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Thursday 13 February 2014 13 Rabial II 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5974 Price: QR2

International Marsh, Smith Islamic eyes put Australia expansion on top

Business | 17 Sport | 28

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Non-payment England inundated of salary a crime: NHRC Call to amend law to punish firms DOHA: Qatar’s human rights authorities in this regard, he added. watchdog wants employers who Al Merri appreciated the ini- default in payment of work- tiative of the Supreme Committee ers’ salaries to be considered for Delivery and Legacy, which on as committing a serious offence Tuesday released a set of stand- and punished accordingly. ards related to salaries and accom- Ali bin Simaikh Al Merri, modation of workers employed in chairman of the National Human sports projects associated with the Rights Committee (NHRC), has World Cup. said that the committee has asked “The new standards indicate the authorities to make amend- that the issue of improving the ments in the labour law to make labour situation is being taken delay in payment of workers’ sala- seriously. It is a positive step by ries a crime . the government, but the judgment He said the Committee, in its has to be made based on whether annual reports, had also been the standards and requirements A man ferries a local resident by boat through the flooded central square in the village of Datchet in Berkshire. Flooded communities in Britain faced demanding fixing of a minimum are implemented on the ground. a fresh battering from storms and high winds yesterday, with hundreds more homes threatened by the advancing waters. See also page 12 wage for workers in Qatar. The role of the NHRC is to moni- “Our job is to give proposals to tor and keep a track of what has the authorities concerned and only been implemented,” said Al Merri. the government can implement Regarding the sponsorship them. We are following up (on system, he said, “the commit- such issues) and we feel a serious tee concerned is still studying Syria killing accelerates; peace talks falter intention on the part of the gov- the sponsorship law to see it in a ernment to improve the situation balanced way from the perspec- BEIRUT: Syrians have been more than in any other three foreign fighters in a paper that and US officials in an effort to of labourers as well as the work tive of the workers as well as the dying in greater numbers than weeks since the war began in 2011. avoided any mention of Assad — get Washington, which backs the environment,” Al Merri said while sponsors.” He didn’t divulge more ever since peace talks began Yesterday, Assad’s army and whose departure the government rebels, and Assad’s ally Russia, to speaking to the media during the details, saying the committee con- three weeks ago, activists said fighters from Lebanese ally delegation has refused to discuss. press their proteges. opening of a gymnasium at the cerned had to be approached for yesterday, as troops pounded Hezbollah pounded the strategic The confidential paper did Russia said it would veto a UN NHRC headquarters yesterday. more information. rebel towns on the Lebanese border town of Yabroud where not draw an immediate official resolution on aid, saying its word- He said the initiatives were not Asked if the NHRC had made border and negotiations faltered rebels prepared to resist a ground response from the government, ing seemed meant to open the way taken in response to criticism any recommendation in this in Geneva. offensive. although the foreign minister said for foreign military action. from the international commu- regard, Al Merri said “we have More than 230 people have been There was little sign of an early driving out foreign fighters could And a foreign ministry spokes- nity. Efforts were being made to been demanding implementation killed every day in Syria since breakthrough on the third day of be worth discussing in time — rare man in Moscow said Barack improve the situation of workers of international standards.” January 22, when international a second round of talks in Geneva. common ground. Obama had “intentionally dis- even before Qatar won the bid to On the proposed law to regu- mediators brought President The opposition, which has lit- Concern about talks running torted” the Russian position in host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. late domestic helps, Al Merri said Bashar Al Assad’s government tle sway over rebels fighting on into the sand prompted the media- remarks the US president had However, the NHRC, as the there was coordination with other and its opponents together, the the ground, called for a transi- tor in Geneva, Lakhdar Brahimi, made on Syrian aid on Tuesday. country’s human rights watch- GCC states on this issue. British-based Syrian Observatory tional governing body to oversee a to bring forward by a day to REUTERS dog, expects more from the THE PENINSULA for Human Rights said. That is UN-monitored ceasefire and expel today a meeting with Russian See also page 7

Olympics snowboarding GCC to activate Protests called three years water grid plan after Bahrain uprising DOHA: A meeting of the water and electricity ministers of DUBAI: Bahrain’s opposition pro-democracy revolts that swept the GCC countries yesterday has called for protests to mark the Arab world in early 2011. agreed to activate the proposed the third anniversary tomor- But even the head of Al Wefaq, water grid project. row of an Arab Spring revolt led cleric Ali Salman, admits there The decision follows establish- by the Shia majority that was will only be “symbolic activities ment of an electricity grid among crushed by the Saudi-backed to protest the deterioration of the the member countries. Sunni monarchy. situation.” The Minister of Energy and The Gulf state is deeply divided, The clandestine February 14 Industry, H E Dr Mohamed bin with persistent protests on the youth coalition has called on pro- Saleh Al Sada, led the Qatari del- outskirts of the capital Manama testers to try tomorrow to reach egation to the meeting, held at that ignite clashes with police, Pearl Square, where demonstra- the headquarters of the General scores of Shias jailed on “terror” tors camped for a month before Secretariat of GCC in Riyadh. charges, deadlocked reconciliation being violently driven out by secu- The General Secretariat of talks and simmering sectarian rity forces in March 2011. GCC will supervise the project. distrust. The opposition says the monar- The decisions of the meeting will The main opposition group Al chy has little interest in sharing be referred to the forthcoming Wefaq is calling for a strike today power, much less in accepting a GCC foreign ministers’ summit and a rally on Saturday to com- constitutional monarchy with an to be held in March. memorate the February 14 upris- elected prime minister. THE PENINSULA Torah Bright of Australia during the Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe Final at the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park ing, which was inspired by the AFP during the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games in Russia. Castaway says passing ships ignored his cries for help SAN SALVADOR: The casta- after landing late Tuesday fol- “He told us how several boats contrasted with his good physical his family on the Pacific coast. way who says he survived 13 lowing a long flight home from passed by, including close to him. shape, which has impressed doc- “He gets tired quickly, loses a months adrift in the Pacific cried the Marshall Islands, where he He asked for help and they did tors following Alvarenga’s unusual little bit of control. He is still not for help as several ships passed washed ashore two weeks ago. not want to help him,” Rodriguez diet. ready to communicate with the by during his ordeal but they Alvarenga says he set off on told a news conference at the San “His physical condition is envi- world,” Rodriguez said. ignored his pleas, El Salvador’s an ill-fated shark fishing trip off Rafael National Hospital. able,” Rodriguez said. Alvarenga did not utter any health minister said yesterday. Mexico’s southern coast in late One ship’s crew waved back at Alvarenga asked for a corn intelligible words to a gaggle After meeting Jose Salvador 2012 before drifting 12,500 kilo- him but did not stop to help the tortilla and sugary bread at the of news cameras as he arrived, Alvarenga (pictured) in a hospi- metres for more than a year. shaggy-haired castaway, who was hospital. carried in a wheelchair, at San tal, Maria Isabel Rodriguez said A 24-year-old crewmate died only in his underwear, she said. Tests on his kidneys and Salvador airport on Tuesday. He the fisherman was in good physical four months into the voyage, Another came so close that “it heart found nothing abnormal, shook his head, waved and put one shape but that needs psychological unable to stomach a diet that was almost destroyed his little boat but he will undergo a psycho- hand in front of his eyes before attention following his odyssey. limited to urine, turtle blood, raw because it passed next to him,” logical evaluation to determine being wheeled away. Alvarenga, 37, spent the night fish and bird flesh, according to Rodriguez said. when he can return to his home AFP at a hospital near San Salvador Alvarenga. His psychological fragility village of Garita Palmera and See also page 12 THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Fun with fitness for corporate sector

everal companies marked contractors, construction workers and Tournament was held. It was organised held activities for its employees and affil- National Sport Day with activi- family members at its flagship project by the Winter Sports Committee from iated companies in Ibn Sina School for ties for their staff and their Msheireb Downtown Doha. February 7 to 11 at Villagio. Qatar Steel Boys in Duhail. Sfamilies. Qatar Airways, Doha International was the main sponsor. In keeping with its corporate social Qatar Fuel Additives Company Airport, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Qatar Petroleum’s Dukhan Operations responsibility programme’s focus on Limited (QAFAC) held sport activities Qatar Aeronautical College, and Gulf also marked NSD, with many people promoting healthy living, Qatar Fuel and kids competitions at Jassim Bin Helicopters held a special event, attended within the Dukhan community joining (WOQOD) organised fun-filled con- Hamad High School. by more than 3,500 sport enthusiasts in the fun and celebrations and partici- tests and activities for its employees and The Landmark Group held an inter- and members of the Qatar aviation com- pating in activities to keep fit. their families at Aspire Park while Qatar nal sport day featuring sports. The event munity, including top officials. Alfardan Group organised Alfardan Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) will be conducted over five weeks at A special area was provided for chil- Sports Day at Al Ahli Sports Club. staff participated in a 3-km marathon Centrepoint Al Asmakh Mall & Barwa dren, with face painting, bouncy castles, Meanwhile, staff of International on the Corniche, organised by Qatar Plaza Mall. balloons, a magician’s show, and other Bank of Qatar participated in a three Central Bank in the morning. Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary activities. kilometre annual race organised by QFMA also held evening events for of Qatar Foundation, demonstrated Trophies were presented to winners Qatar Central Bank. The race started at its staff and their families in coordi- its support for NSD for the third con- of various competitions. 8am from Media Intersection and ended nation with Al Yarmouk Independent secutive year by joining hands with QF Coinciding NSD, the closing ceremony at the Pearl Site on the Corniche. Preparatory School for Boys. with sports and games for employees, of 2014 Qatar Steel Ice Hockey Cup The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) THE PENINSULA

Qatar Petroleum’s Dukhan Operations marked the National Sport Day within the Dukhan community with mem- bers joining the fun and celebrations while participating in fitness activities.

Qatar Fuel Additives Company Limited QAFAC organised a number of activities on the day for its employees and their families.

Milaha organised group activities at the Al Arabi Sports Club. Milaha’s event attracted over 1,000 sports enthu- siasts who participated in cricket, football, basketball, volleyball, mini-marathon, and obstacle course.

In keeping with the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme’s focus on promoting healthy living, Qatar Fuel (WOQOD) organised a number of fun-filled contests and activities for its employees and their families at Aspire Park, including running, cycling, football, basketball, and other recreational activities.

Qatar Airways, Doha International Airport, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Qatar Aeronautical College, and Gulf Helicopters joined forces to celebrate National Sport Day with a special event for the local community. More than 3,500 sports enthusiasts and members of the Qatar aviation community, including Ali Al-Maliki, Director of Qatar Aeronautical College, participated in the event. THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Landmark Group organised National Sport Day in support of the government’s vision to make the country a The closing ceremony of 2014 Qatar Steel Ice Hockey Cup Tournament coincided with the National Sport Day. premier global sports hub. The Group, in support of Sport Day, had announced opening of Landmark Olympics earlier this month. This is the fifth edition of the Landmark Olympics.

Qatar Islamic Bank celebrated National Sport Day with activities at the Four Seasons Hotel with the participation Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation, showed its support for National Sport Day by joining hands of its employees and those of QInvest. with Qatar Foundation for a host of games for employees, contractors, construction workers and their families.

Alfardan Group in association with Alfardan Motorcycles organised the first Alfardan Motorcycle Ride for its employees on National Sport Day. More than 50 riders, including senior officials of subsidiaries and affiliates of the Alfardan Group, participated in the event.

The staff of International Bank of Qatar (ibq) participated in a 3-km annual race organised by Qatar Central Bank.

The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ celebrated the National Sport Day in the presence of Nasser bin Ali Mawlawi, the President of Ashghal, directors of different departments, employees and their family members, as well as consultants and contractors collaborating with Ashghal. THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME QA expects first Airbus in Dec; Singapore-Doha Dreamliner service soon DOHA: Qatar Airways, the Akbar Al Baker said yesterday . or two earlier. The fast-growing running thin with Bombardier’s He said the airline was not route would be the airline’s first launch customer for the Airbus “They (Airbus) are well ahead Doha-based full-service carrier troubled CSeries aircraft pro- interested in Airbus’ offer of a in Southeast Asia to use the 787 A350, expects to receive its first of the test schedule,” he said at has 43 A350-900s and 37 A350- gramme. While Qatar has a higher take-off weight “regional” aircraft, which boasts a host of aircraft ahead of scheduled the Singapore Airshow, adding 1000s on its order books. requirement in the 120-160 seat A330, or Boeing’s 787-10 or 777- features, including improved delivery in December 2014, CEO the aircraft could arrive a month Al Baker said patience was category, the programme’s delays 8X. The airline also has 50 Boeing cabin, and being one of the most and lack of orders could lead to 777-9 on order, but it is not keen fuel-efficient airliners in the the airline looking elsewhere. on the smaller 777-8, he said. world. “We have told them that we will Meanwhile, the airline Travellers from Singapore only be interested in talking to announced to introduce a Boeing will soon be able to enjoy the them again once they have sold 787 Dreamliner on its Singapore- unique flying experience in the 300 aircraft. People like us are not Doha sector from March 31, Dreamliner from the Southeast going to indefinitely wait for the alongside its existing fleet of Asian city-state to the airline’s aircraft programme to mature.” Boeing 777s. The Singapore-Doha hub, from which it operates the same aircraft type to key cities throughout its net- work, including London, Oslo, Stockholm, Zurich, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Jeddah, Munich, Riyadh, Delhi, Bengaluru, Dubai and Brussels. “The introduction of the 787 aircraft to the Singapore-Doha sec- tor, which is an impor- tant and strategic route for QA, will redefine in- flight experience for our Singapore-based passen- gers who travel to Doha and onwards to key desti- nations in Western Europe and the Americas. “QA is happy to be the first in the Singapore mar- ket to provide this unique offering to passengers,” said Al Baker. The airline’s 787 aircraft is on static display at the airshow until February 14, where the air- line is exhibiting for the first time. QA’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner also boasts dimmable windows and a more spacious seating configuration. QA’s 787s feature 254 seats – 22 seats in Business Class in a 1-2-1 configu- ration that convert into fully flat horizontal beds – and a 232 seating capac- ity in Economy Class in a 3-3-3 layout. It operates 14 flights each week between Singapore and Doha, from where it flies to 134 leisure and business destinations worldwide. AGENCIES THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 National Sport Day Mickey’s music fest opens festivities increase Disney stars perform hits from Aladdin, The Little Mermaid

DOHA: The ‘Disney Live! sales of accessories presents Mickey’s Music Festival’ opened to a roar- BY SACHIN KUMAR “The massive awareness cam- ing crowd at Qatar National paign was responsible for the rise Convention Centre (QNCC) last DOHA: National Sport Day in sales of accessories because it night. celebrations have led to a surge motivated people to participate After months of preparation in sales of sport accessories. in National Sport Day celebra- and anticipation following the Retail outlets witnessed a rise tions,” said the branch manager record-breaking success of Disney of up to 20 percent in sales dur- of a retail sport outlet in West On Ice celebrates 100 Years of ing the week before NSD, helped Bay. Magic in 2013, Mickey Mouse, by activities announced by the NSD celebrations on Tuesday Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, government and private sectors witnessed the participation of a Goofy and more than 25 Disney which led to higher public partici- large number of people in various characters performed Disney’s pation in the celebrations. events across the country. greatest hits from the blockbuster “Compared with other days, we According to retailers, major movies of Aladdin, The Little witnessed a rise of 15-20 percent buyers of accessories were adults. Mermaid and Disney•Pixar’s Toy in the first week of this month. “Around 70 percent of demand Story remixed for a fresh sound. “There was a huge demand for for sport accessories was from The crowds cheered when tracksuits, foot wears, T-shirts, adults. It does not mean the Ariel’s six sisters broke out into shorts and other sport gears from participation of children was Beyonce’s smash hit Single Ladies. retail customers,” said Wael Al less compared to adults. They Everyone was on their feet and Maghraby, Retail Manager, (children) had bought sport singing along to the award-win- Disney stars greet fans at the opening of the festival yesterday. Sports Corner which is the big- accessories in advance,” said Al ning song. The classic A Whole gest retail outlet of sport acces- Maghraby. Retailers said demand New World took parents on a (QTA) and organised by Sport & be able to introduce some chil- important that we make these sories in Qatar, with branches in for accessories is rising every journey down memory lane as Entertainment Solutions (SES). dren to their first theatre experi- world-renowned shows acces- 17 locations. year because of Qatar’s focus on Aladdin and Jasmine made spe- “This festival is different from ence,” said Ali Haidary, CEO and sible to the Middle East. The According to retailers, com- sports. Apart from NSD celebra- cial guest appearances. Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Founder of SES. way Disney On Ice was received, panies also gave orders for sport tions every year, the World Cup The show is produced by Feld Years of Magic. A unique theatre “Our aim alongside QTA is to inspired us to continue to bring items. Wholesale orders from 2022 has also motivated people to Entertainment, brought to Doha production incorporating Disney’s bring quality family entertain- shows, including this one.” companies were mainly for cones, enjoy sports. by Qatar Tourism Authority greatest hits, we are thrilled to ment shows to the region. It is THE PENINSULA ropes and hurdles. THE PENINSULA New HMC procedure provides faster care for heart patients

DOHA: Faced with a high prevalence formed due to the buildup of cholesterol. transmit the patient’s Electrocardiograph support them with this emergency pro- in coordination with the cardiologists in of heart attacks in Qatar, Hamad This is a huge advantage for Qatar, (ECG) from the scene to the Heart cedure, if it would be of benefit to them, the Heart Hospital carefully assess each Medical Corporation (HMC) yesterday being the first nationwide program in the Hospital using the Telemetry System as soon as possible. case and the ECG reading which will launched a new procedure to provide region, and one of the first worldwide, installed on the LifePack 15 machines, “When we receive the patient’s ECG enable the right decision to be made as faster care for heart attack patients. HMC said yesterday. it is transmitted to the Heart Hospital we make the decision based on the read- to whether a patient will benefit from the The Primary Percutaneous Coronary The 24/7 service is linked with a trans- staff who make the decision whether or ing whether the patient needs to come procedure or not. Intervention (PPCI) is carried out as an satellite telemetry system in the HMC not an emergency angioplasty would be to the Emergency Department or should Magdi Yacoub, Executive Director of emergency by interventional cardiolo- ambulances which provides the cardi- beneficial for the patient. If required, the be transferred directly to the cardiac Qatar Cardiovascular Research Centre gist and has been shown to be the best ologists in the Heart Hospital with real- cardiac catheterization suit is prepared catheterization suite. This is one of the (QCRC) said “ Like much of the Middle possible treatment for very serious heart time 12 lead electrocardiogram and other immediately so the patient is provided first national services in the world; coor- East region, Qatar suffers from high and attack patients and needs to be done as vital information that indicates whether with the safest and most effective care dinated by the heart hospital, whereas increasing rates of Heart Attack, so this soon as possible after a heart attack takes a patient would benefit from the Primary upon arrival. more often than not there are regional important program will be of real benefit place. PCI procedure. Dr A A Gehani, Chairman of Cardiology variations in other countries, depending to patients, both now, and through its The PPCI, also known as a coronary This means the Heart Hospital team at the Heart Hospital said, “Time is on resource available.” research programme, in the future.” angioplasty, is carried out by cardiac is able to be prepared at theatre for the a very crucial aspect of our work. We He said, it is important to understand The programme has a research aspect catheterisation and without the need patients’ arrival, saving precious time in often find patients suffer heart attacks that the PPCI procedure is not suitable carried out by the Heart Hospital in for surgery. It is used to treat narrowed these critical cases. in the early hours of the morning and or needed for all patients. The assessment conjunction with QCRC and Qatar or blocked arteries of the heart, usually Once the paramedic crew record and we wanted to make sure we were able to made by the Critical Care Paramedics Foundation. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Cabinet nod for heavy New projects for Jerusalem transport committee DOHA: The Cabinet yesterday implementation and necessary Qatar Red Crescent to implement medical facilities worth QR2.3m approved its draft decision on best solutions. setting up an ad-hoc committee The meeting also approved DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent for heavy transport. Cabinet’s draft decision to amend (QRC) has announced imple- The panel will be established some provisions of decision No. mentation of three new medi- at the Ministry of Transport and 10 of 2007 for establishing the cal projects in Jerusalem worth will be in charge of studying mat- National Committee for Civil QR2.3m ($631,000), a statement ters related to heavy transport. Aviation Security. said yesterday. The weekly Cabinet session, The amendment provides for The projects are at Palestinian chaired by the Prime Minister reforming the committee which Red Crescent Society’s hospital and Interior Minister H E Sheikh will report to the Minister of in Jerusalem and include the Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Communications on its works and restoration and rehabilitation of Al Thani, also approved the refer it to the Cabinet. the Department of Postnatal and Cabinet draft decision for the The Cabinet reviewed a let- Premature Babies, installation issuance of the Cabinet’s inner ter from the Qatar National of a firefighting network with an regulations. Committee for the Prohibition of early alarm system and purchase Regulations includes rules Weapons (QNCPW) concerning of custom-made ambulances. related to Cabinet meetings, its the 27th report of the commit- The announcement was made modus operandi, preparation for tee’s works during September- at a ceremony at the headquar- each meeting and discussing top- December last year and took the ters of Palestinian Red Crescent ics referred to the it. appropriate decision. Society, attended by Adnan According to regulations, the The report said QNCPW has Husseini, Minister for Jerusalem Cabinet has the authority to prepared Qatar’s report for 2013 Affairs; Dr Anan Al Masri, form permanent or provisional on the execution of the UN pro- Deputy Minister of Health; Dr committees to study these top- gramme of action to combat Younis Khatib, President of Officials at the ceremony at Palestinian Red Crescent Society. ics and ministries are required to illicit trade in small arms and Palestinian Red Crescent Society submit quarterly reports to the light weapons. The Cabinet also and Mona Ghannam, Director Cabinet on implementation stages approved a draft agreement on of the Representative Office of rehabilitation of the postnatal and The project coincided with and a quad bike ambulance at of their plans and programmes air services between Qatar and Qatar Red Crescent in the West premature babies’ department the implementation of a project for the Palestinian Red Crescent and any obstacles impeding Malawi. QNA Bank. is valued at $411,000 and aims for the installation and opera- Society in Jerusalem branch, at Ghannam, who represented to improve the medical services tion of an automatic fire fight- a cost of $50,000. The vehicles QRC at the ceremony, com- provided to the Palestinian peo- ing and alarm system at a cost are designed to enable access to mented on the unique relation- ple. The hospital witnesses 3,300 of $179,000 approved by the Civil the narrow alley ways of the Old ship between the Qatari and births a year, as well as around Defence Department of the city City of Jerusalem and the narrow 2,000 sign up for Be Palestinian national societies as 750 surgeries. of Jerusalem. streets at refugee camps. they share the same humanitar- The project is expected to The system has facilitated This initiative is the first of its ian mission, particularly provid- improve the level of medical serv- obtaining the appropriate licenses kind at the old city of Jerusalem. ing support for the Palestinian ices at the hospital and should from the competent authorities in The motorbike ambulance began Fit programme; prize people, saying that the goal of enable it to accommodate higher Jerusalem as well as providing a its field work last Ramadan, these projects is to improve numbers of sick and premature safe environment for all patients while the quad bike ambulance health services for the residents babies, including difficult cases and hospital staff. is expected to begin its work by of Jerusalem. transferred from elsewhere in QRC has also purchased and mid-February. money QR250,000 The restoration and Palestine. equipped a motorbike ambulance THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Around 2,000 aspir- and feel healthier, it has also ants have registered for the inspired my family and me to second edition of Be Fit, a make lasting lifestyle changes,” year-long weight loss pro- said Jamil. Nominations open for WISE Prize for Education gramme organised by Qatar Aimed at tackling the weighty Olympic Committee (QOC) issue of obesity and related com- DOHA: Nominations are visionary approach as well as a forward to discovering more edu- a jury chaired by Sheikh Abdulla and wellness solutions pro- plications that have become a open for the World Innovation proven track record of achieve- cation innovators and to identi- bin Ali Al-Thani. vider VLCC. major cause of concern in the Summit for Education (WISE) ment in education at any level and fying a worthy 2014 Laureate.” The Laureate will receive Registration for the year- Middle East, Be Fit is a year- Prize for Education. in any sector. Nominations can be made by indi- $500,000 and will be announced long programme was held on long program that motivates The prize, in its fourth year, About the opening of nomina- viduals or institutions including at the sixth World Innovation National Sport Day at QOC people in Qatar to lose weight is the first global recognition tions, Dr Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali schools, international organiza- Summit for Education, taking Sport Zone. The first edition through adopting a healthier of an individual or team for an Al Thani, Chairman of WISE, tions and private companies from place from November 4 to 6 in witnessed 775 participants. diet plan and an active lifestyle. outstanding contribution to Qatar Foundation, said: “There anywhere in the world including Doha. Last year’s laureate was The success of the inaugural Participants of the Be Fit education. are many extraordinary people in Qatar. Vicky Colbert of Colombia, co- edition has motivated QOC to program commit themselves to It is enhancing the status of the world who are transforming Submissions must be made creator of the Escuela Nueva up the stakes for the 2014 initia- achieving their optimum weight education by giving it similar the lives of individuals and com- through the WISE website www. educational model which uses a tive, with prize money doubled in the span of a year, with the prestige to other areas for which munities through their engage- wiseprizeforeducation.org by bottom-up approach by bringing to QR250,000 for the biggest support and guidance of VLCC’s international prizes already exist, ment in education. The WISE March 31. Nominations will be together teams of experienced losers. panel of experts including doc- such as literature, peace and Prize for Education is a unique reviewed by an international com- teachers from rural areas to For the inaugural Be Fit pro- tors and nutritionists. economics. opportunity to celebrate the high- mittee of education experts and maximize the impact of education. gram, Emad Jamil won the top Along with a combined ini- It recognises an inspiring and est achievers. We are looking the final selection will be made by THE PENINSULA prize of QR100,000 for losing an tial investment of QR1m made impressive 49.6kg, while Salwa by QOC and VLCC, Be Fit also Mahmoud took away QR25,000 gained from the close involve- as the runner-up for reducing ment of VLCC through all her weight by 43kg through fol- stages of the program. Be Fit lowing a year-long weight man- 2013 participants were offered Ministry to hold seminar on Metrash2 services agement regimen recommended complimentary vouchers worth by VLCC. QR300 each, which could be DOHA: The Ministry of Interior will It will discuss the law for regulating the of the ministry www.moi.gov.qa, e-awareness “2013 has been the most redeemed for free consultations organise a free introductory seminar on its entry and exit of expats and their residence initiative of the ministry and free awareness exciting year of my life. Losing and diet plans from VLCC’s “Metrash2” and other services for HR heads and sponsorship laws, services centres of the programmes for companies. 50kg seemed unimaginable to panel of experts. of companies, schools and representatives of Unified Services Department at the ministry The highlight of the seminar will be demon- begin with, but the feat has Monthly updates through public relations companies on February 17. and Search and Follow Up Department and strations of services available at “Metrash2” made me realize that it is possi- phone calls and text messages Services of the General Directorate of penalties for violating the law. by experts from the IT Department at the ble to achieve one’s dreams with kept the contestants informed Borders Passports and Expatriates Affairs will A lecture on community policing in Qatar ministry. sustained effort and determina- of their progress while quarterly also be introduced at the seminar at 8.30am at and the country’s customs and traditions will Those interested can register through email tion no matter what the odds. meetings co-anchored by QOC the Civil Defence club beside Al Ahli Hospital be delivered by officers from Capital Security [email protected] or by fax: 44323339. Dropping so much weight has helped them stay focused on in Bin Omran. Department. Similar programmes will be held very soon in not only made me look good their goals. THE PENINSULA The event is being organised by the PR There will also be an introduction to the Mesaieed, Al Khor and Al Rayyan, the min- Department at the ministry. electronic services available on the website istry said. THE PENINSULA Club offers 263 prizes at football match

DOHA : The Rayyan at the stadium at 4pm in Sport Club yesterday order to ensure the seat. announced 263 prizes On the sidelines of the for spectators of a match, the Community match between Rayyan Reachout Office under and Kharaitiyat foot- the Public Relations ball teams tomorrow at Department of the 4.45pm at Ahmed bin Ali Ministry of Interior will Stadium of the club on be conducting a traffic Dukhan road. awareness campaign tar- The management will geting the audience, where give away several valuable they will get brochures prizes, including the mega on pedestrian safety in prize of 3 cars and 40 air English, Urdu, Malayalam, tickets to London, Paris, Hindi, Nepali and Tamil Thailand, Turkey, India, languages. The banners Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, on traffic safety will be Bangladesh, Egypt and displayed at different Sudan. In addition to this, entrances of the stadium the spectators also can and the traffic awareness bag 10 Galaxy Samsung, films also will be exhib- 10 iPads and 200 mobile ited during the match. phones through the draw The winners of the traf- held on the entry tickets fic awareness competition that will be distributed that will be held in the freely for the spectators of hockey stadium at 3.30pm Rayyan Sports Club. will be awarded prizes. The organisers have The companies are arranged special area for urged to reach at the families and invite the hockey stadium at 3.30pm general public to enjoy the to participate in the aware- match free of charge and ness event and win prizes to win more than 263 valu- in the traffic awareness able prizes. The club urges competition. the spectators to arrive THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

Celebrations Cluster bombs Israel bars patients over used in South ‘Palestine’ letterhead Sudan: UN chief UNITED NATIONS: UN leader Ban Ki-moon condemned ‘State of Palestine’ has de facto UN recognition yesterday what he said was the use of cluster bombs in the war GAZA: Israel has denied entry UN General Assembly resolution Major Guy Inbar, a spokesman for in South Sudan. permits to some 50 Palestinian in 2012 that gave de facto recog- COGAT, the military-run author- Remnants of this kind of medical patients from the Gaza nition to a sovereign Palestinian ity that handles entry permits. weapon were found last week by Strip because the words “State state. He said 10 Palestinians whose UN de-mining workers on a road of Palestine” appears on the “On Sunday (the Palestinians) cases were urgent were allowed to from the capital Juba to Bor in letterhead of their application, filed a range of requests ... on enter Israel while about 50 others Jonglei state, a UN statement officials said yesterday. a document that said ‘State were not. said. Israel does not recognise a of Palestine’. On the spot, we Israeli treatment for patients Launched from the ground Palestinian state, whose creation returned it to them, saying from the Gaza Strip — an enclave or dropped from the air, cluster it says should stem from peace they should refile the request run by Hamas Islamists — is bombs split open before impact to negotiations. It voted against a on appropriate paperwork,” said arranged by the Western-backed scatter multiple bomblets over a Palestinian Authority, which wide area. As many fail to explode exercises limited self-rule in the on impact, they remain dangerous occupied West Bank. for months. Israel to build tower block Omar Al Naser of the UN spokesman Martin Nesirky Palestinian Health Ministry in said it was not clear which side in in annexed East Jerusalem the West Bank city of Ramallah the South Sudan war was using said the ministry had been using cluster bombs. JERUSALEM: Jerusalem’s planning committee moved forward the “State of Palestine” letterhead “We are not in a position to say yesterday with plans to build a nine-storey Jewish seminary in for a year without any move by by whom the cluster bombs were the heart of a densely-populated Palestinian neighbourhood near Israel to deny patients entry. used but such munitions were the Old City. It was unclear why Israeli used,” Nesirky said. Plans for the new tower block, to be built in the Sheikh Jarrah authorities took exception this Ban welcomed the opening of neighbourhood of annexed Arab east Jerusalem, were deposited time, but the decision coincided peace talks on Tuesday between for consultation, giving the public 60 days to submit any objections, with diplomatic wrangling in South Sudan’s government and settlement watchdog Peace Now said. US-sponsored peace talks over rebels. They have been fighting a “It’s a plan for a nine-storey, ultra-Orthodox yeshiva in Sheikh Israel’s demand that Palestinians nearly two-month-old war that Jarrah which was deposited today for objections,” spokesman Lior recognise it as a Jewish state in has left thousands dead and dis- Amihai said. “The plan was supposed to be discussed and approved any final accord. placed 900,000 people from their a few weeks ago, however it was postponed — most probably due to In the past, Palestinian entry homes. political reasons,” he said. applications had the words But Ban said he was concerned “It’s not a game changer but it’s on a piece of land in Sheikh “Palestinian Authority”, an entity A Saudi jockey celebrates after winning a camel race during the open- by reports of continued fighting Jarrah which has already suffered a lot. It’s a very sensitive area established under interim peace ing ceremony of the 29th Janadriyah festival of Heritage and Culture and skirmishes in two states and I think the prime minister knows it.” AFP deals with Israel, in their letter- held on the outskirts of the capital Riyadh, yesterday. despite a ceasefire agreement head. REUTERS signed January 23. He called on both sides to honor the truce and cooperate with mediators from an East African bloc called the Intergovernmental 217 evacuated Authority on Development. Egypt court overturns policeman’s conviction Troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and renegade soldiers who from Homs support his former vice president CAIRO: An Egyptian court was double standards in the the rabaa sign,” Eid said. Riek Machar have been battling DAMASCUS: More than 200 overturned yesterday conviction Al Sisi heads courts. “There is no political will He was referring to the four- since mid-December. civilians were evacuated yes- of a policeman accused of kill- to punish the criminals,” Eid said. fingered salute used by Islamist South Sudan became a sover- terday from besieged rebel-held ing protesters in Cairo during to Moscow “The great majority of police protesters to remember the eign state in July 2011 after seced- districts in the heart of Syria’s the 2011 uprising against Hosni officers accused of killing pro- deadly dispersal by security forces ing in the culmination of a civil third largest city Homs, gover- Mubarak, drawing charges of CAIRO: Army chief Abdel testers have been acquitted of the Rabaa Al Adawiya sit-in in war against Khartoum that lasted nor Talal Al Barazi said. judicial double standards. Fattah Al Sisi, who is likely while the youth are now being Cairo that left at least 600 dead from 1983 to 2005. “Two hundred and seven- The ruling comes as the mil- to become Egypt’s next arrested for protesting or raising in August. AFP AFP teen civilians have been evacu- itary-installed authorities have president, headed to Russia ated today from Homs Old City. been waging a deadly crackdown accompanied by Foreign The operation went well and on supporters of deposed Islamist Minister Nabil Fahmy to dis- smoothly,” Barazi said. president Mohamed Mursi, put cuss bilateral cooperation, the The latest evacuations bring on trial many Islamist leaders, army said. Field Marshal Sisi, the total number of people given including Mursi himself, and who is also Egypt’s defence safe passage out of the war-rav- arrested thousands of Islamists. minister and deputy prime aged districts to more than 1,400 Mohamed Ibrahim, known as minister, and Fahmy would since Friday. “Mohamed Al Sunni,” had initially hold “2+2” talks with their Aid workers also distributed been sentenced in absentia to Russian counterparts, army 4,700kg of flour and 190 food death in connection with the kill- spokesman Ahmed Aly said. parcels in the besieged districts ings, but eventually turned him- Wednesday, according to the self in and was granted a retrial. Syrian Red Crescent’s Khaled In that trial he was handed a five- January 28 was dubbed the Erksoussi. year sentence, which he appealed. Day of Rage and seen as the turn- Syria’s foreign ministry, mean- He was accused of participating ing point in the protests against while has slammed a plan by the in the killing of 18 protesters on longtime president Mubarak. EU to use funds frozen under the January 28, 2011, when thousands Details were not available on organisation’s sanctions to pay for of people attacked and torched the reasoning for the court’s the dismantling of Damascus’s police installations, prompting the decision, but Gamal Eid, head of chemical weapons programme. hated interior ministry’s forces to the Arabic Network for Human AFP withdraw from the streets. Rights, denounced what he said Maliki pledges police jobs for fighters BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki promised police jobs for pro-government fighters in Anbar province yes- terday, as the deputy pre- mier said they aim to cut supplies to gunmen hold- ing one of its cities. Anti-government fight- ers seized all of the city of Fallujah and parts of Ramadi, capital of Anbar province, west of Baghdad, where the United Nations says up to 300,000 people have fled a surge in unrest this year. Clashes in the province have pitted secu- rity forces and pro-govern- ment tribesmen against jihadist militants and tribal fighters opposed to the authorities. Police in Anbar “will absorb all the honourable sons of the tribes who stood on the side” of security forces, Maliki said in tel- evised remarks in which he announced measures aimed at addressing the crisis. It was not clear when the pledge would be imple- mented, and some tribes- men previously promised jobs after joining forces with the United States against Al Qaeda militants have faced years of delay in receiving them. AFP RASGAS EMPLOYEES AND FAMILIES GET POWERED AT ASPIRE ZONE

National Sport Day turned out to be a fun family day for RasGas employees, who arrived in their thousands to celebrate the company’s Sports Challenge 2014 at Aspire Zone on Tuesday.

RasGas put on a day of sports and fun fitness activities in support of the national holiday, with a special emphasis on team spirit, an ethos that is at the very heart of RasGas’ corporate values. More than 3,000 employees attended, bringing along their families to enjoy a programme filled with activities suited to all ages.

Employee teams worked up a sweat battling it out in football, cricket, volleyball and basketball tournaments; got active in kickboxing and Zumba classes; and kept their kiddies entertained with an array of special activities such as hopscotch and hoop-la.

The event, part of RasGas’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, made every effort to cater to the diverse sporting tastes of its employees, and even included football freestylers and a juggling show.

Now in its third consecutive year, the popular and well-supported RasGas Sports Challenge 2014 is proof that there is no better way to spend a day off than getting up and getting powered.

Some of the activities on the day included:

1- Group Exercise:RasGas’ National Sport Day celebration kicked off with a group exercise, with CEO, Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi and top executives joining in. 2- Football:Attracting crowds of cheering onlookers, the popular football tournament had employee teams sweat it out for bragging rights. 3- Cricket:Employees channelled the likes of Tendulkar, Kallis and Akram, putting in a fierce cricketing display. 4- Kickboxing:The energetic and action-packed show wowed the audience. 5- Juggling:Displaying incredible skill, jugglers entertained adults and kids alike with their agile acts. 6- Basketball: The enormous popularity of basketball ensured a constant stream of employees ready to show off their slam dunks. 7- Volleyball:This fun sport had many RasGas employees signing up to give it a go. 8- Running:On your marks… Get set… Go! Runners matched each other stride for stride in races that had the crowd cheering. 9- Family Activities:From the youngest to the oldest, RasGas made sure there was something for everyone at the Sports Challenge 2014.

RasGas employees are in for a big boost to their health and wellbeing all year long: fitness centres fully equipped with state-of-the-art machines have been installed on the company premises at Ras Laffan and Doha. THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 10 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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No solution in sight Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

MID faltering Geneva II talks, the Syrian imbroglio continues to worsen. The World Food Programme’s intervention in the humanitarian crisis in the city Aof Homs has seen thousands getting relief in the form of food and medicine. The residents of the city have been Obama’s trial balloons suffering the siege for months with Syrian troops cutting off access to the outside world and opposition fighters holed up inside the city—making it well nigh impossible for any outside BY DAVID ROTHKOPF help to reach the besieged people. known as “Prince”): the weathervane. hesitate to act. Well, either this per- The Geneva talks are an important milestone in the conflict Take the recent reports that the son is a threat to the United States or that has endured the longest part of the Arab Spring. Calls nly in Washington can an White House is deliberating as to he isn’t. And this certainly seems like acronym be perceived as whether or not they should kill an hesitating to act. for ouster of President Bashar Al Assad have been punctuated an insult. For this reason American citizen who is allegedly col- Further, if the White House is plan- by demands by Russia and China —the regime’s biggest Oapparently, the White House laborating with bad guys in Pakistan. ning a secret mission to violate the sov- supporters — who have been trying hard to counter the effect this week announced that the artists Which — behind closed doors — is, ereignty of another country and blast of Western powers that want Assad to relinquish power. once known as the National Security of course, just the kind of thing they someone who happened to be colluding Allowing aid to reach the rebel-held town of Homs was one Council (NSC) staff but rechristened should be doing, especially given the with terrorists there are some pretty in 2009 by President Barack Obama recent debate over the morality and good conventional, operational, and of the key negotiating points when the talks started. Rebels as the National Security Staff (NSS) legality of such strikes. Further, such diplomatic reasons why such a thing demanded Assad’s troops let humanitarian assistance reach would henceforth be referred to again internal discussions on their own do should remain secret. Once again, hundreds of families in the city. Yesterday, a crucial day in the as the National Security Council (NSC) not, of course, suggest that the Obama for an administration that has been negotiations, the opposition laid out a transition plan for the staff. Apparently, administration is flailing, or that its selectively aggressive on targetting and war-ravaged country, including chasing out foreign fighters in the eyes of NSC top policymakers are most comfortable prosecuting leakers (see the case just and a road to elections, but the regime refused to discuss it. staffers, the NSS pointing in the direction the political this past week of a State Department lacked the cache wind is blowing. But the fact that they leaker sentenced to prison time for The opposition plan lays out the role of the so-called of the direct and chose to leak this story — and given his misstep), it is amazing how often Transitional Governing Body (TGB), which the international The White House clear association its distribution to top papers simulta- they violate basic operational security community says is key to regime change in Syria. is not sure what to the National neously, complete with off-the-record standards to achieve a political pur- The Syrian regime’s Security Council White House comments, it is abso- pose. (Like rapidly declassifying info intransigence can be seen in it thinks and itself. So, in a ges- lutely clear that is what happened — is on the Osama bin Laden raid or secret The Syria talks the light of Russia and China’s ture of sensitiv- another matter. back-channel negotiations with the wants to test ity to their needs, It’s difficult not to conclude from this Iranians to assure that the president in Geneva are unrelenting support for Assad. National Security weird turn of events that the White got full credit for his successes.) Damascus yesterday said that public reaction Adviser Susan House is not sure what it thinks and Leaders are supposed to have princi- getting embroiled the talks should first focus on the Rice (NSASR) wants to test public reaction before it ples, standards and processes by which in one-upmanship issue of terrorism before any other before it takes a prevailed on takes a decision, or — as has happened critical security decisions are devel- subject could be discussed. the president to in the past — punts. That’s how the oped that enable them to protect US decision, or — as change the name Syria debacle unfolded in August. A interests by keeping those decisions between the At the start of the talks, a senior back. Mission deliberate, public call to action led to on the down low. Most Americans not warring sides official close to Assad’s ruling clique has happened in accomplished. a decision that led to second guess- only expect this, it’s one of the reasons and support for had said that the people from the the past — punts. Now, since I’ve ing, which led to leaks about the “very they hired the leaders in the first place. other side didn’t represent the written one book deliberate” process of second guessing, The idea that each one is opened up to Assad by Russia opposition, and so talking to them That’s how the on the NSC and which led to the president punting crude public polling and debate in the was meaningless. have another the decision to Congress. And that, of Washington echo chamber is grotesque, and China. Syria debacle one due out in course, led to the message being sent politically craven and undermines the As evacuees from Homs left the September, you to the world that America had no clear likelihood our missions will be success- besieged town yesterday, Syrian unfolded in might expect that idea what it wanted to do in that unfor- ful. It is not how leaders or professional soldiers were overheard swearing I would have a tunate, war-ravaged country. security organisations behave. It is the at men and taking their photographs on their mobile phones. August. strong opinion Or recall the way the candidacy of way of the pol. Gaunt and dazed children walking into relief camps presented about one or the Larry Summers to be Fed chief was For these reasons, acronyms be a poignant story of a severe humanitarian crisis. other of these leaked to the press to test the waters damned, as long as the NSC is using names, the Classic Coke and New before a decision was made. Or that in a weathervane to produce public pol- Reconciliation seems to be a dirty word in the war-raveged Coke of the foreign-policy acronym the days before the president made his icy decisions that should be its sym- country. The opposition plan for a transitional government has bureaucracy. But I don’t. Far too much remarks on the NSA scandal, elements bol ... and a caution to all who think no mention of Bashar Al Assad. time is spent by each administration of his response were leaked and tested values, reason, or suitable standards The continued intransigence of Russia and China points to christening and rechristening the with the media. Testing the waters isn’t of professional judgment are depend- a new front in the civil war. International mediator Lakhdar names for memos and committees and a sin, but that this has become some- ably our means for determining reworking their org chart — we hardly thing approaching standard operating America’s security policies worldwide. Brahimi has brought forward the meeting between Russia need to devote more to commenting procedure — in instances when decisions WP-BLOOMBERG and US — the parties on opposing sides in the Civil War. on it. were hard or might be controversial — is. Rothkopf is CEO and editor of the To be held today, all eyes will be on the meeting that might Having said that, I do have a sugges- The administration says that it takes FP Group. His most recent book is present another dimension in the conflict. The crisis in Syria, tion that the NSC may wish to consider these decisions (whether these enemy “Running the World: The Inside Story instead of showing signs of abating, seems to be getting worse. using as its symbol (if it considers next combatants are threats to the United of the National Security Council and the The ending of the siege of Homs notwithstanding, the Syrian going the way of the artist formerly States) seriously, and that it won’t Architects of American Power.” people have a lot of sufferings to bear. The other side Quote of India must piggyback on its polio-free success the day NDIA’S polio-free certification, met targets. For successive years, each year — 172 million children are vaccination safety net. Unfortunately, which was awarded by the World each one of the country’s 26 million reached in each nationwide round of it is not ‘routine’ for people to avail UIP Health Organization (WHO) on newborns was vaccinated against vaccination, and then there are sub- services. I want communities ITuesday for ensuring polio did not the paralysing infection not once but national rounds — is a spectacu- The Centre’s new name and cell- infect anyone in three straight years, repeatedly for the first five years of lar feat by any standards. But what phone-based tracking system of preg- ...and people who see took almost two decades of very hard their lives. India needs now is to piggyback on nant mothers through a web-enabled water lapping at their work. Though vaccination against polio The biggest challenges were geog- its success. About 3,000 children system with a database of more than started in 1978 under India’s Expanded raphy (for example, in the Kosi river under five years die each day — 16 10 million children is a beginning. doors to know that Programme in Immunisation, only belt in Bihar annual floods isolate sev- lakh each year — but more than half If the government also ensures when it comes to the about 40% children under five were eral hundred families), work-related of these deaths can be prevented if health providers are physically present military, when it comes being reached by 1984. migration and ignorance: some fami- routine vaccines, given free under with the vaccines are in ample supply, Following the WHO’s Polio lies would refuse vaccination because the Centre’s universal immunisation vaccine-preventable infections and to sandbags, when it Eradication Initiative, India launched they were convinced the drops would programme (UIP), reach them. Full diseases will become an anomaly in comes to restoring its Pulse Polio Programme in 1995 make their children impotent. immunisation coverage still hovers at the country as in the case in developed with the target to vaccinate every child Ensuring these lifesaving drops a low 61%, with children living in slums countries. broken flood defences, under five. It took some years, but it reach around 800 million children and backward areas falling out of the The Hindustan Times all of those things, David Cameron money is no object. British Prime Minister THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Role of GCC construction sector

ALI BAHZAD

he construction sector Saudi Arabia has signed con- has extreme impor- tracts worth $14.3bn, the UAE tance in the Middle worth $8.7bn while Qatar has East — in the private inked contracts worth $12.2bn and public spheres — to implement its underground Tas it is the locomotive of devel- projects. opment for other sectors of the Saudi Arabia topped the GCC economy, including the commu- states in terms of infrastructure nications, services, infrastructure projects and basic services such as and utilities sectors. schools, hospitals and residential The construction sector has buildings. come to the forefront of economic A report says Qatar’s economy activities in the GCC states over is expected to reach $213bn by the past 10 years, thanks to fast 2016, thanks to the fast growing development — upgrading infra- real estate sector, implementa- structure, building roads and tion of more construction projects, bridges, ushering in train, and particularly infrastructure, and underground transit networks the growing number of contract- and establishing industrial, com- ing work during the past year. The mercial and health cities. value of all these projects is esti- A recent Kuwaiti report says mated at QR23.3bn. infrastructure projects have The construction sector in the been the backbone of the global Middle East and North Africa is economy — in Europe, Asia, or promising too, thanks to the gov- America — thanks to the fact that ernment’s role in modernising development and progress hinge development plans — contracts on them. under implementation are val- The report also says these ued at $75bn, and health sector projects offer necessary push for projects at $800m. other work, pointing out that Many factors are pushing the infrastructure contracts in 2013 growth of the construction and annual budget surpluses are con- of the Gulf countries is expected to be an important investment health sectors had the lion’s share. were estimated at $71bn. real estate sectors. They include sidered strategic fuels for develop- to witness noticeable growth over magnet, as the global economy Also, the housing sector will Current projects in the Middle the rise in oil prices in the inter- ment plans which in turn have a the next four years. This will give is facing increasing risks and the continue to be the main driver East are estimated at $1.3trn, national markets, population major influence on the economies Gulf companies a chance to ham- exchange rates of currencies keep for the growth of the real estate including those under progress at growth, and an international of the region and investments mer out good construction and fluctuating. Construction projects sector with a share of 38 percent, $935bn and those worth $83bn desire to boost investments in the allocated for the energy sector. urbanisation partnerships. in the government sector consti- followed by commercial projects awaiting the tendering process. Middle East by establishing new Data shows that the construc- The report also says construc- tute half of all such projects in the with a share of 17 percent. Projects at planning and design partnerships to compensate for tion sector has witnessed continu- tion projects in the Gulf grew region. Strategies and plans of the Gulf stages are estimated at $162bn, the losses sustained in the after- ous growth because of the growing by 19 per cent, while construc- I have also written that projects countries for the next 10 years and those under study at $110bn. math of the global downturn in demand, particularly for health, tion projects worth $7.68bn were worth $5.64bn will be assigned to have contributed to drawing up Countries like Qatar, Saudi Europe and the US in 2008. These educational, commercial and implemented in the GCC during contractors in the near future — a an ambitious vision for over- Arabia and the UAE have allo- partnerships aim at higher rates infrastructure facilities. the past year. one-third growth compared with all development, including the cated billions of dollars to imple- of profit. I have referred to a report in The Kuwaiti report says the 2012 when projects worth $4.48bn economic, tourism and services ment underground projects. Revenues from oil exports and a previous article that the GDP construction sector will continue were assigned. The education and sectors.

KHALID AL JABER Competition, laundering and public interest Demolishing the deep state hese days are witness- indisputably affects negatively. he term ‘deep state’ is similar to the idea of a “state within ing a fast pace in road JASSIM SAFAR Some do not like being criticised a state’. Tmaintenance — perhaps but some cases must be clarified, T It became contemporarily famous in Turkey to describe to indemnify previous delays in Does this mean that there is no even if they get annoyed with the secrete state people do not see or hear about. It combines changing roundabouts to new competition or standards to dif- it. Therefore, no need to write the army, judiciary, administration, bureaucratic, economic and traffic signals and signals to ferentiate between bad and good about the same issue repeatedly media institutions that have special interests and agendas they intersections to supplement the contractors? Or things some- because already people know defend and for which block the democratic process. great number of traffic lights times turn personal to justify or about that. The concept is used in the western hemisphere to describe the across Doha. cover negativities of missteps in Renowned Qatari artist Helal executive authority which works secretly as part of the state. We may describe the move- work or the absence of punish- Mohamed died a few days ago, he It carries out illegal acts secretly, and when the operations are ment as “active”, as if it is try- Some people ment and reward? was a friend who used to shine unveiled publicly, no one take the responsibility for the crimes. ing to beat whatever preceded wash each other’s Lots of talks, or “compliments”, in the Qatari and Arabic drama, This means that the ‘deep state’ usually faces a problem related it and working hard to improve get “pass with the laundry”, as on television and radio and in to legitimacy; therefore, problems are solved by keeping opera- services. dishes, they don’t you may say these people are not theatre. He carved a niche for tions classified. We can celebrate another new related to what is being written himself in his field, promoted art The political agenda of a deep state lies in loyalty to interests. achievement that lies in a signal do it properly, about them, and they like to and took part in many works. His Violence and overt and covert means of pressure are used to on the Corniche that still suffers and do that at the see others writings about them, fans grieved so much for him. influence the political, economic, media and cultural elite to traffic jams outside the former especially if they are praising May Allah have mercy on his ensure achievement of special agendas within the ostensibly Ministry of Information building. expense of public them. This is one of the negative soul, rest it in peace and grant democratic framework of the political powers. Even when considering the interest. aspects of a situation, because it his family and friends patience According to researcher Esraa Ahmed, a deep state represents completion of any project, you stops them from learning and and fortitude. To Allah we belong a historical development to coups. It divides coups into two cat- may say some phases are weaker correcting their status, while this and to Him we shall return. egories. First, traditional military coups like the ones that were than others. Why? Are problems misplaced praise misleads them. Some people wash each other’s prevalent in Africa and Latin America during the cold war. It related to contractors? However, the table has dishes, they don’t do it properly, is characterised by sudden change of laws, not gradual change, If we considered that possibil- contractors are invited to a new flipped, and things have become and do that at the expense of and the use of force or the threat of using it. ity, why is the same contractor or tender and given a new contract? more like “dishwashing”, and it public interest. The second is post-modern coups. A government, which comes to power by democratic means, gradually undermines democratic institutions to maintain its grip on power. Steven Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations says the hallmark of post-modern coups is that they are more subtle as they don’t mainly depend on force or violence, but on informal state institutions to achieve their goals. The deep state in the Arab world sums up all problems in the Let the drunk stay out of the mosque ability to make cantons, where corruption grows and corrupt people turn into heroes, leaders and rulers. The deep Arab state has been able for a long time, and still has uring my first trip to “I continued talking with the ability to eliminate legitimate demands and stop the wheel Japan at the end of the ABDULAZIZ AL MAHMOUD them until some started crying, of reforms and democratic transition. D1990s, I was keen to visit so I asked them to accompany It has targeted and confronted national powers in society, the Islamic Centre in Tokyo, as I him and wondered about his who go to the mosque, so I asked me to the mosque as the bar was including the youth, who raised slogans of change on the streets had read some of what Professor clothing. When he started talk- them about those who do not not the right place for the tears since the beginning of revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Dr Saleh Mahdi Al Samraai, ing, I was amazed by his words, come to the mosque.” of regret.” Yemen, Syria and now Iraq. then head of the centre, had as he was dressed like that for They told him that the rest The sheikh said some men What goes around comes around. However, change is com- written about Islam in Japan and a reason, and I still remem- of the Turkish community was were leaning on each other’s ing inevitably, and time is the decisive factor for people and the relationship between them. ber his look that showed high hanging out at a bar not very far shoulders on their way until they states. Even if these states are deeper than depth, the pickaxe I was keen to meet Prof Al intelligence. from the mosque. reached the mosque. of demolition has exposed the deep state wherever it is found Samraai to get to know him, who He started pointing at his The sheikh decided to go to One of them asked, “Are and whichever way formed. was an expert, with good knowl- clothes and explained to me why them, despite the fact that the drunk people allowed to enter edge about Islam in Japan. he wore such attire that drew Germans at the mosque tried to the mosque?” He has published many public attention, as Japanese are persuade him not to. The sheikh answered, “Let research and books on Islam in very polite; they try not to look According to him, when the drunk stay outside until they Japan, and I remember quot- at others, even if they are wear- the Turkish people at the bar regain sobriety.” ing so much from his writings ing weird clothes like him. saw him in these clothes, they I was waiting for the sheikh to in a paper I had presented on The sheikh said he dressed greeted him warmly. finish the story. the relationship between Islam that way to go to public places He sat with them and started However, he said, “After so and Japan, during a conference such as crowded metro stations talking to them about Turkey, many years, I was in Makkah, in Bahrain. to break the barrier of shyness its greatness and the Ottoman sitting somewhere close to A Turkish sheikh in his late and tell the Japanese about conquests. Ka’aba, and a Turkish man in 90s at the centre caught my Islam. He said they were so much a turban approached me and attention. He had this white skin He told me a funny incident affected by his speech, some of greeted me ardently and asked with a little redness, a white tur- that happened to him. them started crying. me if I knew him. ban, a very white garment with “I went to Germany to visit He said to them, “You are the “I apologised for my old age a gown embroidered with golden some Turkish people. They are a grandsons of these great lead- and weak memory.” threads, a pure white beard, huge community in the country. ers who conquered the world “He said he was one of the white shoes and white socks. “When I arrived, my host and reached the boundaries of drunken men who had waited The sheikh aroused the curi- accompanied me to a mosque Vienna”. outside the mosque.” osity of many, especially in a where there was a group of peo- “To be honest, I found it a good crowded capital such as Tokyo, ple who prayed there. opportunity to raise some dona- which has not much ethnic “I was surprised. I told them tion for the mosque and, while The views expressed in the articles on this diversity. that I did not come all the way laughing, I said drunk people can page do not reflect the viewpoint of the newspaper. I sat with him to get to know from Japan just to talk to people be so generous. THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

Venezuela protest Boston bomber: Italy PM defies Trial to start in November

BOSTON: The accused call to go after Boston Marathon bomber will face trial in November, a US judge said yesterday, deny- ing a request by Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s attorneys for more meeting rival time to prepare a defence on charges tied to the largest mass-casualty attack on US soil since September 11, 2001. Letta, Renzi have ‘frank’ meeting Attorneys for the 20-year- ROME: Italian Prime Minister April to lead a cross-party gov- old native of Russia’s Chechnya Enrico Letta defied pressure to ernment patched together after region argued that they needed resign yesterday to let centre- last year’s deadlocked election. more time to review massive left leader Matteo Renzi form Since then, he has kept the amounts of evidence. Tsarnaev a government, saying anyone unwieldy coalition together and faces the threat of execution if who wanted him out must say won approval from Italy’s inter- convicted of the April 15 attack so openly and outline what they national partners by keeping a lid that killed three people and would do in his place. on public finances but has strug- injured 264. Letta’s comments came at the gled to pass wider reforms of the end of a day of mounting ten- economy or the dysfunctional Panama canal sions in Rome where the two men public administration. met for what the prime minister The latest ructions in Italy, the deal reached described as a “frank” encounter euro zone’s third-largest economy, in his office. have so far left financial markets PANAMA/MADRID: The “Anyone who wants to take my unperturbed, with the risk pre- Panama Canal Authority said place must spell out their inten- mium on Italian 10-year bonds Opposition supporters demonstrate against Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro’s government in Caracas yesterday it had reached an tions, I’m asking for clarity,” he over German Bunds around 200 yesterday. Armed pro-government groups attacked and shot at people protesting against Maduro’s govern- initial agreement to resolve told a news conference at which basis points, comparable with ment late on Tuesday in the Andean city of Merida in western Venezuela, injuring five. a weeks-long dispute over he laid out a package of reforms levels seen before its bonds were cost overruns on a project he will propose to a meeting of sucked into the euro zone debt to widen the 100-year-old the centre-left Democratic Party crisis in 2011. waterway that connects the (PD) today. But continual uncertainty Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Days of repeated criticism by has held back any radical effort The builders, led by Spain’s the ambitious and fast-talking to revive an economy that has Storms hit flooded parts of UK Sacyr, have stopped work on Renzi of the Letta government’s shrunk by more than nine per- doubling the canal’s capac- failure to lift the economy out of cent since 2007, sending unem- LONDON: Flooded communi- highest threat level — for “excep- pledge that “money is no object in ity while a dispute rages over its worst slump since World War ployment to record levels not seen ties in Britain faced a fresh bat- tionally strong winds” in western this relief effort”. $1.6bn in cost overruns and Two have piled growing pressure since the 1970s. tering from storms and high parts of Wales and northwest “I want communities who are extra financing for the work on the prime minister to stand Renzi, a centrist who does lit- winds yesterday, with hundreds England. suffering and people who see water that is 70 percent done and due aside. tle to conceal his disdain for his more homes threatened by the Coastal areas in western lapping at their doors to know to be finished next year. Today’s meeting of the PD’s party’s traditional left wing, was advancing waters. England could also be flooded after that when it comes to the mili- 140-strong leadership group, described by party sources as Gusts approaching 160 kilo- being pounded by high waves. tary, when it comes to sandbags, Bulgaria govt called to decide whether the furious after Letta’s remarks but metres per hour tore at parts of Fourteen severe flood warn- when it comes to restoring broken largest party in the coalition will more determined than ever to England and Wales, and the River ings — indicating a danger to life flood defences, all of those things, survives vote continue to support the prime push for a change. He has talked Thames was predicted to rise to — were in place in Berkshire and money is no object,” he said. minister, is now set for an open in the past of holding new elec- its highest level in more than 60 Surrey to the west of London, Cameron warned that a further SOFIA: Bulgaria’s Socialist- showdown between Letta and his tions but is well aware that until years in places, threatening towns while two remain in Somerset in 800 to 1,000 homes were at risk of led coalition survived its third party leader Renzi. the electoral law that produced and villages to the west of London. southwest England, the first area flooding as the Thames rose. no-confidence vote yesterday. The victory of the 39-year-old last year’s stalemate is changed, More than 1,100 properties to be badly hit. He also said grants of up to The opposition GERB party mayor of Florence in a PD lead- any new vote would almost cer- along the Thames have been Forecasters said 70 millimetres £5,000 would be available to busi- had called for the vote, accus- ership primary in December has tainly produce another impasse. flooded since January 29, authori- of rain would fall by tomorrow in nesses and homeowners affected ing the government of failing shaken up politics in Italy and President Giorgio Napolitano, ties said. southwest England. by flooding to allow them to better to deal with an influx of Syrian complicated life for his party col- the 88-year-old head of state who More soldiers were drafted in to The military said 2,000 soldiers protect their properties in future. refugees and of failing to stem league Letta, who has nothing would have to call a new election rescue residents and lay sandbags were available to help, with hun- While the Thames remained a rise in car thefts and burgla- like his rival’s voter appeal and if Letta loses the support of his in deluged villages where primary dreds pressed into action already. the focus of the flooding, the city ries. Prime Minister Plamen telegenic presence. party and no new government can schools have been transformed Prime Minister David Cameron of Worcester in central England Oresharski’s minority coalition A low-key moderate with roots be formed, brushed off talk of a into makeshift emergency centres. chaired the government’s COBRA was also increasingly threatened struck down the motion by 116 in the old Christian Democrat snap poll. The Met Office national weather emergency committee and then by the rapidly rising River Severn. votes, out of a total of 217 law- party, Letta was appointed in REUTERS service issued a red warning — the told parliament he stood by his AFP makers who took part. Four ministers sacked

ABUJA: Nigeria’s President Russian environmentalist jailed Mass grave found in Goodluck Jonathan sacked KRASNODAR: A leading Vitishko was convicted in 2012 Human Rights Watch con- four cabinet ministers yes- Russian activist who cam- of damaging a fence during a pro- demned Vitishko’s sentence as terday, including his aviation paigned against environmental test against the construction of punishment for his criticism of minister, in a move seen as damage caused by preparations what the group believes is a man- the Olympics. “The case against C African Republic linked to his expected re- for the Winter Olympics in Sochi sion for the region’s governor in a Vitishko has been politically election bid next year. was sentenced to three years in public forest and received a sus- motivated from the start,” Yulia BANGUI: The UN food agency and said his staff would return to Chief government spokes- a penal colony yesterday. pended sentence. Gorbunova, a researcher at HRW, yesterday launched one of its the camp on Thursday to deter- man Labaran Maku said “those Rights groups blasted the deci- A judge in the southern Russian said. largest-ever emergency food mine the number of dead. It is who were asked to go by the sion against Yevgeny Vitishko, city of Krasnodar yesterday upheld Vitishko was placed under airlifts, flying in supplies to not known who committed the president” were aviation min- a geologist and activist with a ruling that he had breached that arrest last Monday for 15 days for the Central African Republic, killings. ister Stella Oduah; police affairs the group Environmental sentence and ordered him to serve allegedly swearing in public. and a top UN official warned On a visit to Bangui, U.N. minister Caleb Olukolade; jun- Watch on the North Caucasus. a three-year prison term. AFP of “ethnic-religious cleansing” High Commissioner for Refugees ior finance minister Yerima in the country as peacekeep- Antonio Guterres called for a Ngama; and Godsday Orubebe, ers uncovered a mass grave at massive deployment of interna- minister for the oil-producing a military camp occupied by tional peacekeepers to halt what Niger Delta region. Muslim Seleka rebels in the he described as a “humanitarian capital Bangui. catastrophe”. Kenya court A witness saw at least a dozen “There is an ethnic-religious Storm slams into US southeast decomposed bodies at the military cleansing taking place. It must be charges 70 ATLANTA: A deadly win- from eastern Texas to the Atlanta. Some customers may camp in the 200 Villas neighbour- stopped,” Guterres told reporters. ter storm brought heavy snow, Carolinas, and is likely to reach have to wait up to a week for hood of Bangui, where Seleka The World Food Programme’s MOMBASA: Seventy men freezing rain and a possibly the Middle Atlantic states by late power to be restored, said a fighters have been stationed for first cargo aircraft, loaded with 80 arrested during a raid on a historic accumulation of ice to yesterday. Georgia Power spokeswoman. several months. tonnes of rice, landed in the capi- mosque in the Kenyan port the southeastern United States Power outages spread rapidly Nearly 3,000 US flights were The bodies had been stuffed tal Bangui in the early afternoon. city of Mombasa were for- yesterday, causing hundreds of as temperatures dropped. cancelled and hundreds more into a large underground cham- The WFP says a total of 1,800 mally charged yesterday with thousands of power outages and More than 110,000 Georgia delayed early on Wednesday, ber, possibly a septic tank. tonnes of rice will be flown in being members of Somalia’s treacherous driving conditions, Power customers were without according to flight-tracking web- Pastor Antoine Mboa Bogo, from Douala in Cameroon, enough Al Qaeda-linked Shebab meteorologists said. electricity yesterday, with most site FlightAware.com. head of the local Red Cross, con- for just 150,000 people. rebels, officials said. The worsening storm stretched outages reported in metropolitan REUTERS firmed the existence of the grave AGENCIES The 70 were also charged on six other counts: possession of firearms, possession of ammu- nition, inciting violence, plan- Castaway back home ning to commit a felony, being Nigeria’s Boko in possession of illegal material French billionaire in the shape of Shebab flags and robbery with violence. The 70 Haram kill 51 denied the charges. MAIDUGURI: Gunmen from faces graft charges Paris cabbies to Islamist sect Boko Haram killed 51 people in an attack on a town PARIS: The French Senate He admits using his vast per- continue strike in northeast Nigeria, witnesses yesterday lifted Serge Dassault’s sonal wealth to help residents of said yesterday, in a region where immunity from prosecution in a Corbeil, where he was mayor from PARIS: Paris taxi driv- President Goodluck Jonathan’s move that clears the way for the 1995-2009, but denies any payouts ers vowed yesterday to push troops are struggling to contain billionaire industrialist and sen- were made in exchange for elec- on with strikes that caused its insurgency. ator to face corruption charges. toral support. logjams on city streets and Dozens of Boko Haram fight- The decision by a Senate com- Serge Dassault heads the at airports. Paris taxis have ers speeding along in trucks mittee means Dassault, 88, can Dassault Group, which nota- been carrying out strikes painted in military colours and immediately be taken into cus- bly owns French daily Le Figaro since Monday in protest over armed with automatic weapons tody for interrogation by judges and a majority stake in Dassault the growing use of minicabs, and explosives stormed Konduga investigating alleged vote-buying Aviation, which makes business which they say cut into their local government area in Borno dating from his time as mayor of and military aircraft. business. The minicabs were state at around 4pm on Tuesday, Corbeil-Essonnes, a Paris suburb Judges suspect Dassault of introduced in 2009 as an burning houses and shooting flee- he has been accused of running operating a system of vote-buy- attempt to address a chronic ing villagers, two witnesses said. like a mafia Godfather. ing which influenced the outcome shortfalls of taxis. Some 12,400 The insurgents also took 20 Dassault is ranked by Forbes of mayoral elections in Corbeil in were operating by the end of young girls from a local college magazine as France’s 4th-richest 2008, 2009 and 2010, won either by Salvadorean castaway Jose Salvador Alvarenga speaks to journalists 2013, and the cabbies want no hostage, a teacher said. The mili- man and the 69th-richest in the Dassault, or by his close associate in an ambulance on his way to San Rafael hospital in Santa Tecla, El more be granted licenses. tary confirmed the attack. world with an estimated fortune Jean-Pierre Bechter. Salvador. AGENCIES REUTERS of €13bn. AFP THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 China, Taiwan may set up liaison facility Offices could serve functions of diplomatic missions

NANJING: A Taiwan official an occasion which yielded little in Kai-shek fled to Taiwan. visiting China said yesterday terms of concrete agreements but The island and the mainland the two sides were “actively was laden with symbolism. have been governed separately discussing” setting up liaison The meeting was the result ever since, both claiming to be offices, a day after they held of years of gradual efforts to the true government of China their first government-to-gov- improve political ties on the back and only reestablishing contact ernment talks since splitting 65 of a strong economic relationship. in the 1990s through quasi-official years ago. Yesterday, Wang also visited organisations. Taiwan’s top official oversee- the tomb of revolutionary leader The state-backed China Daily ing China policy, Wang Yu-chi, Sun Yat-sen in Nanjing and paid newspaper yesterday appeared to urged more efforts to build sta- tribute to the man revered by temper expectations arising from ble relations. Observers say liai- both sides. the meeting. son bureaux on either side of the “In future, the most important “The meeting will go down in Taiwan Strait could serve some issue is that both sides of the strait history less because of what Wang of the functions of diplomatic should face reality, pragmatically and Zhang discussed, but because missions. confront and solve problems so as of the very fact that they met,” “The purpose of setting up to build long-term, stable cross- the newspaper said in an editorial. mutual offices is purely to serve strait relations,” he said after “It is naive to place too much the people on both sides of the leaving Sun’s mausoleum. expectation on one single meet- strait,” Wang told university Sun is widely recognised as the ing. It will take strenuous efforts students in the eastern city of father of the Chinese revolution from both sides to build up mutual Nanjing. that established a republic early political trust,” it added. “Although setting up mutual last century after thousands of The election of Ma Ying-jeou offices is a bit sensitive politically, years of dynastic rule. He was also of the Kuomintang as Taiwan’s they should be neutral in nature,” the leader of the Kuomintang, or president in 2008 improved rela- he added. Wang also praised Nationalist, party which now gov- tions with China, which were Taiwan’s democratic form of gov- erns Taiwan. strained in the mid-1990s when ernment and highlighted the role After they lost China’s civil war Beijing conducted “missile tests” of a free media. -- which cost millions of lives -- in waters near the island ahead of Wang and his Chinese counter- to Mao Zedong’s communists in Taiwan’s first democratic presi- Taiwanese official Wang Yu-chi (centre), tours the Dr Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum in Nanjing yesterday. part Zhang Zhijun held talks for 1949, two million supporters of dential election. around two hours on Tuesday in then Kuomintang leader Chiang AFP

Palace expects truth in Senate Koreas seek better ties at rare high-level talks from Tuason SEOUL: North and South agenda and discussed a range of the Sejong Institute outside Seoul. War at the Mount Kumgang an invitation for US human MANILA: Malacañang Korea held their first high-level issues including reunions of fami- North Korean leader Kim is resort just inside the North, which rights envoy Robert King to visit said it wants to hear noth- talks in seven years on their for- lies separated during their 1950- believed to be seeking a visit to is considered a major humanitar- Pyongyang to discuss the release ing but the truth from tified border yesterday, explor- 53 Korean War, a South Korean China, the North’s greatest ally ian event by the South. of imprisoned US missionary potential state witness Ruby ing ways to improve ties while official said. The North has and main benefactor, to reinforce However, the North has threat- Kenneth Bae, which had been Tuason when she appears at the South and the United States demanded that the South and the his legitimacy as leader. In his ened to cancel the reunions, citing expected to come as early as this the Senate hearing on the geared up for military exercises United States scrap the military early 30s, Kim took power when a sortie last week by a nuclear- week. South Korea halted all multi-billion-peso Priority that have angered the North. exercises, due to start later this his father died suddenly in 2011. capable US B-52 bomber near the trade and most investment with Development Assistance The meeting was set up with month, but both sides have plenty The South Korean delegation Korean peninsula. The North has the North in May 2010 after the Fund scam today. unusual speed and great secrecy of incentives to seek a deal that was led by President Park Geun- also called the annual military sinking of one of its warships, “Nothing but the truth, at the North’s suggestion last could break their long stalemate. hye’s deputy national security exercises between South Korean which it blamed on Pyongyang. and perhaps, that is also week, the latest example of con- “For the North, if it comes back adviser. North Korea has sent the and US forces a rehearsal for A joint factory project in the what our people want to flicting signals coming from North with an accomplishment in terms second-highest ranking official in war despite repeated assertions North’s border city of Kaesong, know,” Communications Sec Korea that included an abrupt of improved South-North ties, it the ruling Workers’ Party depart- by Seoul and Washington that which generates about $90m Sonny Coloma said at a tele- cancellation of an invitation for will mean a better atmosphere for ment charged with ties with the the drills are routine and defen- annually in wages for the impov- vised press briefing yesterday a US envoy to visit. Kim Jong Un to visit China and a South. The meeting comes a week sive. The United States has about erished state, is the last remaining afternoon. The two sides met at the justification to pursue high-level before the two sides are scheduled 28,500 troops stationed in South symbol of economic cooperation A former employee of former Panmunjom truce village on talks with the United States,” said to hold reunions of family mem- Korea. between the two Koreas. President Joseph Estrada, the border with no prearranged Cheong Seong-chang, an expert at bers separated since the Korean North Korea has cancelled REUTERS Tuason was among those charged before the Office of the Ombudsman for their alleged Justice long delayed involvement in the diver- sion of Priority Development Controversial Assistance Funds to fake Beijing slams Tokyo over non-government organiza- tions supposedly set up by Malaysian state detained businesswoman Janet ship collision payment Lim-Napoles. boss to resign Sri Lanka nabs KUALA LUMPUR: The BEIJING: China expressed it was Japan that should be pro- controversial chief minister anger yesterday over Japan’s viding compensation. boat people of Malaysia’s Sarawak state plan to seek compensation from “The boat-ramming incident in announced his resignation yes- the captain of a Chinese trawler 2010 in waters near the Diaoyu COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s terday but is widely expected that collided with a Japanese islands was a serious invasion of police arrested 75 would-be to retain influence behind the coastguard vessel in 2010 to China’s territorial sovereignty by asylum seekers yesterday, scenes and through a business spark a diplomatic crisis. Japan, which damaged Chinese including nine women and empire built via what critics have Japanese media cited Transport fishermen’s legitimate rights,” six children, who were trying called flagrant corruption. and Construction Minister Hua told a daily news briefing. to leave for New Zealand ille- One of Malaysia’s most pow- Akihiro Ota as saying the govern- “Japan’s detention of Chinese gally by boat, police said. erful political figures, Taib ment would sue for compensation fishermen and fishing boats, its The group was arrested in Mahmud, 77, has been chief min- of ¥14.29m in the Naha district investigation and any judicial the southern coastal town of ister of resource-rich Sarawak court on the southern island of measures are illegal and invalid,” Moragolla, the first large- since 1981, implementing ambi- Okinawa. Hua added. scale arrest of nationals in tious plans to develop the back- Diplomatic and economic rela- “We demand that Japan com- months after Australia, long ward state, Malaysia’s largest, on tions chilled sharply in 2010 after pensates, and apologises to, China a favourite destination for Sri Borneo island. Japan arrested the captain of the for this incident. We urge Japan Lanka’s refugees, tightened But Taib has come under boat that collided with one of its to cease its provocations and its borders. mounting criticism over the years coastguard vessels near disputed admit to, and correct, its errors.” “These people were try- amid allegations of blatant graft islands in the East China Sea that Deteriorating relations between ing to leave illegally for New and environmentally destructive are called the Diaoyu in China Beijing and Tokyo have been Zealand,” a police statement policies. “Taib Mahmud will retire and the Senkaku in Japan. fuelled by the row over the chain said, adding that they would as chief minister of Sarawak with The incident sparked a nation- of uninhabited islands in the East be taken before a magistrate effect from February 28,” Samuel alist frenzy in both countries and China Sea. later that day. Simon, a Sarawak government put a severe strain on diplomatic Ships from both countries The arrests came five days spokesman, said. ties. frequently shadow each other after Australia announced ille- Simon said Taib -- who has a Chinese Foreign Ministry around the islets, raising fears of The hand of Filipino Narcisa Claveria, 84, is seen as she joins fellow com- gal boats had not reached its private jet and is known for driv- spokeswoman Hua Chunying said a clash. fort women of World War II in a dance-protest in front of the Japanese shores for 50 days thanks to ing around in his Rolls-Royce cars the islands belonged to China, and REUTERS Embassy in Pasay City, Philippines, yesterday as part of the ‘One Billion tighter border patrols. -- made the announcement in the Rising’ for Justice, a global campaign to end violence against women. state capital Kuching. Lutfi is Jakarta But Malaysia’s ruling coali- tion, whose grip on parliament trade minister has steadily weakened in recent elections due in part to public Japan raps nuclear plant operator over radiation JAKARTA: Indonesia disgust with official corruption, named the US-educated is believed to have been pressing former head of its investment Taib to quit for years. TOKYO: Japan’s nuclear regu- Tepco said last week that what becomes the basis of vari- and prompted Japan’s govern- agency, Muhammad Lutfi, Taib’s Sarawak-based party is lator has criticised the opera- groundwater drawn from a moni- ous decisions, so they must do ment to step in with more funds as trade minister yesterday, a member of the ruling Barisan tor of the stricken Fukushima toring well last July contained a their utmost to avoid mistakes and support. As part of a turna- with the government enter- Nasional (National Front) coali- plant for incorrectly measuring record 5 million becquerels per in measuring radiation,” Tanaka round plan approved by the gov- ing its last few months before tion that has governed Malaysia radiation levels in contaminated litre of dangerous radioactive told reporters, though he added ernment last month, Tepco hopes a presidential election set for since independence in 1957. groundwater at the site. strontium-90 - more than five the mistake did not pose a serious to re-start its biggest nuclear sta- July. Simon did not reveal Taib’s Almost three years since times the total beta radiation safety risk at the plant. tion, Kashiwazaki Kariwa, this Lutfi replaces Gita Wirjawan future plans, but speculation is the reactor meltdowns at the reading of 900,000 becquerels per The legal limit for releasing summer. who stepped down last month rife that he will seek to assume Fukushima Daiichi station, litre recorded in the well, which is strontium 90, which has a half- Tepco in November began the to focus on his campaign to the ceremonial position of Tokyo Electric Power Co (Tepco) around 25 metres from the ocean. life of around 29 years, into the hazardous process of removing become the presidential candi- Sarawak governor. still lacks basic understand- Tepco said there was a calibra- sea is 30 becquerels per litre. hundreds of brittle spent fuel rods date for the ruling Democratic “In the event he becomes the ing of measuring and handling tion mistake with one machine A Tepco spokesman said the from the damaged No 4 reactor Party. new governor, he will hold a radiation, Nuclear Regulation measuring strontium levels of utility will re-check all-beta radi- building at Fukushima. It said last “My priorities will be one, symbolically influential position. Authority (NRA) Chairman well water at the plant, and it had ation readings of groundwater in week it had removed about 9 per- to stabilise prices and reduce It can be translated to mean he Shunichi Tanaka said yesterday. also found an error with devices light of the record strontium levels. cent of more than 1,500 unused inflation ... and two, to boost still retains power,” said political The utility has been widely criti- that decipher all-beta radiation. Last year, radiation leaks, and spent fuel assemblies in the exports,” he told reporters. analyst Khoo Kay Peng. cised for an inept response to the “Something like this can- power outages and other mishaps reactor’s storage pool. AGENCIES AFP March 2011 disaster. not happen ... This (data) is sparked international concern REUTERS THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN /AFGHANISTAN Pakistan: Dangerous place for journalists Media watchdog blames powerless govt for its ‘unwillingness to administer justice’ on Taliban insurgents

QUETTA: Pakistan remains By comparison, ten journalists Four of the deaths occurred by a second blast that occurred were caught up in militant vio- where I was subjected to severe one of the most dangerous coun- were killed in Syria, eight in the in Baluchistan in southwestern ten minutes after the first. lence, other journalists fall victim torture and I was asked ... why I tries in the world for journal- Philippines and seven in Somalia. Pakistan, which is wracked by Shaikh’s widow, Shazia Bano, to the powerful interests linked published the news.” ists, media watchdog Reporters Placing Pakistan as the 158th Islamist violence and a long-run- said the family lived in constant to the government or intelligence Pakistan’s constitution theoret- Without Borders (RSF) said country out of 180 on its Press ning ethnic separatist insurgency. threat, but he continued his work agencies. ically protects freedom of speech, in its annual report released Freedom Index, the report noted: Cameraman Imran Shaikh and regardless. Riaz Baloch, another Baluch and the media is seen as having yesterday. “The government appears pow- his colleague Saif ur Rehman “He was not scared and used to journalist who published a story taken great strides in recent Seven reporters were killed erless in the Taliban... and the were among those killed after say that it is our job and we have about a pro-government figure years. in the line of duty in 2013, the military establishment, which rushing to cover a bomb which hit to do it... I used to force him to linked to a car theft operation, But certain subjects, particu- report said, blaming the govern- is known as a ‘state within a the provincial capital of Quetta in quit his job as journalist but he said he was kidnapped, tortured, larly criticism concerning the all- ment’s “unwillingness to admin- state’ among many international January 2013. replied, what I should do if I quit?” and detained for nearly 60 days. powerful army and spy agencies, ister justice”. observers.” Both men died after being hit While Shaikh and Rehman “They took me to mountains... remain taboo. AFP Valentine’s day preparation Fed govt orders Taliban peace talks make removal of law irregularity ISLAMABAD: The Federal significant progress Government, after due dili- gence and consultations with ISLAMABAD: Talks between two committees, journalist the provinces, decided to the government and the Rahimullah Yousufzai. dismantle over 40 years old Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan The two sides decided not to anomaly in law and ad hoc (TTP) have made significant publicise details of their discus- practices pursued regarding headway. sions due to the sensitivity of the promotion of officers to senior “They have almost agreed to issue. policy and management posi- the framework we have laid down Sources said that the TTP has tions in the provinces and the for the talks,” a member of the also agreed that there should not federation without obligatory government’s four-member nego- be “any activity [attacks]” which reservation of posts. tiating committee said following a could derail dialogue. They agreed The decision was necessi- meeting with the Taliban inter- that the process should be com- tated pursuant to the Supreme mediaries yesterday. pleted in the shortest possible Court’s observations and with “The Taliban have not said time. further directions to process that they do not recognise the “There is a positive develop- these under rule-based post- Constitution,” he added. ment and we hope practical reservation system, obligated The government side has set steps will follow from both sides,” by Section 9(1) of the Civil one key condition: any talks Siddiqui said. Servants Act, 1973, and rules would be within the ambit of the Siddiqui added that the gov- framed there under. Constitution. ernment committee met with It needs noted that under At yesterday’s meeting both Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and cover of the 1973 inconclusive sides discussed a possible ‘cease- apprised him of the development. administrative reforms while fire’ and said practical steps for Interior Minister Chaudhry A Pakistani vendor prepares a heart-shaped bouquet ahead of Valentine's day along a street in Islamabad all superior posts of deputy this purpose would be taken Nisar Ali Khan and Balochistan yesterday. Valentine's Day is increasingly popular among younger Pakistanis, many of whom have taken up the secretary and above in the before the next round of talks, Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik custom of giving cards, chocolates and gifts to their sweethearts to celebrate the occasion. Federal Secretariat, and all sources revealed. Baloch were also present in the posts of joint secretary and After the meeting, Maulana meeting. above in the corporate sector Samiul Haq, told the media that According to a statement and state enterprises under the two sides wanted a truce. issued by the government peace the Federal Government had About the grenade attack at committee, Maulana Samiul Haq Kabul halts Buddha reconstruction been allocated to the CSP Peshawar’s Shama Cinema ear- told the government that “the [renamed as DMG now PAS] lier, Maulana Sami reiterated Taliban Shura has responded KABUL: Afghanistan has its World Heritage status. had been working alongside the and en-cadrement of the PCS that ‘some enemies’ were trying positively to the framework laid halted conservation work at a The Taliban’s supreme leader, United Nations in the valley, officers against provincial and to derail the peace process and down by the government”. site once occupied by ancient Mullah Mohammad Omar, aiming to reinforce the cliff into federal cadre posts had been urged the government to expose “The Taliban want to hold dia- Buddha statues destroyed by decreed in early 2001 that two which the Buddha statues were discontinued by SRO 1237 of the perpetrators. logue with open mind. They also the Taliban because the team ancient giant Buddha statues in carved. 21st August 1973, contrary Yesterday’s surprise meeting wish to give the nation good news involved is suspected of secretly the valley in Bamiyan province But the work was halted after to Section 9(1) of the Civil was held at the residence of Maj as soon as possible,” the statement trying to rebuild one of the were unIslamic and ordered they a team from the UN cultural Servants Act 1973, in actual (Retd) Muhammad Amir. The added. In addition, the Taliban statue’s feet, the United Nations be destroyed. They were blown up agency UNESCO visited the site practice these posts were used venue and the time were not dis- said they would welcome the said. with dynamite the next month. in December and found pillars for instituting patronage, via closed to the media. government negotiators any time Any attempt to rebuild the The German wing of the built into the rock looked suspi- lateral entry, horizontal and The meeting was attended they want to visit. statues without official permis- International Council on ciously like feet, according to a vertical movements from all by all but one member of the INTERNEWS sion could lead to the site losing Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) UNESCO official. REUTERS sources and services and pri- vate sector in ad hoc man- ner inconsistent with legal framework. Nine anti-Taliban Pakistan court orders govt Hussain hit by volunteers killed transparency to produce missing activist ISLAMABAD: Finally the PESHAWAR: Militants killed office of the president has nine men in a raid on a house of ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani “The police in their report did tasted its own medicine. A anti-Taliban activists in north- court yesterday ordered the mention that Khan was picked up citizen has filed an appeal west Pakistan yesterday, the government to produce an by men wearing police uniform to the President of Pakistan latest violence to hit fledgling anti-drone activist -- who was but they said it was not them,” Mamnoon Hussain against peace talks. apparently detained by the he said. the Presidency for denying The attack came as Taliban country’s intelligence agencies “I am not very hopeful that the information sought under and government negotiators try -- at a hearing on February 20, intelligence agencies will produce a presidential ordinance to start meaningful talks to end his lawyer said. Khan or tell the court why they about the expenses on Hajj of a seven-year Islamist insurgency Kareem Khan was picked up have arrested him, we know how President and his relatives. that has claimed thousands of from his home on the outskirts of the intelligence agencies work in Naeem Sadiq, a Karachi- lives. Islamabad on February 5, accord- this country, they are answerable based Right to Information A government negotiator said ing to his legal team, just days to no one.” (RTI) activist, had written to yesterday the Taliban had agreed before he was due to testify before Akbar said it would be an the Presidency on October 28 to enter direct dialogue without European parliamentarians. achievement simply to learn from last year inquiring about the intermediaries if their safety “The Rawalpindi bench of the government which agency had expenses incurred on Hajj, as could be guaranteed. Lahore High Court has sought detained Khan and why. the president’s family and staff Around two dozen fighters reply from the intelligence agencies The freelance journalist was also accompanied him for the were involved yesterday’s attack through the government, ordering fighting a legal case in which he purpose. in Mashukhel neighbourhood of the intelligence agencies to produce had named both the CIA’s former The president’s spokesper- Peshawar, close to the lawless Kareem Khan on February 20 or station chief and the Pakistani son didn’t respond to the calls Khyber tribal district, where give the reason behind his arrest government for their roles in the despite repeated messages Taliban and Islamist groups are in writing to the court,” his lawyer US drone campaign in the coun- dropped by for his version. active. Shahzad Akbar said. try’s tribal areas. Taliban and other militant He said the police had also pro- Khan’s brother and teenage son Pakistan, India groups have been targeting locals Relatives of alleged victims of forced disappearances hold placards during duced its report before the court were killed in a drone attack in who support the security forces a protest in Lahore, Pakistan, yesterday. “denying any involvement in the their native North Waziristan in trade resumes or have formed vigilante groups disappearance of Khan”. December 2009. AFP against them. MUZAFFARABAD: Trade “At least nine men were shot across the de facto border in dead by militants who stormed disputed Kashmir resumed into a house around 4.30am fir- yesterday after being sus- ing with automatic weapons and pended for nearly a month, a exploding hand grenades,” sen- Pakistani official said. ior police official Fazal-e-Wahid Islamabad judge reopens ‘honour killing’ case All movement including said. travel and trade across the Furious residents blocked the ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani the Supreme Court ordered an Mazhar Akram Awan from the video. The three were shot dead a Line of Control, which divides main highway linking Peshawar judge reexamining allegations investigation. National Commission on the year ago as they prepared to pray the Himalayan region between with the garrison town of Kohat of a mass “honour killing” on Investigators spoke to women Status of Women. on a mountainside. Pakistan and India, was sus- for some time to protest against Tuesday ordered the case reo- who said they were the alleged The order appears to be a last- The judge who sentenced the pended after Indian authori- the killings, Tilla Khan, a local pened, a lawyer involved in the victims, proving the murders had ditch effort to decide whether killers said there was no doubt ties detained a Pakistani truck peace committee member, said. case said. never taken place, but evidence or not the crime did take place they had murdered the brothers driver for allegedly carrying 114 The attack came a day after 13 Five women from the remote has since emerged which suggests and whether there should be a in revenge for the video. kilograms of heroin. people were killed by a triple gre- northern region of Kohistan were they may have been impostors. prosecution. Afzal Kohistani, the brother Yesterday, 27 trucks were nade attack on a Peshawar cinema allegedly killed by their families in On Tuesday, Mohamed Irshad, The judge re-opened the case of the dead men, says he and allowed to leave for the Indian which was showing pornography. 2012 after they were filmed on a a judge at a local court which after the people accused of kill- his two remaining brothers have side and 49 others cleared Earlier in the month a sepa- cellphone clapping and singing in is looking into the case again, ing the women were convicted of been in hiding ever since the girls to come the other way, said rate cinema in the city was also a house with two boys. The alle- said those women must appear other murders related to the case. were killed. He first alerted the Basharat Iqbal, an official of the hit by grenades, killing four and gations shocked Pakistan - even in court on February 26 or else Last month six relatives of Supreme Court to the case and Trade and Travel Authority. wounding 31. though honour killings occur the victims’ bodies should be the women were jailed for killing has been pushing for it to be reo- AGENCIES AFP daily across the country - and presented, according to lawyer three brothers of the men in the pened ever since. REUTERS THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Rail fares, freight rates unchanged Railways Minister Mallikarjun Kharge announces 72 new trains while admitting resource constraint

NEW DELHI: India left train fares and freight rates unchanged in its interim railway budget, as politicians try to please voters and manufacturing companies ahead of national elections due in the next three months. Railways Minister Mallikarjun Kharge announced that 72 new trains were being introduced, including 17 premium trains, 38 express trains, 10 passenger trains, four suburban trains and three diesel locomotive inter-city trains for medium distances. India’s state-owned railways are the world’s fourth-largest, with 65,000km of track, after the United States, China and Russia, but have suffered from years of low investment and a lack of policy reforms. India last raised passenger fares in January 2013, after a nine-year gap, snap- ping a populist trend in order to mend the finances of a creaky rail network that drags on the economy. Kharge said the department would rely on budgetary support as well as market borrowing to invest in new tracks. “Inadequacy of financial resources is a key constraint to railways,” he said, while presenting an interim budget for the first four months of the fiscal year to March 2015. Indian Railways plans to invest Rs643.05bn ($10.33bn) on new lines and other infrastructure in the next fiscal Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge (centre) arrives in parliament to unveil the interim railway budget in New Delhi yesterday. RIGHT: Commuters try to cross railway tracks as trains year, up 8.3 percent from a revised figure wait at a suburban station in Mumbai. of Rs593.6bn in the current fiscal year, he said. interim budget to seek parliament’s the fiscal deficit. In a bid to please voters, about 260,000 staff to rank among the measure would let foreign investors fully It expects support to the tune of approval for planned expenditure for a the railways minister announced 72 new world’s largest employers, with a work own new passenger services in suburban Rs302.23bn ($4.85bn) from the federal few months, but leaves the next govern- trains, despite the financial woes that force of nearly 1.4 million. areas, high speed tracks, and connections government’s budget, and plans to borrow ment to take major policy steps in the beset the sector. The railways remain India’s chief mode to ports, mines and power installations. about Rs198bn from the market. full-year budget after the polls. Successive governments have milked of long-distance travel, despite a poor But it will not open existing passenger Annual gross tariff receipts are pro- The railway budget precedes the fed- the railways to provide voters with safety record of more than 2,200 deaths and freight networks to foreign investors. jected to grow 14.4 percent to reach Rs1.6 eral interim budget, to be presented cheaper transport and employment. The in railway accidents in the last decade. India added just 1,750 km of new lines tn rupees in the next fiscal year, while in parliament by Finance Minister railways spends about $4bn on passenger Kharge said the government was con- during the period from 2006 to 2011, com- working expenses are expected to rise 14 P Chidambaram on February 17, which subsidy each year while charging higher sidering a proposal to allow foreign direct pared with 14,000 km by China, auditors percent to Rs1.1tn. is likely to raise funding for some vote- freight tariffs. investment in a bid to free up bottlenecks. Ernst & Young said in a report. In election years, India presents an winning projects while trying to rein in In the past five years, it has added Once cleared by the federal cabinet, the REUTERS

AAP discounts Facebook, Twitter help for people from northeast power bills of NEW DELHI: Faced with criticism faced by students and other people from — on the website of the ministry of devel- the NorthEast Council Guest House in over its perceived lack of sensitivity and the northeastern states living in Delhi. opment of north east region (DoNER) as Chanakyapuri in central Delhi. 24,000 people outreach to the northeast community in It is currently being headed by Joint well as its Facebook and Twitter pages. It Professional counsellors will be hired on the capital, Delhi Police is set to launch Commissioner Robin Hibu, who hails will also encourage northeast students to contractual basis to deal with problems and NEW DELHI: The Delhi gov- a Facebook page and a Twitter account from the region. “A Facebook and Twitter pen down their thoughts and experiences issues raised by northeast students at the ernment yesterday fulfilled for people from the northeast where they account of Delhi Police will be launched on wattpad - an online community themed support centre. In another step at out- another of its assembly poll can post complaints and suggestions. soon where students from the northeastern around writing and story-telling on which reach, Delhi Police is planning to conduct promises by exempting some In another move, a 24-hour Delhi Police region can put forth their grievances and users can post articles, stories, and poems half-day seminars once a month that will 24,000 people who took part in helpline will be publicised widely by their suggestions,” a police officer told IANS. about anything. see professional counsellors and northeast an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) social media websites. He said the accounts will be monitored The DoNER ministry has already people discuss issues and problems faced by campaign against inflated elec- The decision was taken by Delhi Police regularly by a police team with good knowl- launched a support centre for students them. In this move, the DoNER ministry tricity bills from paying 50 per- in the wake of an alleged “racist” attack edge of social media and computer han- from the northeast following the death of would also chip in. cent of the bill amount for that on Arunachal Pradesh student Nido Tania dling. “Delhi Police will take note of the Tania. Delhi Police holds meetings once in two period. that led to his death and a furore among posts and act upon them.” The decision was arrived at after a joint months with students and people from the In reaction, the Congress people from the northeast region. “We will also post the action taken by meeting between Delhi Police and officials northeast in the seven police districts of accused the government of mis- Delhi Police already has a committee, Delhi Police on the complaints and sugges- of DoNER on February 5, said another the capital. The minutes of the meetings leading people while the main formed in 2012 and headed by a joint com- tions,” he added. Delhi Police will also pub- police official. are forwarded to Hibu and the Delhi Police opposition — the Bharatiya Janata missioner of police, to tackle problems licise its 24-hour helpline number — 1091 The support centre has been opened at commissioner, said an official. REUTERS Party (BJP) — called it an “elec- tion stunt”. “There is no provision for this measure. AAP govern- ment is misleading people,” Delhi Spring-ing up Congress president Arvinder Singh Lovely told reporters. BJP leader Vijender Gupta Agitating lawmakers disrupt said: “It is just an election stunt of the AAP.” The government also decided to consider clo- sure of power theft cases filed Parliament over Telangana against some consumers during the Congress regime, which the NEW DELHI: Both houses of podium resembled a battle ground podium demanding a united AAP had accused of being hand- parliament were disrupted for as members both favouring and Andhra Pradesh. in-glove with power discoms. The the sixth successive day yes- opposing Telangana state shouted Ministers M Pallam Raju and government has decided to waive terday following noisy disrup- slogans and showed placards Kruparani Killi also supported 50 percent off the power bills tions over the Telangana issue, during the presentation of the them by standing in their seats. for those who did not pay from with two MPs almost coming to interim rail budget. Members from AIADMK and October 2012 and did not submit blows in the Lok Sabha. The ruckus began soon after Trinamool Congress also pro- the bills until December 2013, Both houses witnessed ugly the house met at noon after an tested discrimination against Delhi Minister Manish Sisodia scenes. In Lok Sabha, two parlia- hour-long adjournment earlier their states — Tamil Nadu and said. IANS mentarians nearly came to blows, due to noisy scenes over the West Bengal respectively — in the as copies of official papers were Telanagana issue. rail budget. Maharashtra toll torn and thrown in the air. M Jagannath of the Congress While Kharge was presenting The Rajya Sabha also saw an and N Sivaprasad of the Telugu the budget, some Seemandhra AIADMK MP tearing official Desam Party nearly came to members carrying placards hail- booth siege papers over the issue of Tamil blows, but the clash was averted ing a united Andhra Pradesh fishermen, while others stationed when other leaders, includ- walked near the treasury benches MUMBAI: MNS chief Raj near the chairman’s podium pro- ing Sharad Yadav of the Janata where Sonia Gandhi, Agriculture Thackeray was yesterday tested the proposed formation of Dal-United, Saugata Roy of Minister Sharad Pawar and detained and then freed as Telangana. the Trinamool Congress and Parliamentary Affairs Minister thousands of party activists There was chaos during the Jagadambika Pal of the Congress Kamal Nath were seated and laid siege to toll booths across presentation of the interim intervened. threw a placard in their direc- Maharashtra, forcing the gov- rail budget in the Lok Sabha Four union ministers from tion, which landed on their desk. ernment to call him for talks. that forced Railway Minister Seemandhra — K S Rao, The placard was swiftly After Chief Minister Prithviraj Mallikarjun Kharge to cut short D Purandeshwari, Chiranjeevi removed by Kamal Nath. Sonia Chavan invited the Maharashtra his speech. and K Surya Prakash Reddy — Gandhi remained calm and did Navnirman Sena (MNS) The space near the speaker’s also trooped near the speaker’s not react to the incident. IANS leader for talks today and had him released, Thackeray sus- pended the state-wide anti-toll protests. “Our intention was not to cause inconvenience to people. Lalu says he is the real tea vendor We wanted to highlight and draw the government’s attention to the PATNA: Former Bihar chief “I used to sell tea at a shop in countrywide address to tea shop toll issue,” the MNS founder told minister Lalu Prasad claimed the veterinary college campus in sellers yesterday. the media. He appealed to party Flowers in full bloom at the Mughal Gardens of the presidential palace yesterday that he was the “real Patna during my childhood,” the Lalu Prasad said he had never members in the state to suspend in New Delhi, yesterday. The gardens, which are spread over 15 acres, tea seller” and that BJP veteran Rashtriya Janata Dal leader told revealed until now that he used their agitation — for now. will be opened to public viewing from today. Narendra Modi was junior to the media. to sell tea to earn money for IANS him in this business. He was responding to Modi’s school fees. IANS THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME 10-year-old boy British teen’s 1914 diary drives parents’ Fajr (Dawn) 4:534 car claiming Shorook (Sunrise) 6:10 brought to life on Twitter Zuhr (Noon) 11:48 he’s a dwarf Asr (Afternoon) 3:02 PARIS: She’s a 16-year-old British girl like any other — OSLO: A ten-year-old Maghrib (Sunset) 5:27 hates Mondays, likes cakes, tea Norwegian boy came up with a Isha (Night) 6:57 and shopping, finds French les- novel excuse after he drove his sons dull but Paris beautiful. parents’ car into a snowy ditch But the story of Olive Higgins, yesterday morning: he told told through the diary she wrote police he was a dwarf who for- WEATHER as she set off to school in Paris in got his driving licence. January 1914, is no ordinary one. The boy lives near Dokka, a Blog readers and over 1,400 town about 110km north of Oslo. Today Friday Weather Saturday Conditions: Twitter followers have been Sometime before 0600 local Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Partly cloudy reading her diary online since time, he loaded his 18-month Fine to partly New Year’s Day, released in old sister into the car and cloudy. daily extracts by London-based headed for their grandparents British journalist and writer Rob in Valdres, about 60km away, High: 22° High: 23° High: 22° Low: 13° Low: 13° Low: 14° McGibbon, who was given Olive’s local police said. diary in 2001 by an antiques He drove more than 10km dealer. before he veered off the road. A After just six weeks of entries, snowplow driver found him and however, Olive’s voice suddenly alerted the police. DOHA - SUN & SEA falls silent on Wednesday. The “The parents woke up and teenager became too unwell to discovered that the children SUN TIDE SEA write, and eventually died on were missing and that some- Rob McGibbon with the diary of Olive Higgins from 1914 in his office in SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND February 25, 1914. one had taken off with their The realisation that Olive west London yesterday. car. They were pretty upset, as 06:10 17:27 04:30 & 15:45 11:30 & 21:45 05-15/20 KT was buried in a cemetery just a you can imagine,” said Baard few hundred yards from where tell her own story to the world, better if a millionaire.” Christiansen, a spokesman THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW McGibbon was born, the same determining that social media After a visit to the Louvre for the Vest Oppland police cemetery he used to look out would be an apt forum for the where she sees the Mona Lisa, district. HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER over from his grandfather’s house, teenager’s words, and renounc- Olive describes her “very ordinary “The boy told the snowplow triggered his interest. From that ing his hopes for a book. smile + unintelligent expression” driver that he was a dwarf and MUSCAT 20/15 Chance of rain 22/15 Chance of rain moment, he was hooked. “I have definitely felt the sad- on her “vacant looking head.” that he had forgotten his driver’s KUWAIT 20/12 Clear 20/10 Clear “It really was a stunning ness of hearing Olive’s voice again Olive calls Pere Lachaise cem- licence at home.” BAHRAIN 20/15 Partly cloudy 20/14 Partly cloudy moment of surreal connection and ... there’s been a sadness for etery, final resting place of the Police said no charges would be SANAA 22/06 Chance of rain 23/08 Partly cloudy that absolutely convinced me that me to revisit all the work that greats of France, “creepy.” Her filed and the case was closed. RIYADH 21/07 Clear 22/08 Clear this was a providential gift, that came to nothing. But equally, it piano teacher is “frumpy.” “We have talked to them, and DUBAI 22/16 Chance of rain 22/14 Partly cloudy this was a heaven-sent gift if you feels like there is a resolution and Olive eventually dies in the con- I’m pretty sure they’re going to BAGHDAD 20/06 Clear 21/08 Clear like,” said McGibbon. “It was such that feels good,” said McGibbon. vent in Paris on Ash Wednesday, pay very close attention both to a coincidence, such a weird strong Besides the geographical con- which for McGibbon made the their children and to their car connection.” nections with Olive, McGibbon story one about faith, including keys in the future,” Christiansen THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW Consumed by Olive’s tale, said he had a great deal in com- his own faith to stick with the said. HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER McGibbon spent time and sav- mon with the young school girl, story. He added that if a lesson The children were not injured ings trying to produce a work on including diaries he himself wrote can be drawn from Olive’s tale, and the car was not damaged, ATHENS 15/10 Partly cloudy 16/10 Clear the diary, researching in Paris for while at boarding school. it is a reminder of the fragility of police said. months at a time. “From the Olive’s entries give an honest life. The cause of her death has REUTERS WASHINGTON 05/00 Ice pellets 07/-3 Chance of rain moment I got the diary it became account of her daily, often hum- not yet been revealed. SYDNEY 26/21 Chance of storm 27/21 Chance of rain a complete obsession. Within a drum, life in the convent school Olive’s silence following her last LONDON 06/01 Chance of storm 09/07 Chance of rain few weeks I’d found the grave, I’d L’Institut de Notre-Dame-des- diary entry will be filled with the PARIS 10/08 Rain 12/05 Chance of rain found her homes, I abandoned all Champs, with feelings of home- words of McGibbon, who said his ISTANBUL 13/09 Partly cloudy 12/09 Chance of rain my work to just focus on that.” sickness and upset sprinkled with revelation of the details of her MANILA 31/21 Partly cloudy 30/20 Partly cloudy After a series of rejections from an adolescent’s unfiltered impres- final days will “break your heart.” DHAKA 28/15 Partly cloudy 29/18 Partly cloudy publishers, McGibbon shelved the sions of Paris in the waning days Olive’s diary can be found on the DELHI 19/10 Clear 17/09 Chance of storm project until it dawned on him of the Belle Epoque. blog athttp://www.olivesdiary1914. that 2014 would mark the 100th Of the elegant department com/ and @OlivesDiary1914 on ISLAMABAD 19/10 Clear 17/09 Chance of storm anniversary of Olive’s death. store Galeries Lafayette, Olive Twitter. He decided to let Olive’s voice remarks that it is “very nice, REUTERS

IT’S CALLED SMART FOR MANY REASONS

Stay tuned for more. #OoredooSmart Thursday 13 February 2014 13 Rabial II 1435 Volume 18 Number 5974 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Aldar Property to refinance $2.2bn debt Firm reports 79pc jump in Q4 profit

DUBAI: Aldar Properties said The company made a profit yesterday that it would look to of Dh427m in the final quarter refinance Dh7.9bn ($2.2bn) of of 2013, compared to Dh239m debt maturing this year, as the in the corresponding period of Abu Dhabi developer reported a 2012. 79 percent jump in fourth-quar- The result beat estimates by ter net profit. analysts at Naeem Holding who Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani Al Thani (third left) and Abdul Basit Al Shaibie (centre) with other board members and officials at the EGM yesterday. The refinancing will include a had forecast a fourth-quarter $1.25bn bond that is to mature profit of Dh354m. in May, Aldar’s chief financial However, Aldar shares dropped International Islamic focuses on local expansion officer Greg Fewer told report- two percent yesterday morning, ers in a conference call after the apparently because of disappoint- announcement of the results. ment with its proposal for a seven DOHA: Local expansion would down the ownership required for least in 2014. “At the moment we plans for capital boost. “We are Aldar, which built Abu Dhabi’s percent cash dividend; investors be the focus of International the board membership from 0.50 don’t have overseas expansion quite liquid”, he added. Formula One race track, is recov- had been hoping for more. A Islamic’s (QIIB) 2014 strategic percent to 0.25 percent. The EGM plans for this year”. The Bank’s annual net profit ering from a collapse in the emir- year earlier, its dividend was six plans. As part of the expan- authorised the chairman to sign On the high provision rates of reached QR750m for the full year ate’s property market that forced percent. sion plans, the Bank would open the new Article of Association the banks across the board, Al 2013, reflecting a growth of 10.5 the company to take government Abu Dhabi’s real estate market over seven branches across the after the amendments. Shaibie said Qatar has a more percent from a year ago. The bank support worth $10bn in exchange slumped by about 50 percent from country, including in the sub- On the expansion plans Al conservative approach towards earned total revenue of QR1.5bn for some of its assets. its peak in 2008 after the global urbs, Abdul Basit Al Shaibie, Shaibie said: “We are continuing provisions. High rate of provisions in 2013. Financing assets grew to The majority state-owned financial crisis triggered a crash. CEO, International Islamic has our strategy for expanding locally. can also be seen as the healthy QR19bn compared with QR14.7bn developer acquired rival Sorouh But prices rebounded strongly said. Our economy is promising. There sign of a bank, he said. in 2012 reflecting a rise of 29.6 Real Estate last year, forming last year, rising some 25 percent, He was talking to the report- is huge room for local banks for Al Shaibie noted International percent. The bank’s total assets Abu Dhabi’s largest property on the back of a series of market- ers on the sidelines of the bank’s expansion in terms of geographi- Islamic is not ‘over exposed’ to stood at QR34.4bn at the end of firm with assets in excess of boosting measures by the govern- Extraordinary General Meeting cally and financing. The scope real estate loans. Qatar Central 2013, a growth of 20.5 percent. $12bn. ment including the scrapping of (EGM) chaired by Sheikh Dr for project financing is immense, Bank has issued a new directive to Total shareholder equity stood The developer now plans to annual rent caps. Khalid bin Thani Al Thani yes- especially those projects related local banks on real estate credits. at QR5.3bn, and the capital ade- spend Dh4.5bn to complete exist- “We are in a strong delivery terday. The meeting approved to infrastructure. We are strictly following QCB’s quacy ratio under Basel II stood ing projects and also announce phase right now. About 5,000 the agenda to amend the con- International Islamic is not directives, he said. at 18.9 percent in 2013-end. new developments this year. Aldar-owned units are being cerned clause of Article 7 to bring keen on overseas expansions at The bank has no immediate THE PENINSULA “We have ample liquidity — we delivered into the Abu Dhabi are not left wanting for capital to market right now and that will invest in this,” said Fewer. contribute to revenues in the next Aldar had Dh13.7bn of debt four quarters,” said Fewer. outstanding at the end of 2013, Revenue in the past quarter Opec joins US of which Dh7.9bn would be refi- was also driven by the hando- Turkey’s Kiler to issue $100m sukuk nanced in 2014. ver of key projects, including “You could see us (doing) 199 units delivered at the Gate in predicting normal refinancing — banks Towers in Abu Dhabi, and state ISTANBUL: Turkish real Saudi Arabia and Qatar over buy- with Bank of America Merrill or bonds — because of our projects. estate investment trust Kiler ing into the issue, which will be Lynch and banks from the Gulf stronger 2014 strong credit ratings. We will Aldar’s full-year profit was GYO is planning to issue a five- used for investment and to extend region. also manage debts with gov- Dh2.25bn compared to Dh1.3bn year Islamic bond worth at the maturity of existing loans, Turkey’s Islamic finance indus- ernment receivables, existing in 2012, largely driven by a one- least $100m in the second half Aytogu said late on Tuesday. try is being reshaped as banks oil demand cash and liquidity already pro- off gain of Dh2.6bn booked in the of this year, parent company Last week, Turkish food widen their product range and cured,” Fewer said, adding that second quarter from the acquisi- Kiler Holding’s Chief Financial retailer Kiler signed a $120m competitors prepare to enter the LONDON: World oil demand Aldar now had cash holdings of tion of Sorouh. Officer Kaan Aytogu said. four-year loan deal, including market. will rise slightly more than Dh8.3bn. REUTERS Kiler is talking to banks from Shariah-compliant borrowing, REUTERS expected in 2014, Opec said yesterday, becoming the sec- ond major forecaster this week to predict higher fuel use as economic growth picks up in Zain Bahrain plans Europe and the United States. Toyota recalls 1.9 million The Organisation of the stock flotation Petroleum Exporting Countries, in a monthly report, said global by end June demand will rise by 1.09 million Prius cars worldwide barrels per day (bpd) this year, up DUBAI: Zain Bahrain, the about 40,000bpd from its previous island’s No. 1 telecom opera- TOKYO: Toyota yesterday for a car that Toyota has bet forecast. The group, which pumps tor by subscribers, will launch announced a global recall of 1.9 will lead a bigger move to green a third of the world’s oil, also sees its long-awaited stock market million of its signature Prius cars. potential for further rises. flotation by the end of June, an hybrid cars, dealing a blow to Last year Toyota’s chairman “Given the improvement in industry source said, in what a brand favoured by the eco- Takeshi Uchiyamada challenged OECD oil demand, the likeli- could be the kingdom’s biggest conscious including Hollywood automakers to step up sales of hood for upward adjustments for share sale since 2010. celebrities. hybrids in the United States, world oil demand growth in 2014 Bahrain’s Telecommunication The company said it decided calling them “a long bridge” into is currently higher than exist- Regulatory Authority (TRA) last on the call-back — its biggest- future vehicles. ing projections,” said the report April instructed Zain Bahrain, ever for the vehicle — after the He was chief engineer of the by economists at Opec’s Vienna 56.3 percent owned by Kuwait’s discovery of problems with soft- Toyota team that developed the headquarters. Zain, to sell 15 percent of its ware used to control a power Prius, the world’s first mass-pro- Opec’s report comes a day after shares in an initial public offering converter that posed a risk to duced gasoline-electric hybrid car, the US government’s Energy (IPO) and list on the local market drivers. and launched it in 1997. Information Administration by the end of 2013. “Because, in the worst case, the Since then, the company has raised its 2014 world oil demand This deadline passed without car could stop while driving we sold over 3.6 million Prius globally. growth forecast by a similar comment by the companies or do consider this a potential safety Yesterday Toyota said that, in increment. Oil prices edged the regulator, but Zain Bahrain issue and that’s the reason why most cases, the defect could set higher after it was released, with has now applied to the Ministry we are implementing this recall,” off a vehicle’s warning lights and Brent crude trading near $109 a of Industry and Commerce for a Tokyo-based company spokes- “probably” cause it to enter “fail- barrel. approval to become a pub- man said. safe mode”, in which the car can While the bulk of the growth lic company, the source said, No accidents have been still be driven but with reduced in global oil demand continues to declining to be identified reported as a result of the defect, power. come from China and the Middle because the matter was not yet the world’s biggest automaker “It would slow down, eventually East, Opec was more upbeat public. said. to stop,” a spokeswoman added. about the prospects for further The company will publish The Prius was one of the first Toyota said it was aware of fuel use this year in established details of the application in the hybrid cars to go mainstream more than 400 cases of the prob- economies. ministry’s gazette and must then and was quickly adopted as a lem, including 300 in Japan and Opec sees a contraction in wait 60 days for any objections to symbol of green, with the likes of 90 in North America. European demand — in the dol- be lodged, although that is largely Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron The recall covers about drums for years due to recession a procedural formality, the source Diaz snapped behind the wheel. 997,000 vehicles in Japan with — easing in 2014, and said pre- said. The company recalled Prius another 713,000 vehicles in North liminary figures for December After that, Zain Bahrain can models last year and in 2010 America. Most of the remainder 2013 and January 2014 indicated launch its IPO. It shelved a previ- for different problems, but are in Europe, the Middle East, strong demand in top consumer ous plan to go public in 2008. A sign advertising a financing incentive for purchase of Prius hybrid vehicles Wednesday’s announcement and China. the United States. REUTERS on the lot of a Toyota dealership in Alexandria, Virginia, the US, yesterday. marked the biggest call-back AFP REUTERS THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Omantel’s Q4 Dubai firm in $1bn turboprop deal profit rises Airbus gets first A380 order for 2014 as Amadeo signs up for 20 superjumbos 13pc despite

SINGAPORE: Dubai maintenance firm StandardAero revenue drop Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) since 2010, Reuters has reported. is to spend up to $1bn on new ATR, jointly owned by Airbus DUBAI: Oman Telecommunications turboprop planes, the aircraft Group and Italy’s Finmeccanica, (Omantel) reported a 13 percent leasing company said yester- is working on proposals for an all- rise in fourth-quarter profit yester- day, betting on growth in Asia’s new 90-seat aircraft rather than day despite a slight drop in revenue crowded regional and domestic its best-selling 72-seat model. But as costs also fell. markets. so far it has failed to win share- The former monopoly made a Having had to cancel big orders holder approval as Airbus pre- net profit of RO29.7m ($77.14m) for commercial jetliners during serves engineering resources for in the three months to December Dubai’s debt crisis, government- other projects. 31, up from RO26.2m in the owned DAE has turned to tur- Yesterday’s order by DAE is year-earlier period, according to boprops used for short-haul trips for ATR 72-600s, with delivery Reuters calculations. for fewer than 100 passengers. expected between 2015 and 2018. Two analysts polled by Reuters Such aircraft can be operated The Dubai company has lined forecast Omantel would make a more efficiently than many jets, up customers for the first 20 quarterly profit of between 27.6 particularly in an era of high oil aircraft and will decide on the million rials and RO33.4m. prices. options this year, Khalifa said. Fourth-quarter revenue was DAE, the largest aircraft leas- “ATRs are today operated by RO111.4m, down from RO116m a ing company in the Middle East, some 190 carriers all over the year earlier. said it had ordered 20 turboprop world, clearly providing us with Expenses for the quarter, which commercial aircraft from French- potential opportunities to place include wages, interconnec- Italian manufacturer ATR, with this new fleet,” he added. tion costs and roaming charges, an option for a further 20 taking Also at the air show, Bangkok were RO84.3m. This compares the deal’s total potential value to Airways said it is spending $200m with RO86.7m in the final three $988m. to buy six ATR 72-600s, with an months of 2012. “We aim to diversify our port- option for two more. The planes Omantel’s full-year profit for folio and expand into regional will replace the company’s eight 2013 was RO119.3m, up from aircraft, to meet an increasing existing turboprops over the next RO116.2m in 2012, the company demand from airlines that are three years. It has a total fleet of said in a bourse filing. developing regional air connec- 25 aircraft. The only other details Omantel tivity,” DAE Managing Director Bangkok Airways President provided in this statement were Khalifa Al Daboos said at the Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said its annual revenue and expenses, Singapore Airshow. the company has yet to finalise its Visitors walk past an Airbus A350 on display at the Singapore Airshow yesterday. but in the company’s nine-month After ordering more than 200 long-term fleet expansion plan. results to September 30 its aircraft during an industry boom Meanwhile, Airbus yesterday But John Leahy, its chief oper- solution for airlines to capture A380 this year. finance income was RO894,000. in 2007, DAE was forced to can- received its first order of the year ating officer for customers, said: that growth,” said Amedeo chief Despite the lift for Airbus from This compares with a loss of cel orders as funds dried up in for its flagship A380 when leas- “This firm order from Amedeo is executive Mark Lapidus. the Amedeo deal, one analyst said RO644,000 in the correspond- Dubai’s debt crisis. ing firm Amedeo signed an $8.3bn a clear recognition of the A380’s The orders will be delivered it should look beyond the A380. ing period of 2012, while its In 2011, it canceled outstanding deal for 20 of the superjumbos. long-term market appeal. from 2016 to 2020. Amedeo will “It’s more an exception than share of profit from associated Airbus orders worth $5.8bn, as The purchase agreement, “The A380 is the best tool for announce its engine selection later. the rule because we don’t see a companies including Pakistani well as orders for 35 Boeing 737s. signed at the Singapore Airshow, airlines to capture growth and “Put it in the right routes at peak huge demand for this aircraft,” subsidiary Worldcall nearly DAE, which specialises in air- put the European manufacturer increase profits.” traffic times and it is an unbeat- said Shukor Yusof, with Standard quadrupled to RO908,000. Other craft maintenance and leasing, on track to meet its target of 30 Amedeo, formerly Doric Lease able profit-generating machine for and Poor’s Equity Research. income also jumped 90 percent ended talks with British aircraft orders for the world’s largest pas- Corp, is the world’s biggest man- airlines,” Lapidus said. “This is a niche aircraft meant to RO435,000 in the first nine services company BBA Aviation senger plane in 2014. ager of leased A380s. Airbus said more than 120 for a small market. Airbus would months of 2013. last year to merge parts of its Airbus had suffered some set- “As world air traffic contin- A380s are now in operation do much better to focus on the Domestically, Omantel com- business. backs last year with the discovery ues to double every 15 years worldwide following its launch A350,” he said, referring to a new petes with Nawras, a unit of The company has been trying of cracks on some of the giant jet- and airport infrastructure and in 2007. Leahy said the company generation of long-range aircraft. Qatar’s Ooredoo. to sell US-based engine repair and liners’ wings. slots do not, the A380 is the best wants about 30 orders for the AGENCIES REUTERS

Kuwait approves $12bn for clean fuel projects Tasdeer supports seven

KUWAIT: Kuwait has 460,000-barrels-per-day (bpd) afterwards, the spokesman said. Such projects in Kuwait’s 30 approved bids worth a total of Mina Ahmadi refinery, a Kuwait Kuwait awarded Foster billion dinar development plan, firms at Dubai expo $12bn for major upgrades at National Petroleum Company Wheeler with the management announced in 2010, are a test for two oil refineries, the state-run spokesman said, citing a decision and service contract for the clean a country which has struggled DOHA: Aiming at boost- Advanced Lighting Technologies. oil company said, in a sign it is from the country’s central ten- fuels project in December 2012 to invest in infrastructure and ing exports of made-in-Qatar Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al moving ahead with large infra- ders committee. in a deal worth around $500m. attract foreign investors, partly products, Tasdeer— the export Khalifa, CEO of the bank said: structure projects. Britain’s Petrofac, in a bid Foster Wheeler said at the time due to the political instability and promotion arm of Qatar “QDB’s participation in this year’s The Clean Fuels Project is a worth KD1.07bn, is expected to that the project would increase bureaucracy. Development Bank (QDB) — Middle East Electricity exhibition specification upgrade and expan- carry out work at the 270,000bpd the amount that the refineries can Last week Kuwait’s parliament supported the participation of is precisely in line with our stra- sion of Kuwait’s largest refineries Mina Abdullah refinery, and process per day by 264,000 barrels voted to investigate a contract seven leading local companies tegic objective of contributing to as part of the Gulf state’s eco- US-based Fluor Corp will also to 800,000 and be ready in 2018. awarded to a GDF Suez-led con- in the energy and electric- the development of Qatar’s export nomic development plan, which work on Mina Abdullah after a Apart from the Clean Fuels sortium for a power project and a ity sector at the Middle East sector by providing a platform for has faced delays partly due to bid of KD962m, he said. Project, worth around KD4.6bn in deal between the state carrier and Electricity exhibition, which local companies to network and political instability. Contracts for the work are total, Kuwait also wants to build Airbus to buy and lease aircraft, in a is to be concluded today at the develop new gateways into differ- A consortium led by Japan’s expected to be signed with the a new KD4bn refinery called Al sign that lawmakers will continue to Dubai International Exhibition ent markets.” JGC Corp won a tender for work companies in April and construc- Zour and then shut its third, older question state investment decisions. Centre. “We are proud of the high- worth KD1.361bn ($4.82bn) at the tion work should begin shortly 200,000 bpd Shuaiba refinery. REUTERS This is QDB’s second consecu- quality, competitive products tive year helping Qatari firms Qatari companies presented – boost exports at the interna- meeting and exceeding the lat- tional expo. It follows last year’s est international standards and Daimler profits surge successful participation, which specifications,” Al Khalifa added. resulted in trade agreements He also said QDB’s keenness, Malaysia records providing several Qatari compa- through Tasdeer, to provide all nies the opportunity to enter new the support needed to develop and 5.1pc growth in markets. promote made-in-Qatar products The event featured more than and exports. Local exports have fourth quarter 1,250 exhibitors from 55 countries recorded positive growth result- around the world and brought ing from a range of initiatives KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s together over 47,000 experts, launched by QDB including sup- economy grew a solid 5.1 per- industry leaders and visitors from port for Qatari small and medium cent in the fourth quarter of last some of the biggest names in the enterprises (SMEs) at interna- year as exports picked up, the energy and electricity industries. tional exhibitions such as NPE in central bank announced yester- Hosted by QDB, Qatar’s pavil- Orlando, The Big Five in Dubai day, as economists said rising ion provided a valuable platform and the Plast Expo in Morocco. inflation remained manageable. for local exporters to showcase Other activities include identify- Southeast Asia’s third largest their products, explore the lat- ing importers in target markets economy expanded 4.7 percent est technology trends, global beyond the GCC region, arrang- for the full year, down from 5.6 innovations and participate in ing and facilitating buyer-seller percent for 2012 but in line with specialised workshops providing meetings, as well as organiz- the government’s forecast, Bank networking opportunities with ing workshops on international Negara said in a press release. global companies. trade topics to raise awareness Fourth quarter growth was “sup- The companies included in the and understanding of export ported by private sector demand Qatari pavilion were Doha Cables, opportunities among Qatari SME and improvement in exports,” it General Switchgear and Lighting exporters. said, adding growth was expected Industries, Qatar International Tasdeer provides private sector to stay on a “steady trajectory”. Cables Company (QICC), Uniplast exporters with financial solutions, Exports rose 2.4 percent in Factory, Aziz Manufacturing credit insurance and advisory 2013 year-on-year, picking up in Advanced Technology Products, services. the second half due to demand The sign of German luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz, a subsidiary of Daimler AG, in Munich. Daimler posted Q-Tec Switchgear and Alshams THE PENINSULA from Malaysia’s neighbours, as a forecast-beating 45 percent surge in fourth-quarter profit. well as its largest trading part- ner China. But following the government’s moves since September to cut fuel, sugar and other subsidies, As West cuts, global defence industry balance shifts which cost it billions and have led to a high debt, complaints of the rising cost of living have grown. LONDON: Fuelled by grow- 2012 falling 4.2 percent from the list, particularly in Asia and the top 10. China’s dramatic military advises the military. “Other coun- “While domestic demand is ing strains in Middle East and previous year to $395bn, their former Soviet Union. growth and growing tensions over tries in the region are alarmed by expected to moderate following Asia, global defence spending second annual fall. Chinese firms are excluded assorted maritime disputes have China’s naval expansion in par- the ongoing fiscal consolidation, looks set to rise in 2014 for the The global defence market from the SIPRI table because of a caused spending elsewhere in the ticular and that is really driving the external sector is expected to first time since the 2008 finan- remains dominated by western lack of truly reliable data. If they region to be ramped up. their procurement.” benefit from the improving global cial crisis. firms, with Lockheed Martin, were included, SIPRI research- “There’s no doubt Asia is where According to IHS Jane’s, a conditions,” Bank Negara said. A study of the world’s top 100 Boeing, BAE Systems , Raytheon, ers believe four to six of China’s it is happening and it shows no defence publisher, the Asia- Inflation stood at 3.2 percent in arms companies by the Stockholm General Dynamics and Northrop largest state-owned defence con- sign of stopping,” says Mike Pacific region is the only part of December compared to the same International Peace Research Grumman top in terms of sales. glomerates would be in the top 20 McDevitt, researcher at the the world to see military spending month a year earlier. Institute (SIPRI) this month Emerging competitors, however, global arms firms and one — avia- Center for Naval Analyses, a U.S. grow steadily since 2008. AFP showed their total arms sales for are clawing their way up the tion firm AVIC — would be in the government-funded body that REUTERS THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 British rates to rise in 2015: BoE Pressure mounts Rapid economic recovery to push interest rates up from record lows on Vodafone as Ono LONDON: The Bank of England said yesterday British interest rates could start to rise plans stock listing from record lows in little more than a year as a rapid recovery MADRID/LONDON: Spain’s were subsequently taken over by brings the economy closer to largest cable operator, Ono, said it Vodafone and Liberty, respec- operating at full steam. was pressing ahead with its plan tively, at higher prices. Governor Mark Carney — for a stock market sale, putting Espirito Santo, in a note to cli- forced to ditch a previous ver- pressure on Britain’s Vodafone ents, said it still saw Vodafone as sion of rates guidance after it to raise its takeover proposal. the most likely buyer as it could was overtaken by a sharp fall in Ono, which sells fixed and extract greater cost and other unemployment — also announced mobile phone, TV and Internet benefits from a combination with the bank would now follow a services, has been preparing a Ono than Liberty could. much broader range of measures ¤7bn ($9.6bn) listing to capi- Vodafone has been hit hard of slack in the economy in making talise on strong investor inter- in Spain in recent years, where rates decisions. est in European cable firms. But Telefonica has turned the mar- The BoE slashed interest rates Vodafone has approached its pri- ket ultra competitive by folding to 0.5 percent at the height of vate equity owners with a takeo- the four services of mobile, fixed- the financial crisis in 2009. The ver offer, sources familiar with the line, broadband and pay-TV into economy bounced back strongly matter said this week, seeking to one cheaper offering for cash- last year but remains smaller create the biggest rival to Spanish strapped consumers. than before the crisis and Carney telecoms market leader Telefonica. The bid by Vodafone — its sec- stressed any increase in rates Ono said yesterday its board ond after a first offer was rejected would be gradual. “The message to did not discuss any takeover pro- — fits with its new strategy of businesses, to households is that posal at a meeting on Tuesday. using some of the proceeds from the bank rate is going to follow a Its shareholders will now the $130bn sale of its US arm to path that is consistent with jobs, Bank of England Governor Mark Carney (centre) leads the bank’s quarterly inflation report news conference at attend their annual meeting on invest in its core European net- with incomes and with spending the bank headquarters in London yesterday. March 13 to give formal approval works to allow it to offer bundled growing in a sustainable way,” he for an initial public offering services to consumers and offload said. “We are going to calibrate it (IPO), meaning Vodafone is likely traffic from its mobile networks. carefully. We are not going to take The array of indicators con- bank would risk being behind capacity was a “nebulous con- to get a couple of weeks to decide In Spain, where a long recession risks with this recovery.” trasted with the guidance adopted the curve. The BoE’s dilemma is cept” and markets would be hang- whether to increase its price. has reduced the sums consumers The central bank said a view by the BoE last August when it shared with other central banks ing on the BoE’s judgments. “We “We believe that the accelera- are willing to pay for telephony, in financial markets that rates said it would consider whether to in advanced economies that are have more clarity about one thing, tion of the IPO may tip the scales Vodafone has been working with could rise in the second quarter of raise borrowing costs only once healing from the crisis. The US however, the BoE is determined to in terms of forcing the hand of Orange to build a fibre network in next year — around the time of a unemployment fell to 7 percent. Federal Reserve is struggling keep rates on hold for a long time possible bidders in making up major cities to offer a wider range national election — was consistent The jobless rate has since tum- with how to scale back exception- to come,” Dixon said. their mind before the IPO, or of services. with its goal to keep inflation close bled to 7.1 percent. The BoE fore- ally stimulative monetary policy In the face of some critical risk having to pay higher multi- A deal for Ono could work well to its two percent target. It also cast yesterday said it will reach without slowing the recovery too questions from reporters about ples in the future for a takeover,” as the Spanish company is more pointed to market expectations 6.5 percent in early 2015. much. the credibility of the BoE’s new said JB Capital Markets in a note focused in smaller cities and rural that its interest rate would stand “When bank rate does begin to The BoE’s latest approach to plan, Carney stuck by the BoE’s to clients. A potential competing areas and analysts say it would be at two percent in three years’ time. rise, the appropriate path so as to explaining the policy path ahead decision to launch forward guid- bidder, US-based Liberty Global a stronger fit than with Liberty. Sterling hit a two-week high eliminate slack over the next two represents a partial return to ance last year. “Forward guidance controlled by billionaire John One source, who had been briefed against the dollar and British gov- to three years and keep inflation the situation before the adoption is working,” he said. “Expected Malone, has also expressed an on the Ono board’s discussions, ernment bond prices fell after the close to the target is expected to of forward guidance last year. interest rates have remained low interest in Ono, a person familiar said the directors had agreed to announcement as investors added be gradual,” the bank said. Then, economists scrutinised even as the economy has recov- with the situation has said. first carry out a capital increase to bets on a rate hike next year. The BoE for the first time esti- small changes in the Bank’s infla- ered strongly, uncertainty about Private equity funds Providence of ¤800m and later sell exist- The bank said it will focus mated how much slack is in the tion forecasts for signals about interest rates has fallen, and most Equity Partners, Thomas H Lee ing shares for a total of at least on 18 separate measures of the economy — around 1.0-1.5 percent whether policy was too loose or importantly, UK businesses have Partners, CCMP Capital Advisors ¤200m. Ono believes it has an spare capacity in Britain’s econ- of gross domestic product, lower too tight. How the new estimates understood the message.” and Quadrangle Capital own 54 enterprise value of around ¤7bn, omy, including business surveys than some other economists’ esti- of slack will influence BoE infla- The BoE revised up its growth percent of Ono. including debt worth ¤3.4bn. and the number of hours worked, mates. Deputy Governor Charlie tion forecasts and its policy deci- forecast for 2014 to 3.4 percent Analysts said the situation was Based on this price, about 25 per- something economists said would Bean said rates would need to sions could prove hard to predict. from 2.8 percent, a much more reminiscent of the stock market cent of the company would float make it hard to guess the BoE’s rise before the spare capacity was Peter Dixon, an economist bullish forecast than that of most sales of European cable operators on the stock exchange after the next moves. completely used up, or the central at Commerzbank, said spare economists. REUTERS Kabel Deutschland and Ziggo that listing, the source said. REUTERS Mena pension fund to China’s trade surplus surges hit $5 trillion by 2020 BEIJING: China’s trade surplus surged in January, according to DOHA: Global assets under are offered great state-adminis- data showing exports strength- management (AuM) will exceed tered pension funds. Therefore, ened markedly in a potentially $100 trillion by 2020, with com- PwC predicts pension fund assets brighter note for the world’s sec- pound annual growth (CAGR) will grow by 8.8 percent a year to ond-biggest economy after recent of nearly 12 percent for Middle reach $5.0 trillion by 2020 from a disappointments —although East and Africa. Meanwhile, 2012 total of $2.4 trillion. Globally, some economists suggested the the pension fund in the Mena PwC predicts pension fund assets numbers could be distorted. region will reach close to $5 tril- will grow by 6.6 percent a year to The surplus rose 14.0 per- lion by 2020. reach $56.5 trillion by 2020 from cent year-on-year in January Research from PwC predicts a total of $33.9 trillion in 2012. to $31.86bn, the General that global AuM will touch around AuM growth in the Middle Administration of Customs said, $101.7 trillion by 2020, from a 2012 East will be mainly driven by rebounding from a decline the pre- total of $63.9 trillion. This repre- positive economic outlook, family vious month. Exports jumped more sents a CAGR of nearly 6 percent. businesses and entrepreneurship than expected, increasing 10.6 per- The report, “Asset Management and the population demographics. cent to $207.13bn, while imports 2020: A brave new world”, also The research note said that were up 10.0 percent at $175.27bn. finds that assets under manage- diversifying economies, great In December, the overall trade ment in the SAAAME (South investment opportunities and surplus fell 17.4 percent year- America, Asia, Africa, Middle favourable regulation comple- on-year to $25.64bn. The strong East) economies are set to grow mented by highlight events such results surprised economists, with faster than in the developed world as Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 some suggesting they were driven in the years leading up to 2020, and Dubai Expo 2020 will attract by disguised capital flows instead creating new pools of assets that the capital inflow into the region. of real demand. can potentially be tapped by the It also said that the family busi- “We find this strong level of asset management industry. nesses in the Middle East are very export growth puzzling,” said PwC also said that the local powerful and they control 75 per- Zhang Zhiwei, economist at population of the GCC countries cent of the private sector. Nomura International in Hong who work for government entities THE PENINSULA Kong. AFP

Award for Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Shamlal Ahammed M P, Managing Director- International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, receiving an award from Sheik Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in the presence of Sheik Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, and other dignitaries at the 6th International Scout gathering. The group got the award in recognition for its participation in the event as a part of its corporate social responsibility activities in the region. THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

SoftBank net profit dips Thomson Qatar bourse Reuters swings to index gains loss in Q4

NEW YORK: US media and financial information giant 91.35 points Thomson Reuters said yes- terday it swung to a loss in the fourth quarter as it cited “headwinds” in its restruc- Mixed response in regional markets turing drive. The New York- based company reported a loss DOHA: Qatar Exchange con- In the UAE, however, both of $351m in the fourth quarter, tinued its upswing trend yester- bourses closed lower after Aldar compared with a profit of $352m day by adding 91.35 points (0.80 Properties disappointed some a year earlier. percent) to advance to 11,452.97 investors despite reporting higher The company has absorbed a points from its previous closing net profit. Its stock fell 4.2 per- number of one-time charges in of 11,361.62 points. cent while Abu Dhabi’s index was the past year, as it announced The volume of the shares traded down 0.1 percent. Softbank Corp CEO Masayoshi Son at a news conference in Tokyo yesterday. SoftBank Corp, which runs 2,500 job cuts last February fell to 17,710,211 from 19,697,807 on “I think disappointment Japan’s third-largest mobile carrier by subscriber numbers, reported a dip in third-quarter net profit after a and another 3,000 reductions the last day and the value of shares could be with the dividend,” said string of acquisitions incurred steep integration costs. in October. Most of the cuts increased to QR792,313,124.11 Sanyalak Manibhandu, senior affected its financial information from QR774,811,214.06. analyst at NBAD Securities. unit which provides terminals for Among the top gainers were “Ahead of the announcement, market professionals. Qatar National Bank, which I think a lot of investors were The company, which also oper- was up 1.57 percent to QR188, expecting Aldar to pay at least 10 ates the Reuters news agency, Commercial Bank of Qatar gained fils (per share worth Dh1). They Delhi plans to scrap $2bn tax said in October that five percent 2.29 percent to QR71.60, Qatar paid seven.” Last year, Aldar paid of the editorial staff would be cut, Islamic Bank added 1.02 percent a cash dividend of six percent. among the latest layoffs in the to QR79.40 and Masraf al Rayan Brokerage Arqaam Capital troubled media sector. up by 2.70 percent to QR39.95. also pointed to delays in handing dispute talks with Vodafone Chief executive James Smith The banking and financial sec- over some projects which led to said in the earnings release yes- tor index added 1.48 percent, lower-than-expected revenues. NEW DELHI: India plans to ruled in 2012 that Vodafone was knowledge of the development said. terday that the company was while consumer goods and serv- It described Aldar’s recurring pull out of talks with Britain’s not liable to pay any tax over the Vodafone declined to comment. making progress on its restruc- ices sector index up 4.60 percent. income as “uninspiring”. Vodafone Group Plc over a $2bn transaction. But the government No date has been set for the turing goals. The industrial sector lost 0.13 That may have prompted some tax dispute, in a move that will changed the rules, allowing it to cabinet discussion, a government “I am pleased that we were able percent while insurance sector retail investors to book profits prolong a more than six-year make retroactive tax claims on official said yesterday. to deliver on our full-year expec- gained 0.40 percent. and sell UAE small-cap stocks old row and increase uncer- completed deals and drawing The formal scrapping of talks tations, despite a tougher than Meanwhile, the regional mar- along with those in the property tainty among investors in Asia’s criticism from business groups. would allow the Indian tax office expected external environment kets registered a mixed response and related sectors. third-largest economy. The cabinet gave the go-ahead to renew its demand on Vodafone, in the fourth quarter,” he said. yesterday. Egypt’s bourse rose as Dubai-based builder Arabtec India’s finance ministry is for conciliation talks with Vodafone first made in 2007 and quantified “More importantly, we took the country’s biggest listed bank shed 3.3 percent while shares in preparing to seek the federal last June. While formal talks are three years later. The demand significant strides to position the posted strong fourth-quarter Emaar Properties edged down cabinet’s approval to withdraw yet to begin, Vodafone and Indian in 2010 totalled about Rs112bn, company to thrive in future years. earnings, while markets in the 0.4 percent. Dubai’s index fell 0.4 conciliation proceedings after government representatives had a including interest until then, and Our transformation initiatives are United Arab Emirates weakened percent, ending a seven-session Vodafone wanted a separate tax series of meetings last year. could increase further. taking hold, costs are coming out after a disappointing earnings upward streak. dispute to be made part of them, Vodafone had insisted that Discussions in the concilia- and innovation is coming forth,” report from Abu Dhabi property Oman bourse gained 0.2 per- according to an internal govern- the conciliation talks included a tion plan approved by the Indian Smith said. developer Aldar. cent, while Saudi Arabia’s index ment note. transfer pricing dispute involving cabinet last year were to include “While the external headwinds Egypt’s index added one percent rose 0.6 percent, largely lifted by Policy uncertainties in India a unit offering call-centre serv- the tax amount, the interest to were stronger than anticipated at to 7,571 points after Commercial telecommunications firm Etihad have unsettled investors, with ices to group companies. The gov- be charged, and if there should be year-end, particularly in Europe International Bank (CIB) posted Etisalat (Mobily) , which gained tax claims on foreign companies ernment disagreed leading to its any penalty levied. and the emerging markets, I am a 29 percent rise in quarterly net 2.5 percent in thin trading. being one of the major concerns. move to scrap the talks, according Vodafone, whose Indian mobile pleased with the progress we profit to 757m Egyptian pounds Mobily made no major IBM, Royal Dutch Shell Plc and to the note. services business is the country’s continued to make inside the ($109m). The bank’s stock rose announcements on Wednesday. Nokia are among foreign firms “The matter related to Vodafone second-biggest by users and rev- company and with our custom- 1.9 percent. Last month, it said it would start contesting local tax claims. will be taken to the cabinet, and enue, has repeatedly said that it ers. I am confident this progress The index is “heading towards leasing its mobile phone network Vodafone, the world’s second- the cabinet will take a final deci- was not liable to pay any tax over will accelerate in 2014,” he chief 7,600 points after CIB reported to a new operator to launch a rival largest mobile operator by sub- sion,” DS Malik, a finance minis- the Hutchison acquisition. executive said. strong Q4 earnings numbers,” service in the first quarter of this scribers, entered India in 2007 by try spokesman, said, declining to In 2012, Vodafone threatened Revenues for the year fell three said Islam Batrawy, Cairo-based year. It also beat analysts’ fore- acquiring Hutchison Whampoa’s comment on the specifics of the India with international arbitra- percent to $12.7bn, but on a con- head of MENA equity sales at cast with a 8.6 percent increase mobile phone assets. It is contest- ministry’s plan. tion proceedings under a bilateral stant currency basis were up two NBK Capital. “CIB was the major in fourth-quarter profit. ing a tax bill of about Rs 112bn Vodafone has not been informed investment agreement after the percent.The Reuters news agency contributor to the upward move.” QNA & REUTERS ($1.8bn) relating to the acquisition. as the plan has yet to receive government changed rules to ret- unit revenues for the year were The Indian Supreme Court cabinet approval, sources with rospectively tax deals. REUTERS stabled at $331m. AFP

QATARI MARKET Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P H&M to open India industrial output shrinks again Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 100.75 -0.14% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.63 1.16% Aa2 AA first Indian NEW DELHI: India’s indus- outlook for the economy”, said 4.9 percent expansion in the Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 120.00 2.39% Aa2 AA trial output shrank by 0.6 per- Capital Economics analyst Miguel current financial year to March Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 113.50 2.76% Aa2 AA cent in December in the third Chanco. 2014 after the economy grew by Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 108.50 3.27% Aa2 AA store in 2014 straight monthly contraction, Inflation “is still far too high 4.5 percent the previous year, the Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 154.75 4.85% Aa2 AA data showed yesterday, piling for policymakers to be thinking most sluggish pace in a decade. Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 117.13 5.19% Aa2 AA STOCKHOLM: Swedish fash- pressure on the government of loosening” tight monetary pol- But many private economists Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 108.25 5.19% Aa2 AA ion giant H&M said yesterday it to spur the economy before icy that is slowing growth, said believe the economy will expand will open its first Indian store elections. Chanco. in the low four-percent range, a Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 103.94 0.72% Aa2 AA in 2014, taking advantage of the The year-on-year output Manufacturing output, which far cry from near-double digit Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 110.38 3.20% Aa2 AA opening-up of the giant Asian decline reported by the statistics accounts for over three-quar- growth in boom times. Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 103.13 0.81% A1 A- market to foreign retailers. ministry came amid stumbling ters of the Index of Industrial Manufacturing has been Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.50 1.89% A1 A- “We have now received the consumer demand in the face Production, shrank by 1.6 percent lacklustre as companies delay QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.25 1.22% NR NR written confirmation that we of persistently elevated interest in December from a year earlier. investment, discouraged by high QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.50 1.09% Aa3 A+ can open stores by ourselves in rates to curb stubborn inflation. Capital goods output such as interest rates and red tape in QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.25 1.92% Aa3 A+ India,” H&M spokesman Haakan December’s production was factory machinery, a harbinger of clearing industrial projects. Andersson said. slightly better than the previous investment intentions, contracted Many firms also are waiting to Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.25 2.06% A2 A- The Swedish company did not month’s revised 1.3-percent con- three percent. Consumer goods see the shape of the new govern- Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.25 1.36% A2 A- provide many details about the traction and exceeded analysts’ production shrank an even deeper ment before committing invest- Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 124.75 2.82% A2 A- first shop other than it planned expectations of a one-percent fall. 5.3 percent, reflecting stuttering ment funds. Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 107.50 3.53% A2 A- as a “flagship” store. While separate figures showed household spending. But Moody’s Investors Service, Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 102.88 4.68% A2 A- “As we are looking at many the consumer price index slipped India’s nearly $2-trillion econ- the global rating agency, said even Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 103.00 0.62% Aa3 A different cities and locations, we in January to a two-year low of omy is on track for a second the election of a strong coalition Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 106.75 3.12% Aa3 A can’t as of yet announce exactly 8.79 percent, the output and infla- straight year of below-five per- “would not act as a near-term where and when we will open the tion data “won’t drive away the cent growth. game changer for Indian credit- Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 108.63 3.81% Aa3 A first store,” Andersson added. dark cloud that hangs over the The government has forecast worthiness”. AFP SOVEREIGNS In April last year, the Indian Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P government confirmed that H&M Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 100.75 0.10% Aa2 AA had applied to make a ¤100m TUI trims losses Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 121.88 2.22% Aa2 AA ($131m) investment to open up to 50 shops in the country. “We Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 108.25 1.56% NR NR will of course, as we proceed, open Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.75 2.37% NR NR more stores in India, whether this Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 123.13 3.77% NR NR year or next year,” he said. Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 115.00 4.26% NR NR Since the country relaxed in Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 103.38 0.33% Aa2 AA 2012 its legislation to allow for- Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 114.63 2.96% NR BBB eign retailers to open fully-owned Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 107.75 4.06% NR BBB subsidiaries, many international firms have shown great interest in Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 100.50 5.65% Caa1 B- India, Asia’s third-largest market. Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 103.50 3.89% NR BBB- “We are very excited to open our

*Periodic Distribution Amount first store in India,” chief execu- IMPORTANT NOTE: tive Karl-Johan Persson said. Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which “It is one of the most exciting is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services countries in the world right now, Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary with so much potential.” data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not H&M is also preparing its first take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds openings in 2014 in Australia can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant and the Philippines, and has liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not announced strong expansions in a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. China and the United States. The Swedish firm has cur- rently around 3,100 stores in 53 markets worldwide and battles for dominance in the global fashion Friedrich Joussen, CEO of German travel and tourism giant TUI, at the company’s annual general meeting industry with Spanish competitor yesterday in Hanover, central Germany. TUI said it trimmed its losses in the first quarter. Inditex, which owns Zara. AFP THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Why the far-right fears Wall Street’s top secret change in Chattanooga may be earnings growth BY JOHN LOGAN BY CAROLINE VALETKEVITCH long-term average, while 66 percent are according to Thomson Reuters data. rom Wednesday through Friday, 1,500 autoworkers at exceeding forecasts on revenue, which “A lot of people have begun to wonder Volkswagen’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, are voting nvestors can’t blame the stock mar- would be the best “beat rate” since the about the sustainability of the rally because on whether to join the United Auto Workers union in a ket’s bumpy ride so far this year on second quarter of 2011, Thomson Reuters it was driven so much by multiple expansion Flandmark National Labour Relations Board election. Like S&P 500 earnings, which could end data showed. rather than earnings, and that’s entirely other US outposts of foreign auto companies, the facility, which the reporting period with the best “The percentage of companies beating on accurate,” said Dan Greenhaus, chief strate- opened in 2011, has never had a union. quarterly growth in more than two EPS, on sales and on EPS and sales - all of gist at BTIG LLC in New York. A vote for unionisation at Volkswagen would be a historic vic- Iyears. those metrics - are above average. That’s a But “earnings are going up - earnings are tory — not only for the UAW, but for the entire labour movement. Results haven’t done much to prop up the pretty positive sign,” said Dan Suzuki, US accelerating,” he said. It would provide unions with a key victory in the South, even in overall market, but analysts said that the equity strategist at Bank of America Merrill Many investors were expecting profit the face of a lavishly-funded external anti-union campaign, and numbers should relieve worries that last Lynch in New York. growth to pick up in 2014, thanks to a may lead to transformative changes in labour-management rela- year’s big rally came without much gain in If the pattern of big swings for consumer more robust US economy, with double-digit tions, especially among European-owned firms. profit growth. discretionary companies’ stocks holds, it earnings growth projected for the third and If the Chattanooga workers vote to unionise, they will provide Investors turned their focus in recent implies more volatility for those that have fourth quarters. another example that when companies remain neutral in union weeks to volatile emerging markets and less not yet reported, including Kohl’s Corp, Gap On some levels, earnings have done elections, employees usually choose unions. Instead of pressuring stimulus from the Federal Reserve. At the Inc and Lowe’s Companies, Inc, as well as well once again by exceeding expectations. the employees to vote against the UAW, Volkswagen management same time, fourth-quarter earnings growth other retailers that struggled through the Outlooks for the fourth quarter were the has let workers make the choice on their own. This is exactly what has clocked in at 9.5 percent above year-ago most competitive holiday shopping season most negative of any period since at least should happen in union elections, but rarely does. Volkswagen results, better than the 7.6 percent expected for the US industry since the recession. 1996, when Thomson Reuters began track- would probably have recognised the union on the basis of docu- when the period began. With results in from about 70 percent of ing this data. mented interest among workers, but Republican politicians and Notably, companies that surprised inves- S&P 500 companies, the group is on track The earnings season, to some degree, has anti-union groups such as the National Right to Work Committee tors with better-than-expected results in for the best earnings growth since the third been overshadowed by the rout in emerging (NRTWC) demanded that the company hold an NLRB election. terms of both revenue and profits reaped a quarter of 2011, Thomson Reuters data markets, which prompted a sell-off in stocks Ironically, the NRTWC has insisted that Volkswagen provide reward: Their stock prices jumped. showed. in the United States and other developed employees who oppose the UAW with an opportunity to make On average, those that beat on both met- Revenue growth at 1.1 percent is still economies. their case to the workforce, something that pro-union workers rics are up 2.1 percent in the five days that expected to lag the third quarter, but the Financials have had the most positive never enjoy during standard US anti-union campaigns. followed their results, according to Bank percentage of companies beating analysts’ earnings surprises, with results from insur- Unionised workers at the Chattanooga plant would almost of America Merrill Lynch research, while forecasts is the best in more than two ers like the Travellers Companies, Inc and certainly get the first works council in the United States — a those that missed on both are down 5.6 per- years. Allstate Corp among those in that sector type of organisation that deals with issues of employee welfare cent in that time. Those are sound results for a stock mar- that have beaten expectations by the big- and management, such as flexibility in work schedules. Works That gulf is the biggest seen since the ket that has been turbulent this year, with gest margins. councils, which operate at the plant level, have long been a key fourth quarter of 2008. the Standard & Poor’s 500 index posting a aspect of employment relations in many European countries. Consumer discretionary stocks had the 3.6 percent loss in January and slipping 1.6 NOT EVERYTHING IS PICKING UP. Currently, every one of Volkswagen’s 61 major production facilities biggest gap between the gainers like Netflix percent so far in 2014. Outlooks for the first quarter remain outside of China has both a union and a works council, except for Inc, which rose 20 percent in the five days That downturn follows the S&P 500’s 30 largely negative, with 4.8 companies warn- the Tennessee plant. A vote for unionisation would provide the following its results, and losers like Amazon. percent gain last year, when earnings rose ing for every one with a positive forecast, UAW with a key victory in the “foreign auto transplants” — the com Inc, which fell 12 percent in a similar just 6.1 percent. Thomson Reuters data showed. US plants of European and Asian auto manufacturers, most of period. Valuations increased sharply because of Earnings estimates for all of 2014 have which are located in southern right-to-work states. The UAW In all, 68 percent of S&P 500 compa- the price gains, with the S&P 500’s forward slipped, with growth now predicted at 9.3 has encountered robust opposition when it has attempted to nies’ results are beating analysts’ expec- four-quarter price-to-earnings ratio now at percent versus a January 1 forecast of 10.8 organise in these facilities. Nissan is currently resisting efforts tations on earnings, above the 63 percent 15.1, compared with 13.1 at the start of 2013, percent. REUTERS by autoworkers in Canton, Mississippi to form a union. The UAW has organised in several US-Japanese joint auto ventures, but not in any wholly-owned foreign automakers. This time around, domestic and international allies have sup- ported the struggles of US autoworkers. The fact that Volkswagen is allowing its workers a free and uncoerced choice on unionisation is in part because of support from the two million-member IG Metall, Germany’s largest union. Nissan workers have received support from unions in Brazil, South Africa, Japan, England and Australia. Civil rights, faith and environmental organisations have also assisted their efforts. If Volkswagen goes union, Nissan, Mercedes and other foreign auto transplants may soon follow suit. A victory at Volkswagen would signal that the anti-union South — where elected officials have frequently joined with the business community and right-wing organisations to stop workers from organising — might not be so solid in future years. Unions have enjoyed some important recent victories, especially among pre- dominantly Latino workforces, such as the Service Employees International Union’s janitors’ campaign in Houston, and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union’s historic victory at Smithfield Foods in North Carolina. Union membership in the South is well below the national average of 11.3 percent, but in 2012, Tennessee had the biggest percentage growth in union mem- bership of any US state, with Georgia and Alabama not far behind. Most importantly, a UAW victory would show that even bil- lionaire anti-union zealots can be beaten. Right-wing groups are furious that Volkswagen is not fighting the UAW, so they have chosen to do so on their own. National organisations funded by the billionaire Koch Brothers and other right-wing activists have taken to the airwaves to demonise the UAW. State politicians have attempted to blackmail autoworkers to vote no by stating that Volkswagen may lose state financial support if it becomes unionised. Unionisation, one elected official explained, “was not part of the deal.” In their effort to whip up anti-union fervour, UAW opponents have called it the “vilest of cancers,” “Ichneumon wasp larvae,” and “black shirted thugs.” If Volkswagen workers resist this blatant attempt at intimidation by anti-union organisations, they will make clear beyond a doubt that they want UAW representation. They will have rejected the insidious lies about “Big Labour” — and the depic- tion of unions as narrow and self-serving — that the Koch Brothers and others have been peddling for far too long. And they will have participated in a historic union victory. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Sydney Biennale and a question of corporate sponsorship

BY ANTONY up, it is in fact one of the best history. London’s Tate Modern there were a number of employees Luca Belgiorno-Nettis, is also an to a number of industries and LOEWENSTEIN opportunities we have to make is backed by BP, causing British at Catalyst who expressed dismay executive director at Transfield. government projects. They are a a material impact on the supply activists to stress the corpora- at the tragic irony of praising a Is this really the kind of cor- listed company with high ethical he 19th Biennale of chains that permit the detention tion’s questionable environmental corporation that sells technol- poration to which a leading arts standards and a publicly stated Sydney opens on March industry to work. We are in a practices. This year in Australia ogy to some of the worst abusers event wants to be associated? code of conduct.” 21. There will be a range particularly strong position here the Minerals Council, in an of women in the world, such as What message does this send to Addressing the call to boycott Tof artists displaying all given that our decisions could attempt to sex up and soften its Saudi Arabia. Separating politics the wider community? Should it the event, “we believe that the manners of artistic endeavour. So have the effect of redirecting a image, is sponsoring a popular from ethics is impossible. be acceptable to earn money from campaign is well intentioned but far, so good. But a major sponsor is significant number of students, commercial radio programme. Although it’s true that the grubby business of imprison- misguided.” I ask about the poten- Transfield, a company used by the income, and kudos away from Online protest was guaranteed. Transfield has a long history of ing asylum seekers while at the tial social media campaign against Australian Federal Government [this event] and towards other Actor Scarlett Johansson backing various artistic forms, same time backing glittering them. “Many of us at the Biennale to handle refugee services and kinds of experiences and discus- recently found herself in the the last years have seen a con- artistic works? hold strong views on the refugee which therefore profits from the sions ... A strong response this crosshairs of pro-Palestine scious choice to enter the world I’ve asked the Biennale to issue,” they argue. “We would asylum seeker industry on Nauru year is the best way to ensure that advocates because she backed of asylum detention. Both Serco address these contradictions. not knowingly associate with the and Manus Island. This associa- future Biennales are not funded Sodastream, a company with a and G4S know how financially “Our understanding”, they write, abuse of a disadvantaged group tion has caused refugee activ- through [companies associated factory in an illegal settlement in beneficial this is. “is that the detention centres on like the refugees. We believe that ists to call for a boycott of the with asylum seeker detention].” the West Bank. Her reputation The exact nature of Transfield’s Manus Island and Nauru are run any action to hinder the Biennale Biennale. Kiem told artsHub that “we has taken a hit and the role of work is mired in mystery - a press by the Serco Group, which is not would damage the ability of 94 Sydney design academic, can and should be putting pres- Palestinian workers under occu- release on 29 January merely a Biennale sponsor.” This is incor- artists to exhibit their work and Matthew Kiem, recently penned sure on the Biennale organisers pation received global attention. referred to Garrison Support rect; Serco has no known involve- gain exposure for their talent. an open letter to visual arts to find other ways of funding art.” Other firms operating in the West Services and Welfare at both ment. “If any sponsor were found That would be regrettable.” teachers to send a strong, pub- In the last week I’ve seen Bank, while brazenly saying they Manus Island and Nauru - but to be directly involved in the How the Biennale and related lic message to the Biennale that countless high profile refugee don’t fear future boycotts, are it’s clear that management sees abuse of refugees, or anyone else events are funded should be key association with a company like activists writing on Twitter that naive if they don’t think similar further opportunities with Tony for that matter, we would natu- public questions, especially in an Transfield was ethically unac- they intend to boycott the event actions will soon affect them. Abbott’s government; Canberra has rally reconsider our relationship.” age where far too many compa- ceptable. He wrote in part: and will encourage supporters In America recently the gen- a bottomless pit of money to “stop The statement continues: nies want to mask their dirty “The most appropriate response and the public to follow suit. der equality organisation Catalyst the boats” and punish refugees. “Transfield Services has been profit-making with shiny, artistic to this situation is to boycott the Naming and shaming corporate awarded weapons manufacturer The links between the Biennale a long time supporter of the treats. It is our responsibility to Biennale. While this may feel as sponsors of cultural events and Lockheed Martin for “supporting and Transfield are not hidden - Biennale. They supply food, demand better. though we are giving something products has a long and noble women’s advancement”. I know the chairman of the Biennale, clothing and other provisions THE GUARDIAN THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,452.97 0.80 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 16,452.72 0.80 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,274.3 0.14 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,846.4 0.98 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,792.24 1.48 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5319.818 52.512 1 5383.4 5072.7 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,486.16 4.60 % QR151.1170 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4301.12 17.8 0.42 4351.21 4080.6 QE All Share Industrials 3,689.81 0.13 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.9839 QR 6.0676 QE All Share Insurance 2,728.57 0.40 % Dj Indu Average 15994.77 192.98 1.22 16588.3 13784 Euro ...... QR 4.9362 QR 5.0051 QE All Share Real Estate 2,000.23 0.05 % QR 2.3813 CA$ ...... QR 3.2696 QR 3.3339 QE All Share Telecoms 1,560.05 1.32 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 2,014.32 2.55 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 4.0187 QR 4.0755 Hang Seng Inde/D 22285.79 322.81 1.47 23469.33 21197.78 Yen ...... QR 0.0352 QR 0.0359 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.2631 QR 3.3267 Today Previous day Iseq Overall/D 4881.63 29.5 0.61 4873.52 4522.4 CRUDE OIL 12-02-2014 10-02-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0581 QR 0.0593 Index 11,452.97 11,361.62 Karachi 100 In/D 26677.27 436.86 1.66 27213.21 25273.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0342 QR 0.0349 Change 91.35 55.75 BRENT Nikkei 225 Index 14800.06 81.72 0.56 16164.01 13995.86 Peso ...... QR 0.0805 QR 0.0821 % 0.80 0.49 $ 109.08 SL Re ...... QR 0.0276 QR 0.0282 YTD% 10.34 9.46 S&P 500 Index/D 1819.75 19.91 1.11 1850.84 1485.01 Taka ...... QR 0.0464 QR 0.0475 Volume 1 7, 7 1 0 , 2 1 1 1 9 , 6 9 7, 8 0 7 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0365 QR 0.0373 Value (QAR) 792,313,124.11 774,811,214.06 Straits Times/D 3035.45 6.35 0.21 3187.8 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3263 QR 0.3357 Trades 7,475 7,378 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77 $ 105.19 Up 20 | Down 18 | Unchanged 01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 12-02-2014

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A C C-A/D 1038.6 -11.75 12647 City Union Bk-/D 48.15 -0.1 21266 Hind Motors-B/D 7.71 -0.22 20189 Kg Denim-B/D 15.2 0.05 3261 Orchid Chem-T/D 45.15 2.15 80509 Land Secs Grou/D 1049 -11 525604 Aban Offs-B/D 509.6 25.5 1384799 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1424.45 -24.4 7886 Hind Org Chem-/D 9.4 0.43 8430 Kilburnengg-T/D 18.35 0.85 6265 Orient.Carb.-B/D 125.65 -5.4 20626 Legal & Genera/D 232 4.4 6454729 Ador Welding-B/D 131.3 -3.4 3261 Colgate-A/D 1322 3.65 6896 Hind Unilever-/D 569.35 6.45 209091 Kinetic Eng-B/D 37.65 1.05 1972 Orient.Carb.-B/D 125.65 -5.4 20626 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 83.44 0.06 50736274 Aegis Logis-B/D 151.25 -2 5317 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 50 0.15 2200 Hind.Petrol-A/D 245.45 -4.3 98597 Kopran-B/D 25.2 0.25 91502 Radico Khait-B/D 159.2 -3.4 69219 Marks & Sp./D 489.6 4 1855533 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 100.95 0.95 6507 Dcm Financia-B/D 0.83 0.03 11726 Hindalco-A/D 103.5 -1.2 467002 Lgb Broth-B/D 310.2 2.15 1258 Reliance Indus/D 318.8 -0.4 31835 Next/D 6375 15 67991 Alembic-B/D 12.25 -0.06 18014 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 38 2.1 2566 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 785.2 10 223166 Lloyd Metal-B/D 7.1 -0.37 505839 Ruchi Soya-B/D 31.05 -0.2 27323 Pearson/D 1126 -4 496589 Alok Indus-B/D 6.81 -0.17 267633 Dhampur Sugar-/D 28.8 -0.8 10335 I F C I-A/D 23 -0.4 717044 Lloydsfin.-T/D 0.46 -0.01 2970 Saur.Cem-B/D 14.7 0.7 4050 Prudential/D 1325.7171 16 1195450 Apollo Tyre-A/D 118.4 -0.2 608527 Dr. Reddy-A/D 2615.95 -43 26458 Idbi-A/D 54.6 -0.35 128417 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 12 -0.07 12750 Thirumalai-B/D 94.5 0.25 2208 Rank Group/D 142.5 0 1439 Asahi I Glass-/D 44.2 1.6 2205029 E I H-B/D 58.8 0.5 22754 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 72.85 0.35 7791 Lumax Ind-B/D 330 -3 1096 Til Ltd.-B/D 124.8 -4.5 2171 Rentokil Initi/D 123.8 0.7 653237 Ashok Leyland-/D 15.6 -0.1 464969 E.I.D Parry-B/D 123.15 -1.3 6271 India Cement-B/D 51.15 -0.5 50414 Lupin-A/D 909.9 -3.2 25981 Timexgroup-B/D 8.88 -0.29 27369 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1213 8 895760 Bajaj Hold-A/D 955.2 0.85 3801 Eicher Motor-A/D 4420.4 -11.2 1596 India Glycol-B/D 94.25 0.5 55464 Lyka Labs-B/D 10.72 0.02 3976 Ultramarine-B/D 51.15 3.55 167143 Rsa Insrance G/D 98.15 -0.9 8954990 Ballarpur In-B/D 11.9 -0.02 121295 Electrosteel-B/D 13.65 -0.15 17580 Indian Hotel-A/D 60.7 0.65 140688 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 115.4 -0.6 1796 Unitech P -A/D 12.45 -0.22 3183802 Sainsbury(J)/D 350.7 1.8 5537318 Bata India-A/D 1000.05 -3.2 31951 Emco-B/D 25.65 0.2 39602 Indo-Bcount-B/D 41.4 -0.6 48162 Mangalam Cem-B/D 100.6 1.5 2657 Schroders/D 2585.625 17 51634 LONDON Beml Ltd-B/D 198.25 0.2 149234 Escorts-B/D 118.65 -2.05 122931 Indusind-A/D 385.5 -0.6 62555 Maral Overs-B/D 18.45 0.05 3312 Severn Trent/D 1782.5386 9 245872 Bhansali Eng-B/D 13.19 0.51 1401 Essar Oil-A/D 52.75 0.9 239677 J.B.Chemical-B/D 132.5 2.55 276945 Mastek-B/D 196.55 1 124558 Smith&Nephew/D 934.5 6 993762 Bhel-A/D 157.25 2.3 261259 Eveready Indu-/D 38.55 0.55 60826 Jagson Phar-B/D 10.49 -0.15 2316 Max India L-A/D 186.25 1.2 2683 3I Group/D 395.3 0.1 209314 Smiths Group/D 1381 -10 256714 Bhuwalka Stl-T/D 10.58 0.5 2000 F D C-B/D 119.3 3.75 39481 Jbf Indu-B/D 71.35 0.35 43378 Mrpl-A/D 40.75 -0.4 57484 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2797 -8 212764 Standrd Chart /D 1305.18 35.5 3009750 Bom.Burmah-B/D 106.35 -1.35 66928 Federal Bank-A/D 77.7 -0.3 162045 Jct Elect P -T/D 0.4 -0.01 7878 Nahar Spg.-B/D 94.65 -2 19032 B Sky B/D 900.5 0.5 853548 Tate & Lyle/D 788.5 2.5 261826 Bombay Dyeing-/D 55.95 -2 235367 Ferro Alloys-B/D 4.71 -0.06 34141 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.89 0.04 46184 Nath Seeds-B/D 5.3 0.14 12805 Barclays/D 262.85 -1.85 24642375 Tesco/D 321.7 3 9375781 Camph.& All-B/D 139.65 -0.5 2194 Finolex-B/D 166.4 10.1 146797 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 2.45 0 2955 Nation Alum -A/D 32.7 -0.1 19903 Bg Group/D 1076.5 9.5 1692431 Unilever/D 2375.7 -21 789580 Canfin Homes-B/D 174.15 -1.05 4761 Gail-A/D 356.7 8.95 51690 Jik Indust-T/D 0.83 0.02 42108 Navneet Edu-B/D 54.15 0.1 8105 Bp/D 489.961 -1.65 5869835 United Util Gr/D 746.6954 -5.5 758662 Caprihans-B/D 36.35 -1.05 1322 Galada Power-T/D 3.92 0.01 1156 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 144.25 -3.8 131222 Nepc India-B/D 3.2 -0.08 15598 Brit Am Tobacc/D 2995 2 1050385 Vodafone Group/D 221.5 0 27150496 Castrol Ind-A/D 300 0 17940 Gammon India-B/D 13.24 -0.28 25740 Jmc Projects-B/D 79.8 0.3 1072 Neuland Lab-B/D 273.1 -10.85 1943 Bt Group/D 394.7 -0.8 3544921 Whitbread/D 4054.125 -13 117207 Century Enka-B/D 133.95 1.15 5035 Goodricke-B/D 131.1 -4.05 1949 Kabra Extr-B/D 30.1 -1.15 4311 Nrb Bearings-B/D 35.9 -0.4 4436 Centrica/D 313.275 0.5 3023595 Century Text-A/D 300.35 0 120291 Goodyear I -B/D 348.5 -1 2276 Kajaria Cer-B/D 322.1 1.95 2523 O N G C-A/D 282.7 6.9 197970 Gkn/D 408.592 0.6 1514026 Chambal Fert-B/D 37.1 -0.3 27132 Hcl Infosys-B/D 24.15 -0.55 279341 Kalpat Power-B/D 71.25 -0.75 19680 Ocl India-B/D 157 0.1 1480 Hsbc Holdings/D 639.4 4 11033954 Cimmco-T/D 17 0 2791 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 8.15 -0.04 177010 Kalyani Stel-B/D 54.6 -0.4 34129 Oil Country-B/D 31.85 -0.15 1666 Imperial Tobac/D 2242 -5 603474 Cipla-A/D 412.8 0.3 269489 Himat Seide-B/D 53.25 0.95 11486 Kanoria Chem-B/D 25.5 1.15 32789 Onward Tech-T/D 50.45 -0.55 2360 Kingfisher/D 380.8 4 1729187 THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Nasser the man to beat in Doha Region’s top rally drivers head to Qatar for first round of MERC race

DOHA: The Middle East’s regular on the WRC scene and top rally drivers head to Doha endured his own fair share of this weekend to begin their problems in Sweden, reaching preparations for next week’s the finish in 16th position. The QMMF Qatar International Abu Dhabi Racing driver wheels Rally, round one of the 2014 out his Citroën DS3 in Qatar FIA Middle East Rally and would love to become the Championship. The event starts first UAE driver to win the event with a new super special stage since 2002. on Doha Corniche from 6pm on Abdulaziz Al Kuwari won the Thursday, February 20. Qatar International Rally two Topping the provisional entry years ago and gave the Mini list is Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, S2000 its first international suc- the defending regional champion cess. Since then, the Qatari has and the winner of his home event achieved some stunning results in 10 of the last 11 seasons. Nasser in the WRC2 category of the FIA starts as the firm favourite to World Rally Championship and seal a 51st MERC round win but will be aiming for the podium next competition will be fierce; regu- weekend in Doha in a Mitsubishi lar WRC stars Yazeed Al Rajhi, Lancer Evolution VIII. Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi and The event also marks the 30th Abdulaziz Al Kuwari are likely to anniversary of the FIA Middle push the Ford Fiesta RRC driver East Rally Championship and to the limit on each of the 13 the British car preparation com- timed special stages. pany Prodrive that not only pre- Al Attiyah will continue his pared the Mini that Al-Kuwari build up to the rally on Friday used to win in Doha in 2012, but Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi is hoping to become the first Emirati since 2002 to win the Qatar International Rally. RIGHT: Saeed Al Hajri on his way to in a very different way by taking also built the Group B Porsche winning the 1984 Qatar Rally. part in the Qatar Open Shotgun 911 SC RS that Qatari legend Championships at the Losail Saeed Al Hajri used to win the Shooting Complex. The Olympic Qatar International Rally back bronze medallist in the men’s in 1984. skeet joins over 300 shooters and “On the 30th anniversary of the 13 Olympic medallists at the pres- regional rally championship, we tigious event. are delighted to have received a Nasser prepares for Porsche GT3 Cup Saudi’s Al Rajhi is one of the strong entry for the traditional most improved rally drivers in opening round of the series DOHA: After a solid showing in his Speaking ahead of the Dubai round Al racing is set to be the tightest and most the region and followed up a con- here in Qatar,” enthused Nasser first ever outing in the Porsche GT3 Cup Attiyah said: “It’s been great chatting with tense yet, a hostile but exciting battleground vincing victory in Rally Jeddah Khalifa Al-Attiyah, president of Challenge Middle East last month, Qatar the other drivers and I’m trying to soak up for Qatar’s Al Attiyah: two weeks ago by sealing fourth the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle racing star Nasser bin Saleh Al Attiyah, as much of their knowledge as I can since “There is no doubting the experience of position in the WRC2 category Federation (QMMF) and FIA is looking to Dubai as his next hunting they have a definite headstart on me in these guys in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge in Rally Sweden last weekend. vice-president for sport in the ground for motorsporting silverware. terms of experience with this particular Middle East but I have to back my experi- The Riyadh driver had led the Middle East. “It will be fascinat- Making his debut in front of thousands car and format. The Dubai Autodrome has ence across different racing environments category for long periods before ing to see the leading drivers in of local fans at Losail International Circuit a great reputation for providing excellent and even different sports.” rolling near the finish and even- the region taking each other on in Round 4 in January, the all-round sport- racing conditions and a fair amount of dra- He added, “It’s only my second round in tually finishing fourth in his class over their traditional desert-type ing hero Al Attiyah delivered an admirable matic action so I am very much looking for- the series so I am learning and will be try- and 14th overall. terrain.” performance to secure first place in the ward to getting out there and getting right ing new things to get up to speed as quickly Also at the helm of a Ford Documentation will take place Silver Michelin category and is now hoping in amongst the action.” as possible. While it was fantastic to have Fiesta RRC, the Saudi will be on Wednesday, February 19 and the UAE round will act as a springboard Round 5 of the Porsche GT3 Cup the home support in Qatar last week I will full of rally practice in readi- scrutineering of the cars will to further success before the end of the Challenge could be the most defining of the not be able to rely on the crowds in Dubai ness for his Qatar challenge; he also take place at the QMMF season. season with Al Nabooda’s Clemens Schmid who will be supporting their local drivers. It headed straight from Sweden to in Doha on Thursday, February Driving for Team QMMF (Qatar Motor 39 points ahead of his nearest rival, Zaid will be about me, the car and the track and Russia and will tackle this week- 20. The meat of the off-road & Motorcycling Federation), the previous Ashkanani of Kuwait. Schmid has won 6 of ensuring there are steady improvements in end’s Baja Russia Northern Forest action then takes centre stage on Qatar round was the first time Al Attiyah the season’s 8 races with Ashkanani getting my results. ’14 at the helm of an Overdrive Friday, February 21 and Saturday, had ever raced in the new Porsche GT3 Cup the better of him in Race 2 of the previous The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge returns Toyota Hilux. February 22 in the Qatar desert. Car which his competitors have become Dubai round. With drivers and team titles on 14th and 15th February for Round 5 at Emirati Al Qassimi is also a THE PENINSULA accustomed to over the past few months. potentially up for grabs this weekend the the Dubai Autodrome. THE PENINSULA

Williams out of Six Nations LeBron scores 37 to rugby lift Heat over Suns LONDON: Wales centre Scott Williams will miss the rest of PHOENIX: LeBron James the Six Nations due to a shoul- scored 37 points and Chris Bosh der injury picked up in the added 21 to power the reign- 26-3 defeat by Ireland at the ing NBA champion Miami Heat weekend. over the Phoenix Suns 103-97 Williams, 23, was forced off yesterday. the pitch early in the first half James also grabbed nine of the match in Dublin after rebounds, made five steals and making a heavy tackle on Brian passed off three assists while O’Driscoll, who also needed Bosh contributed eight rebounds treatment but remained on the for Miami. field. The Heat bounced back from a The injury requires surgery, loss three nights earlier at Utah The participants of Total Cup Tennis Tournament with top-seeded ruling him out of the remainder and defeated the Suns for an player Venus Williams. of the tournament. eighth meeting in a row. Fellow centre Jonathan Davies Miami improved to 36-14, the faces a battle to regain his fit- second-best record in the Eastern ness for Wales’ next match Conference to league-leader Players get appreciation against France in Cardiff on Indiana (40-11). February 21. The Suns, who won six of He is coming back from a their prior eight games, slipped from Venus Williams pectoral injury suffered against to 30-21, seventh in the Western South Africa in early November Conference. DOHA: Total E&P Qatar cel- their outstanding performances but coach Warren Gatland said Miami will visit Golden State ebrated National Sport Day throughout the tournament. he needed to show significant on Wednesday before a break by holding the finals of their “I would like to congratulate improvement to be considered for the NBA All-Star game, at Internal Tennis Tournament the winners, finalists and all the for selection. which James, Bosh and star guard for Men, Women and Children. participants of the Tennis tour- “He has been re-scanned. He Dwyane Wade — who did not play The tournament which com- nament for the efforts and skills is still a little bit sore at the because of a migraine — will rep- menced on February 3 is a that they showed from the begin- moment,” Gatland told the Six resent the Eastern Conference. part of Total Cup competitions. ning of the series up until the Nations website (www.rbs6na- Mario Chalmers added 13 The finals were held at Khalifa finals,” said Guillaume Chalmin, tions.com). points and Norris Cole came off International Tennis and Managing Director of Total E&P “We are not too sure at the the bench to score 10 points for Squash Complex, where Total Qatar. moment whether he will be avail- Miami. Miami Heat forward LeBron James dunks the ball in the first half is sponsoring the 2014 Qatar The ‘Total Cup’ tournament able against France. He is still not Gerald Green led the Suns with against the Phoenix Suns in their NBA game at the US Airways Center Total Open. is a part of Total’s commitment 100 percent. 26 points while Goran Dragic and in Phoenix yesterday. Chhaya Beling of the Orange to promote sports, physical and “He played that game for the Channing Frye added 15 points team won the women’s event and mental health. It will run till April Scarlets last week and felt a lit- each and P J Tucker netted 14 Natalie Hamad of the Blue team 12, comprising of several events tle bit sore, so we are trying to for Phoenix. jump shot and a slam dunk. After adding 12 rebounds and five ended very close. such as Walk & Run, Tug of War, assess him to get up to speed Miami led 92-89 when James Green and Bosh traded 3-point- assists. Jan Van Guyse of the Orange Tennis, Bowling, Swimming, in terms of lifting weights and sparked a closing 11-8 run with a ers, James added four free throws Al Jefferson scored 30 points team won the men’s event, fol- Broomball, football, and special contact. He is not there at the in the final seconds to clinch the and forward Anthony Tolliver lowed by Ward Beling of the tournaments for children. All the moment, so he is not available at triumph. came off the bench to score 22 as Orange Team as runner-up. participants are divided into four the moment.” NBA Results Taj Gibson scored 24 points and the Charlotte Bobcats cooled off The Children also showed teams, and the winning team is Wales are bidding to become Charlotte 114 Dallas 89 center Joakim Noah collected his the streaking Dallas Mavericks. off their skills, with Kishwar entitled to receive the tourna- the first team to win three Cleveland 109 Sacramento 99 fourth career triple-double, lead- The Bobcats went on extended Jayakumar of the Blue team ment trophy. consecutive Six Nations titles Chicago 100 Atlanta 85 ing the Chicago Bulls to a victory runs to open both the second and emerging victorious and Fabio The next Total Cup event will outright. Memphis 92 Washington 89 over the Atlanta Hawks. third quarters, going on a 10-0 Amaya of the Navy team in sec- be swimming and broomball com- They beat Italy in their first Gibson continued to shine spurt to open the second quarter Miami 103 Phoenix 97 ond place. They were all con- petitions which will take place in match before being comprehen- while starting in place of injured and then a 13-1 run in the third. gratulated by Venus Williams, mid-March. sively beaten by the Irish. Oklahoma City 98 Portland 95 forward Carlos Boozer. Gibson They led by as many as 27. a top-seeded tennis player, for THE PENINSULA REUTERS Utah 96 LA Lakers 79 hit 12-of-19 shots from the field, AFP THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Football family unites on Qatar Open begins today National Sport 300 shooters from 28 countries taking part in the seven-day event Day DOHA: Qatar’s football family DOHA: The Qatar Open united yesterday to celebrate Shotgun championship will kick the 3rd annual National Sport off today with the official skeet Day. training for men and women at Held at the world-renowned Losail Shooting Complex. Aspire Zone, employees from the Around 300 shooters from 28 Qatar Football Association (QFA), countries are taking part in the the Supreme Committee for championship which includes 13 Delivery & Legacy and the Qatar Olympic games medal winners. Stars League came together to Salu Makela Nummela of promote the health benefits asso- Finland, gold medallist at the 2012 ciated with active lifestyles. London Olympic Games in the All three football entities took Trap women’s 75 targets category part in a friendly five-a-side tour- heads the list. Another former nament that saw employees com- Olympic champion Jessica Rossi pete in an event enjoyed by family of Italy, winner of the gold medal and friends, serving as an integral at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games part of the National Sport Day in the same category is also here. programme. The other top shooters who will The tournament was won by be in action in the championship Futsal – a team made up of staff which will end on February 20 from the QFA. are Hakan Dahlby of Sweden, “This year’s activities raise Vasily Mosin of Russia, Danka awareness about the importance Bartekova of Slovakia, Vitaly sport can have on leading health- Fokeev of Russia, Daniele Di ier lifestyles,” said Sheikh Hamad Spigno of Italy, Albano Pera of bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Italy, Tore Brovold of Norway, President of QFA. Anthony Terras of France, “Celebrating this significant Massimo Fabbrizi of Italy and Qatar’s Masoud Saleh, 2002 Busan Asian Games gold medallist, practises at Losail Shooting Complex ahead day with our employees and their Giovanni Pellielo of Italy. of the Qatar Open Shotgun championship. Shooters from Australia, Azerbaijan, Canada, Finland, France, families is a sustainable approach Qatar’s challenge at the cham- Great Britain, Georgia, Greece, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, towards bringing the Qatar pionship will be lead by Nasser Al Lebanon, Malta, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, Thailand, Turkey, UAE and National Vision 2030 to reality.” Attiyah, bronze medallist at the United States of America are taking part in the championship. The championship which will begin today will Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary 2012 London Games in Trap event. end on February 20. TOP: President of Qatar Shooting and Archery Association (QSAA), Mohammed Ali Al General, Supreme Committee Nasser is part of the 55-member Maadeed (centre) poses for a picture along with for referees and judges who attended a four-day course which for Delivery & Legacy, said: Qatar squad taking part in the concluded yesterday. Officials from Qatar, Iran, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia attended the course. “Promoting healthy lifestyles is event. THE PENINSULA an integral part of the legacy the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy wants to leave for the whole country. Activities like these are one way in which National Sport Day at QREC we encourage our employees to QTF takes part in embody these values. “Everyone involved in this event lives and breathes sport. It is a great opportunity for our NSD celebrations employees to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Following the success of last year’s festivities, we are all DOHA: As National Sport Day and enjoyed various tennis and looking forward to enjoying a (NSD) was celebrated all across fitness drills. WTA Simona Halep, third National Sports Day with the country on Tuesday, the day Anqelique Kerber and Annika our co-workers and families.” of activity and festivity was cel- Beck were on hand to play with Thousands of people came ebrated at the Qatar Total Open the children and take photos. long to Aspire to share in a car- in a big way by Qatar Tennis “Qatar National Sport Day is nival atmosphere as the Football Federation (QTF). the perfect platform to expose Family delivered a highly-success- With the top female tennis youngsters to all that tennis has ful event enjoyed by all. players in the world playing at to offer. They can experience the As well as the competitive foot- the WTA Premier 5 event in fun of the game and be inspired ball tournament, there were exhi- Doha this week, the tournament to pursue their own tennis goals. bitions from football freestylers, capitalized on their presence in Seeing all these children out- magicians and a whole range of the country to highlight National side enjoying fitness and tennis sports events enjoyed by children Sports Day. Title sponsor, Total is real inspirational because our Women jockeys who tokk part in the race as part of the celebrations of National Sport Day at Qatar Racing of all ages. THE PENINSULA Qatar, held their corporate tennis aim is to develop the next tennis and Equestrian Club (QREC) pose for a picture at the Al Rayyan Race course on Tuesday. tournament final at the Khalifa star of Qatar,” Qatar Total Open International Tennis & Squash Tournament Director, Saad Al Complex on the morning of Mohannadi, said. National Sports Day. QTF also held events at Katara, Alptekin’s A Schools Festival was also held the General Post Office, Al Dafna on the morning of National Sports Park, Ezdan Mall and the Transit Al Khor win Qatargas Day at the Qatar Total Open. Hall at the old Doha International School children were introduced Airport in honor of National temporary to the fundamentals of the sport Sports Day. THE PENINSULA drugs ban Beach Soccer tourney DOHA: Al Khor won the of Al Khor. Qatargas presented reinstated, 1st Qatargas Beach Soccer special prizes to the winners of “I would like to thank QFA and Tournament defeating Al all these awards. its management for their efforts Khraitiyat in the final match. The first edition of the Qatargas in the excellent organization of In the Qatar Football Beach Soccer Tournament was the tournament and Qatargas says IAAF Association (QFA) organised held in Qatargas’ winter camp in looks forward to continue this tournament, Al Arabi claimed the the sealine area, and witnessed fruitful co-operation with QFA in PARIS: Turkey’s women’s third position defeating Al Ahli. the participation of 12 local teams. the future to support and develop 1500m Olympic champion Asli Al Khor received total prize Mansour Rashid Al Naimi, the sport of football in Qatar.” Cakir Alptekin had her provi- money of QR30, 000 while Al Qatargas Public Relations Commenting on the occasion, sional ban for doping reinstated Khraitiyat received QR20, 000 Manager said: Khalid Mubarak Al Kuwari, yesterday by the IAAF. and Al Arabi received QR15,000. “Our sponsorship of this tour- Director of Marketing and The move by athletics’ govern- Ambi of Al Kharaitiyat, who nament held on the occasion of Communications of QFA said: ing body comes two months after scored a total of 10 goals in the the National Sport Day is line “We would like to congratulate Al the Turkish Athletics Federation tournament received the prize with Qatargas’ corporate social Khor on winning this important had cleared the shock London 2012 for top scorer. Mohammed Al responsibility initiatives in sup- tournament and also congratulate winner of flouting her sport’s strict Ghamdi of Al Arabi was awarded porting sports. As the World’s Al Khraitiyat and Al Arabi for drug laws. Anomalies in her bio- the Best Goalkeeper of the tour- Premier Liquefied Natural Gas winning second and third place logical passport had resulted in the nament, and Most Valuable Company, Qatargas sponsorship respectively. This tournament is 28-year-old’s original temporary Player was awarded to Ibrahim of this championship is part of our key to QFA as our objective is to Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) President, Nasser Ghanem Al Kholaifi suspension imposed in April 2013. Al Rumaihi of Al Khor. As for commitment towards the local constantly have a direct impact (third right) poses for a pictures along with other officials during the She must now await a final the Best Team, and Best Team community and contribution to on the development of beach National Sport Day celebrations in Doha on Tuesday. BOTTOM: Children decision from the Court of Manager, these were awarded to human development as a pillar of football.” learn the basics of tennis from instructors during the National Sport Day Arbitration for Sport and risks Al Rayyan, and Jaber Al Jorohob the Qatar National Vision 2030. THE PENINSULA celebrations held on the sidelines of Qatar Open WTA tennis tourna- a life ban if found guilty having ment at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Compex on Tuesday. received a two year ban in 2004 for doping. IAAF spokesman Nick Davies, confirming this lat- est twist in Alptekin’s story, said: “The IAAF has decided to rein- state Ms Alptekin’s provisional suspension.” As a result Alptekin “is ineligi- ble to take part in any competi- tion in Turkey or overseas until the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) delivers the final decision,” he added. Alptekin triumphed in London having earlier in 2012 shaved more than 5sec off her personal best. Her compatriot and European 110m hurdles champion Nevin Yanit was also provisionally suspended last April and handed a two-year ban in August - she Al Khor football team members and officials, winners of the 1st Qatargas Beach Soccer Tournament organised was one of 31 Turkish athletes hit by Qatar Football Association pose for a picture. with that punishment. AFP THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Fiorentina Chelsea title bid stumbles in Cup final ROME: Fiorentina moved to within one win of their first trophy since 2001 as they beat fellow Serie A side Udinese 2-0 in their Italian Cup semi-final, second-leg clash yesterday to in draw at West Brom win 3-2 on aggregate. Goals by captain Manuel Pasqual and Colombian star Juan Cuadrado The Premier League leaders Chelsea are only two point ahead of Arsenal set up the Viola for a final against either Napoli or AS Roma, who play on Wednesday with the side LONDON: Premier League relegation fears with a third suc- from the capital leading 3-2, leaders Chelsea were hit by an cessive victory and fourth straight and the chance of completing a 87th-minute sucker punch as clean sheet. remarkable revival. they were held to a 1-1 draw by Second-bottom Cardiff City Just 11 years ago their fall from lowly West Bromwich Albion on missed the chance to move out grace looked complete as they Tuesday, handing the title race of the drop zone when they were languished in the fourth tier as initiative back to Arsenal and held 0-0 at home to Aston Villa a result of serious financial dif- Manchester City. while Southampton jumped to ficulties before being rescued by It looked like Jose Mourinho’s eighth with a 1-0 win at Hull City. brothers Andrea and Diego Della side would move four points clear Chelsea have found The Valle. Fiorentina, who beat Parma after defender Branislav Ivanovic, Hawthorns an unappealing pros- 2-1 on aggregate in the 2001 final who got the winner in Chelsea’s pect in recent seasons, having lost with a side that then boasted the 1-0 triumph at Manchester City on their previous two visits. quality of Portuguese duo Rui last week, smashed the ball home With Mourinho’s side having Costa and Nuno Gomes, took in first-half injury time to put the scooped 26 points from the last just 14 minutes to level the tie on visitors ahead. 30 on offer and West Brom win- aggregate thanks to a wonderful However, Victor Anichebe less in four matches under new strike by Pasqual. grabbed a precious point for the manager Pepe Mel, few predicted Udinese, whose last Cup final hosts when he headed in Saido anything other than a win that appearance dates back to 1922, Berahino’s cross, leaving Chelsea would see Chelsea’s title challenge had several opportunities to score in pole position in the table but marching on relentlessly. themsevles but Antonio Di Natale possibly for only 24 hours. Chelsea had kept six clean sent a good chance high into the Chelsea now have 57 points sheets in their last eight games, stands in the 25th minute while from 26 matches, two ahead of so the writing appeared to be on Fiorentina’s goalkeeper Neto Arsenal, who host Manchester the wall for the hosts when vis- saved from him on two occasions. United on Wednesday, and three iting Serbian defender Ivanovic Di Natale’s run of bad luck in front of City, who are at home blasted home from a corner. was summed up when he saw his to Sunderland. But with the clock ticking 33rd-minute header hit the stan- At the other end of the table, down, Chelsea’s defence was dis- chion of the goal and then come West Ham United again showed rupted by an injury to Gary Cahill, back off the post. AFP they can win without suspended who left the pitch with a calf prob- striker Andy Carroll as they beat lem, only to return seconds before Italian Cup Result Norwich City 2-0 to ease their Anichebe rose to flick his header Semi-final, Second Leg into the net off the foot of the post. The point moved West Brom Chelsea’s Eden Hazard (right) challenges West Bromwich Albion’s Steven Reid during their English Premier Fiorentina 2 (Pasqual 14, Cuadrado 61) out of the relegation zone above League soccer match at the Hawthorns in West Bromwich, central England, yesterday. Udinese 0 English Premier Sunderland on goal difference and Fiorentina win 3-2 on aggregate left Mourinho trying to put a posi- League Results tive spin on a result that could have quoted as saying by the BBC. win came courtesy of two late Diame made the game safe in Cardiff City 0 Aston Villa 0 a decisive impact on the title race. West Ham and Norwich had goals, with James Collins giving added time, latching on to a clear- Cannes stun Hull City 0 Southampton 1 “We were comfortable in the identical records coming into them the lead after 84 minutes ance, running the length of the game, maybe too comfortable. their clash but the momentum when he beat Norwich keeper pitch and dispatching the ball into W B Albion 1 Chelsea 1 We didn’t kill the game when we of recent results was with the John Ruddy to a Mohamed Diame the net with the help of a deflec- Montpellier W Ham Utd 2 Norwich City 0 had the chance,” Mourinho was Hammers. Their third straight cross and flicked a header home. tion. REUTERS PARIS: Fourth-tier Cannes played the role of giant-kill- ers once again yesterday as they dumped out Ligue 1 side Montpellier 1-0 in the last 16 Ronaldo scores twice of the French Cup, while Lille staved off an upset after out- lasting Caen on penalties. Cannes, who are toiling away as Real cruise into final in the amateur ranks having been in the top flight less than MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo problems,” he said. two decades ago, had already seen scored twice from the pen- Spanish Copa del “We are still alive in all com- off Saint-Etienne in the previous alty spot and was also hit on petitions and whilst this is the round before claiming the scalp the head by a lighter thrown least important of the three in of Rolland Courbis’ revitalised from the crowd as Real Madrid Rey Result comparison to La Liga or the Montpellier. A goalless 90 min- sealed their place in the Copa Semi-finals, second leg Champions League, to get to a utes on the French Riviera was del Rey final with a 2-0 win Atletico Madrid 0 Real Madrid 2 (Ronaldo final is always a good thing for overshadowed by unrest in the (5-0 on aggregate) over holders 7-pen, 16-pen) the team. away supporters’ section, to which Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid win 5-0 on aggregate “We have played well in all the police responded by firing tear Any chance of Atletico recov- the Cup games. We have kept a gas into the area occupied by ering from their 3-0 defeat at clean sheets throughout and this Montpellier fans to restore calm. the Santiago Bernabeu last week however, fit to continue at the speaks well of the mentality of AFP was extinguished after just seven start of the second-half before the team.” minutes when Ronaldo opened being substituted late on. Atletico boss Diego Simeone the scoring after being upended Real will face either Barcelona appeared to have given up French Cup Results by Manquillo. or Real Sociedad in the final on any hope of an unlikely come- Cannes 1 (Zobiri 119) Montpellier 0 aet The Portuguese star dou- April 19 with Barca holding a back from the off as he rested Angers 4 (Ayari 57, Diers 105, Yattara 113, bled his tally nine minutes later 2-0 advantage heading into the Juanfran, Diego Godin, Arda Blayac 118) CA Bastia 2 (Mba 31, 103) aet from another penalty as this second leg of their semi-final on Turan and captain Gabi, whilst Lille 3 (Rodelin 33, Delaplace 76, Roux 83) time Gareth Bale was felled by Wednesday. four more first-team regulars Caen 3 (Koita 14, 29, Rodelin-og 90+2) aet Emiliano Insua. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti missed out through injury and Lille win 6-5 on penalties Ronaldo’s eventful evening con- insisted that Ronaldo was fine suspension. tinued as, moments after being after being struck and lauded his However, despite suffering booked for a clash with Manquillo, side’s feat of reaching the final three defeats in a week, Simeone French Ligue 1 Real Madrid’s Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after he was then hit by a lighter on the back of eight consecu- is hoping for a positive reaction scoring from the penalty spot during the Spanish King’s Cup semi final thrown by the Atletico fans as tive clean sheets in the Cup this from his side as they too have Result the players headed to the dress- season. La Liga and Champions League second leg match against Atletico Madrid at Vicente Calderon stadium Toulouse 1 (Ben Basat 26) Bastia 3 (Cisse in Madrid, yesterday. ing rooms at half-time. “Cristiano is fine, he scored honours to fight for in the coming The Ballon d’Or winner was two goals and he doesn’t have any weeks. AFP 11, Modesto 45+1, Bruno 90+2-pen) Handball: Macsot of 2015 Worlds unveiled DOHA: The countdown for the 24th Moustafa, the Vice-President of the Men’s Handball World Championship Qatar 2015 Organising Committee commenced on Tuesday and the offi- Ahmed Mohammed Al Shaabi and cial mascot of the event was pre- the Director General of Qatar 2015, sented in a milestone event. Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari. The mascot of the championship was The festivities climaxed in the evening released at the Handball Fan Zone in session with the official kick off of the Corniche, by H E Sheikh Joaan bin countdown in a dazzling event attended Hamad Al Thani, the President of the by the Prime Minister and Minister Officials Organising Committee of Qatar 2015. of Interior H E Sheikh Abdullah bin with the The mascot is not a cartoon character, Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. mascot but a six-year-old boy, named Fahed. The ceremony commenced with Fahed. Flyboarders above the sea, drum- lights, drums and lasers and the mers on earth and dozen s of orange unveiling of a Qatar 2015 stele. Soon balloons in the sky added excite- after a flyboarder emerged from the ment, vibration and colour to the Doha bay waters carrying the official morning session, while the national ball of the 24th Men’s Handball World handball team of Qatar, the recently Championship and handed it over to crowned Asian Champions, were con- the mascot (figure), who passed it gratulated for their glorious achieve- to young Fahed. Like a penultimate ment by Sheikh Joaan, as well as by torchbearer, Fahed delivered it to the the President of the International prime minister and the president of Handball Federation (IHF) Dr Hassan IHF. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Li Na survives scare in Qatar Australian Open champion overcomes Rybarikova; Wickmayer stuns Wozniacki

DOHA: Australian Open cham- pion Li Na of China yesterday Qatar Open Results survived a mid-match scare to DOHA: Results from the third day of the reach the third round of the WTA Qatar Open in Doha yesterday (x $2.5m Qatar Open where third denotes seeding): seed Petra Kvitova of the Czech Second round Republic showed the exit to Li Na (CHN x1) bt Magdelena Rybarikova tennis giant Venus Williams in (SVK) 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 three sets. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) bt Stefanie Voegele Na, 31, beat giant-killer (SUI) 6-3, 6-2 Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 to remain Sara Errani (ITA x4) bt Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE) unbeaten in 2014. The powerful 6-0, 6-4 baseliner, who won the Australian Annika Beck (GER) bt Tsvetana Pironkova Open in Melbourne last month, (BUL) 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-2 was on court for 2 hours and 13 Mirjana Lucic (CRO) bt Anastasia minutes. Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 6-4, 6-1 Also yesterday, Kvitova braved Klara Zakopalova (CZE) bt Ana Ivanovic a late rally from multiple Grand (SRB x9) 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 Slam champion Williams who Angelique Kerber (GER x6) bt Karolína even wasted a match point in the Pliskova (CZE) 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 tie-breaker of the deciding set. Lucie Safarova (CZE) bt Peng Shuai (CHN) Kvitova, 23, won the three-set- 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 ter 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (9-7) to remain Jelena Jankovic (SRB x5) bt Karin Knapp on course for a semi-final clash Li Na of China hits a return to Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia during their Qatar Open women’s tennis match in Doha, yesterday. Li Na won 6-1, (ITA) 6-0, 6-2 against Li Na at the six-day event. 5-7, 6-2. RIGHT: Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium serves to Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark. Wickmayer won 6-4, 7-5. In another upset yester- Petra Kvitova (CZE x3) bt Venus Williams day, Czech Republic’s Klara (USA) 6-2, 2-6, 7-6(9-7) Zakopalova stunned seventh seed “The conditions were tough. It In the second set, Rybarikova say, I really wish I can do well, beat Bulgarian qualifier 6-7 (5), Monica Niculescu (ROM) bt Bettanie Ana Ivanovic of Serbia despite was cold, but I am still very con- won the first two games to build but I cannot put a lot of pressure 6-4, 6-2 in 2 hours 16 minutes. Mattek-Sands (USA) 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 losing the first set. Zakopalova fident,” the affable Chinese added momentum that allowed the on myself. This is a tennis game. After her three-set upset Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) bt Caroline won 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 in 1 hours 42 after the marathon match that Slovakian to break Li Na in games Right now more important for me win over Williams, Kvitova said Wozniacki (DEN x 8) 6-4, 7-5 minutes. lasted more than two hours. two, six and 13 to take the second is to enjoy the tennis life,” she said she was happy to win her first Also yesterday, sixth seed Li Na said she was eager to set at 7-5. when asked if she was under pres- match in Doha unlike when she Angelique Kerber of Germany play more matches in the coming Li Na later produced well- sure in the match. lost in the opening round at the Qatar Total brushed aside Czech Republic’s weeks and months to remain at timed service breaks to take the In an early afternoon start, Australian Open. Karolina Pliskova 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 the top. third set and the match in 2 hours fourth seed Sara Errani of Italy “Yes, definitely,” Kvitova said Order of Play in 92 minutes. “I want to remain confident and 13 minutes. hammered Su-Wei Hseigh of when asked if her win over CENTRE COURT start 3:30 pm In other matches, Slovakia’s and I can do that by playing more Li Na admitted it was difficult Chinese Taipei in straight sets to Williams would make up for her [1] N Li (CHN) vs S Zhang (CHN) or Jana Cepelova beat 12th seed matches,” Na said. to gauge the pace of the match. become the first player to reach early exit at the Australian Open. [Q] P Cetkovska (CZE) Samantha Stosur of Austraila Li Na fired on all cylinders at “This is tennis. We (had to) the round of 16. “It was really quick in the first [3] P Kvitova (CZE) vs L Safarova (CZE) 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 while fifth seed Jelena the start of the match, reeling off play best-of-three set (to decide Errani, 26, broke her inexpe- two sets. I played nothing really Jankovic of Serbia thrashed Italy’s five games including two service a winner),” the 2011 French Open rienced opponent three times in special but I had to fight in the Possible Court Change - [Q] M Lucic- Karin Knapp 6-0, 6-2 breaks to jump to a 5-0 lead in champion said. “I knew that if I the first set to post a 6-0, 6-4 win third set. Baroni (CRO) vs S Cirstea (ROU) or [2] A Earlier, top seed Li Na over- the first set. play more defense, (my) opponent in just 59 minutes. In another “I am really glad that I came Radwanska (POL) came a slight stutter in the sec- Rybarikova, however, halted will play more aggressive. second-round clash, Russian wild- back in the third set,” the 2011 Not Before 8:00 pm ond set to nail a place in the last the arrest by holding serve in “So I was really happy in the card Alisa Kleybanova eased past Wimbledon champion said. Possible Court Change Y Wickmayer (BEL) 16 of the $2.5m event. game six but Li Na was not to end I win the match, because Switzerland’s Stefanie Voegele In another match, Yanina vs J Cepelova (SVK) “Yes, I had a good start but she be denied in game seven as the this was my first match after 6-3, 6-2 in 74 minutes. Wickmayer stunned Caroline COURT 1 start 3:30 pm played really well in the second Chinese tennis powerhouse won Australian Open,” LI Na said. Meanwhile, Germany’s Annika Wozniacki 6-4, 7-5. [WC] A Kleybanova (RUS) vs set,” Li Na said about her match. the first set at 6-1. “I know I really, how do you Beck rallied from a set down to THE PENINSULA [5] J Jankovic (SRB) QTF, Total extend Qatar Open deal for three years M Niculescu (ROU) vs [4] S Errani (ITA) Del Potro overpowers Possible Court Change - K Zakopalova (CZE) vs [6] A Kerber (GER) Possible Court Change - [7] S Halep (ROU) Monfils in Rotterdam or K Kanepi (EST) vs A Beck (GER) COURT 2 start 3:30 pm K Pliskova (CZE) / K Pliskova (CZE) vs [4] C ROTTERDAM, Netherlands: for consultations and a recovery Black (ZIM) / S Mirza (IND) Holder Juan Martin del Potro programme. “The wrist did well tested his delicate left wrist over today,” said the winner, who sent [PR] I Buryachok (UKR) / V Diatchenko (RUS) nearly one and three-quarter last week’s Montpellier champion vs [2] S Hsieh (TPE) / S Peng (CHN) hours as he beat Gael Monfils out on a second match point when Not Before 6:00 pm 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 yesterday at the he drove a forehand winner down TBA After Suitable Rest - [WC] J Jankovic Rotterdam World Tennis. the line. “I’m hoping it continues (SRB) / A Kleybanova (RUS) vs [6] R Kops- The Argentine top seed this way. If I can keep playing Jones (USA) / A Spears (USA) repeated his win over the flam- like this I will have done good Not Before 7:00 pm boyant and crowd-pleasing work. I’m very happy to be able Frenchman from 2013 when he to return and defend my title. TBA After Suitable Rest - [7] A beat Monfils at the Ahoy sta- “Gael is a good friend of mine Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) / N Petrova (RUS) vs dium in their only other meeting. and a big fighter. It is always so A Groenefeld (GER) / M Lucic-Baroni (CRO) Monfils came to the first-round tough to play him.” After start- COURT 3 start 3:30 pm start after winning a title at the ing off in somewhat poor humour [3] K Peschke (CZE) / K Srebotnik (SLO) vs C weekend and has been beaten in on Kids day in a noisy stadium, Garcia (FRA) / O Kalashnikova (GEO) 2014 only by Del Potro and Rafael Monfils settled in, matching Del Not Before 5:00 pm Nadal in a 12-3 season. Del Potro Potro in long rallies and occa- TBA After Suitable Rest - [1] S Errani (ITA) / is dealing with recovery on his sionally leaping for an overhead Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) President Nasser Al Kheliafi and Guillaume Chalmin, Managing Director of R Vinci (ITA) vs L Raymond (USA) / wrist which gave him pain at the or throwing himself at a passing Total E&P Qatar, during a press conference at Khalifa Tennis Complex in Doha yesterday. QTF and Qatar Total S Zhang (CHN) yesterday extended their sponsorship of Qatar Open for another three years. Australian Open and sent him to shot and rolling on the hardcourt. an American specialist last month AFP COURT 4 start 5:00 PM Sporting grandeur awaits fans in Singapore

BY CHRIS EVERT (WTA) is the world’s leading global adrenaline-pumping sports, Singapore trophy aloft at the end of the event– sport for women, boasting one bil- is certainly placed for success as a host while possibly also clinching the year-end ELE hoisting the World Cup. lion fans following its 54 events and city. Home to diverse cultures, two iconic World No. 1 ranking. Doha winning the bid to host the four Grand Slams across 33 countries, integrated resorts and host of Formula Every match is like a Grand Slam PWTA year-end Championships and the most recognizable and popular 1’s only night race since 2008, Singapore final. Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, in 2008-2011. Venus Williams accepting female athletes on the planet. Martina welcomed a record 14.5 million visitor Victoria Azarenka, Li Na…you can bet the Championships trophy from Sheikha Navratilova, Steffi Graf, me (Chris arrivals and $23.1bn in tourism receipts you will see these megastars in action Mozah of Qatar. Qatar winning the bid Evert!), Serena Williams, Monica Seles, in 2012.” in Singapore, along with in all probabil- for the 2022 World Cup. Nadia Comaneci Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Justin These Singapore WTA Championships ity one or two breakthrough stars like scoring a perfect 10 at the Olympic Henin, Martina Hingis…you probably will be held in what can only be described a young Sloane Stephens or Eugenie Games. recognise a few of these names. And as far and away the very best, most cut- Bouchard. When I think of the truly memora- guess what they have all not only won ting-edge sporting complex the event No one knows for sure who will ble and iconic moments in the world of Grand Slams and dozens of WTA tour- has seen – the $1.3bn Singapore Sports emerge from another long, tough WTA sport – the ones where you remember naments, each and every one is a WTA Hub, featuring multiple sporting and season to secure their qualification for exactly where you were when they hap- Championships champion. entertainment arenas and fan zones the WTA Championships in Singapore, pened – more often than not they have From its storied days at Madison level of sporting grandeur, spectacle and that will make for a true entertainment but what we do know is that it will be taken place at a “pinnacle” event. Square Garden in New York, to the entertainment. A season-ending finale destination. the very best WTA Championships in An event that every athlete dreams recent spectacular stagings in Istanbul, featuring the world’s very best female And these WTA Championships in our history. of participating in from the moment she the WTA Championships for over 40 athletes, battling for the No.1 ranking Singapore will also for the very first time I know where I will be in October to or he was a young child and that is the years has produced historic moments, and a place in history by winning what become a true sport entertainment spec- witness amazing sporting moments and singular focus at the start of each year; an crowned World No. 1’s, and defined the can only be called the “5th major” after tacle, with an expanded 10 day schedule a world champion being crowned in the event that determines who is the world careers of champions in incredible cities the four Grand Slams. featuring not only the very best WTA sensational city of Singapore. And I hope champion; that defines a season or even around the world. They will be playing for the very first stars battling to be crowned cham- you can join us in person or through the a career. Tennis fans in Qatar have of course time in Asia-Pacific, symbolic of the pion, but also Rising Star and Legends multi-media channels beaming the WTA And more often than not they take experienced the excitement first hand, meteoric growth of women’s tennis in events,daily fan festivals, a business con- Championships to close to 200 countries place in iconic cities of the world, cities the fabulous city of Doha having hosted the world’s most populous and fastest ference, industry forums, music events around the world from October 17 to 26 that come to be defined in part by the three fantastic editions of the WTA growing region, where a record 17 WTA and a VIP Experience that will provide as history is once again made. role they played in hosting these pre- Championships from 2008-10, with events are now held and where Li Na of the most inspirational and exciting WTA Chris Evert is the official Ambassador cious moments of sporting history (and Venus, Serena and popular Belgian Kim China is as big a star as the world now Championships experience in the history of the WTA Championships – Singapore vice-versa), when the eyes of the world Clijsters lifting the coveted Billie Jean holds based on numbers of fans. of the WTA. 2014-2018 and a legend of the WTA, are momentarily diverted from all of the King Trophy. And for its first foray into Asia for The “Road to Singapore” has already having finished the year ranked No. 1 political and social complexity of human- And now as we enter 2014 and for a a WTA Championships, what more begun, with the WTA Championships seven times, won 18 Grand Slam sin- kind and singularly focused on a great five year run that will carry through dynamic city could this be than Singapore. serving as our 54 events’ season ending gles titles, 157 WTA singles titles and sporting spectacle that brings people 2018, the WTA – in partnership with the A cosmopolitan and innovative city “World Cup”. The dream of every player the season-ending WTA Championships together. sensational city of Singapore – is poised for world-class entertainment, culinary is to set foot in the Singapore Sports Hub four times. The Women’s Tennis Association to take its “World Cup” to a whole new excellence, global business exchanges, and and to hold the WTA Championships wtatennis.com THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Sri Lanka win thriller against Bangladesh

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh: Rahman gave the hosts a flying Thisara Perera removed dan- start with an opening stand of 52 ger man Anamul Haque off the in six overs, before both batsmen Belgian rider Tom Boonen final ball to hand Sri Lanka fell in the space of two overs to (right) of Omega-Pharma a dramatic two-run victory make it 64-2. Quickstep team celebrates over Bangladesh in the first Shakib Al Hasan helped on winning stage four of Twenty20 international in Anamul add 43 for the third the Tour of Qatar 2014 in Chittagong yesterday. wicket, but Bangladesh lost four Mesaieed yesterday. Sri Lanka, the world’s top- quick wickets to slip from 107-2 ranked Twenty20 side, made in the 14th over to 158-6. PICTURES BY: SALIM 168-7 after being sent in to bat Anamul faltered when it mat- MATRAMKOT and then restricted Bangladesh tered most to leave Sri Lanka to 166-7 to take the lead in the victors as Thisara Perera and two-match series. Nuwan Kulasekara finished with With Bangladesh needing 17 two wickets each. runs from the final over, Anamul For Sri Lanka, left-handed smashed 14 runs off the first five opener Kusal Perera top-scored deliveries, but then gave Perera with 64 off 44 balls, but he found a return catch with the last ball. little support from the rest of the Anamul returned disappointed top order batsmen. Sri Lanka after making a gallant 58 off 45 were reduced to 120-6 in the balls with seven boundaries, 15th over, before Kulasekara and including three in the tense final Thisara Perera boosted the total over. with a seventh-wicket partner- Tour of Qatar Tamim Iqbal and Shamsur ship of 44 from 31 balls. AFP Results Scoreboard Brilliant Boonen MESAIEED, Qatar: Results SRI LANKA BANGLADESH of the Tour of Qatar fourth K Perera c Anamul b Sunny ...... 64 Tamim Iqbal c Mathews b T Perera ...... 30 stage, a 135km ride from T Dilshan b Mortaza ...... 0 Shamsur Rahman c and b Mendis ...... 22 Dukhan to Mesaieed on D Chandimal c Reza b Shakib ...... 18 Anamul Haque c and b T Pereraq ...... 58 Wednesday: K Sangakkara c Nasir b Shakib ...... 11 Shakib Al Hasan b Kulasekara ...... 26 S Prasanna c Nasir b Sunny ...... 4 Nasir Hossain c T Perera b Malinga ...... 16 1. Tom Boonen (BEL/Omega Pharma) 2hr A Mathews (run out) ...... 11 Mithun Ali c Mathews b Kulasekara ...... 0 22min 34sec, 2. Andre Greipel (GER) s.t., T Perera (not out) ...... 19 Farhad Reza (run out) ...... 7 wins stage four 3. Barry Markus (NED) s.t., 4. Aidis Kruopis N Kulasekara c Shamsur b Mortaza ...... 31 Sohag Gazi (not out) ...... 0 (LIT) s.t., 5. Sam Bennett (IRL) s.t., 6. Jacopo S Senanayake (not out)...... 0 Extras (B-1, LB-4, W-1, NB-1) ...... 7 Guarneri (ITA) s.t., 7. Arnaud Démare (FRA) Extras (LB-7, W-3) ...... 10 Total (for 7 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 166 s.t., 8. Michael Vn Staeyen (BEL) s.t., 10. Total (for 7 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 168 Fall of wickets: 1-52, 2-64, 3-107, 4-132, Terpstra retains the golden jersey in Doha Barnhard Eisel (AUT) s.t. Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-61, 3-77, 4-87, 5-116, 5-134, 6-158, 7-166. Overall Standings 6-120, 7-164. Bowling: Malinga 4-0-34-1 (nb1); Kulasekara DOHA: After a day of quite one stage. I think you are a little the first hour of cycling. 1. Niki Terpstra (NED/Omega Pharma) 9hr Bowling: Mortaza 4-0-43-2; Gazi 3-0-29-0; 4-0-29-2; Senanayake 3-0-21-0 (w1); Mendis cycling during the time trial on bit more relaxed and you don’t The first intermediate sprint 19min 38sec, 2. Tom Boonen (BEL) at 17s, 3. Rubel 4-0-27-0 (w1); Shakib 4-0-27-2; Sunny 4-0-29-1; T Perera 4-0-42-2; Prasanna 1-0-6-0. Tuesday, four-time champion make any mistakes,” Boonen said (at 60.5-km mark) that race Jurgen Roelandts (BEL) 20, 4. Ian Stannard 3-0-17-2 (w1); Reza 2-0-18-0 (w1). Result: Sri Lanka won by two runs. Tom Boonen of Belgium yester- after the fast-paced stage. leader Niki Terpstra failed to (GBR) 37, 5. Guillaume Van Keirsbulck (BEL) day won stage four at the Tour “But it’s also about being in a fight for, due to a puncture, was 47, 6. Michael Morkov (DEN) 48, 7. Marcel of Qatar where Omega-Pharma very good condition, and knowing claimed by Michael Morkov Sieberg (GER) 51, 8. Stijn Vandenbergh Quickstep team-mate Niki when you can go: that gives you (TCS) ahead of Roelandts (LTB) (BEL) 1:00, 9. Karsten Kroon (NED) 1:21, 10. Sri Lankan Terpstra retained the golden the confidence not to make mis- and Karsten Kroon (TCS). Philippe Gilbert (BEL) 1:23. captain Dinesh jersey. takes,” the Belgian added. At the 87-km mark, Philippe Chandimal Maintaining a speed of 56.8- To those who thought Boonen Gilbert (BMC), like on day two, of 56.8 km/h, the Belgian claimed (second right) km/h, Boonen outsprinted was no longer a master of sprints, tried his luck at the front, taking his 22nd stage win in Qatar, his celebrates with German rider Andre Greipel the Belgian gave quite an answer with him Jarl Salomein (TSV). second this year after conquering team-mates after (Lotto Belisol) to claim stage four on day four of the Tour of Qatar. After enjoying a 20-second stage two in Al Khor. their win against that began Dukhan and ended in After one of the fastest stages lead at km 89, both men were Third spot of the sprint went Bangladesh in Mesaieed after the cyclists cov- in the event’s history, the OPQ caught back as the pack again to Dutchman Markus. their T20 match at ered a distance of 135kms. rider made the best of a bunched exploded into several groups at Part of the leading group, like the Zahur Ahmed Dutch rider Barry Markus sprint to beat Greipel and km 96, under the influence of the all of his team-mates, Terpstra Chowdhury (Belkin Pro Cycling Team), Markus. crosswind. retained command of the overall Lithuania’s Aidis Kruopis (Orica A fast stage was to be expected Around 30 riders including all standings and now has a 17-sec- Stadium in Greenedge) and Ireland’s Sam as the 149 riders of the Tour of the OPQ boys powered away while ond lead over Boonen. Chittagong, Bennett (Team NetApp-Endura) Qatar gathered in Dukhan, west Boom , Fabian Cancellara (TFR) Terpstra will carry on wearing yesterday. completed the top five for the day. of the country, for the start of the and Arnaud Demare (FDJ) got the golden jersey on today’s penul- Boonen, who reserved his day’s race. trapped behind. timate stage in the north of Qatar. energy during Tuesday’s individ- Strong winds were blow- The gap grew rapidly and Thanks to his win, Boonen List of Players Sold in IPL 7 Auction ual time trial, yesterday sealed ing across the peninsula and reached 38 seconds at the 120-km takes command of the points’ his 22nd stage win in Qatar in a were to be favourable along the mark but 50 men, without Boom classification while Guillaume Van BANGALORE: Following is the list of cricketers, who have been photo-finish. 135-kilometre course heading to and Cancellara, gathered together Keirsbulck (OPQ) remains best sold so far in the auction for the seventh edition of the Indian Boonen - who also nailed stage Mesaieed, on the eastern coast again with 5 kilometres to go. young rider. Premier League (IPL) here yesterday: two on Monday - is now just 18 of Qatar. The decision was to be made in A smiling Boonen said: “I just CHENNAI SUPER KINGS seconds adrift of OPQ team-mate The pace was extremely fast a bunched sprint on the long final let him (Greipel) start and waited Faf Du Plessis (South Africa) ...... Rs.4,75,00,000 Terpstra who finished out of the straight from the start. After the straight in Mesaieed. With some until he was on speed, because I Dwayne Smith (West Indies) ...... Rs.4,50,00,000 top-10 yesterday but still retained pack split after only 4 kilometres of the best sprinting specialists in knew I had that 100 metre punch. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) ...... Rs.3,25,00,000 the golden jersey. and Lars Boom suffered a punc- the world present in Qatar, the That’s what I’ve been working DELHI DAREDEVILS Dutch rider Jurgen Roelandts ture, all but 50 dropped riders battle proved to be spectacular on since I started training. It was (Lotto Belisol) is third overall at bunched up again at the 36-km as Boonen only just beat Greipel. to get my punch back, that I’ve Dinesh Karthik (India) ...... Rs.12,50,00,000 20 seconds behind Terpstra in the mark. The difference between both maybe lose a little bit. But it’s still Kevin Pietersen (England)...... Rs.9,00,00,000 general classification. Led by team OPQ, the pack was men on the line: 0.003 of a second. there, you just have to wake it up Murali Vijay (India) ...... Rs.5,00,00,000 “It helped that I’ve already won to cover 58.9 kilometres during At an impressive average speed a little bit.” THE PENINSULA Mohammad Shami (India) ...... Rs.4,25,00,000 Quinton De Kock (South Africa) ...... Rs.3,50,00,000 Manoj Tiwary (India) ...... Rs.2,80,00,000 Gold Jersey Jean-Paul Duminy (South Africa) ...... Rs.2,20,00,000 winner Niki Rahul Sharma (India) ...... Rs.1,90,00,000 Terpstra with a KINGS XI PUNJAB cycling official. Mitchell Johnson (Australia) ...... Rs.6,50,00,000 RIGHT: Silver George Bailey (Australia) ...... Rs.3,25,00,000 Jersey winner Virender Sehwag (India) ...... Rs.3,20,00,000 Tom Boonen Wriddhiman Saha (India) ...... Rs.2,20,00,000 celebrates after Shaun Marsh (Australia) ...... Rs.2,20,00,000 receiving the Cheteshwar Pujara (India) ...... Rs.1,90,00,000 prize from QCF Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka) ...... Rs.1,60,00,000 Board Member MUMBAI INDIANS Mohamed Michael Hussey (Australia) ...... Rs.5,00,00,000 Al Hamoud. Pragyan Ojha (India) ...... Rs.3,25,00,000 BOTTOM: Zaheer Khan (India) ...... Rs.2,60,00,000 White Pearl Rajasthan Royals Jersey winner Steven Smith (Australia) ...... Rs.4,00,00,000 Guillaume Van Brad Hodge (Australia) ...... Rs.2,40,00,000 Keirsbulck with ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE the Assistant Yuvraj Singh (India) ...... Rs.14,00,00,000 General Mitchell Starc (Australia) ...... Rs.5,00,00,000 Secretary of QCF Albie Morkel (South Africa)...... Rs.2,40,00,000 Nasser Al Kaabi. Ashok Dinda (India) ...... Rs.1,50,00,000 Parthiv Patel (India) ...... Rs.1,40,00,000 Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) ...... Rs.1,00,00,000 Ravi Rampaul (Sri Lanka) ...... Rs.90,00,000 SUNRISERS HYDERABAD Meersman victorious David Warner (Australia) ...... Rs.5,50,00,000 Amit Mishra (India) ...... Rs.4,75,00,000 Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India)...... Rs.4,25,00,000 on final day in Mallorca Aaron Finch (Australia) ...... Rs.4,00,00,000 Darren Sammy (West Indies) ...... Rs.3,50,00,000 Ishant Sharma (India) ...... Rs.2,60,00,000 MADRID: Belgian Gianni Meersman claimed the Alcudia Trophy Irfan Pathan (India) ...... Rs.2,40,00,000 on the final day of the Mallorca challenge yesterday. KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS The Omega Pharma-Quick-Step rider pipped Spaniard Jose Francisco Ventoso and Britain’s Ben Swift in a sprint to the line to Jacques Kallis (South Africa) ...... Rs.5,50,00,000 win the 162km ride from Muro to Alcudia in a time of three hours Robin Uthappa (India) ...... Rs.5,00,00,000 50min 07secs. It was a second consecutive day that the Belgian team Piyush Chawla (India) ...... Rs.4,25,00,000 came out on top after Poland’s Michal Kwiatowski won the Serra de Yusuf Pathan (India) ...... Rs.3,25,00,000 Tramuntana Trophy on Tuesday. Italian Sacha Modolo claimed victory Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) ...... Rs.2,80,00,000 for Lampre Merida on the opening two days of the four-stage event Morne Morkel (South Africa) ...... Rs.2,80,00,000 which consists of four separate races without a general classification. Ranganath Vinay Kumar (India) ...... Rs.2,80,00,000 AFP Umesh Yadav (India) ...... Rs.2,60,00,000 Thursday 13 February 2014 13 Rabial II 1435 Volume 18 Number 5974 Sport Price: QR2

Region’s top Chelsea title rally drivers bid stumbles head to Doha after draw

Sport | 23 Sport |25

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Man United’s revenue rises Marsh, Smith put despite league struggles Australia on top LONDON: Manchester United may be struggling to defend the Premier League title but their “disappointing” form has yet to Fifth-wicket pair in rescue act in Pretoria have an impact on their com- mercial performance. Hours before their match PRETORIA: Late call- start for the tourists, who were away to title contenders Arsenal, up Shaun Marsh scored an Scoreboard 83 for three at lunch and then United reported commercial unbeaten century in his first lost captain Michael Clarke soon income of £42.3m ($69.9m, 51.5m Australia (I innings): Test in two years to lead a mid- after.0 euros) -- up 18 percent for the C Rogers c Duminy b Morkel ...... 4 dle-order recovery as Australia Clarke was caught at deep fine quarter and 30 percent on the D Warner b Steyn ...... 12 closed at 297 for four on the leg off a short delivery from Dale year so far. A Doolan c Peterson b McLaren ...... 27 first day of the first Test against Steyn for 23 as the much-antic- In the quarter to December 31, S Marsh (batting) ...... 122 South Africa yesterday. ipated clash between the highly United initiated six new sponsor- M Clarke c Philander b Steyn ...... 23 Marsh, who arrived only on rated batsman and bowler went ship deals, proof of the English S Smith (batting) ...... 91 Sunday as an emergency replace- Steyn’s way. football giants’ enduing global Extras (B-4, LB-7, W-6, NB-1) ...... 18 ment for the injured Shane But it was one of few highlights commercial appeal. Total (for 4 wkts) ...... 297 FROM LEFT: Rohit Sharma, Pragyan Ojha, Harbhajan Singh and Sachin Watson, was on 122 not out for the quicks on a fast track. This was despite a poor run Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-24, 3-72, 4-98. Tendulkar, members of the Mumbai Indians team winner of the IPL 6, from 232 balls, and will resume Early on it looked as if South of results under new manager To bat: B Haddin, M Johnson, P Siddle, R pose with the trophy after the final in Kolkata in this May 26, 2013 file at SuperSport Park today with African captain Graeme Smith David Moyes that has left United Harris, N Lyon. picture. Steven Smith, unbeaten on 91. had made the right decision by in seventh place, a huge 16 points Bowling: D Steyn 20-4-54-2; V Philander The pair put on an unbroken asking Australia to bat, but by the behind Premier League leaders 16-2-55-0; M Morkel 18-5-56-1 (w-1); R fifth-wicket partnership of 199 to end of the day that was in the bal- Chelsea and in danger of miss- McLaren 16-4-53-1 (nb-1; w-1); R Peterson steady the tourists, who had been ance. He had admitted at the toss ing out on a place in next season’s 10-0-34-0; JP Duminy 10-1-34-0. 98-4 just after lunch. he was uncertain. Yuvraj, Karthik win European Champions League. Marsh, beset by injury prob- After a fast start from United chief executive Ed lems and a lack of runs over the have been hard for him being here Australia, South Africa removed Woodward, while welcoming the past year, was something of a only three days,” Smith said of both openers quickly to leave the figures, admitted the club’s on- gamble by the Australian selec- Marsh’s effort. tourists on 24-2. lucrative contracts field form was a concern. tors, but after offering a difficult “He was amazing all day, he let First David Warner (12) “We once again achieved a catch on 12, he saw off South the ball come into his areas and chopped a Steyn delivery on to BANGALORE: Five players - Kings XI Punjab successfully bids record revenue quarter with Africa’s vaunted attack on a pip- then capitalised on it. his stumps, before Chris Rogers Yuvraj Singh, Dinesh Karthik, for fast bowler Mitchell Johnson strong contributions from our ing hot day. “We knew it would be tough (four) was brilliantly caught by a Kevin Pietersen, Glen Maxwell for Rs.6.5 crore ($1.08m) and fel- commercial and broadcasting It was his second Test century, initially but it has turned into a diving JP Duminy at short leg off and Mitchell Johnson - bagged low-allrounder Glenn Maxwell for businesses despite the current after his first on debut against Sri good wicket and there are now a a rising Morne Morkel ball that million-dollar contracts even as Rs.6 crore ($1m). league position, which everyone Lanka in 2011. couple of cracks developing. So we rapped him on the gloves. the eight franchise teams point- Also winning a lucrative con- from the team manager down has Smith provided ample backing, will want to get a big first-innings Debutant Alex Doolan (27) edly ignored Sri Lankan and tract was 23-year old Kiwi Corey acknowledged is disappointing,” matching Marsh with 12 fours in total and then hope the cracks was out 15 minutes before lunch, English cricketers on the open- Anderson who recently set a he said. his innings. begin to play a part in the game.” caught at mid-wicket by Robin ing day of the Indian Premier ODI World record of 36-ball cen- “We continue to see meaningful “It took the rest of us a week The pair pushed the run rate Peterson as he tried to pull Ryan League (IPL) players’ auction tury as Mumbai Indians bagged opportunities to grow our com- to get over the jet lag, so it must up considerably after an uneasy McLaren to the on-side. AFP here yesterday. him for Rs.4.5 crore ($750,000) mercial business and the popular- Among the leading stars who and also former Aussie batsman ity of football on TV is leading to remained unsold on the open- Mike Hussey for Rs.5 crore continued broadcasting revenue ing day were Sri Lanka’s Mahela ($833,000). growth -- all of which bodes well Jayawardene, and South Africans With the Sri Lankans sched- for the long-term stability and Vernon Philander and Wayne uled to tour England this sum- financial strength of our business. Parnell. mer, the franchises were obviously “We are also very pleased to The auction will resume today averse to bidding for players from have added a world class player in when the uncapped and unsold these two countries. Juan Mata to our squad, who has players will be available for bids. Among the big losers were the already made a positive impact.” Royal Challengers Bangalore Pathan brothers, Irfan and Yusuf, AFP picked up Yuvraj at Rs.14 crore and Saurabh Tiwary all of whom (approximately $2.3m), while commanded far less price. Delhi Daredevils made a suc- Yusuf, bought by Knight Riders Hodgson rules cessful bid for Karthik at Rs.12.5 in 2011 for $2.1m, had to settle for crore ($2.08m). Rs.3.25 crore ($540,000) with the out Terry Royal Challengers appeared a same team. bit miffed that they paid out an Irfan whom the now-defunct England return additional Rs.4 crore to Yuvraj Pune Warriors had bought for after they bid Rs.10 crore only $1.9m in 2011, will now play for to see the auctioneer Richard Sunrisers Hyderabad who won LONDON: England manager Madley re-opened the bid to him for Rs.2.4 crore ($400,000). Roy Hodgson yesterday ruled allow Kolkata Knight Riders Tiwary was bought for $1.6 out the possibility of former cap- into the ring. The bid eventually million by Royal Challengers tain John Terry coming out of ended at Rs.14 crore in favour of Bangalore in 2011, but this time retirement to play for his coun- RCB after KKR pulled out at Rs around, he managed only a con- try at this year’s World Cup. 13.5 crore. tract Rs.70 lakh ($116,000). Terry, 33, retired from interna- Pietersen, unceremoniously Much of the action was during tional football in September 2012 dropped from the England squad the pre-lunch session when there after the Football Association earlier this month following the was a frenzy of buying, but the charged him with racially abusing disastrous Ashes tour of Australia, latter half of the day saw the fran- Queens Park Rangers defender went back to Delhi Daredevils chises on the quieter side with an Anton Ferdinand during a Australia’s Shaun Marsh plays a stroke during day one of the first Test match against South Africa at SuperSport who used the Right To Match eye to their fast depleting salary Premier League game for Chelsea. Park in Centurion, yesterday. (RTM) to keep the hard-hitting caps while saving some funds for He had previously been cleared batsman for Rs.9 crore ($1.5m). the morrow. IANS of racially abusing Ferdinand at a criminal trial and said that the FA’s decision to pursue charges against him made his position “untenable”. He was later banned for four Anti-Doping Lab Qatar gets ABP accreditation games by the FA over the incident and fined £220,000 ($365,000, DOHA: Anti-Doping Lab Qatar Athletes Biological passport testing 268,000 euros). (ADLQ) - the first specialised labo- is a relatively new kind of testing and England qualified for the World ratory of its kind in the Middle East is becoming vital in the war against The Anti-Doping Lab Cup without Terry, conceding - has got the accreditation to conduct Doping. Qatar (ADLQ) build- only four goals in the process, Athletes Biological Passport (ABP) “We are excited and proud. This is ing in Doha. ADLQ, but his commanding perform- tests, it was revealed here yesterday. one of the most important moments the first specialised ances for Chelsea this season have “After several tests and checks, in the Laboratory’s life and this is the laboratory of its kind prompted calls in the media for WADA Executive Committee has begining of our success story. This in the Middle East, Hodgson to reinstate him. certified that ADLQ has fulfilled all accreditation makes us well within has got the accredi- Terry has formed a strong the required and the lab is officially schedule to obtain full accreditation tation to conduct partnership in central defence authorised now to test blood samples by the end of the year,” said ADLQ Athletes Biological with current England interna- for the Athletes Biological Passport General Manager Dr Muhammad tional Gary Cahill, but Hodgson Passport (ABP) tests, with immediate effect. This is a great Alsyarafi, does not intend to ask him to it was revealed here achievement for the Lab and will moti- Director of Doping Analysis make the trip to Brazil for the vate ADLQ team towards achieving Laboratory, Dr Costas Georgakopoulos yesterday. World Cup. WADA accreditation for Anti-Doping said: “This is time of joy. We have a lot “John has retired and as far as tests and analyses,” ADLQ said in a of work ahead and the sky is the limit.” I am concerned, that is the situ- press release here yesterday THE PENINSULA ation,” Hodgson said. AFP