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12 January 2013 30 Safar 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5577 Price: QR2 ON SATURDAY

Chilly winds to bring mercury down further DOHA: Winter has finally arrived in Qatar, and weather forecasters have pre- dicted a chiller day today with winds con- tinuing and getting stronger at places. High pressure over the Arabian Gulf is causing the windy weather, and north-west- erly winds blowing from Europe will bring in more chill, according to the forecasters. There will be slight dust and high seas offshore. The minimum temperature in Doha is expected to be 13 degrees Celsius, while day temperatures are forecast to be around 20 degrees Celsius. Abu Samra is to witness the coldest day so far today with the maximum tempera- ture forecast at 17 degrees Celsius, while the night is to be colder with the mercury dropping to 11 degrees Celsius. Winds will be strong with dust in the coastal area compared to other parts of the country because of the high pressure pre- vailing over the Gulf. The winds will cause the sea to be high and rough, a forecaster said. The haze caused by strong winds and clouds at places would reduce visibility to a moderate level of three to seven kilometres. The wind will continue to blow from the north-westerly direction with a speed of 15 to 25 knots onshore and up to 25 to 35 knots offshore. Strong winds in the coastal areas will affect open places, leading to dust in the air and affecting visibility. Waves are likely to reach a height of two to four feet near the shore and nine to 13 feet offshore. People welcomed the cold spell yesterday while strong winds played havoc in some places. The glass door of a newly-opened res- taurant near the Corniche was damaged by winds on Friday night. The restaurant had to function yesterday without a door as it needs to be replaced. EXISTENCE “Something carried by wind hit the door and damaged it. We need to replace it,” said a restaurant staff. THE ISSUE THE PENINSULA US, Karzai support opening

The Doha Centre for Media The DCMF is, additionally, coordinating with “We will continue with our training pro- Abraham Augusthy Doha office for Taliban talks Freedom (DCMF) estimates that advocates of media freedom and is in touch with gramme in Pakistan and plan to hold six more various United Nations organisations as also workshops,” Bardawil said. WASHINGTON: The White House and more than 80 citizen-journalists Syrian opposition leaders on the issue. “Their Prominent Qatari journalist Abdullah Al Design: Afghan President Hamid Karzai yes- have been killed in Syria in the 22 response is positive…The situation in Syria is Attbah said that since journalists were not terday said they supported opening an months since the uprising began in critical.” protected in Syria, he didn’t want to venture office in Doha for negotiations between The DCMF gets requests from citizen-jour- there. “The problem is related to the double the Kabul regime and authorised repre- the country. nalists in Syria for financial assistance for med- standards of the West. They don’t want to end sentatives of the Taliban. After a meet- ical treatment in cases of injuries and provides violence in Syria, while they are taking action ing with Karzai, President Barack Obama it readily so that the beneficiaries recover fast in Mali”. said Nato troops would speed up transfer hat is close to the total number of and get back to work. “This kind of crucial suc- Attbah told this newspaper yesterday: of lead security responsibility to Afghan journalists (88) who perished last cour is provided both inside and outside Syria,” Journalists must be defended, respected and forces this spring, in a sign the pace of US year covering armed conflicts, revo- said Bardawil. spared like medical and aid workers are. The troop withdrawals could quicken. Tlutions and other events across the “We don’t have representatives in Syria and international community must ensure this.” See also page 12 world, including the Arab Spring countries, the instead boast a network of friends. Divulging Aside from the protective gear that can be deadliest of which was Syria. details can, obviously, be dangerous.” given to scribes covering war zones or revo- Women get one-fifth of seats A genre of citizen-journalists had emerged in Gaza and Pakistan are among the almost per- lutions, what is more important is that they Syria after the uprising began and the repres- ennially dangerous territories for journalists to should enjoy legal protection. in Saudi Shura Council sive regime started relentlessly targeting peace- do their work. In Gaza, two scribes were killed “Qatar’s existing media law is old and archaic, RIYADH: The Custodian of the Two Holy ful protesters and, later, began using military and several were left injured during the recent yet no incident has so far been reported that Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz force against civilians. These citizen-journalists conflict with Israel. involved harassment of journalists,” he said. of Saudi Arabia yesterday appointed were using social media to tell their stories. The DCMF has lined up at least three work- A new media law is waiting to be imple- women to a fifth of the seats in the Shura “Anyone using any kind of social media to shops on safety of journalists in Gaza in the mented here and it would accord journalists the Council, which advises the government tell the story of what’s happening inside Syria coming days. “We are going to hold training status of public servants in the case of attack on new legislation. The council has had 12 is a citizen-journalist,” said Ayman Bardawil, sessions on safety so journalists are better or assault. women “advisers” since 2006. In two royal programmes manager of DCMF. “We are con- prepared when they cover war zones,” said “That would protect us scribes immensely decrees, King Abdullah reconstituted PAGEtinuously monitoring 6 the situation of citizen- Bardawil. against any assault or attack as also encour- the council for a new four-year term and journalists in Syria.” In Pakistan, the Centre, in association with age fellow Qatari citizens to join journalism in ordered that women should always hold at He told The Peninsula yesterday: “Our web- a local organisation, conducted a number of increasing numbers,” he said. least 20 percent of the seats. site team is monitoring casualties among citi- workshops for journalists that partly focused THE PENINSULA See also page 8 zen-journalists there.” on safety. See also page 2 AGENCIES

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 JANUARY 12, 2013 ON SATURDAY 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Home On dangerous assignments The Arab Spring was about journalists spoke about was the issue international conference organised freedom, dignity and of impunity for killers of journalists, by the National Human Rights democracy, but it also drew and this is something we are work- Committee (NHRC) earlier in January international attention to the ing on following our participation in to discuss protection of journalists in risks journalists covering the UNESCO meeting in Vienna in dangerous situations , which brought revolutions and armed November,” he added. together delegates from international conflicts are exposed to “The issue of safety of journalists organisations, including the UN, sev- under the watchful eyes of in the Arab region is frightening. As eral press freedom groups and govern- oppressive regimes and in the well as monitoring the situation, we ment officials. midst of gunshots, bombings are trying to do something about it. We “Although the United Nations and and fierce battles. have found that training for journalists its agencies have a wide range of tools in the Arab world is either incomplete, and instruments which can address sporadic or irrelevant to the needs and the issue of safety, scores of journal- BY MOHAMMED IQBAL Al Jazeera dangers journalists face,” said Mafkhi ists and media workers continue to cameraman adding “that is why we are trying to be killed every year while carrying li Hassan Al Jaber, a Qatari Ali Hassan Al Jaber, introduce a programme that covers all out their professional responsibilities. cameraman working for Al who was killed in aspects of safety.” Many such abuses are not investigated Jazeera who was killed in Libya in 2011 In January 2012, DCMF organised and remain unpunished,” said a state- ALibya in March 2011 became a meeting of experts on “supporting ment issued after the conference. a symbol of media freedom, his death Arab media in transitional and post- The meeting called on the UN to triggering heated debate in the Qatari conflict contexts” in Doha. During develop new tools to bind all states to community about the safety of citi- the meeting, fifteen representatives acknowledging and accepting a stand- zens working as journalists in conflict of media development organisations, ing obligation to provide safeguards zones. “The reason for the unprecedented to journalists working in such places. news organisations and academic and protection to journalists beyond Al Jaber was killed in an ambush number of journalists killed in 2012 With this in view, the Doha Center for institutions based in the Middle East the provisions of the UN Security near the city of Benghazi in eastern is mainly the war in Syria, the chaos Media Freedom (DCMF) launched the and Europe exchanged their opinions Council resolution reminding states Libya. He was returning to Benghazi in Somalia and Taliban violence in Ali Hassan Al Jaber Safety Training and experiences on the subject. of their obligations to give journalists from a nearby town after filing a Pakistan,” says Reporters Without Programme for journalists, named The closed door discussions protection as civilians in situations of report from an opposition protest Borders secretary-general Christophe after the slain Qatari cameraman. revolved around the question of how conflict. when unknown fighters opened fire Deloire. The Center said while launching media development organisations It called on governments to respect on a car he and his colleagues were “These men and women act as the programme that it had identified should respond to the opportunities the letter and spirit of all international travelling in. He was hit by three shots reporters, photographers and video- a serious need for increased safety and challenges posed by the popular instruments they have signed up to, and was wounded through the heart. journalists, documenting their day- awareness training to reduce the num- uprisings that have engulfed the Arab and of the binding and non-binding Al Jaber was not the first, nor will to-day lives and the government’s bers of journalists who lose their lives world since early 2011. resolutions, covenants and declarations he be the last, of the growing number crackdown on its opponents. Without in the line of duty. The meeting came out with a series of the United Nations. of journalists killed or wounded every their activities, the Syrian regime DCMF special programmes manager of recommendations, which covered International development insti- year all over the world while doing would be able to impose a complete and policy advisor, Hassan Rachidi, the safety and rights of journalists, tutions, such as the World Bank and their job in risky and often life-threat- news blackout on certain regions and and training coordinator Omar Mafkhi among other things. International Monetary Fund, should ening environments. continue massacring in secret,” says met with representatives of the local The experts stressed the need for scrutinise a country’s record on vio- The Middle East and North Africa, Reporters Without Borders in its media and officials to discuss the pro- prioritising safety training for journal- lence against journalists when assess- the springboard of the Arab revolu- report. gramme and possible future collabo- ists covering armed conflicts and mass ing their eligibility for grant of aid and tions, has become the deadliest place At least 17 journalists, 44 citizen- rations to improve safety training for protests, particularly for filmmakers other assistance, it said. in the world as far as journalists’ safety journalists and four media assistants journalists in the wider region. and photographers, who are specifi- States should agree that families of is concerned. were killed in Syria in 2012. “We need to do something, and we cally targeted by government security killed journalists have a right to com- The latest report from Reporters The report lists the other deadly are hoping to work with local part- forces. pensation, given directly or through Without Borders shows that the year countries for journalists as Somalia, ners to improve safety training for They felt that international pressure media institutions, and establish a soli- 2012 was exceptionally deadly, with a where 18 journalists were killed in journalists in the region,” said Rachidi, must be put on Arab governments to darity fund for the victims. 33 percent rise over 2011 in the number 2012, Pakistan (nine journalists and explaining that the programme will end a culture of impunity surrounding News organisations should acknowl- of journalists killed in connection with one media assistant killed), Mexico focus on journalists in conflict zones the death of journalists. edge their duty of care for all their their work. A total of 88 journalists (six journalists killed) and Brazil (five such as Somalia, Palestine, Syria, The participants called for new for- journalists, in particular news gather- lost their lives in 2012 — while cover- journalists killed). Iraq and Yemen, and work with local mats and practical ways to disseminate ers, whether staff or freelancers, and ing wars or bombings or murdered by “Pakistan was the world’s deadli- media workers covering events in these safety information as widely as pos- their responsibility to provide them groups linked to organised crime. est country for the media from 2009 countries. sible, including to citizen journalists. safety training and equipment, the Alarmingly, the Middle East and to 2011, and Balochistan continues to “One of the main issues the The DCMF meeting followed an participants said. North Africa region accounted for be one of the world’s most dangerous They should arrange for trauma the largest number of journalists killed regions. With its Tribal Areas, its bor- counselling through specialised organi- (26), while the other badly hit regions der with Afghanistan, its tension with sations such as the Dart Centre for were Asia (24) and sub-Saharan India and its chaotic political history, Journalism and Trauma, and increase Africa (21). Pakistan is one of the world’s most awareness and knowledge of interna- Reporters Without Borders says in complicated countries to cover,” says tional agreements and conventions in its report that this was the worst set the report. this regard, they said. of figures since it began producing an With several journalists from Qatar News organisations should provide annual roundup in 1995. The number still working in the Arab Spring coun- special training to women to protect of journalists murdered or killed was tries and other conflict zones, the them from sexual harassment and 67 in 2011, 58 in 2010 and 75 in 2009. report is a rude reminder of how they violent attacks directly targeting The previous record was in 2007, when are risking their lives to inform the them. 87 were killed. world about the brutalities committed The meeting urged journalists to be A total of 47 netizens and citizen- against innocent civilians by oppressive responsible for their own safety and journalists and six media assistants regimes and militant groups. undergo training before travelling to were also killed during in 2012. A The killing of Ali Hassan Al Jaber conflict zones. total of 879 journalists were arrested, in Libya caused an uproar in Qatar, They should be ready at all times to 1,993 journalists were threatened or with the Qatari com- 2012 help record any attack on journalists, physically attacked, 38 journalists munity at large and which can be used as evidence were kidnapped, 73 journalists fled the media and intel- in courts, and should develop an their country, 144 bloggers and neti- lectual circles in par- understanding of how military forces zens were arrested and 193 journalists ticular raising serious work and be ready to deal with them. were in prison as of December 18, 2012, questions about the The meeting called on the NHRC according to the report. lack of mechanisms to create a working group involving While several Arab Spring coun- to protect the lives of 88 6 47 all stakeholders to follow up the tries, including Egypt, Tunisia and journalists working in Journalists Media Netizens and recommendations. Libya are returning to normalcy fol- dangerous situations. The participants agreed to send lowing the success of popular revo- A number of issues killed assistants citizen journalists these recommendations to the lutions, Syria, where fierce fighting were raised, most president of the UN General Assembly continues, has become a deathtrap for importantly the need killed killed for adoption by that body. journalists as well as civilians. for proper training THE PENINSULA Home JANUARY 12, 2013 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 ON SATURDAY Sheikha Moza calls for constructive dialogue World conference on debate and dialogue begins

DOHA: H H Sheikha Moza awareness that must be between The opening session featured a bint Nasser opened the fourth people across society and must be session on ‘Sand Art and Arabic International Conference on rooted in education,” she further Poetry: Qatar Past and Present,’ Argumentation, Rhetoric, said. discussed by Shayma Al Mughairy Debate and the Pedagogy of “The challenges and condi- and Sabah Rabia Al Kuwari. Empowerment, at the Qatar tions of the future require con- It was followed by a panel National Convention Center, fident youth … youth with strong discussion on ‘Engaging Youth yesterday. personalities … youth who have in Constructive Dialogue to The conference in English and the acceptance of the other… who Promote Peace Understanding Arabic for the first time, and believe in dialogue and its logic… and Mutual Respect’, moderated being organised by QatarDebate, a who use critical thinking as a by Jassim Al Azzawi, Al Jazeera member of the Qatar Foundation, means… who use the culture of English with Professor Ibrahim is scheduled with discussions, peace and tolerance as a trend,” Al Naimi, The Doha International debates, and the sharing of ideas said Sheikha Moza. Center for Interfaith Dialogue in depth that will enable more The conference is attended (DICID), Qatar, Dr Aisha Al enlightened discourse in the 21st by scholars and educators from Mannai, College of Shariah and Century. many fields for vigorous dialogue Islamic Studies, Qatar University, “In today’s world, dialogue and and exchange. Professor Alfred C Snider, debate are more important than It aims to unite scholars of University of Vermont, the US, ever before. After centuries of argumentation and rhetoric, Dr David Cratis Williams, Florida clashes and resentment, power teachers, and organisers of local, Atlantic University, the US and struggles and conflicts, we now national and international debat- Dana Al Ansari, Carnegie Mellon have unprecedented opportu- ing networks to discuss critical University, as panelists. nities for dialogue and mutual thinking and advocacy discourse Case studies too were presented understanding. And this dialogue through pedagogy. by various scholars at the confer- cannot take place only between The four-day conference will ence on argumentation, rhetoric, leaders,” said Sheikha Moza in discuss many issues with both debate and the pedagogy, both in H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser answering a question from the floor at the opening session of the Fourth International her opening speech. Arab and non Arab experts and English and Arabic. Conference on Argumentation, Rhetoric, and the Pedagogy of Empowerment, hosted by QatarDebate, Qatar’s “Dialogue creates a structure of share their ideas. THE PENINSULA national debating organisation and a member of Qatar Foundation. MAHER ATTAR

Ashghal to launch road safety plan

DOHA: Ashghal will tomorrow consultants to prepare a general Ministry of Defence and Qatar launch a national plan for road strategy for road safety in the Media Authority. safety, which is expected to country. It is expected that under the bring in changes to traffic rules A nine-member committee plan, traffic rules and regula- and regulations and cover all headed by the Minister of State tions will be reviewed to ensure aspects of safety of individuals for Internal Affairs H E Sheikh smooth and safe traffic on the and vehicles on the roads. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa roads. The plan will cover all issues Al Thani was formed to address Changes are also expected in related to road safety, such as the issue. the current system of issuing the road design and health and traf- The members of the commit- driver’s licence. fic awareness, Al Sharq reported tee represent Ashghal, Supreme Fines and other punishments yesterday. Council of Health, Supreme for traffic violations are expected Ashghal had last year Education Council, Supreme to be addressed in detail in the invited bids from international Council for Family Affairs, new plan. THE PENINSULA

The US government delegation during a visit to the Qatar Foundation. Qatar Foundation hosts US government delegation

DOHA: Qatar Foundation place on campus were explained. the Middle East for the first time. for Education, Science and A 3D scale model of the site’s Speaking on behalf of the Community Development current buildings and construc- delegation, Senior Legislative hosted a delegation from the US tion projects was also on display. Assistant for Senator Charles E government participating in a Members of the delegation Schumer said: “Visiting Qatar cultural exchange programme. were impressed by the tremen- Foundation makes it clear how The delegation consisted of 23 dous growth that has taken dedicated Qatar is to building representatives from Congress, place since Qatar Foundation’s a knowledge economy, and it Department of State, and inauguration, in addition to the should be commended for this Department of Homeland wide breadth of academic and tremendous achievement. It’s Security. research opportunities that have very inspiring to see so many They were given a presenta- been made available on campus. resources amongst the universi- tion outlining the vision and The group is in Doha on a ties and institutions here dedi- mission of Qatar Foundation. 10-day visit to gain first-hand cated to building the nation’s Educational initiatives, commu- experience and perspective of future and to see such outstand- nity development plans and sci- the region’s heritage and values. ing leadership,” he said. entific research projects taking Many of the delegates are visiting THE PENINSULA ‘World needs more engineers’

DOHA: The World Congress Raed Al Emadi commented that and developing local talent and on Engineering Education “it is important at this stage to are pleased to work with Texas (WCEE 2013) concluded here wonder about whether or not we A&M University on WCEE 2013, on Thursday with a call for are doing the right thing. Usually, which will help share good prac- more and better engineers. people have the luxury of learning tices in engineering education, In closing remarks to the con- from their mistakes. and therefore benefit educational gress delegates and speakers, “However, there is a lot of com- institutions, and future engineer- Dr Karan Watson, President petition regionally and globally, ing students in Qatar.” of Accreditation Board for and not only in the hydrocar- National Academy of Engineering and Technology bon industry, but also in other Engineering member Dr and provost and executive vice- industries that push accelerated Christine Ehlig-Economedies president for Academic Affairs at development.” said of WCEE: “Meetings like Texas A&M University, said: “The The Texas A&M at Qatar Dean these bring together people you world is in need of more and bet- and CEO, Mark Weichold, who wouldn’t see normally anywhere ter engineers.” chaired the congress, said: else. Here, I was able to attend He added: “As we think about “Texas A&M at Qatar is a session on global competencies the engineers we educate and grateful for the generous sup- and I hadn’t thought about it in prepare for the challenges they port of our dedicated industry the way the panel members put are facing and will face, we can- collaborator Maersk Oil Qatar. it.” not stand by our old routines if “It would have been impossi- Dr Phillip R Westmoreland, they are uninspiring and do not ble to host this influential event President of the American nurture the new generation. without their steadfast partner- Institute of Chemical Engineers, “We must close the gap between ship and collaboration and with- said that “this congress brings the old and new generations,” he out the passion and expertise of together the different engineer- added. the congress delegates and dis- ing disciplines, and reflects on the The congress was organised by tinguished speakers.” commonalities and the differences Texas A&M University at Qatar Lewis Affleck, Managing that create fruitful new opportu- and sponsored by Maersk Oil Director of Maersk Oil in Qatar, nities and new technologies for Qatar. said, “Maersk Oil Qatar recog- society to use.” Silatech Chief Operating Officer nises the importance of nurturing THE PENINSULA JANUARY 12, 2013 ON SATURDAY 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Home

Enjoying the windy weather

www.swiss-belhotel.com Tel Fax

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A child playing with a kite at Rumeila park along the Corniche yesterday. Though strong winds created a slightly dusty atmosphere, children Tel enjoyed playing outdoor games. QASSIM RAHMATULLAH Fax www.doha.hilton.com Tel +974 44233333 Qatar lacks adequate tourism Fax +974 44233000 facilities, survey reveals

DOHA: A majority of witness a boom in the coming tourism facilities were okay in respondents to an online sur- years, whereas 45 percent said the country, hotels were quite vey Al Sharq conducted on that they did not expect any expensive. “We need hotel rooms whether tourism facilities changes, with 21 percent say- for all categories of tourists. We Tel were adequate and attractive ing they had no views to express need cheaper hotel rooms as well in the country, replied in the on the issue. if we want to promote tourism,” Tourist spots Fax negative. “I have not seen any remark- said the manager. in the country Tourist spots in the country able development in the tour- Qatar is located strategi- were not up to the mark, said ism sector for five years,” said a cally so the country needs var- were not up to 56 percent of the respondents, local businessman, Mohammad ied tourism facilities to attract the mark, said Tel while 23 percent said they were Al Qahtani. more and more foreign tourists. Fax good, with the remaining 21 The authorities concerned “Qatar is located between 56 percent of percent describing the facili- should pay enough attention to the West and the East so the respondents, ties as average. boost the tourism industry by the location is strategic, so Regarding the development organising activities and pro- we need more development while 23 percent Tel of tourism resorts, 61 percent of grammes, said another business- here,” said Hassan Al Hakim, said they were Fax the respondents said there was man, Jamal Abdullah Al Suwaidi. a businessman. not any remarkable advance- He suggested that the Qatar’s tourism sector has good, with ment, 32 percent said they authorities concerned organise been witnessing a boom. “Take the remaining could see development tak- different tourism promotion the example of Corniche. How ing place, while the remaining programmes, especially in the developed it is now compared to 21 percent Tel seven percent said they were summer and winter months, the previous years!” said Saleh describing the Fax undecided. and try to provide discounted Al Marri, disputing the claims Regarding the future of the air tickets and hotel rooms to of those who have been saying facilities as tourism sector, 34 percent of attract tourists. that the tourism development average. those interviewed said they A regional manager of an projects are not in sight. expected that the sector would Arab airline said that while THE PENINSULA Tel Fax Lulu-Samsung mega draw Falcon contest to Tel Fax resume tomorrow DOHA: The fourth Qatar International Falconry and Hunting Festival yesterday post- poned its competitions until tomorrow due to the harsh weather conditions. Tel The organising commit- tee decided to postpone Fax the competitions, because of winds, dust and low visibility. Tel They held an emergency Fax meeting and decided to resume the competitions tomorrow at 6am. www.renaissancedoha.com Ali bin Khathim Al Mashadi, Chairman of the Tel +974 44195000 festival, asked the partici- Fax +974 44195100 pants to be present before 6am at Sabkhat Marma, Suyanto Samsusri (Coupon No. 12235) won a Harley-Davidson Sportster 2012 Model 883 CC, IRON XL 883 N in Sealine. The festival which the Lulu-Samsung Promotion mega draw, held at Lulu Hypermarket D-Ring Road branch under the supervision kicked off on Wednesday, of Mohamed Hamza, inspector from the Ministry of Business and Trade. Shanavas P M, Manager - Central post poned some competi- Buying, and Ajimon Adam, Deputy General Manager-Lulu Hypermarket, Rohit Bhalla, Head of GCC Sales, tions on Thursday as well. Samsung, and George Thomas, Group CFO and Adviser to Chairman from Intertec Group WLL, were present. THE PENINSULA JANUARY 12, 2013 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 ON SATURDAY

SHAIVAL DALAL

A pet lover’s paradise Noisy with birds chirping and lots of people — this is the first impression one gets of the Pet Alley at Souq Waqif. The alley is lined with pet stores selling everything, from fish and turtles to dogs and kittens. Brightly coloured baby chicks in pink, blue, green and purple are also on sale at some stores. Tropical birds and reptiles are some of the exotic creatures on offer. While there have been controversies about the condition of the animals at some of the stores, business continues to thrive. JANUARY 12, 2013 ON SATURDAY 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Views

Editorial

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CHAIRMAN: SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: KHALID AL SAYED Britain and the EU E-MAIL: [email protected] ACTING MANAGING EDITOR: HUSSAIN AHMAD E-MAIL: [email protected] There are fears Britain could leave the EU. If EDITORIAL: TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR. it does, Europeans must respect the decision. E-MAIL: [email protected]

ADVERTISING: TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 RITAIN is in the grip of a debate about the future of the Cameron not to jeopardise their country’s membership as it would be European Union and Britain’s place within it. Such is the detrimental to British business interests. CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] Bimportance of the issue that entire Europe and the rest of the The current debate on EU in Britain seems to be more nationalistic SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY world are watching cautiously and are concerned about its outcome. and emotional than intellectual and objective, and has been domi- An EU-British divorce poses the danger of wrecking the European nated by Eurosceptics, which is the result of years of anti-EU populism. TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 project because Britain is too important a member. European lead- A decision must be based on reason and a thorough study of its impact E-MAIL: [email protected] ers and friends of Britain are acutely aware of this and have urged, and consequences. This is an issue in which a number of factors are persuaded and warned London to see reason and not to precipitate intertwined, like culture, history, geography and language, where a SUBSCRIPTION RATES a crisis. The most notable is US uneasiness. The Obama administra- postcolonial self-delusion about British superiority and continental ANNUAL QR 675 tion warned Britain against turning inward and stressed it wanted inferiority has given an unhealthy dimension to the debate. 6 MONTHS QR 340 to see the UK inside the EU, not outside. Washington is worried that Prime Minister Cameron has a delicate job satisfying both his its close ally’s exit would diminish its voice at the bloc, because the European friends and the belligerent anti-EU sections in his country. US and Britain share common views on several key international He is showing signs of cracking under pressure but must regain pose issues which are crucial for the former. Other EU members have said and place the interests of his country on top. It’s impossible to satisfy that it would be disastrous for Britain to say goodbye and lamented both camps but any decision he takes with conviction will help him the direction of the debate in the country. A union which is fraying weather the crisis. under the weight of multiple crises will be ill-equipped to suffer the In the coming weeks, the debate is likely to intensify. Ultimately, if consequences of a split. A leader of Angela Merkel’s party bluntly the British public chooses to part ways with the bloc through a ref- PUBLICATION warned that Britain should not blackmail the group by attempting to erendum, Europeans must accept it with poise. Because, Britons are block treaty changes which have been necessitated by the European supremely intelligent and capable of deciding what suit them best – crisis. More importantly, some British business leaders have warned whether a life embedded in Europe or outside it.

Starting this spring, our troops The other side will have a different mission — training, advising, assisting Afghan forces. It will be a historic Quote of moment and another step toward Ensuring for road safety the day full Afghan sovereignty. T may have come as a surprise to some expatriates that not all Barack Obama Saudi insurance companies base their motor cover premiums on a US President Idriver’s record. The standard of driving in the Kingdom remains poor and we have one of the world’s worst per capita death rates from automobile wrecks. The Saher camera system, pioneered in Riyadh, may have reduced speeds, thanks to the swingeing fines that are imposed on offenders. However, where there are no cameras, the speeds increase again. Too many drivers behave as if they alone own the roads and display absolutely no consideration for other motorists or pedestrians. Crashes all too often are the result of this dangerous conduct. Even if there are no serious injuries, the vehicles involved are often badly damaged. Such is the sophistication of modern automobile design that even a relatively mild collision can result in the car being written off. Claiming on an insurance policy can be a long and frustrating process. However, in many cases the next time someone involved in a wreck seeks new cover, that driver’s past record is not taken into consideration. This is a nonsense. Insurance has an invaluable role to play in improving the safety of the Kingdom’s roads. Those who demonstrate a cavalier attitude in their driving and negligible concern for the safety of others ought to find that their behavior is hitting them where it counts — in their pocket books. Those who choose not to change from driving dangerously and being involved in wrecks, should discover that, in time, no insurance company will be prepared to offer them cover, at any price. Since car insurance is now mandatory, a motorist who cannot obtain cover cannot legally get behind the wheel of a vehicle. If he does, then he is committing a criminal offense and could face large fines and or imprisonment. There will inevitably be those who, finding themselves uninsurable, decide to ignore the law, just as there are still drivers who have not bothered to try and obtain any automobile insurance whatsoever. It must be hoped that the authorities will deal firmly with these irre- sponsible individuals, as they are uncovered by the police. One way in which enforcement can be tightened is through the introduction of an online system, which will enable police following a suspect motorist, to call in the registration plate and be told immedi- ately whether that vehicle is carrying valid insurance. Similar checks would be made automatically on every vehicle involved in a wreck. Prosecutions would then follow, along with severe punishment. ARAB NEWS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Why Obama is finally getting tough

BY JACOB WEISBERG and ineffectual during much of eager to stand House Speaker whether or not they should pay prefer going it alone to beating his first term, despite major leg- on principle. John Boehner the bills that they have already his head against a wall of wing- ARACK Obama’s most islative accomplishments. It dis- Obama II may who blinked. racked up through the laws that nut opposition. This means either cherished illusion dur- appointed his base, which would be no more likely Bolstered by his they passed,” he declared on New proceeding unilaterally with more Bing his first term was the have preferred more stridency to to get more leg- new mandate, Year’s Day, laying down a marker. limited executive orders or forcing possibility of cooperation with match the GOP. The one advan- islation passed Bolstered by his Obama stood The president is similarly spoil- the Republicans to stand up and Republicans. Time and again, the tage of Obama’s relentless reason- than Obama I. firm and won the ing for a fight with his nomination be counted in opposition. There president came to Congress bear- ableness was that it rendered him Politically, how- new mandate, first tax agree- of Chuck Hagel for secretary of may be some political strategy ing preemptive concessions — on immune to Republican charges of ever, he is a Obama stood firm ment in two defense. Conservative hawks who here. The GOP continues to con- his original economic stimulus ruthlessness and extremism in the bolder and more decades that is remember the former Republican trol the House largely because package, his health care plan and past election. Through the long, appealing figure: and won the first tilted in favour of senator’s opposition to the Iraq turnout in midterm elections is the 2011 debt-ceiling fight — only deep recession, the president’s less the hostage, tax agreement in the middle class War consider him too reluctant to smaller, older and whiter than in to have the door slammed in his approval rating never fell below more the reluc- rather than the challenge Iran, insufficiently sup- presidential years. Picking fights face by an obstructionist GOP the 40s. The Republican Congress tant gunslinger two decades that wealthy. portive of Israel and excessively about social issues is probably the that viewed politics as a zero-sum bottomed out at 10 percent, near of the classic is tilted in favour What Obama eager to cut military spending. At best way for Obama to turn out game. Because the president has where it remains. Western. did not get was his announcement ceremony this the Democratic base in 2014. long seen himself as a conciliator Republicans are not revaluat- During the of the middle class a grand bargain week, Obama almost dared them But recapturing control of and a bridge figure, he was unwill- ing their obdurate approach for year-end fiscal- rather than the covering the to take on their former colleague, the House in his final two years ing to let go of his faith that if he reasons of ideology and individ- cliff negotiations, wealthy. pending “seques- presenting Hagel as a wounded remains a long shot. The real rea- only hewed to the path of modera- ual self-interest (compromisers liberals feared ter” on spend- and decorated Vietnam veteran son we’re seeing the emergence tion, his opponents would eventu- get “primaried” by well-funded the president ing or another who “bears the scars of war.” It of a different Obama is simply ally have to meet him there. true-believers). would again increase on the went without saying that he also the late-dawning realization that Obama’s efforts at compro- In recent weeks, however, we’ve crumple to economic blackmail by debt ceiling shortly to expire. This bore the scars of the moderate compromise is impossible with the mise yielded him little. He won seen the tentative emergence of acceding to the extension of the time, however, the president seems Republican, a species hunted to enfeebled Boehner and his perfer- almost no Republican votes for a quite different second-term Bush’s tax cuts, as he did in 2010, resolved to handle the conflict dif- near-extinction. vid rank-and-file. Lacking a part- any of his major initiatives. Being Obama: one shorn of his fantasies or caving on debt-ceiling conces- ferently. His cower has turned to On a range of other issues such ner for peace, war has become the left hanging with his hand out- about compromise, contemptu- sions, as in 2011. Instead, it was swagger. “I will not have another as gun control, the president’s president’s only option. stretched made him look weak ous of his opponents and almost Obama who stood his ground and debate with this Congress over new tone suggests that he might WP-BLOOMBERG JANUARY 12, 2013 Views www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 ON SATURDAY The only exit in Afghan war is the ‘zero option’

of the Afghan National Army — now Anything but total underway for 12 years, to little effect — must continue apace. troop withdrawal Fred and Kimberly Kagan, both of whom served as advisers to General David Petraeus in Afghanistan and would merely help wrote op-eds in favor of the war effort, recently attacked the “zero option” and Karzai’s corrupt accused the administration of throwing away everything the US had fought for. Neoconservative John Bolton has also regime while accused the administration of seeking an excuse for a withdrawal and called providing targets for plans for a zero option a “guarantee of a Taliban takeover”. A number of high-ranking former a resurgent Taliban. Pentagon officials have also come out against the zero option. On 2 January, BY MICHAEL BOYLE former General Jack Keane blasted the administration for not making with- n Tuesday, Obama admin- drawal plans based on “conditions on the istration spokesperson ground”. Last Monday, retired General Ben Rhodes announced Stanley McChrystal publicly called for for the first time that the an enduring “security presence” in the US may consider a “zero country. Ooption” — that is, pulling all troops out All of this suggests that there are of Afghanistan — by the end of 2014. strong institutional forces within the While the administration has insisted Pentagon, and among some quarters of that it will not debate troops numbers the Republican party, that will seek to with Afghan President Hamid Karzai keep bases and significant military forces during their meetings this week, only in Afghanistan as a way of preventing a the division of “missions and authori- civil war and retaining some influence ties” between the US and Afghanistan, over the Karzai government. The Obama everyone knows that this is a lie. What administration should ignore these argu- is really at stake in these meetings is the ments and keep the zero option on the number of troops — and the correspond- table for three reasons. ing political investment that the US will First, keeping a sizable number of have in Afghanistan’s stability — after the troops — for example, 15,000 troops — will end of the formal combat mission. do relatively little but provide the Taliban There is little doubt today that the US with a rich set of targets. The current US An Afghan boy walks among US Marines of the 8th Regiment, Second Battalion, during their patrol with Afghan National Army soldiers is heading for the exits in Afghanistan. force — four times that size — is unable to around Mian Poshtay area, in Helmand province. In 2009, President Obama committed the stop the growing violence in the country US to moving from a combat to a support or halt the Taliban infiltration of military mission for the Afghan military units and police units. A much smaller force of theories and attack the US, if it con- one combat brigade — out of a total of Any more than a token presence of by 2014, while drawing down the total 15,000 troops, finding itself under heavy veys a domestic political advantage. It 23 created since 2001 — that can fight US troops will perpetuate this culture number of US troops from the 68,000 demand by the Afghan military in its is a regular trope among Republican on its own. of dependency and stop this reckoning currently present. The “US-Afghanistan struggle against the Taliban, would be no circles to argue that military bases con- Moreover, this culture of dependency from occurring. It would also allow the strategic partnership” commits the US more capable to stop these trends than vey influence, and to point to Iraq — has sustained a government that stole an Karzai government to limp on with its to stay in some capacity until 2024, but the current, reasonably well-equipped, where the US sought military bases, but election, engaged in blatant corruption half-hearted war against the Taliban it does not specify how many troops will US forces. eventually gave up due to concerns over and shown signs of increasing brutal- indefinitely, as the Afghan people con- remain or what they will do. Unless the US limits the size of its American soldiers falling under Iraqi ity. In late 2012, the Karzai government tinue to suffer. If the Afghan government Until recently, the Obama administra- force and the scope of its “support mis- jurisdiction — as an example where its blocked investigations into how friends is to survive, it needs to take up its own tion was considering a range of options, sions”, it will wind up backstopping a departure led to growing authoritarian- of the Karzai family turned the Afghan fight, rather than continually looking from drawing down the number of troops corrupt, incompetent and desertion- ism and a foreign policy sympathetic central bank into a Ponzi scheme, and over its shoulder for American support, by 30,000 by June 2013, to a more gradual prone Afghan military in the midst of to America’s enemies. Yet these critics resumed public hangings of Taliban fight- and blaming the American forces when drawdown, proposed by General John a civil war, while having fewer logisti- never spell out why the mere presence ers and criminals. things go wrong. Allen, which would leave between 6,000- cal and supply resources than it does of a token number of US troops is going At the same time, Karzai has blamed It is now time for the US to look seri- 15,000 troops in country after formal now. Moreover, unless the issue of legal to significantly influence the decisions the US for generating insecurity in ously at the zero option and to develop combat operations end. Facing enormous immunity for US troops in Afghanistan of a government with vastly different Afghanistan and has had the gall to sug- plans for removing all combat troops, budget pressures and rapidly declining is resolved, there is also the chance that interests than Washington. gest that continuing immunity for US except for a small special operations force public support for the war, the Obama most US forces will be largely confined The US-Afghanistan relationship will troops after 2014 will be conditional on to target exclusively on the 100 or so sur- administration has begun to consider to bases, especially if they lose some of be shaped by much bigger political and their ability to provide “peace and stabil- viving Al Qaeda operatives remaining. even lower numbers, such as 3,000-4,000 their logistics assets. economic forces, especially as the Karzai ity” for his country. The lesson of the last However many Americans remain there, troops, or even a pullout of all but its This was the case at the end of the Iraq government decides how to respond to 12 years is that Karzai can only get away the war against the Taliban needs to be special forces. It has already significantly mission. The key difference with Iraq is a resurgent Taliban. The presence or with this because the US so desperately President Karzai’s from 2014 onwards, reduced the number of civilians who will that these US bases will be an attrac- absence of a small contingent of US needs him in place in order to justify its and the consequences of failure should remain in Afghanistan and scaled back tive target amid a civil war. The likely forces is unlikely to have any impact on counterinsurgency strategy. be owned by him. its ambitions for reconstruction and aid result is that American troops will be that relationship. All of this suggests that the “zero After more than 2,156 US troops killed in the country. hunkered down in bases, awaiting risky Third, the presence of US troops, option” is a serious one: it should stay and 18,109 wounded since 2001, and more The reaction to the airing of the “zero support operations in the midst of a civil even in a support capacity, will further on the table, if only to provide a wake- than $590bn given in aid, it is time to call option” in Afghanistan has been predict- war, while more and more attacks occur the culture of dependency that has per- up call to the Karzai government. Only an end to America’s war in Afghanistan. able. While it is highly likely that this on their doorstep. mitted the worst abuses of the Karzai by threatening to cut the government With such losses, it is hard to accept option is little more than a negotiating Second, it is unclear that retaining a government to continue. The military of Afghanistan completely loose from that the US war in Afghanistan will end ploy, it has drawn out all of those who residual force in Afghanistan will con- has received billions in aid and years US combat and military support — and without a decisive victory, but keeping have a vested interest in preserving an vey any of the “influence” that oppo- of direct combat support and training. by having it look deep into the abyss, to substantial American troops present in indefinite American role in the country. nents of the “zero option” presume. The result has not been the creation realize what defeat by the Taliban would the country indefinitely will confer no Thursday, Afghan MPs warned that the The presence of a small combat force of a reliable US partner, but rather a really mean — will Karzai and his allies real political or strategic advantages — US risks a return to civil war if it pulls is unlikely to affect the calculations of military prone to desertions and poor have any incentive to get serious about while risking death and injury to even all of its troops out of the country, and Karzai, who has proven himself more performance. Today, the Afghan govern- fighting the Taliban and governing the more young Americans. emphasised that training and equipment than willing to engage in conspiracy ment remains unable to field more than country properly. THE GUARDIAN Europe offers the best opportunity for Britain

it chooses to honour. To open that The UK’s future in the EU must be box would be to embrace Pandora. And what if there was no will- defined by its national interests, not ingness to negotiate? The only card available to the UK to play would be complete withdrawal. those of the Conservative party. It is a mistake to think that by putting a gun to their heads, the BY MENZIES CAMPBELL ensures the EU retains a signifi- EU of the EU will be prepared cant Atlantacist dimension, it to renegotiate the UK’s member- t should come as no surprise also means the British voice in ship as a condition for support- that American concerns Washington carries more weight. ing measures designed to bring about Britain’s relationship Self-interest is not all one stability to the eurozone. Any Iwith the European Union way. A recent but very deliberate obstruction of measures which should have surfaced so pub- change in emphasis in foreign pol- are considered crucial to securing licly. At the state department icy has seen the US turn its gaze the future of the union would put in Washington the anxiety is more towards the Pacific than to the UK beyond the pale. Influence expressed in palpable terms, and the Atlantic. If the longstanding over a regional settlement for anyone who has talked with sen- US commitment to the defence economic and financial stability ior US diplomats in London will of Europe is to be maintained, is essential to Britain’s national have gathered just how troubling Europe must remain a co-oper- interest, something our European British Prime Minister David Cameron our closest ally finds this issue. ative partner not just in military partners are well aware of. And American desire for Britain to matters but also in political and what would other partners and be a significant force in Europe economic affairs. The UK is a allies outside Europe think? What of the UK. The EU offers the with the needs of Angela Merkel G8, and the present government springs from the justifiable belief vital conduit in that partnership. would Americans think? They best deal for Britain. The days of abroad, a more fraught undertak- has rightly gone out of its way to that, around the European table, Self-evidently this week’s would all assume we were on our unlimited European patience to ing than many PMs before him establish better relations in South the UK most accurately repre- unprecedented public demonstra- way out of the single market. accommodate the UK have gone. have had to deal with. The mid- America. We stand therefore in sents its attitudes on those issues tion of US attitudes has been pro- Those who argue for disengage- If it were to be finally exhausted, dle ground will not satisfy either a unique global diplomatic posi- that are important to the US. voked by Tory flirtation with the ment in whole or even part have Britain would either have to climb of them and will alienate both of tion. Detachment from Europe in Britain and America talk the policy of renegotiation. So far not a duty to tell us what the con- down or leave — the first being them. whole or in part will be seen as same language on defence and one member of the EU has shown sequences would be. So far they disastrous for the PM and the What is the alternative? It is opting out of a golden opportu- trade, even if they do not always any sign of willingness to discuss have failed to do so. We need to second for the country. to show commitment, to demon- nity denied to others. Forced to agree. Unlike France, Britain does with the UK a relationship that be rational, not emotional. The Is it easy? Of course not. David strate leadership and to take our choose between Bone and Merkel, not harbour suspicions, latent or would allow it a seat at the table issue must be about the essential Cameron has ahead of him the opportunity. Britain is a top-table Cameron should choose the inter- overt, of America. Thus Britain’s while giving it the liberty to select nature of the relationship, not task of balancing the demands of member of Nato, the UN, the est of country over party. presence in Brussels not only those obligations of membership about squashing the ambitions the likes of Peter Bone at home EU, the Commonwealth and the THE GUARDIAN JANUARY 12, 2013 ON SATURDAY 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Middle East

Kuwaitis financed Women get 20 percent quota in Saudi Shura Council Brotherhood RIYADH: The Custodian of religious leaders in Saudi Arabia, place women in the limelight,” Arabia has seen many changes by an electronic system that sends the Two Holy Mosques King which applies a strict version of Bishr added, and voiced hope since Abdullah became king in text messages to the phones of members held Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Shariah law, according to the that her Saudi sisters “will secure 2005. her male guardian, even if they of Saudi Arabia has appointed decrees published by state news more rights” in the future. Norah Al Fayez became the are travelling together. in UAE: Media women to a top advisory body, agency SPA. But the decrees stipulated first woman ever named to a The electronic tracking was with decrees published yester- Women will be allocated a 20 strict guidelines for allowing ministerial post in 2009 when swiftly condemned on social KUWAIT: Islamists held in the day marking a breakthrough in percent quota in the consultative women into the once all-male she was given named deputy network Twitter and by women United Arab Emirates accused a kingdom that imposes strin- council, which is appointed by the enclave, saying men and women education minister for women’s rights activists, while Bishr crit- of planning to topple the govern- gent restrictions on females. king to advise him on policy but will be segregated inside the education. icised “the state of slavery under ment were financed by Kuwaiti The historic decisions mean cannot legislate. council. Women will be seated in a More recently, Saudi women which women are held” in the nationals, Kuwaiti media that 30 women will now be The 30 chosen women include special area and enter the council broke ground when two of them kingdom. reported yesterday, lending sup- allowed to sit on the previously university graduates, human through a separate door so as not took part in the London Olympics. This week, Prince Talal port to UAE fears of an interna- all-male 150-seat Shura Council, rights activists and two princesses. to mix with their male colleagues. Middle distance runner Sarah bin Abdulaziz, said the Shura tional plot against its rulers. although females in Saudi Arabia Also among them is Thuraya King Abdullah had been care- Attar made history on August 8, Council must be empowerd to The UAE has detained more are banned from driving and Obaid, a veteran UN adminis- fully treading towards change, becoming the first female ath- legislate and criticised clerics than 60 Islamists in the past year denied the right to travel without trator who served notably as introducing municipal elections lete to represent Saudi Arabia who reject calls for women to who it says belong to the Muslim male consent. executive director of the UN for the first time in 2005. in Olympics track and field, just be allowed to drive. Brotherhood, a group founded in The decrees were welcomed by Development Programme and In 2011, he granted women the days after Wojdan Shaherkani “How can it make sense to Egypt in 1928 and which is banned female Saudi novelist Badriya Al undersecretary-general of the right to vote and run as candi- appeared in the judo competition. allow a driver (a male stranger) in the state, and who it accuses of Bishr as a “promise kept” by the world body. “They are the cream dates in the next local election, But in the kingdom, women to stay in the house day and night planning to establish an Islamic king, who has been treading care- of the crop,” Bishr said. set for 2015, and said he would rights are stifled daily and lag far while prohibiting mixing between state and operating an armed wing. fully over the years to empower “It is a good surprise and a also name them to the Shura behind international standards. sexes and women from driving? The UAE has repeatedly said women in his push for reforms. promise that has been kept,” by Council because “we refuse mar- Since November, each time a “Do we not have confidence in our that the detainees were receiving The king took the decisions the king, she said. ginalising women’s role in the Saudi woman travels outside the women?” financial support from individu- following consultations with “The king is determined to Saudi society in all fields”. Saudi kingdom she is being monitored AFP als in other Gulf states, but had stopped short of naming those countries. Several newspapers yesterday quoted Kuwaiti parliamentar- ians as saying Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al Mubarak Al Sabah informed them at a confi- No breakthrough in US, dential meeting held on Thursday that Kuwaiti nationals had been providing financial support to Muslim Brotherhood members in the UAE. Russia talks on Syria “Yes, there was financing coming from Kuwait,” Sheikh Jaber told the parliamentarians in the session, Opposition eyes Syria seats at UN and Arab League according to the Arabic-language daily Al Watan. Sheikh Jaber gave no GENEVA: International media- 2011 in protest at the bloody But asked by a reporter if further details, Al Watan reported, tor Lakhdar Brahimi and envoys crackdown against protesters. there are had been any concrete adding only: “We can’t announce from Russia and the United In Geneva, Brahimi said in a progress, he said: “If you are ask- the names before they have been States — backers of opposing joint statement read out after his ing whether there is a solution referred to the courts.” sides in Syria’s civil war — failed closed-door talks with US Deputy around the corner, I’m not sure The pan-Arab Asharq Al Awsat to make a breakthrough in talks Secretary of State William Burns that is the case.” carried a similar report, quot- yesterday, even as the opposition and Russian Deputy Foreign The United States, European ing two MPs as confirming the Syrian National Coalition has Minister Mikhail Bogdanov: “We powers and Gulf-led Arab states prime minister’s comments. A urged the international commu- stressed again that in our view insist Assad must step down to government spokesman in Kuwait nity to help it take over Syria’s there was no military solution to end a war that has killed 60,000 was not immediately available to seats at the UN and Arab this conflict.” people in neraly two years. Russia comment, nor were UAE officials League as part of efforts to set They agreed on the need to says this must not be a precondi- available yesterday, the first day of up a transitional government. reach a political solution based on tion to a settlement. the weekend in most Gulf states. The group, which has been an agreement reached by foreign Syria denounced Brahimi as The Muslim Brotherhood is widely recognised by Arab and powers in Geneva last June, which “flagrantly biased” on Thursday, not banned in Kuwait, which has Western nations as the sole rep- called for a transitional period in casting doubt on how long the the most open political system resentative of the Syrian people, Syria. That left open the ques- UN-Arab League mediator can in the Gulf. In July, Dubai police also asked to be given regime tion of what role, if any, Syrian pursue his peace mission. Demonstrators hold banners during a protest against President Bashar Al chief Dhahi Khalfan warned of an assets frozen as part of interna- President Bashar Al Assad would Brahimi, speaking to Reuters Assad, after Friday prayers in Kafranbel, near Idlib. international plot to overthrow tional sanctions on the Damascus have. That appeared to be sticking in Cairo a day earlier, said Assad Gulf governments, saying the government. on point at yesterday’s meeting. could have no place in a transi- its continuing deterioration. “I am fell after Islamist units reinforced region needed to be prepared to The coalition, set up in Qatar “The devil is in the details,” tional government to end the civil absolutely certain they would like them earlier this month. counter any threat from Muslim in November and grouping the Brahimi said. “We said that this war, the closest he has come to to contribute to its solution.” The Syrian military struck Brotherhood sympathisers as well majority of opposition forces, transitional government that will calling directly for the embattled back hours after fighters cap- as from Syria and Iran. including a unified military com- be in charge during the transitional president to quit. AIR BASE SEIZED tured the base, launching air Last week, local newspapers mand, said it was striving to set period only, it is not a government Asked yesterday whether the Meanwhile, rebels seized a stra- strikes on the area. Rebels from reported that the UAE had rejected up a transitional government. that will stay for a long time, it will Russians shared his views, he tegic air base in northern Syria the Islamic Front, an alliance a request by Egypt to free 11 of its Syria still maintains its seat direct the transitional period that replied: “I am absolutely certain after months of fighting, activists of several Islamist units, said citizens held on suspicion of train- at the United Nations while the will end with the holding of the elec- that the Russians are as preoc- and insurgents said. Rebels had Taftanaz is the largest helicopter ing Islamists in how to overthrow Arab League voted to suspend its tions that will be agreed upon,” he cupied as I am, as preoccupied fought for the Taftanaz base used base in northern Syria and the governments. Muslim Brotherhood membership in the 22-seat Cairo- said in Arabic, adding that it would as the Americans are, by the bad by military helicopters in Idlib second largest in the country. said the men had been wrongfully based organisation in November have “all powers of the state”. situation that exists in Syria and province for months, but it only REUTERS/AFP arrested. REUTERS

Protests in Iraq Iranian president Turkey blames internal feud as France ‘invited’ to OIC hunts killers of three Kurd activists PARIS: Police yesterday hunted the assassins of three Kurdish summit in Cairo activists shot dead in Paris as Turkey said an internal feud in the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) was most likely behind TEHRAN: Iranian President the slayings. The PKK, meanwhile, warned that it would hold President Mahmoud Ahmad- France responsible if the killers are not quickly found, as Ankara inejad has been invited by asked for increased security to safeguard its missions in France. his Egyptian counterpart French judicial sources said the three female activists, including Mohammed Mursi to attend a founding PKK member Sakine Cansiz, were each shot at least three summit of the Organisation of times in the head, giving further credence to the theory of an exe- Islamic Cooperation in Cairo next cution-style hit. Autopsies on the bodies revealed that one of the month, media said yesterday. women had been shot four times in the head and the other two shot The invitation was extended three times, the sources said. during a visit to Cairo by Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, Russia alarmed over delay on Iran N-talks who held talks on Thursday with Mursi as well as with his Egyptian MOSCOW/VIENNA: Russia voiced alarm yesterday at delays in counterpart, Mohamed Kamel agreeing new nuclear talks between world powers and Iran and the Amr, Iranian media reported. UN atomic watchdog chief said he was not optimistic ahead of his The two countries are both part Sunni protesters take part in a demonstration in the central city of Samarra, yesterday. Tens of thousands of inspectors’ separate visit to Tehran next week. Iran said last week of the 57-member OIC, based in demonstrators took to the streets in Baghdad and other cities after prayers, in another show of discontent it had agreed to resume negotiations in January with the six major Jeddah, but have not established with Shia Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki. powers. But Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said relations despite the rise to power yesterday that there was no final agreement on when or where a of Islamists in Egypt. meeting would take place. “This alarms us, because the pause has Tehran cut ties with Egypt dragged on,” the Interfax news agency quoted Ryabkov, who is the in 1980, a year after the Islamic Russian negotiator, as saying. revolution in Iran, in protest UN decries Saudi beheading of Sri Lankan maid at a peace accord with Israel Tunisians set fire to police station agreed the previous year by then GENEVA: The UN’s human and despite concerns about her while drinking from a bottle. Egyptian president Anwar Sadat. rights body said yesterday that trial and numerous appeals from He also stressed her young age TUNIS: Hundreds of Tunisian protesters demanding jobs and the Iran has expressed its desire to it was ‘deeply’ dismayed by Sri Lanka and the international at the time of the offence. Saudi reopening of a border crossing with Libya set fire to a police station normalise relations with Egypt Saudi Arabia’s beheading of a community she was beheaded on Arabia is just one of three coun- and cars, and police used teargas and fired shots into the air to dis- since the overthrow of president Sri Lankan maid convicted of Wednesday. tries in the world that imposes perse them yesterday, a witness said. Protesters in Ben Guerdane Hosni Mubarak in February 2011, murdering her employer’s baby. “We are deeply troubled by the death penalty for crimes want the Ras Jedir crossing reopened so that trade with Libya, on but Mursi and his Islamist backers “We express our deep dismay reports of irregularities in her committed by minors. Sri Lanka which most of the population depend, can start again. Tunisian and have been cautious on the issue. at the execution,” Rupert Colville, detention and trial, including that recalled its ambassador to Saudi Libyan authorities opened the crossing briefly on Thursday but shut The two countries, who cur- a spokesman for the UN High no lawyer was present to assist Arabia on Thursday to protest it because of the security threat. rently maintain only interest sec- Commissioner for Human Rights, her in key stages of her interroga- the execution, after President tions in their respective capitals, told reporters here. tion and trial,” Colville said. Mahinda Rajapaksa deplored the Israeli fire kills Palestinian in Gaza have adopted opposing positions Rizana Nafeek was only 17 when He said Nafeek had been tried beheading that was carried out on the Syria crisis. she was charged with murdering in a language she did not under- despite his latest clemency appeal. GAZA CITY: Israeli army gunfire killed one Palestinian and During his visit, Salehi deliv- her employer’s baby a week after stand with only poor interpretation The UN’s right body also wounded another in the northern Gaza Strip yesterday. The two ered a letter from Ahmadinejad arriving in Saudi Arabia in 2005. at her disposal, and that she had lamented yesterday “the sharp men, one a 20-year-old farmer, were hit by live fire east of Jabaliya inviting Mursi to visit Tehran, She was found guilty of smother- claimed she had been forced to sign increase in the use of capital pun- and near the Israeli border. The Israeli army declined to make any media said. ing the infant to death after an a confession under duress. She said ishment in the kingdom of Saudi immediate comment on the incident. AFP argument with the child’s mother, the baby died in a choking accident Arabia since 2011.” AFP AGENCIES JANUARY 12, 2013 International www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 ON SATURDAY US to review Gitmo prison anniversary protest Boeing 787 safety issues Dreamliner is safe to fly: Officials

NEW YORK: The United delivering Dreamliner planes. States ordered a wide review The wide-ranging review by US of Boeing’s latest passenger jet, officials has the potential to deal the 787 Dreamliner, citing “con- a setback to Boeing’s newest jet, cern” over a spate of technical especially if it leads to a costly problems in recent weeks. design change. Regulators said the Dreamliner It is also a significant test for remained safe to fly but a thor- the recently-appointed chief ough examination was needed executive of Boeing’s commercial to identify the root cause of the airplanes division, Ray Conner, problems including a fire on a who also attended yesterday’s parked 787 on Monday. Washington news conference. “There are concerns about Conner said the company was recent events involving the Boeing committed to making the plane 787. That is why today we are con- as reliable as possible and that its ducting a comprehensive review,” backup systems had been work- One of the protesters wearing an orange suit kneels during a demonstration on the 11th anniversary of the opening of Guantanamo Bay prison, Transportation Secretary Ray ing well. “We have complete con- outside the US embassy in London, Britain, yesterday. Out of the 779 prisoners known to have been held at Guantnamo since January 2002, 166 LaHood told a news conference. fidence in the 787 and so do our remain in prison. The review will put an empha- customers,” Conner said. sis on the 787’s advanced electrical The Federal Aviation systems and cover their design, Administration wants to main- manufacture and assembly, the tain public confidence in the Federal Aviation Administration Dreamliner, FAA Administrator France launches military operation in Mali said. The move comes on top of Michael Huerta said. LaHood said a separate probe by US safety he would not hesitate to fly on a investigators into a battery fire 787 himself. PARIS/BAMAKO: France’s two-thirds of Mali in April will French believe that France, and A spokesman one of the main which caused “serious damage” to A growing media storm about armed forces began a military seek to use the vast desert zone Europe, face a real security threat groups in the Islamist rebel alli- an empty Japan Airlines 787 jet at the 787 glitches echoes global intervention in Mali yesterday to as a launchpad for international from what is happening in the ance said they remained in con- Boston airport on Monday. publicity a year ago over wing help the government stem a push attacks. Sahel,” said Jakkie Cilliers, execu- trol of Konna. Asked whether the Adding to incidents that have cracks on the A380 superjumbo, south by Islamist rebels who con- Mali’s government appealed for tive director of the Institute for rebels intended to press ahead to tested confidence in the world’s built by Boeing’s European rival trol much of the north, President urgent military aid from France Security Studies in South Africa. capture Sevare and Mopti, the first mainly carbon-composite Airbus. The A380 has also been Francois Hollande said. on Thursday after Islamist fight- Residents had seen Western sol- Ansar Dine spokesman, Sanda airliner, the jet suffered a cracked deemed safe to fly and few airlines “French forces brought their ers encroached further south, diers arriving late on Thursday at Ould Boumama, said: “We will cockpit window and an oil leak on have reported a dip in bookings, support this afternoon to Malian seizing the town of Konna in the an airport at Sevare, 60km south make that clear in the coming separate flights in Japan yesterday. but the problems are expected army units to fight against terror- centre of the country. The rebel of Konna. Sevare residents also days.” He said any intervention The 787 is Boeing’s newest jet to end up costing Airbus up to ist elements,” Hollande said. “This advance caused panic among reported the arrival of military hel- by France would be evidence of and its boldest effort to revolu- ¤500m in repairs. operation will last as long as is residents in the nearby towns of icopters and army reinforcements, an anti-Islam bias. tionise commercial aviation by The 787 Dreamliner made its necessary.” Hollande said United Mopti and Sevare, home to a mili- which took part in the counter- The French foreign ministry using new technology to cut the first commercial flight in late-2011 Nations Security Council resolu- tary base and airport. attack to retake Konna overnight stepped up its security alert fuel cost for operating the plane after a series of production delays tions meant France was acting in “We are faced with blatant on Thursday in a bid to roll back on Mali and parts of neigh- by 20 percent. Each lightweight put deliveries more than three accordance with international laws. aggression that is threatening the militant’s southward drive. bouring Mauritania and Niger jet has a list price of $207m. years behind schedule. By the end Earlier, Hollande had made it Mali’s very existence. France can- “Helicopters have bombarded yesterday, extending its red Airlines are pleased with the of last year, Boeing had sold 848 clear that France would inter- not accept this,” Hollande said in rebel positions. The operation alert — the highest level — to savings, and have so far given Dreamliners. It now has 50 in serv- vene to stop any further drive a New Year speech to diplomats will continue,” a senior military include Bamako. France has the plane their approval, both by ice. Conner said the recent issues southward by Islamist rebels as and journalists. “We will be ready source in Bamako said. A source eight nationals in Islamist hands ordering more than 800 jets and had not been caused by either out- Malian soldiers launched a coun- to stop the terrorists’ offensive if at Sevare airport also said around in the Sahara after a string of mostly sticking by it through the sourcing production or boosting it ter-offensive to wrest back a town it continues.” a dozen war planes had arrived kidnappings. “Due to the seri- current spate of troubles. too quickly. “We have complete captured by militants this week. The UN Security Council in yesterday. A spokesman for the ous deterioration in the security But Boeing already is far confidence in the 787 and so do our Western powers fear the alli- December authorised the deploy- Nigerian air force said planes had situation in Mali, the threat of over its budget and more than customers,” he said. ance of Al Qaeda-linked mili- ment of an African-led force sup- been deployed to Mali for a recon- attack or abduction is growing,” three years behind schedule in REUTERS tants that seized the northern ported by European states. “The naissance mission, not for combat. the ministry said. AFP Ice sculpting festival Obama to deliver state of the Russia to allow ‘some orphans’ to union speech on February 12 WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama will deliver his be adopted in US annual state of the union speech to Congress on February 12, just days before the Treasury could run out of funds to pay govern- MOSCOW: Russian children ment bills. Obama yesterday accepted the invitation from the top whose adoptions have already Republican lawmaker John Boehner to address a joint session of been approved by courts will Congress, the White House said. The speech from the Democratic go to the United States despite president will come in the middle of another set of difficult budget a blanket ban on all American negotiations between Congress and the administration. adoptions, a Kremlin spokes- man said yesterday. First royal portrait of Kate unveiled “Those who have received a court decision will go,” President LONDON: The first official portrait of Prince William’s wife Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Catherine was unveiled yesterday at a London gallery where it Dmitry Peskov said. “Those who was hailed by its subject as “amazing” but slammed by some crit- do not have a decision will not go.” ics. The National Portrait Gallery commissioned award-winning He declined details, but Russian artist Paul Emsley to produce the painting of the Duchess of officials say 52 children were in Cambridge, who is expecting her first child this summer, after the process of being adopted by she became patron of the gallery early last year. The 31-year- US parents when the controver- old royal, who attended a private viewing of the painting with sial ban on US adoptions came her husband yesterday ahead of its unveiling to the public, told Sculptors work on a block of ice during the London Ice Sculpting Festival in Canary Wharf, east London, yes- into force on January 1. Russia the artist: “It’s just amazing, I thought it was brilliant.” Prince terday. Competitors from Britain, the US, France, Hungary, Bulgaria, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, Latvia, adopted the law in reprisal for William added: “It’s beautiful, it’s absolutely beautiful.” Belgium and Portugal are taking part in the festival which runs until tomorrow. new US legislation that targets Russian officials who have alleg- CAR govt signs peace deal with rebels edly committed rights abuses. Kremlin children’s rights envoy LIBREVILLE: Central African Republic’s government and Pavel Astakhov said, citing a pre- rebels agreed to the formation of a national unity government Savile abused kids for over 50 years: UK police liminary figure, that 52 children under a ceasefire deal yesterday to end an insurgency that swept were at various stages of being to within striking distance of the capital. The agreement, signed LONDON: Late BBC presenter biggest public broadcaster should with 214 criminal offences, includ- adopted by Americans and that in Gabon’s coastal capital after three days of negotiations under Jimmy Savile was a predatory sex not shoulder the blame for his ing 34 rapes — 28 of them of chil- he had requested firm data from the intermediation of neighbouring central African states, also offender who abused children as abuse. The investigation report dren — recorded so far. Three the education ministry. envisages the dissolution of the country’s National Assembly. young as eight over more than 50 was published as Britain’s top quarters of the victims were chil- “Currently no-one can tell for “This is a good deal to bring peace,” said Seleka spokesman Eric years, using his fame and eccen- prosecutor admitted that action dren, mostly girls aged between 13 sure — these are children from Massi by telephone. Massi that said among the Seleka coalition’s tricity to hide “in plain sight”, could have been taken over three and 16, but the youngest was an Kamchatka to Kaliningrad,” he demands were the release of political prisoners and a revision British police said yesterday. allegations made against Savile in eight-year-old boy. said, referring to Russia’s west- of the constitution stripping the president of certain powers, A three-month investigation 2009 if police had taken the vic- The attacks stretched from 1955 ern and eastern borders. Ekho of including the right to fire his prime minister. with child protection experts found tims more seriously. to 2009 and were “mainly oppor- Moscow radio, citing the education that Savile, one of the biggest TV Savile, who died in October 2011 tunistic sexual assaults — many in and science ministry, said that as of US flu outbreak claims at least 18 lives stars in Britain in the 1970s and at the age of 84, was a hugely popu- situations manipulated by Savile”. late December the ministry’s lists 1980s, took every opportunity to lar but eccentric figure, famed for Police said Savile was able to get contained 52 children in the proc- WASHINGTON: The United States was in the grip of a deadly abuse young girls, boys and adult his shock of white hair, tracksuits away with it because of his fame ess of being adopted by US parents influenza outbreak that has hit harder and earlier than in pre- women across the country. and chunky gold jewellery. He as well as the shame felt by his and who have already received a vious years, and has claimed the lives of at least 18 children. He used his fame as presenter was knighted in 1990. There were victims and their fears they would court decision. Those decisions “It looks like the worst year we’ve had since 2003-2004,” said of BBC TV’s Top of the Pops chart rumours about his private life but not be believed. Commander Peter have not entered force yet, the Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and show and children’s programme he batted them away with jokes. Spindler, who led Scotland Yard’s radio station added. Infectious Diseases. Fauci said this year’s influenza strain, which Jim’ll Fix It to rape and assault A year after his death, five investigation into Savile, cau- Kremlin spokesman Peskov said has sickened thousands across the country, is particularly severe. victims on BBC premises as well women went on television to tioned against blaming any one on Thursday that a November 1 The epidemic, which broke out in early December, has caused as in schools and hospitals, where complain Savile had abused them institution for the abuse, which international agreement between some 2,200 hospitalisations across the United States. Hard hit he was welcomed by his fans. when they were girls, opening the took place at the BBC, in schools, the US and Russia aiming to give has been Boston, where officials have declared a public health The scandal has thrown the floodgates for hundreds of similar in 13 hospitals and even in one better protection to adopted chil- emergency. Officials said there have so far been about 700 con- BBC into crisis although police allegations. About 450 people have hospice, where a teenage visitor dren would remain in force until firmed cases of the flu. AGENCIES said yesterday that the world’s come forward with information, was assaulted. AFP January next year. AFP JANUARY 12, 2013 ON SATURDAY 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Philippines Aquino exempt US embassy protest from gun ban, says Comelec Firearms curbs take effect tomorrow

MANILA: The Commission on Philippine National Police (PNP) Elections (Comelec) backpedaled chief Director General Alan yesterday on its pronouncement Purisima who filed the applica- that President Benigno S Aquino tion “on behalf” of the President. III is not exempted from the “Maybe that was the interpreta- nationwide gun ban, which takes tion — that he was not in the list effect tomorrow. so there was a need to apply and it “The President, as commander- was done by the chief of the PNP,” in-chief, is exempted. We just did he maintained. not include that in the resolu- Brillantes noted that even in tion because it is presumably a previous polls, presidents were given. We can’t imagine the com- “automatically” exempted from mander-in-chief of this country the gun ban. He admitted it was would have to ask for an exemp- the first time that a president tion from us,” Comelec Chairman formally applied for exemption. Sixto Brillantes said at a press Yusoph said that by formally conference. seeking exemption, Aquino was Earlier, Brillantes declared that “leading by example”. no one is exempted from the ban “He is informing the public — not even the President. The that if you want to have personal ban on carrying firearms outside exemption from gun ban then you residence stays until the end of should apply before the Comelec so the election period on June 12. On that it could be properly evaluated Thursday, the President filed for by the committee,” Yusoph said. exemption for a “small firearm.” While applications for exemp- Filipino protesters display a mock drone plane during a rally near the US embassy in Manila, yesterday. They denounced the US for violating their He owns several other guns. tions are expected to flood the country’s sovereignty over the recovery of a downed drone plane in Masbate. Comelec Commissioner Elias Comelec, the Parish Pastoral Yusoph, who heads the Committee Council for Responsible Voting on the Ban on Firearms and (PPCRV) said authorities should Security Personnel, confirmed be firm in implementing the gun Flooding displaces that the President had formally ban policy during the election sought to be spared from the gun period. “I hope that our authori- President for lasting truce with NPA 5,000 in Mindanao restriction. Asked why Aquino ties would have the political will sought formal exemption, the to carry out this gun ban, that MANILA: President Benigno in the peace process from the left- confront us, we know that with MANILA: About 5,000 peo- poll chief surmised there might they would enforce the gun ban S Aquino III called for a lasting ist rebels. the Filipino people on our side ple were displaced by floods have been “misinterpretation of and really apprehend those who ceasefire with the leftist New “So that’s what we want, to put and with the support of partners caused by continuous rains the resolution because he was not violate this law,” PPCRV chair People’s Army (NPA) to lessen a stop on the bloodshed among overseas, we can make greater in Mindanao, the National included” in the list of those not Henrietta de Villa said in an the collateral damage caused by Filipinos,” he added. Aquino also strides,” he said. Disaster Risk Reduction and covered by the ban. interview over the Church-run their decades-long struggle. asked the NPA to stop the use of While 2012 will be a “difficult Management Council said. The Brillantes admitted that Radio Veritas. “Of course, it is important for landmines, citing that so far there year to match,” Aquino said the agency said the affected resi- even they were puzzled by the Meanwhile, San Juan Rep. us to have a long ceasefire, espe- were at least 25 civilians who government’s focus on good gov- dents came from 37 villages in President’s filing for exemption. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito is cially to lessen the collateral dam- were killed due to this explosive ernance will continue to yield pos- six provinces in Mindanao. “As far as our resolution now, it is urging the PNP to intensify its age,” said the President during an device, which is being banned by itive results for the Philippines. The bad weather affect- practically the same as the reso- campaign against loose firearms, interview with the Radio Mindanao at least 160 countries, including He cited the gains of his admin- ing the southern provinces of lution in 2010. I can’t imagine that estimated to number more than Network yesterday. the Philippines. istration last year which include Agusan del Norte, Surigao del we’re making so much fuss about 500,000. “The PNP must be able The government and the left- Meanwhile, Aquino expressed the robust performance of the Norte, and Surigao del Sur also this resolution… There’s no issue to account for these loose firearms ist rebels are under truce, which his optimism that the country will Philippine economy and the sign- resulted in the suspension of about gun ban exemption but you especially since the Philippines is started on December 20 last year continue to perform well in 2013 ing of the peace deal between the classes in some schools (media) just make a drama out of already in the thick of preparations and will end on January 15. The despite the many challenges con- government and the Moro Islamic this,” he said. for the May elections,” he said. President said he has to see “good fronting his administration. Liberation Front. Top drug pusher He clarified that it was THE PHILIPPINE STAR faith” and “gestures of goodwill” “Though many challenges THE PHILIPPINE STAR held in Isabela

ZAMBOANGA CITY: A son of a former councillor and listed by police as a top drug pusher Seven die in was arrested during a buy-bust Swede jailed for operation on Thursday night in Isabela City, capital of Basilan hotel blaze province. The arrested suspect was iden- MANILA: inciting child rape Four foreigners are tified as Jose Ma Basilio Dayrit believed to be among seven peo- III, a resident of Barangay La ple who died yesterday when STOCKHOLM: A Swedish 2009 on Internet chat sites. The Piedad and is allegedly a known a fire razed a small hotel near court jailed a national for eight women were either relatives or shabu peddler in the area. a former US naval base in the years on Thursday for paying acquaintances of the children, Police investigation disclosed Philippines, rescue officials said. poor women in the Philippines who were between the ages of that Dayrit was arrested after Based on the hotel’s guest list, to rape young kids as he five and eight. dealing with a cop who acted as three American men, a South watched on a videolink from The women used the money poseur-buyer in the same village. Korean man, and two Filipinas his computer in Sweden, local they were paid to buy rice, school During the buy-bust, the ele- had checked into rooms where media reported. books and other necessities for ments of the City Police Anti- seven bodies were later found, The Haessleholm district court the children. Authorities discov- Illegal Drugs Special Operations Olongapo city civil defence chief in southern Sweden found the ered the abuse when police seized Task Force recovered from Angelito Layug said. 52-year-old man, whose name the man’s computer in another Dayrit’s possesion eight heat- He said a seventh person, Filipino funeral parlour workers carry the body of one of the victims, yesterday. was not disclosed, guilty of 11 matter, and found screenshots of sealed plastic sachets believed believed to be a Philippine citi- charges of inciting aggravated the rapes. to be shabu (methamphetamine zen but not yet identified, was nearby Subic Naval Base in 1991, “It’s one of the most famous rape and one count of conspir- The man denied the charges hydrochloride), drug parapherna- also killed. The pre-dawn blaze Layug added. establishments in the area,” acy to commit aggravated rape, and said someone must have lia and a magazine for calibre 22. occurred in Dryden hotel in the Carlo Elepong, an aide to Layug, Olongapo Mayor James Gordon both unusual indictments, news manipulated his computer. The Isabela City government northern port’s entertainment described one of the victims as a said. He said the cause of the agency TT said. The women who carried out earlier expressed alarm over the district, he said. man in his 80s, but the authorities blaze was not yet known, while The man was acquitted of the rapes testified during the rampant peddling of illegal sub- “This area has a fairly large declined to release the guest list. the US embassy in Manila had no six other rape counts due to trial from the Philippines via stance in the area, prompting the population of retired American City fire investigator Jose immediate comment. “We are still lack of evidence, and prosecu- a videolink, but it was unclear creation of the task force to run servicemen,” he said. They set- Borlagdatan said the hotel was a gathering information,” embassy tor Maans Bjoerklund said he whether they would face charges after the pushers operating in the tled in and around Olongapo after small building with barred win- spokeswoman Tina Malone said. plans to appeal those cases. The in the Philippines. city. the US military pulled out of the dows, in a narrow street. AFP man contacted the women in AFP THE PHILIPPINE STAR Bangsamoro forum gains steam outside Mindanao

COTABATO CITY: The consultation, jointly organ- The event was attended by Taliño-Mendoza, and Fuentes and the August 5, 2008 signing of the about the FAB and the newly- Personalities who are not from ised by Maguindanao Governor former North Cotabato gov- Antonino. MOA-AD as unconstitutional. created Transition Commission, the Autonomous Region in Esmael Mangudadatu and the ernor Emmanuel Piñol, South Members of the ARMM’s Hataman, who is running for or Transcom. The TransCom, Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) league of municipal mayors in the Cotabato Representative Daisy 27-seat Regional Assembly, pro- ARMM governor in May polls, created through Executive Order and opposed the botched 2008 province, was supported by the Avance Fuentes, and Lualhati vincial governors Sakur Tan of said that even if he is elected, he 120, will oversee the implementa- memorandum of agreement on office of Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Antonino, who is chairperson Sulu, Sadikul Sahali of Tawi- will be willing to step down by 2015 tion of the FAB and the drafting ancestral domain (MOA-AD) chair of the government’s peace of the Mindanao Development Tawi, Jum Akbar of Basilan, and to give way to the Bangsamoro of the Basic Bangsamoro Law attended yesterday’s huge con- panel negotiating with the Milf. Authority, who were all critical Mamintal Adiong Jr of Lanao del region under FAB. that would enable the creation of sultation on the Framework Ferrer, who addressed thou- of Malacañang’s peace overtures Sur attended. On Tuesday, a peace caravan the Bangsamoro region. Agreement on Bangsamoro sands of participants in the forum, with Moro factions during the Hataman even recalled in a involving hundreds of vehicles Mangudadatu, during a ple- (FAB) in Buluan, Maguindanao. cited the provincial government time of presidents Fidel Ramos, speech how North Cotabato’s — led by Maguindanao provin- nary session that capped the The FAB, signed on October 15, of Maguindanao for embarking on Joseph Estrada and Gloria various communities opposed the cial officials and members of the forum, approved seven resolu- 2012 by the national government the activity, which she said would Macapagal-Arroyo. MOA-AD, the supposed basis for league of mayors — toured the tions drafted by technical work- and the Moro Islamic Liberation boost peace talks. ARMM Acting Governor Mujiv the government and the Milf to province and several towns in ing groups from the ARMM Front (Milf) in Malacañang, aims “Let’s continue helping each Hataman said he welcomes the set up Moro homeland the rebel North Cotabato. provinces recommending to the to establish a new autonomous other in supporting the peace participation in the activity of group was to govern through the Mangudadatu said he is grate- government and MILF panels political entity to replace the process,” Ferrer told thousands of Piñol and the latter’s political proposed Bangsamoro Juridical ful to his constituents in the prov- various proposals to hasten the Autonomous Region in Muslim participants to the forum, held at rival, the re-electionist North Entity. ince for the outpouring of support Mindanao peace process. Mindanao. the Buluan municipal gymnasium. Cotabato Governor Emmylou The Supreme Court declared to efforts to educate the public THE PHILIPPINE STAR JANUARY 12, 2013 Asia www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 ON SATURDAY Sri Lanka House votes to impeach chief justice Parliament defies Supreme Court verdict

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s par- Three leftist members of by bursting fire crackers around liament yesterday voted to Rajapakse’s United People’s the tightly-guarded assembly impeach Chief Justice Shirani Freedom Alliance coalition, who building. Bandaranayake after a proc- stayed away during voting, said The government brought ess criticised by international they failed to prevent a crisis with charges against Bandaranayake rights groups as an assault on the first sacking of a chief justice after she turned down a contro- judicial independence. in Sri Lanka. versial bill that sought to grant The assembly voted 155 to “Right from the beginning, we greater financial and political 49 to dismiss Bandaranayake attempted to intervene at several power to Rajapakse’s youngest whose most recent rulings had stages to avert a constitutional brother Basil, the economic devel- gone against the government of crisis, a confrontation between opment minister. President Mahinda Rajapakse the legislature, executive and the Although she was accused of 14 who is widely expected to ratify judiciary,” Senior Minister D E counts of financial, professional the sacking and name a replace- W Gunasekera of the Communist and personal misconduct, a par- ment within days. Party said. liamentary committee convicted “The motion was carried with Gunasekera said the impeach- her only of three. 155 voting for and 49 against,” ment had been “politicised” and However, even those find- said Speaker Chamal Rajapakse, damaged the image of the country. ings were quashed by courts on the eldest brother of the presi- Earlier in the day, lawyers Monday. But, the parliament Paramilitary policemen search for survivors after a landslide hit Zhenxiong county in China’s Yunnan province, dent. The vote was at the end of a urged all Sri Lankan judges to rejected the court verdict and yesterday. two-day debate on a controversial refuse to accept the appoint- went ahead with a two-day debate probe which found her guilty of ment of a new chief justice. The which ended yesterday calling for misconduct. Lawyers’ Collective in letters her dismissal. Bandaranayake, 54, the coun- to judges said any replacement Ruling party MPs found her 42 dead in China landslide try’s first woman in the highest would be an “usurper”. guilty of tampering with a case judicial office, maintained she “Judges should refuse to accept involving a company from which was not given a fair hearing by an appointment of chief justice her sister bought an apartment, BEIJING: A landslide killed at backdrop of snow-covered, ter- sent to the site of the landslide, the parliamentary panel which or refuse to recognise any person not declaring dormant bank least 42 people including seven raced hills. A video posted on a which was estimated to be 300 convicted her on three charges appointed... as such an appoint- accounts and staying in office from a single family when it Chinese social networking site metres long, 80 metres wide and of misconduct. ment would be contrary to the while her husband faced a brib- smashed into a remote village appeared to show a group of vil- 30 metres deep, according to The United States reacted constitution,” the Lawyers’ ery charge. in southwestern China yester- lagers digging through thick mud authorities. swiftly saying it was “deeply con- Collective said. Four opposition legislators day, state media said. and debris to uncover a body, Snow was visible in images of cerned” that Sri Lanka’s par- “Such a person (new appointee) withdrew from the panel as a sign Another two people were sent which was carried away on a the rescue, in an area that has liament had moved to impeach would be a usurper in the Office of protest after Bandaranayake to hospital after being rescued stretcher. “The landslide, which experienced unusually low tem- Bandaranayake in defiance of its of Chief Justice.” herself stormed out of a hearing from the debris while at least two brought about several hundred peratures in recent weeks, with own Supreme Court which had Work in court houses has been last month saying she was being more were still missing after the thousand cubic metres of watery China suffering what authorities ruled the process illegal. at a standstill since Thursday as subjected to personal abuse. landslip engulfed 16 homes in the mud to the village, buried all of have called its coldest winter in 28 “The United States, along with lawyers stayed away, protest- President Rajapakse has tight- village of Gaopo, the official news the houses there,” Xinhua quoted years. The Communist Party’s top our partners in the international ing against what they call the ened his grip on power after agency Xinhua said. a local rescue team leader, Sun leaders Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang, community, continue to urge politically-motivated impeach- crushing Tamil rebels in 2009 in Photos posted on Yunnan Web, Anfa, as saying. along with Premier Wen Jiabao, the government of Sri Lanka to ment, a charge denied by the a major military offensive that run by the Yunnan provincial The conditions “created great ordered “all-out efforts to rescue uphold the rule of law and respect government. sparked widespread allegations government showed rescuers in difficulties for rescue efforts amid victims”, Xinhua said, adding that the principles of democratic gov- Ruling party supporters of rights abuses. orange uniforms digging in wide low temperatures”, he added. more than 1,000 rescuers were on ernance,” it said in a statement. greeted the parliamentary vote AFP swathes of clumpy mud against a More than 1,000 rescuers were the scene. AFP

Taiwan blocks anti-media Beijing sends fighters to counter Japanese aircraft BEIJING: Beijing sent fighter which calls them Diaoyu. times in December, including an the international community, to China Sea, damaged trade ties jets to the East China Sea after The Beijing defence ministry occasion when Japanese airspace achieve a political goal by allow- between Asia’s two biggest econ- monopoly bill Japanese aircraft followed a official said that Japanese mili- was breached. They were also ing damages to Japanese-affiliated omies and prompted speculation Chinese plane in a territorial tary planes have been increas- mobilised once last week, it said. companies and Japanese nationals that Japanese exporters would TAIPEI: Taiwan’s ruling party dispute, the defence ministry ingly watching Chinese aircraft Meanwhile, Japanese prime that have made contributions to begin shifting investment to other has blocked an anti-media said yesterday according to and have also extended the areas minister Shinzo Abe has sharply the Chinese economy,” Abe said parts of mainland Asia. monopoly bill that could have state media. where they are active, Xinhua criticised China for allowing yesterday. The riots, together with a derailed a deal to put nearly A ministry official told a press reported. China’s military will be anti-Japanese protests over the “This will not only undermine Chinese consumer boycott of half of the island’s print and conference that two J-10 fighters on high alert and the country will Senkaku islands to turn violent. the bilateral relationship, but it Japanese products, cost firms television operations in the flew to the area on Thursday to protect its air defence force, the Demonstrations were held will also negatively affect China’s more than $100m, according to hands of a group of pro-China monitor two Japanese F-15 fight- official said. in dozens of Chinese cities in economy and society.” a Japanese government estimate. businessmen. ers that had trailed a Chinese Y-8 Japan’s Fuji TV network quoted the autumn after Japan’s then Noda had hoped the move Toyota said its sales in China fell Next Media Ltd, owned by aircraft, China’s official Xinhua Tokyo officials as saying that prime minister, Yoshihiko Noda, would avert a more serious dip- 4.9 percent last year, the first Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy news agency said. Chinese planes were spotted on announced his government would lomatic fallout from the pro- annual decline since 2001, while Lai, signed a deal in November The comments came after Thursday on Japanese military buy the islands, known in China posed purchase of the islands by Nissan said its sales in the coun- with five Taiwan tycoons to sell Japanese media reported Tokyo radar north of the islands. as the Diaoyu, from their private Tokyo’s then nationalist governor, try had dropped 5.3 percent, the its Taiwan print and TV assets had scrambled fighter jets to The aircraft did not violate ter- Japanese owners. Shintaro Ishihara. first decline since 2003. for T$17.5bn ($601m), sparking head off an unspecified number ritorial airspace over the islands Abe, a nationalist who last Protesters attacked Japanese Next week, Abe plans to visit fears the agreement with pro- of Chinese military planes near but flew inside Japan’s so-called month became prime minister for businesses, factories and shops, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand China forces could spell trouble islands at the centre of an air defence identification zone, the a second time, blamed the Chinese forcing companies to tempo- to strengthen ties as Japanese for press freedom on the island. increasingly tense maritime row. report said. authorities for allowing the dem- rarily close their premises and manufacturers boost investments In an about-turn yesterday, the The two countries are at odds Tokyo’s defence ministry has onstrations to spiral out of con- instruct employees to take safety in the region. His finance min- ruling Nationalist Party (KMT) over the small, uninhabited said that F-15s were sent airborne trol, and for damaging bilateral precautions. ister, Taro Aso, recently made a rejected the anti-monopoly islands controlled by Tokyo as the to head off Chinese state-owned business ties. “It was wrong for The four-month standoff over similar visit to Burma. media law proposed by Taiwan’s Senkakus but claimed by Beijing, -but not military-planes four China, as a country responsible to the islands, located in the East AFP/GUARDIAN NEWS major opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), a move that is expected to swell numbers at a rally planned for tomorrow Congregation against China-friendly President Ma Ying-jeou. “We ask the government to stop Over 600 illegal Rohingya treating people like fools and los- ing its own credibility,” Chsiaoyi Chen, president of Association of Taiwan Journalists, said in a migrants held in Thai raids statement. Scores of demonstra- tions have erupted with protesters BANGKOK: At least 600 Hundreds make their way Various rights groups called voicing concern over the proposed Rohingya Muslims believed abroad each year by boat, espe- then for the Thai government Next Media deal on fears of grow- to be illegal migrants from cially to Malaysia, in search of to scrap its policy of summarily ing Chinese influence in Taiwan’s Myanmar have been detained in a better life, an exodus given deporting Rohingyas who land up media at a time when cross-strait Thailand after two raids by the added impetus after recent sec- in Thailand. ties are at their warmest in more authorities near the border with tarian violence between minority In two separate incidents in than six decades. Malaysia, police said yesterday. Rohingyas and majority Buddhist 2008, the military pushed 992 China has claimed sovereignty More than 300 Rohingya were in Myanmar’s western state of Rohingya boat people back to over Taiwan since 1949, when Mao discovered on Tuesday in a build- Rakhine. The raids in south- sea without food and water and Zedong’s forces won the Chinese ing in the town of Sadao, while ern Thailand were led by the hundreds may have died, activists civil war and Chiang Kai-shek’s a second raid on Thursday at a army and police as part of what have said. KMT fled to the island. Beijing rubber plantation near the border they call anti-human-trafficking The United Nations estimates has vowed to bring Taiwan under town of Pedang Besar uncovered operations. about 13,000 boat people, including its rule eventually, and by force if 393 more, including 14 children “The Rohingyas were en route many Rohingya, fled Myanmar necessary. The “Fury Mass Rally” and 8 women. to Malaysia and the camp we and neighbouring Bangladesh in organised for this weekend by the “These illegal migrants have found was used as a holding facil- 2012, a sharp increase from the DPP would be the first major pro- been handed over to immigration ity by middlemen paid to facilitate previous year. test against Taiwan’s leader since authorities and will be deported their journey,” said Lieutenant Thailand and Singapore refuse he was re-elected last year, with back to Myanmar,” Police Colonel Colonel Katika Jitbanjong of to provide asylum to members of anti-government demonstrators Krissakorn Paleetunyawong, dep- Padang Besar police station. the Muslim minority group while also using it to call on the govern- uty commander of police in the Last week, Thai authorities Bangladesh has closed its border ment to reject the sale of Next area, said.An estimated 800,000 found 73 Rohingya boat people to them. “Thailand should scrap Media’s Taiwan assets. “People Rohingyas live in Myanmar adrift near the holiday island of its inhumane policy of summar- will be even more furious now,” but are officially stateless. The Phuket. They sent the asylum ily deporting the Rohingya, who said Yeh Yijin, a legislator at the Myanmar government denies seekers, who arrived in rickety have been brutally persecuted in pro-independent DPP. “Again and Believers performing Friday prayers at the World Muslim Congregation them citizenship, regarding them and overcrowded boats, back to Burma, and honour their right to again, we feel the Chinese inter- at Tongi, on the outskirts of Dhaka. More then one million attended as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, sea in Thai fishing boats, New seek asylum,” said Sunai Phasuk ference (in Taiwan media). We prayers near the Bangladeshi capital. but Bangladesh does not recog- York-based rights group Human of Human Rights Watch. are very worried.” REUTERS nise them as citizens either. Rights Watch said. REUTERS JANUARY 12, 2013 ON SATURDAY 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Pakistan / Afghanistan Afghan troop levels focus of key talks Karzai meets Obama, confident over security deal modality; Panetta vows Washington will stand by Kabul

WASHINGTON: US President breakthroughs or concrete con- with Obama, followed by a joint Barack Obama and Afghan clusions and say it will be months news conference at 1.15pm EST President Hamid Karzai began before he decides how many (1815 GMT) — caps meetings with a crucial round of talks yester- troops — if any — he wants to Defence Secretary Leon Panetta, day that are expected to help keep in Afghanistan. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton determine how fast the US with- Officials have said that the and top lawmakers. draws troops from Afghanistan White House is asking for options Also on the agenda for the and if it leaves a residual force to be developed for keeping Obama-Karzai talks are tentative after 2014. between 3,000 and 9,000 troops. reconciliation efforts involving Hosting Karzai at the White General John Allen, the top Taliban insurgents. Those efforts House, Obama faces the challenge US and Nato commander in have shown flickers of life after of pressing ahead with his re-elec- Afghanistan, had initially sug- nearly 10 months of limbo. tion pledge to continue winding gested that 15,000 troops should Karzai and his US partners down the war, while preparing remain — a number Obama would have not always seen eye to eye, Kabul to prevent a slide back into likely have a hard time selling to a even though the US military has chaos and a Taliban resurgence war-weary American public. been seen as crucial to secur- once most Nato forces are gone With some 66,000 troops in ing his tenure from insurgents’ by the end of next year. Afghanistan, Obama is deciding attempts to oust him. White House officials have left on the pace of this year’s reduc- In October, he accused the US open the possibility of a complete tions. Nato allies are steadily of playing a double game by fight- US withdrawal — as happened reducing troop numbers and ing the war in villages instead of in Iraq in 2011 — an option that Afghan forces are due to take going after those in neighbour- conflicts with the Pentagon’s view the lead role this year. However, ing Pakistan which supports that thousands of troops will be doubts remain about their ability insurgents. needed to bolster and train fragile to shoulder full responsibility. Adding to tensions has been a Afghan forces. Obama once called Afghanistan rash of deadly “insider” attacks by But talk of this “zero option” a “war of necessity,” but he is Afghan soldiers and police against may be a gambit to squeeze con- heading into a second term, look- Nato-led troops training or work- US President Barack Obama looks on as his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai gestures during a meeting in the cessions from Karzai, who has yet ing for an orderly way out of the ing with them. Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, yesterday. to agree on immunity from pros- conflict, sparked by the Sept. 11, “After a long and difficult past, ecution for any US forces that 2001 attacks by Al Qaeda on the we finally are, I believe, at the stay behind under a security pact US. last chapter of establishing ... a advise and assist Afghan forces, towards a shared goal of estab- to be channeled into Afghan cof- being negotiated. It could also Defence secretary nominee sovereign Afghanistan that can while pursuing a gradual pullout lishing a nation that you and we fers, instead of being distributed send a message to the Pentagon to Chuck Hagel is likely to favour a govern and secure itself for the of troops by end-2014. can be proud of, one that never via non-governmental and aid scale back expectations of future sizable troop reduction. future,” Panetta told Karzai at the He sought to assure Karzai that again becomes a safe haven for organisations. troop levels. Karzai told nothing to report- Pentagon. the US would remain committed terrorism.” The US Special Inspector The White House believes ers as he entered the West Wing He said both sides were com- to his country. Karzai discussed with Clinton General for Afghanistan Obama and Karzai can narrow of the White House to start talks mitted to the goals approved at He said that more than a dec- progress on reconciliation talks Reconstruction, John Sopko, has their differences in closed-door with Obama. the Nato summit in Chicago in ade of war had paved the way for with the Taliban and the distribu- warned that it could be wasted meetings. The Oval Office encounter — May, which calls for a continuing Kabul to stand on its own. tion of US aid. without better planning and secu- But Obama aides expect no together with a working lunch effort by Western nations to train, “We’ve come a long way He has pressed for more aid rity. AFP

114 political Pakistanis concerned over terror explosions parties yet QUETTA: Extremist bomb responsibility for security in Earlier on Thursday, a bomb killed, officials said. another democratically elected attacks that killed 125 people in Quetta from paramilitary and also detonated under a security Mohammed Raza, who works government. one of Pakistan’s deadliest days police officers. force vehicle in a crowded part for a Hazara ambulance service, “The government is completely to qualify for for years, have raised concerns The government in Baluchistan of Quetta, killing 11 people and said staff had collected two bags losing control over the situation. about rising violence in the province, which is also fighting a wounding dozens. of body parts, including limbs, fin- Events are taking place one after nuclear-armed country ahead separatist insurgency, announced A bomb at a religious gather- gers and torsos. the other,” security and political elections of general elections. three days of mourning, but the ing in the northwestern Swat val- Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed analyst, retired lieutenant general ISLAMABAD: As many as 114 Two suicide bombers killed 92 protesters squatted on the road ley killed 22 people and wounded responsibility in telephone calls Talat Masood said. “The disturb- political parties in Pakistan out people and wounded 121 after alongside around 30 bodies draped more than 80, the deadliest inci- to local journalists. The group has ing law and order situation will of total 216, including five main- they targeted a crowded snooker in shrouds and placed in coffins. dent in the district since the army links to Al Qaeda and the Taliban, have adverse effect on polls.” stream parties, Asif Zardari’s club in the southwestern city of “The protest will continue until in 2009 fought off a two-year and was involved in the kidnap But a senior official in PPP, Shujaat Hussain’s PML- Quetta on Thursday, in an area Quetta is handed to the army,” Taliban insurgency. and beheading of reporter Daniel the Quetta administration, Q, Asfandyar Wali’s ANP, Pir dominated by Shiite Muslims said Hashim Mousavi, one of At the snooker club, the first Pearl in January 2002. Mohammad Hashim, denied sec- Pagara’s PML-F and Imran from the Hazara ethnic minority. the organisers from the Shiite bomber struck inside the building The attacks, coupled with vio- tarian violence had any bearing on Khan’s PTI, may not be able to Extremist Sunni militant Wahdatul Muslimeen party. then, 10 minutes later, an attacker lence in the northwest, revived elections. “Incidents of sectarian contest the upcoming general group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed “The government is either in a car blew himself up as police, warnings from analysts that an violence have been taking place elections, if they failed to hold responsibility for what was the incapable of bringing the situation media workers and rescue teams Islamist militancy could threaten in the country for more than a the intra-party polls prior to the worst ever sectarian attack on under control or does not want to rushed to the site, said police national elections, expected some- decade. I don’t think it will have nation-wide electoral exercise. Shiites, who account for around do anything,” he added. officer Mir Zubair Mehmood. time in May after parliament dis- an impact on polls. It’s not politi- The Election Commission of 20 percent of Pakistan’s 180 mil- It was the deadliest attack in “The death toll is now 92,” said bands in mid-March. cal, it’s sectarian,” he said. Pakistan (ECP) issued a reminder lion population. Pakistan since suicide bombers police official Hamid Shakeel. Polls would mark the first The Human Rights Commission on December 28, urging political Hundreds of Shiites staged a killed 98 people outside a police Nine police, three local journal- time an elected civilian govern- of Pakistan demanded that the parties, which could not conduct sit-in at the devastated snooker training centre in the northwest ists, several rescue workers and a ment in Pakistan, for decades government take steps to clamp the intra-party elections to fulfil hall yesterday, refusing to bury in 2011 — an attack claimed by the spokesman for the Frontier Corps ruled by the military, completes down on “murdering mayhem”. the legal requirement otherwise loved ones until the army takes Pakistani Taliban. paramilitary were among those a term in office and is replaced by AFP they might not be allotted elec- tion symbols. However, this has apparently failed to shake them Rally against India, US accordingly. The mainstream political par- Europe to give ties have yet to adhere to true Top cleric vows mass democracy within their rank and file, as many key party posts even 42m euro aid today are filled by issuing notifica- tions after nominations are made protest despite threats by the influential top leadership of to Islamabad respective parties. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will LAHORE: An influential people will join the march from A senior official at the ECP sec- receive 42m euros in humani- Pakistani religious leader vowed Lahore to Islamabad, a journey retariat said yesterday that elec- tarian aid from the European yesterday to press ahead with of 300km. tion symbols would be allotted only Commission this year. The aid a mass protest march on the Organisers say they will leave to those parties that would fulfil announced in Brussels is part capital to demand key reforms on Sunday and travel slowly, stop- the requirement mentioned in the of 661m euros assistance the EC before looming elections. ping at villages en route. Political Parties Order 2002. “All has allocated for 2013, official “No one should harbour any The Muttahida Qaumi political parties, which have not sources said here yesterday. doubt, there will be march, as Movement, which is part of the submitted their certificates con- As in previous years, part of scheduled, on time,” Tahir-ul coalition government, has bowed cerning their intra-party, will not the budget is dedicated to for- Qadri, 61, told a news conference out of the march, citing “serious be entitled to get election sym- gotten crises - communities that in the eastern city of Lahore. security threats” after suicide bols,” the official maintained. receive little media attention and He leads a moderate Islamic bombers killed 92 people in the Article 14 of the Political for whom the Commission is often group that has thousands of fol- southwestern city of Quetta on Parties Order 2002 says a politi- the only major donor. lowers in Pakistan and abroad, and Thursday. cal party shall be eligible to obtain For 2013, the Commission has recently returned from several Interior Minister Rehman an election symbol to contest the has identified several popula- years spent living in Canada. Malik has called Qadri’s march parliament and provincial assem- tion groups in nine countries The government says the a “conspiracy to destabilise the blies, elections on submission of Algeria, Bangladesh, Central Taliban are planning to attack government”. certificates and statements under African Republic, Colombia, the march and that protesters Media reports have suggested Articles 12 and 13, which call for India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri will be barred from the centre of that Qadri is being used by foreign submission of related documents. Lanka and Yemen — who meet Islamabad. intelligence agencies and the army According to the order any the criteria. “I am not scared of death, I will in a bid to delay the elections, for political party or a combination of The only new crisis on this convene members of my family which no date has been set. political parties, collectively, con- year’s list is the one caused by tonight and convey my last will, to Qadri delivered a speech to travenes the provisions of Articles conflict and internal displacement tell them what they should do if I tens of thousands of followers in 12 and 13, it shall not be entitled in Pakistan, the EC said. am assassinated,” Qadri hit back. Lahore on December 23, giving to obtain an symbol for election. Kristalina Georgieva, the “Let them seal Islamabad, we the government until January 10 The ECP official explained that European Commissioner for will open our routes.” to initiate reforms, claiming that the Allocation of Symbols Order International Cooperation, Qadri accuses the government the necessary “amendments” need 2002 also provided that subject to Humanitarian Aid and Crisis of being corrupt and incompe- only take a few months to enact. the fulfilment of the provisions Response, said: The scope and tent, and argues that Pakistan He says Pakistan’s political of the Political Parties Order and size of the Commission’s world- must enact “meaningful” reforms and economic system has col- the rules framed there under, wide humanitarian aid decision Pakistanis burn mock Indian and US flags as they protest against before general elections, which lapsed because it revolves around a political party shall make an is a sober reminder of the extent both countries in Multan, yesterday. Islamabad formally protested are scheduled to be held within wealthy, landed aristocrats, and application to the ECP for allo- of humanitarian needs around the against an Indian attack on one of its army outposts in Kashmir that eight weeks after parliament dis- industrialists, and prevents hon- cation of a symbol of its choice world. killed another soldier. bands in mid-March. est people from being elected. within the period specified by the INTERNEWS It remains unclear how many AFP commission. INTERNEWS JANUARY 12, 2013 India www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 ON SATURDAY We only fired back, envoy tells Pakistan Hafiz Saeed challenges India

NEW DELHI: The Indian past decade. The spokesman envoy told the Pakistan gov- also reiterated India’s refusal to ernment yesterday that the involve any third party to probe Indian Army gave a “control- the allegations and counter alle- led response” to “unprovoked” gations from the two countries on firing by Pakistani troops the LoC. along the Jammu and Kashmir India and Pakistan “have a border. mechanism to bilaterally solve Indian High Commissioner such issues”, the official said. Sharat Sabharwal conveyed this He said the Director Generals to Pakistan Foreign Secretary Military Operation of both coun- Jalil Abbas Jilani in Islamabad, tries were in contact. “We are the external affairs ministry fully capable of handling all these spokesman said here. matters without involving the UN Sabharwal was yesterday or any other third party.” served a “note verbale” after Tensions between India and Pakistani alleged that Indian fir- Pakistan have escalated in ing and shelling along the Line of Kashmir since January 6 when a Control (LoC) in Kashmir killed Pakistani solider was killed alleg- a Pakistani soldier. edly by Indian troops. “As we understand it, there Two days later, two Indian sol- has been unprovoked firing by diers were killed and beheaded Pakistan in the Mandher sector near the LoC. Indian officials and there was controlled response blamed Pakistani troops for the Border Security Force soldiers patrol along the border fence at an outpost on the India-Pakistan border in Suchit-Garh, 36km southwest of Jammu, from our side,” the spokesman horror. yesterday. said. India summoned the Pakistani The Indian high commissioner envoy on Thursday to lodge a has “challenged” the government challenge the Indian Government, “(There) has been informa- allegation if they prove my alleged also told the Pakistanis that the strong protest. to prove that he was present near its ministers & agencies to prove tion that Saeed entered PoK visit at the LOC”. sanctity of the LoC “is the most The spokesman added that New the Line of Control a few days ago. my presence near LOC or remain (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) and In fact, a little after Shinde’s important confidence build- Delhi and Islamabad were also A day after Home Minister exposed as Liars in front of the talked to some people,” Shinde press conference on Thursday ing measure between India and discussing Pakistan’s decision to Sushilkumar Shinde said that world.” said at a press conference here where he made the revelation Pakistan”. prevent trucks from Jammu and Saeed had visited Pakistan- Shinde had said that infor- on Thursday. about Saeed, the Lashkar-e-Taiba The two countries agreed to a Kashmir from entering Pakistani administered Kashmir a few mation about the movement of The Lashkar-e-Taiba founder founder tweeted: “We strongly ceasefire along the winding LoC, Kashmir. days before two Indian soldiers Saeed near the LoC was received termed it a “blatant lie” that he reject Mr.Shinde spineless and fact which divides Kashmir between Meanwhile, LeT founder and were killed by Pakistani troops in by intelligence agencies and the had visited Pakistan-administered less allegation of @HafizSaeedJUD India and Pakistan, in 2003. The 2008 Mumbai attack master- Jammu and Kashmir, the Jamat- government was trying to get Kashmir and said he was pre- involvement in LOC raid.” truce has largely held on in the mind Hafiz Muhammad Saeed ud-Dawah chief said in a tweet: “I details of his visit. pared to “accept every Indian IANS

SC sets aside appointment of Karnataka deputy ombudsman Decision on fuel price hike NEW DELHI: The Supreme the governor would appoint the had erred in not consulting the upon before advising or appoint- the past does not mean that it Court yesterday upheld the Upa-Lokayukta on the advice of chief justice before recommend- ing him as Upa Lokayukta, con- should be allowed to persist, oth- soon: Moily Karnataka High Court’s setting the chief minister. ing Chandrashekaraiah’s name sequently, the appointment of erwise it will never be corrected.” aside of the appointment of Upa- “After due deliberations and for the post and thus the appoint- Justice Chandrasekharaiah as He said that the doctrine of NEW DELHI: Raising diesel Lokayukta (deputy ombuds- making meaningful consultation, ment violated Section 3(2)(b) of Upa Lokayukta cannot stand prospective overruling had no and cooking fuel prices and the man), but said the state’s the chief minister of the state the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, in the eye of law and he has no application in the case of Justice cap on subsidised LPG cylinders ombudsman law did not accord is free to advise a name which 1984. authority to continue or hold the Chandrasekharaiah since there is would be decided as soon as pos- primacy to the recommendation has come up for consideration “Records indicate that there post of Upa Lokayukta of the no overwhelming reason to save sible, Oil Minister M Veerappa of chief justice of the high court among the consultees to the gov- was no meaningful and effective state.” his appointment as the Upa- Moily said yesterday. in the issue. ernor of the state. The advice consultation or discussion of the Addressing the contention Lokayukta from attack. “The decision (in this regard) Setting aside the appoint- tendered by the chief minister names suggested among the con- that the practice followed in the As already held, Justice Lokur will be taken as quickly as pos- ment of Justice (Retd) will have primacy and not that sultees before advising the gover- appointment was same or similar said that “in the absence of any sible,” Moily told media persons Chandrashekaraiah as Upa- of the consultees including the nor for appointment to the post of to that was followed in the past, consultation with the Chief here on being asked about an Lokayukta, a bench of Justice chief justice of the high court,” Upa Lokayukta,” he said. Justice Lokur said: “I am not Justice, the appointment of impending fuel price increase. K S Radhakrishnan and Justice Justice Radhakrishnan said in “Since the chief justice of the inclined to accept either conten- Justice Chandrashekharaiah as “When a decision is taken, Madan B Lokur in separate but his judgement. high court was nither consulted tion. Merely because a wrong has an Upa-lokayukta is void ab initio. you will be the first to know,” he concurring judgments held that He held that the chief minister nor was the name deliberated been committed several times in IANS added. Asked if the oil ministry had moved a cabinet note for raising fuel prices, Moily referred to the Vijay Kelkar Committee report. “Recommendations of the No safety for women in Kelkar Committee are under seri- ous consideration,” he said. The Kelkar panel has recom- mended an immediate hike in the Delhi: Supreme Court price of diesel by Rs4 per litre, of kerosene by Rs2 per litre and of NEW DELHI: Holding that bus on December 16 and her LPG by Rs50 per cylinder. It has there was no safety for women subsequent death in a Singapore suggested that rates be raised there- on Delhi’s roads, the Supreme hospital where she was airlifted after on a monthly basis till the rev- Court said yesterday: “We are for specialised treatment. The enue losses are neutralised fully. failing to treat women with dig- incident sparked outrage across According to oil ministry nity, equality and respect.” India and led to calls for stricter sources, it has proposed to raise The observation came as the laws against rape and molestation diesel prices by Rs3-4.50 per litre court issued notice to the cen- of women. in one go or in monthly instal- tral government, the National The driver of the bus on which ments of Re1 or Rs1.50 per litre. Commission for Women and girl was gang-raped and fatally On LPG, it has proposed quar- the Delhi government’s State beaten featured three years ago terly increases of Rs50 per cyl- Transport Authority on a public on a television show that was inder from April till the entire suit questioning the validity of the hosted by a former top woman losses are wiped out. two finger test conducted on rape police officer. The ministry has also proposed victims. Ram Singh, the main accused raising kerosene price by 35 paise The court was told that the in the assault, had sought help on a litre per month or Re1 a litre invasive two finger test was the show, Aap Ki Kacheri or (Your per quarter till March 2015. Supporters of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen clash with police outside the historic Makkah Masjid following against the dignity of women. Court), to get compensation for As per the ministry’s estimates, Friday prayers in Hyderabad, yesterday. The suit also sought the setting injuries he sustained in a bus acci- raising the cap to nine subsidised up of a criminal injury compensa- dent, show host Kiran Bedi said. cylinders would lower savings to tion board in the country. Bedi, India’s most celebrated Rs2.5bn per annum, compared to MIM leader sent to police custody An apex court bench of Justice former woman police officer and the savings of Rs120 bn estimated K S Radhakrishnan and Justice now an anti-corruption activist, when six cylinders are issued at Dipak Misra issued the notice on was host of the Hindi-language subsidised rates. HYDERABAD: A court some 90km from Nirmal. Though against the nation, criminal con- a petition filed by Nipun Saxena, programme that helped resolve Diesel prices were hiked in in Nirmal town of Andhra police sought Akbar’s custody for spiracy and other offences. a fourth year student of Delhi’s civil disputes. September by a record Rs5.63 per Pradesh yesterday sent Majlis- seven days for further questioning While seeking the legislator’s National Law University. “Ram Singh tried to bully his litre. It currently sells at Rs47.15 e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM ) with regard to his December 22 custody, police said he did not Saxena contended that the former employer,” Bedi said, per litre in Delhi. leader Akbaruddin Owaisi to speech in Nirmal town, the court cooperate during the questioning court’s direction 16 years ago to recalling the episode. Kerosene prices were last five-day police custody in a hate granted five-day custody. after his arrest and they need establish the compensation board A Delhi police officer confirmed revised in June 2011 and it cur- speech case. Police would question Akbar to further question him. Akbar’s had not been followed so far. that the man in the show was rently costs Rs14.79 per litre in The magistrate’s court in Owaisi for five days from lawyer opposed the police petition The notice was issued to the Singh, one of five men charged Delhi. Subsidised LPG costs Nirmal town of Adilabad district, Saturday, every day between 10am on the ground that he is not well. State Transport Authority on with the rape and murder of the Rs410.50 per 14.2-kg cylinder, about 200km from here, pro- and 5pm. It was immediately not The magistrate directed police to the plea that permits of private 23-year-old student. while the market price is Rs895.50 nounced the orders, remanding clear if police would question provide necessary medical help buses that do not complay with Singh is expected to plead per cylinder. State oil marketing the legislator to police custody. him in Adilabad or bring him to and not to subject him to physi- the Motor Vehicles Act should not not guilty when the trial begins. companies currently sell diesel at The MIM leader was on Nirmal town cal or mental torture. be renewed. Defence lawyers have said the a loss of Rs10.16 per litre, kero- Wednesday sent to judicial cus- The member of Andhra The court adjourned to January The public suit comes in prosecution’s case is marred by sene at Rs32.17 a litre and LPG tody for 14 days and is currently Pradesh state assembly has been 16 hearing on Akbar’s petition. the wake of the gang-rape of a lapses in the investigation. at Rs490.50 per 14.2-kg cylinder. lodged in district jail in Adilabad, charged with sedition, waging war IANS 23-year-old woman in a moving AGENCIES IANS JANUARY 12, 2013 ON SATURDAY 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Business Global stocks near 20-month high Brent crude futures, gold fall; US trade deficit widens sharply

NEW YORK: An improving Philadelphia Federal Reserve On Wall Street, the three earlier, its highest since April. economic outlook held world Charles Plosser repeated his out- major stock indexes opened lower The dollar, however, strength- shares near a 20-month high yes- look yesterday that the US econ- despite record earnings from ened against the yen, rising 0.61 terday, while the euro rose to its omy will likely grow about three Wells Fargo, the No. 4 US bank. percent to 89.28 yen, a 2-1/2 year highest against the dollar since percent in 2013, bringing the job- The Standard & Poor’s 500 index high, after the Japanese govern- April in the wake of encourag- less rate down to seven percent dialed back from its five-year ment agreed a $117bnn spend- ing remarks from the head of the by year-end. Plosser’s remarks closing high on Thursday. ing boost for the economy, and European Central Bank. followed mildly upbeat comments The Dow Jones industrial aver- new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe UK economy contracting again, A massive stimulus plan in from St Louis Fed chief James age was down 24.03 points, or 0.18 stepped up pressure on the Bank Japan also boosted optimism Bullard on Thursday. percent, at 13,447.19. The S&P of Japan to ease monetary policy about future business activity, but According to Department of 500 was down 3.86 points, or 0.26 more aggressively. ‘triple dip’ recession looms nagging worries persisted about Commerce data released yesterday, percent, at 1,468.26. The Nasdaq The BOJ is likely to adopt a two global demand and a possible US trade deficit widened sharply in Composite Index was down 5.54 percent inflation target at its Jan. LONDON: The British economy Games were booked in the eco- drag from the debt ceiling fight November and posted the highest points, or 0.18 percent, at 3,116.22. 21-22 meeting, double the current contracted in the final quarter nomic accounts in the third quar- in Washington, spurring selling level in seven months amid a jump Europe’s FTSEurofirst 300 goal, and will consider more pur- of 2012, a respected independ- ter “inflating the level of output in oil and basic metals. in consumer-goods imports. index of top companies across chases of government debt to achieve ent economic institute said yes- in this quarter.” As stocks and the euro gained Trade deficit expanded to the region also neared levels last the target, sources said this week. terday, raising the possibility NIESR said it expected Britain appeal, investors trimmed back $48.7bn, up from a revised $42.1bn seen in March 2011 shortly after In the commodity markets, oil the country may be heading for to post a 0.0 percent growth rate their safe-haven holdings of US in October. November US exports the ECB decision and was consoli- prices were slipping as traders a “triple dip” recession. in 2012, down from 0.9 percent in and German government debt. were $1.7bn more than October dating those gains yeserday to be adjusted to the current lacklus- “Our monthly estimates of GDP 2011. The government forecasts a “Equities are very overdue for exports, while November imports little changed at 1,163.62 points. tre growth in the global economy, suggest that output declined by 0.1 percent contraction for 2012. a rest but that shouldn’t make were $8.4bn above the October level. The yield on benchmark US which has prompted the world’s 0.3 percent in the three months If confirmed by Britain’s Office people throw in the towel in my Comments by ECB President 10-year Treasury notes edged biggest producer, Saudi Arabia, to ending in December,” said the for National Statistics, a fourth opinion (as) they will continue to Mario Draghi following the cen- up to 1.91 percent, moving closer cut back supplies. National Institute of Economic quarter 2012 GDP drop raises the be supported by central banks’ tral bank’s policy meeting on to an eight-month high near 1.98 Brent crude futures fell $1.60 and Social Research (NIESR). possibility that the country may very accommodative policies,” said Thursday suggesting Europe’s percent set a week ago. or 1.4 percent a barrel to $110.28 The NIESR said fourth quar- enter a triple dip recession. Edward Page Croft, managing economy is set for a recovery in German Bund futures fell 42 while US oil future shed 56 cents ter drop in gross domestic prod- A recession is commonly director at investment advisory 2013 has raised bets that global basis points to 142.29 after touch- or 0.6 percent at $93.26. uct was in part due to doping defined as two consecutive quar- firm Stockopedia. growth might gather momentum ing their lowest level since late Gold prices fell 0.82 percent at of the results for July through ters of declining output. While Japan aims to jumpstart this year. November. $1,660.94 an ounce as the firmer tone September, when the British Britain sank into the first its economy, US and European The MSCI index of world shares In the currency market, the euro to the dollar prompted some buyers economy grew by 0.9 percent, due phase of a double dip recession in central bankers have talked up was little changed at 349.33 points extended Thursday’s rally against to cash in gains after the metal’s to the London Olympic Games. 2008 as a result of the devastating the prospects for their economies after rising earlier to 350.15, the the dollar, rising 0.45 percent to biggest one-day rise this year. The institute noted that global financial crisis. in the past 24 hours. highest level since May 2011. $1.3327 after touching $1.3365 AGENCIES advanced ticket sales for the AFP

Lumia boosts Nokia growth Dubai Group settles lawsuit with banks

DUBAI: Dubai Group, a strug- walked away from negotiations in gling unit of the ruler of Dubai’s January 2012, dashing hopes of personal investment firm, has state-backed aid. settled with banks who brought With the threat of legal action legal action against it to secure out of the way, a conclusion to repayment of their share of Dubai Group’s longstanding $10bn of debt, raising hopes a restructuring is expected in the wider restructuring can now go coming weeks, with final documen- ahead. tation set to be sent to lenders next Royal Bank of Scotland, week, a third banking source said. Commerzbank and South Africa’s “Everyone needed to see Dubai Standard Bank, later joined by Group get close to a deal with Egypt’s Commercial International other creditors before this final Bank, began court moves in piece of the jigsaw was tackled,” September after nearly two years the third source said. of talks on reorganising the com- Dubai Group declined to pany’s obligations failed to yield an comment. agreement. Under the terms of Dubai Under terms presented to the Group’s wider restructuring, credi- banks in December, Dubai Group’s tors are being asked to extend their parent Dubai Holding — the invest- obligations for between 3.5 and 12 ment arm of Sheikh Mohammed years, depending on the assets bin Rashid Al Maktoum — will buy secured against their exposure, out their debt plus that of any oth- to allow Dubai Group’s assets to A customer looks at an advertising for Nokia Lumia smartphone in a shop in Warsaw, yesterday. Nokia said strong sales of Lumia smartphones ers in the same syndicate of lenders recover in value before divestment. helped its mobile phone business achieve underlying profitability in the fourth quarter, raising hopes the struggling handset maker may be past wishing to exit early for 18.5 cents The settlement could embolden the worst. in the dollar, said two sources with other creditors seeking conces- direct knowledge of the agreement. sions in future restructurings. The The deal is conditional on all lawsuit was a first and marked a lenders in the group which lent major change in the way lenders Dubai Group a $1.5bn Shariah- have dealt with Dubai sovereign- compliant loan facility in 2008 linked debt. Serbia expects investments from UAE agreeing either to sign up to the Of Dubai Group’s $10bn total wider restructuring or exit now. debt, $6bn is owed to banks and BELGRADE: Serbia expects already coming from Russia and the end of the month. He gave no metal since it was bombed by Dubai Group was hit hard by the the remaining $4bn is classed as the United Arab Emirates to China. further details. Nato in 1999 during the Kosovo global financial crisis in 2008 due inter-company loans. sign investment deals worth The UAE will sign a deal next “Serbia and the United Arab war. to excessive use of leverage in its Dubai Holding, which has hundreds of millions of euros, week concerning Serbia’s weap- Emirates have agreed deals and Finance Minister Mladjan investments and a sharp decline in rescheduled some of its own debt — making the UAE one of its ons industry worth some ¤100m investments that are so far the Dinkic told the Serbian daily Blic asset values. a $555m facility in 2010 — and seen most important economic part- ($132m), Defence Minister best we have ever achieved in bilat- that he would sign a deal tomor- After missing interest payments obligations restructured at its Dubai ners, government ministers and Deputy Prime Minister eral relations with another coun- row with Abu Dhabi’s Al Dahra on two loan facilities in 2010 it International Capital arm, has been said yesterday. Aleksandar Vucic told the Beta try,” Beta quoted Vucic as saying. agricultural company on a joint spent years trying to persuade showing an improved financial pic- Struggling with a double-dip news agency. He said the UAE was also investment in eight Serbian farm its lenders to extend repayment ture in recent months thanks to recession, the Balkan nation is Speaking after a three-day interested in the construction cooperatives worth some ¤100m. deadlines so that its asset values land sales and a reduction in con- looking east for investors to make visit by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince of an “exclusive building” on the He also said the UAE might could have time to recover before tractor obligations, a JP Morgan up for waning interest from cri- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed location of the former army head- invest in Serbia’s JAT Tehnika it was forced to sell them to pay note published January 8 said. sis-hit Europe and the Middle Al Nahyan, Vucic said two other quarters in downtown Belgrade, aircraft maintenance company. back debts. The Dubai government REUTERS Eastern cash will add to finance defence contracts would follow by a mess of mangled concrete and REUTERS

EU Parliament chief criticises IMF demands Infosys shares soar on outlook BANGALORE: Indian IT Analysts were surprised by the LISBON: European Parliament and Seguro belong to their respec- yesterday: “My proposal to the government adopted radical and outsourcer Infosys yeterday positive data from Infosys, which President Martin Schulz criti- tive country’s Socialist parties. IMF is to agree first of all inter- highly unpopular measures to cut reported a stronger-than- has been struggling to expand its cised the IMF yesterday for Referring again to the IMF, nally about what they think is the spending, raise taxes and reform expected quarterly profit and business and has missed sales tar- demanding more austerity in Schulz noted: “Some days ago they good way” for countries to resolve the economy. Lisbon wants to gave an improved outlook for gets, lost market share and seen Portugal while acknowledging said the recipe was wrong and their debt problems. reduce the Portuguese public defi- annual revenues, sending its stocks slide as revenues from the that too much budget rigour now they come with the old recipe After meeting with Portuguese cit to 5.0 percent of output in 2012 shares soaring. United States lag. “Infosys’ results can undermine badly-needed they considered was wrong.” Prime Minister Pedro Passos and to 4.5 percent in 2013. Consolidated net profit for signal a turn in trajectory in reve- economic growth. The EU Parliament head was Coelho, Schulz addressed journalists EU member countries are not the Nasdaq-listed firm was flat nue growth,” said Bhuvnesh Singh Schulz pointed to a report on apparently referring to comments in German, saying: “Portugal is on supposed to run deficits which at Rs23.69bn ($430m) in the of Barclays Capital. Portugal released this week by the by IMF chief economist Olivier the right path after the huge sac- exceed 3.0 percent of gross October-to-December quarter, He said the December figure International Monetary Fund in Blanchard that were broadcast rifices that the country has made.” domestic product (GDP), and are against Rs23.7bn a year earlier. and the full-year outlook “now which the Fund suggested that by the US public radio NPR on Coelho downplayed the impor- expected to reduce them to zero Analysts had expected Infosys implies a narrowing of the growth the government should reduce December 6. tance afforded to IMF comments, and move into surplus in times of to post a lower Rs21bn profit. gap versus TCS,” Singh said. the number of civil servants and Blanchard told NPR that aus- saying: “This report will be nei- economic growth. The firm’s shares jumped 13.88 Infosys top brass also expressed cut their pay and pensions to save terity measures, often known as ther our Bible nor our finish line. The Portuguese economy has percent to Rs2,642.after the firm confidence. “We have done well in ¤4.0bn ($5.3bn). “fiscal consolidation, which has “Some of the proposed solutions been shrinking since 2011 how- raised its forecast for full-year the quarter despite an uncertain “I take note about the report of happened in Europe much more will be taken into account, oth- ever, and the government, the revenues in the fiscal year to environment,” said chief execu- the IMF but I (also) take note of actually than in the US so far, has ers not,” the Portuguese premier IMF and the EU expect the econ- March 2013, to at least $7.45bn. tive S D Shibulal. “We continue the observations from the same had a major impact on growth,” added without providing details. omy to contract by another 1.0 Rivals Tata Consultancy to gain confidence from a strong IMF” early in December, Schulz owing in large part to cuts in gov- In May 2011, the IMF and the percent this year, while the bank Services (TCS), Wipro and pipeline of large deals. However, said after meeting Portuguese ernment stimulus spending and European Union approved a bail- of Portugal has forecast that it Mahindra Satyam also rose about the broader economic environ- opposition leader Jose Seguro. higher taxes. out package for Portugal worth will shrink by 1.6 percent. three percent each on optimism ment remains difficult.” Both Schulz, who is German, Schulz told media in Lisbon ¤78bn, in exchange for which the AFP over earnings growth. AFP JANUARY 12, 2013 Business www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 ON SATURDAY Japan unveils $226.5bn stimulus Plans to rebuild disaster hit areas and to beef up military Tullow drilling in spotlight TOKYO: Japan’s new government monetary easing and warned that if it did Abe insisted the package was not a return unveiled a $226.5bn stimulus plan yester- not agree to a two percent inflation target to form for his Liberal Democratic Party’s day in the latest bid to boost the world’s he would change the law. pork-barrelling ways of the last century. after mixed 2012 data number three economy, with plans to While the total size of yesterday’s pack- “There is a suspicion that it is a kind rebuild disaster-hit areas and beef up the age came in at 20.2 trillion yen ($226.5bn), of wasteful spending on white elephant LONDON: Tullow Oil Plc has a explorer, we see ongoing challenges military. Tokyo’s direct spending on economic stimu- projects that the LDP did in the past. That’s record 49 wells planned this year, for Tullow as it continues to seek the Japanese investors welcomed the news, lus and pension financing amounts to about wrong,” he said. and drilling engineers due to deliver right balance between the “E” (explo- with the Nikkei index surging to a 22-month 13 trillion yen, with local governments and “Fiscal discipline is quite important. news by February are under pres- ration) and “P” (production) sides of high and the yen tumbling, but some ana- the private sector kicking in the rest, Abe However, without a strong economy... we sure after a disappointing trading its portfolio,” said Brian Gallagher of lysts questioned its long-term effect and said. cannot improve our fiscal health.” update from the Africa-focused Investec, who rates the stock a sell, in warned it could lead to more misery further Rebuilding disaster-struck areas, making Masahiko Hashimoto of Daiwa Institute explorer yesterday. a research note yesterday. Analysts down the line. schools and hospitals earthquake resistant, of Research agreed with Abe, saying a flex- After a mixed year for one of the at Charles Stanley downgraded the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who came and upgrading ageing infrastructure were ible fiscal policy in the short-term would industry’s best performing drillers of stock to hold from accumulate. to power in a landslide election victory last among the planned measures. eventually be a boost to fiscal health. recent times, Tullow’s output guid- In Kenya and Ethiopia, Tullow said month, followed through with one of his key It will also see 180.5bn yen spent on mis- But Taro Saito, senior economist at NLI ance for 2013 at 86,000-92,000 bar- it was expecting a result from its pledges by outlining details of a big-spending siles, fighter jets and helicopters as Tokyo Research Institute, said a package of this rels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) high-risk PaiPai-1 well in February plan designed create jobs and end deflation. is embroiled in a bitter territorial row with size would have a one-time effect. came in below some analysts’ fore- and a flow rate test completion at “With the measures, we will achieve real China over a group of islands in the East “But if it fails to ignite a sustained recovery, casts, and its 2012 output at 79,200 its Twiga-South-1 well it shares with GDP growth of two percent and 600,000 jobs China Sea. Japan could fall into a vicious cycle of needing boepd undershot company guidance. Africa Oil in the same month. The will be created,” he told a briefing. Finance Minister Taro Aso told reporters more stimulus,” he said, warning “wasteful In addition, parts of the update on flow rate from the Twiga-South-1 Japan’s economy shrank by 0.6 percent 7.6 trillion out of 13 trillion yen would be spending” could prove problematic. “If that is drilling in Uganda and Kenya were test is unlikely to be more than 500 in 2011. Last year’s gross domestic product financed by new government bonds. the case, it would only have a negative impact more cautious than some analysts barrels a day, it said. Drilling on the figures are yet to be released. Yesterday’s stimulus is the latest by suc- on Japan’s fiscal health and a limited effect had hoped from Europe’s largest oil Sabisa-1 well in the South Omo block “It is crucially important to break out cessive governments who have tried to lift on boosting the economy,” he said. and gas exploration and production in Ethiopia is expected to commence of prolonged deflation and the high yen,” the economy from years of anaemic growth. Japan slipped into a huge $2.5bn current company outside the industry’s inte- within the next two weeks. he added. Investors welcomed the move, with the account deficit in November as exports to grated giants. In Uganda, Riwu-1, Raa-1 and A hawkish Abe also repeated his call for Nikkei up 1.5 percent to levels not seen since China and debt-hit Europe slumped, official Tullow’s shares, which have tripled Til-1 did not encounter commer- Tokyo and the Bank of Japan to “join hands” before the March 2011 tsunami. data showed Friday, marking the second- since 2007 while peers have flatlined, cial hydrocarbons, Tullow said, but on driving growth, comments that have The yen slid to 89.35 against the dollar, biggest deficit on record after January 2012. fell five percent to 1,164 pence by 1100 extensive further drilling in partner- stoked tension between him and BoJ chief a far cry from the exporter-squeezing 75 It was also the first time Japan has logged GMT. ship with operator Total is planned Masaaki Shirakawa over perceived threats in late 2011. a current account deficit in any month other But finance director Ian Springett for 2013. to its independence. But some question whether Japan’s tat- than January, when trade tends to slow over said the company’s view of its east At another important pros- Abe pledged before the election he would tered balance sheet, with debt over twice New Year holidays. African assets was unchanged and pect in French Guiana, drilling at press the BoJ to carry out more aggressive GDP, can bear more debt. AFP stressed that exploration, not pro- Priodontes-1 (GM-ES-3) adjacent duction, remained Tullow’s driving to the already drilled Zaedyus force, with a record 49 wells to be prospect started at the end of drilled during the year. December 2012, and is expected to He said the negative Ugandan well continue for four to five months, results were establishing the margins Tullow said. Zaedyus-1 was encour- Indian minister of the basin and were relatively low aging last year but Zaedyus-2 cost, while in Kenya “it’s very, very found no commercial quantities of says Areva early days.” oil, news that hit Tullow’s shares “We need to drill a lot more wells in December. nuclear deal is in Kenya before we really understand Tullow has long targeted 120,000 where are the best locations and what barrels a day of output at its Jubilee the flow rates are,” he said. “We have field in Ghana, and had once hoped close: Report a very large exploration programme to reach that by 2011. The company active in a number of countries with said it was now producing 110,000 PARIS: India and French some basin opening potential in a barrels a day “therefore allowing group Areva are close to agree- number of them. It’s a big and wide the current FPSO (floating produc- ment on a contract for Areva to programme.” tion, storage and offloading vessel) build a nuclear power station on The company said it would con- capacity to be tested over the com- the west coast of India, Indian tinue to focus on “high value oil and ing weeks.” Analysts said this was Foreign Minister Salman early monetisation” in its explora- good news. Khurshid said in a newspaper tion-led growth strategy — selling Last year Tullow raised $2.9bn by interview yesterday. assets where it has found oil rela- selling part of its Jubilee franchise to The project is for two European tively early in the development and Total and China’s CNOOC. pressurised reactors (EPR) at production process. Tullow is trying to sell more assets Jaitapur 400km south of Mumbai. Some investors have begun to to help finance its capital expendi- The talks had reached a “very worry it is losing that focus, espe- ture programme which is expected advanced stage”, the minister told cially since December last year when to total $2bn in 2013, up from $1.9bn the Le Figaro newspaper. it bought Norwegian driller Spring in 2012, but it had no firm news on “We have to settle the ques- Energy. disposals in its trading update. tions of safety raised by the tsu- “While still a best-in-class REUTERS nami in Japan and this has an effect on the unit price of energy produced,” he said. QATARI MARKET This was being studied by Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P experts but “a final agreement is Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 105.50 0.65 % Aa2 AA within reach,” he said. Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.81 1.63 % Aa2 AA The reference to Japan con- French President Francois Hollande (loeft) welcomes Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid at the Elysee Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 126.50 2.01 % Aa2 AA cerned a disaster at Fukushima presidential palace in Paris yesterday. Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 120.00 2.17 % Aa2 AA in Japan in March last year when Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 115.31 2.59 % Aa2 AA a tsunami caused by an off-shore Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 182.00 3.45 % Aa2 AA earthquake overwhelmed a nuclear signed, after a two-year delay. The negotiations with India risk of seismic activity in the Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 139.25 4.01 % Aa2 AA power station built on the coastline. In December 2010, Areva an slowed down. area. Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 129.25 4.03 % Aa2 AA The flooding causing a melt- agreement with India to build The Indian authorities indi- The minister also took a Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.13 1.43 % Aa2 AA down and widespread disaster the country’s first two reactors cated that they were waiting positive line earlier in the day which focused attention world- of the new-generation EPR for the results of various addi- regarding negotiations by French Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 117.00 2.51 % Aa2 AA wide on the safety of nuclear type at Jaitapur with an option tional audits on safety issues in aircraft manufacturer Dassault Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 106.00 1.67 % A1 A- power stations and particularly for four more reactors. relation to the EPR reactors, to sell 126 Rafale fighter planes to Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.50 2.26 % A1 A- on where they are sited. But following the disas- in the light of the disaster at India. French President Francois QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 105.13 1.92 % NR NR Areva said merely that it was ter in Japan, many projects Fukushima. There has been Hollande is to visit India in the QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.75 1.77 % Aa3 A+ in advanced talks without indicat- around the world were fro- opposition to the project locally middle of February. QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.81 2.15 % Aa3 A+ ing when an agreement might be zen, delayed or abandoned. mainly over concerns about the AFP Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.56 2.35 % A2 A- Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.75 1.79 % A2 A Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 131.19 2.57 % A2 A Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 113.38 2.88 % A2 A Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 113.00 3.71 % A2 A Italy debt offering Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 107.25 1.19 % Aa3 A Honda to cut 800 jobs in UK Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 109.50 3.11 % Aa3 A sends three-year Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 112.75 3.41 % Aa3 A LONDON: Japanese carmaker Honda plans setting the business constitution at the right level to yields below 2pc SOVEREIGNS to cut around 800 jobs at its plant near Swindon ensure long term stability and security,” said Keir. Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P in southwest England due to falling demand Late last year US carmaker Ford announced MILAN: Return-hungry inves- Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 106.00 0.59 % Aa2 AA for its vehicles across mainland Europe. plans to cut 1,400 jobs at plants in southern tors snapped up Italian bonds Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 129.38 1.76 % Aa2 AA The company, which makes the Civic, Jazz and England and end vehicle manufacturing in at an auction yesterday, push- Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 111.31 2.40 % NR NR CR-V models at the South Marston plant near Britain due to weak European sales. ing yields on three-year paper Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 108.75 2.73 % NR NR Swindon, said yesterday it would enter into for- Ford and Volvo are also planning to cut thou- below two percent for the first Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 127.88 3.59 % NR NR mal consultation with staff over the cuts which sands of jobs in Belgium, while PSA Peugeot time since March 2010 with Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 118.94 3.99 % NR NR would likely take place in the second quarter of Citroen’s has plans to cut its workforce in France. and little concern shown for the Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.63 1.18 % Aa2 AA 2013. Honda said its sales in Britain remained strong upcoming general election. Carmakers are trying to scrap under-used fac- and that it had long term confidence for both The treasury sold ¤3.5bn of Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 115.81 3.29 % NR BBB tories and cut surplus jobs that are fuelling losses manufacturing and sales in the country. three-year bonds paying a yield Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 109.63 3.95 % NR BBB in Europe as demand for cars in major markets British union Unite said Honda executives of 1.85 percent, down from 2.5 Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 101.50 5.50 % B2 B- like France and Germany flounders. revealed they would look to cut 420 managers percent at a similar sale a month Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 104.75 3.78 % NR BBB-

Honda employs some 3,500 staff at the South and supervisors, and 360 production workers on ago. *Periodic Distribution Amount Marston plant, which produced around 150,000 top of 325 agency positions that had already been While three-year yields fell by IMPORTANT NOTE: vehicles last year. The plant has the capacity to scrapped in recent months. 65 basis points at yesterday’s sale, Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which is licensed and make 250,000 cars annually. “This is a hammer blow to UK manufacturing they continue to look attractive regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services Commission. Information Last year Honda expected a surge in demand ... it’s a disaster for manufacturing in the UK and compared with near-zero return quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary data and subject to change. HSBC and hired 500 workers and invested £267m for the local economy,” said Unite national officer on equivalent German Bunds. 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 take into account individual circumstances, ($430m) in the Swindon plant. Tony Murphy. Italy, along with Spain, is one objectives or needs. The price of bonds can and does fluctuate. The secondary market However, the expected increase in demand Britain’s car industry has been a bright spot of the main beneficiaries of the for bonds may not provide significant liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market failed to materialise, with Honda’s sales in main- in a country grappling with a faltering economy, European Central Bank’s pledge conditions. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. You should land Europe, especially Spain and Greece, falling especially after Vauxhall’s car plant at Ellesmere to buy bonds if a eurozone coun- consider these matters and consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment by around a million in the past year. Port in north-west England escaped closure last try gets into trouble and needs decisions. Ken Keir, Honda Motor Europe’s executive vice year after securing work to build the next gener- a bailout. president said the company needed to “realign ation of Astra cars. New British car registrations This promise is acting as a the business” but was committed to Britain for rose 5.3 percent in 2012 to 2.04 million — the backstop for investors, particu- the long-term. highest level since 2008, the SMMT car industry larly with shorter-dated debt “These conditions of sustained low industry body said on Monday. which the ECB will target. demand require us to take difficult decisions. We are REUTERS REUTERS JANUARY 12, 2013 Classifieds www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17 ON SATURDAY

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A carpenter at a traditional Qatari village stall builds a replica of a speed boat in Doha. CENTRE: Children provide entertainment during a break. RIGHT: The speed boat of Qatar 96 is brought in by a truck ahead of the day’s action at Doha Bay. The Qatar Marine Sports Federation has a cultural village on site and traditional local coffee which is served in the hospitality tent. There is also a games’ area for children, an art show, a painting competi- tion and the pit area that was open to spectators yesterday after the racing action. The Oryx Cup UIM World Championship is being staged with support from the Marriott Doha, Peters & May and Byrne Equipment. Speed Marine and Performance Marine will all have trade stands at the venue during the race weekend. PICTURES BY: SALIM MATRAMKOT David, Zimmerman win heats UIM World Championship: David, Zimmerman, Shane, Thompson, Perkins qualify for final

DOHA: U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto’s qualifying and the four heats were Steve David and U-9 Jones totalled for each driver, David, Racing’s Jon Zimmerman Zimmerman, Jimmy Shane, Tom clinched victories in the fourth Thompson, Brian Perkins and J set of heats at the Oryx Cup Michael Kelly had done enough UIM World Championship in to make the six-boat final, but a Doha Bay yesterday. final decision on whether Kelly Despite the threat of vio- had automatically made the final lent winds, weather conditions as the sixth ‘trailer’ boat was not improved markedly and Qatar made immediately. Marine Sport Federation (QMSF) Not only did Dave Villwock and H1 Unlimited officials were miss out on the final he won in able to carry out a morning prac- 2010, but his misery was com- tice session and Heats 4A and 4B, pounded when a fire aboard U-1 much to the delight of the crowd Spirit of Qatar forced the origi- who had gathered to watch the nal Heat 4B to be re-run after world’s fastest powerboats in a 45-minute delay and gave him action in Doha. no chance of getting closer to the After winning his heat, a runner-up in the National High delighted Zimmerman said: Points Championship, Jimmy “If someone told me that I was Shane. going to win two race heats this “We have had a dream week- weekend I wouldn’t have believed end so far and now we can con- them. Now bring on the final…” centrate on the final,” said David. Florida-based David had “We know that the Qatar boat already clinched the 2012 H1 is one of the fastest on the water Action from the Oryx Cup UIM World Championship at Doha Bay yesterday. RIGHT: Sami Abu Shaikha of the QMSF (left) with Heat 4B winner Jon Unlimited National High Points and we know that they will be Zimmerman. PICTURES BY: KAMMUTTY VP/ CHRIS DENSLOW Championship during the three back at the next race to try and pairs of heats on Thursday after- get revenge,” he added. noon and attention in Heats With the National High Points Mark Evans. David made the his advantage and the quintet of wind blew across Doha Bay. 4A and 4B turned to the bat- title already wrapped up during running from the start - which held station to the chequered flag. The boat was launched into the Oryx Cup - UIM World tle to qualify for the prestigious three glorious heats on Thursday was under review by race offi- But Kelly was forced to run an air and crashed down heavily into Championship – six-boat Oryx Cup UIM World afternoon, David had no pressure cials - and the U-6 driver began extra lap for allegedly jumping the water. Villwock managed to Championship final tomorrow at the start of Heat 4A, where he to pull away from the pursuing the start and that dropped him stay in control, but he ground to Yesterday’s Heats afternoon. lined up alongside the in-form Kelly, Brown, Perkins and Evans. from second to fifth and promoted a halt as a small fire started. 4A When the points scored during Perkins, Kip Brown, Kelly and David continued to press home Brown to the runner-up spot. It was quickly put under con- It was David’s fourth win in trol before massive damage was 1 U-6 Steve David Oh Boy! 400 points four starts, as he amassed a per- done to the U-1, but the race had Oberto fect score of 1,600 points from the already been red flagged with Doha heats. Zimmerman leading from Shane 2 U-17 Kip Brown Miss Red 300 points With U-1 Spirit of Qatar and both Thompson and Mallow Dot repaired, Villwock could set about struggling with engine problems. 3 U-88 Brian Perkins 225 points making amends for a miserable Three boats had to be towed Snoqualmie Casino Thursday on Doha Bay, when he back to the pit area and the heat lined up with Shane, Zimmerman, was delayed for 45 minutes while 4 U-57 Mark Evans 169 points Thompson and Ryan Mallow in repairs were made. Formulaboats.com Heat 4B. Only three drivers made the Qualifying for the final was re-run and Shane’s penalty lap 5 U-37 J. Michael Kelly Miss 127 points impossible for the Washington carried over into the repeat of Beacon Plumbing State driver, who languished the heat. 4B in 10th place in the weekend’s He managed to overtake rankings. Zimmerman at the end of lap 1 U-9 Jon Zimmerman Jones 400 points The heat start was deemed one and use clean water to his Racing legal and Villwock surged through advantage and run the extra the first turn and began to extend lap, but there was no pressure 2 U-11 Tom Thompson Peters 300 points his lead down the back straight, as on Zimmerman to stop him tak- & May news filtered through from race ing the heat win and Thompson 3 U-5 Jimmy Shane Graham 225 points officials that Shane had made a cruised round with a slowing boat Trucking lane infringement and would be to take second, with Shane finish- forced to run a penalty lap. ing third. U-100 Ryan Mallow Miss Fox DNS Villwock launched the U-1 into Today’s race is provisionally Plumbing the turn in front of the pits, but scheduled to take place at 3pm U-1 Dave Villwock Spirit of DNS he was carrying far too much at Doha Bay today. Qatar U1- Spirit of Qatar speedboat in fire at Doha Bay, yesterday. speed at the same time as a gust THE PENINSULA Al Attiyah slashes Peterhansel’s lead

CALAMA, CHILE: Qatar’s third overall, 42 Carlos Sainz, the “Nasser is battling for victory. I Nasser Al Attiyah slashed 1 minutes behind Sixth Stage Results 2010 champion, hope the experience will be useful 0-time champion Stephane the leader. had been forced for the future even if I’m not sure 1. Nasser Al Attiyah (QAT/ Peterhansel’s Dakar Rally “We did a good to retire. whether I’ll come back.” Buggy) 3hr 32min 08sec, 2. lead by over eight minutes on job and I’m quite The Spaniard, KTM rider Francisco Lopez Stephane Peterhansel (FRA/ Thursday night as the 2011 win- happy to be here, who won the first clinched his third win on this Mini) at 8:36, 3. Robby Gordon ner stormed to victory on the without any mis- (USA/Hummer) 13:52, 4. two stages before year’s event in the motorcycling sixth stage. takes, the car Orlando Terranova (ARG/ falling badly off section. Al Attiyah started the day at working very BMW) 14:13, 5. Leonid Novitskiy the pace, was “The first part of the special 9min 54sec behind defending well, the tyres (RUS/Mini) 15:48, 6. Giniel De forced out when went very well, but on the second champion Peterhansel, but fin- were really good,” Villiers (RSA/Toyota) 17:17, 7. the engine in his section, the engine lost a fair bit ished just 1min 18sec off the over- said Al Attiyah. Lucio Alvarez (ARG/Toyota) Buggy failed at of power and I started wondering all lead, winning his third stage of “We’ll just try 25:36, 8. Ronan Chabot (FRA/ the 179km mark. whether it was a fuel problem or this year’s event, a 438km special to keep going SMG) 25:53, 9. Guerlain “I’ve had a lot due to the altitude,” said Lopez. from Arica to Calama. like this and we Chicherit (FRA/SMG) 28:28, 10. of problems since Earlier in the day two people The Qatari, in a Buggy, clocked try to keep close Erik Wevers (NED/HRX) 30:16. the start of the were killed and seven others were 4hr 52min with Peterhansel, in to Peter because rally, and today injured between a Dakar Rally a Mini, in second spot ahead of maybe tomorrow the stage might just took the biscuit,” said former support vehicle and a taxi. American NASCAR driver Robby not be for us, but okay, if we lose, world rally champion Sainz. One of two taxis hit the support Gordon, who was nearly 14 min- we lose just a few minutes.” “Something must have broken vehicle head-on while a second Qatar Nasser Al Attiyah and co-pilot Spain’s Lucas Cruz compete with utes behind Al Attiyah. Al Attiyah’s 17th career Dakar in the engine. It just happened cab overturned as its driver tried their Buggy during the 5th stage of the Dakar Rally 2013 from Arequipa South Africa’s Giniel de Villiers, stage win was tempered, however, all of a sudden. There wasn’t any to avoid the collision in Peru. in Peru to Arica in Chile. driving a Toyota, was sixth to stay when it was revealed team-mate temperature warning or anything. AFP JANUARY 12, 2013 ON SATURDAY 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Sport

Injured Rooney Qatar crash out of Gulf Cup ruled out of Liverpool clash Bahrain beat Paulo Autuori’s side 1-0 to clinch a semi-final berth LONDON: Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will miss Sunday’s MANAMA: Qatar’s 2013 Gulf 30th minute when Mohammed Premier League clash against Cup journey came to an end, Gulf Cup saw his header go above Sayed north-west rivals Liverpool after losing 1-0 to Bahrain, who Gulf Cup yesterday’s Results Jaafar’s crossbar. after failing to recover from advanced to the semi-finals at Group A A few minutes later, Sebastian a knee injury, manager Alex the expense of Paulo Autuori’s Soria saw his effort hit the cross- Ferguson said yesterday. side at National Stadium UAE 2 (Ahmed Khalil 83, 86) bar when the striker smartly Rooney injured a knee liga- yesterday. Oman 0 showed some good footwork to ment in training and missed Faouzi Aaish’s goal in the 25th Bahrain 1 (Faouzi Aaish power the ball against the frame United’s holiday fixtures minute was the only goal of the 25-pen) Qatar 0 of the goal. against Newcastle United, West match in the Group A clash. Today’s Fixtures (at 5.45pm) With the hosts taking a 1-0 Bromwich Albion and Wigan In other other Group A clash, Kuwait vs Saudi Arabia advantage into the second half, Athletic as well as their FA Cup UAE maintained their 100 per Qatar started the period brightly, draw at West Ham United. cent record with an easy 2-0 win Iraq vs Yemen enjoying ball possession. “Wayne Rooney is still out,” over Oman. In the 53rd minute, Soria saw Ferguson told reporters. “I am The result means that UAE top Oman and UAE, found it difficult a penalty appeal turned down by hoping he will start training the group with nine points, with to get the ball as well as creating the referee, when the striker felt today actually, in which case the hosts Bahrain in second place chances. he was fouled by Jaafar. he won’t be far away. I don’t with four points. Bahrain gave their home fans Television replays showed that think it is an issue, but we need Qatar finish in third spot with something to cheer about, when Jaafar got clear hands on the ball. to guide him along. three points and Oman in last the hosts took the lead in the Despite Qatar’s chances in the “In terms of the injury he place, with one. 22nd minute, courtesy of Assish’s second half, Bahrain began to get had, it’s quite straightfor- Qatar, coached by Autuori, penalty. back into the game, showing the ward so if he starts today, I made a significant change in the Defender Bilal Mohammed was same determination that they assume he will be available for goalkeeping department with harshly penalised after Bahrain’s carried out in the first half. Wednesday’s replay (against Baba Malik coming in for Qasem Abdulla Al Marzooqi headed Malik, made a tremendous save West Ham).” Burhan. a deep cross which touched in the 57th minute, saving a one- United winger Nani and With both teams needing to Mohammed’s arm in the penalty on-one from Aaish after his side midfielder Anderson will win the match to advance to the box. his the crossbar. both return to the squad last four of the 2013 Gulf Cup, the The referee’s decision was pro- Soria who saw little of the ball for Liverpool’s visit to Old hosts Bahrain started the match tested by Qatar midfielder Wesam in the second half, was again Trafford. brightly. Rizik. appealing for a second penalty in “Nani is back in training and Bahrain, who suffered a shock Despite Rizik’s protests, the the 67th minute, but the referee will be included in the squad loss against UAE on Tuesday, cre- referee did not change his mind, did not agree. for Sunday. “Anderson has been ated several chances in the early and after a short delay Aaish The Qatari goalkeeper denied back training for 10 days now minutes of the match, putting made no mistake of converting another one-on-one chance by so he will be in the squad for Qatar under pressure. the penalty when he struck the Sami Al Husaini to keep Qatar Sunday. All in all it is quite a Qatar’s Marcone Amaral ball in the top left hand corner, in the hunt. positive situation. It’s good to made a crucial tackle in the 10th which gave Malik no chance. Autouri saw his side create have them back.” REUTERS minute, when he denied a clear It was Qatar’s second straight chances late the second half, but Abdulla Marzooq (left) of Bahrain vies with Sebastian Soria of Qatar goal opportunity. penalty that Autuori’s team had when the referee blew his whis- during the Gulf Cup football match in the Bahraini capital of Manama, Qatar, who had struggled in the conceded. tle, his team had not managed to yesterday. Bahrain won 1-0 and qualified for the semi-final of the 21st Coach Wenger early parts of the game in their Qatar tried to get back into the find the goal that would have seen Gulf Cup. two opening matches against game, and had to wait until the them advance. THE PENINSULA optimistic over Barcelona’s Messi keeps title talk off agenda Walcott’s future

MADRID: Barcelona may be 11 points season, back in goalscoring form after he to make it 10 league wins from 10 in their “It has not bothered me at all that at Arsenal ahead of their nearest rivals, Atletico hit a double in the 5-0 Spanish Cup win own stadium. Mourinho said that I was a bit too com- Madrid, but Lionel Messi, who this week against Cordoba on Thursday. Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid go to bot- fortable. I have to train harder and get back LONDON: Arsenal man- won his fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or, Malaga were also successful in the cup tom club Osasuna having hit eight goals my confidence”, he said. ager Arsene Wenger said he is keeping his feet on the ground regard- in midweek, defeating Eibar 4-1 to set in two wins since their return from the Casillas also had words about his side’s was “optimistic” that England ing the title race. up a two-legged quarter-final clash with winter break. poor league form that sees the champions international Theo Walcott will The Argentinian is taking nothing for Sunday’s opponents that will see the two Five of those have come from Cristiano 16 points behind Barcelona in third place. commit his long-term future to granted as Barca prepare to face one of the sides meet three times in little over 10 days. Ronaldo who will not be available for the “Our form compared to last year has not the London club and sign a new toughest trips in La Liga when they visit Former Barca forward Javier Saviola, game due to a suspension for an accumula- been too good. Last season was very good deal. fourth-placed Malaga tomorrow. now with Malaga, recognises they will be tion of cards. for us and we were looking to continue in Barely a week goes by with- “The league is still not resolved, Madrid big games for him. Ronaldo was quick to call for unity from the same way, perhaps it’s a bit too late to out the Frenchman being asked have made up a similar lead to this in the “They will be special for me personally all at the club on Wednesday after his hat- chase back the points and win this league whether progress has been made past, we know that we can’t take anything and on a football level. They are a power- trick eased his team into the quarter-finals but we are obliged to try to do it.” on persuading top scorer Walcott as won and we must continue without ful and very technical team and any draw of the Cup with a 4-0 win over Celta Vigo. Another player who will miss the trip to to stay at the Emirates Stadium. errors or relaxing,” he said. against a big club is good, but we’ll be going And now the tension caused by Pamplona is Sergio Ramos who received Discussions progress smoothly “I would have liked to have won more out to win,” said the Argentine. Mourinho’s decision to leave captain Iker a five-game ban for words directed at the but slowly. We are on a good road titles last year, my goal is always to keep Second-placed Atletico also reached the Casillas out of the last two league games referee in the aftermath of a sending-off but in this situation, as long as getting better and not be content with what quarter-finals in midweek and welcomed has ended with the goalkeeper expected to against Celta Vigo. nothing is signed, you are cau- I have, I always say I have to improve eve- back top-scorer Radamel Falcao who they continue in place of the suspended Antonio With his centre-half partner Pepe out tious,” Wenger said yesterday. rything,” he added, ominously for La Liga missed through injury in the 1-1 league Adan at Osasuna. with injury for a lengthy spell, Mourinho will “But I am optimistic we will defences after finishing 2012 with a record draw at Mallorca last Sunday. Casillas himself spoke on Thursday, tak- have to continue with youngster Raphael get to a happy conclusion. I was 91 goals. The Colombian should be available for ing advantage of a promotional event to Varane alongside former Chelsea veteran optimistic last week, but I am a Barca also have David Villa, who is yet the home clash with Zaragoza tomorrow- smooth out any perceived problems he may Ricardo Carvalho in the centre of defence. bit more optimistic this week,” he to play a full 90 minutes in the league this where the side from the capital will look have with Mourinho. REUTERS added. REUTERS

Radwanska Sydney Results Collated results from the Sydney ATP/ Djokovic begins Australian Open thrashes WTA International tournament yesterday (x denotes seeding): Cibulkova in Women’s Final title defence against Mathieu Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x1) bt Sydney final Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 6-0, 6-0 MELBOURNE: World number unseeded Dutchman Robin Haase Men’s Semi-finals one Novak Djokovic’s bid for but the Briton is likely to have one SYDNEY: Agnieszka a third successive Australian eye on Argentina’s Juan Martin Radwanska humbled Dominika Kevin Anderson (RSA) bt Julien Benneteau Open title has been given a del Potro, who looms as a possible Cibulkova 6-0 6-0 in a ruth- (FRA) 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) boost with a relatively smooth quarter-final opponent. less display of all-court tennis draw in the first Grand Slam of The towering Del Potro, who to win her second Australian Bernard Tomic (AUS) bt the season. upset Federer to win the 2009 US Open warm-up tournament Andreas Seppi (ITA x3) 7-6 (12/10), 6-4 The 25-year-old Serb kicks off Open but has since struggled with in two weeks at the Sydney his title defence with a first round injuries, shapes as a big threat to International yesterday. tie against unseeded Frenchman Murray’s hopes of a second Grand The Pole, seeded fourth for Hobart Results Paul-Henri Mathieu in the draw Slam title after enjoying a solid Melbourne Park and a winner in announced yesterday and faces season in 2012 with four titles. Collated results from the Hobart WTA Auckland last week, secured her no major hurdles until a poten- In the women’s draw, Serena International tournament yesterday (x ninth straight victory from the tially dangerous quarter-final Williams will start her bid for denotes seeding): start of the year in a little over an against fifth-seeded Czech Tomas a sixth Melbourne title against hour of one-sided tennis when the Semi-finals Berdych. Romania’s Edna Gallovits-Hall, hapless Cibulkova double faulted. In a top half of the draw free of with a potential quarter-final David Ferrer, the men’s fourth Elena Vesnina (RUS) bt ‘Big Four’ rivals Roger Federer, clash against former Wimbledon seed for Melbourne Park, earlier Sloane Stephens (USA x8) 6-2, 6-2 Andy Murray and the absent Rafa Defending Australia Open tennis champions Novak Djokovic of Serbia champion Petra Kvitova. underlined his own Australian Nadal, a possible semi-final clash (left) and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus (right) share a joke in front of The 31-year-old Williams, Open threat by thrashing Gael Mona Barthel (GER x9) bt with fourth seed David Ferrer, raging favourite to win her 16th Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) 6-4, 6-4 their trophies at the official draw of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Monfils 6-1 6-2 to reach the final looms for five-times grand slam yesterday. grand slam singles title awould of the Auckland Open and remain winner Djokovic, who beat the then be in line for a showdown on course for a fourth title at the tenacious Spaniard in the quar- with defending champion Victoria tournament. Auckland Results ter-finals last year. Former world number one with local hope Bernard Tomic in Azarenka. The Spaniard will face Philipp Results from day five of the Auckland ATP “I think realistically, three Federer faces a tough first week the third. Azarenka cried off their sched- Kohlschreiber in today’s final tournament yesterday (x denotes seed): can win,” Australia’s former in his bid to add to his record 17 Big-serving Milos Raonic of uled semi-final at the Brisbane after the German beat American Wimbledon champion Pat Cash Grand Slam titles, however. Canada, the 13th seed, is then International last week, blaming Sam Querrey 6-4 7-6 in the ear- Semi-finals said at the draw, referring to The four-time champion will an unpalatable prospect in the an infected toe from a bad pedi- lier semi-final. Djokovic, second seed Federer and also play an unseeded Frenchman last 16, with athletic Frenchman cure, which critics suggested was Juan Martin del Potro also David Ferrer (ESP x1) bt third-seeded Murray. in Benoit Paire in his opener, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga a good tactical. Williams won the title. expended little effort in reaching Gael Monfils (FRA) 6-1, 6-2 “You’ve got to say Novak, you’d but is likely to face former top- chance to meet the Swiss in the “(The toe) is much better,” she the final of the Kooyong Classic, expect him to be the favourite ... 10 player Nikolay Davydenko of quarter-finals. said at the draw, held under a hot Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER x2) bt Sam easing past Marcos Baghdatis 6-4 but Andy Murray is hitting his Russia in the second round before US Open champion Murray sun on the banks of Melbourne’s Querrey (USA x4) 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) 6-1. REUTERS peak.” another potentially tricky clash will start his campaign against Yarra river. REUTERS JANUARY 12, 2013 Sport www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21 ON SATURDAY Amla scores century to England edge past India put Proteas The visitors beat the hosts by nine runs in first ODI in Rajkot in charge RAJKOT: England made a and Tim Bresnan picked up two Yuvraj and Suresh Raina (50) winning start to their five- wickets each. Tredwell was also raised hopes with their 60-run PORT ELIZABETH: Hashim match ODI series beating India adjudged as Man of the Match. stand for the fourth wicket but Amla ground out a patient cen- by nine runs in the first One- India were off to a flying start again Tredwell removed the two tury to give South Africa the day International (ODI) at with Ajinkya Rahane (47) and batsmen to leave India struggling advantage on the first day of the the spanking new Saurashtra Gautam Gambhir (52) adding at 243 for five in the 42nd over. second and final Test against Cricket Association Stadium 96 runs for the first wicket. But India skipper Mahendra Singh New Zealand at St George’s here yesterday. then Tredwell struck in consec- Dhoni struck a quickfire 32 off 25 Park yesterday. India, chasing a target of 326, utive overs to remove the India balls but not enough to fashion a Amla made 106 not out as managed 316 for nine in 50 overs openers. win for the hosts. South Africa reached 325 for four after Yuvraj Singh top scored Virat Kohli’s (15) unimpressive Earlier, England made 325 for by the close of play. with 61. run continued as he was caught four in 50 overs after a flying The host nation were made James Tredwell was the pick behind off Bresnan as India start. to work for their runs against a of the English bowlers bagging slumped from 96 for no loss to 138 Openers Alastair Cook (75) determined New Zealand team on four for 44 while Jade Dernbach for three by the 26th over. and Ian Bell (85) top scored to a slow pitch on which the bats- take England past the 150-mark England’s men seldom looked completely in as Engand kept all their wickets batsman control. Scoreboard intact till the 27th over. Samit Patel But an unbeaten century part- Indian pace bowlers nership between Amla and Faf du ENGLAND Virat Kohli c Kieswetter b Bresnan ...... 15 hit a shot Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant during Plessis (69 not out), with some Alastair Cook c Rahane b Raina ...... 75 Yuvraj Singh c Dernbach b Tredwell ...... 61 Sharma and Ashok Dinda looked his side’s free scoring after tea, put South Ian Bell (run out-Rahane) ...... 85 Suresh Raina c and b Tredwell ...... 50 listless as none of them could innings Africa well ahead. Kevin Pietersen c Kohli b Dinda ...... 44 M Singh Dhoni c Root b Dernbach ...... 32 either take a wicket or contain against Amla survived on 48 when he the England batsmen till the cut hard at Trent Boult and Kane India in Eoin Morgan c and b Dinda ...... 41 Ravindra Jadeja b Dernbach ...... 7 death overs. Williamson could not hold a sharp Rajkot Craig Kieswetter (not out) ...... 24 R Ashwin c Kieswetter b Finn ...... 13 Only all-rounder Ravindra chance at gully. yesterday. Samit Patel (not out) ...... 44 Bhuvneshwar Kumar (not out) ...... 20 Jadeja and part-time spinner Amla reached his half-century Suresh Raina were able to con- in the same over off 92 deliveries Extras (W-10, NB-2) ...... 12 Ashok Dinda b Bresnan ...... 3 tain the English batsmen for a with his seventh four. Total (for 4 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 325 Ishant Sharma (not out) ...... 7 while. Raina was also successful The only boundary in his sec- Fall of wickets: 1-158, 2-172, 3-248, 4-255. Extras (LB-1, W-7, NB-1) ...... 9 in claiming the wicket of skipper ond half-century was the cut off Bowling: Bhuvneshwar Kumar 7-0-52-0, Is- Total (for 9 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 316 Cook. Boult which raised his 19th Test Dinda was finally successful century after another 95 balls. hant Sharma 10-2-86-0, Ashok Dinda 8-0-53- Fall of wickets: 1-96, 2-102, 3-138, 4-198, after clinching Kevin Pietersen Amla was involved in partner- 2, Ravichandran Ashwin 9-0-61-0, Ravindra 5-243, 6-271, 7-273, 8-297, 9-307. (44) and Eoin Morgan (41). ships of 92 for the second wicket Jadeja 10-0-46-0, Suresh Raina 5-0-18-1, Vi- Bowling: Steve Finn 10-0-63-1, Jade Dern- Craig Kieswetter (24 not out) with captain Graeme Smith and rat Kohli 1-0-9-0 bach 10-0-69-2, Tim Bresnan 8-0-67-2, and Samit Patel (44 not out) 86 for the fourth wicket with AB struck some lusty shots towards de Villiers (51). India James Tredwell 10-0-44-4, Joe Root 9-0-51-0, the end of the innings to take Du Plessis took the majority of Ajinkya Rahane c Dernbach b Tredwell ...... 47 Samit Patel 3-0-21-0. England past 300, after the Indian the strike in his partnership with Gautam Gambhir c Bell b Tredwell ...... 52 Man-of-the-match: James Tredwell spinners reduced the run-rate in Amla, facing 112 of the 173 balls the middle-overs. IANS the pair needed to add 102 runs. with. Amla content to push the ball into gaps, taking ones and twos as Hughes hits century as hosts Pakistan drop Akmal he ensured he did not take risks on a day when lapses of concen- tration contributed to all four wickets at St George’s Park yes- Australia thrash Sri Lanka brothers for South terday. AFP MELBOURNE: Phil Hughes became the first Australian to Scoreboard Scoreboard score a century on his one-day Africa Test tour AUSTRALIA M Jayawardene c Finch b McKay ...... 5 international debut as he pow- South Africa (I innings): A Finch c Chandimal b A Mendis ...... 16 D Chandimal c Haddin b McKay ...... 73 KARACHI: ered the side to a 107-run win Wicketkeeper pace bowlers for the tour includ- A Petersen c Patel b Bracewell ...... 21 over Sri Lanka yesterday. P Hughes c Chandimal b Malinga ...... 112 A Mathews run out (Maxwell) ...... 12 Kamran Akmal and his broth- ing the experienced Umar Gul, G Smith c Watling b Wagner ...... 54 Hughes hit 112 and stand-in U Khawaja run out (J Mendis) ...... 3 L Thirimanne run out (Maxwell) ...... 0 ers Adnan and Umar have been Junaid Khan and uncapped Test H Amla (batting) ...... 106 captain George Bailey struck 89 G Bailey c J Mendis b Mathews ...... 89 J Mendis c Bailey b Johnson ...... 20 axed from the Pakistan squad bowlers Mohammad Irfan and J Kallis c Watling b Bracewell ...... 8 before David Hussey smashed 60 D Hussey (not out) ...... 60 T Perera c Bailey b Johnson ...... 4 for the three-Test tour of South Ehsan Adil. not out off 34 balls to turn a good Africa beginning next month. “We have kept faith in our AB de Villiers c Williamson b Patel ...... 51 G Maxwell c A Mendis b Kulasekara ...... 5 N Kulasekara c Bailey b McKay ...... 18 total into a commanding 305-5 on Pakistan selectors opted to pick spinners as well given their track F du Plessis (batting) ...... 69 B Haddin (not out) ...... 10 L Malinga (not out) ...... 1 a flat MCG wicket. Sarfaraz Ahmed as wicketkeeper record,” Qasim said referring to Extras (B-5, LB-6, W-2, NB-3)...... 16 Dinesh Chandimal kept Sri Extras (B-2, LB-3, W-5) ...... 10 A Mendis c Haddin b McKay ...... 0 for the series which begins on the inclusion of left arm spinner Total (for 4 wkts) ...... 325 Lanka in contention with a bel- Total (for 5 wkts in overs) ...... 305 Extras (B-2, LB-2, W-9) ...... 13 February 1 in Johannesburg. Abdur Rehman and off spinner To bat: D Elgar, R Peterson, R Kleinveldt, D ligerent 73 but four wickets from Fall of wickets: 1-53, 2-72, 3-212, 4-241, Total (all out in 40 overs) ...... 198 Adnan has been a regular in Saeed Ajmal. Clint McKay and some superb Pakistan’s Test squad as specialist Rehman, 32, will make a come- Steyn, M Morkel. 5-248. Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-17, 3-111, 4-128, fielding, including three run-outs, wicket-keeper. Although he was back following a three-month Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-121 137-3, Bowling: Kulasekara 10-0-53-1, Malinga 5-128, 6-167, 7-169, 8-194, 9-198), 10- restricted the tourists to 198 in injured during Pakistan’s tour of drugs ban for taking cannabis 4-223. reply. 10-1-61-1 (2w), Mathews 8-0-46-1, A 198 Sri Lanka last June he played in while playing for Somerset in the Bowling: Boult 19-2-74-0 (w-1), Victory ended a three-match Mendis 10-0-62-1 (3w), Dilshan 4-0-17-0, Bowling: Starc 6-0-25-1 (2w), McKay 8-0- the ongoing first class season. English county season. Bracewell 21-2-70-2 (w-1), Wagner 22-2- losing streak against Sri Lanka Perera 4-0-28-0, J Mendis 4-0-33-0 33-4 (5w), Johnson 9-1-43-2 (2w), Doherty Chief selector Iqbal Qasim Pakistan squad: Misbah- 88-1 (nb-3), Patel 19-1-60-1, Munro 9-0- at the MCG. SRI LANKA 8-0-41-0, Maxwell 4-0-28-0, Hussey 5-0- said the squad for the five ODI’s ul-Haq (captain), Mohammad Australia lead the five-match and two T20 matches would be Hafeez, Nasir Jamshed, Younus 22-0. U Tharanga c Haddin b Starc 1 24-0. ODI series 1-0 with the second announced later. Khan, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, New Zealand: M Guptill, B McCullum, K T Dilshan run out (Khawaja) ...... 51 Man-of-the-match: Phil Hughes (AUS) game tomorrow in Adelaide. “That is why we have picked Faisal Iqbal, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Williamson, D Brownlie, D Flynn, B J Australia, can be happy with only one wicketkeeper in the Ahmed, Umar Gul, Muhammad Watling, C Munro, D Bracewell, T Boult, J the way an inexperienced line-up managed just 16 and three respec- third wicket alongside Bailey at touring squad, he said to report- Irfan, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, coped. Opener Aaron Finch and tively after Australia won the toss the rate of a run a ball. ers yesterday Taufiq Umar, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Patel, N Wagner. number three Usman Khawaja but Hughes put on 140 for the REUTERS The selectors named only four Rehman. REUTERS QIRRCH: West grabs pole position at Losail

DOHA: Australian rider went on the feeling with the bike Anthony West grabbed pole was better. I am looking forward position after dominating the to improve my position but I enjoy practice sessions in the second the track specially with my new round of Qatar International bike,” Bradley stated at the end of Road Racing Championship free practice. (QIRRCH) yesterday. Together with the QIRRCH, The QMMF Team rider will there were the Losail Asia Road start today from pole spot after Racing Series riders. edging off compatriot Alex Cudlin A total of eight riders with and Nina Prinz, who will start Yamaha R1 registered for the first today’s race in second and third round of LARRS. places. The fastest rider in his cat- Qatari rider Nasser Al Malki egory was the Indian rider Rajini finished with the fourth best Krishnan, with a time of 2.12.915. time and was satisfied. He said: He later took pole position in “Today (yesterday) was good for the qualifiying round. me because I had less problems His compatriot Deepak with the bike but the weather was British rider Bradley Smith (left) and Qatar Motor and Motorcycling Federation (QMMF) President Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah pose for a picture at Losail Ravikuman of LARRS was in the big problem. I felt too late and International Circuit yesterday. RIGHT: Australian rider Anthony West in action at Losail. West will begin his race from pole position today. second place, who also achieved I missed a lot of time in the corner the same result in the qualifying cause of the wind. I think I can session. push more for tomorrow (today) the wind. It is my first time with the other Aussie rider on the grid German rider Nina Prinz season commences at Losail Yesterday, was also the and try to find a different set up this Suzuki bike since long time, I and defending champion Cudlin clocked the third best time, International Circuit. first round of Qatar National to improve the time.” feel a bit strange but I am having did the second best time, 2.06.194. 2.06.796, although she had prob- In the free practice, Smith was Road Racing Champiosnhip During the free practice ses- fun and happy to race here again.” Cudlin admits the suspension lems with the gear shifter and impressive making the fourth best (QNRRCH). In the qualifying sion, QMMF Moto2 rider West, The Australian was even more needs to be changed due to the also with the rear suspension lap time, 2.06.957. practice the fastest car was the who recorded the fastest lap time happy when he followed it up strong winds. Also yesterday, 22-year-old The Briton was delighed with Qatari driver Abdulaziz Abdulla of 2:04 565, was happy with the with the pole position. He said He said: “The free practice was British rider Bradley Smith par- his performance at Losail so far. with a Porsche Carrera with a lap result. He said: “After the free although the weather conditions fine, the bike is ok but I need to ticipated in the Championship. He said: “It is great to be here. time of 2.29.177. The second fast- practice my lap time is quite okay were not good, he was happy to change somethings in suspension Smith will make his MotoGP Very tricky conditions this morn- est driver was Talal Wehbe with a although the track conditions get pole position. because of the wind that is mak- debut this year with the Monster ing specially with the wind and Lotus Exige and a time of 2.31.172. that are a bit tricky because of In the first practice session, ing the bike different.” Tech 3 Yamaha team when the the sand but as the free practice THE PENINSULA JANUARY 12, 2013 ON SATURDAY 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Sport

Qatar Open Amateur Championship Langley leads by one at Sony Open

HONOLULU, Hawaii: American rookie Scott Langley made an impressive start to his PGA Tour career yesterday, going bogey free in the opening round of the Sony Open to seize a one-shot lead. Langley, 23, who earned his full-time Tour card at qualify- ing school, shot an eight-under 62 with his round at the Waialae Country Club including a 56-foot A participant hits a shot during a round at the Qatar Open Amateur Championship at Doha Golf Club (DGC). CENTRE: A golfer in action yesterday. RIGHT: A participant gestures after eagle shot and a 29-foot birdie hitting a shot. Sixty players are competing in this competition that will end tomorrow. Around 140 golfers from 33 countries are competing at DGC which is played over a three-round, putt. 54-hole Individual Stroke Play format. The winner will earn a place at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters that will begin on January 23. PICTURES BY: KAMMUTTY VP He ended one shot ahead of playing partner and fellow rookie Russell Henley, a three-time win- ner on the Web.com Tour, who was alone in second spot. “I was pretty nervous starting out,” Langley said. “I settled down after three or four holes and made Oosthuizen snatches lead some nice birdies early. That got me in a nice rhythm for the day. “Looking back at all my rounds The South African birdies final hole, leads by one shot in Durban professionally thus far, this might be the best one.” South African Tim Clark and DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA: of Scott Jamieson and first round American Scott Piercy posted South African Louis Oosthuizen leader Thongchai Jaidee. The Scot Qatar officials matching rounds of 64, while birdied the final hole to take a also returned a 64 over the 6,111- Canada’s Stephen Ames and one-shot lead after two rounds metre course while the Thai had refuse to pay American Jeff Overton were a of the Volvo Golf Champions a 68, three shots more than he further stroke back. tournament at Durban Country took Thursday. Woods’ big Americans Matt Kuchar, US Club yesterday. There is a six-shot gap between Open champion Webb Simpson The former British Open the leader and those tied for and Tim Herron are among 10 champion birdied eight holes -- fourth place on 139 -- Dane appearance fee players tied for seventh at four- five on the front nine and three Thomas Bjorn, Julien Quesne of under 66. on the journey back -- and did not France, Scot Paul Lawrie, Danny DOHA: Tiger Woods may Langley is no stranger to high- drop a shot for a 64 and a halfway Willett of England, Indian Jeev guarantee packed galleries but level golf. He tied for low amateur 132 total. Milkha Singh and Shane Lowry even the oil-rich Qataris cannot three years ago in Pebble Beach Oosthuizen is one stroke ahead of Ireland. afford the former world number and previously qualified for two Reigning British Open cham- one’s appearance fee for the US Opens. AFP Volvo Champions pion Ernie Els of South Africa, only European Tour event in Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts and the Gulf state. Second Round Scores Francesco Molinari of Italy are a The American’s involvement PGA Tour Sony stroke further back in the 33-man at the January 23 to 26 Qatar DURBAN, South Africa: field. Masters would cost a whopping Open scores Full scores after second round Defending champion Branden $3m, said Qatar Golf Association Leading scores yesterday in the Sony Open of the Volvo Golf Champions Grace of South Africa, winner of president Hassan al Nuaimi. (USA unless noted, par-70): tournament at par-72, 6,111- five European Tour events last “Tiger Woods demands $3m 62 Scott Langley metre Durban Country Club season, atoned for a disappointing Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa tees off on the 1st hole during the second just for an appearance, if he were yesterday. opening 75 with a 67 that placed round of the the Volvo Champions tournament in Durban, yesterday. to compete - which is not worth 63 Russell Henley 132 Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 68-64 him on 142, nine strokes behind paying for a tournament of $2.5m 64 Scott Piercy, Tim Clark (RSA) 133 Scott Jamieson (SCO) 69-64, the leader. prize money,” he told the Doha Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 65-68 Oosthuizen finished the out- course last month. Birdies at two, Former victorious Ryder Cup News. 65 Jeff Overton, Stephen Ames (CAN) 139 Thomas Bjorn (DEN) 69-70, Paul ward nine strongly with three three and four got his round off to captain Colin Montgomerie of Instead, 14-times major win- Lawrie (SCO) 69-70, Shane Lowry consecutive birdies and had two a flying start and two more ena- Scotland had a round to forget ner Woods begins his season 66 Matt Jones (AUS), Charles Howell, (IRL) 70-69, Julien Quesne (FRA) 72- more on 17 and 18 in a round bled the Scot to turn in 31 before with his 78 including six bogeys at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Matt Kuchar, Tim Herron, Brian Stuard, 67, Jeev Milkha Singh (IND) 69-70, notable for good recovery shots the only slip, a bogey five at 10, and one double bogey and he lies Championship next week before Morgan Hoffmann, Billy Horschel, Danny Willett (ENG) 69-70 from the rough after only seven was followed by another four second last, two shots ahead of returning home to compete in Webb Simpson, Tommy Gainey, Danny Lee (NZL) 140 Nicolas Colsaerts (BEL) 73-67, Ernie of his 14 tee shots found the birdies. Portuguese Ricardo Santos. the US PGA Tour’s Farmers fairways. An eagle three at the eighth The Volvo Golf Champions is Insurance Open. Els (RSA) 68-72, Francesco Molinari 67 David Hearn (CAN), Ryan Palmer, Marc Jamieson seems to enjoy the was the highlight for ex-para- restricted to 2012 European Tour Woods finished tied third in (ITA) 70-70 Leishman (AUS), Brad Fritsch (CAN), Indian Ocean city as he won the trooper Thongchai, who also had winners and those with more than Abu Dhabi last year and has 141 Rafa Cabrera-Bella (ESP) 72-69, Robert Streb, Steven Bowditch (AUS), Nelson Mandela Championship -- three birdies and a bogey as he 10 career titles on the circuit, and never played in Qatar. Jamie Donaldson (WAL) 69-72, Ben Kohles, Charlie Wi (KOR), Vijay shortened to two rounds by tor- pursues a sixth European Tour there is no halfway cut because of Paul Lawrie will defend his title Padraig Harrington (IRL) 70-71 Singh (FIJ), Erik Compton rential rain -- at another Durban title. the small field. AFP at the Qatar event. REUTERS

Al Wakra stun Al Rayyan; Trail Blazers Terry returns to Chelsea Al Shamal edge past Qatar SC rally to squad for Stoke trip defeat Heat LONDON: John Terry has been which is the main thing. It has BY DANOTZKI SANTOS named in Chelsea’s squad for been a frustrating two months, PORTLAND: Guard Wesley today’s Premier League game really. DOHA: Al Wakra’s Temi Matthews buried successive at Stoke City, having made his “I felt fine, totally fine -- pass- Soyebo erased Al Rayyan’s three-pointers to cap a stun- comeback from a two-month ing, tackling, everything felt 59-57 lead at the buzzer with ning late rally as the Portland injury lay-off in a game for the fine. It’s really positive to come three straight conversions to Trail Blazers stunned the NBA club’s under-21s. through a game and hopefully lift Wakra to their second upset champion Miami Heat with a Terry made a 45-minute give myself a chance to be back win in the Qatar Basketball tense 92-90 win yesterday. appearance against Fulham’s involved with the first team.” League. Trailing 80-68 with just over under-21s at Chelsea’s train- Chelsea have lost two of their Al Wakra escaped with a 60-59 eight minutes left, Portland fin- ing ground on Thursday, in his last three matches, going down win last night, and their third in ished with a rousing 24-10 run to first competitive appearance 1-0 at home to bottom club 12 outings. record their fourth straight win since damaging knee ligaments Queens Park Rangers in the Al Wakra battled Al Rayyan and their ninth in a row at home, in a game against Liverpool on league and losing 2-0 at home to toe-to-toe in the second period improving to 20-15 for the season. November 11. Swansea City in the first leg of as Ayeni Olatukombo started to Matthews’ heroics put Portland Interim manager Rafael their League Cup semi-final on catch fire and lifted his team back ahead 91-90 and a LaMarcus Benitez confirmed yesterday that Wednesday, either side of a 5-1 from a first quarter deficit to a Aldridge free throw then made his captain would return to the win at Southampton in the FA momentary 30-29 lead with 2:30 it 92-90 with 10.4 seconds squad for the trip to Stoke, but Cup. left in the period. remaining. said that the 32-year-old would The European champions go Al Rayyan then drew four Guard Mario Chalmers missed not start the game. into the game at Stoke in fourth straight points from team captain a late three-point attempt as the “He played yesterday. He was place in the league table, 14 Yasheen Mousa plus a split from Heat slipped to their fifth defeat OK,” Benitez said. points behind leaders Manchester the charity lane from ace import in their last eight games for an “He has been training today. He United and seven points below Boney Watson to regain upper overall record of 23-11. is in the squad.” second-place Manchester City hand, 34-30, at halftime. Nicolas Batum led the way for Asked if Terry would start, but with a game in hand. Big man Temi Wale picked the Trail Blazers with 28 points, Benitez added: “No, but he is Meanwhile, Tottenham up 6 points off his efforts in the forward LaMarcus Aldridge con- available. It’s good news for us. He Hotspur coach Andre Villas-Boas paint and Ayeni added 7 markers tributed 20 points and 15 rebounds has been out for 16 weeks.” has taken issue with his predeces- to push Al Wakra ahead, 43-36, while Matthews finished with 18 Speaking on Thursday, Terry sor Harry Redknapp’s remark with 2:30 to go in the third, before points on seven-of-18 shooting. said he had been encouraged by that only a “real dope” could fail Targuy Ngombo scored on a cou- “We got a lot of confidence and his performance in the under-21s to make a success of the Chelsea ple of jumpers from inside to nar- we are playing great at home match. manager’s job. row the gap at 43-40. right now,” Williams told report- Benitez was in attendance and Asked to respond to Redknapp’s Ayeni and company would ers after his three-pointer with Terry, wearing his usual number remarks, Villas-Boas said: “Only if not give up at this point and 26.9 seconds left put Portland a 26 shirt, made an assured return you manage a club you are going unwrapped a 12-5 last stand to point in front. REUTERS to action before being substituted to find out. inch closer, 58-57, unto the dying at half-time with the score 0-0. “You have to be able to access a seconds of ball game. “I have come through all right,” club like that to experience it. It’s Meanwhile, Al Shamal edged NBA Results Terry told Chelsea TV. a different type of club. You just Qatar Sports Club, 88-82 in the Indiana 81 NY Knicks 76 “Initially I was going to play have to experience it and to sur- other day’s match yesterday at Al Dallas 117 Sacramento 112 between 30 and 45 (minutes), so vive it,” he said to journalists yes- Gharafa Inddor Hall. Action from Qatar Basketball League yesterday at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. I managed to get through the first terday during a press conference. THE PENINSULA Al Shamal beat Qatar SC 88-82 and Al Wakra beat Al Rayyan 60-59. Portland 92 Miami 90 half and the knee feels totally fine, AGENCIES JANUARY 12, 2013 Break Time www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 ON SATURDAY CINEMA LISTINGS TV LISTINGS Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola SHOWING AT VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER (Hindi) – 2.30 & 8.30pm 1 TEL: 444933989 444517001 Bavuttiyude Namathil 10:10 Weird Creatures 12:00 Natural Born (Malayalam) GULF – 5.30 & 11.30pm With Nick Baker Hunters CINEMA Bavuttiyude Namathil 12:25 The Really Wild 12:25 The Really Wild (2D/Malayalam) – 2.30 & 8.30pm 2 Show Show Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola 12:55 Wildest Africa 12:55 Wildest Africa (2D/Hindi) – 5.30 & 11.00pm 13:50 Great Ocean 13:50 Wildest India The Hobbit: An Expected Adventures 16:35 Wildest Arctic Journey (Adventure) 14:45 Crocodile Hunter 19:20 The Animals’ 1 – 2.30 & 5.30pm 20:15 The Animals’ Guide To Jack Reacher (Action) Guide To Survival – 8.30 & 11.00pm Survival 20:15 Speed Of Life Chinese Zodiac (3D/Action) 21:10 Sharkman 21:10 Killer Whales 2 MALL – 2.15, 4.30, 6.45, 9.00 & 11.15pm 22:05 Wildest Africa 22:05 Wildest Africa CINEMA Life Of Pi (Comedy/3D) 23:00 Bad Dog 23:00 Bad Dog – 2.30 & 7.00pm 23:55 Karina: Wild On 23:55 Karina: Wild On Caught In The Cross Fire Safari Safari 3 (2D/Crime) – 4.45pm The Tall Man (2D/Drama) – 9.15 & 11.15pm Chinese Zodiac (3D/Action) 06:00 A Very Fairy 06:30 American – 2.30, 4.45, 7.00 & 9.15pm 1 Meet the designers, talk with the experts and hear the Christmas Restoration Life Of Pi (Comedy/3D) music driving the fashion industry. Laura brings you all 08:00 The Ugly 07:00 Ancient Aliens – 11.30pm the latest news from the biggest fashion shows around Duckling Goes 12:00 American Rise Of The Guardians the world with practical advice on how to wear the looks On Holiday Pickers (Animation) – 2.30pm 10:00 Dolphin Tale-PG 13:00 Soviet Storm: and keep in style. Every Saturday at 6.00 PM. 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HYPER C RSO S W O RD

12345 6789101112131415161718 120 Part of 58-Down: Abbr. 54 Depp title role 121 In a stack 55 Famous 12-book story 19 20 21 22 122 Approvals 56 Brooklynese, e.g. 23 24 25 26 57 Wannabe 27 28 29 DOWN 58 Alma mater of some 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 1 Boozehound’s sound engrs. 59 “Cheers” actor Roger 37 38 39 40 41 2 “Just ___!” (“Hold on!”) 3 Prosaic 60 Word in many bank names 42 43 44 45 46 4 On the say-so of 61 Year that Emperor 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 5 Gift from the well- Frederick I died 54 55 56 57 58 59 endowed 67 Not even once, in 6 Bounced Nürnberg 60 61 62 63 64 7 Old tales 68 For nothing 65 66 67 68 69 8 What a mummy might 71 “Moving on then …” 70 71 72 73 74 75 have 74 Simple 75 German import 76 77 78 79 80 9 Agcy. of the U.N. 10 “___ Kommissar” (1983 77 Resident of New York’s 81 82 83 84 hit) Murray Hill, e.g. Yesterday’s answer 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 11 “Bam!” man in the kitchen 78 Batch that’s hatched 83 Seductress How to play Hyper Sudoku: 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 12 Petered out 13 Very successful 84 Relative of fusilli A Hyper Sudoku Puzzle is solved by filling the numbers from 1 to 9 into the blank cells. A Hyper 100 101 102 103 104 14 Seine filler 86 Vessel in an alcove Sudoku has unlike Sudoku 13 regions (four regions overlap with the nine standard regions). In all 105 106 107 108 regions the numbers from 1 to 9 can appear only once. Otherwise, a Hyper Sudoku is solved like 15 Way out in space 87 Kitchenware 109 110 111 112 113 114 a normal Sudoku. 16 Football Hall-of-Famer 88 Not in the profession 115 116 117 118 George 89 Made fractions … or 17 Composer of “The factions 119 120 121 122 How to play Kakuro: Miraculous Mandarin” 90 Pests The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any 18 Parsley parts 91 T. S. Eliot’s “Theatre Cat” size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells ACROSS 66 Like many an online password 24 Some pupils 92 What’s mined to keep? like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, 1 Routine responses? 69 World Cup cry 28 Swedish-born “Chocolat” 93 Sonatas and such some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some 6 1961 Charlton Heston/Sophia Loren 70 Service actress 94 University V.I.P. cells will contain two numbers. film 71 Rose who rose to fame in the 1980s 30 Cowlick tamer 95 Dahl of “A Southern However, in a crossword the numbers reference 11 “Who ___?” 72 50-50, e.g. 31 Confidant, peut-être Yankee,” 1948 clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! 15 Goes back 73 Small carriage 33 Get exactly right 97 Most outspread They denote the total of the digits in the row or 19 Words of certainty 76 It might have a theater and 34 ’Vette alternative 101 True column referenced by the number. 20 Unit of energy planetarium 35 Little newt 102 Brick-and-mortar alternative Within each 21 Sculpture garden setting in N.Y.C. 79 Campers, for short 36 Hot 104 Dancer Jeanmaire collection of cells 22 Response to freshness? 80 “Love surfeits not, ___ like a glutton 39 Play featuring Mrs. Malaprop, with “The” 108 “Rule, Britannia” composer - called a run - any 23 Technical trouble dies”: Shak. 43 Española, e.g. 110 Bit of neckwear of the numbers 1 25 Uncle of Levi 81 Show expanded to four hours in 2007 44 Demoiselle’s dressing 111 Herd of elephants? to 9 may be used 26 Author John Dickson ___ 82 Chess opening? 46 Sudden turns 112 Initials in news but, like sudoku, 27 Puts together 49 Not just noteworthy 113 1950 Anne Baxter title role each number may 28 Items at one’s disposal? 83 Itinerary word 51 Embroidery loops 114 Évian-___-Bains, France only be used once. 29 Prefix with thesis 84 Marxist, e.g. 30 Actor/comic Brad 85 Bars 52 What a forklift may lift 32 Helper in herding 87 Singer who played Cyrano in “Cyrano 53 Disapproving look Yesterday’s de Bergerac” answer 37 Bird with meat high in protein SWAL E S L UR DAR T S SAND 93 Caesar, e.g. P I SAN TUNE DRURY AGEE 38 Not e’en once 96 When daylight saving begins: Abbr. FILMCRITIC ATMAN LOVE 40 Not straight up BIERS OLYMPICLUGER 98 Commercial time of day 41 Sideshow features DEPEND KARL ALLSET 99 “___ House,” 1970 Crosby, Stills, 42 Collectible book AMOROSO SKOP J E PECAN Nash & Young hit RANT ERAT YAO AGESAGO Baby Blues By Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman 45 Block legally 100 Introvert or extrovert LIZ TABLOIDWRITER SER 47 Carrier in the Star Alliance 103 Grenache, for one AL I B I S I RS SERT M I NE 48 Cassette knob abbr. S I TU T I THE D I SBANDS 105 ___ fruit 49 Yokel’s laugh L I CK I NG ALEVE PEACOAT 106 They may be flipped ACHESFOR ER I NS TROW 50 Big name in trading cards 107 Off NEED EROS ACT I ENOCH 54 Indonesian vacation spot 109 Start CAM ELECT I ONLOSER RHO 56 Bao ___ (former Vietnamese 110 “Come here often?”, e.g. EXEMPTS REL OPEN SKAL emperor) TER I S A I SLES EDMEESE 111 Protector 57 Line in London NOR I SK I GET SOARED 115 Kin of -ess or -trix 60 Symbol of a boring routine TELEMARKETER HOURS 116 Future platypi OL I O YESOR EBAYPATRON 62 Special ___ 117 Offer one’s thoughts GAEL ONINE TINE LAURA 63 Cassette button abbr. ANNA NENES STER SRTAS 118 “Somewhere in Time” actor 64 Key: Fr. 119 Suffix with prank ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE 65 Split JANUARY 12, 2013 ON SATURDAY 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Morning Break

PRAYER TIME Towering red dust storm

Fajr (Dawn) 5:01 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:21 Zuhr (Noon) 11:42 Asr (Afternoon) 2:43 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:04 Isha (Night) 6:34

WEATHER

Today Sunday Monday Weather Conditions: Clear Mostly sunny Mostly sunny Blowing dust with some High: 19° High: 20° High: 22° clouds. Low: 15° Low: 16° Low: 16°

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:22 17:03 05:30 & 16:45 12:45 & 22:45 15-25/35 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER A handout photo taken on Wednesday, and posted by Perth Weather Live shows a towering red dust storm over the ocean ahead of the cyclone approaching Onslow on the West Australian coast. Tug boat worker Brett Martin, who captured the fearsome pictures, 25 nautical miles from the MUSCAT 29/19 Mostly sunny 23/18 Mostly sunny town, reported conditions were glassy and flat before the storm hit late on the day. But when the wild weather arrived, the swell lifted to two metres, MAKKAH 30/20 Mostly sunny 29/20 Mostly sunny winds increased to 40 knots and visibility was reduced to 100 metres. KUWAIT 13/06 Partly sunny 14/09 Clear BAHRAIN 18/14 Mostly sunny 19/15 Mostly sunny SANAA 24/07 Mostly sunny 24/08 Chance of rain RIYADH 15/05 Clear 17/07 Clear DUBAI 23/15 Clear 25/16 Mostly sunny Are consumers BAGHDAD 12/04 Clear 13/03 Mostly sunny The Shard pierces London’s ready for the THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW skyline and skewers critics television HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER LONDON: The Shard — west- however. The attraction has taken To the east, the city’s other watching back? ATHENS 17/06 Clear 15/07 Mostly sunny ern Europe’s tallest skyscraper tens of thousands of pre-bookings recent architectural additions — WASHINGTON 18/15 Mostly sunny 23/18 Mostly sunny — opens its viewing platform to and hopes its high-speed elevators the Olympic venues dotted around LAS VEGAS: In the new world SYDNEY 30/18 Chance of storms 27/17 Mostly sunny the public on February 1, giving will carry up to 1.5 million peo- an area that was previously one of of technology, television is not just LONDON 06/02 Chance of rain 05/01 Partly sunny unrivalled views over London ple each year to the deck, which London’s most deprived corners— for watching. It is also watching PARIS 06/04 Rain 06/-1 Cloudy and defiantly snubbing critics of offers stunning 360-degree views join the futuristic skyscrapers of you. So-called smart TVs being ISTANBUL 10/02 Chance of rain 06/03 Chance of rain the gigantic tower. from a height of 244 metres. the financial district. unveiled at the International MANILA 31/23 Partly sunny 30/24 Chance of storms The 310-metre (1,017-foot) “It’s a natural starting point And just across the river, Consumer Electronics Show DHAKA 22/10 Clear 24/12 Clear Shard has been described as too for exploring the UK’s capital,” standing out from the mass of offer technologies that watch the DELHI 20/10 Clear 20/09 Clear tall, too futuristic, too likely to Andy Nyberg, chief executive of grey stone buildings with its ochre viewer, in an effort to offer more ISLAMABAD 14/05 Chance of rain 17/04 Mostly sunny cast its shadow over London’s his- The View from The Shard, said. brickwork, sits the thousand- relevant programming. toric monuments — and too costly The attraction includes screens year-old Tower of London. The idea may sound eerie at a time of austerity, even though showing documentaries on the Though it is significantly to those familiar with George 95 percent of its £450m ($727m) city’s history and inhabitants, as shorter than Dubai’s 828-metre Orwell’s novel 1984 but people cost has been financed by Qatar. well as an introduction to British Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest in the industry say this is the Science gets a grip William Matthews, project humour in the form of giant photo building, the top of the Shard next step in the evolution of TV architect for the gleaming, jag- montages. often disappears into the clouds. viewing. ged-tipped building designed by Margaret Thatcher, the former But organisers insist that even Chinese manufacturer TCL on finger wrinkles Italian super-architect Renzo prime minister known as the Iron those whose visits coincide with unveiled a new TV and set-top Piano, dismisses the critics. Lady, is shown pedalling alongside a bout of London’s famous driz- box to be sold later this year “The Eiffel tower was a build- her philosophical nemesis Karl zle will be able to enjoy the view, in the US using the Google TV PARIS: Getting pruney fingers from soaking in the bath is an ing that was hated when it was Marx on a tandem bicycle. using computerised telescopes platform which recognises who evolutionary advantage, for it helps us get a better grip on objects built, and now it is much loved by World War II premier Winston showing earlier images of the city is watching in order to suggest under water, scientists suggested. Digit puckering was long thought the Parisians,” he said on a tour Churchill, meanwhile, appears in bathed in sunshine. potential programs. to be caused by a swelling of the outer layers of skin on the finger- of the Shard. Union Jack-patterned shorts, his Marketed as a “vertical city”, The new TV developed with tips and toes, but recent research showed it was actually a nervous “These tall buildings — the ever-present cigar clamped in his the Shard will be home to offices, Marvell Technology Group uses system response to immersion in water. Eiffel Tower, the Empire State mouth. luxury shops and restaurants, a sensors and voice recognition to The purpose, though, was a mystery. A team from the Institute of building — they become symbols Passengers will rise at a speed five-star hotel and the highest determine who is viewing and can Neuroscience at Newcastle University tested the usefulness of wrinkling that people associate with their of six metres a second to reach residential properties in Britain. offer streamed or live programs by human volunteers handling wet objects with creased and uncreased city.” the viewing platforms — the Developers estimate that the which appear to appeal to an indi- fingers. Those who had their hands immersed in warm water for 30 For Matthews, it was crucial highest of which is open to the building will have some 8,000 vidual or family. minutes were much faster than those with dry digits in a test that for the public to have access to elements — to strains of original inhabitants once fully occupied. “We have developed many inno- entailed picking up glass marbles and lead fishing weights between the new skyscraper. “It’s not just elevator music recorded by the From ground-level, the view vations to personalise the viewing thumb and index finger and transferring them from one container to a private building for a few exclu- London Symphony Orchestra. of the tower itself is as strik- experience,” said Haohong Wang, another. “We have shown that wrinkled fingers give a better grip in sive people,” he said. On a clear day, they will be ing as the one from its summit. general manager in the US for wet conditions,” research leader Tom Smulders said of the findings. But visitors heading to the able to see for 60km around — Passers-by provide a telling indi- TCL, a major global manufacturer Smulders said the wrinkling was probably an evolutionary adaption, viewing decks between floors 68 the River Thames snaking into cation of what the public thinks which has made TVs under the possibly to improve mobility on wet surfaces. “This would explain why and 72 will need deep pockets as the distance, along with famous of the new building, says Piano. RCA and Thomson brands. it happens to both hands and feet, and might have been an adaptation well as a strong head for heights, landmarks including Big Ben, St He likes to quote the advice This offers a “game-changing in some primate ancestor well before humans evolved, who might have with tickets costing £24.95 ($40) Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham of his compatriot and friend, the entertainment experience for walked on all fours,” he said. The study found that wrinkling had no per adult. Palace. film-maker Roberto Rossellini: consumers around the world that adverse impact on the handling of dry objects, which raises the ques- The relatively steep prices “It will feel like flying,” prom- “Don’t look at the building — look will drive the smart TV market tion why we do not have permanently creased fingers and toes. Finger — another criticism frequently ises Piano, whose previous crea- at the faces of the people looking forward at a rapid pace,” said wrinkling may carry a cost, though, by diminishing fingertip sensitivity, levelled at the Shard’s develop- tions include the colourful Centre at the building.” Weili Dai, co-founder of Marvell. Smulders added. AFP ers—have not deterred everyone, Pompidou art gallery in Paris. AFP Panasonic also used CES to show its new Viera smart televi- sion which can recognize users and create a home screen allow programming tailored for each. Other manufacturers are work- ing on similar technology which Passengers amazed as Australian snake clings to plane take advantage of television over Internet. SYDNEY: It was not quite a Snakes Media yesterday that while people at This new inter-activity opens on a Plane scenario, but passengers the front of the plane were unaware of up possibilities for advertisers on a Qantas jet watched in amaze- the python, those at the back were “all who will be able to develop more ment as a three-metre (nine feet) totally focused on the snake and how targeted pitches, but raises some python clung to the outside of their it might have got onto the aircraft”. of the same privacy concerns of aircraft during a flight. Unlike the 2006 Snakes on a Plane data collection on the Web. The Australian carrier said the flight movie starring Samuel L Jackson, this “The concept is not so much from the Queensland city of Cairns to reptile did not affect the flight. Big Brother as Big Marketer,” Port Moresby, capital of the Pacific “There was no panic. At no time says Thomas Coughlin of the island nation of Papua New Guinea, did anyone stop to consider that there data consulting firm Coughlin took off early Thursday morning with might be others on board,” Weber said. Associates, who is attending the the unintended passenger tucked into He added that the snake had been Las Vegas gathering. “This could its wing. nestled neatly at first, but once the be creepy to some of us because “The snake was seen by passengers wind caught the end of its tail, it was it is making use of data in a way once (the plane) reached cruising “pulling him straight out” and from that has been done before.” altitude,” a Qantas spokesman said. then on it became a hopeless “life-and- Coughlin said consumers will “It was still on the aircraft when it death struggle”. “I felt quite sad for it, want to know where the data is arrived in Port Moresby but it had died really,” he said. and how it might be shared, and by that stage.” An expert said the snake was prob- says there also may be questions Once they spotted it on the wing, ably a scrub python, Australia’s long- about security of the data in the passengers watched as the reptile est snake and one common in northern cloud. Rob Enderle, an analyst and engaged in a life-and-death struggle to Queensland. Qantas said it had never consultant with Enderle Group, maintain its grip on the plane despite heard of anything similar happening said this model will become the the winds and chilly altitude tempera- before, adding that there was no way norm as television gravitates to tures for the two-hour journey. the reptile could have accessed the cabin. Internet platforms. A python lies wedged on the wing of a Qantas plane as it flies over Port Moresby, yesterday. Passenger Robert Weber told Fairfax AFP AFP