to 30 for At Chelmsford: favour otherwise modest medium- the toss by making an unbeaten 88 in Ravi Rampaul took five for 93 for the three. Gloucestershire 262 (G Roderick 88 no, H pace seamers, the England and Wales his side’s total of 262 in their Second visitors on his Surrey debut. In the Second Division, Ben Duck- Marshall 51; J Porter 4-59) v Essex 39-1 Cricket Board (ECB) have introduced Division match away to Essex. Warwickshire paceman Keith ett’s first-class best of 178 not out LONDON: One of the enduring rituals a rule, on a one-year trial for the time England Test captain Alastair Barker also took five wickets as hosts helped Northamptonshire close on of any cricket match was deliberately being, that allows visiting captains to Cook was 17 not out as Essex reached Hampshire struggled to 189 for eight, 296 for two at home to Sussex. At Northampton: done away with on Sunday’s opening field first if they want to in first-class stumps on 39 for one. but Ryan McLaren’s unbeaten 84 One enduring English ‘tradi- Northamptonshire 296-2 (B Duckett 178 day of the new English County Cham- Championship cricket. Nottinghamshire’s Steven Mul- helped his team close in on a batting tion’, namely that of the weather no, A Wakely 51) v Sussex pionship season. As a result, no toss was needed laney had the honour of scoring the bonus point after at one point being keeping the players in the pavilion, The toss of a coin to decide which in four of the five matches that got first hundred of the new Champion- reduced to 87 for seven. was maintained with a wet outfield At New Road: side bats or bowls first has been a sta- underway Sunday. ship season and his 113 helped his Keaton Jennings’s 116 provided preventing any play at all on Sun- Worcestershire v Kent ple of Championship cricket for more Gloucestershire captain Gareth side, tipped to challenge holders York- the lion’s share of Durham’s 256 day in the Second Division match No play Sunday due to a wet outfield. than a hundred years. Roderick was the odd man out and, shire for the First Division title, amass against Somerset in their First Divi- between Worcestershire and Kent But in a bid to guard against home having called correctly, he backed up 446 against Surrey at Trent Bridge. sion encounter at Chester-le-Street at New Road. SPORT TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 31

MOTOGP GRAND PRIX OF THE AMERICAS: RESULTS

1. Marc Marquez (Spain) Honda - 43:57.945 Marquez extends MotoGP reign 2. Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Yamaha - 44:04.052 3. Andrea Iannone (Italy) Ducati - 44:08.892 4. Maverick Vinales (Spain) Suzuki - 44:16.367 in Austin as Rossi crashes out 5. Aleix Espargaro (Spain) Suzuki - 44:18.656 6. Scott Redding (Britain) Ducati - Behind the Spaniard plenty of 44:26.906 Dominant Spanish drama unfolded. 7. Pol Espargaro (Spain) Yamaha - As Espargaro faded, Lorenzo got 44:30.057 rider grabs second past Dovizioso with Marquez’s Honda 8. Michele Pirro (Italy) Ducati - 44:30.702 win of the 19-race team-mate Dani Pedrosa lurking 9. Hector Barbera (Spain) Ducati - season behind. 44:32.537 But on the seventh lap disaster 10. Stefan Bradl (Germany) Aprilia - struck as Pedrosa lost control, his 44:38.156 bike skidding outside and collect- AFP 11. Alvaro Bautista (Spain) Aprilia - ing Dovizioso -- the second race in a row that Dovizioso was taken out by 44:43.368 another rider. 12. Eugene Laverty (Ireland) Ducati - Pedrosa briefly rejoined the hunt 44:45.072 TEXAS: Marc Marquez extended his while Dovizioso’s day was done. 13. Tito Rabat (Spain) Honda - 44:45.371 reign in the MotoGP Grand Prix of On the eighth lap Cal Crutchlow 14. Yonny Hernandez (Colombia) Ducati - the Americas on Sunday, piloting his and Bradley Smith both fell off, rejoin- 44:49.135 Honda to victory in Austin, Texas, for ing in a frantic bid to salvage a point 15. Loris Baz (France) Ducati - 45:10.874 the fourth straight year. or two. Marquez, fresh off a win in Argen- The falls promoted Iannone -- tina, won in 43min 57.945sec, with who qualified fourth but started Yamaha rival Jorge Lorenzo second seventh because a penalty from the MOTOGP STANDINGS 6.107sec behind and Italian Ducati Argentina race -- to third, a place he rider Andrea Iannone third 10.947sec maintained to take his first points of back. the young season. 1. Marc Marquez (Spain) Honda : 66 Two-time world champion Mar- Marquez goes into the next race 2. Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Yamaha : 45 quez also strengthened his hold on in Jerez, Spain, on April 24, atop the 3. Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha : 33 the top spot in the overall standings But he went wide exiting the turn, standings with 66 points. Lorenzo is while nine-time world champ Val- allowing pole-sitter Marquez to move second on 45 and Rossi third on 33. 4. Pol Espargaro (Spain) Yamaha : 28 entino Rossi, who came into the race in front, and Ducati rider Andrea “Of course I’m happy with this 5. Dani Pedrosa (Spain) Honda : 27 eight points behind Marquez, crashed Dovizioso powered into second on the advantage that we have,” Marquez 6. Hector Barbera (Spain) Ducati : 25 out on his Yamaha. back straight as Spain’s Aleix Espar- said. “OK, it’s only the third race, but With his second win of the 19-race garo moved into fourth on his Ducati. we already have 21 points so this is 7. Andrea Dovizioso (Italy) Ducati : 23 season, Marquez preserved a perfect Rossi’s challenge ended on the really important for me and the team. 8. Maverick Vinales (Spain) Suzuki : 23 record on US soil after starting first third lap, when he lost the front end “The other riders made a few mis- 9. Eugene Laverty (Ireland) Ducati : 21 on the grid. of his bike at turn two and crashed, takes, but you must be there - and now 10. Aleix Espargaro (Spain) Suzuki : 21 Another Spaniard, the reigning his run of 24 races with a top-five fin- in Europe we will see, because Jorge Spain’s Marc Marquez of the Repsol Honda Team in action world champion Lorenzo, who like ish ending. will be really strong.” 11. Andrea Iannone (Italy) Ducati : 16 during the 2016 Grand Prix of the Americas Moto GP race Yamaha team-mate Rossi has strug- Meanwhile Marquez and Marquez, in consultation with 12. Scott Redding (Britain) Ducati : 16 at circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on Sunday. INSET: gled on the track tucked into the hills Dovizioso were separating them- tyre manufacture Michelin, took 13. Bradley Smith (Britain) Yamaha : 16 Marquez celebrates with the trophy on the podium after outside the Texas capital, roared off selves, Marquez building his lead to a risk and went with a softer com- the start line to seize the lead going a second midway through the fourth pound front tyre. 14. Stefan Bradl (Germany) Aprilia : 15 winning the Motorcycling Grand Prix of the Americas, his second win this season. into turn one. lap. 15. Alvaro Bautista (Spain) Aprilia : 14 QMMF Racing Team’s Simon and Simeon among top 10 finishers

The Peninsula

TEXAS: Both QMMF Racing Team riders Julian Simon and Xavier Simeon reached their goals of taking top ten finishes at the Grand Prix of the Americas on Sunday. In an action packed race, Simeon escaped an early contact with another rider and managed to Williams deputy team principal storm from 18th to eighth place despite a damaged Claire Williams front fairing. Teammate Simon, who started from 11th on the grid, battled against chatter and clutch problems and still managed to get ninth place, directly behind Simeon. Since both riders had a good feeling with their Speed-Up bikes during the Formula 1 learned a race, they now hope to be strong and successful again at the next Grand Prix in Jerez, Spain. Xavier Simeon who finished in the eighth posi- tion was over the moon after his progress in Austin, Texas. lesson from qualifying “I am very, very happy with the race. The first laps were completely crazy. We had a lot of con- tacts because everybody wanted to push toward the front, which is what happens when you are fiasco, says Williams in a group coming from behind. I was very lucky because I had a big contact with Márquez, which destroyed my front fairing,” Simeon said. “I did all the race without the windshield, but I Reuters nothing happening on track. The decision to could continue. After that, I had a very good pace. revert, from this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix I knew after qualifying that I had a feeling that in Shanghai, was taken last week when teams I didn’t have until now and my target was to be rejected a compromise proposal. in the top ten today. After a few laps, I was still QMMF Racing Team riders Xavier Simeon (left), closely followed by Julian LONDON: Formula One learned a lesson from International Automobile Federation (FIA) down in 18th place and it was clear that I had to the qualifying fiasco that overshadowed the president Jean Todt and the sport’s commer- be very focused.” Simon, reaching the last corner during the Moto2 Race at the Grand Prix of opening races of the season in Australia and cial supremo Bernie Ecclestone said they had “Thanks to a very good bike, I was able to do the Americas. BELOW: QMMF racer Julian Simon celebrates after finishing in Bahrain, Williams deputy team principal Claire accepted the move “in the interests of the fast and consistent lap times and catch all the rid- the ninth place. Williams said yesterday. Championship”. ers in front of me. I am very happy to finish eighth “I think that we have learned that we need They also welcomed a proposal by the starting from 18th and I hope I can have exactly to take more time to consider the proposals that teams to have a “global assessment of the for- the same feeling again in Jerez and fight for a good come to us,” she told reporters at a breakfast mat of the weekend for 2017”. result again,” he added. meeting after her team published their annual Williams expressed relief at the outcome. Julian Simon who crossed the chequered flag results. “It’s obviously what the fans want...it’s cer- behind Simeon, said: “I am happy. It was a good “You don’t want to play out scenarios like tainly what our partners want,” she said. weekend, we worked well and we understood bet- that in the public arena. They should be done “I think it will give us a period of stability ter how we want the motorcycle to be. I took my behind the scenes. I do think we’ve learned during which we can actually sit down with first points of the season today, in a race that was the lesson.” time to properly analyse what a potentially new very special to me because it was my 100th start Formula One started the season with a 2017 qualifying system could look like. I think in Moto2.” new elimination format that was put to teams that’s what we need.” “I had a good start and the only problem I had and accepted only weeks before the March 20 Ecclestone told reporters in Bahrain that was chatter, which I had all weekend long and opener in Melbourne. there had been tens of different suggestions which was strange because it occurred with the The aim was to shake up the starting grid, about how to improve qualifying, and came throttle open and not with the throttle closed as it and provide more excitement during the Satur- up with another that would involve a Saturday usually does. From about five or six laps onward, day session, but it was immediately declared a race to determine Sunday’s grid order. it got quite bad.” failure by both teams and fans who made their “We’re looking at all these things, which “I also had a problem with the clutch because opposition evident on social media. would be for next year obviously,” he told Sky on this track you use a very long first gear, which Instead of producing a shoot-out for pole Sports television. puts a lot of strain on the clutch. Now I look forward at the end of the third and final phase, drivers “We’ve made a big enough muck-up to to my home race at Jerez, where we can hopefully were eliminated while sitting in the garages do that for this year so we must not do that take advantage of our new set-up base and be strong with minutes remaining on the clock and again,” he added again,” he added. 32 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 SPORT Willett springs a surprise to win Masters

at the wrong time. Just compounded Augusta victory An epic back-nine mistakes. Just lack of discipline.” “Anything can happen in Amen Cor- may be just tip of collapse by defending ner,” said Westwood. “It’s a fine line champion Spieth between disaster and success at this place. That’s how it is in major cham- iceberg for Willett hands over the title to pionship golf. It throws you some the Englishman shocks.” Willett sank four-foot birdie putts AFP at 13 and 14 to reach four-under. Westwood chipped in for birdie at 15 to pull within a shot but Willett AUGUSTA, Georgia: Danny Wil- AFP responded with a birdie from seven lett was one of the last players to feet at 16 while a Westwood bogey arrive in Augusta for the 80th Mas- dropped him three back. ters and he will certainly be the Willett, who shared 38th last last to leave. AUGUSTA, United States: England’s year in his Masters debut, joined Phil With his wife Nicole giv- Danny Willett was the shock winner Mickelson and Doug Ford as the only ing birth to a son on Sunday, the of the 80th Masters on Sunday thanks Masters winners to shoot 67 or better Englishman was set to miss the to a bogey-free final round and an in a bogey-free last round. Masters until Zacharia arrived epic back-nine collapse by defend- Spieth failed in his bid to join early and freed the Englishman to ing champion Jordan Spieth. Faldo, Tiger Woods and Jack Nick- make the trip to play at the year’s Willett fired a five-under par 67 laus as back-to-back Masters first major. for a three-shot victory that brought winners and missed a chance to After a stunning victory at the 28-year-old Englishman the green overtake Australia’s Jason Day for Augusta National that surprised jacket symbolic of victory at Augusta the top ranking spot. perhaps everybody except his National as well as a $1.8m top prize England’s Paul Casey and Amer- inner-circle, Willett was set from the $10 million purse. icans Dustin Johnson and JB Holmes for a rip-roaring celebration “It’s crazy. It’s surreal,” Willett Jordan Spieth of the US presents the Green Jacket to England’s Danny Willett at the end of the 80th Masters shared fourth on 287 with Japan’s on Sunday night as he tried to said. “Words can’t describe the emo- Golf Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia on Sunday. England’s Willett won Hideki Matsuyama, Dane Soren process his achievement, the tions and feelings. You do something the 80th Masters at Augusta National for his first major title. Kjeldsen and England’s Matthew Fit- first European to win here since special and it still doesn’t quite sink zpatrick another stroke back sharing 1999. in what you have achieved.” seventh. Anticipation built for the wild “You dream about these kind Willett, five down to Spieth with sharing second on 286. Westwood, birth March 30 and he was able to World number two Spieth closed back nine after a record three aces of days. It’s kind of mind boggling,” six holes to play, birdied the par-5 trying to win his first major title at age come down Magnolia Lane for his the front nine with four birdies in a at the par-3 16th in the same round. Willett said in his thick Yorkshire 13th, par-4 14th and par-3 16th to 42, shot 69 while Spieth, who defends date with destiny. row to reach the turn with a five-shot Ireland’s Shane Lowry and US accent. charge into the clubhouse while the his US Open title in June at Oakmont, “You talk about fate and every- lead over Willett. Ryder Cup captain Davis Love made “I’ve won a couple of golf 22-year-old American endured a fired a 73. thing else that goes with it -- it has Then came a back-nine horror the first two at the 170-yard hole tournaments but this is a differ- nightmare meltdown with bogeys at Spieth, as defending champion, been a crazy week,” Willett said. show as frightful as anything Augusta and South African Louis Oosthuizen ent league.” 10 and 11 and a quadruple bogey at presented Willett with the green World number 12 Willett took National’s famed Amen Corner has added a third when his ball struck bil- It has been quite a fortnight for the par-3 12th. “I just put a couple of jacket that he looked to make his own his first major crown in only his 12th ever inflicted. liards-style off that of playing partner the 28-year-old from the northern weak swings on it and suddenly I’m for most of the week, leading after all major start, becoming only the sec- Spieth went bogey-bogey to begin Holmes and into the cup. English city of Sheffield. not leading anymore,” said Spieth. “I’ll three prior rounds. ond England golfer to win the Masters the back nine and disaster struck at 12 Germany’s 58-year-old Bernhard Willett was a doubtful starter be disappointed with that one. “It was a very surreal day when I after Nick Faldo, the champion in as Spieth plunked his tee shot and his Langer, a two-time Masters winner at Augusta but the baby was deliv- “It was a very tough 30 minutes look back at the ebbs and flows,” Wil- 1989, 1990 and 1996. third into Rae’s Creek, his lead van- trying to become golf’s oldest major ered 12 days early, leaving the new for me. I hope I never experience it lett said. “I was able to make a couple Spieth, a wire-to-wire winner ishing as the ball did in a splashdown champion, fired a 79 to finish on 294. father to get to work. again.” of good putts and here I am.” last year, had a last gasp with birdies to plunge him from the lead at five- Third-ranked Rory McIlroy, trying He planned to fly across Willett finished 72 holes at five- Willett was not even going to play and 13 and 15, but he missed a eight- under to one-under and three back. to become the sixth man to complete the Atlantic today, but man- under 283, with Spieth and English the Masters because his wife was due foot birdie putt at 16 and a bogey at “It’s tough. It’s really tough,” Spieth a career Grand Slam, fired a 71 to fin- ager Andrew “Chubby” Chandler playing partner Lee Westwood to give birth on Sunday, but she gave 17 sealed his fate. said. “Just put a bad swing on it right ish on 289. talked him into coming on Mon- day, to have more than 48 hours to prepare. Even so, he was the 89th and MASTERS FINAL last player to check in, just as Jack Green jacket Nicklaus was 89th when he won ROUND SCORES his sixth Masters in 198 winner breaks Coincidence perhaps, and Wil- 283 Daniel Willett (ENG) lett recalled another sign of fate, into top 10 286 Jordan Spieth 66 74 73 73, Lee revealing that his wife was in the Westwood (ENG) 71 75 71 69 womb when Sandy Lyle became 287 Dustin Johnson 73 71 72 71, the first British player to win the AFP Paul Casey (ENG) 69 77 74 67, Masters in 1988. J.B. Holmes 72 73 74 68 Though he started the Mas- 288 Soren Kjeldsen (DEN) 69 74 74 ters ranked 12th in the world, it 71, Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 71 would be fair to say Willett was PARIS: Englishman Danny Willett 72 72 73, Matthew Fitzpatrick not the name on the tip of every- has broken into the top 10 of the (ENG) 71 76 74 67 one’s tongue on Thursday, Friday world rankings for the first time 289 Daniel Berger 73 71 74 71, Rory or Saturday, or even for most of after his dramatic victory in the McIlroy (NIR) 70 71 77 71, Jus- Sunday for that matter. Masters at Augusta on Sunday. tin Rose (ENG) 69 77 73 70, But in the space of less than an Willett was ranked outside the Brandt Snedeker 71 72 74 72, hour, he went from afterthought top 100 as recently as November Jason Day (AUS) 72 73 71 73 to champion-in-waiting. He even 2014 but on Sunday he became 291 Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) shed his white jacket on the 18th the first Briton since Nick Faldo in 72 72 77 70, Louis Oosthui- hole finishing his round off in his 1996, and the first European since zen (RSA) 72 77 71 71 Masters-green shirt. Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999, to win Though victory was almost a Danny Willett (right) of England and Lee Westwood of England shake hands after finishing on the 18th 292 Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 71 75 74 the green jacket. 72, Billy Horschel 70 77 73 72, formality, he had to wait nearly an As a result, the 28-year-old green during the final round of the 2016 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, hour for it to become official. His Georgia on Sunday. Danny Lee (NZL) 68 74 79 71, has jumped up three places from Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 74 first call was to Nicole. 12th to ninth in the latest rankings 73 75 70 “She just said ‘well done’. The released yesterday. line was a bit crackly,” he said. 293 Brooks Koepka 73 72 76 72, American Jordan Spieth sur- Manager Chandler confi- Jamie Donaldson (WAL) 74 72 rendered his title in stunning 75 72, Bryson De Chambeau dently predicted that Willett’s fashion as he became the latest 72 72 77 72 victory would open the flood- man to be swallowed up by Amen gates, rather than be a career Son’s birth sets up 294 Bernhard Langer (GER) 72 73 Corner. pinnacle, and that the player 70 79, Bill Haas 75 74 72 73, He stays second behind Aus- would soon feature promi- Angel Cabrera (ARG) 73 73 73 tralian Jason Day after a quadruple nently in any debate about who 75, Matt Kuchar 75 73 72 74, bogey at the 12th at Augusta that the world’s best player. Henrik Stenson (SWE) 72 75 will live long in the memory, with 78 69 “This is the start of the jour- Rory McIlroy third. ney, not the end of the journey,” double celebrations 295 Charley Hoffman 71 77 73 74, Chandler said. Jimmy Walker 71 75 74 75, “Danny thought this was Smylie Kaufman 73 72 69 going to happen. His game is WORLD RANKINGS 81, Scott Piercy 70 72 79 74, AFP Danny wouldn’t have even been for a wire-to-wire repeat win, never suited to all courses. He won’t 1. (1) Jason Day (Australia) 12.52 Webb Simpson 77 72 74 72 there, so it’s no wonder the baby is seen in any major, fell nine holes be distracted.” 2. (2) Jordan Spieth (US) 11.78 going to get his time in the green short with a quadruple bogey at the 296 Sergio Garcia (ESP) 69 75 81 Chandler revealed a conversa- 3. (3) Rory McIlroy (Britain) 9.41 jacket. par-3 12th. 71, Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) tion with Willett when the player 4. (4) Bubba Watson (US) 8.48 AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES: Danny “They said try to bring the green “You can empathize. He played 73 72 79 72, Kevin Streelman recently rose to 11th in the world 71 75 79 71 5. (5) Rickie Fowler (US) 7.75 Willett wasn’t even going to come to jacket home for the little one. I don’t great all week,” Willett said. ranking. He told his manager he 297 Bubba Watson 75 75 76 71, 6. (6) Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 7.70 Augusta National if new son Zac had think he’ll fit into it right now but he “What happened was just a bad still had 10 places to go. been born on his due date, which was will grow into it,” Willett said. beat. Them things happen.” Kevin Kisner 77 72 76 72 Perhaps the only thing that 7. (7) Adam Scott (Australia) 7.15 Sunday, the same day his daddy won “It’s mental. Little man was due Even when Willett took the lead, 298 Justin Thomas 76 73 78 71, could derail Willett is a chroni- 8. (8) Dustin Johnson (US) 6.89 the Masters. today. Obviously coming 12 days he said he could not believe the man- Shane Lowry (IRL) 68 76 79 cally bad back. 9. (12) Danny Willett (Britain) 6.46 Instead, wife Nicole gave birth early, he listened to his dad. Fate, one ual scoreboard number hanger was 75, Romain Langasque (FRA) “He’s got a terrible back,” 10. (9) Justin Rose (Britain) 6.06 to Zac on March 30, the 28-year-old thing or the other.” not teasing him. 74 73 83 68 Chandler said. 11. (10) Patrick Reed (US) 4.99 Englishman flew to the year’s first Two life-changing events proved “I was thinking it was a lit- 299 Victor Dubuisson (FRA) 73 76 “He goes to London every major last Monday and departed with impossible to rank in any order. tle joke,” he said. “I was waiting for month to have a check.” 12. (11) Louis Oosthuizen (South 76 74, Chris Wood (ENG) 72 73 a green jacket after a final-round “It has been crazy,” Willett said. someone to put a 7(-under) back up And Chandler said his client’s Africa) 4.89 75 79, Adam Scott (AUS) 76 72 meltdown by defending champion “I’m not quite sure which is better, there.” 75 76, Davis Love 73 73 76 77, 2016 schedule, which includes the 13. (14) Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) Jordan Spieth handed him a shock- this day or (Zac’s birth day) Tuesday. Spieth had to present Willett with Troy Merritt 74 71 79 75, Harris Olympic Games in Rio, would not 4.75 ing victory. They are very, very, very close there. his green jacket in a ceremony after English 74 73 76 76, Anirban change. 14. (13) Branden Grace (South Africa) “It has just been the most ridicu- I don’t know which one I should say the finish. Lahiri (IND) 76 73 75 75 He will also take out PGA Tour 4.53 lously awesome 12 days,” Willett said. to be politically correct.” “He just said, ‘Really well 300 Ian Poulter (ENG) 69 78 82 71, membership. 15. (17) Brandt Snedeker (US) 4.32 “Words can’t describe what I’m feel- He phoned home to share the played,’” said Willett. Martin Kaymer (GER) 74 75 79 Willett will fly home on 16. (15) Sergio Garcia (Spain) 4.31 ing right now.” winning moments with his wife. “She “He shook my hand like the true 72, Patrick Reed 76 73 75 76 Monday night, but in the 17. (16) Zach Johnson (US) 4.11 Willett fired a five-under said, ‘Well done.’ The line was a bit gent he is. He’s a class act to be able 301 Keegan Bradley 74 73 77 77, meantime there is celebrat- par 67 without a bogey to fin- crackly. I’ve got massive thanks for to hold face like that, hurting like I ing to do. 18. (19) Brooks Koepka (US) 4.07 Larry Mize 76 73 78 74 ish on five-under 283, three shots everything she does for me. Take this imagine he would be. Just shows the “He’s trying to lose weight but 302 Hunter Mahan 73 75 78 76 19. (18) Phil Mickelson (US) 3.98 ahead of Spieth and England’s Lee little green jacket back for her.” character of the guy you’re going to he won’t lose any weight tonight,” 20. (20) Charl Schwartzel (South Westwood. In his joyous moment, Willett’s have around the world number one 303 Kevin Na 72 74 85 72, Cam- Chandler quipped. Africa) 3.88 But if Zac hadn’t done his thing, heart went out to Spieth, whose bid spot for the next many years.” eron Smith (AUS) 74 73 82 74 “He’ll be drinking.” SPORT TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 33

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES PARIS: Champions League quar- PSG star Di Maria determined ter-final, second leg matches this week (kick-off 1845GMT): Tuesday At Manchester Man City (ENG) v Paris Saint- Germain (FRA) to banish Manchester ghosts First leg: 2-2 At Madrid Real Madrid (ESP) v Wolfsburg (GER) First leg: 0-2 The 28-year-old Wednesday Argentine endured a At Madrid Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Barce- miserable time when lona (ESP) he played for English First leg: 1-2 giants Manchester At Lisbon United last season Benfica (POR) v Bayern Munich (GER) First leg: 0-1

AFP History

beckons for LONDON: Angel di Maria will attempt to exorcise some personal ghosts Man City when he returns to Manchester for Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions LEFT: Real Madrid’s coach Zinedine Zidane attends a news conference on against PSG League quarter-final second leg at the eve of their UEFA Champions League match against VfL Wolfsburg. Manchester City today. ABOVE: Manchester City’s manager Manuel Pellegrini speaks during a The 28-year-old Argentina inter- press conference at the City Football Academy in Manchester, Britain. national endured a miserable time in Reuters the city with Manchester United last season, with a traumatic burglary the beginning he was clear where any rhythm. expediting his departure at the end he wanted to play me and has never The nadir arrived in late January nine more goals and provided three He was decisive in the last-16 vic- LONDON: Manchester City look of the campaign. changed his mind. He gave me total last year when a group of burglars more assists, despite having only tory over Chelsea, delivering assists to take an important step in their But whereas his position was freedom to move where I needed armed with scaffolding poles played in six more games. for Cavani and Ibrahimovic in either transformation into one of the constantly chopped and changed by to move. I’m very happy here and it attempted to smash their way into Aligned on the right flank in an leg of a 4-2 aggregate success, but world’s leading clubs today by United manager Louis van Gaal, he wasn’t the case over there.” Di Maria’s luxurious home while he, attacking triumvirate completed by failed to sparkle in last week’s 2-2 reaching the Champions League has benefited from being consistently Handed United’s fabled number his wife and one-year-old daughter Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cav- draw with City. semi-finals for the first time. selected on the wing at PSG, which seven shirt after a club-record £59.7m cowered inside. ani, Di Maria has freedom to roam Ironically, given his complaints To do so England’s last sur- has yielded a stirring return to form. ($84.3m, €74m euros) transfer from Di Maria promptly moved his infield and has looked a far happier about his treatment at United, vivors need a win or a 0-0 or 1-1 “It’s not nice to say certain things, Real Madrid, Di Maria could scarcely family into a hotel and with Van player in the French capital. the suspension of Blaise Matuidi draw at home to Paris St Germain but it’s more that they didn’t let me have arrived at Old Trafford amid Gaal admitting to feeling concerned “You have to be intelligent to and injuries to Marco Verratti and after holding the Ligue 1 champi- settle properly than I couldn’t set- greater fanfare. But despite a about his star recruit’s state of mind, roam around like Angel does,” says Javier Pastore could see him moved ons 2-2 at the Stade de France last tle,” Di Maria said of his experience promising start, including a delicious the Argentine’s form never recovered. Blanc. “In particular, he has that abil- into central midfield at the Etihad week. at United in a recent BBC interview. lob at Leicester City, Manchester Sent off for manhandling the ref- ity to accelerate the tempo and an Stadium. For three successive seasons “I started a game in one posi- would not prove a happy home for eree in an FA Cup defeat by Arsenal excellent vision of the game.” But should he inspire PSG to since first qualifying for Europe’s tion, then the next game in another. I the man nicknamed ‘Fideo’ (Noodle) in March, he was unable to win his Man of the match in Real’s vic- reach the Champions League semi- premier club competition, City scored goals playing in one position, on account of his skinny frame. place in the team back and spent the tory over Atletico Madrid in the 2014 finals for the first time since 1995, the were frustrated in their attempts then suddenly the next game I was Van Gaal continually changed rest of the season on the bench. Champions League final, Di Maria city of Manchester will no longer rep- to make significant progress. picked to play in a different position.” his role, even fielding him as a lone He left United having scored four was signed to give PSG’s first XI an resent quite such a stain on his CV. They failed to come out of the Hailing PSG head coach Lau- striker at one stage, and a succession goals and supplied 10 assists in 32 injection of the know-how required group stage in 2012-13 and then rent Blanc, Di Maria added: “From of injuries prevented him from finding appearances. With PSG he has scored to win the competition. lost in the last 16 in the following two years. This time City won Group D ahead of Juventus before knocking out Dinamo Kiev 3-1 on aggregate. Goals by Kevin de Bruyne and Fernandinho in Paris mean that Real prepare for Real Madrid’s Manuel Pellegrini’s men have an Portuguese striker excellent chance of qualifying for Cristiano Ronaldo is the last four. seen during his team’s Their hopes were boosted ‘war’ in Madrid training session at when coach Pellegrini said lead- Valdebebas Sport ing scorer Sergio Aguero would Complex in Madrid, be fit despite limping off in the Reuters second-leg comebacks against Spain, yesterday. Real 2-1 Premier League win over West Celtic, Anderlecht, Red Star Belgrade Madrid will face VfL Bromwich Albion on Saturday. and Borussia Moenchengladbach but Wolfsburg in the UEFA “He had just a kick, it’s not BARCELONA: Real Madrid are their reputation as miracle workers Champions League a problem,” the Chilean told determined to create an intimi- is waning and they last overturned a quarter final, second reporters. dating atmosphere for visitors VfL deficit in 2002 when they beat Bay- leg match, today. INSET: Pellegrini must decide whether Wolfsburg as they try to overturn a ern Munich 2-0 at the Bernabeu in Manchester City’s Joe to gamble on the fitness of captain two-goal deficit in today’s Champi- a quarter-final second leg on their Hart during training at and centre half Vincent Kompany ons League quarter-final second leg way to winning the trophy. City Academy yesterday. after the defence looked shaky in at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Since then, Madrid have lost Paris. “Tuesday will be like a war, with eight first-leg games in the Cham- France midfielder Samir Nasri 80,000 spectators; we are going to pions League knockout stages and returned for the West Brom game try and walk all over Wolfsburg,” failed to progress every time, exiting but is not in the Champions League said defender Dani Carvajal. last season’s tournament to Juventus squad because of the lengthy thigh “We’re going to play to the death 3-2 on aggregate and managing only injury he suffered in October. and with 80,000 souls behind us a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund PSG coach Laurent Blanc was we will do it,” added winger Lucas in the 2013 semi-finals after losing dismayed at conceding a scrappy Vazquez. the first leg 4-1. second goal in the first leg and at Forward Cristiano Ronaldo told Yet Madrid’s self belief remains losing defender David Luiz and the club website (www.realmadrid. strong. midfielder Blaise Matuidi through com): “We need to have cold hearts “We’re going to turn it around suspension. and play with patience and know because everyone who comes to the One bonus could be the return how to suffer. Getting through is our stadium and follows us deserves it, of Marco Verratti who is recover- big objective, it’s the only thing that our badge deserves it and we work ing faster than expected from a will let the players and fans leave the all year for those big nights,” said groin injury. stadium happy.” defender Nacho. Blanc made nine changes, rest- Madrid are third in La Liga and “Real Madrid’s history was writ- ing a number of players including enjoyed a 4-0 win over Eibar on ten on nights like these and I hope striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, for Saturday to close the gap with lead- we can do it again on Tuesday,” their 2-0 victory over Guingamp ers Barcelona to four points, lifting added director and former striker in Ligue 1 on Saturday. their confidence after the shock 2-0 Emilio Butragueno, who played in Defender Marquinhos was defeat at Wolfsburg last Wednesday. the famous comebacks against Inter, included and then said he was fit The German side are eighth in Anderlecht and Gladbach. to act as a possible replacement the Bundesliga and were held 1-1 by Wolfsburg, though, are equally for Luiz today. Mainz on Saturday. Coach Dieter determined. “On Tuesday we’ll be at The French club won 2-1 in Hecking made four changes from 100 million percent, we’re going to England in the last round to knock the team that beat Madrid and was run as if our lives depended on it,” out Chelsea and reach their fourth without Julian Draxler, the out- forward Andre Schurrle told German successive quarter-final. standing player last week, through news agency DPA. Meanwhile, Jens Keller, suspension. “Since we beat Real Madrid the who twice led Schalke 04 to the Real, 10-times European cham- entire city has been talking about Champions League, will take over pions, have a history littered with that game and the second leg. It second division club Union Ber- great comebacks at the Bernabeu, won’t be easy.” lin from next season, the club said beginning with a 5-1 win over Derby Madrid striker Karim Benzema yesterday. County in the 1975 European Cup and Raphael Varane were injured Keller, who has also worked after they had lost 4-1 in England. against Eibar but trained on Sunday at VfB Stuttgart in the top divi- Madrid beat Inter Milan 3-0 to and are expected to return to face sion and coached Schalke from reach the final of the 1985 UEFA Wolfsburg. 2012-14, had agreed a contract Cup after losing the semi-final first Meanwhile, Marco Verratti was until 2018. leg 2-0, when midfielder Juan- included in the Paris Saint-Germain “I have found excellent con- ito famously warned Inter: “Ninety squad for today’s Champions League ditions at Union Berlin. The minutes in the Bernabeu is a very quarter-final, second leg away to expectations of the club have been long time”. Manchester City, the French club clearly stated to me and that was Madrid also staged successful announced yesterday. my wish as well,” Keller said. 34 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 SPORT Brazil faces big worries ahead of Games

the Olympic torch-light ceremony on Zika Virus: International Olympic April 21 in Greece. Zika may keep some foreign tour- Away from politics, the Zika virus ists from going to the Olympics and Committee’s team of and raw sewage in area waters may it also poses a risk to young athletes. inspectors to take a be scaring away fans and even some There’s strong evidence the virus athletes, budgets are being cut eve- is to blame for an increase in birth final look this week rywhere including with security, and defects and doctors fear pregnant at Rio de Janeiro’s there are suspicions that corruption women sickened by the virus might has touched some Olympic-related give birth to babies with abnormally preparations building projects. small heads. Here’s a quick look: Tepid Ticket Sales: Venues: Only 50 percent of 3.5 million AP Organisers say the venues are tickets allocated for Brazilians have 95 percent complete. However, the been sold. International sales are also velodrome and tennis centre in the reported to be lukewarm. Paralympic Olympic Park are behind schedule as sales are worse. New Sports Minis- RIO DE JANEIRO : Olympic inspec- is the equestrian centre in the north- ter Ricardo Leyser has promised to tors are taking their final look this ern cluster of Deodoro. All should be boost sales and avoid an embarrass- week at Rio de Janeiro’s preparations. ready for the games. ment with television showing banks The International Olympic Com- Venues for sailing, rowing, canoe- of empty seats. mittee team will find most of the ing and open-water swimming Rio officials hope this week’s venues ready to show off to billions contain high levels of viruses and, draw for the Olympic soccer tour- of television viewers when the games in some cases, bacteria from human nament will boost sales. They argue open in just under four months. sewage. Organizers have repeatedly Brazilians are not accustomed to buy- But trouble lingers behind the said the waters are safe. However, a ing tickets in advance. cameras. risk assessment based on an Associ- Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes broke President Dilma Rousseff is fight- ated Press analysis found that athletes a promise to buy 1.2 million Olym- Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff delivers a symbolic key to Rio 2016 Olympic Games Organising Committee ing impeachment and could be out who ingest just three teaspoons of pic tickets and distribute them free President Carlos Arthur Nuzman during an inauguration ceremony of the Olympic aquatic venue at the 2016 of office when the Olympics open water have a 99 percent chance of to schools and poor children. Rio Olympics park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on April 8. August 5. being infected by a virus. That does Subway Line Extension The country’s in its worst not mean they will automatically Officials say the line will be fin- budget balanced. Cuts will impact recession since the 1930s with become ill. ished just days before the games open almost everything behind the tele- unemployment at 10 percent. Many Athletes will arrive with antibi- but no one seems sure. The extension vision cameras: food service, reduced Brazilians have more serious wor- otics, wetsuits, bleach for paddles links the Ipanema and Copacabana seating in venues, bus schedules, ries than South America’s first games. and oars and hand sanitisers — and areas to the western suburb of Barra resources for the opening and clos- Last week the Greek Olympic they’ll try to limit contact with the da Tijuca, site of the Olympic Park. ing ceremonies. Committee said Rousseff would skip dirty water. Without it, travel will be harrowing. One proposed cut would have had Even if it’s running, some stations will athletes pay to have air conditioning be closed. Work on a Plan B using in their rooms at the Athletes Village. buses has been reported. The sub- That ended with the Zika virus. Ath- way is the largest project tied to the letes will have air conditioning and Olympics. will be told to close their bedroom Security: windows to keep out mosquitoes. Brazil will deploy about 85,000 Corruption: soldiers and police for the games. No Some of the construction compa- one doubts the Army’s capabilities but nies in the Olympic projects are also questions are being raised about the embroiled in a $3bn bribery case at police force run by the state of Rio de the state-run oil company Petrobras. Janeiro. Last month the head of that The Brazilian construction behe- force, Jose Mariano Beltrame, said his moth Odebrecht is involved in many budget had been cut by 2bn reals — Olympic venues and other construc- about $550m — a reduction sure to tion to prepare the city. impact Olympic security. Company CEO Marcelo Odebre- Justice Minister Eugenio Ara- cht was recently sentenced to 19 years gao promised last week Brazil will in jail for corruption connected to the be ready. Petrobras scandal. Brazil’s Marilson Gomes dos Santos runs a marathon as a test event “We have to be prepared,” he Rio de Janeiro city councilman said. “This is the Brazilian govern- Jefferson Moura has asked for an for the Rio 2016 Olympic games, in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. The ment’s job.” inquiry into the contracts while fed- traditional Sambodrome, normally used for the samba schools parade Volleyball player Fabiana Claudino presents the official uniform of the Budget Cuts: eral police involved in the Petrobras of the world famous Rio de Janeiro carnival, will host Marathon and Rio organisers have trimmed probe are also looking at Olympic Brazilian Olympic team for the 2016 Rio Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Archery disciplines during the upcoming Olympics. about $500m to keep their operating contracts. Brazil, on Saturday.

Monaco downs Bedene to face Nadal test in Monte Carlo Sock for first title since 2013 AFP Spaniard who dominated with con- ATP RANKINGS secutive trophies from 2005-12. Paris: Latest ATP top 20 released on Nadal has never played Bedene, Monday: AFP Federer is 3-0 over Garcia-Lopez as 1 Novak Djokovic (SRB) 16,540 MONTE CARLO, Principality of the pair meet for the first time on clay. Monaco: Eight-time winner Rafael Bedene booked his spot against 2 Andy Murray (GBR) 7,815 LOS ANGELES: Argentina’s Nadal and four-time finalist Roger Nadal as he defeated Czech Lukas 3 Roger Federer (SUI) 7,695 Juan Monaco won the ATP clay Federer will line up against a pair of Rosol 6-2, 6-3 yesterday. 4 Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 6,370 court title in Houston on Sun- underpowered hopefuls in the sec- Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 5 Rafael Nadal (ESP) 4,955 day, cementing his return from ond round of the Monte Carlo Masters made it past Brazil’s Thomaz Bellucci 6 Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,490 injury with a 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 vic- Nadal, who is working to return 7-5, 6-1 to next face third seed Fed- tory over defending champion to his previous best on his longtime erer, who is set to play his first match 7 Tomas Berdych (CZE) 3,630 Jack Sock. favourite surface, will open in the in more than two months after a knee 8 David Ferrer (ESP) 3,370 “I didn’t expect this so fast,” second round after a bye against Brit- procedure. 9 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 3,130 said Monaco, who had surgery on ish number two Aljaz Bedene. Nadal is looking for his first title 10 Richard Gasquet (FRA) 2,840 his right wrist in August and was The Slovenian-born world on any surface since last summer 11 Marin Cilic (CRO) 2,770 sidelined for six months. “No words number 60 will face one of the tough- and will willingly make 57th-ranked, to describe this moment.” est tests on clay when he takes on the Slovenia-born Bedene his first victim 12 Milos Raonic (CAN) 2,740 The former top-10 is projected of the week in the principality. 13 David Goffin (BEL) 2,560 to rise from his 146th in the world MONTE CARLO MASTERS Federer most recently lost a Monte 14 Dominic Thiem (AUT) 2,420 to 90th, and said it was fitting that Carlo final two years ago against the first title of his return came in RESULTS Rafael Nadal leaves the court after winning his double tennis match 15 John Isner (USA) 2,235 compatriot Stan Wawrinka. such a dramatic battle. 1st round Bedene appears ready to take with Fernando Verdasco of Spain against Philipp Kohlschreiber of “Today was a quick movie of Alexander Zverev (GER) bt Andrey up his challenge against the mighty Germany and Viktor Troicki of Serbia, during the Monte-Carlo ATP WTA STANDINGS my life,” said Monaco, 32, claiming Rublev (RUS) 6-1, 6-3 Masters Series Tournament yesterday. Nadal. “I’m playing well, at the 1 (1) Serena Williams(U.S.) 8625 his first ATP title since Duesseldorf Aljaz Bedene (GBR) bt Lukas Rosol moment I’m enjoying playing ten- in 2013 and his second in Hou- (CZE) 6-2, 6-3 2 (3) Agnieszka nis. It’s going to be against Rafa, Radwanska(Poland) 5775 ston to go with the one he earned Roberto Bautista Agut (ESX x14) bt who I respect. He’s one of the best (7/4). “It was just a break down, 5-2, against former Monte Carlo final- in 2012. 3 (2) Angelique Kerber(Germany) Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) 6-4, 7-6 clay-courters. one break on clay,” a relaxed Mon- ist David Ferrer in the second round. After Sock took the first set, 5740 (7/4) “It’s going to be fun, definitely fils said. “It’s going to be a great match, a Monaco received treatment on Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) bt if I bring my best tennis. I’m not the “Of course, on hard courts it great test for me,” Zverev said. 4 (4) Garbine Muguruza his right arm, and after the injury Blanco(Spain) 4831 Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) 7-5, 6-1 favourite, but I stand a chance. It’s would have been more complicated. “He’s one of the toughest compet- timeout Sock lost 10 of the next 14 Gael Monfils (FRA x13) bt Gilles Muller never a good time to play someone But on clay... itors on clay. He’s been playing great 5 (5) Victoria Azarenka(Belarus) games. 4530 (LUX) 7-5, 6-0 like him. But if I can pick any, this is “During the first set I didn’t return on clay his whole career. Sock, the fourth seed, 6 (6) Simona Halep(Romania) 3785 Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) bt Guido the time.” well, but I was able to improve, I “He’s been a solid top-10 player received treatment on his right Pella (ITA) 6-3, 6-4 Nadal has been struggling to played quite well. for 10 years now. It’s going to be a 7 (7) Petra Kvitova(Czech Repub- arm and right shoulder, and was lic) 3763 Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) bt Filip Krajinovic emerge from a long-running cri- “Little by little I was able to get great match. I’m looking forward to visibly limping in the third set -- (SRB) 6-3, 6-2 sis of confidence on court, with the used to the court and I was able to it.” 8 (8) Roberta Vinci(Italy) 3595 when he still managed to erase 29-year-old now believing that he is play a bit higher and find the right In other results, Pierre-Hugues two breaks of serve in the decider Richard Gasquet (FRA x9) bt Nicolas 9 (9) Maria Sharapova(Russia) 3432 back to his normal clay level. angles to make him move. Herbert of France beat Guido Pella before Monaco finally finished Almagro (ESP) 6-4, 6-0 10 (10) Belinda Bencic(Switzerland) Two French seeds gave the home “I played a solid match - not a 6-3, 6-4 to next take on second seed him off. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) bt Stephane 3340 public what they wanted in the first great match, but it was a solid one.” Andy Murray. “I’m not sure exactly what Robert (FRA) 6-3, 6-1 round, with number nine Richard German teenager Alexander Austrian 12th seed Dominic 11 (11) Carla Suarez Navarro(Spain) happened with my body,” Sock 3160 Milos Raonic (CAN x10) bt Marco Cecch- Gasquet defeating Spain’s Nicolas Zverev continued to impress after Thiem earned a comeback win over said. “Last night I didn’t feel inato (ITA) 6-3, 7-5 Almagro 6-4, 6-0 and 13th-seeded holding a match point against Nadal Jan-Lennard Struff 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 while 12 (12) Flavia Pennetta(Italy) 3033 great, was sweating even in Benoit Paire (FRA x16) bt Inigo Cervan- Gael Monfils recovering form 2-5 last month at Indian Wells, with the Canadian tenth seed Milos Raonic put 13 (13) Svetlana Kuznetsova(Russia) a very air-conditioned room. tes (ESP) 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) down in the opening set to defeat 18-year-old winning his debut match out Marco Cecchinato 6-3, 7-5. 3010 So maybe coming down with Lucas Pouille (FRA) bt Nicolas Mahut Gilles Muller of Luxembourg 7-5, 6-0. in the principality over longtime jun- Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 14 (14) Venus Williams(U.S.) 2941 something. (FRA) 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 Spanish 14th seed Roberto ior rival Andrey Rublev 6-1, 6-3. defeated Filip Krajinovic 6-3, 6-2 and 15 (15) Lucie Safarova(Czech Repub- “But it doesn’t take away from Dominic Thiem (AUT x12) bt Jan-Len- Bautista Agut advanced past compa- That quick victory in one hour Pablo Carreno Busta stopped French- lic) 2768 his battle and his fight today.” nard Struff (GER) 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 triot Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-4, 7-6 lines up the 54th-ranked Zverev man Stephane Robert 6-3, 6-1. SPORT TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016 35 Anaheim Ducks overcome Caps to clinch Pacific title

AFP NHL RESULTS Philadelphia 5 NY Islanders 2 Anaheim 2 Washington 0 WASHINGTON: Anaheim Ducks made the most of their make-up day on Sunday, down- ing the Washington Capitals 2-0 to clinch the play-offs. With the defeat, the Islanders the Pacific Division title as the NHL regu- go into the play-offs as the first wild card lar-season went into overtime. and will face the Atlantic Division cham- The Ducks-Caps clash was one of two pion Florida Panthers. games that were snowed out this season and Had they won the Islanders would have made up a day after the scheduled end of the set up a meeting with the Pittsburgh Pen- regular season. guins, who will instead face the New York The Ducks earned their fourth consec- Rangers. utive division title, slipping ahead of the Los With the campaign officially complete Angeles Kings by one point after winning the the NHL announced its regular-season NHL’s final regular-season game. awards. They’ll face the Nashville Predators in Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick the opening round of the playoffs, which Kane captured his first career Art Ross Tro- start tomorrow. phy as the League’s scoring champion, In New York, the Philadelphia Flyers Washington Capitals forward Alex scored five unanswered goals between the Ovechkin claimed his sixth career Mau- first and third periods in a 5-2 victory over rice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (left) celebrates with his team-mates after the Ducks’ game against the Washington Capitals the Islanders. goal-scoring leader and the Anaheim Ducks The Flyers were already assured of the tandem of Frederik Andersen and John Gib- at Verizon Center in Washington on Sunday. second wild card in the Eastern Conference son shared the William M Jennings Trophy as and a first-round clash with the Capitals in the goaltenders who play at least 25 games the Stanley Cup play-offs. for the club allowing the fewest goals. Ovechkin scored 50 goals to capture his 2007-08, 2008-09, 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014- with seven or more 50-goal seasons along with Washington are the top overall seeds and Kane finished the season with a career- fourth consecutive and sixth overall Rich- 15 seasons. Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky – who both will have home-ice advantage throughout high 46 goals, 60 assists and 106 points. ard trophy, adding to those he earned in the Ovechkin is the third player in NHL history had nine.

Arbitrator rules NFL’s use of paid Warriors seal record-tying win leave for players

Agencies Curry shines as NBA ROUND-UP Golden State down NEW YORK: An arbitrator ruled Spurs for 72nd that the NFL’s policy of placing legs felt good, and you have nights players on paid leave via the com- victory of the season like this,” Bryant said of a perform- missioner’s exempt list with cases equalling Chicago ance that turned back the clock. pending under the personal con- Harden enjoyed matching up with duct policy is valid, according to a Bulls feat an on-song Bryant one last time. person familiar with the decision. “He made some big shots, which The ruling was made by he has been doing in his 20 years of arbitrator Jonathan Marks in a playing,” Harden said. grievance filed by the NFL Play- AFP “It was an exciting game. It was ers Association early last year something I’ll remember for the rest contesting the league’s revised of my life.” personal conduct policy, according The Rockets are in ninth place in to the person with knowledge of LOS ANGELES: The Golden State the Western Conference, one game the case, who spoke on the condi- Warriors notched their record-equal- behind Utah for the eighth and final tion of anonymity because neither ling 72nd victory of the NBA season berth. side immediately released or com- on Sunday, beating the Spurs in San The Jazz helped their cause with mented on the decision. Antonio 92-86 in a Western Confer- a 100-84 victory over the Nuggets in The NFLPA filed the griev- ence heavyweight clash. Denver and are one game behind sev- ance in January 2015, soon after The reigning NBA champion War- enth-placed Dallas, whose play-off the owners voted to ratify the NFL’s riors improved to 72-9, matching the push was slowed by a 98-91 loss to revised conduct policy. league record for regular-season wins the Los Angeles Clippers. The grievance challenged the set by the 72-10 Chicago Bulls led by The Indianapolis Pacers locked up league’s ability to place players on Michael Jordan in 1995-96. the final Eastern Conference playoff the exempt list, on what amounts The Warriors can break the berth with a 129-105 victory over the to paid leave, while awaiting a dis- record with a victory tomorrow, Brooklyn Nets. ciplinary ruling by the league on a when they conclude the regular-sea- Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (centre) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs power Myles Turner led the Pacers with possible fine or unpaid suspension son against the Memphis Grizzlies at forward David West (left) during the second half of their NBA game at AT&T Center on Sunday. 28 points and 10 rebounds. George under the personal conduct policy. home in Oakland. Hill added 18 points, five rebounds Minnesota Vikings running “We’ve got a great group of guys, and four assists as Indiana reached back Adrian Peterson and defen- that really sacrifice every single home this season going into the con- regular-season games on their home Fans in Houston were in full voice the playoffs for the fifth time in six sive end Greg Hardy, then with the night,” Warriors star Stephen Curry, test, was seen as a major hurdle. floor dating back to last season, and for visiting Los Angeles Lakers super- seasons. Carolina Panthers, spent most of who scored 37 points, said of what it Warriors coach Steve Kerr called the Warriors hadn’t won a regular- star Kobe Bryant, who his hurtling the 2014 season on the exempt list, took to reach the milestone. it one of the team’s best wins of the season game there since 1997. toward his final NBA game. being paid by their teams not to “We’re competitive, we’re hungry. season, as his players coped with the With both teams playing tough But Rockets guard James Harden NBA RESULTS play. We care about each other. I think we second night of a back-to-back in hos- defense it was a close game, but didn’t have time for sentiment, scoring Washington 113 Charlotte 98 The ruling comes with the NFL try to play the right way.” tile territory. Golden State turned the tide in the 40 points in a 130-110 victory over the Houston 130 LA Lakers 110 and union continuing to negotiate The Warriors’ hopes of match- “It was a true team win,” Kerr fourth quarter. Forward Harrison Lakers that boosted Houston’s slim potential changes to the league’s LA Clippers 98 Dallas 91 ing or exceeding the Bulls’ mark had said. “Steph was just amazing and so Barnes had three key baskets as the playoff hopes. system of player discipline and dwindled with losses to the Minne- was Draymond (Green). Particularly Warriors took a six-point lead. Curry Harden scored half his points Milwaukee 109 Philadelphia 108 commissioner Roger Goodell’s role sota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics against the kind of defense that we and Klay Thompson helped the War- in the fourth quarter and added 13 Utah 100 Denver 84 in it. The union is seeking inde- this month. saw, both guys were just brilliant.” riors build their advantage to 90-79 assists to help the Rockets withstand Indiana 129 Brooklyn 105 pendent arbitration for players’ Golden State eked out a 100-99 With that said, Kerr noted that the with 1:34 remaining. a 35-point outburst from Bryant, who Miami 118 Orlando 96 appeals of penalties imposed by victory over the Grizzlies in Mem- victory “means nothing come play- The Spurs pulled within four will retire after the final game of his the league under the personal con- Golden State 92 San Antonio 86 phis on Saturday, but the clash with off time”. points in the closing seconds, but 20th season on Wednesday. duct policy and in cases involving the Spurs, who were a perfect 39-0 at San Antonio had won 48 straight wouldn’t get any closer. “The jump shot was falling, my Toronto 93 NY Knicks 89 the integrity-of-the-game rules. Dream start for Baltimore Orioles

BASEBALL RESULTS Agencies a victory over New York. with the bases loaded to drive in the The Phillies took two of three go-ahead run in the seventh inning Toronto 3 Boston 0 from the Mets for their first series as Washington beat Miami to split Philadelphia 5 NY Mets 2 NEW YORK: Manny Machado went win at Citi Field since May 9-11, the two-game series, after a fine 4-for-4, including his third home 2014. Prior to Saturday, Philadel- display. Cincinnati 2 Pittsburgh 1 run of the season, and the Baltimore phia had dropped 14 of its last 17 at Giants 9, Dodgers 6 Washington 4 Miami 2 Orioles are off to their best start in Citi Field. Joe Panik hit a two-run, tie- nearly 50 years with a 5-3 victory Blue Jays 3, Red Sox 0 breaking double in the sixth inning St Louis 12 Atlanta 7 over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. Right-hander Marco Estrada and Johnny Cueto overcame a Baltimore 5 Tampa Bay 3 The Orioles took both games pitched seven scoreless innings, Josh shaky start to strike out eight in Milwaukee 3 Houston 2 against their American League East Donaldson homered and Toronto seven innings of work as San Fran- rivals after Saturday’s game was ended a four-game losing streak cisco won for the third time in their Kansas City 4 Minnesota 3 postponed because of rain. Balti- with a victory over Boston. four-game series with Los Angeles LA Angels 3 Texas 1 more improved to 5-0 for the first The Blue Jays avoided being Dodgers. San Francisco 9 LA Dodgers 6 time since 1970. swept in the three-game series by Buster Posey, Brandon Belt and Phillies 5, Mets 2 the Red Sox. Estrada (1-0) allowed Angel Pagan hit home runs for the Chicago Cubs 7 Arizona 3 Jeremy Hellickson threw 5 2/3 five hits and two walks while strik- Giants, who homered in all seven of San Francisco Giants left fielder Angel Pagan reacts as he crosses home plate Oakland 2 Seattle 1 solid innings and Odubel Herrera ing out eight in seven innings. their games in the first week of the hit a two-run homer as Philadelphia Nationals 4, Marlins 2 season, a franchise record for the after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Colorado 6 San Diego 3 won its second straight game with Jayson Werth had a bloop single start of a year. Dodgers at AT&T Park on Sunday. 36 TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2016

beIN reaches 2 million followers on Instagram

The Peninsula sports content distribution ecosys- tem already in place. The beIN Sports thrives through a carefully crafted social media and DOHA: The beIN Media Group, content distribution strategy, focus- achieved another milestone in their ing on creating meaningful moments unprecedented online growth as the from a visual standpoint. Instagram following of MENA’s pre- Specific content seeding is mium television platform reached a sourced exclusively for the plat- staggering 2 million followers in just form to natively provide its audience over two years. with a value-adding and rewarding The beIN Sports Instagram experience. account is firmly positioned at The beIN Media Group is a lead- number 1 in the region and a com- ing global network broadcasting in mendable 2nd position globally. the Middle East and North Africa (in Such milestones cement the 24 countries) besides France, USA, company’s position as an industry Canada, Indonesia, the Philippines, leader in the world of digital sports Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia. content. The group is a multi-genre plat- Also exemplified, is the success- form providing exclusive access ful content quality and distribution to prime sporting competitions strategy deployed by its digital mar- including FIFA World Cup, UEFA keting and social media teams. Champions League, football leagues Well renowned for their inno- from Europe including Spain’s La vation in digital content, the @beIN Liga, England’s Premier League, SPORTS account was launched in Italy’s Serie A, France’s Ligue 1, Ger- January 2014. man’s League Bundesliga; CAN, AFC Introducing the platform com- Champions League and AFC Asian Al Sadd captain Xavi Hernandez (left) fights for the ball possession against Al Rayyan’s player during their Qatar Stars League atch,m dubbed plemented the brands already Cup. World’s other most popular as the Qatari ‘Clasico’ in Doha on Sunday. thriving Social Media platforms sports including tennis and basket- and, furthermore, enhanced the ball are also broadcast by beIN. Fossati ‘satisfied’ with draw Tickets go on sale for Doha showdown against Al Sadd in ‘Clasico’ The Peninsula champion, triple jump Olympic and world gold medallist Christian Tay- lor, Kenya’s 1,500m world champion Asbel Kiprop, Ethiopia’s 3,000m DOHA: Tickets for the 2016 IAAF sensation and winner at last year’s Al Rayyan coach says Doha Diamond League, the top inter- world championships Almaz Ayana, national athletics event set to be held 110m hurdles Olympic champion and his team played well in Doha next month have been put world record holder Aries Merritt, as under challenging on sale, the organisers announced well as local heroes Mutaz Barshim, yesterday. Femi Ogunode and Musaeb Abdul- circumstances The IAAF Diamond League rahman Balla. which will be held on May 6 at the Tickets can be booked on the Qatar Sports Club will bring together Virgin Megastore website. Also, tick- the world’s finest track and field ath- ets will shortly be available at Virgin letes to compete in an annual series Megastore Landmark, Villagio, and The Peninsula spread across four continental areas. Spinneys the Pearl. Fans will be thrilled to know that Fans can also buy tickets from many of the sport’s superstars with Qatar Sports Club on the day of several Olympic and global titles to event. There are four different price DOHA: Qatar Stars League (QSL) their credit, will come to Doha for a levels ranging from QR50 to QR200. champions Al Rayyan on Sunday fantastic and spectacular IAAF Dia- General seats and family trib- managed a sluggish 2-2 draw against mond League kick-off night. une cost QR50 while finish line arch-rivals Al Sadd but Jorge Fossati The long list includes: four- tickets are being offered at QR100. - usually a hard person to please - is time Olympic and nine-time world The entrance fee in the VIP tribune not complaining one bit. champion sprinter Allyson Felix has been fixed at QR200. On Sunday, Al Sadd rallied for the from the US, Flying Dutchwoman The entrance for kids under the 2-2 draw after Al Rayyan were lead- Dafne Schippers - the 200m world age of 4 is free of charge. ing 2-0 by the 71st minute. Goals in the final two minutes of the tie from Hassan Haydoos and Qatari international defender Qatar’s star Mohammed Kasola saved the points high jumper for Jesualdo Ferriera’s side on Sunday. Mutaz Sergio Garcia scored the two Barshim will goals for Al Rayyan (55 and 71). be the main “The game, especially the first Al Sadd’s player attempts to score against Al Rayyan during their Qatar Stars League match, dubbed as attraction for half, was tough,” Fossati said after the the Qatari ‘Clasico’ in Doha on Sunday. home fans clash traditionally played as Clasico’. at 2016 IAAF “The second half was different to Abdul Hamid and (Victor Javier) Cac- to prepare the side for such matches. Doha Diamond the first. We got plenty of opportuni- eres being penalised in the game,” he QATARI ‘CLASICO’ REVIEW They have done really well in the past League on ties to score and we scored two goals said. two days,” Fossati said. May 6. from those chances,” Fossati said. “We always play with the desire Al Rayyan last month clinched “We could have killed the game of winning. Ultimately I am satisfied the QSL title with five rounds to with third goal but we suffered lapses with the performance considering our Fossati said. “I do not want to go into spare after winning 20 of the first 21 in the defence,” the Uruguayan said. circumstances,” he said. the reasons of us not winning,” he matches of the season. At the time “We suffered in the absence of “As of now, I am looking at per- said. of winning their 8th national title, Al Vieira, Tahir Zakariya and Younis formances and not the results. The “Here I would like to say my back- Rayyan had only lost to Al Sadd in Jacob. And then we saw Hamid Ismail, team gave a strong performance,” room staff team has done a great job December.

Al Arabi confront fitness issues before last game Al Sadd’s Hassan rues ‘missed chances’

The Peninsula The Peninsula “I had two good chances to score in the second Jaish on Friday at Qatar SC stadium, in now what half and missed,” added the 22-year-old defender. will be a straight shoot-out for the second place in Speaking about the tense encounter Hassan the QSL standings. revealed they were shocked how Al Rayyan came Meanwhile, Lekhwiya’s Spanish defender Chico DOHA: Al Arabi will be sweating DOHA: While Al Rayyan’s coach Jorge Fossati out in the second half, scoring within ten minutes Flores is set to be out of action for at least 10 days, on the fitness of three key players was satisfied with a 2-2 draw against Al Sadd in of the restart. the club has announced. ahead of their final game of the sea- the Qatari ‘Clasico’, Al Sadd’s Abdelkarim Hassan “Al Rayyan took us by surprise, but we fought Lekhwiya’s official website made the announce- son against Al Sailiya on Saturday at expressed his discontent over the stalemate, ruing back well to get into the tie. The red card for Vic- ment on Sunday prior to the Red Knights shock 5-4 Al Arabi Stadium. missed chances against the Qatar Stars League tor Caseres helped us more.” defeat to Al Ahli. The injured trio of Yusef Ahmed, (QSL) champions on Saturday. Hassan also had some words on Mohammed The former Swansea defender under went Paulinho (pictured) and Iranian Al Sadd fought back after conceding double to Kasola, who had received some criticism on social surgery at Al Emadi Hospital on Sunday and is midfielder Ashkan Dejagah will earn a point against Fossati’s team. media ahead of the crunch clash. expected to miss Lekhwiya’ s last QSL game of the train this week, before the Al Arabi The Qatari international defender Hassan “Before the game many people had things to season against Meisameer, along with a crunch medical team makes a call on their shared his views on his side’s momentous come- say about Mohammed Kasola, but he proved them AFC Champions League tie against FC Bunyod- match fitness. up some form ahead of the Emir Cup back in the big match as the Wolves grabbed two wrong with his goal tonight. I am proud of the goal kor in Tashkent. The trio missed out on their competition. goals in the final two minutes to share the spoils he scored and he helped us get back into the game,” Lekhwiya have all but secured their qualifi- sides 0-0 draw with bottom side Al Arabi are currently in sixth with the Al Rayyan. he said. cation in the Qatar Cup competition, and will be Meisameer in round 25. place in the QSL standings with a “Personally I am not happy with the result,” Al Sadd will now begin preparations for their hoping the experienced defender will be available Al Arabi will be looking to build tally of 35 points. said the Qatari player. final game of the QSL season when they take on El for their semi-final match on Sunday.