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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 122 floating Arabs call for Syria political solution objects may be Leaders at Kuwait summit announce total rejection of call to consider Israel a Jewish state from MH370 KUALA LUMPUR: Satellite KUWAIT CITY: Arab leaders a political solution,” Kuwait’s imagery showing more than called yesterday for a political Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah 122 possible objects floating in solution to the conflict in Syria Khaled Al Sabah told a press con- a patch of the southern Indian sidestepping Saudi-backed ference following the summit. Ocean offers the most credible demands for greater military Yet the leaders of the 22-mem- lead yet in the hunt for the miss- support for rebel forces to tip ber Arab League condemned the ing Malaysian airliner, the coun- the balance in the war. regime, while reaffirming their try’s transport minister has said. But they were fully united support for the opposition. The items, estimated to meas- in their support for Palestinian “We strongly condemn the ure between one and 23 metres, refusal to recognise Israel as a massacres committed by the were spotted close to where Jewish state, a flashpoint issue Syrian regime against unarmed Chinese and Australian aircraft threatening to derail US-brokered people,” the statement said, reaf- earlier sighted possible debris, peace talks. firming “total support for the Hishammuddin Hussein added. Syria’s opposition National Syrian National Coalition as a Extra vessels and aircraft Coalition chief Ahmed Jarba had legitimate representative of the arrived in the search zone around called at Tuesday’s opening of the Syrian people.” 2,500km south-west of Perth yes- two-day summit in Kuwait for the The Syrian government’s bru- terday, as crews resumed work rebels to be supplied with “sophis- tal repression of protests that after gale-force winds and heavy ticated” weaponry. erupted in March 2011 resulted rain forced them to leave the area. And Saudi Crown Prince in its suspension from the Cairo- But forecasters warned the mul- Salman bin Abdulaziz, whose based Arab League. tinational hunt might have to be country is a key backer of the Yet while last year’s sum- suspended again today because of revolt against Syrian President mit allocated Syria’s seat to the rough weather. THE GUARDIAN Bashar Al Assad, said the world National Coalition, it remained See also page 12 was “betraying” rebels by failing vacant at the Kuwait meeting and to arm them and leaving them will remain so until the opposi- The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud “easy prey.” tion meets legal and technical with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Arab League Summit in Kuwait yesterday. Manila, rebels to But the final declaration by the requirements. summit called instead for a politi- A clearly dissatisfied Jarba sign deal today cal solution to the three-year con- told the opening session that the Meanwhile, Safi criticised the the peace process in the early Barack Obama in Washington flict, which has cost more than decision “sends a message to the summit for failing to condemn 1990s. But Prime Minister last week, told the summit that MANILA: The biggest Muslim 146,000 lives. Assad regime encouraging it to Iran and Lebanese Shia militia Benjamin Netanyahu now insists Palestinians “reject even dis- rebel group in the Philippines “We call for a political solution continue to kill Syrians.” Hezbollah for sending troops to they acknowledge Israel as the cussing the issue.” will sign a peace deal today to the crisis in Syria based on Spokesman Louay Safi said dif- back Assad. national homeland of the Jewish Netanyahu has placed the rec- aimed at ending four decades the Geneva I communique,” they ferences among Arab foreign min- The declaration echoed UN people, a move that would effec- ognition dispute at the forefront of deadly conflict that has con- said, urging the United Nations to isters at a meeting on Sunday had peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, tively torpedo the “right of of the talks, describing Arab demned millions in the nation’s renew its efforts after the failure prevented the National Coalition who called for a political solution return” for Palestinian refugees. rejection of the Jewish state as far south to brutal poverty. of Geneva talks. from taking the seat. and urged an “end to the supply US Secretary of State John the “root of the conflict.” The agreement between the An international conference in “The new Arab decision reaf- of arms to all parties”. Kerry is facing an uphill bat- For the Palestinians, the issue Moro Islamic Liberation Front the Swiss city in 2012 had called firms the previous decision... but Separately, Arab leaders tle to keep the floundering is intimately entwined with the and President Aquino’s govern- for a “peaceful transition” in the implementation was hin- announced their “total rejection peace talks on track beyond an fate of their refugees who were ment envisages a new, south- Syria without specifying the fate dered due to disputes between of the call to consider Israel a April 29 deadline. Palestinian forced out of their homes or ern autonomous region for the of Assad. Arab foreign ministers,” Safi told Jewish state.” The Palestinians president Mahmoud Abbas, fled in 1948 when Israel became Philippines’ Muslim minority. “We have no alternative to reporters. recognised Israel at the start of fresh from talks with President a state. AFP AFP Rains flood low-lying areas of Doha Sisi sheds uniform, DOHA: Heavy rains disrupted life in the city yesterday, leav- ing many low-lying areas inun- to run for president dated, especially one of the tunnels on Salwa Road. The Qatar Décor underpass on CAIRO: Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, in a country of 85 million that is Salwa Road was flooded by the the Egyptian general who steeped in poverty. downpour that lashed the country ousted his country’s first freely- “I cannot make miracles. since the late hours of Tuesday. elected leader, declared his Rather, I propose hard work and A number of motorists head- candidacy yesterday for a presi- self-denial,” he said. “We must ing from Doha to Industrial Area dential election he is expected be truthful with ourselves: our were caught in the tunnel for to win easily. country faces great challenges. hours as water rose waist-high Sisi, who toppled the Muslim Our economy is weak. There are after intermittent rains contin- Brotherhood’s Mohamed Mursi millions of youths who suffer from ued until afternoon yesterday. last July after mass protests unemployment in Egypt. This is Social networking sites were against his rule, vowed to fight unacceptable.” abuzz with reports and com- what he called the terrorist If Sisi is elected, as widely ments about the flooding, with threat facing Egypt, a reference expected, it would mark a return people posting pictures of half- to attacks that have spiralled to the days when Egypt was led sunk vehicles that got stuck in since last summer. by men from the military — a the deluge. Traffic came to a “True, today is my last day in pattern interrupted by Mursi’s standstill on the highway during military uniform, but I will con- one year in office after he won peak hours. tinue to fight every day for an the first democratic presiden- Police later closed the Qatar Egypt free of fear and terrorism,” tial election. Sisi would assume Décor underpass temporar- said Sisi, still wearing his military leadership of a country reeling ily and diverted traffic to other fatigues, in a televised speech. from three years of political roads, causing congestion in the Sisi had to resign his posts of turmoil. Since Mursi’s removal area. Despite efforts by the Public army chief and minister of defence from power, Egypt has suffered Works Authority (Ashghal) to so he could contest the election. the worst internal strife in its pump out water from the under- Seeking to cap some of the sky- modern history. pass, the traffic disruption con- high expectations, Sisi warned REUTERS tinued until evening. Vehicles caught in a flooded underpass on Salwa Road after heavy rains in Doha yesterday. he could not perform “miracles” See also page 10 Ashghal said yesterday that the flooding was caused due to incom- the water to the sea as planned,” senior official of the Civil Aviation of the country received moder- plete work on the underground Ashghal said in a statement. Authority. The Ministry of ate to heavy rains yesterday. The drainage network on Salwa Road. Ashghal said it had deployed Interior on its Twitter account downpour is not likely to continue New planet found in solar system “Salwa Road has an efficient tanks and suction pumps imme- informed the public about the today, although there is a chance and deep water drainage sys- diately to handle the waterlogging temporary closure of the Salwa of light rains in some areas. CAPE CANAVERAL: Sedna and VP 113 are the first tem including pipes with large as “the pipes reached their maxi- Road tunnel and advised motor- “We are yet to obtain data Astronomers have found a objects found in a region of the diametres, providing high drain- mum capacity within a very short ists to exercise caution while driv- about the rain in different areas. dwarf planet far beyond the solar system previously believed age capacity for surface water. time due to heavy rains.” ing in rain and low visibility. But many parts of the country orbit of Pluto and can only to be devoid of planetary bodies. However, as the project’s under- Senior Ashghal engineers Nouf Al Malki, services received heavy rains,” a senior guess how it got there. The proverbial no-man’s ground drainage connection to and officials from the Traffic department director at Doha official of the Department told The diminutive world, provi- land extended from the outer the sea through Abu Hamour Department were present in the Municipality said the emer- this daily last evening. sionally called “2012 VP 113” by edge of the Kuiper Belt, home network is not yet constructed, area yesterday to supervise the gency team at the municipality The Department had ear- the international Minor Planet to the dwarf planet Pluto and Salwa Road drainage network operation. pumped out water from several lier forecast strong winds and Center, is estimated to be about more than 1,000 other small icy is currently used to receive and The unstable weather in Qatar low-lying areas in Doha, includ- thundershowers this week, as an 450km in diameter, less than bodies, to the comet-rich Oort store surface water inside the over the past two days forced ing Duhail, Airport, Al Hilal and extension of a low pressure area half the size of a neighbouring Cloud, which orbits the sun pipes only as a temporary pro- some Doha-bound flights to land Al Dafna. in southwestern Saudi Arabia. dwarf planet named Sedna dis- some 10,000 times farther away cedure till the main drainage at neighbouring airports, Al Sharq The Meteorology Department THE PENINSULA covered a decade ago. than Earth. REUTERS network is ready to streamline reported yesterday quoting a said yesterday that most parts See also page 5 The Management of Lulu Hypermarket Group have the pleasure of announcing the grand inauguration of

by Mr. Nicholas Hopton His Excellency The Ambassador of Great Britain to the State of Qatar

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Purchase limit may apply, Offer valid till stocks last. last. till stocks valid Offer apply, limit may Purchase 5Kg WF0285 THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 QA to launch Edinburgh-Doha flight DOHA: Akbar Al Baker, from Edinburgh, the Dreamliner has launch and Scotland’s potential CEO, Qatar Airways, has a two-cabin configuration, compris- growth prospects. He said Scotland’s announced details of a ing 22 seats in Business Class and tourism industry, along with infra- new scheduled service 232 in Economy Class with a high structure developments and poten- from Edinburgh to Doha standard of comfort on board, includ- tial business opportunities were key to be launched on May ing individual 10.5-inch TV screens factors leading to the airline’s deci- 28. on all Economy Class seats and a sion to begin flying there. Al Baker The new addition to the full complimentary food and bever- also met the Lord Provost, The airline’s route map will sig- age service. Right Honorable Donald Wilson, nificantly reduce journey During a visit to Scotland, Al and Malcolm Roughead OBE, Chief time for those travelling Baker met Scottish First Minister, Executive of Visit Scotland. from Edinburgh to desti- Alex Salmond, and discussed the THE PENINSULA nations around the world. “The start of services from Edinburgh to Doha not only offers travellers from the Scottish capital access to the Middle East in under seven hours, but also a quicker total jour- ney time to other popular destinations in Asia, India and Australasia,” said Al Baker. “We are delighted to confirm the Boeing 787 will operate on this important new route and are sure that not only will this benefit the market in Scotland, but also attract significant business and trade links for those wish- ing to travel to Edinburgh from all corners of the world.” With smooth and fre- quent connection times in Doha, passengers from Edinburgh will be able to arrive at their final des- tination — Doha in the Middle East or further afield — without the need for any domestic transfers within the UK. The route is not only the first for Edinburgh to the Middle East, but will also be the country’s first sched- uled service on one of the world’s newest aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Renowned for its five- star service, the airline will fly the aircraft on this route, which will enable passengers to experience the latest in international air travel design and comfort. Flying direct to and THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Itijah forum to focus on youth employment 45 leaders from Mena and Europe to discuss development of skills of emerging leaders

DOHA: Common Purpose, a glo- Centre. Itijah, or ‘direction’ in “Youth unemployment is an Association, Jordan River skills of these emerging lead- and Common Purpose. We look bal leadership development organ- Arabic, is being run in partner- increasing issue for both regions Foundation, Mastercard, ers,” said Rob Sherwin, Deputy forward to seeing the outcomes isation, brings together 45 leaders ship with Silatech and Shell. It and as cities invest heavily in Ozyegin University, Biedermann Country Chairman and General that emerge from this exciting from Mena and Europe to take will focus on ‘Legacy events – do large-scale events, there is a Consulting, Arab Youth for Manager Corporate Affairs, challenge.” part in Itijah, a four-day leadership they succeed or fail in provid- potential for them to generate Climate Movement and British Qatar Shell. Stephen Anderson, Senior initiative from March 31 at Qatar ing employment opportunities for employment and help address Council. “Silatech is delighted to part- Partner, PwC Qatar, said, “We Shell Research & Technology young people?’ youth unemployment,” said Sir “Nurturing skills of emerg- ner with Common Purpose for at PwC globally and in the Graham Boyce, Senior Adviser, ing leaders from Qatar, the the Itijah, bringing together Middle East are proud to sup- Bank of America Merrill Lynch wider Arab world and Europe young leaders from through- port Common Purpose initia- and Chair of Itijah Advisory and encouraging links between out the Arab world and tives, and today the initiative Group. the two regions is an impor- Europe to find workable solu- we are investigating in is of high “Itijah brings together bright tant outcome of the Common tions to address what is per- importance to the region to new leaders from a wide range Purpose Itijah Venture. It is haps the most pressing need what it holds. Successful mega of disciplines and nationalities. aligned with Qatar Shell’s focus for European and Arab econ- event delivery organisations set I believe they will be able to give on human capacity building omies today — job creation,” strategy, plan, finance, develop political leaders fresh ideas on in support of Qatar National said Dr Tarik M Yousef, Chief and operate in the context of how to meet this challenge.” Vision 2030. The employable Executive, Silatech. the legacy of the event. Legacy Participants are from population in the Arab world “In addition to addressing the includes the long-term use of Alexandria, Amman, will show dramatic growth over urgent need for more employ- infrastructure in their post- Amsterdam, Doha, Frankfurt, the next 10 years, and given this ment opportunities, Itijah event incarnation through to Istanbul, London and Tripoli, growing window of opportunity helps cultivate the development the delivery of socio-economic representing organisations for youth, the Itijah Venture of young leaders in civil society, and cultural changes.” such as Alexandria Business will play a key role in developing an objective shared by Silatech THE PENINSULA

‘Qatar e-Nature’ schools contest launched DOHA: Sasol and Friends of the Environment Centre (FEC) launched yesterday the ‘Qatar e-Nature’ schools contest, based on the success- ful ‘Qatar e-Nature’ app, at Doha Independent Secondary School for Boys. The nature educational con- test is open to students and their schools, and runs until April 30. Launched in December 2013, the app is the first of its kind smartphone application that highlights the rich diversity of Qatar’s environment, includ- ing elements such as plants, FROM LEFT: Jack Saba, Corporate Affairs Manager, Sasol Qatar, Marjo Louw, President, Sasol Qatar, Dr Saif birds, and insects. Sasol and Al Hajari, Chairman, FEC, and Gholoum Abdulla, Principal, Doha Independent Secondary School for Boys FEC developed the app, which with students at the event. features content in Arabic and English. Google Play store for Android, participation in the contest plant or insect they have taken “We are excited to take ‘Qatar Windows Phone Store, and by schools across Qatar,” said in Qatar with their mobile e-Nature’ to schools through BlackBerry App World. A web Marjo Louw, President, Sasol device. A ‘Qatar e-Nature’ team this contest. Since its launch, version of the app (www.ena- Qatar. will reach out to schools spread- the app has become the best ture.qa) is available for desk- The contest is open to all stu- ing awareness about the app and resource to learn about Qatar’s top access. Participants can dents from grades 1 to 13 and the contest. nature in an interactive way. also engage with the app team can be entered either online Correct submissions will We encourage all schools and on their Facebook page (Qatar (contest.enature.qa) or through be entered into a draw for a students to participate in this e-Nature) for details. the app. Participants can find chance to win prizes, including wonderful competition that pro- “Sasol’s commitment to correct answers to questions a grand trip for two to discover motes learning in an entertain- the environment is consistent on birds, insects and plants in the wildlife of South Africa; 16 ing way. We laud Sasol for its with the responsibility we have the contest by browsing through iPads, one for the winning stu- commitment to raise awareness towards the communities in the app content. Comprising dent from each grade, and three about Qatar’s diverse nature which we operate. Conservation an eight-question multiple- for the photo submission win- among the young generation,” starts with appreciation. We choice quiz, the contest asks ners from all grades and awards Dr Saif Al Hajari, Chairman, believe the contest will contrib- about information contained in for five schools with the high- FEC, told a press conference ute to a better understanding the application and related to est percentage of participating yesterday. of the vibrant nature of Qatar, nature in Qatar. students. The app can be downloaded packaged in a fun and engag- Students will have the option The awards ceremony will be free on Apple App Store, ing way. We look forward to of sending a photo of a bird, held in May. THE PENINSULA Vodafone Falla plan for youth DOHA: Vodafone Qatar yesterday success of the Red Postpaid launch. launched Vodafone Falla, the coun- “Youth are the cornerstone of Qatar try’s first telecom plan for the youth, National Vision 2030. Harnessing their with great mobile deals, exciting activ- passions, ambitions and creativity in ities and direct youth engagement. every aspect of their lives will play a key Falla is a Qatari expression meaning role in realising it. ‘enjoying the moment’ and is the feeling “There are half a million young peo- Vodafone wants to create with the young. ple in Qatar with their own taste and This year would be full of game chang- requirements in terms of lifestyle and ers, Kyle Whitehill, CEO, said at the in daily communication.” launch, referring to the tremendous With the Vodafone Falla Prepaid and Postpaid plans, you can talk for hours, get endless music and enjoy fantastic Internet offers like hours of calling with 1,000 min- utes of calls to Vodafone numbers, endless music with Anghami+ mobile music application and 1GB of Internet for mobile streaming and downloads. Anghami is the No. 1 music service in the Gulf, also offering Internet offers with 100MB free on every prepaid recharge and a postpaid Falla plan with 1GB included. Vodafone Falla Prepaid plan is for QR6 a week and Vodafone Falla Postpaid plan for QR100 per month. Vodafone Falla will deliver entertainment in video gaming at the Gaming Lounge in Al Sadd. Every Wednesday from noon to midnight, Vodafone Falla is sponsoring free gaming for anybody. Vodafone also announced Falla Ambassadors — who are well recognised and admired in Qatar — to help share great things about Vodafone Falla with customers. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

British Food Rains disrupt normal life in Doha Festival opens at Lulu outlets DOHA: Lulu Hy permarket, Al Gharrafa, is organising British Food Festival from today. It is being hosted by Lulu Hypermarket Group in associa- tion with the British embassy and British Council and will be inaugurated by Ambassador Nicholas Hopton in the pres- ence of dignitaries and senior executives from leading business groups in the retail industry and other walks of life. The festival until April 9 is in line with celebrations envis- aged by the embassy and based on Lulu’s annual events calen- dar at Lulu Hypermarkets in all regions. It is showcasing British manufacturing, encompassing grocery, fruits and vegetables, delicatessen, dairy and bakery products, frozen foods, fish, hot food, as well as household, health Heavy rains disrupted normal life in Doha yesterday, leaving many low-lying areas inundated. Pictures show (clock-wise) parents and children coming out of MES Indian School on a and beauty items. makeshift path made of stones and wooden boards, the West Bay area soaked by heavy downpour, a motorist stuck in one of the tunnels on the Salwa Road and an aerial view of the Lulu Group International, flooded West Bay area yesterday. as a global player in the retail sector, launched operations in Birmingham, the UK, with the inauguration of Y International (UK) Ltd in the first quarter of last year. Major activities of this fully owned subsidiary are procure- ment, consolidation and export of British products to their more than 109 retail stores. They have chosen Birmingham as the centre for procurement, consolidation and export of food, non-food, chilled and fro- zen products of UK origin, and leased a high quality food stand- ard warehouse in the Industrial Park to accelerate and stream- line their logistics. The state-of-the-art facility initiates value addition by date coding and labelling for coun- tries, translation of labels, halal and other certifications and export from the UK to their supermarkets, hypermarkets and other food service compa- nies all over the GCC. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Empower Qatar’s maritime defence vital: Official Youth forum opens today Deals on Maritime Awareness forum and supply of 17 new fast patrol boats for Coast Guard Services DOHA: The sixth Empower Youth DOHA: Given Qatar’s huge oil and Conference by Reach gas reserves and its reliance on sea Out To Asia (Rota) trade, maritime defence is of para- opens today at Qatar mount importance to the coun- Foundation Student try, says a high-ranking military Centre. official. Up to 450 youth “Our resources are based on oil and between 16 and 26 years gas production, mostly on the sea and from various countries they are being exported all over the are attending the three- world through the sea. This explains day forum on leadership, why maritime defence is very impor- service learning, global tant to us,” said Staff Brigadier (Sea) citizenship, integrating Tariq Al Obaidli, Assistant Director, sports, the environment, National Security Shield Project. skills development and He was one of the speakers at the the Arabic language Middle East Naval Commanders “We are very excited to Conference (MENC) yesterday as launch EMPOWER 2014. part of the fourth Doha International Staff Brigadier (Sea) Tariq Al Obaidli, It will focus on sports for Maritime Defence Exhibition and Assistant Director, National Security youth empowerment and Conference (DIMDEX 2014) at Qatar Shield Project, addressing MENC. provide our youth with National Convention Centre. experiences to be shared The total area of Qatar’s sea waters by renowned interna- is about 35,000sqkm, three times its and Qatar’s hosting of global events, Officials signing one of the two agreements. tional figures, including land area, “which means we depend including the Men’s Handball World activist and philanthro- more on the sea than on land,” he Championship 2015 and World Cup and sea, he added. This project relies on the use of Shipyard, signed a MoU to deliver pist Dr Auma Obama, said. 2022, are among other reasons why Maritime defence challenges, latest technology that helps mili- 17 new fast patrol boats within through a video message The instability in the Arab world the country is keen to protect its land he said, are varied and include tary forces execute operations as 56 months to Qatar Coast Guard by UN Special Adviser on terrorist acts in the sea, destruc- quickly as possible,” he explained. Services. ARES is a specialist Sport for Development tion of pipelines, drug trafficking, Qatar Emiri Naval Forces composite boat yard, based in and Peace Wilfried piracy, illegal fishing and oil and Commander, Major General Turkey’s free trade zone. Lemke in addition to gas leakage, among others. Mohammed Nasser Al The National Security Shield activists from different To ensure maritime security, Mohannadi, opened the confer- (NSS) and Defence Services countries,” said Essa Al he said latest planes and heli- ence, stressing its import role in Marketing Council (DSMC) Mannai, Rota Executive copters and the most advanced serving as a platform to find solu- signed an agreement to hold the Director. ships and communication tools as tions facing new emerging threats annual Qatar Maritime Security Tomorrow, delegates well as good coordination with air to naval security. – Maritime Reconnaissance will attend 10 concurrent defence are necessary. An excel- Meanwhile, two agreements and Surveillance Conference workshops and a seminar. lent human capital is also needed, were signed at DIMDEX 2014 at this October under the theme The final day will be dedi- “students with know-how and the centre. ‘Maritime Domain Awareness, cated to service learning, military officers with high spirits.” Further expanding busi- The Steps to Maritime Security’. including offsite activi- He also outlined Qatar’s ness relations between Qatar The agreement was signed by ties, flash stories from National Security Shield Project, and Turkey, Deputy of Director Staff Brig. (Pilot) Mohammed around the world and its nature and objectives. Logistics Department, Brig. A Al Mannai, Director, Qatar cultural performances. “The objective is to protect the Abdullah Saad Al Kharji, rep- National Security Shield Project, borders of Qatar by founding a resenting the Interior Ministry, and Matthew Cochran, Chairman, Sidra attends unit with high capability that and Kerim Kalafatoglu, Chairman Defence Services Marketing can protect the land and sea. and Executive Director for ARES Council. THE PENINSULA WHO meet DOHA: Sidra took part in the first glo- Air France KLM marks 30 years in Qatar bal experts’ con- sultation on the development of World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Leaders’ Guide on Patient Safety and Quality of Care in Service Delivery in Geneva recently. Dr Timothy McDonald, Sidra’s Service Chief for Anaesthesiology, partici- pated. The guide is being developed by WHO to address the global need for strengthening lead- ership capacity to deliver safe and quality health services. “Patient safety and quality of care are top priorities for Sidra and I commend WHO for launching this timely initiative,” said Dr McDonald. “The develop- ment of the guide has the potential to have a signif- icant positive impact on safety and quality in the delivery of patient care, Yvette Burghgraef-van Eechoud (centre), Ambassador of the Netherlands, Frederic Gossot (left), General as well as promote the Manager Gulf, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Pakistan, Air France KLM, Baccouche Nebil (second left), Country Manager, importance of leadership Air France KLM Doha, Jean-Alexandre EGE (second right), Counsellor, the French embassy, and Jalling Smit in this area.” (right), Senior Vice-President, Middle East, Gulf and India, Air France KLM, cutting a cake to celebrate Air France KLM 30 years of Inspiration in Qatar at Museum of Islamic Art yesterday. KAMMUTTY V P Fundraiser for cat rescue DOHA: The Cat Assistance Team (CAT) is organising Shake- a-tail fundraiser, its largest so far, on March 28 at Ritz Carlton Spa from 11am to 1pm. CAT comprises volun- teers who assist and aid injured, pregnant and vulnerable cats, home the homeable and trap, neu- ter and return stray cats. The two-hour event will feature zumba instructor Jamil Sidani and spinning instructor Sarah Inkpen. Busy Bee Nursery will provide a kids activ- ity corner while parents exercise and Amr Maher will be the photographer and his pictures will be available for sale after the event. Raffle tickets will be on sale with prizes. Entry costs QR60 for adults QR20 for kids between 10 and 16. For details, contact Rachel Morris rachel@rachel- morrispr.com THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

Bangla National and Independence Day marked QRC to hold disaster control camp DOHA: Qatar Red camp in April 2013 resonated among As capacity building is a priority Crescent (QRC) is to Qatari institutions. under Qatar National Vision 2030 hold its fifth Disaster “Qatar attaches much importance and the only way to create a culture Management Camp to dealing with natural disasters of preparedness and promote disas- (DMC-5) from April 1 and international cooperation to ter response tools in the world, QRC to 10 at Al Khor Marine face them and reduce their impact,” initiated preparations for DMC-5 last Scout Camp. said Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin October. It will be organised in Saif Al Thani, Qatar’s Permanent This year, trainees from over 20 coordination with gov- Representative to the UN, Geneva, in Red Crescent societies in GCC and ernment and nongovern- her keynote speech before the fourth Mena countries will attend along mental organisations, session of Global Forum for Disaster with trainers and experts. International Federation Reduction. THE PENINSULA of Red Cross and Red Crescent, International Committee of the Red Cross, the UN, and the GCC General Secretariat. The Ministry of Interior, Permanent Committee for Emergency, Qatar Armed Forces, Internal Security Force – Lekhwiya, Ras Laffan Community Outreach Programme, Alrayyan TV, Ooredoo, Qatar Steel, Qatar Charity, Qatar Scouts & Guide Association, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Tourism Bangladeshis in Qatar yesterday celebrated their country’s 43rd National and Independence Day. Ambassador Authority, Doha Golf Club Syed Masud Mahmood Khundoker hoisted the national flag in a ceremony at Bangladesh MHM School in Doha. and Community Police will also contribute. Schoolchildren sang the national anthem and the ambassador read out President Abdul Hamid’s message. The success of the fourth Fifty One East honoured at Frankfurt fair

DOHA: Fifty One East, the Director, in the presence of premium luxury retail chain Masato Oike, Senior General in Qatar, was recently awarded Manager, Musical Instruments Yamaha Music School award and Audio Products, and other for achievements since the senior managers from Yamaha launch of the school in Qatar, Corporation, Japan. at the 2014 Musikmesse Fair The school in Qatar is the in Frankfurt, Germany. first and only one in the region The ceremony took place at that incorporates the Yamaha a gala reception by Yamaha Education System, a teaching Music Gulf on March 12, for methodology that has received its regional distributors, at the widespread appreciation and Jumeirah Frankfurt Hotel. acceptance from parents and Ziad Asmar, Executive students. Director, Darwish Technology, The system reinforces trust Fifty One East, and Ghayath and expertise of the Yamaha Arakji, Product Manager, brand within the music teach- Darwish Technology, received ing industry developed over the the award from Yasuaki Gyoten, past 50 years. A Fifty One East official receiving the Yamaha Music School award. Yamaha Music Gulf Managing THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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Tweeting again Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

HE decision of a Turkish local court to stay the execution of a ban on Twitter was widely expected. Turkish Twitter users are expected to regain Taccess to the microblogging platform as soon as the administrative court in Ankara informs the country’s How Spain can avoid Telecommunications Authority of the ruling. Ordinary Turks will definitely heave a sigh of relief at the court order. Twitter is so closely woven into the daily lives of people that it’s difficult to imagine life without it. a nasty split like Crimea Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is clearly the loser in the episode. Though he has been very emphatic about the BY LEONID BERSHIDSKY court has moved against Catalonia’s reasons that led him to resort to such a drastic step, nobody plans to take a tentative step toward had expected to take such a step. First of all, in this highly HERE’S an important and secession with a nonbinding plebiscite connected and intertwined world, it’s not fully possible to counterintuitive lesson for on the same grounds. As Spanish Prime There is no case implement such a ban. Even before the court lifted the ban, all nations in the fate of the Minister Mariano Rajoy put it, “No there were signs it was failing. Half a million tweets from TCrimean peninsula: If you one can unilaterally deprive the entire for forcibly keeping want to keep a territory from seceding, Spanish people of the right to decide on Turks were recorded in the first 10 hours after the attempted set its people free. their future.” territories under a ban, including one from President Abdullah Gul. Secondly, As Spain’s efforts to quash a Catalan A more permissible approach to country’s rule if the the ban decision made the prime minister more unpopular sovereignty movement demonstrate, secession, however, might be more suc- at home and abroad. The United Nations bodies, the US and nations typically do not tolerate cessful in keeping restless territories in majority there does not European governments were quick to issue condemnations breakaway regions under any circum- the fold. Recent history suggests that want it. of the decision. Turkey is a democratic country and the stances. This was certainly the case people have enough common sense not with Ukraine, which held tightly onto to take the leap when the opportunity muzzling of freedom of expression by democratic countries Crimea after breaking away from the arises. “The Union between Texas and the invites more virulent condemnations compared to similar Soviet Union. Is that wise? In 2007, the Belgian parliament voted other States was as complete, as per- actions taken by non-democratic countries. International law is unclear on the down a resolution to dissolve the coun- petual, and as indissoluble as the union Twitter has been used to matter of secession. In its 2010 advi- try into three communities, Dutch, between the original States. There was disseminate a series of apparently sory opinion on the Kosovo independ- Flemish and German. Although polls no place for reconsideration or revo- incriminating audio recordings ence declaration, periodically show support for a parti- cation, except through revolution or the International tion, and secessionist politicians still through consent of the States.” In other Erdogan fails suggesting massive corruption Court of Justice, gain parliament seats, Belgians choose words, states are not allowed to secede, as a Turkish inside the Turkish government. the United to stick together when it comes to spe- but if they stage a successful revolution, Even if Erdogan’s accusations of As Spain’s Nations’ judiciary cific action. Canada’s Quebec voted down they can do it. If you want to secede, court annuls unfair targeting by his opponents arm, said that “it independence in two referendums, and fight the federal government and make are true, Twitter or other social efforts to quash is entirely possi- though the province is headed by Prime sure you win. ble for a particu- Minister Pauline Marois, leader of the Such an approach is an invitation his decision to media are only the medium. a Catalan lar act — such as pro-independence Parti Quebecois, to bloodshed. South Sudan, for exam- ban Twitter. Banning it would be akin to killing sovereignty a unilateral dec- polls show that a third referendum ple, won its independence in strict the messenger. laration of inde- would lead to the same result. Faroe accordance with the U.S. standards, Turkey has gone through movement pendence — not Islanders, given a free hand by Denmark at the cost of uncounted thousands of enough turmoil and it’s time for demonstrate, to be in violation in whether to seek full independence, lives. Chechnya, the separatist Russian all sides to come to the negotiating table to find a solution. of international have been dodging the question for region, failed, also at a huge cost. It is nations typically law without nec- years. unfair to require territories to take that The country was touted as a model to the Arab world until essarily constitut- Northern Ireland voted in 1973 to kind of harsh test to win freedom from recently, where democracy and religion worked in perfect do not tolerate ing the exercise remain part of the U.K. Despite a boy- the unwanted patronage of “mother harmony. But that image has taken some beating. The breakaway of a right con- cott of the vote by Catholics, the results states.” economy too has suffered severely. One of Erdogan’s biggest regions under any ferred by it.” of the referendum reflected the will of Consider what might have hap- achievements has the economic revival of his country, which In other words, the majority of Ulster’s population. Polls pened if Ukraine had allowed Crimea won him praise at home and abroad. And this progress circumstances. even if regions in Northern Ireland show that people to hold a secession referendum under do not have an support the status quo even more these strict international observation. With was not achieved easily. But much of that progress too has explicit right to days. Scotland’s independence vote, set the issue decided in a fair and credible suffered a setback after the crisis started. self-determination, the act of secession for Sept. 18, is highly likely to break vote, the country could have averted a Erdogan’s party has won three national elections since might not be illegal. secessionists’ hearts. global crisis that pitted Russia against 2002 and the prime minister still enjoys substantial support Countries’ internal laws are gener- What, then, is the point of banning the West and tore apart Ukraine itself. among his people. But that should not blind him to the ally not amenable to secession. The separatism? Surely, even in regions with In Catalonia, the Spanish govern- Ukrainian constitution allows for no distinct cultural and linguistic differ- ment could still choose not to follow dangers of overreaction. Turkey is a democracy in which the such opportunity. In Russia, even calling ences from the rest of a country, people the Ukrainian path. Preventing people people will be the ultimate winners. for secession is a criminal act. Spanish have the brains to decide for themselves from having their say has the potential The prime minister’s mandate expires in 2015, and self- law is so clear on the “indissoluble unity how and by whom they should be ruled. to inspire terrorist groups and breed imposed term limits mean that he must either give up power of the Spanish nation” that the consti- The U.S., itself a product of unilateral instability. There is no case for forcibly or switch to the presidency while enhancing its powers. tutional court, in 2008, banned a Basque secession from the British Empire, has keeping territories under a country’s Having tasted power, it’s difficult to relinquish it Country referendum on whether to hold its own unique approach to the seces- rule if the majority there does not want . an independence referendum. Now, the sion issue, spelled out in Texas v. White: it. WP-BLOOMBERG

The other side Quote of Nuclear record the day HE third Nuclear Security of 2006 and a seller because of the the way to de facto nuclear power to be considered, Pakistan will have a Summit held at The Hague advance nuclear fuel cycle capabilities status. Pakistan, wracked as it is by long and verifiable record of abiding by saw Prime Minister Nawaz that Pakistan has developed. But all of violence and often on the wrong side of the principles of the nuclear club that Today, I stand before Sharif repeat the long-standing that remains a distant dream, undone global terrorism and proliferation con- sets the international rules for trade T you for the last time Pakistani demand that the country by a record of nuclear proliferation cerns, has no such benefits. And there in civilian nuclear technology. In the be included in the Nuclear Suppliers centring around the A.Q. Khan saga the matter appears to rest, despite meantime, however, there are civilian in a military uniform, Group, the 48-member nuclear export that Pakistan would like the world to Pakistan having taken great strides nuclear projects where the Pakistani club focused on non-proliferation. move on from, but that the outside towards tightening its non-proliferation government ought to consider involv- after deciding to Membership of the club bestows many world is less keen on doing. regime and ensuring the safety and ing international expertise to help miti- end my service as advantages, but perhaps the biggest In truth, Pakistan meets the crite- security of its nuclear programme and gate domestic concerns and perhaps defence minister attraction it holds for Pakistan is the ria for entry to the NSG, but entry is assets. Yet, distant though the achiev- even regional and international ones. legitimacy participation bestows on a also decided on political grounds. With ing of the goal may be, the country’s As the PML-N government prepares and commander of country as a responsible member of India, whose entry to the NSG the US leadership is right to keep reiterating to implement massive new nuclear the armed forces. the global nuclear community. Within sought in 2010 but that has yet to be its credentials and qualifications for energy projects in the country, there the NSG, Pakistan would likely position formally granted, trade and invest- NSG membership at every available have been questions asked in some With all modesty, I Abdel Fattah Al Sisi itself as both a buyer and seller — a ment opportunities and a growing opportunity. In this way, when the quarters about the location and design nominate myself for the buyer a la the Indo-US nuclear deal diplomatic closeness helped smooth moment does arrive for membership of the new projects. DAWN presidency of Egypt. Egypt’s Army Chief THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Need for wisdom in Gulf crisis ABDULLAH AL EMADI

he three Gulf coun- from becoming strong and moving tries that recalled their ahead. This will also undermine ambassadors from Qatar Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Tfor a range of reasons reformists and prevent them from they announced in a joint state- controlling Yemen. ment have so far failed to present Making the Houthis strong proof of the accusations they lev- also serves the interests of the elled against Doha. three countries, especially in their The only evidence in this regard persistent fight against political is a number of reports carried by Islam, even if this hurts some of several newspapers and other their interests. media outlets that have a knack How could it be that Qatar for fabricating news. supports Yemen’s Houthis, Officials in the three countries, who are enemies of the Muslim as well as their beneficiaries, who Brotherhood, which Qatar is include Arab and foreign advi- alleged to support? sors, are still repeating the same Interference in the affairs of the lies. Qatar, in its response to these three countries is another story. I claims, has used the following do not want to go into the details verse from the holy Quran: “Bring of this, because it is an illogical your proof if you are truthful in claim in the light of geography your assertion”. and logic. Is it logical that Qatar The claims made by the officials would seek to destabilise its neigh- include support to the Muslim bours? Instability and chaos in Brotherhood in Egypt, the Shia these neighbouring countries will Houthi group in Yemen, and inter- affect Qatar, given the country’s ference in their internal affairs. small size and population. Why File photo of Gulf Cooperation Council leaders at a summit. Having been repeated, these do they not consider the fact that claims sound boring. putting pressure on other coun- Qatar has played host to some tries to comply with specific condi- Jazeera. What do they mean by Arabia, the Middle East and many and their ability to distinguish rumours and fabricated accu- leaders and members of the tions is also interference in their this accusation? This is said even other media outlets that incite truth from falsehood. sations. Therefore, it is no sur- Muslim Brotherhood who fled affairs and a violation of their as the channel does its work with people against Qatar directly and Incitement against Qatar is prise that Qatar, its leaders and their country for fear of deten- sovereignty? a great deal of objectivity and pro- indirectly? These outlets are affili- continuing. The United Arab its symbols are not immune to tion, torture or killing. If that is What these three neighbour- fessionalism, especially when it ated to the United Arab Emirates Emirates is excelling Saudi Arabia incitement, rumours and false the case, then how do the three ing countries are doing is blatant comes to the crisis in Egypt. or Saudi Arabia. in this, thanks to the Dubai secu- accusations. countries see their hosting of interference in Qatar’s affairs, Al Jazeera is accused of incite- Qatar has ignored all this rity chief, who finds joy only in Wisdom is needed in this Shafiq, Mohammed Dahlan, Zine particularly when this has to do ment against the Egyptian state. incitement, believing that it can- tweeting against the Muslim regard. The first statement by Al Abidine Ben Ali and others with the freedom of the country But it should be known that the not stop the media and informa- Brotherhood and Qatar, as if the Qatari cabinet reflected wis- like them who are wanted in their to think and adopt the positions channel has opened the door for tion revolution taking place across there is nothing else for him to dom and calmness. These things countries? and policies that most benefit its the backers of the military coup the world. Qatar also believes that write about. are necessary at times of crises. As for the Houthis, nobody can people and its interests. Why did and its opponents to express them- it cannot stop people from talking There are many examples of The statement was admired by gain anything by supporting them, not Qatar say that the attitude of selves freely when all Egyptian or put everybody under watch. It incitement against Qatar by the many of those concerned about supposing that Qatar backs them its neighbours is tantamount to channels are being suppressed. On believes that any measures in this Dubai security chief. Qatar, how- the security and stability of the more than the three countries. interference in its affairs and a Egypt’s channels, only the voice regard will be fruitless. ever, does not need to count these region. It is clear that the three coun- violation of its interests? of the military can be heard. To a This is why Qatar wisely decided and file a lawsuit against him. It I think Qatar is still mov- tries, particularly Saudi Arabia I leave the answers to all these smaller extent the same is true of to ignore continual attacks by does not need to busy itself with ing along the same path, given and the United Arab Emirates, questions to people who think channels backed by Saudi Arabia media outlets affiliated to the these issues or even keep others its many positives. It is perhaps are fighting what has come to be logically. and the United Arab Emirates. three countries, leaving readers busy thinking of them. the most appropriate model for known as “political Islam”. The last claim made by the Assuming that Al Jazeera is and audiences to judge things for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) relations among countries, shun- Making the Houthis strong will three countries is of incitement guilty of incitement, what do we themselves. Qatar counts on the himself was a target of incite- ning the use of threats and arms, prevent the Yemeni revolution by the Qatari news channel Al say about Sky News Arabia, Al intelligence of readers and viewers ment. He was also a target of which bring nothing but loss.

KHALID AL JABER States made up of sects Has Al Sisi sabotaged the GCC? ebanon was an example of a successful state of sects, but once met an American diplo- focus on the security of the Gulf. now it is a mixture of sectarianism, tribalism and doctrin- mat and asked him whether ABDEL AZIZ AL MAHMOUD There is no clear mention of any Lism that prevails throughout the Arab world, with some Ithe United States was ready political or economic reforms. The differences from one country to another. States have turned into to put pressure on Arab govern- strange thing is that the writer divided communities that care only about the followers of one ments so that they initiate real stuck to the military framework of the report asks US President sect and their supporters, and hit, crush, fight and kill everyone political reforms. His answer was for reform. It did not mention Barack Obama to address the Gulf who disagrees with them. a bit strange. any valuable political or economic states to assure them about their They also crush and oppress those who dare to demand change “We write this in our literature, reforms. The following are the future. At the same time, he talks or reform. This is manifesting itself from the Levant, Syria, Iraq but we do nothing more,” the dip- most important recommendations in the last recommendation about and Yemen to the Arab Maghreb and the rest of the Arab world. lomat said. “If you do not demand in the report: a contingency plan for moving the States made up of institutions have perished, the civil society political reforms, nobody else will Egyptians chose • To make military supplies to headquarters of the US Fifth fleet has totally absented itself, while national ideologies, which call do that on your behalf,” he added. the Gulf states selective in order from Bahrain. for equality among people and urge them to transcend sectarian Several years later, the Arabs Mohamed Mursi to to control equipment used for tor- Over the past weeks, social divides, have withered. National thinking helps people become demanded political reforms, be the president of ture, and building defence capacity media have been splashed with free and equal citizens as far as rights and duties in modern and demonstrations erupted. to force them to promote domestic an expressive photo of the US states are concerned. These are Egyptians took to the streets in their country in the reform. president in which he is putting things based on rule of law and Cairo to ask the strongman of first post-revolution • To reconsider military train- his hand on his face. The caption institutions. The Indian Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, to step ing provided by the US to foreign says: “Those Bedouins caused me The religious, sectarian, doc- down. presidential officers, and instead focus on polit- trouble and made me dazed.” The trinal and tribal disputes we are example of Mubarak should have been the elections. However, ical and institutional reforms and photo depicted the situation the seeing today in the aftermath last in a series of military rulers in there was a durable security. Gulf. of the Arab Spring revolutions applying the Egypt starting with Gamal Abdel • To arrange for a high-level The six Gulf countries are dif- are not the sudden outcome of a Nasser that ushered in a totali- conspiracy hatched plan that articulates a compre- ferent from each other when it coincidence. They are the result principle of tarian system of rule that lasted underground that hensive and positive vision for the comes to their foreign policies. of the education and upbringing long, bringing about corruption alliance between the US and Gulf After Al Sisi came to power, the of successive generations – the citizenship and mismanagement at all levels spoiled the joy of the states. differences have become inter- outcome of an inherited and of the state. This rendered Egypt Egyptian people. • Make Bahrain the focal nal. We are now waiting for the imposed system. uniformly despite a weak country on the way down point for US reforms promotion American administration to This system began with the a catastrophic slope. in the Gulf. The US administra- intervene and solve this problem. formation of the foundations of so much diversity Egyptians chose Mohamed tion should empower the govern- This shows the world that the these states, which are the result Mursi to be the president of their men and women, or children and ment and moderate opposition GCC has failed to solve its own of foreign colonization. It was in the country is country in the first post-revolution grown up Syrians. They are full to reconcile, based on a road problems. Does this mean that Al strengthened by agendas and presidential elections. However, of explosives and always thrown map of political and institutional Sisi has already achieved his goal? artificial sectarianism in which there was a conspiracy hatched from Syrian helicopters on cities reforms. If the situation deterio- I think so. the people had no interest but worth studying. underground that spoiled the joy and suburbs, claiming a countless rates, Washington should prepare politicians and influential people of the Egyptian people. number of lives. Assad’s forces a contingency plan for moving the at the top did, because these disputes helped them stay in power. Army chief Field Marshal Abdel also used chemical weapons that US Fifth Fleet headquarters out The views expressed in the articles on this page do not reflect the viewpoint of the The Indian example of applying the principle of citizenship uni- Fattah Al Sisi took a bloody and destroyed the lives of hundreds of of Bahrain. newspaper. formly despite so much diversity in the country is worth studying, unprecedented route to power. women, children and old people. All the aforementioned points because we can learn much from it while avoiding the country’s Washington’s closest allies stood The United States did nothing to mistakes and missteps. by his side, providing him finan- stop this. Obama’s red line con- India allows political, social and religious freedoms. In this it is cial and moral support. Corrupt tinues to be an illusory one that different from Pakistan, with no bias against anyone. Religion is army generals, whose corruption is goes back and forth according to apparent in all fields of life. The state, however, keeps the same well-known to the US, were given American interests. distance from everyone. It reserves the right to intervene if one billions of dollars. The United States has failed to community tries to dominate another. Al Sisi’s supporters are even find a mechanism by which it can In addition, India distributes its resources equally to all com- trying to coerce people to accept put pressure on Arab countries munities, even in funding the establishment of schools and places him. For instance, one of the Gulf to initiate the political reforms of worship. If any privilege is given to a religious sect, other sects countries has gone as far as pre- it preaches. American policies in receive the same. venting Sudanese nationals work- this regard are unspecific, and For example, Indian thinker Rajeev Bhargava says Sikh police- ing there from remitting money American administrations con- men are exempt from the obligation to wear the police helmet to their country in order to force tinue to offer political and military so that they can wear their turban. At the same time, Jews are the government in Khartoum to support to Arab regimes. allowed to wear their own headgear and Muslim women are consider Al Sisi a legitimate presi- A report released by the allowed to wear chadors. dent, even as he has risen to rule Carnegie Endowment for Furthermore, each community follows its own civil law, whether his country on the corpses of his International Peace is a case in in marriage, divorce, inheritance, property ownership or arbitra- countrymen. point. Titled “A New US Approach tion in civil disputes. The state does not interfere in these laws. We demanded reform in Syria. to Gulf Security”, the report con- States of sects are responsible for the failure of every project Bashar Al Assad, however, coun- tains several recommendations for that has tried to help the Arab world get out of its historical tered this demand by throwing the American administration to impasse. barrels of explosives on his people. deal with Gulf countries. These barrels do not discriminate Although an outstanding insti- People walk past a banner of Egypt’s army chief, Field Marshal Abdel Fattah between fighters and civilians, tution had prepared the report, it Al Sisi, in downtown Cairo. THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST

Shia shrine Turkish court lifts bombed in eastern Syria BEIRUT: Islamist fighters from an Al Qaeda splinter ban on Twitter group bombed a large Shia shrine in the eastern Syrian city of Raqqa yesterday, Erdogan defiant, but opponents hail court order activists said. The mosque of Ammar bin Yassir and Oweis ISTANBUL: Turkish Twitter international outrage. EU offi- are no legal grounds for the Al Qarni was once a destina- users are expected to regain cials, human rights organisations, blocking of our service in Turkey. tion for Shia pilgrims from access to the microblogging the US government and the UN Furthermore, with positive devel- Iran, Lebanon and Iraq before platform after a local court all expressed grave concern about opments today concerning judicial it was taken over a year ago issued a stay of execution on Turkey’s attempt to curb freedom review of this disproportionate by Sunni rebels battling to last week’s decision by a local of expression and the increas- and illegal administrative act overthrow President Bashar telecommunications authority ing authoritarian stance of the of access banning the whole of Al Assad. One photo posted to ban the website. Turkish government. Twitter, we expect the govern- on Twitter showed extensive According to some local media Several complaints were filed ment to restore access to Twitter damage to the exterior walls reports, the ban will be lifted as contesting the ban, and Turkish immediately so that its citizens and roof of the site, a turquoise soon as the administrative court bar associations harshly criti- can continue an open online dia- and white complex of domes in Ankara informs Turkey’s cised the block as unlawful and logue ahead of the elections to be and minarets centred around Telecommunications Authority unconstitutional. held at the end of this week.” a tiled courtyard. Another of the ruling. Twitter yesterday said that it Turkish officials have repeat- Students supporters of Muslim Brotherhood throw molotov cocktails picture showed concrete and Erdogan remained defiant yes- had handed in petitions for law- edly defended the ban, accusing towards riot police vehicles during clashes following a demonstration twisted metal strewn on the terday and at a campaign rally suits challenging the ban, while Twitter of ignoring Turkish court outside Cairo University yesterday. street outside the mosque — accused his rivals of “speaking also starting to suspend content decisions to withdraw content built under Assad’s rule with for companies like Twitter that in compliance with Turkish court considered to violate the right support from Iran — while do not abide by Turkish laws and orders. According to the Turkish of privacy. In a live TV interview another showed an interior treat Turkey as a third world coun- daily Hürriyet, the account @oyy- on Tuesday, the prime minister Two new trials for 919 wall that had collapsed inward. try”. Nevertheless, Deputy Prime okhirsize (“no vote for the thief”) also defended the government’s The Syrian Observatory for Minister Bulent Arinc told report- was not accessible anymore from Twitter block: “If the issues are Human Rights monitoring ers that “if the court gave such a Turkey. In a statement on the com- not dealt with, we’ll close the site Egyptian Islamists group said the Islamic State decision, we will implement it”. pany’s official blog, general counsel down. If [Twitter] abides by the in Iraq and the Levant had set The microblogging site was Vijaya Gadde confirmed Twitter blockage [of certain accounts], we CAIRO: Egypt’s chief prosecu- months, including most of the off two powerful explosions at blocked on Friday, only hours had, for the first time in Turkey, will lift the ban.” And he added: tor yesterday ordered two new Brotherhood’s leadership. the mosque early yesterday. after Turkey’s Prime Minister used a tool to block access to an “We are not against the use of mass trials for 919 suspected The new trials bring the total Recep Tayyip Erdogan, vowed to account accusing a former minister advanced technology, but unlawful Islamists on charges that number of defendants in Minya Bahraini court “eradicate” Twitter in an election of corruption while it contested a use of it is not acceptable.” include murder, despite inter- along to 2,147 in four trials, speech. The website has been used court order to take it down. In recent campaign speeches national criticism of an earlier including the trial in which the jails 29 Shias to disseminate a series of appar- The statement, which under- he has also hinted at a possible trial that issued death sentences verdicts were issued on Monday. ently incriminating audio record- lined that the company did not clampdown on popular websites against hundreds of defendants. All the trials are connected to vio- DUBAI: A Bahraini court ings suggesting massive corruption disclose any user data to the such as YouTube and Facebook. Students, most of them Islamists, lence in mid-August after security yesterday jailed 29 Shias for inside the Turkish government. Turkish government, urged the Erdogan’s political opponents held protests yesterday against the forces broke up two pro-Mursi up to 10 years for an attack The disruption, implemented immediate lifting of the ban: welcomed the court order. “It death sentences in several universi- sit-ins in Cairo. on a police centre in April only days before crucial local “With all announced bases for was impossible for a totalitarian ties, turning into clashes with secu- In one of the new trials, 715 2012, a judicial source said. elections, sparked national and the access ban addressed, there regime to silence the technology,” rity forces that left one 18-year-old defendants, including the Muslim Twenty-six of those con- said Emrehan Halici, deputy head student dead at Cairo University, Brotherhood’s leader, Mohammed victed were handed 10-year of the main opposition Republican the health ministry said. Badie, are charged with killing six prison terms and three oth- People’s Party. “It was a shame to The new trials will be held in people and the attempted mur- ers jailed for three years, the try to shut down Twitter. It has Minya province, south of Cairo, der of 51 others during attacks source said. The prosecution done nothing other than humili- where a judge on Monday sen- on state institutions on August accused the defendants of ate our country,” he said following tenced 529 defendants to death on 14 in the city of Sallamout. Only attacking a police centre in the court’s decision. “More people charges of killing a police officer. 160 defendants in this case are in the village of Sitra, south of than before have taken to Twitter The verdict brought an outcry detention. The prosecutor asked Manama, with petrol bombs after the ban.” from rights groups and criticism for the arrest of the remainder. and iron rods, wounding a Indeed many of Turkey’s 10 from the UN, EU and US over the In the second trial, 204 defend- policeman. The defendants million Twitter users managed to cursory trial, which lasted only two ants, also including Badie, face claimed in court that they get around the official ban, tweet- sessions and in which lawyers said charges of inciting violence. Only were tortured and their ing via mobile phone text services they were denied the right to make three are in detention in this confessions obtained under or using virtual private networks their case or question witnesses. case, in which the charges include duress, the source said. and the Tor anonymising net- Egyptian authorities are attacking state institutions and work. Among those defying the holding a series of mass trials police in Al Adawa town, also in Three killed in ban were several cabinet mem- in a crackdown on the Muslim Minya. A court will set a date for bers as well as President Abdullah Brotherhood and other support- the trials. A judicial official said Lebanon fighting Gul, who set himself publicly at ers of Mohamed Mursi since the same judge who issued the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Twitter account is seen on odds with Erdogan by denouncing the military removed him in death sentences on Monday will TRIPOLI, LEBANON: At a computer screen in Istanbul yesterday. the move as “unacceptable”. July. Around 16,000 people have preside over the two new trials. least three people were killed THE GUARDIAN/AFP been arrested over the past THE GUARDIAN in fighting between rival religious sects in Lebanon’s second city yesterday, medi- cal sources said, as violence from Syria spills over into the Mediterranean country. Iraq premier Kerry meets Abbas to shore up peace talks The dead in this coastal city included an 11-year-old boy, as well as two men. At least warns of AMMAN: US Secretary of State their push at the United Nations. 27 people have been killed in John Kerry met Palestinian Kerry, who coaxed the two sides fighting in Tripoli over the President Mahmoud Abbas yes- back to the negotiations last July last two weeks, including one poll delay terday as he sought to rescue his after a three-year freeze, is aim- Lebanese soldier. faltering Middle East peace bid, ing to reach a framework to guide amid fears Israel may scrap plans the talks going forward as an Tunisia sees polls BAGHDAD: Iraq’s premier to free Palestinian prisoners. April 29 deadline for a deal looms. warned yesterday that April leg- Flying in to Jordan from an But Abbas has told him he will later this year islative polls may be delayed as he interrupted visit to Rome, he first not discuss the framework accord TUNIS: Tunisia’s presiden- pushed for a controversial election held talks with King Abdullah II until after the prisoner releases tial and parliamentary elec- law to be amended after electoral as he pressed his bid to “continue have taken place, a Palestinian tions will go ahead as planned chiefs suddenly quit complaining to narrow the gaps” between the source said. Israel also wants the later this year despite delays of political interference. two sides, his spokeswoman said. Palestinians to agree to extend in approving a new election The electoral officials are He then went into evening talks the talks beyond April 29, warn- law, authorities said. No date pressing for the same reform to with Abbas who had just returned ing a failure to do so would scup- has yet been set for the elec- the law ahead of the April 30 vote, from the Arab League’s annual per the final prisoner release. tions, the second ballot since amid doubts the polls can in any summit in Kuwait, a US official Kerry was due to stay over- the 2011 uprising that ousted case be held countrywide as anti- said. Under a July deal for the night in Amman, before flying autocrat Zine El Abidine Ben government fighters still control a relaunch of the peace negotiations, back to Rome early today to join Ali and the first since the city on Baghdad’s doorstep. Israel said it would release 104 US Secretary of State John Kerry meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud up again with Obama for a meet- adoption of a new constitu- Much is at stake as Prime Arabs held since before the 1993 Abbas in Amman yesterday. ing with Pope Francis. The two tion praised internationally Minister Nouri Al Maliki bids Oslo peace accords in exchange for Americans will then visit Saudi as a model for transition to for a third term with his security the Palestinians not pressing their are growing fears Israeli Prime Palestinian minister of prisoners Arabia tomorrow, when the peace democracy. “The second elec- credentials dented by a surge in statehood claims via the UN. Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s affairs Issa Qaraqe told Voice process is likely to be one of the tions after the 2011 vote will violence to levels not seen since Israel has so far freed 78 prison- cabinet may block the move. of Palestine radio. He insisted issues topping the agenda in talks be more difficult because the 2008, and as the country battles ers and is due to release the fourth “Israel is trying to worm its Israel free all the prisoners. If the with the Custodian of the Two standards will be tougher,” to rebuild its conflict-battered and final tranche on March 29, way out of releasing the prison- releases do not go ahead as sched- Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin said Chafik Sarsar, head of economy and boost oil production. including some Arab Israelis jailed ers. They will be held responsi- uled this weekend, Palestinian Abdulaziz Al Saud. the Independent Election Diplomats said that even though for militant attacks. But there ble for any repercussions of this,” leaders are threatening to renew AFP Commission (ISIE). the Independent High Electoral AGENCIES Commission’s nine-member board resigned en masse on Tuesday, the vote was unlikely to be delayed as all major political parties had agreed it had to take place on time. But the mere prospect of a Turkey ready to take ‘any measures’ against Syria threats postponement has sparked con- cern, with Maliki warning that “if KONYA: Turkey is ready to take any Al Assad and hosts many refugees, on Davutoglu accused ISIL of clashing with a dozen incidents involving its aircraft IHEC stays this way, that means measures, including cross-border mili- Sunday shot down a Syrian fighter jet that Free Syrian Army rebels while refrain- and Syrian anti-aircraft defences. Prime ... the election will be delayed”. tary operations into war-torn Syria, it said had breached its airspace. ing from attacking regime forces. He said Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a vocal “We will enter a tunnel we might against threats to its national security, It has also warned it will protect a his- “Turkey is ready to take any legitimate step critic of Assad, praised Turkey’s military not be able to get out of,” the pre- its foreign minister warned yesterday. toric shrine that is under Turkish juris- under international law if its national secu- for shooting down the Syrian warplane. mier said in his weekly televised “The Turkish republic is a powerful state diction but located inside Syria’s northern rity, including the area where the tomb of It was the most serious incident since address. “Troubles will come, one and never hesitates to take any measures Aleppo province against threats from mili- Suleyman Shah is situated, is threatened”. Turkish jets last September shot down a after another, against the state.” to protect its national security if need be,” tants. A Turkish flag flies over the Tomb of Once warm relations between Syria and Syrian helicopter that Ankara said was two Parliament has meanwhile Ahmet Davutoglu told AFP in an exclu- Suleyman Shah, grandfather of Ottoman Turkey have collapsed since the conflict kilometres inside its airspace. reportedly ruled that the IHEC sive interview. “Any group in Syria, or the Empire founder Osman, and a small gar- erupted in 2011, with Ankara squarely back- Turkey toughened its rules of engagement must not bar any candidates regime, should not test Turkey’s determi- rison with a symbolic number of troops ing the rebels and hosting more than 750,000 after the downing of one of its own fighter unless they have criminal con- nation,” said the minister, speaking in his is permanently stationed there. The site, refugees, mostly in camps along the border. jets by the Syrian air force in June 2012, victions, a decision an electoral central home province of Konya. located 25km from the border, has been Tensions have flared since Sunday’s jet down- declaring any military approach of the bor- official said was at odds with that Turkey, which backs the three-year-old threatened by the extremist group Islamic ing, which Syria labelled “flagrant aggression”. der from Syria would be considered a threat. of the judicial panel. AFP uprising against Syrian President Bashar State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). On Monday, Turkey’s military reported AFP THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

US Secret Service Obama highlights Putin threat to EU agents sent home for boozing Russia ‘alone’ on Ukraine crisis; world is safer when Europe, America stand as one: President WASHINGTON: In a new embarrassment for the BRUSSELS: US President the Russian leadership stays on US Secret Service, three Barack Obama has charged its current course, together we agents were sent home from Vladimir Putin with being a will ensure that this isolation Amsterdam for drunke- menace to an international sys- deepens,” Obama said. At the ness, after one was found tem built up over decades follow- same time, he acknowledged that passed out in a hotel hall- ing the Russian leader’s sudden military force would not dislodge way. The agents were in The appropriation of part of Ukraine. Russia from Crimea or prevent Netherlands ahead of US In his sole big policy speech further encroachment, hold- President Barack Obama’s of a four-day trip to Europe, ing out the allies’ combination trip there this week as part Obama, on his first presidential of pressure and an open door to of the elite unit tasked with visit to Brussels, the capital of diplomacy as the path to peace. protecting the president in the European Union and Nato’s Obama addressed about 2,000 the event of an attack. Secret headquarters, sought to stiffen young people at an art deco arts Service spokesman Brian European spines against Russia centre in central Brussels. Before Leary confirmed that “three and pledge US security guarantees delivering the speech, Obama held employees were sent home for east European allies on Russia’s a summit lunch meeting with EU for disciplinary reasons,” borders who are alarmed at the leaders, Herman Van Rompuy without giving any further Kremlin’s expansionist aims. and José Manuel Barroso, both details. The story was first “We must never forget that we bowing out later this year, then reported in the Washington are heirs to a struggle for free- a meeting with Anders Fogh Post, which said the agents dom,” Obama said, adding that the Rasmussen, the Dane who heads have been placed on admin- Ukraine crisis has neither easy the Nato alliance and whose istrative leave. The Post said answers nor a military solution. term also expires this year. the three people sent home “But at this moment, we must Obama said Russia stood were members of the Secret meet the challenge to our ideals, “alone” on the Ukraine crisis, Service’s Counter Assault to our very international order, cementing Western opposition to Team. The Post said hotel with strength and conviction.” the takeover of Crimea. Obama staff alerted the US embassy Drawing on modern struggles said “the world is safer and more after finding the unconscious as well as the ethnic cleansing just when Europe and America agent on Sunday morning. and world wars, Obama sought stand as one”. “Russia’s actions US President Barack Obama and Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen during a meeting at the Nato to draw a connection between the in Ukraine aren’t just about one headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. Mudslide death US experiment in democracy and country. They are about the kind the blood spilled by Europeans of Europe and the kind of world on the international scene and “The situation in Ukraine all the military facilities in Crimea. toll rises to 24 seeking to solidify their own right that we live in,” he told a packed had “miscalculated” in thinking reminds us that our freedom isn’t But in Ukraine’s capital, interim DARRINGTON: Search to self-determination. “I come news conference. it could drive a “wedge” between free,” he said. “We have to be will- president Oleksandr Turchynov teams picked through mud- here today to say we must never Both the EU’s 28 nations and Washington and Brussels, he said. ing to pay” for mutual security raised the stakes by asking parlia- caked debris for a fifth day take for granted the progress the 28-member Nato military The US leader also said that the to ensure the maintenance of a mentary approval for a set of mili- yesterday looking for scores than has been won here in Europe alliance remained determined events in Ukraine had highlighted “deterrent” force, he added. tary exercises with Nato partners of people still missing from and advanced around the world,” to uphold the principles of sov- Europe’s energy dependency on Meanwhile, Russia’s military that would put US troops in direct a deadly Washington state Obama said. ereignty and territorial integrity, Russia and pointed to the need chief of staff General Valery proximity with Russia’s forces in landslide, while local officials Obama said that Moscow would Obama said. Russia in compari- for European nations to diversify Gerasimov said in Moscow that the the annexed peninsula. fended off criticism of prop- become increasingly isolated. “If son increasingly “stands alone” energy sources. Russian flag was now flying over THE GUARDIAN/AFP erty development in the area after previous slides. The known death toll stood at 24, with as many as 176 people Heavy rains in Angola still unaccounted for near the rural town of Oso, where a rain-soaked hillside collapsed Cyber-bullies likely to face on Saturday, cascaded over a river and engulfed dozens of homes on the opposite bank. Terror grips Ebola-hit two years in jail in Britain West Africa LONDON: People convicted of texts sent by an older man, who launched a campaign for more CONAKRY: Guinea battled cyber-bullying and text mes- escaped conviction. The amend- women to be represented on yesterday to contain an Ebola sage abuse could face up to two ment would allow for greater banknotes. epidemic threatening neighbour- years in prison, under plans penalties of up to two years in The Labour minister for cul- ing countries in West Africa as backed by the government. prison and extend the period of ture, media and sport, Helen fear and confusion gripped com- The justice secretary, Chris time made available to authorities Goodman, called for “a clear legal munities under siege from one Grayling, has backed an amend- attempting to build difficult cases framework” to tackle the prob- of the deadliest viruses known ment to the criminal justice bill against offenders. Offences such lem of cyber-bullying and the to mankind. Aid organisations that would target new rules at as Internet trolling fall under the suicides of vulnerable young peo- have sent dozens of workers to combating trolls that sexually Malicious Communications Act, ple in January, after the deaths help one of the world’s poorest harass and verbally abuse peo- which can only be tried in a mag- of the teenagers Tallulah Wilson countries combat a haemor- ple on the internet or via mobile istrates’ court. and Hannah Smith. rhagic fever outbreak which has phones in England and Wales. Bray’s tabled amendment Wilson died in 2012 aged 15 when killed at least 63 people. People The amendment, due to be dis- comes after a string of high-pro- she was hit by a train. An inquest of Guinea’s southern forests — cussed in parliament today, was file abuse cases involving Twitter into her death found that she had the epicentre of the outbreak proposed by the Conservative and text messages. Two abus- developed an alternative fantasy which began in February — had MP for Ealing Central and Acton ers of the feminist campaigner life online. In 2013, 14-year-old been terrified by seeing neigh- Angie Bray, after one of her Caroline Criado-Perez were jailed Hannah Smith was found hanged bours bleeding severely as they Heavy rainfall causes problems for traffic in Luanda, Angola, yesterday. constituents said her 14-year- in January for subjecting her to after being bullied on the open- were struck down by the virus. It is the first heavy rain at the start of the rainy season. old daughter had been “ver- threats of violence and rape discussion site Ask.fm. AGENCIES bally raped” by 2,000 obscene on Twitter after Criado-Perez THE GUARDIAN Pope accepts resignation of ‘bling bishop’

VATICAN CITY: Pope ostentatious building project period of uncertainty for the the Hamburg-based news weekly Francis has formally accepted at his official residence, which Limburg diocese and makes a Der Spiegel that “we flew business the resignation of Germany’s included a museum, conference fresh start possible.” class”, but then in sworn testi- controversial bishop of halls, a chapel and private apart- The cardinal called for mony denied having said those Limburg, who had come under ments, in the ancient town of “greater transparency” in words. However, the reporter fire for his luxury lifestyle. Limburg in central Hesse state. Catholic Church finances in the had videotaped him making the Franz-Peter Terbartz-van The project was initially val- wake of the scandal, in order to comment, and the embattled Elst, nicknamed the “bling ued at ¤5.5m ($7.5m) but the cost “increase the credibility of our bishop settled the court case with bishop” by the international ballooned to ¤31m, including a Church” — echoing calls made a ¤20,000 payment in November. media, had been indefinitely ¤783,000 garden and a ¤15,000 by the new pope, who has called The hapless bishop had ini- relieved of his clerical duties by bathtub — all using the revenue for a “poor Church for the poor”. tially defended the costly project, Francis last year after details from a religious tax in Germany. Tebartz-van Elst, 53, had also saying the centuries-old hilltop emerged of his high-roller life- Reinhard Marx, chair- come under fire for lying under cathedral complex adjacent to style, said the Vatican yesterday. man of the German Bishops’ oath about flying first class to the modernist new structure is The Roman Catholic bishop Conference, welcomed “a deci- visit slum dwellers in India. heritage protected, complicating had faced outrage over an sion which draws to a close a He had told a journalist with the development. AFP Domestic abusers can’t own guns: US Bin Laden son-in-law found guilty WASHINGTON: The US Supreme NEW YORK: A New York jury late on Campaigners seized on the trial as proof Court in a unanimous ruling yesterday Tuesday found Osama bin Laden’s son-in- that terror cases result in swift justice in upheld a federal law barring anyone law guilty of conspiracy to kill Americans civilian courts as pressure builds to close the convicted of even a minor domestic vio- and supporting terrorists over his role as Guantanamo Bay prison camp. lence charge from ever owning a gun. Al Qaeda spokesman in 2001-2002. “There is to be no demonstration by any- The nine justices of the top court ruled Suleiman Abu Ghaith whose three-week one in the court room of any kind,” Kaplan against James Castleman, who argued trial has been the most high-profile Al told the packed room after the 12-person that his past conviction in Tennessee of Qaeda case to reach a US federal court, jury took just four hours of deliberations to misdemeanor domestic assault against now faces life behind bars. The 48-year-old return the unanimous verdict. the mother of his child shouldn’t keep him preacher from Kuwait stood impassively Afterward, Abu Ghaith touched his heart from owning a firearm under federal law. as the court clerk read out the verdict, in thanks, smiling at his lawyers. Wearing Castleman had been charged with ille- declaring him guilty of conspiracy to kill his habitual dark suit, with open-necked gal possession of a firearm when he and Americans, conspiracy to provide material white shirt he appeared relaxed despite hav- his wife were later accused of traffick- support and providing material support ing pleaded innocent. ing weapons on the black market. One to terrorists. US attorney Preet Bharara welcomed the of these weapons was found at the scene Judge Lewis Kaplan said Abu Ghaith, who verdict against a man he said had exploited of a crime in Chicago. was brought to the United States only last his position in Al Qaeda’s “homicidal hier- AFP year after being detained in Jordan, would archy” to recruit a new generation of ter- be sentenced on September 8. rorists after 9/11. AFP THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES Satellite images show more floating objects Nations step up efforts to find MH370 in Indian Ocean

PERTH/KUALA LUMPUR: But the country’s deputy the flight was last recorded. Bad New satellite images have defence minister, Abdul Rahim weather and inaccessibility have so revealed more than 100 objects Bakri, told parliament that no far prevented any of it from being in the southern Indian Ocean action was taken when the uni- recovered. But we are confident that could be debris from a dentified plane was spotted that it will be.” Malaysian jetliner missing for because it was assumed it had Recovery of wreckage could 18 days, while planes scour- been ordered to turn back, local unlock clues about why and how ing the frigid seas yesterday media said. the plane had diverted so far off also reported seeing potential “It was detected by our radar, course in one of aviation’s most wreckage. but the turn back was by a non- puzzling mysteries. Theories The latest sightings came as hostile plane and we thought range from a hijacking to sabo- searchers stepped up efforts to find maybe it was at the directive of tage or a possible suicide by one of some trace of Malaysia Airlines the control tower,” he was quoted the pilots, but investigators have Flight MH370, thought to have as saying. not ruled out technical problems. crashed on March 8 with the loss Asked at the news conference Australia, China and France of all 239 people aboard after flying whether air force radar operators have all released satellite images thousands of miles off course. thought the plane had been told over the past week showing pos- “We have now had four to turn back by air traffic control- sible debris in the same general separate satellite leads, from lers, Hishammuddin, who is also area as the latest sighting, but A satellite photo showing the location of unknown objects reported by the Malaysian Remote Sensing Agency Australia, China and France, defence minister, said he could no confirmed wreckage has been (MRSA) in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday. showing possible debris,” not confirm it. located. Malaysian Acting Transport A dozen aircraft from Australia, Two Chinese ships were look- Minister Hishammuddin Hussein the United States, New Zealand, ing for a two-metre floating told a news conference. “It is now China, Japan and South Korea object spotted earlier in the day imperative that we link the debris were once more scouring the seas by an aircraft, China’s state news US law firm sues Malaysia Airlines to MH370.” some 2,500km southwest of Perth agency Xinhua reported. The The latest images were cap- in the hunt for wreckage yester- United States has sent an undersea tured by France-based Airbus day, after bad weather the previ- Navy drone and a high-tech black KUALA LUMPUR: A United Boeing, blaming the two compa- relatives livid over the unexplained Defence & Space on Monday ous day forced the suspension of box detector which will be fitted to States law firm said yesterday it nies for the disaster. disappearance of their loved ones. and showed 122 potential objects the search. an Australian Defence vessel due in has initiated what it called the “We are going to be filing the Kelly said her firm was also in a 400sq-km area of ocean, “The crash zone is as close to Perth in the coming days. first civil legal proceedings over lawsuits for millions of dollars per talking to several other relatives Hishammuddin said. The objects nowhere as it’s possible to be but Malaysia said on Tuesday that the crash of flight MH370 and each passenger based on prior in China and Malaysia about varied in size from one metre to it’s closer to Australia than any- the US “Towed Pinger Locator” said it planned to pursue law- cases that we have done involving taking similar action. Ribbeck 23 metres in length, he said. where else,” Australian Prime would not arrive in the search suits seeking “millions of dol- crashes like this one,” head of avia- in a statement said it had filed a Malaysia’s air force has released Minister Tony Abbott said, before area until April 5, which would lars” for aggrieved families. tion litigation, Monica Kelly said. “petition of discovery” in Illinois few details of its radar tracking leading the country’s parliament give it only a few days to find the Chicago-based Ribbeck Law The development appeared requesting a court to order beyond saying the plane was last in a moment’s silence. black box before the beacon bat- Chartered said it filed a court to mark the start of what legal defendants to provide potential detected off the northwest coast “A considerable amount of debris tery would be expected to run out. petition in the US state of Illinois experts have warned could be a evidence and other information. heading towards India. has been sighted in the area where REUTERS targeting Malaysia Airlines and cascade of lawsuits by passengers’ AFP

Thai police find Taiwan opposition lashes Wukan protest leader seeks US asylum dog skins in northeast forest out at police crackdown BEIJING: A leader of the 2011 several organisers elected to the When I was detained in 2011 over Wukan protests in China that village committee in 2012, in what the Wukan protests, I realised BANGKOK: Hundreds of grabbed worldwide attention was celebrated as a rare success- that the biggest fortune in life is dog skins have been found TAIPEI: Taiwan’s main oppo- The Democratic Progressive has fled to the United States to ful popular uprising in a one- not health but freedom.” dumped in an area of north- sition denounced as “unforgiv- Party said police and government seek asylum, media reports and party state that quashes dissent. A researcher who studied the eastern Thailand notorious able” the police use of force to officials should be held responsible an associate said yesterday. But he fled China in January Wukan uprising said Zhuang for exporting canine parts dislodge demonstrators who for the worst violence the island The departure of Zhuang after another protest erupted, phoned him from the US recently as a delicacy or for use as a stormed the government head- has seen in years. “Police using Liehong underscores the trou- fearing that police would hold him and said he would seek asylum. leather substitute -- includ- quarters in protest at a conten- batons to beat unarmed stu- bles the village in the southern responsible, reports said. “He told me this a few days ing for golf gloves, police said. tious trade pact with China. dents is unforgivable. Whatever province of Guangdong has faced “After that, I knew I had to ago,” said Xiong Wei, who runs a Acting on a tip-off, police More than 100 people were their rank, all of them should be since winning free elections after leave the village. If I remained, think tank in Beijing that looks at made the gruesome discov- injured early Monday as riot held liable,” DPP spokesman Lin months of fierce demonstrations. the authorities would have set- legal and rural issues, and spent ery in bags left next to a large police used batons and water Chun-hsien said. Wukan residents ousted their tled scores with me,” he told the three months in Wukan during pile of dog bones in a forest cannon against students who had DPP legislator Tuan Yi-kang longtime leadership after discov- Hong Kong-based South China the protests. on Tuesday in Sakon Nakhon, formed a sitting human chain at demanded Premier Jiang Yi-huah ering land sales that they called Morning Post. The US embassy in Beijing which borders Laos. the offices near parliament, which to apologise and the police come self-serving and illegal, a common “That’s why I want to stay in declined to comment on any “The skins would be has been occupied by protestors up with a list of officers to be pun- source of popular anger across America or Hong Kong, where potential asylum case as a mat- bleached -- some are then sent for more than a week. ished over the incident. AFP the country. Zhuang was one of you can enjoy freedom from fear. ter of confidentiality. AFP (by smugglers) to other coun- tries to be made into gloves for playing golf,” Lamai Sakolpitak, Sumatran forest fire from a special police unit to suppress smuggling and the trade in animal parts, said on Manila says case against telephone. communist leaders strong North Korea tests missiles MANILA: The Philippine with regularity,” Zagala said in a military is confident that the press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo SEOUL: North Korea test- case against communist leaders, yesterday. “To begin with, the fired two medium-range husband and wife Benito and arrest of the Morong 43 is still ballistic missiles yesterday, Wilma Tiamzon will not end up in contention. So for this one, we prompting a stern US reac- like that of the “Morong 43’s,” want to assure you that we did tion after President Barack which was dropped because pur- the right procedures together Obama hosted a landmark ported irregularities on gather- with the Philippine National Japan-South Korea summit ing of evidence. Police,” he added. aimed at uniting the three Army public affairs chief Lt Members of the so-called nations against Pyongyang’s Col Ramon Zagala said security “Morong 43” were arrested on nuclear threat. troops who arrested the Tiamzons February 6, 2010 in Morong, Rizal Washington condemned the and their companions had fol- for alleged illegal possession of tests as “troubling and pro- lowed all the procedures required firearms and explosives. vocative,” with the US State by law. Security officials alleged that Department threatening “We were careful in following the “Morong 43” members were “appropriate measures” for the procedures during the arrest communist rebels attending a the violation of UN Security that is why we were accompanied seminar on bomb-making. The Council resolutions prohibiting by the Philippine National Police. suspects, however, claimed that North Korea from conducting We made sure that nothing can be they were rural health workers ballistic missile tests. said about our arrest. We are con- attending a medical symposium. fident that everything was done THE PHILIPPINE STAR A helicopter water bombs to help firefighters control a forest fire in Pelalawan Regency in Riau on Indonesia’s China to try former Sumatra island. Rain helped douse Riau’s raging forest fire with the help of cloud seeding. mining magnate BEIJING: The trial of a Chinese former mining mag- Sri Lanka faces toughest UN censure over war crimes nate and the “mafia-style” gang he ran will begin in central China next week on COLOMBO: Sri Lanka faces has launched a diplomatic offen- a schoolboy as a punching bag,” a comprehensive investigation International watchdogs say charges including murder, fresh condemnation at the sive to drum up support from Rajapakse said in a recent refer- into alleged serious violations there has actually been a deterio- state news agency Xinhua United Nations’ top human smaller nations, but officials pri- ence to the former heavyweight and abuses of human rights and ration of Sri Lanka’s rights record reported yesterday. rights body this week in a move vately admit that it is a big ask boxing champion, Muhammad Ali. related crimes by both parties in since the end of the conflict. Liu Han, the former chair- that observers say could lead to given that even neighbouring Sri Lanka regards China and Sri Lanka.” The arrest last week of two lead- man of Hanlong Mining, an international criminal inves- India is siding with the US. Russia as allies who will block any The resolution is to be taken up ing rights activists under strict which attempted to take tigation for war crimes. Rajapakse, who has tightened Security Council resolution, but by the 47-member council today anti-terrorism laws triggered over Australia’s Sundance A US-led resolution demanding his grip on power after crushing the two permanent members have and followed by a possible vote. international condemnation. Resources Ltd, led his gang on accountability for thousands of Tamil separatists and declaring no veto at the UNHRC where a Diplomats say Colombo has “With these latest actions, we a crime spree for more than deaths of ethnic Tamil civilians five an end to 37 years of ethnic blood- simple majority is sufficient to been dodging the issue of account- remain convinced that continued a decade, focused on China’s years ago is almost certain to be shed in May 2009, feels he is being approve a censure motion. ability, and its repeated prom- scrutiny by the Human Rights southwestern province of adopted at the UN Human Rights unfairly targeted by Western The draft resolution asks the ises to improve human rights no Council is necessary,” the US Sichuan, state media have said Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. nations. office of the UN human rights longer cut any ice because of a embassy in Colombo said. previously. AGENCIES President Mahinda Rajapakse “This is like Cassius Clay using chief Navi Pillay to “undertake perceived lack of progress. AFP THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Afghan presidential poll field down to eight Naeem pulls out of race, endorses Minister Rassoul

KABUL: The grandson of “We have endorsed doctor candidate, but observers have Afghanistan’s last king pulled Zalmai Rassoul’s team and will suggested he may be at work out of the country’s presiden- be working together to win the behind the scenes to help Rassoul. tial race yesterday and backed election,” Naeem’s spokesman The Taliban have vowed a a candidate increasingly seen as Mustafa Kakar said. campaign of violence to disrupt the choice of outgoing President “The decision to join with doc- the election and on Tuesday Hamid Karzai. tor Rassoul’s team was made in attacked an Independent Election The withdrawal of Mohammad a jirga, representing some 2,500 Commission office in Kabul, kill- Nader Naeem narrows the field elders from all over Afghanistan.” ing five people. for the April 5 poll to eight and Naeem was not seen as a seri- Presidential elections will be hints at further deal-making in ous challenger in the race to held in Afghanistan on 5 April the race to lead Afghanistan as succeed Karzai, who is consti- 2014. Incumbent president Hamid Nato troops prepare to exit. tutionally barred from seeking a Karzai will not be eligible to run Naeem, whose grandfather third term. due to term limits. King Mohammed Zahir Shah The three leading names are The registration period for was ousted in 1973 after 40 years Rassoul, Abdullah Abdullah, who presidential nominations was of rule, is the third candidate to came second in 2009, and former open from 16 September 2013 pull out and the second to endorse World Bank economist Ashraf until 6 October 2013. former foreign minister Zalmai Ghani. A total of 27 candidates were Rassoul. The new president faces a test- confirmed to be running for Rassoul has also earned the ing term in office as Nato combat office. However, on 22 October backing of Qayum Karzai -- the troops depart and the national Afghanistan’s Independent president’s brother -- who pulled army and police are left to fight Election Commission disquali- out earlier this month. the Taliban insurgency alone, 13 fied 16 of the candidates, leaving Naeem announced his decision years after the Islamists were only 11 in the race. Opinion polls at a gathering in Kabul attended ousted from power. show Dr Abdullah Abdullah and Presidential candidate Abdul Rab Rasoul Sayyaf (centre) speaking to supporters as his vice-presidential candidate by both Rassoul and Qayum President Karzai has pledged Dr Ashraf Ghani as the front- Ismail Khan (right) looks on during an election campaign in Herat yesterday. Karzai. not to publicly endorse any runners. AFP

Punjab eyes six coal-fired First direct talks held Pakistan warned over abducted soldier power plants TEHRAN: Iran yesterday “We did all we could to secure Ki-moon condemned the reported issued a warning to Islamabad their release,” Zarif said after a killing as an “appalling act” and ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has with Pakistan Taliban after reports emerged that one cabinet meeting. “But it is dis- urged that the perpetrators are decided to make logistic and of five Iranian soldiers abducted appointing that the Pakistani brought to justice. infrastructure arrangements MIRANSHAH: Pakistani offi- details later once I have a meet- and taken across the border government has failed to secure A spokesman for the US State to help Punjab set up six cials held their first direct talks ing with them,” said Shahidullah into Pakistan by Sunni extrem- its borders, and allows terrorists Department, Alan Eyre, called for coal-fired power plants with with Taliban members yester- Shahid. ists had been executed. to operate on its soil.” Interior the “swift release” of the abducted a total capacity of 7,800MW. day as part of efforts to end The government last week President Hassan Rouhani in Minister Abdolreza Rahmani- soldiers while expressing hope the Finance Minister Ishaq Dar their seven-year insurgency, formed a new four-member com- a telephone call with Pakistan’s Fazli had earlier warned—without reported execution—that came as and Punjab Chief Minister though no immediate break- mittee for the direct contact, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif elaborating—that Iran “reserves Iran was celebrating its Persian Shahbaz Sharif yesterday co- throughs were announced. which met with four members of demanded “serious and swift the right to utilise all its ability New Year—was not true. chaired a meeting at the Prime The government opened nego- the Taliban Shura (council). action” by Pakistan to secure the in its border areas.” Shortly after the abduction, Minister’s House on imported tiations with Tehreek-e-Taliban Yesterday’s talks took place in a release of the soldiers. Jaish-ul Adl said on its website Iranians launched a campaign on coal transportation to pro- Pakistan (TTP) last month and border village in the restive North “We expect to hear good news on Sunday that Danayifar had Twitter, despite the micro-blog- posed plants. The Minister meetings so far have been con- Waziristan tribal district, accord- in this regard,” he said, while been killed, warning of further ging service being banned in Iran. for Railways Khawaja Saad ducted between go-betweens for ing to one security official. calling for “joint action by both executions should Tehran refuse Demanding the soldiers’ Rafique jtold the meeting that both sides. A government official in countries against terrorists,” the to “release Sunni prisoners”. release, the FreeIranianSoldiers Pakistan Railways had made Extending a Taliban ceasefire Islamabad said committees on official IRNA news agency Sharif The rebel group, which took hashtag went viral in February. initial study for a route map to due to expire next week was seen both sides were “expected to said the issue was of “utmost up arms in 2012 to fight for Some Iranians have used social transport imported coal to the as a top priority in Wednesday’s exchange a list of demands”. importance” to his government what it says are the rights of media to hit out at the Tehran plants. He said procurement of talks held in the tribal region of The Taliban have asked the and that he was “prepared to Iran’s minority Sunni popu- government for its inability to high traction locomotives and North Waziristan—the first to government to release from jail boost action to free the soldiers”. lation, is active in the restive bring home the young soldiers, high capacity wagons would be directly involve government offi- 300 people, including women, Iran’s Foreign Minister Sistan-Baluchestan province who were serving their 24-month required to meet the expected cials and Taliban leaders. children and men they say are Mohammad Javad Zarif had that borders both Pakistan and mandatory military service. demand of transporting 36m But the militant group’s non-combatants. earlier expressed “grave con- Afghanistan. In November it Border guards chief Hossein tonnes of coal per annum by spokesman said after the meet- The peace talks were a key cern” about the fate of Jamshid claimed responsibility for killing Zolfaghari has admitted that 2018 when all plants would ing that he had no news to share. campaign pledge for Prime Danayifar, who was kidnapped a local prosecutor, a month after there was “negligence” in the lead- become operational. “I am yet to see Shura members Minister Nawaz Sharif before he along with four other border its rebels killed 14 Iranian border up to the kidnapping, saying those who held talks with the govern- was elected to office for a third guards on February 6 by rebel guards in an ambush. responsible were suspended, with Rs1b bounty ment team and I will share the time last year. AFP group Jaish-ul Adl. UN Secretary General Ban some facing prosecution. AFP on terrorists Whale shark in Karachi ISLAMABAD: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab Police has President Hussain to visit published the latest edition of the Red Book containing the names and the photographs Afghanistan amid tensions of 95 most wanted terrorists along with the head money ISLAMABAD: Pakistani securing peace in neighbour- worth Rs1bn announced for President Mamnoon Hussain ing Afghanistan as it was a key their arrests, alive or dead. will visit Kabul today to partici- backer of the hardline 1996-2001 The book reveals that nei- pate in the Nawroz festival, his Taliban regime in Kabul and is ther the name of Aiman-ul- first visit to Afghanistan since believed still to shelter some of Zawahri nor Mullah Fazlullah taking office in September, the movement’s leaders. is included in the list. The CTD Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry Pakistani premier Nawaz is the latest version of Crime announced yesterday. Sharif visited Kabul in November Investigation Department The one-day visit comes after last year for talks with Karzai on founded in 1995 by former DG the Afghan government hinted the future of the peace process FIA Tariq Pervez who also that Pakistani intelligence may and bilateral relations between gave the idea of establishing have played a role in deadly attacks the two Muslim neighbours. National Counter Terrorism in Kabul last week - a sugges- “The President’s visit is part of Authority. tion Pakistan vehemently denied. the efforts to strengthen bilateral Nawroz, the Persian New Year, is a relations with Afghanistan in all US sanctions on major holiday in Afghanistan. dimensions and support efforts “At the invitation of President for durable peace, stability and ‘drug trafficker’ Hamid Karzai, President prosperity in the region,” it said. Mamnoon Hussain will be vis- Besides Hussain, leaders from WASHINGTON: The US iting Afghanistan on 27 March the region, in particular from Treasury placed sanctions on 2014 to participate in the Nawroz Central and West Asia, have also alleged northern Afghanistan Festival,” said a statement by the been invited by the Afghan gov- drugs and weapons trafficker foreign ministry. ernment to attend the Nawroz Pahlawan Rozi yesterday, Pakistan is seen as crucial to celebrations. AFP saying he had bribed Afghan officials to protect his busi- People gather around a 20-foot-long dead Shark caught from the fish harbour in Karachi, Pakistan yesterday. ness. The Treasury said Rozi smuggles narcotics across the Tajikistan-Afghanistan bor- der and with the receipts has invested heavily in real estate, Lawmaker battles to raise punishment for child marriage businesses and orchards in Kunduz province. ISLAMABAD: A bill intro- and some Muslim clerics want the laws forbidding child marriage. will be hard to enforce. Pakistani 18, according to the Washington It said Rozi controls a duced in Pakistan’s National penalties scrapped altogether. The Council said that children police are notoriously reluctant to DC-based International Centre hawala money exchange busi- Assembly to increase the pun- Currently, women can legally should be allowed to get married interfere with what many see as for Research on Women. The ness, which the US sees as an ishment for guardians, clerics marry at 16 in Pakistan and men once they reach puberty under culturally acceptable traditions. tradition of child marriage is important avenue for launder- and spouses involved in child at 18. But many marry much Islamic law. Even if police do arrest a sus- most prevalent in South Asia. ing illegal gains. “He has bribed marriages should be supported younger, and the current penalty Memon argues that child mar- pect, the overworked lower courts Pregnancy is the leading cause of and made payments to high- by religious leaders, the leg- for anyone involved in a child riages cause women to become can take years to hear a case, and death for girls between 15 and 19, ranking Afghan government islator behind the move said marriage is a $10 fine, possibly pregnant before their bodies bribes can often make charges the group said. officials to avoid police inter- yesterday. accompanied by up to a month’s are ready, leading to permanent disappear. There are no reliable statis- ference in his narcotics traf- “I’ve seen this injustice in my imprisonment. damage and possible death. She But the high courts have tics on the number of child mar- ficking activities,” the Treasury constituency and around the Memon has proposed that the plans to enlist Islamic scholars to become more activist in recent riages in Pakistan. Few cases are said in a statement. The sanc- country in every single province,” fine should be increased to $1,000 refute the guidance of the reli- years. Judges are increasingly reported to the police. The gov- tions ban any American from legislator Marvi Memon said. “It’s and the possible jail sentence to gious council. intervening in egregious cases of ernment does not track the issue. having business ties with him time that we stand up for our two years. The bill is currently “Early marriages lead to early human rights violations, although Maulana Muhammad Khan and freezing assets he might women.” being reviewed. conception, which cause many their rulings are not always effec- Sherani, who chairs the Council of have in US jurisdictions. Pakistan’s conservative reli- Earlier this month Pakistan’s health issues and sometimes tive and there is little follow-up. Islamic Ideology, opposed Memon’s AGENCIES gious parties strongly opposed the Council of Islamic Ideology issued death,” Memon said. One third of women around the introduction of the bill in the par- bill tabled by Memon on Tuesday, a statement criticising current Even if Memon’s bill is passed, it world are married before they turn liament. REUTERS THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

EC’s single window Congress vows system for party campaigns LUCKNOW: The Election Commission (EC) yesterday right to health instructed officials to ensure a single window system for granting permission for cam- paigns, processions, public ral- in manifesto lies and other election-related issues. The new system will come into force in all districts and will also BJP called a balloon be used by candidates for taking permission for use of vehicles, NEW DELHI: The Congress The manifesto had an imprint loud-speakers and far-off air yesterday released its manifesto of Rahul Gandhi, who held wide strips during campaigning of the for the Lok Sabha elections, consultations over the past few 16th Lok Sabha polls. seeking to connect with the months with a cross section of The single window cell will poor and the vast aspirational people including porters, farm- be opened in the offices of the class by promising them more ers and fishermen to get their returning official. jobs, right to health and hous- suggestions. Candidates and their campaign ing and said the BJP “balloon” The manifesto sought to por- managers will have to fill up req- will burst when results are out. tray Congress both as pro-poor uisite forms seeking permissions. The manifesto “Your voice Our and pro-business and a party The requests would be enter- Pledge” was released by Congress that wanted to empower the tained on first-come first-serve president Sonia Gandhi at the citizens through rights-based Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi (left), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (centre) and Congress President basis as per the poll panel norms, party office here at 24, Akbar legislations. Sonia Gandhi hold up copies of the party’s election manifesto in New Delhi yesterday. Chief Election Officer Umesh Road in presence of Prime “The country can grow by a Sinha said. Minister Manmohan Singh, party firm partnership between busi- 10 percent growth rate in manu- empower women. uniformity” and against one man Vice-President Rahul Gandhi and ness and poor. It cannot grow facturing, bank account for every The Congress also promised $1 leadership. Rakhi Sawant senior leaders. either by neglecting business or Indian in five years, broadband trillion investment in upgrading “All of us have an equal right in The manifesto promised a new the poor. The best ideology to do Internet to all panchayats in 18 India’s infrastructure. this country,” she said. to contest from right to health, policies to lift this is Congress,” Rahul Gandhi months and “special envoy” to The manifesto said the party Rahul Gandhi challenged the 800 million people into the mid- said at the manifesto release get back black money stacked will promote greater integra- perception that the BJP was most Mumbai dle class and GDP growth rate of function. abroad . tion with the global economy likely to win the Lok Sabha elec- more than eight percent in the The manifesto said that the Party leaders said there were and encourage Foreign Direct tion and said “this balloon will MUMBAI: The Lok Sabha next three years. Congress will put in place char- 700 million people who were above Investment to boost jobs. explode”. election in Mumbai North- The Congress also promised an ter of minimum “social-eco- poverty line and below middle Manmohan Singh, in his He said BJP’s claims now were West constituency will get a agenda to create 100 million more nomic rights”, including “right class and the party will strive to speech, spoke of “Congress model akin to the “India Shining” ad dose of glamour with the entry jobs for the youth. to health, right to pension, right raise their income levels to that of development” and said per- blitz it carried out ahead of the of Bollywood item girl Rakhi The manifesto accused BJP of to housing, right to social secu- of the middle class. formance of United Progressive 2004 Lok Sabha battle that the Sawant as an Independent “divisive and disruptive ideology” rity, right to dignity and humane The manifesto also talked of Alliance government in its two BJP lost to the Congress. candidate. with Congress leaders making working conditions, and right to the new government’s agenda for terms was better than that of “The BJP has the ability to “I have been virtually mobbed veiled digs at party’s prime min- entrepreneurship.” the first 100 days. BJP-led National Democratic carry out India Shining cam- by people demanding that I should isterial candidate Narendra Modi. Setting out a 15-point agenda “The Congress will bring goods Alliance in areas such as agricul- paigns... I am sure this balloon fight the election, so here I am,” Sonia Gandhi said the party for India’s socio-economic and and services tax bill and direct tax ture growth, industrial growth, will explode.” Sawant told media persons here was not fighting Lok Sabha elec- political transformation, the code bill in parliament, announce decline in poverty and GDP “The result that will come will Wednesday. tions only for heralding better Congress promised to bring “two- a detailed jobs agenda to create 10 growth rate. be surprising,” he added. She will lock horns with economic development but also thirds of India’s population - the crore new jobs for youth,” it said. “In all respects, record of The stage had photographs Congress’s former union minis- for keeping the constitutional skilled hands that build the coun- The manifesto noted that Congress-led UPA government in of Manmohan Singh and Sonia ter and party general secretary structure intact. try - into middle class.” nearly 800 million Indians were creating opportunities and eco- Gandhi but the largest pho- Gurudas Kamat and Shiv Sena’s Manmohan Singh, Sonia The party is clearly targeting below 35 years of age and getting nomic growth has been superior tograph was of Rahul Gandhi Gajanan Kirtikar. Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi people who were above poverty decent jobs or entrepreneurship to NDA...there are attempts to interacting with common people expressed confidence about line but below the income level of opportunities for people entering spread misinformation,” he said. of the country, an indication of his Field Uma against Congress returning to power the middle class. working age was “priority number Sonia Gandhi said the polls will future role. after the Lok Sabha polls. It said the Congress will ensure one.” It also spoke of measures to be a struggle “for unity and not IANS Sonia, Ramdev Modi sharpens attack, calls Antony, Kejriwal Pakistan agents tells BJP NEW DELHI: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev yesterday urged the NEW DELHI: Traversing across Bulandshahar in Uttar Pradesh, threat to the country. Modi’s comments came a day plank of secularism. BJP to field senior party leader three states and over 700km, which has nearly 40 percent “These are AK-47 used by ter- after Kejriwal declared he will be Comparing Uttar Pradesh to Uma Bharti from the Rae BJP’s prime ministerial candi- Muslim population. rorists who shed Indian blood fighting against the BJP’s prime Gujarat, he said: “Only five per- Bareli Lok Sabha constituency date Narendra Modi yesterday For his last rally of the day, through these weapons. Then ministerial candidate in Varanasi. cent of Muslims are employed in against Congress president launched a sharp attack against Modi chose Seelampur, a Muslim- there is A K Antony, the defence “These agents of Pakistan, ene- Uttar Pradesh while 16 percent Sonia Gandhi. both the Congress and the AAP, majority neighbourhood in north- minister, who says Indian soldiers mies of India, they are speaking of Muslims were employed in “Though the Bharatiya Janata even calling leaders from both east Delhi, primarily inhabited by were beheaded by people wearing the language of Pakistan,” he said Gujarat in last one decade.” Party has fielded candidates in parties “Pakistan’s agents”. people of the lower middle class. uniforms of the Pakistan Army as the gathering loudly cheered. In Delhi, Modi slammed the AAP all constituencies, why has it not The Bharatiya Janata Party The BJP leader started his when the (Indian) army said In Bulandshahar, Modi alleged for betraying people’s mandate and fielded a strong candidate from leader started his day offer- rallies with a strong attack on clearly the soldiers were beheaded that the opposition parties were called Kejriwal a “Congress agent” Rae Bareli,” Ramdev asked at a ing prayers at the Vaishno Devi both the Congress and the Aam by Pakistani armymen.” rattled at the growing acceptance and cautioned people against vot- press conference here. shrine before he went for a rally Aadmi Party, when in Hira Nagar “The latest in AK threats is of the BJP across the country, and ing for him and his party. “There “A lot of people have told me at Hira Nagar, Kathua, in Jammu he went to the extent of calling AK-49,” Modi said, taking a dig were now chanting the “secular- is no place for betrayers in poli- that if the BJP does not field any and Kashmir, the first stop of his Defence Minister A K Antony at the AAP led by Kejriwal. “In ism raga” to stop him. tics. People can forgive mistakes powerful candidate, why don’t I “Bharat Vijay Rally”. and former Delhi chief minis- his map, Kashmir is in Pakistan. “Whenever I say let us talk but not betrayal. Based on their contest the election against Sonia Kathua is a Hindu dominated ter Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam A senior member of his party is about development and other experiences, people of Delhi should Gandhi. But I have already taken district in Jammu along the work- Aadmi Party “Pakistan’s agents”. going hoarse demanding plebiscite serious issues, these parties say decide who should form the next a decision that I won’t contest the ing boundary with Pakistan. Modi said there were three in Kashmir. Pakistan is dancing first discuss secularism,” he said, government,” he said. polls,” he said. His next rally was at AK’s which were posing serious over their statements,” Modi said. taking a jibe at the Congress IANS IANS

Anti-honking campaign NRI of the Year SC rejects CBI probe into Award for Sudhir Shetty Muzaffarnagar riots DUBAI: NEW DELHI: Slamming the Justice Sathasivam said: “... as the Y Sudhir Uttar Pradesh government state has failed in protecting such Kumar Shetty, for failing to protect the fun- serious violation of fundamental ( pictured) damental rights of victims of rights, the state is duty bound to COO, Global the September 2013 commu- provide compensation, which may Operations nal violence in Muzaffarnagar, help in victims’ rehabilitation.” of UAE the Supreme Court yesterday Recounting the chain of inci- Exchange, rejected a plea for a CBI/SIT dents that led to the communal has been cho- probe into the riots. flare-up, the court said: “Had sen for the Recounting the various steps the central and state intelligence NRI of the Year Award in the taken by the state government, agencies smelt these problems Professional category. The including the facts and figures sup- in advance and alerted the dis- award is in honour of those ported by other material, a bench trict administration, the unfor- individuals, who have achieved of Chief Justice P Sathasivam, tunate incidents could have been high level of success in leading Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai prevented.” an organisation as an employee. and Justice Ranjan Gogoi said: “Thus, we prima facie hold the This is the first edition of these “We are of the view that there is state government responsible for awards instituted together by no need to either constitute an being negligent at the initial stage ICICI Bank and Times Now. SIT or entrust the investigation in not anticipating the communal The award ceremony was held C ommuters travel along a busy stretch of road in Mumbai. A handful of fed-up residents in one of the world’s to the CBI at this juncture.” violence and for taking necessary in Mumbai. noisiest cities have taken on a daunting challenge: persuading drivers to stop honking their horns. However, the court issued sev- steps for its prevention,” the court “I feel extremely honoured.” eral directions to the state gov- said. said Shetty. “I am thankful to the ernment, saying it was “conscious Referring to the thousands of jury, who considered me worthy of of the fact that more effective and people who has assembled at a qualifying for the award and I am stringent measures are to be taken particular place in order to take grateful to each one, who voted Deposit Rs100bn, court tells Sahara by the state administration”. revenge or retaliate, the court for me online.” The court declined a plea for said: “It is expected of the state Shetty, a chartered account- a probe by the Central Bureau of intelligence agencies to apprise the ant and a law graduate, has been NEW DELHI: The Supreme deposited with the court, and for Saying that it has gone through Investigation (CBI) or a Special state government and the district heading UAE Exchange, the lead- Court yesterday asked Sahara the balance of Rs50bn Sahara the fresh proposal submitted by Investigation Team while address- administration in particular to ing global remittance and foreign Group chief Subrata Roy to will furnish a bank guarantee of Sahara on Tuesday and it was ing the question: “At this juncture, prevent such communal violence.” exchange brand, as its COO since deposit Rs100bn with the mar- a nationalised bank favouring the not in compliance with its August viz, after a period of six months, The court reiterated that it 1991. From an organisation with ket regulator Sebi for his release market regulator. 31, 2012, and subsequent orders, whether an agency other than the was the responsibility of the state four branches in the UAE, Shetty on interim bail from judicial The amount of Rs50bn to be the court said it was inclined to state is to be directed to investi- administration in association with has led the entity to emerge into custody. deposited with the court would grant interim bail to Roy and gate and take appropriate steps.” the intelligence agencies of both a global player with over 700 The apex court bench of be released to the Securities and his two other directors subject Holding that no amount of the state and the centre to pre- branches in 31 countries, the larg- Justice K S Radhakrishnan and Board Exchange of India (Sebi) to depositing Rs100bn with the monetary compensation could vent communal violence in any est networked brand in its class. Justice J S Khehar said that of after Sahara complies with the Sebi. be adequate nor could it be of part of the state. THE PENINSULA the Rs100bn, Rs50bn would be conditions of the interim bail. IANS any respite for the victims, Chief IANS

Thursday 27 March 2014 26 Jumadal I 1435 Volume 19 Number 5616 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Laffan Refinery MPHC signs CBQ to distribute dividends DOHA: Mesaieed Petro- “Providing service levels aligned chemical Holding Company with international best practice is (MPHC) yesterday inked a a major part of our commitment to get region’s distribution agreement with to building relationships with the Commercial Bank (CBQ) for div- key industries that drive Qatar’s idends declared for 2013 to 2016. development. We are delighted The agreement was signed by to be entrusted with the respon- Abdullah Saleh Al Raisi, CEO sibility of distributing dividends first DHT facility of Commercial Bank and Khalid for MPHC; a high-profile and Al Subaey, Chief Coordinator for leading listed company in Qatar,” MPHC at the Commercial Bank said Al Raisi. headquarters. The bank services include the New $200m project to start in April “At MPHC, we are committed option of cash payments for divi- to selecting strategic partners who dends less than QR100,000, instant DOHA: The Laffan Refinery barrels per stream day (BPSD). can shoulder dividend distribu- dividend credit to a Commercial 2 (LR2) is designed to the “The under construction DHT tion responsibly and profession- Bank account or transfers to banks highest international crite- is expected to be operational by ally, while still delivering excellent locally and worldwide. MPHC’s ria to meet the most strin- April 30. The low sulfur gasoil value for money; we believe that shareholders using the Qatar gent environmental standards. produced will serve domestic these are all qualities Commercial Central Securities Depository With the commissioning of demand and contributes to Qatar Bank can offer us and our share- direct credit service will receive the under construction Diesel becoming self-sufficient in trans- holders,” said Al Subaey. their dividends on the day follow- Hydrotreater (DHT) on April port fuels. It will have the capacity “For MPHC, this is the maiden ing the Annual General Meeting, 30, Qatar will be the first coun- to process 54,000 BPSD”, he said. year for dividend distribution after subject to dividends being approved try in the region to have such an The refined products of LR2 its listing on February 26, 2014. at the AGM. ‘enviornment-friendly’ facility. include 71,000 BPSD Naphtha, MPHC, being one of the region’s The distribution process is Under the patronage of the 60,800 BPSD kerosene, 27,000 premier diversified petrochemical further enhanced by the bank’s Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin BPSD gasoil and 850 tonnes per conglomerates, is proud to have extensive network, comprising Hamad Al Thani, the foundation day of LPG, in addition to Butane Commercial Bank as a business 33 full service branches across stone for the LR2 will be laid on and Propane. partner,” he said. Qatar. For MPHC sharehold- April 1. H E Dr Mohamed Bin On the sources of conden- Reinforcing its commitment to ers who add their bank account Saleh Al Sada, the Minister of sate feed stock, Salman said: deliver leading financial services in QCSD, Commercial Bank will Energy and Industry, who is also “In addition to Qatargas, the to MPHC and its shareholders, credit their dividends instantly and the Chairman of Qatar Petroleum, Laffan Refinery captures syner- Commercial Bank has extended without visiting a branch in per- will attend the event. gies and opportunities from the MPHC’s dividend distribution son by calling Commercial Bank’s Al Subaey (left) and Al Raisi exchange dividend distribution agreement “The facility will have reduced development of the North Field channels to all Commercial Bank contact centre. documents yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT emissions in terms of CO2, nitro- and various other Ras Laffan branches. THE PENINSULA gen oxides and sulphur oxides City ventures including RasGas, with zero flaring during normal Al-Khaleej Gas and Barzan operations,” Salman Ashkanani, project scheduled to start opera- Chief Operating Officer, Refinery tions from 4Q2014.” Ventures-Qatargas said during The media team also visited the a media familiarissation trip to Gantry facility which was con- Qatar to promote broadband market Etihad to raise LR1 and the proposed project structed by Qatargas and handed site of LR2. He said all products over to Woqod (Qatar Fuel) for from LR2 will be hydrotreated operation. The Gantry facility is the DOHA: Qatar is committed $2bn for buys to reduce the content of sulfur, point from which Laffan Refinery to promote broadband mar- meeting most stringent quality products are delivered to the local ket development that pro- ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways standards. It is designed for zero market by truck and pipeline. vides high-quality, affordable plans to raise $2bn to pay for water disposal, means no waste The engineering, procurement and high-speed services to all, aircraft deliveries this year, the water into the sea. and construction contracts for said Saleh Al Kuwari, Deputy Abu Dhabi-based airline said Salman said Qatar would be LR2 were awarded in April 2013 Assistant Secretary General yesterday after road shows in the first country in the region to and the works are expected to be of the Regulatory Authority of New York and London. introduce the eco-friendly DHT. completed in the third quarter The Ministry of Information Etihad will take delivery of 18 The $200m project is designed of 2016. An estimated 3,500 to And Communications aircraft this year that include 10 to process light gasoil from LR1 4,000 people are expected to be Technology addressing the first Airbus aircraft and eight Boeing and LR2. The DHT facility has a employed at peak phase of LR2 annual Telecommunications planes, a statement from the air- design capacity to process 54,000 construction. THE PENINSULA Regulatory Conference 2014. line said. Unlisted Etihad which “Business and residential has stakes in Air Berlin and users as well as government ben- India’s Jet Airways has raised efit greatly from next generation more than $8bn from 68 financial fixed services, particularly fibre, institutions in the last decade to Toyota to spend $3.5bn on share buy-back since the performance of fibre finance aircraft and engines. infrastructure exceeds that of Al Kuwari addressing the Telecommunications Regulatory Conference In the past, Etihad’s financing TOKYO: Toyota is to buy back as much as 1.89 percent of its shares mobile technology, transmitting yesterday. KAMMUTTY VP strategy has typically been insti- for 360bn yen ($3.5bn), raiding a growing corporate cash chest for data at very high speeds and at tutional credit from local and the first time in five years, the Japanese carmaker said yesterday. exceptionally high quality,” said market development that pro- faster and more secure broadband international banks, export credit The world’s largest automaker said it will purchase up to 60 million Saleh Al Kuwari. “Thus, in order vides high-quality, affordable and networks. And in Qatar, the speed agencies as well as lease and lease shares over a 10-month period following the next shareholders’ meeting to address these challenges and high-speed services to all.” and affordability of both fixed and financing. Senior executives of in June. It will cancel half of them, to avoid sparking fears of dilution improve and expand broadband He urged the service provid- mobile broadband remain major Etihad are on the roadshows that in future share sales, the company said in a statement. infrastructure, connectivity, ers to provide consumers innova- issues,” he said. The conference are held annually in major global The other shares will be handed over to a trust that will manage access, and affordability, Qatar tive products at affordable prices. focused on opportunities and chal- financial centres. them on behalf of a new foundation to “support efforts to address recently launched a National “Unfortunately, service providers lenges facing the next generation Etihad announced a net profit mobility challenges around the world” such as traffic jams and better Broadband Plan, with its broad around the world are struggling to of fixed broadband networks and of $62m for 2013, up 48 percent, its use of energy, it said. AFP objective to promote broadband respond to the rising demand for services. THE PENINSULA third year of profit. REUTERS

Candy Crush at NYSE China loses on UK heads for Lloyds exit rare earths row after $6.9bn share sale GENEVA/WASHINGTON: China has lost a dispute at LONDON: The UK govern- Banking sources have said the World Trade Organisation ment has sold £4.2bn ($6.9bn) another sizeable sale is expected over restrictions on its exports worth of shares in Lloyds this summer or autumn and a full of rare earths and metals, Banking Group to cut its stake exit is possible before the general handing Europe and the United in the country’s largest retail election in May 2015. “Ideally they States a victory over what they bank to under 25 percent and want to be out before the next elec- see as Beijing’s unfair trade putting it on course for a com- tion but a lot depends on market practices. plete exit in the next year. conditions,” said Gary Greenwood, China produces more than 90 Finance Minster George analyst at Shore Capital. percent of the world’s rare earths, Osborne said yesterday’s sale The next sale is expected to which are used in a wide range of “represents good value for the include an offer to retail inves- applications in sectors like renew- taxpayer” and the proceeds would tors, which sources familiar with able energy, telecommunications be used to reduce the national the matter said will be easier to and defence. debt. “It is another step in repair- do once there is greater clarity The United States, European ing the banks, in reducing our over the prospects for Lloyds Union and Japan complained national debt and in getting the resuming dividend payments. export restrictions on the highly taxpayers’ money back.” UK Financial Investments, the prized commodities gave Chinese Britain’s taxpayers stand to body that manages the govern- companies in key high-tech make a slim profit on the £20bn ment’s stakes in both Lloyds and sectors an unfair competitive pumped in to rescue Lloyds in Royal Bank of Scotland , said it Officials celebrate during the IPO of King Digital Entertainment, the maker of the wildly popular video game edge, while China said limits 2009, which analysts and bankers sold a 7.8 percent stake in Lloyds, Candy Crush, on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange yesterday. were needed to prevent over- said should encourage the govern- or 5.6 billion shares, at 75.5 pence mining. REUTERS ment to speed up its exit. a share. REUTERS THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Petainer signs N-DSQ to build LNG-fuelled vessels $45m refinance deal with QInvest Expect orders from all over world DOHA: Next Wave Partners BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB Shipyards. Nakilat owns 70 announced a $45m refinancing percent stakes in N-DSQ, the of Petainer Group with QInvest, DOHA: Local shipbuilder, Damen Group 30 percent. While Qatar’s leading investment Nakilat-Damen, is planning to the shipyard was built and being bank, in what is the first deal of build LNG-fuelled vessels and managed by Qatar Petroleum, the a new strategic partnership. looking for new orders from state-owned energy giant. The refinancing will provide local and overseas clients. It On Nakilat’s plans to build oil capital for the development of will build all kinds of vessels, rigs, he said: “We have started new facilities for Petainer as the including naval ships to opti- working in this direction by build- business continues to grow in new mally utilise the company’s ing jack-up rigs at the shipyard. and existing markets. potential, said a senior official Very soon we will venture into Petainer is a world leader in of Nakilat-Damen Shipyards building oil rigs also.” the manufacture of large contain- Qatar (N-DSQ). The company, since its opera- ers and refillable PET packaging The company will use the facili- tion in 2010 has delivered over a and is also a leading player in the ties at the Erhama bin Jaber Al dozen vessels, and currently it Scandinavian PET bottle market. Jalahma Shipyard at the Ras is at the final stages of deliver- Stephen Walls, Partner at Next Laffan Industrial City port for ing 19 vessels for the upcoming Wave Partners and Chairman of this prupose. “We can build all Mesaieed Port. In addition, it Petainer said: “The new facili- kinds of vessels up to the size of has also build Ghatrousha, a 140 ties for Petainer create a strong 170 metres made of steel, alumin- metre long recovery barge, which platform to capitalise on global ium and fibre reinforced plastic is used to recover and launch ves- opportunities in the PET large (FRP), which include commer- sels into the water. N-DSQ has an container market and will also cial and service vessels, naval installed capacity to manufacture accelerate Petainer’s already ships and luxury mega yatchs,” over 25 vessels of varying sizes strong growth in small containers Jan-Wim Dekker, Managing from 100 metres to 170 metres. The shipyard at the Ras Laffan Industrial City port. ABDUL BASIT in Western Europe. Next Wave Director, N-DSQ, told reporters Speaking about the details of Partners looks forward to work- during a media tour of the facility the facility, Dekker said: “Damen providing repair, upgrading and 80-metre wide, which is capable the repair facilities. ing with QInvest to build Petainer on Monday. across the world has about 45 conversion services to all kinds of of providing all kinds of main- Apart from the two VLCC- into a global player and to future Dekker said: “Technically we shipyards, but this is the biggest water vessels, including oil tank- tenance services to some of the sized dry-docks (11- and 12-metre collaborations.” are also capable of building spe- among all in terms of the size and ers, and LPG and LNG carriers. world’s biggest vessels, including depth) fitted with dock arms and Alex Armstrong, Head of cial vessels, including naval ships height of the halls.” The facility has the capacity to wide-bodied aircraft carriers.” jib cranes with lifting capabilities Financial Institutions and and submarines.” The facility, built at an esti- undertake all kinds of repairs. “Our strategic location along ranging from 30 to 100 tonnes, Structured Finance at QInvest NDSQ is a joint venture mated cost of over $3bn, includes Albert Kee, General Manager- the Arabian Sea provides us N-KOM is embarking on the said: “We are delighted to be between Qatar Gas Transport N-KOM, a joint venture of Operations at N-KOM, said: “We with a competitive advantage. It construction of two floating docks backing Petainer as it embarks Company (Nakilat) and lead- Nakilat and Singapore-based have two huge dry-docks. The big- is cost-efficient and time-saving,” with lifting capacities of 6,500 and on an exciting phase of growth.” ing Dutch shipbuilder, Damen Keppel Offshore & Marine, gest one is 400-metre long and said Kee while explaining about 80,000 tonnes. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Mushrif increases BoE may push Islamic liquidity tools Construction, tourism to capital by KD10.7m LONDON: The Bank of Middle East and Gatehouse Bank. issue to be used, as well as other England is studying ways to In addition to reducing risks, high-investment grade instru- DOHA: Mushrif Trading increase the number of Shariah- expanding the eligible list could ments such as Sukuk issued by boost Jordan economy & Contracting yesterday compliant assets that Islamic improve growth prospects for the the Malaysia-based International announced that it has increased financial institutions can use industry and remove a potential Islamic Liquidity Management DOHA: The Jordanian econ- over the medium term as the its capital by KD10.7m. in their liquidity buffers, a step entry barrier to the sector, a con- Corp. Sukuk issued by sovereigns omy is regaining momentum impact from the liberalisation of Following this placement, the towards reducing concentration sultation paper released by the with lower credit ratings and on improved macroeconomic fuel prices and higher electricity company’s total paid up capital risks in the sector. central bank said. other non-financial issuers could conditions and a recovery in tariffs subsides. will reach KD30.7m. The move comes as part of a “Recognising only one asset also be eligible, subject to haircuts construction activity, tourism, The Syrian conflict has “We are very pleased with the broader push to promote London also potentially limits the growth and caps, the consultation paper and lower energy costs, ‘Jordan imposed a significant burden on successful capital increase and as a top centre for Islamic finance, of existing Shariah-compliant said. The consultation will end on Economic Insight 2014’ pub- the Jordanian economy, with the the positive implications this has in the face of growing competition firms and creates barriers to April 15 but no date was given for lished by the QNB Group has loss of trade and tourism, the for our business and its strat- from other centres such as Dubai entry for new Shariah-compliant the proposed reform. said yesterday. report added. egy. The new funds will enable and Kuala Lumpur. firms due to the difficulties that Britain first announced plans According to the report, the Domestically, the labour and Mushrif to reduce its non-project Currently, sukuk issued by the can be experienced obtaining the for a sovereign Sukuk issue six real GDP growth is projected to housing markets are particularly related debt and hence strengthen AAA-rated Islamic Development asset.” years ago but that issue never accelerate to 3.6 percent in 2014 hampered, with refugees putting its balance sheet considerably,” Bank are the only assets that The Bank of England’s proposal materialised as the country’s Debt and average 4.4 percent during downward pressure on wages and Chairman Faisal Juma Khalfan meet the central bank’s criteria is in line with the approach of Management Office decided the 2015-16, driven by private sector upward pressure on rents. The Belhoul said. for use in the liquidity buffers of Basel III global banking regula- structure was too expensive. led growth. With support from public provision of education and “This will enable Mushrif to the 22 Islamic financial institu- tions, which allow Sukuk issued The new proposal is less than the IMF and GCC grants, higher healthcare is strained, and pres- continue focusing on its core tions operating in Britain. by high-rated sovereigns to be a fifth of the size of the original, investor confidence is expected to sure on scarce water resources as market of Kuwait and seek other These include six full-fledged included in the liquid assets buffer and is designed to boost London’s lead to growth in the construc- well as on municipal services is growth markets within the GCC,” Islamic banks such as the without a haircut. status rather than to diversify tion, a recovery in tourism and growing, the QNB Group report he said. European Islamic Investment This would allow Britain’s pro- Britain’s investor base to a sig- higher mining exports, it said. added yesterday. THE PENINSULA Bank, Bank of London and the posed £200m sovereign Sukuk nificant degree. REUTERS Inflation is projected to decline THE PENINSULA Energy giants win Myanmar offshore blocks

YANGON: Myanmar named energy giants Chevron, Shell and Total among the winners yesterday of a landmark auc- tion of offshore oil and gas exploration rights, pinning hope on its natural resources to drive economic growth. The country, left impoverished by nearly five decades of isola- tion under military rule, has been the subject of feverish interest by E M S Natchiappan, India’s Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, at the India-Qatar Business Forum energy firms eager to get a share organised by CII in New Delhi. (From left) KKM Kutty, Chairman, CII Committee on Gulf, Middle East and of its untapped energy potential North Africa; Ahmed Ibrahim Al Abdullah, Ambassador of Qatar to India, Anil Wadhwa, Secretary (East), since the removal of most inter- the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Sanjiv Arora, Ambassador of India to Qatar, Gurpal Singh, Principal national sanctions in 2012. Adviser and Head, CII Gulf, Middle East and North Africa. Myanmar’s energy ministry said a total of 68 companies from across the world originally expressed interest in the auc- Qatar, India discuss investments tion, which was launched in April 2013, with 30 firms eventually submitting proposals. DOHA: An 18-member high-level official dele- multi-dimensional and growing cooperation The companies named yes- gation led by Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater, the between India and Qatar. Both sides discussed terday also included US giants Undersecretary in the Ministry of Economy issues and proposals of mutual interest in a Chevron and ConocoPhillips, and Commerce, Qatar, is in New Delhi for a number of sectors including investment, banking Norway’s Statoil and Britain’s two-day visit. and finance, energy, petrochemicals and fertilis- BG. A total of 30 offshore blocks The visiting delegation includes the Qatar’s ers, civil aviation and tourism. Besides delegation were originally up for auction and Ambassador to India and senior officials of level talks, meetings between counterparts from it is unclear when the remaining Qatar from the Ministry of Economy and the two sides were also held”, a communiqué 10 sites will be awarded. Commerce, Qatar Holding/Qatar Investment issued by Indian mission here yesterday noted. The ministry said it would Authority, Hassad Food, Qatar Central Bank, Both sides shared the view that there is a vast receive $226.1m as a “signature Qatar Petroleum International, Qatar Airways; potential to further strengthen the cooperation bonus” from the firms once explo- Muntajat; Katara Hospitality and the Qatar and agreed to actively follow up the discussions ration begins on the 10 shallow Chamber of Commerce and Industry. held during the visit of the Qatari delegation. water and 10 deep water blocks. The Indian team was led by Dr Arvind The visiting delegation also interacted with “This amount is the largest Mayaram, Secretary, the Department of a number of representatives of India’s corpo- we have received in history” the Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Finance. rate sector at business events organised by the ministry said in a statement. Senior officials from various ministries and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the International bidders on the departments also attended the discussions. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce shallow water blocks are required Al Khater met with India’s Finance Secretary and Industry (Ficci). to partner with the local com- and Secretary (Expenditure) in the Ministry of An ‘India-Qatar Business Forum’ organised by panies, but those taking on the Finance, and Secretary (East) in the Ministry CII was addressed by E M S Natchiappan, the deep water areas are permitted of External Affairs. minister of State for Commerce and Industry, to have full exploration rights “The two delegations had cordial and produc- India, Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater and Anil due to the high cost and techni- tive discussions in the framework of the his- Wadhwa, Secretary (East), at the Ministry of cal skills required. AFP torically close and friendly relations, and the External Affairs, India. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Qatar Exchange World Bank sees Russian capital flight on Crimea MOSCOW: The Russian “It is likely that policy choices economy may contract mark- will be about managing short- edly this year and the coun- term issues, and the medium- try could see record capital term agenda of structural reforms upswing trend outflow of $150bn if the crisis will continue to take a back seat.” over Moscow’s annexation of Russian assets have rebounded Ukraine’s Crimea deepens, the this week, calmed for now by signs World Bank warned yesterday. that the crisis may ease. But the on, adds 0.19pc In the first estimate by a lead- situation remains fragile. ing international institution of “An intensification of political the likely economic damage from tension could lead to heightened the Kremlin’s standoff with the uncertainties around economic QIB gains on Turkey acquisition plan West over Ukraine, the bank said sanctions and would further Russia’s gross domestic product depress confidence and invest- DOHA: Qatar Exchange pur- the minimum free float should (GDP) might shrink by 1.8 per- ment activities,” the World Bank sued its upswing trend yes- encourage more firms to list. cent in 2014. said in its report. terday by adding 21.93 points, The current rules have led some “We assume that political risks “Recent events around the or 0.19 percent, to advance to companies to instead look to list will be prominent in the short- Crimea have compounded the lin- 11,331.46 points from 11,309.53 abroad. term,” the bank said in a report gering confidence problem into a on Tuesday. “There are rumours about on the Russian economy. “If the crisis of confidence,” said Birgit The volume of the shares traded more and more IPOs coming Russia-Ukraine conflict escalates, Hansl, the bank’s chief economist up to 16,732,413 from 15,656,428 on back to the market and for Shuaa uncertainty could rise around for Russia. Tuesday and the value of shares it’s their core business,” says sanctions from the West and Deteriorating confidence has increased to QR716,879,112.60 Sebastien Henin, portfolio man- Russia’s response to them.” A tag showing the price of fruits in Ukrainian hryvnia and Russian rouble is already led investors to transfer from QR642,170,175.46. ager at The National Investor. The United States and on display at a market in the Crimean city of Simferopol yesterday. Crimea massive sums outside Russia. The Among the top gainers was Some market participants European Union have called the Economy Ministry estimates net took the rouble as its official currency, but confusion over the exchange Qatar Islamic Bank, which was up said those buying Shuaa yester- takeover of Crimea illegal, and capital outflow at up to $70bn rate meant the hryvnia is still the main form of money changing hands. 0.83 percent to QR73 after saying day were betting it would win a imposed asset freezes and visa in the first quarter alone, com- it was in talks to buy a “strategic mandate to run the $2.5bn listing bans on selected Russian and pared with $63bn in the whole stake” in Turkey’s Bank Asya. of Emaar’s shopping mall unit. Crimean officials. These moves, Bank’s high-risk scenario, but year, compared with the 2.2 per- of last year. In the bleaker of its General Insurance gained 3.63 Shares in Shuaa Capital have and the threat of harsher sanc- still assumes the international cent it predicted in its last report scenarios, the World Bank envis- percent to QR41.45, Vodafone lagged the wider market’s recov- tions if Moscow goes further by community will refrain from in December. “No matter how the ages capital outflow at $150bn Qatar added 0.08 percent to ery and at Dh1.25 after the rally intervening in eastern Ukraine, trade sanctions. In an alterna- Crimean crisis plays out, there is this year and $80bn in 2015. QR11.96 and Barwa Real Estate are still trading at less than an have shaken Russian financial tive low-risk scenario, assuming the risk that the Russian govern- This year’s forecast exceeds the was up by 1.54 percent to QR36.30. eighth of their 2008 high. markets. only a short-lived impact from ment will be put back into a crisis $120bn in capital flight that The banking and financial sec- Abu Dhabi’s index rose 0.8 The forecast 1.8 percent con- the Crimean crisis, the bank sees mode to uphold macroeconomic Russia saw in 2008 during the tor index rose 0.17 percent while percent to 4,853 points. National traction represents the World GDP growth of 1.1 percent this stability,” the bank said. global financial crisis. REUTERS consumer goods and services sec- Bank of Abu Dhabi and developer tor index lost 0.21 percent. The Aldar Peoperties climbed 2.2 and industrial sector added 0.33 per- 5.3 percent respectively. cent while insurance sector was Abu Dhabi National Energy Co down 0.12 percent. (TAQA) fell 4 percent, declining Siemens plans Elsewhere in the region, banks for a second day since the com- Egypt mulls trade zone with Russia and property stocks lifted Dubai pany reported a 2013 net loss and and Abu Dhabi’s markets, while proposed no dividend payout. long-term Russia other regional bourses were lit- State-run Bahrain MOSCOW: Egypt has resumed investment minister Mounir exports of this commodity so far tle moved. Telecommunications (Batelco) talks about the creation of a Fakhry Abdel Nour said that the in 2013-14. It bought 2.6 million investment: CEO Dubai’s bourse added 0.9 per- gained 3.1 percent after announc- free trade zone with the cus- agreement on free trade with the tonnes of Russian wheat between cent as Emaar Properties and ing plans to buy back a third of toms union of Russia, Belarus customs union could contribute to July 1 and the end of February. contractor Arabtec Holding rose outstanding bonds due in 2020, and Kazakhstan, Egyptian and expanding cooperation between “You (Russia) have expressed MOSCOW: The chief execu- 0.8 and 2.8 percent respectively. using excess liquidity from a Russian officials said yesterday. two countries. He said the officials your wish to expand exports, pri- tive of Siemens told President Investment bank Shuaa Capital scrapped acquisition to lower its Russia is increasing efforts to have also discussed a number of marily of wheat... and we want Vladimir Putin yesterday the was the top gainer, surging debt servicing costs. strengthen relations with large joint projects, including supplies to develop exports of vegetables German industrial giant plans 14.7 percent on bets it may ben- Oman’s bourse suffered from a importers of its products as the of Russian liquefied natural gas and fruit. It would help widen our long-term investment in Russia, efit from an expected increase technical glitch for a second day United States and European and other commodities. cooperation,” Abdel Nour said. in a key sign of confidence in in initial public offerings in the but managed to resolve it before Union threaten steeper sanctions Russian state nuclear firm Officials did not provide any Russia’s economy despite the United Arab Emirates. Shuua’s the end of the session. Its index over Moscow’s intervention in the Rosatom is considering tak- other details on how Russian outcry over its intervention in trading volume was its largest of fell 0.2 percent. crisis in Ukraine. ing part in the construction of wheat exports could be increased. Crimea. 2014. The Saudi Arabia’s index edged “There were talks about this a nuclear power plant in Egypt, It is unlikely that the coun- Siemens chief Joe Kaeser said The UAE government has up 0.2 percent to close at 9,450 (creation of the free trade zone according to officials. tries will reach a major long-term at a meeting at Putin’s Novo- indicated it will soon approve a points yesterday. with Egypt) before 2011.. Now we They have also agreed to revive wheat supply deal — a possibil- Ogaryovo residence outside long-awaited companies law that The Kuwait index rose 0.1 per- have agreed to resume these nego- Russia’s participation in mod- ity the market has repeatedly Moscow that his company “would analysts hope will cut the mini- cent to reach 7,592 points and the tiations and to discuss sectors of ernisation of assets dating back speculated on, although there put the emphasis on long-term mum free float in IPOs to 30 per- Bahrain index fell 0.1 percent to cooperation,” Russian Agriculture to the Soviet era, Fyodorov said. might be other ways of a deeper cooperation in the sphere of cent from 55 percent at present. close at 1,355 points yesterday. Minister Nikolai Fydorov said. He mentioned an aluminium cooperation, a trader said. “What investment”, in comments trans- Many family-owned busi- The Egypt index eased 0.3 per- “The final decision will be made plant, a hydro power plant and is more realistic is that they dis- lated into Russian by domestic nesses have been unwilling to cent to close at 8,481 points yes- after the (presidential) election projects related to the light metro cuss together whether or not the news agencies. lose majority control so reducing terday. QNA & REUTERS campaign in Egypt, official docu- in Cairo and grain storage. He did Russian government can perhaps “We will try to create beneficial ments will be appearing after it,” not specify what form Russia’s encourage Russian firms to par- conditions for our cooperation,” he said after the meeting of the involvement could take. ticipate more directly in GASC said Putin, whose meeting with QATARI MARKET Russian-Egyptian commission for Egypt is already the larg- (Egyptian state wheat buyer) Kaeser came amid Western calls Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P trade development. est importer of Russian wheat, tenders to increase the amount for tougher economic sanctions Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 100.13 0.15% Aa2 AA Egyptian industry and buying one fifth of the country’s of Russian offers.” REUTERS over Crimea. AFP Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.63 1.08% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 120.13 2.29% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 113.50 2.72% Aa2 AA UK to sign yuan deal Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 108.38 3.27% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 155.25 4.80% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 117.50 5.16% Aa2 AA with China next week Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 108.25 5.19% Aa2 AA Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 103.69 0.66% Aa2 AA LONDON: Britain and between the two central Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 111.00 3.07% Aa2 AA China will sign an agree- banks at a meeting on the Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 102.38 1.22% A1 A- ment next week to set up margins of a nuclear security Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.63 1.80% A1 A- the first clearing service summit in the Netherlands on QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.13 1.11% NR NR for renminbi (yuan) trad- Tuesday, the statement said QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.25 1.10% Aa3 A+ ing outside Asia, putting yesterday. QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.25 1.86% Aa3 A+ London in a prime position Osborne said last month to offer yuan trade business that the British and Chinese Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.25 2.01% A2 A- in Europe. governments were in discus- Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.13 1.32% A2 A- China has been a key focus sions about the appointment Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 124.50 2.78% A2 A- of Finance Minister George of a yuan clearing bank in Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 107.50 3.51% A2 A- Osborne’s efforts to boost London. Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 103.88 4.56% A2 A- exports of financial services A clearing bank is consid- Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 102.25 0.98% Aa3 A from Britain, which was the ered a politically sensitive Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 106.50 3.11% Aa3 A first Group of Seven coun- subject in China, and is usu- try to agree a renminbi swap ally a domestic entity, with Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 108.13 3.87% Aa3 A line with the People’s Bank of Bank of China and ICBC seen SOVEREIGNS China last year. as the leading contenders for Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Britain’s finance minis- this role, according to trade Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 100.33 -8.86% Aa2 AA try said yesterday that the sources last month. Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 121.63 2.18% Aa2 AA Bank of England and PBOC London is the world’s larg- would sign an agreement on est trade centre for foreign Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 107.75 1.50% NR NR renminbi clearing and settle- exchange, but it mainly relies Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 108.00 2.21% NR NR ment next Monday, setting on Hong Kong’s offshore Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 125.00 3.43% NR NR out how the two central banks yuan infrastructure to Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 118.00 3.84% NR NR will cooperate on setting up a obtain yuan liquidity and Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 102.88 0.42% Aa2 AA clearing bank. clearing services. Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 114.88 2.83% NR BBB “Connecting Britain to the In December, Standard Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 107.88 4.01% NR BBB fastest growing parts of the Chartered Bank tied up with world is central to our eco- Agricultural Bank of China Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 102.50 5.26% Caa1 B- nomic plan,” said Osborne in to provide yuan clearing serv- Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 105.25 3.58% NR BBB- a statement. “Other Western ices there.

*Periodic Distribution Amount countries will follow, but The finance ministry said IMPORTANT NOTE: London now has the critical 62 per cent of yuan payments Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which mass of infrastructure, help- outside of China take place in is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services ing to put Britain at the front London, citing data from the Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary of the global race.” SWIFT global financial trans- data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not A finance ministry source actions network. take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds said an announcement on Average daily turnover of can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant the appointment of clearing yuan-denominated foreign liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not banks was not expected next exchange products — includ- a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. Monday. ing spots, forwards, swaps and A Bank of England spokes- options — in London climbed man said he had nothing fur- to $15.6bn in the first half of ther to add at present. 2013, more twice as much as a Prime Minister David year earlier, according to the Cameron and President Xi local authority for the City of Jinping discussed cooperation London. REUTERS THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Greek bank share offering Orpic awards UK power utility two deals for plastics freezes prices as complex MUSCAT: State-owned Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Co (Orpic) said it had awarded two contracts for pressure grows construction of a $3.6bn plastics production complex, the Liwa Plastics Project. Engineers India Ltd of New SSE to split wholesale, retail divisions Delhi will operate the project management company, while LONDON: British power util- It forecast capital investments the contract for front-end ity SSE said it would freeze of £1.6bn in 2014/15, above analyst engineering and design was prices and separate its whole- estimates. SSE shares were up two won by Netherlands-based sale and retail businesses after percent at 1012 GMT in London. Chicago Bridge & Iron Co, an outcry over soaring energy “The positives of the disposals/ Orpic said in a statement yes- bills prompted a review of com- cost-cutting and the price freeze terday without giving the value petition in the sector. will be countered by the warnings of the deals. Britain’s ‘Big Six’ energy suppli- on medium-term profitability,” The plant will be built in ers, which control around 95 per- said Angelos Anastasiou, equity Oman’s northern industrial city cent of the retail market, have come analyst at Whitman Howard. of Sohar, next to Orpic’s oil refin- under fire for consistently increas- SSE’s price freeze will put pres- ery and petrochemical plants. ing energy tariffs and regulators are sure on its rivals as customers Pre-qualifying of companies to bid deciding this week whether a full increasingly shop around for the for the engineering, procurement antitrust investigation is needed. best deals. and construction contract will be The price increases by SSE, It also pre-empts opposition finished by the end of this year, Scottish Power, Centrica, RWE Labour leader Ed Miliband, who Orpic said. npower, E.ON and EDF Energy last year promised an industry- People make their way in front of branches of Piraeus Bank and Alpha Bank in Athens yesterday. Piraeus REUTERS have put them at the centre of a wide freeze on bills if his party Bank yesterday became the second Greek lender, after Alpha Bank, to successfully complete a share offering. political row over the cost of liv- wins the election next year. The ing, nearly one year before a gen- Labour party has also vowed to eral election. force utilities to separate their “This shows that the Big 6 are retail and generation businesses. starting to realise they need to “On the price freeze, there Phoenix to focus on life business, sells Ignis take big action if they want to may well be similar plans being keep their customers, who have thought of (among SSE’s rivals), been switching supplier in record given the Miliband commitment,” MARCH: Phoenix Group ($643.71m). The insurer said it would was ready to consider acquisitions Matthew Preston wrote in a note. numbers,” said Britain’s Secretary said Anastasiou. Holdings said it would use pro- use the proceeds to repay about — for the first time in two years. Phoenix said it agreed to a long- of State for Energy, Ed Davey. Three regulators, including ceeds from the sale of its asset £250m of its Impala debt facility. However, since then, the insurer term asset-management alliance SSE, the country’s second-big- energy watchdog Ofgem, have management business to pay It persuaded lenders early has not signed any deals. with Standard Life Investments gest household energy supplier, been carrying out a review of down debt, helping it focus on last year to raise a cap they had Talks to buy Swiss Re’s Admin as part of the deal. promised on Wednesday it would competition in energy and are its life insurance business and imposed on dividend payments Re business for a reported 3 “When we go out and do freeze bills for its customers from due to decide whether to refer the giving it faster access to debt and negotiated the repayment of billion pounds fell through in a closed life transaction, and now until January 2016, a move sector for an antitrust investiga- for acquisitions. its £2.3bn debtpile. November. The Swiss reinsurer Standard Life manages those that would lop £100m off its prof- tion this week. Shares in the company, which Phoenix cut its debt by about was slated to take a minority assets, for the duration they its over the entire period. Energy minister Davey called makes money by buying European £700m to £1.6bn in 2013. Including shareholding in Phoenix. manage those assets we will get It said it would raise £1bn on the regulators last month to life funds that are closed to new the repayment from the deal, debt Bannister said yesterday a share of revenues coming from ($1.65bn) through the sale of consider breaking up energy com- customers and running them will come down to £1.4bn, the the attempt to buy Admin Re those assets, and that share of its street lighting contracts and panies if they were found to be more efficiently, rose as much as company said. was an indication that Phoenix revenue will be 15 to 20 percent,” other assets, and would cut an abusing monopoly positions. five percent on the London Stock “The reduction in gearing will was determined to do the right Bannister said. additional 500 staff in Britain. SSE said yesterday that the Exchange yesterday morning. accelerate our access to the wider transaction. The insurer said it would con- It also plans to shelve two legal split of its wholesale and Phoenix reported a two percent debt capital markets and strength- “This is a key step in the tinue to benefit from Ignis’ earn- planned offshore wind farm retail arms would improve the jump in full-year operating profit ens our position as an acquirer restructuring of Phoenix, broad- ings in the period of the deal’s developments, adding to a string transparency of how the two busi- and said it would sell its Ignis Asset of closed life businesses,” Chief ening the range of M&A targets completion, which is expected by of project cancellations in the sec- nesses operate. Management business to larger Executive Clive Bannister said. that management could poten- the end of the second quarter. tor in recent months. REUTERS rival Standard Life Plc for £390m Phoenix said last March that it tially pursue,” Berenberg analyst REUTERS South Korea Disasters cost $140bn raises 2013 GDP growth to 3pc last year: Swiss Re SEOUL: South Korea’s econ- ZURICH: Natural and man- the insurance sector was the wave omy expanded three percent made disasters caused $140bn of thunderstorms and tornadoes last, the central bank said yes- (¤101bn) of damage worldwide in the United States — including terday, better than a previous last year, according to a study a freak twister in Oklahoma — estimate as it was boosted by released yesterday by reinsur- which left insured losses of $1.8 robust exports and growth in ance group Swiss Re. billion and inflicted $3bn in over- the manufacturing sector. In its annual survey of disas- all economic damage. The revised figure for gross ter damage, Swiss Re noted that While rich countries saw the domestic product (GDP) — the the loss total was down from the most expensive single disasters broadest measure of economic $196bn recorded in 2012, the year in terms of insurance claims — performance — was higher than that Hurricane Sandy battered the norm, given their wealthier the 2.8 percent earlier stated the United States. economies and extensive insur- and marked the fastest expan- Of the $140bn recorded in ance penetration — it was the sion since the 3.7 percent seen 2013, insured losses accounted developing world that continued in 2011. for $45bn. to bear the brunt of lives lost and However, the Bank of Korea The most expensive disaster for overall economic damage. also revised down its fourth quar- insurers was the massive flood- The vast majority of the 26,000 ter growth to 3.7 percent year on ing in central and eastern Europe disaster deaths last year — up year, from a earlier estimate of in May and June last year, with from 14,000 in 2012 — were in 3.9 percent. Germany, the Czech Republic, developing nations. “Investment on (corporate) Hungary and Poland hardest hit. Asia, where like other poor infrastructure was sluggish Total economic losses in the regions only a small percentage but steady growth in consumer floods hit $16.5bn, of which $4.1bn of the population has insurance, spending ... and exports helped was covered by insurers. was hardest hit. prop up the growth,” the Bank of In July, parts of France and Typhoon Haiyan in the Korea said in a statement. Germany were struck by severe Philippines in November brought Exports — which account for a hailstorms, causing economic some of the strongest winds ever half of the entire economy — rose losses of $4.8bn. recorded, coupled with heavy 4.3 percent last year, while man- The damage in Germany alone rains and storm surge. ufacturing production expanded generated most of the entire Some 7,500 died or went miss- 3.3 percent. insured loss of $3.8bn — the larg- ing, and over four million were Asia’s fourth-largest economy est ever figure for a hailstorm left homeless. suffered during the global slow- worldwide, Swiss Re said. The second biggest humanitar- down, which cut demand for its Floods in Canada in June ian disaster was the June flood- key exports including cars, ships caused losses of $4.7bn, of which ing in India, which claimed 6,000 and electronics. $1.9bn was insured. lives. REUTERS The next costliest disaster for REUTERS

Carpetright warns on profits

LONDON: Carpetright, spending and tough competition and last month the total amount Britain’s biggest floor cover- in Britain, and reverse a slide in of lending to buy homes rose to ings retailer, has cut its annual sales in the Netherlands. its highest level in nearly two profit forecast for the third time However, the firm said UK years. in less than six months, saying sales growth at stores open over Analysts at Liberum noted the sales growth has slowed and it a year slowed to 0.2 percent in the improving UK housing market has yet to see any benefit from eight weeks to March 22 from 1.9 had started to benefit some other an improving housing market. percent in its fiscal third quarter, retailers, suggesting Carpetright Shares in the firm, with more while sales elsewhere in Europe was being held back by company- than 470 UK stores and con- fell 5.3 percent, dragged down by specific problems, such as excess cessions as well as 142 stores in the Netherlands. selling space and high rents. the Netherlands, Belgium and Britain’s housing market has Topps Tiles, Britain’s largest Ireland, fell over eight percent in been steadily improving, fuelled tile specialist, said on Tuesday it early yesterday trade. by a government scheme that has expected first-half profit to be up Carpetright is revamping its boosted buyer demand. Banks 70 percent on a year ago after a stores and product ranges in a approved the highest level of strong rise in sales. bid to counter subdued consumer mortgages since 2007 in January REUTERS THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Giving organic food The NHS fraud story would trade room to grow be terrible, if it were true

BY ALLY FOGG BY ZOE WILLIAMS as many transactions within it, as there are that you’d be doing them a favour to steal in an insurance-based system, for fraud to from them, just to put them out of their he spectre of food poverty continues to cast a shameful errible news, isn’t it, that the creep into. And why should the NHS accept misery. Student fees tripled and yet the gov- shadow across our society. March began with the revela- NHS loses £5bn a year through a decision by an accountancy firm that they ernment found a way not to make any more tion that a third of councils in England and Wales are now fraud; just awful… to think that are probably average, and being average they money out of it. “We just got it wrong,” it Tdiverting money from public health budgets to support people would steal from the pub- probably lose an average amount of money? says, with a shrug. food banks; then on the morning of the budget, campaigners deliv- lic institution we all claim to be They could reasonably turn around and say: You find yourself, if you pay even modest ered a petition of 70,000 names demanding action to address the Tso in love with. But like so many fables of “We’re not average, we’re excellent. We are attention, thinking: “What is the point of all grim reality of malnutrition and starvation in 21st-century Britain. recent history – do people really breed for first or second in the world on most metrics.” this?” And that’s the point: to make public Against this backdrop it was perhaps unsurprising that lit- the child benefit? – we can file this under What possessed Panorama to run some- services look like an impossible dream, yes- tle attention was paid to the Soil Association’s annual organic “It would be terrible, if it were true”. thing on such weak evidence? Has it had its terday’s utopia. report, published the same week. Organics, or so popular stere- The independent fact-checking organisa- budgets cut? Does it have an anti-NHS mole I was raised under governments that otype would hold, is strictly the preserve of mung bean-munching tion Full Fact took a restrained approach to at the highest level? Someone should do a would put out their own eyes before they Guardianistas and bearded greens, a luxury option, more bread this data, which was presented on Panorama Panorama into what’s going on at Panorama. would admit to having mismanaged any- machine Britain than breadline Britain. This misapprehension earlier this week: it merely said we couldn’t Or it might be easier just to collate an aver- thing, or admit any weakness in the way is a serious part of the problem. know from the evidence we have whether age competency of investigative journalists their institutions were run. It has been a The report noted that four out of five British households buy at this figure is correct. We have data cover- across six countries and 20 years and put difficult adjustment to make, to one that least some organic produce and that, after several years of decline ing bent dentists and we have evidence of them in the middle of it. See how they like it. actively seeks to undermine its institutions, amid the economic collapse, sales and demand rose markedly last fraud related to patient charges, and the two This government has denigrated the blows its own whistle, admit its own error. year. Unfortunately, as demand went up, the number of organic figures combined amount to £229m. It’s also NHS so persistently that I find it impossi- It looks like honesty, but it’s not. The producers and the acreage of organic farms declined, leading to a long way from £5bn. ble to believe it didn’t have a hand in these results of this hand-wringing can be traced fears that soon demand would outstrip supply. Enabling more So where on earth did the £5bn figure trumped-up fraud claims, yet simultane- most clearly in the university story: they people to become independent organic growers, particularly those come from? Roy Lilley, health policy analyst ously it’s relatively easy to believe that it has admitted error just as a prelude to the claim without a personal background in farming, will be key to revolu- and a former chairman of an NHS trust, poisoned the well against the health service that the whole sorry business is now unaf- tionising how we think about the food on our plates. says: “They took a lot of data from a lot so effectively that conspiracy is unnecessary. fordable. Will fees have to go up? They can’t I do some work with a nonprofit distributing enterprise in of other countries, over a very long period, If you pan out from this story you will rule it out. Is this the end of a fees cap alto- Greater Manchester called the Kindling Trust, which seeks to crashed it all together, and then said, ‘This see that it’s part of the new landscape in gether? You might think that, they couldn’t make the production of and access to sustainably produced, nutri- is the average percentage lost through fraud which fraud is everywhere and everyone possibly comment (until after the election). tious food an affordable reality for everyone. Among our projects – if the NHS is average, then this is how is out for whatever they can get. Councils If they had come out fighting, we could have is FarmStart, Britain’s first organic incubator farm, just outside much they lose’.” Even taking an average are so fleeced by benefits’ claimants that fought back; coming out crawling, whimper- the city. It provides the training, infrastructure and growing space like that was methodologically flawed – the they have to install lie detector software ing at their own inadequacy, all we can do is required to allow aspiring growers to try out new business ideas sample was small and the range was huge, on their phone systems. Outsourcing is a accept that they’ve done their best. without significant start-up costs. running from 0.6 percent in one country to quagmire in which alleged dishonesty is Except that I don’t believe it. I don’t We work in partnership with producers, distributors and buy- more than 15 percent in another. nominally penalised, then rewarded with believe that everyone’s bent or incompetent. ers through the co-operative Manchester Veg People, providing Assuming the NHS to be average is unrea- fresh contracts. I don’t believe our institutions are unviable. high-quality fresh ingredients not only to commercial caterers, sonable – our healthcare is (altogether now) In the rare event there is no scope for I just think we’ve got the wrong people in but also to institutions such as the University of Manchester and, free at the point of use. There simply aren’t fraud, public systems are managed so badly charge. THE GUARDIAN increasingly, primary school kitchens. Without venturing far, I can visit Moss Side Community Allotments, a collectively managed growing space right in the heart of inner-city Manchester, where people can help themselves to fresh produce in exchange for time worked on the plots. In 2011, over half the brownfield sites in Britain were lying unused. That makes more than 32,000 hectares of land that could be used for similar commu- nity food projects, given a bit of support and public will. Elsewhere in the country, creative minds are finding ever more imaginative ways to produce food in our cities. Consider the hydroponic farms in the tunnels beneath London, thriving in the excess heat of the city and producing locally grown salads for the retail markets. Access to food is considered a basic human right, but it is a right we have been too willing to sign over to the free market to uphold, a task it has been proved increasingly unfit to deliver. Instead, the system has reaped huge profits while leaving it to future genera- tions to meet the costs of degraded soil and water quality, lost biodiversity and catastrophic levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, state and EU subsidies continue to artificially skew the market and retail prices in favour of big business while R&D investment is concentrated on corporate agritech. Since 2007 the price of food in real terms increased by 12 percent across the board, while the buying power of the behe- moth retailers allowed them to push the prices paid to farmers – whether traditional or organic – ever closer to a bankruptcy cliff. The diverse strands of independent, sustainable and organic food producers are, at present, little more than a glimmer of light in the gloom, but they may represent the beginnings of a movement for food sovereignty, restoring the connection between the people of this country and more democratic ownership of the chain that brings food from the fields to our kitchens. Realistically, Britain is not about to shake off the yoke of global capitalism by growing its own carrots. Even if we could double the output of sustainable and organic crops overnight it would barely scrape at the edges of the industry or the scale of the problems created by poverty, inequality and social injustice. However, it could mean many thousands of people in need have access to nutritious, healthier diets, whether at home or in canteens. It might also mark the beginning of a shift to a system of production that could promise to sustain our people and the earth’s natural treasury for generations to come. THE GUARDIAN Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

Factory unrest threatens attempts to revive Egypt economy

BY ASMA ALSHARIF 1,300 Egyptian pounds ($190) a Emirates and Kuwait, have col- these machines, just work to One look around 10th of said Ahmed El Sayed, general month, barely enough to feed his lectively pledged more than $12bn. make them money. We are pre- Ramadan City shows why there manager at Egyptian Engineering gypt’s next president family. But while the armed forces pared to work but they have to is a sense of neglect. Co Global Glass. is likely to face a far Factory owners say hostile plan a huge house building pro- be responsive. If they are not we Partly paved roads are riddled The firm has decided to delay more complex problem workers are not their only prob- gramme, the money does not will go back on strike.” with pot-holes and surrounded expansion plans until the country Ethan cracking down on lem. Political turmoil, Egypt’s seem to be trickling down to Diamond employees have by piles of scrap metal and crum- has a clear economic plan, not just Islamists - meeting the demands age-old red tape and government factory workers, who have long staged three strikes in as many bling sidewalks. billions of dollars from the Gulf of workers desperate for decent indecision are all stifling business, resented the state they accuse of years. The last two won small sal- Officials who can improve life that depend on the government jobs and wages. forcing them to put off expansion favouring political and business ary increases which fell short of seem paralysed by indecision. maintaining good relations with While the authorities have plans that could yield bigger prof- elites over the poor. inflation now at around 10 per- Since Mubarak’s overthrow, doz- its allies. cowed the Muslim Brotherhood its. Investors hope Sisi can bring One in four Egyptians lives cent, and workers want more, ens have been taken to court on Even some of Egypt’s biggest simply by throwing its members stability if, as expected, he runs under the poverty line in slums including a percentage of the prof- corruption charges or for deals investors express frustration behind bars in their thousands, in presidential elections later this that fester without proper water its and health insurance. they made while in office. with hurdles that have existed factory employees say they are year and wins. supplies and sewerage while the Officials at Diamond were Due to this hesitation, some for decades. ready for a fight. Officials real- Once in office the new presi- rich live in gated communities of unavailable for comment but areas of the industrial zone seem Mubarak’s fall raised expecta- ise workers’ demands cannot be dent must tackle daunting prob- villas overlooking artificial lakes. Ayman Reda, secretary general frozen in time. Gas lines, for tions that the vast bureaucracy ignored as a wave of strikes will lems. While the Brotherhood has Resentment is rife at the of a local investors’ association, instance, remain unconnected to he presided over would eventu- compound Egypt’s instability just been largely crushed, Islamist Diamond factory in 10th of said employers were struggling to newly established factories even ally be dismantled and business as the new leader - most likely militants are staging an insur- Ramadan City, an industrial zone meet their workers’ expectations. though their owners received deals would move quickly. That to be army chief Field Marshal gency, complicating efforts to that straddles a desert highway “Their demands are rising each approval more than three years still seems far off. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi - struggles revive the economy. leading from Cairo to the Suez day. Even those who have good ago. “Every minister or civil servant to mend the economy. Many tourists and investors Canal. “We know our rights very conditions ask why they don’t “Officials were accused of is worried to sign and you need At the Diamond textile fac- have fled the turmoil or simply well and we will stand up for get more,” said Reda, who is also corruption. Those who are sup- a signature to start any project tory near Cairo, staff are deter- stayed away, and foreign currency them: a pay rise, social justice managing director of box manu- posed to find contractors to fix and it has been really a big prob- mined to win more rights and reserves fell to a critical low last and a decent life,” said worker facturer Dice Pack. roads and sign agreements and lem,” said Naguib Sawiris, a bil- say the popular uprising that year, making the country depend- Mohamed Salah, who makes 800 Egypt’s economy grew a meagre spend money are now afraid to lionaire and one of Egypt’s biggest toppled autocrat Hosni Mubarak ent on aid and loans from con- pounds a month after five years 2.1 percent last year - not nearly take action,” said Medhat Sami, investors. in 2011 has failed to produce any servative monarchies in the Gulf. with Diamond. enough to create jobs for a rapidly a project manager in a factory in Sawiris said officials, anxious to improvement in social justice. Foreign direct investment was “The businessmen we work for expanding population - and the the zone. avoid joining their predecessors in “For more than 20 years we did $3bn in the year ending June are much richer than us, we don’t government has cut its growth Others are also cynical. jail, were causing paralysis. “The not speak or demand our rights,” 2013, $1bn less than the previous want that big difference any more forecast for the fiscal year end- “Bureaucracy was there since safest way is not to sign. You don’t said Essam Al Husseini, who year and far below levels before ... We also have a right to live,” ing June 2014 to 2 to 2.5 percent. the days of Mubarak and it is still sign (and) nothing happens,” he began work at Diamond almost Mubarak fell. Husseini said. More than 4,000 factories have here. But what was added to that said in an interview. two decades ago and makes only Saudi Arabia, the United Arab “They want us to operate like closed since the 2011 uprising. now is the fear of decision taking,” REUTERS THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,331.46 0.19 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 16,754.55 0.19 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,494.13 0.59 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,903.21 0.20 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,741.9 0.17 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5387.159 36.208 0.68 5477.3 5072.7 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,888.21 0.21 % QR153.8399 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4392.65 48.53 1.12 4432.5 4080.6 QE All Share Industrials 3,997.33 0.33 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.9886 QR 6.0724 QE All Share Insurance 2,771.17 0.12 % Dj Indu Average 16367.88 91.19 0.56 16588.25 14395 Euro ...... QR 4.9844 QR 5.0543 QE All Share Real Estate 2,180.65 0.89 % QR 2.3484 CA$ ...... QR 3.2163 QR 3.2801 QE All Share Telecoms 1,493.86 0.01 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 1,997.72 0.05 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 4.0835 QR 4.1413 QE Market Summary Comparison Hang Seng Inde/D 21887.75 155.43 0.72 23469.33 21137.61 Yen ...... QR 0.0352 QR 0.0359 Today Previous day Aus$ ...... QR 3.3342 QR 3.4007 Iseq Overall/D 4975.46 51.44 1.04 5195.97 4522.4 CRUDE OIL 26-03-2014 25-03-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0600 QR 0.0612 Index 11,331.46 11,309.53 Karachi 100 In/D 26821.92 151.78 0.57 27427.04 25273.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0368 QR 0.0376 Change 21.93 51.02 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0804 QR 0.0820 % 0.19 0.45 Nikkei 225 Index 14477.16 53.97 0.37 16164.01 13995.86 SL Re ...... QR 0.0276 QR 0.0282 YTD% 9.17 8.96 $ 107.40 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1883.97 1536.03 Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0475 Volume 16,732,413 15,656,428 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0377 QR 0.0384 Value (QAR) 716,879,112.60 642,170,175.46 Straits Times/D 3143.32 39.15 1.26 3187.8 2953.01 Trades 9,634 9,125 $ 104.20 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3371 QR 0.3452 Up 23 | Down 13 | Unchanged 03 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 26-03-2014

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A B G Infra-B/D 50.4 4.4 7744 Colgate-A/D 1363.15 19.85 12079 Hind Unilever-/D 590.45 -1.55 99661 Kinetic Eng-B/D 37.9 -1.95 6486 Rallis India-B/D 164.9 3.3 29332 Kingfisher/D 434.1 3.3 2246011 A C C-A/D 1293.9 23.6 34351 Container Cor-/D 946.45 27.95 13316 Hind.Petrol-A/D 292.45 2.2 105359 Kopran-B/D 21.25 0.15 64663 Reliance Indus/D 363.3 2.75 118886 Land Secs Grou/D 1040.64 -2 491804 Aban Offs-B/D 496.85 -1.4 349812 Dcm Financia-B/D 0.66 0 7097 Hindalco-A/D 125.2 4.55 1264585 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 235 -3.2 4193 Ruchi Soya-B/D 27 -0.8 80953 Legal & Genera/D 216.525 7.1 16274594 Aegis Logis-B/D 166.5 -1.25 67190 Dhampur Sugar-/D 39 -0.45 11081 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 866.65 -3.8 250054 Lloyd Metal-B/D 8 -0.43 5053 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 328.45 4.35 44684 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 75.4759 -3.65 374385917 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 122.25 -9.25 42512 Dr. Reddy-A/D 2636.05 -85.3 22087 I F C I-A/D 24.65 0.15 1211652 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 14.03 -0.33 45410 Saur.Cem-B/D 14.99 0.53 12346 Marks & Sp./D 460 4.7 1148448 Alembic-B/D 15.45 -0.34 73091 E I H-B/D 70.5 3.8 140298 Idbi-A/D 61.5 1.3 322257 Lumax Ind-B/D 301.1 -16.85 62962 Savita Oil-B/D 480.55 -13.55 4561 Next/D 6943.6565 125 211415 Alkyl Amines-B/D 247.55 0.05 4576 E.I.D Parry-B/D 128.75 -1.2 50334 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 77.65 -3.4 19962 Lupin-A/D 936.6 -26.9 69894 Thirumalai-B/D 87.1 -0.5 9435 Pearson/D 1040.64 21 1524997 Alok Indus-B/D 5.95 -0.04 2273379 Eicher Motor-A/D 5712 -238.25 77164 India Cement-B/D 53.7 -0.7 167741 Lyka Labs-B/D 9.85 -0.19 135593 Til Ltd.-B/D 153.15 0.6 4709 Prudential/D 1319 -12.5 1422799 Apollo Tyre-A/D 155.45 -1.35 1117435 Electrosteel-B/D 15.01 0.01 74307 India Glycol-B/D 90.6 -0.95 21648 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 108.4 2 5507 Timexgroup-B/D 10.68 0.65 103721 Rank Group/D 152.528 0.9 86515 Asahi I Glass-/D 58.95 1.4 43766 Emco-B/D 23.95 -0.15 66913 Indian Hotel-A/D 70.5 1.1 118046 Mah.Seamless-B/D 183.5 5 135405 Tinplate-B/D 50.15 1.6 51970 Rentokil Initi/D 124.5 0.7 376036 Ashok Leyland-/D 22.55 2.3 9467887 Escorts Fin-B/D 2.9 0.13 4074 Indo-Bcount-B/D 40 0.05 4222 Mangalam Cem-B/D 111.15 1.3 11068 Ucal Fuel-B/D 46.5 0.9 9572 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1099.5782 1 2779659 Ballarpur In-B/D 12.25 0.37 463899 Escorts-B/D 117.15 0.85 462279 Indusind-A/D 490.3 4.3 269102 Maral Overs-B/D 17.15 -0.5 6951 Ucal Fuel-B/D 46.5 0.9 9572 Rsa Insrance G/D 88.15 -7.05 30604834 Bata India-A/D 1109.95 -21.55 10602 Essar Oil-A/D 49.05 0.1 324457 J.B.Chemical-B/D 123.5 -1.15 29720 Mastek-B/D 201.4 -5.4 25121 Unitech P -A/D 11.51 -0.3 3950175 Sainsbury(J)/D 313.69 3.3 2564754 Bayer Crop-B/D 1411.65 -3.8 8155 Eveready Indu-/D 44.4 -1.05 69618 Jagatjit Ind-T/D 54 0.85 5992 Max India L-A/D 207 6.5 29837 Schroders/D 2594 -14 71958 Beml Ltd-B/D 287 -1.45 117946 F D C-B/D 130.5 2.7 21673 Jagson Phar-B/D 10.6 0.58 19039 Mrpl-A/D 43.6 0.65 89801 Severn Trent/D 1885.2378 -1 106875 Bharat Bijle-B/D 471 15.6 22345 Federal Bank-A/D 92.1 0.65 1769545 Jamnaauto-B/D 70.85 2.9 5884 Nahar Spg.-B/D 95.65 0 18960 LONDON Smith&Nephew/D 917.5 -2 609066 Bhartiya Int-B/D 203.05 -5.75 7857 Ferro Alloys-B/D 4.76 0.07 14807 Jbf Indu-B/D 79.8 0.95 31063 Nation Alum -A/D 36.65 0.7 146529 Smiths Group/D 1277 -11 206940 Bhel-A/D 195.15 -1.35 621180 Finolex-B/D 194.05 4.35 22818 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.38 -0.01 11298 Navneet Edu-B/D 54.85 0.2 113049 3I Group/D 396.7 0.8 279293 Standrd Chart /D 1235 14 2818889 Bom.Burmah-B/D 92.85 0.5 21006 Gail-A/D 372.5 4.45 80221 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.66 -0.02 66743 Nepc India-B/D 2.7 -0.01 33775 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2843 44 180625 Tate & Lyle/D 663.07 5 414135 Bombay Dyeing-/D 53.35 0.75 351264 Gammon India-B/D 13.4 0.17 22241 Jik Indust-T/D 0.86 -0.04 15622 Nrb Bearings-B/D 50.05 0.75 25295 B Sky B/D 920.5 -7 2007402 Tesco/D 297.957 4.3 8111434 Caprihans-B/D 36 -1.4 9490 Gangotri Tex-B/D 0.77 -0.04 5007 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 176.6 -3.8 311086 O N G C-A/D 325.15 5.05 233853 Barclays/D 235.05 -1.9 24387851 Unilever/D 2490 21 1125896 Castrol Ind-T/D 291.5 2.4 27792 Garden P -B/D 39.6 0.6 10159 Jmc Projects-B/D 89.4 1.5 4498 Onward Tech-B/D 47.4 1.15 6497 Bg Group/D 1116 9 1912020 United Util Gr/D 804.938 6.5 551650 Century Enka-B/D 135.5 3.15 28513 Goodricke-B/D 141.55 0.15 8660 Kabra Extr-B/D 30 -0.25 6537 Orchid Chem-B/D 50.1 -0.25 170503 Bp/D 478.65 4.7 5464361 Vodafone Group/D 223.2 0.4 21609917 Century Text-A/D 352.65 9.7 122479 Goodyear I -B/D 421.75 1.2 27972 Kajaria Cer-B/D 342 2.35 9677 Orient Hotel-B/D 17 0.2 13959 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3254.5 4 1006188 Whitbread/D 4232 12 96171 Chambal Fert-B/D 39.75 -0.2 60423 Hcl Infosys-B/D 36.75 -0.35 895888 Kalpat Power-B/D 88.5 -0.85 37788 Orient.Carb.-B/D 136.75 6.85 27477 Bt Group/D 380.3 -3.7 8334445 Chowgule St-T/D 10.45 -0.54 11590 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 7.58 -0.14 627236 Kalyani Stel-B/D 56.9 1.6 76355 Orient.Carb.-B/D 136.75 6.85 27477 Centrica/D 327.4 -5.1 9109246 Cipla-A/D 387 -4.2 70393 Himat Seide-B/D 56.8 0.8 36453 Kanoria Chem-B/D 26.8 0.05 10226 Punjab Chem.-B/D 68.5 -0.3 5289 Gkn/D 386.4 3.4 1208604 City Union Bk-/D 51.9 0.8 114056 Hind Motors-B/D 6.79 -0.1 143887 Kg Denim-B/D 13.4 -0.1 5555 Radico Khait-B/D 144.35 -3 153274 Hsbc Holdings/D 613.7463 2.2 9973065 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1403 32.85 18163 Hind Org Chem-/D 10.8 0.18 31133 Kilburnengg-B/D 20.25 -0.6 11715 Rallis India-B/D 164.9 3.3 29332 Imperial Tobac/D 2434 0 443288 THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Magic beat Blazers to end 9-game skid Lakers past Knicks for sixth time at home

LOS ANGELES: Reserve forward Tobias Harris had 25 points and 11 rebounds to help the Orlando Magic snap a nine-game losing streak with a comfortable victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Magic center Nikola Vucevic had 22 points and 10 rebounds. Rookie point guard Victor Oladipo contributed 13 points and a game- high six assists. Robin Lopez had 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who lost their third consecutive San Jose Sharks’ forward Joe Thornton (19) and Edmonton Oilers’ forward Matt Hendricks (23) battle for game. position during the second period of their NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton yesterday. Portland (45-27) has won only four of their last 13 games, falling four games behind Houston for the fourth seed berth and home- court advantage in the first round Pavelski scores hat-trick of the NBA playoffs. Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki had 32 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and four steals in a vintage performance as Sharks thrash Oilers that blew away Kevin Durant and the Thunder in overtime. EDMONTON: Joe Pavelski shootout loss left the Capitals Nowitzki, mired in a shooting scored a hat-trick to lead NHL Results (34-27-12) within one point of slump in recent games, scored the San Jose Sharks past the St. Louis 5 Toronto 3 a wild-card spot in the jumbled seven points in overtime, includ- Edmonton Oilers in their NHL Phoenix 3 Pittsburgh 2 Eastern Conference standings. ing the vital three-pointer with game yesterday. San Jose scored Los Angeles 5 Washington 4 Marian Hossa scored into the 57.2 seconds left that put Dallas three goals in the second period empty net in the third period to Ny Islanders 5 Carolina 4 123-115 ahead. to pull away for good in improv- seal the Chicago Blackhawks’ win Durant finished with 43 points ing its record to 47-18-9 on the Montreal 2 Buffalo 0 over the Dallas Stars. on 15-for-27 shooting, and he season. The Sharks, in a dogfight Florida 3 Ottawa 2 Hossa’s 26th goal of the season added five rebounds and six with St Louis for first place and Columbus 4 Detroit 2 helped the Blackhawks (42-16-15) assists for the Thunder (52-19), home ice through the Western Chicago 4 Dallas 2 remain three points ahead of the who trail the San Antonio Spurs Conference playoffs, remained Colorado 5 Nashville 4 Colorado Avalanche for second by 2 1/2 games for the NBA’s best two points behind the Blues. San Jose 5 Edmonton 2 place in the Central Division. record. Taylor Hall and David Perron Gabriel Landeskog scored two Iman Shumpert (21) of the New York Knicks attempts a pass off one foot The Mavericks (43-29) remain scored for the Oliers (25-39-9). goals and tacked on the game- during their NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center in eighth position in the Western St Louis right winger David a groin injury, made 45 saves winner in a shootout as Colorado Conference, percentage points in Los Angeles, California, yesterday. Backes had a hat trick and T.J. for Toronto (36-30-8), who lost rallied for a win over the Nashville behind the Memphis Grizzlies and Oshie had a goal and an assist as their sixth straight and seventh Predators. The Avalanche (45-21-6) a half-game ahead of the Phoenix the Toronto Raptors. Since being giving up possession and any the Blues defeated the Toronto in eight games. snapped a three-game losing streak, Suns. inserted into the starting lineup chance of forcing overtime. Maple Leafs to take over the lead The Kings stepped on the while Nashville (31-31-11) suffered Dion Waiters scored a game- five games ago after an injury to Buoyed by a franchise-best in the President’s Trophy race. accelerator with three third- their sixth straight home defeat. high 24 points and handed out Kyrie Irving, Waiters is averag- 51-point outburst in the third The win moved St. Louis (49- period goals and survived a late Goaltender Thomas Greiss did seven assists in the Cleveland ing 23.8 points and 6.4 assists for quarter, the Los Angeles Lakers 16-7) one point ahead of the goal by Washington Capitals solid work filling in for injured Cavaliers’ 102-100 victory over the Cavaliers (28-44), who earned routed the New York Knicks. Boston Bruins. rookie Evgeny Kuznetsov to Mike Smith and left winger their second win in a row. Xavier Henry scored 22 points The Blues had their 4-1 lead pull out a victory. Dwight King, Mikkel Boedker scored the win- Kyle Lowry posted a double- to lead the Lakers past the trimmed to just one in the third Marian Gaborik and Dustin ning goal and added an assist as double with 22 points and 10 Knicks for the sixth consecutive before Backes’ final goal sealed it. Brown scored in the third period the Phoenix Coyotes beat the NBA Results assists for the Raptors (39-31), time at home. They also hurt the Alexander Steen also had his for Los Angeles, and centers Anze Pittsburgh Penguins. Greiss made Cleveland 102 Toronto 100 who came into the game the third Knicks’ playoff hopes, as New 31st goal of the season for St. Kopitar and Jeff Carter scored 24 saves for the Coyotes (35-26-1), Orlando 95 Portland 85 place in the Eastern Conference. York (29-42) fell three games Louis. the only goals in the shootout. who moved three points clear of Dallas 128 Oklahoma City 119 Toronto’s Greivis Vasquez behind Atlanta for the eighth spot Goaltender Jonathan Bernier, The Kings (42-25-6) solidi- the Dallas Stars for the second and LA Lakers 127 NY Knicks 96 turned his ankle and lost his foot- in the Eastern Conference. who was making his first start fied their hold on third place in final wild-card spot in the Western ing as the final buzzer sounded, REUTERS after missing five games with the Pacific Division, while the Conference. REUTERS Al Anabi’s alBalooshi optimistic despite recent challenges

LAS VEGAS: The 2014 sea- Dubai native Khalid alBalooshi son could not have started any makes a qualifying run ear- better for Khalid alBalooshi, lier this month in Gainesville, the third-year Top Fuel driver Florida. AlBalooshi and the for the Qatar Al Anabi Racing Qatar Al Anabi Racing Top Top Fuel Team, the three- Fuel Team return to action this time and defending World Championship team owned weekend in Las Vegas. by His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani, but since this season-open- ing victory, things have been a bit tougher for the Dubai driver. AlBalooshi and his teammate, Shawn Langdon, resume racing in Las Vegas at this weekend’s 15th annual SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, the fourth of 24 races making up the United States’ 2014 NHRA Mello Yello the season. “I feel good about the get there and get back in my qualifier of the season but lost Drag Racing Series. Qualifying race this weekend in Las Vegas,” car. After what happened to our in the first round. The silver is set for Friday and Saturday alBalooshi said. “The Al Anabi team last race (first-round loss in Al-Anabi dragster continues with eliminations scheduled for team is strong; both cars are Gainesville, Fla.), I am ready to to compete at a very high level Sunday. strong. I think we are going to start the weekend and keep going.” despite some unfortunate racing AlBalooshi’s season started Las Vegas to do something good Langdon, currently sixth luck, but this weekend’s race is with a brilliant performance at this weekend. I know what has in the point standings, has set for Las Vegas- the perfect the opening race when he won happened so far this year, but I been running very well in 2014 place to change one’s luck. the NHRA Winternationals am not worried about our team. despite winning just two rounds “I still have a lot of confi- and left the California race I know we are one of the best in the season’s first three races. dence in the Al-Anabi car and with the points lead for the teams. We have a chance to win The reigning World Champion the Al Anabi team; we have a first time in his Top Fuel career. any race; on any weekend one of qualified second at the season- car that can go out there and From there, though, alBalooshi our cars can win the race. opening race in Pomona, Calif., win a race,” Langdon said. “The advanced to the quarterfinals “I feel this way because of but lost a very close drag race results haven’t shown it yet this in Phoenix, Arizona, and then what I have been seeing in the to alBalooshi (3.73 to 3.76 sec- year, but we have a great car, two weeks ago in Florida, the races. When the Al-Anabi cars onds with a .007 margin of vic- and we are able to make good Al-Anabi team suffered a rare, are running well, they have tory) in the second round, and runs just about any time. double first-round loss as both some of the best times. Both alBalooshi went on to win the With the weather conditions alBalooshi and Langdon were cars have been good this year race. In Phoenix, he was the No. looking pretty good for this eliminated in the first round. - sometimes better than every- 4 qualifier but lost to race win- weekend in Las Vegas, I think Since Pomona, alBalooshi has body else, sometimes very close ner Antron Brown in the sec- we’ll be able to put down some dropped to fourth place in the to the top people in the show. ond round when the engine on good runs this weekend and NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel So when I drive to Las Vegas, the Al-Anabi dragster dropped then get a little bit of racing point standings, yet he retains I will feel very excited to race a cylinder. In Gainesville, luck on Sunday and go some an extremely positive outlook on this weekend. I cannot wait to Langdon claimed his first No. 1 rounds. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Ex-F1 doc says lapses in F1 party arrives in early care for Schumacher KUALA LUMPUR: Formula One’s former chief doc- tor has said “seri- ous lapses” in early treatment may have mourning Malaysia worsened Michael Schumacher’s (pic- tured), condition and warned his chances MH370 tragedy casts pall over Malaysian GP this weekend of recovery from a skiing accident are decreasing over time. KUALA LUMPUR: The world been quick to offer their support require careful management. a brilliant second place finish on Gary Hartstein, F1 of Formula One descends on and Lewis Hamilton also has “Our priority has therefore been his Red Bull debut at his home medical delegate until Kuala Lumpur for the often a “#PrayForMH370” message to arrive in Malaysia in better grand prix but the podium place 2012, wrote on his blog dramatic Malaysian Grand Prix on the side of his Mercedes car shape mechanically than we left was taken away from him by the that he had learned with excitement around the this week and he will be hoping Australia.” FIA after the Australian was “from usually impec- Sepang circuit unusually muted it is on display for the entire 56 One driver in greater need deemed to have broken fuel rules. cable sources who have as the country mourns the dis- laps of Sunday’s race after only of major progress is four-times Red Bull have appealed the access to this informa- appearance of flight MH370. managing a brief three-lap run defending world champion decision with a verdict due after tion” that mistakes The Sepang circuit is a stone’s in Melbourne. The season open- Sebastian Vettel, who failed to fin- next week’s Bahrain race in had been made in the throw from Kuala Lumpur ing race was won by the Briton’s ish in Melbourne after reliability the Manama desert. McLaren’s German great’s initial International Airport where the team mate Nico Rosberg after issues dashed his hopes of a 10th Danish rookie Kevin Magnussen care. Malaysian Airlines flight carrying the German overtook pole sitter race win in a row after only a few was promoted up to second in “I think that serious 239 passengers and crew departed Hamilton before the first turn laps at Albert Park. Melbourne following Ricciardo’s lapses in judgement 18 days ago and has since become and eased to the chequered flag. Vettel’s pre-season had been disqualification with team mate were evident during the home for many associated Mercedes appear to have been struck by big question marks over Jenson Button joining him on the Michael’s initial man- with the story. While the Laureus quickest in adapting to the new the Red Bull’s Renault-powered podium in a bright start to the sea- agement... these lapses Sports Awards in Kuala Lumpur V6 turbocharged hybrid engines unit but the German saw a few son for the team that had a 2013 to could (and almost certainly did) worsen the outcome in Michael’s yesterday opted to scale down that have levelled the playing field shoots of optimism ahead of the forget. However, the Briton said case,” he wrote. their week of events in response after years of Red Bull dominance Malaysian race which he won in the car lacked race pace to chal- Hartstein later clarified on Twitter that he was referring to to Najib’s announcement, the but they remain wary of being controversial style last year after lenge for victory on the notori- “botched” pre-hospital care and not standards at the Grenoble Formula One party has contin- labelled championship favourites. defying team orders. “We still have ously quick Sepang circuit where hospital where the seven-time world champion is being treated. ued as normal for the 16th stag- “While we were pleased to come a lot of work to do with the car but afternoon thunderstorms are But Hartstein did not give details about what mistakes may have ing of Malaysia’s premier sporting away from Melbourne with a win, it was encouraging to see that our again predicted, which could play affected Schumacher, 45, who is in an induced coma after suffering event. we were also left with plenty to pace was better than expected in havoc on the undulating track. serious head injuries in a skiing accident on December 29. That meant Chinese relatives think about,” Mercedes executive Australia,” said Vettel, who won 13 “Even if we don’t yet have Hartstein, in the blog written ahead of this week’s Malaysian of the missing MH370 passengers director Paddy Lowe said. of last season’s 19 races. the pace to take the fight to the Grand Prix, said: “As time goes on... it becomes less and less likely were forced to change hotels to “As is to be expected with such “Hopefully we can build on that front runners, we should have a that Michael will emerge to any significant extent.” make way for those involved in new technology, we are learning and start collecting some strong car that’s decent in every sector, Schumacher’s plight hangs heavy over Formula One, with his the glamour sport, which started more about the car with every lap. points in the next two races.” and which we’ll be able to hustle former team Ferrari this week tweeting a team photo with well its new season in Australia two This inevitably brings more prob- His new team mate Daniel through the race,” the 2009 world wishes and the message “Forza Michael”. AFP weeks ago.. The drivers have lems to the surface, all of which Ricciardo thought he had sealed champion said.” REUTERS Nadal, Murray advance in Miami

MIAMI: Top seed Rafael Nadal Federer was on fire against turned in a command perform- Gasquet, who set up two Federer ATP-WTA Miami ance in the middle of a security Serena Williams of match points with a backhand alert yesterday as the entrance error and took the loss moments Results the USA waves to the Men 4th round to the ATP and WTA Miami crowd after defeating later as he could not reach a drop Masters was blocked for more shot in the windy conditions. Novak Djokovic (SRB x2) bt Tommy Robredo Angelique Kerber of than an hour. “The wind was the same for (ESP x16) 6-3, 7-5 Germany. As police closed the lone both of us, but I’ve had a lot of Kei Nishikori (JPN) bt David Ferrer (ESP x4) public entrance and exit to the experience playing in it,” Federer 7-6 (9/7), 2-6, 7-6 (11/9) grounds and shut down most said. “I made him work for his Andy Murray (GBR x6) bt Jo-Wilfried Tsonga traffic on the main highway points. “It was a great match for (FRA x11) 6-4, 6-1 of Key Biscayne island on the me and I’m very pleased,” said Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) bt Stanislas basis of an unattended back- Federer, who broke five times and Wawrinka (SUI x3) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 pack, Nadal took to the court committed only eight unforced Roger Federer (SUI x5) bt Richard Gasquet and demolished out-of-sorts errors. (FRA x9) 6-1, 6-2 Italian 14th seed Fabio Fognini Federer, who lost to Djokovic Milos Raonic (CAN x12) bt Benjamin Becker 6-2, 6-2 in 62 minutes. Fognini earlier this month in the Indian (GER) 6-3, 6-4 played while injured as he lost to Wells final, won the Miami title the Spaniard for the fourth time. in 2005 and 2006. His 79 career Tomas Berdych (CZE x7) bt John Isner (USA “Today was a very strange crowns include a record 17 Grand x10) 6-3, 7-5 match. I’m sorry for Fabio,” said Slam titles. Murray, who under- Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) bt Fabio Fognini (ITA Charlesworth Nadal. “He felt something from went back surgery six months ago, x14) 6-2, 6-2 yesterday near the ribs. It was not improved to 9-1 against Tsonga, Women Quarter-finals easy for him to play this match. advancing in 74 minutes. Maria Sharapova (RUS x4) bt Petra Kvitova resigns as “I managed the situation well The Scotsman, who converted (CZE x8) 7-5, 6-1 in the wind. I played the right on eight of his 12 break chances, Serena Williams (USA x1) bt Australia coach match.” won on his second match point as Angelique Kerber (GER x5) 6-2, 6-2 Nadal will next play Canadian the Frenchman hit the net with SYDNEY: Ric Charlesworth 12th seed Milos Raonic, who a return. “It was a close match,” said yesterday he will beat Benjamin Becker 6-3, 6-4 Murray said. “I had lots of break seed David Ferrer 7-6 (9/7), step down as coach of the to win his 100th career hard- points. Conditions were tricky 2-6, 7-6 (11/9). Also advancing Australian men’s field hockey court match. Defending cham- with the wind. It was not pretty with a shock win was Ukraine’s team following this year’s pion Andy Murray and Novak tennis but we tried the best we Alexandr Dolgopolov, who ousted Commonwealth Games in Djokovic will meet for the first gesture to Tommy Robredo dur- and we always have long, tough could.” Australian Open champion Glasgow. time since last year’s Wimbledon ing a 6-3, 7-5 triumph. matches. This will be a good test Despite reporting some pain in Stanislas Wawrinka, the Swiss Charlesworth, 62, will relin- final after advancing with ease. Britain’s sixth-seeded Murray, for me,” Murray said. his hips and lower back, Murray third seed, by 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. quish his position after six years Wimbledon winner Murray who trails Djokovic 8-11 in their Swiss fifth seed Roger Federer was satisfied with his level of fit- Dolgopolov, 7-3 against top-20 in the role during which he led dispatched French 11th seed all-time rivalry, was looking for- ousted French ninth seed Richard ness while remaining aware that players this year, will meet Czech the Kookaburras to World Cup Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4, 6-1 while ward to a repeat match with the Gasquet 6-1, 6-2 in 49 minutes to he needs to monitor himself. seventh seed Tomas Berdych, who and Commonwealth Games second seed Djokovic gave away Serb after not playing him since book a quarter-final date with Nishikori saved four match beat US 10th seed John Isner 6-3, titles, an Olympic bronze medal a second-set point in a sporting last July. “We’ve played a lot Japan’s Kei Nishikori. points in upsetting Spanish fourth 7-5. AFP and four Champions Trophy gold medals. “I believe it is the right time to re-assign my priorities for my family,” Charlesworth said in a statement. “I am no longer keen on spending up to three months a year away and overseas as one must do as the national coach of the Kookaburras. “The Kookaburras are in good shape and can be further refreshed by a new head coach as they head towards the Rio Olympics.” Under Charlesworth, Australia returned to the top of the world rankings in 2010, five years after they last held the number one spot. Charlesworth represented Australia 227 times in a play- ing career spanning 17 years from his debut in 1972 to his retirement following the 1988 Olympic Games. He also was the coach of the Australian women’s field hockey team from 1993-2000 and a technical advisor to Indian field hockey Novak Djokovic hits a backhand against Tommy Robredo (not pictured) on day nine of the Sony Open at Crandon Tennis Center in Miami yesterday. Right: Rafael Nadal celebrates after teams from 2007-08. AFP his match against Fabio Fognini. Nadal won 6-2, 6-2. THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Top gymnasts enthral Doha fans Apparatus Finals for men and women today and tomorrow at Aspire Academy Dome

DOHA: The qualifying rounds of the three-day 7th FIG World Challenge Cup Artistic Gymnastics championship kicked off here yesterday at Aspire Academy Dome. Around 200 gymnasts from 37 countries, including a host of Olympic and World champions are in Qatar for the championship. Qatar is hosting the second leg of the seven-stop World Cup Series events. The first leg finished in Cottbus, Germany. Besides Qatar, the other stops for the World Cup Series events are April 18 to 20 in Ljubljana Slovakia, from April 25 to 27 in Osijek Croatia, May 29 to June 1 in Anadia Portugal, August 23 to 24, in Ghent, Belgium and from September 5 to 7 in Medellin, Colombia The Qatar championship is held for both men and women and after each event there will be a World Ranking lists for each piece of apparatus, six for men and four for women. Competitors taking part in the 7th FIG World Challenge Cup Artistic Gymnastics at Aspire Academy Dome in Doha yesterday. A host of Olympic and World champions are participating in The men’s competition will the three-day championship which will end on March 28. The championship is organised by Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF). Around 200 gymnasts from 37 countries are taking part be in Floor Exercises, Pommel Horse, Rings, Vault, Parallel in both the men’s and women’s events. The total prize money for the event is $50,000. PICTURES BY: MOHAMMED FARAJ Bars and Horizontal bar, while the women will compete in Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam and Floor Exercises. The competitions will feature qualifications, which were held yesterday, the finals – where best eight gymnasts per apparatus will feature – will take place today and tomorrow. The total prize money for the event is $50,000, with first-placed apparatus walking away with $1,500, while the second and third placed gymnasts with be richer by $1,200 and $800. The three-day World Challenge Cup has attracted the best in the business. THE PENINSULA 7th Artistic Gymnastics FIG Challenge Cup Schedule Today Apparatus Finals 5:30pm Members of Qatar women’s gymnastics team pose for a picture with Tomorrow Apparatus Finals 5:30pm officials at Aspire Academy yesterday. RIGHT: Qatar gymnasts listen Venue: Aspire Academy Dome to instructions from an official. Sri Lanka eye semis Australia to Moyes faces backlash in World Twenty20 bounce all the world’s after United derby woe CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh: that’s the way we are looking at Sri Lanka will target a place it.” in the semis in their match Bopara said England will be up tailenders, MANCHESTER, United ever points tally in the post-1992 against England in Chittagong, to the challenge of facing pace- Kingdom: Manchester United Premier League era, despite hav- as action resumes after a day’s man Lasith Malinga. manager David Moyes (pic- ing won the title by 11 points last rest in World Twenty20 today. “It is tough to hit Malinga,” said says coach tured) found himself beneath term. A win will establish Sri Lanka’s Bopara of the slinger Malinga, an increasingly intense spotlight United’s limp performance position in Group One. South regarded as one of the best death MELBOURNE: Australia’s yesterday amid press reports of against City, who went ahead Africa, in the same group, will over bowlers. pace attack terrorised fan dissent in the wake of his after just 43 seconds through also seek an easy win against the “I think the best way to England’s lower order bats- side’s defeat by Manchester City. Edin Dzeko, also drew condem- Netherlands, today. approach him is trying to deflect men with short-pitched United’s 3-0 loss at Old Trafford nation from former midfield star However, Sri Lankan captain him past the gaps, and hope to get bowling during the 5-0 Ashes on Tuesday was the cue for an Paul Scholes. Dinesh Chandimal said his side some bat on it to square, he does whitewash and all test sides angry reaction from some of the Commenting on the game will not take anything for granted. a very good slower ball.” can expect the same treat- club’s supporters, who have seen as a pundit for Sky Sports, the “England are a good T20 side South African paceman Dale ment, according to coach their team disintegrate under former England midfielder, who and we have special game plans Steyn admitted the mood was dif- Darren Lehmann. Moyes’s stewardship. retired at the end of last season, for them but we are never going ferent after a narrow two-run win “That (bouncing the Several British newspapers expressed dismay at the lack of to underestimate them,” said over New Zealand. tailenders) was one of the reported that former manager heart that United had displayed Chandimal, whose team beat “I think the camp would have things that once made the Alex Ferguson had been bar- against title-chasing City. South Africa by five runs in their been completely different for us West Indies so threatening, racked by fans as he sat in the “When I was playing, we opening match. had we lost the game (against and they bowled very fast,” directors box for choosing Moyes Supporters on Twitter also could be two or three down, but They then crushed the New Zealand),” said Steyn, who Lehmann said in comments to succeed him, while a picture expressed anger over Moyes’s we never felt we were beaten,” Netherlands by nine wickets after defended seven runs in the last published by News Ltd media emerged showing a supporter post-match assertion that Manuel Scholes said. “Tonight (Tuesday) demolishing them for 39 all out -- over. yesterday, referring to the being led away by stewards after Pellegrini’s City were playing at I never thought we’d get back in the lowest-ever total in Twenty20 “We lost the first and won the great Caribbean sides of the apparently gesturing for the a level that defending champions it, even at 1-0 down. internationals. second, so its going to be like a 1970’s and eighties. former Everton coach to resign. United “need to try and aspire to “It is difficult for a new man- “To win the first match was win (means) everything from now “There is not a lot of There were also reports that get to”. ager coming in because he needs important for our team and it is on.” really fast bowlers out there United’s stewards had been Despite the dissent, United con- time to get to know his players. that momentum we carried into The Netherlands captain Peter in the world at the moment instructed to protect a banner tinue to back Moyes publicly, with He doesn’t know his best team the second game and that is very Borren vowed his team will show and we are lucky enough to erected in the Stretford End in director and former player Bobby yet and the players haven’t helped important,” said Chandimal. improvement. have probably six. We have Moyes’s honour following his Charlton asserting in a BBC inter- him because they’re not perform- “We know if we win one of our “I look at our top order and we got to make sure that is our appointment last year -- ‘The view on Tuesday that he felt that ing the way they should.” last two games we can make it to have guys there who can really strength. Chosen One’ -- from angry fans. the Scot was still “the right man” Moyes remains adamant that the semi-finals, but we are looking play and have played at this level “That is coming. Every Dissent had crept onto social for the job. United have gone out United are moving in the right to win both.” and done fine before,” said Borren, tailender is going to get it. networking websites as well, of both domestic cup competitions direction, however, insisting after England’s middle-order bats- whose team remarkably beat “That’s what we want to do with the hash tag “#MoyesOut” and their chances of qualifying for the game that it will take “a little man Ravi Bopara said his team is much fancied Ireland by chasing and we want to do it to every trending on Twitter in the United next year’s Champions League are bit of time” to turn things around. looking forward to the challenge. 190 in under 14 overs to qualify team. Kingdom yesterday morning. remote after the loss to City left The defeat by City came “It is a must win game for us,” for Super-10. “That is my view and I them 12 points below the top four only nine days after a similarly admitted Bopara. “We have to “I know this team can play, I know the captain (Michael English Premier in seventh place. chastening 3-0 loss at home to win, winning against Sri Lanka believe in this team and I hope we Clarke) is very strong on it Meanwhile, their quarter- Liverpool and striker Wayne would be a big thing for us, which can show that in the next three as well. The bowlers and the League Results final opponents in this season’s Rooney called for an urgent will be a big confident boost and games. It certainly won’t be a case bowling coaches have bought LONDON: English Premier League results on Champions League, holders improvement. of damage limitation. into it.” Tuesday night: Bayern Munich, are in omi- “We can’t lose six homes games Title-holders the West Indies Australia, currently playing nous form, having secured the in a season and we have to put World Twenty20 Arsenal 2 (Podolski 73, Giroud 74) Swansea beat hosts Bangladesh in the only the World T20 in Bangladesh, Bundesliga title in record time that right and make this a place Today’s Fixtures 2 (Bony 11, Flamini 90-og) match in Group two on Tuesday. play Pakistan in a two tests with a 3-1 victory at Hertha teams fear again,” he told MUTV. Netherlands vs South Africa at Manchester United 0 Manchester City 3 Chittagong 9.30 GMT Top two teams from each group away in October before a four- Berlin on Tuesday. “We know we have to respond. will qualify for the semi-finals. match series against India at (Dzeko 1, 56, Toure 90) United have now lost 10 games It’s a bad night for us all, but we England vs Sri Lanka at The final will be played in Dhaka home. REUTERS Newcastle 0 Everton 3 (Barkley 22, Lukaku in the league this season and are have to move on.” Chittagong, 13.30 GMT on April 6. AFP 52, Osman 87) destined to record their lowest AFP THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Sergio Garcia of Spain poses with his trophy after winning the Qatar Masters at the Doha Golf Club (DGC) in Doha in this file picture. Garcia became the second Spaniard after Alvaro Quiros to win the Qatar Masters when he edged Finland’s Mikko Ilonen in a thrilling play-off battle at DGC. The 2015 edition of the Qatar Masters will be held from January 21 to 24 at DGC. B: The Qatar Total Open trophy. The next edition of the Qatar Total Open will be held from February 10 to 16. C: Qatar’s ace shooter and rally driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah. The 2012 Olympic Games bronze medal winner in shooting will be taking part in the motor sports and shooting events in Qatar. D: Qatar athletics star Mutaz Barshim, winner of the bronze medal at the 2012 London Games, will be competing in the long jump at the Diamond League in Doha on May 9, 2014. QOC releases sports calendar

FIFA 2022 World Cup hosts to stage 99 events from April 2014 to March 2015

Qatar to organise World championships in handball, swimming, sailing and tennis

DOHA: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) announced its annual calendar for sport events, activities and champion- ships to be hosted in the country The members at both regional and interna- of Qatar’s tional levels for the period from women’s April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. cycling squad As per the calendar released and the here yesterday, the country will national team’s host 99 events including 43 inter- back-room national events. staff pose Out of the 43 international with Belgian events, there are five world cycling legend championships including the Eddy Merckx 2015 IHF World Men’s Handball at Corniche in Championships from January 15 to Doha in this February 01, 2015, the 12th FINA file picture World Swimming Championships (25m) from December 3 to 7 this of December year, the Qatar PSA Squash 2013. Qatar World Open 2014 from November unveiled their 14 to 21, 2014, the 47th World women’s Military Sailing Championships squad at from November 21 to 30, 2014 the start of and the World School Tennis December last Championships from March 08 year. to 15, 2015 The calendar of events includes a high number of other interna- tional events as Doha will host the IAAF Diamond League, the Qatar International Karate men, the WTA Qatar Women ITF Tennis Juniors Open and there will be the Asian and the March the second edition of the Cup and the final of H H the Championship and the Sports Tennis Open, the 19th Qatar the 8th FIG Artistic Gymnastics Middle East Water Skiing by same event. Other Arab and Gulf Emir Handball Cup in June, the Excellence Day in May while in International Table Tennis World Challenge Cup. Parachute Championship 2014 events will also be staged in Qatar. Olympic Day in December, the June, Doha will mainly host the Professional Championship, At the Asian level, the calendar and the Qatar Asian Tennis At the local level, the Qatar National Sport Day in February Qatar International Swimming the 10th Qatar International is busy with several sport events Championship. 2014-15 calendar is packed with 2015, and the finals of the Schools Championship, the Qatar 3rd Endurance Race 120km, the including in the month of July The Qatar Junior Asian Tennis multiple sport activities and Olympic Program in March 2015. International Youth Handball 8th Qatar International Women 2014, the AFC Under-22 football championship will be staged in events, including the final of H On the other hand, Qatar will Championship and the 5th World Endurance Race 80 km, the 3rd qualifiers tournament, in August, December while the month of H the Emir Basketball Cup and also host a number of important 9 ball Billiard Championship. International Women Handball the Asian Juniors Basketball January 2015 will mainly feature the Qatar Football Cup in April, sport related events such as the In August , Qatar will host Championship. Championship. two Asian events, the 17th Asian the final of the Qatar Volleyball Doha Goals Forum (November 3 the first round of the FINA In March 2015, Qatar will In October, Qatar will host Youth and 21st Asian Junior Cup, The Qatar Excellence Day to 5, 2014), the 3rd FINA World Swimming World Cup in addi- host, the CHI Al Shaqab Modern the AFC-U16 Women’s Football Weightlifting Championship, and the final of H H the Emir Aquatics Convention from tion to international events in Pentathlon Championship, the championship and the Asian while in February, Doha will Football Cup in May, the final November 29 to December 1, 2014 handball and basketball for youth Doha International Friendship Cricket Council Under-16 host the 1st Qatar Asian Tennis of the Qatar Handball Cup, the and the Aspire4Sport Conference categories. Football tournament, the Qatar Tournament, while in November, Championship before hosting in final of HH the Emir Volleyball in March 2015. THE PENINSULA The new edition of the Schools Olympic Program will start in September while the same month will also feature the 2014 edition of the IHF World Club Handball Championships (Super Globe). In November, Qatar will host the Qatar International Beach Volleyball Championship, the Global Champions Tour Final 2014, the Qatar International Bowling Championship. December 2014 will be a very busy month as Doha will be staging a high number of events including the 1st Qatar Chess Masters Open, the Qatar Fencing Grand Prix, the The podium winners at the Longines Global Champions Tour Scott Women World Fencing Cup, the Brash, Christian Ahlmann and Laura Kraut pose for a picture at Al 6th Match Racing International Shaqab Arena in Doha yesterday. Brash, won both the overall Longines Regatta, the Al Zubara Cycling Global Champions Tour champion title and the Grand Prix of Doha. Tour, the 2nd FIBA 3X3 All Stars, Ahlmann finished second while Kraut came third. the Qatar International Handball Championship, the 1st Qatar Show Jumping Championship, the Qatar Sheikh Saoud bin Second Sailing Optimist Cup, the Abdulrahman Al Thani Al Rayyan International Show (right), President of Jumping Championship and the second Qatar Weightlifting Cup. Qatar Basketball In January 2015, Doha will host Federation (QBF) a new edition of the Qatar ATP and Qatar Olympic ExxonMobil Tennis Open and the Committeee Secretary- 18th Qatar Commercial Bank Golf General and Yvan Masters while the 4th edition of Mainini, FIBA President Former tennis player Boris Becker of Germany the National Sport Day will be one (second right) during the talks during the official opening ceremony of the of the main events in February in award ceremony of the Doha Goals Forum in Doha in this December 2013 addition to the 1st International 2013 FIBA 3x3 All Stars file picture. The forum aims to create initiatives for Mini Basket Festival, the 7th Championship at Katara global progress through sports. RIGHT: A Qatari Qatar Women Cycling Tour, the Beach in this file picture rider in action at the CHI Al Shaqab event at Al 23rd Sailing Gulf Regatta, the of December 2013. Shaqab Arena in Doha. 14th Qatar Cycling Tour for THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Qatar Sports Calendar 2014 - 2015 International, continental and local sport events hosted by sport federations in Qatar from April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015

Event Host Start Date Ending Date Type Event Host Start Date Ending Date Type 14th GCC Athletics Championships Gulf Championship for Karate Qatar Karate Federation 5 December 2014 6 December 2014 Gulf Qatar Associtation of Youth & 2nd GCC Athletics 4 April 2014 6 April 2014 Gulf Athletics Federation 2nd GCC 3X3 Clubs Championship Qatar Basketball Championships Girls 8 December 2014 9 December 2014 Gulf for Basketball Federation International Day of Sport for Qatar Olympic 6 April 2014 6 April 2014 Local Development and Peace Committee Tour of GCC - cycling Qatar Cycling Federation 8 December 2014 9 December 2014 Gulf GCC 20th Squash Championship 6th Match Racing International Qatar Squash Federation 16 April 2014 21 April 2014 Gulf Qatar Sailing Federation 9 December 2014 13 December 2014 International (Open & Juniors U 17) Regatta Qatar Paralympic Qatar Olympic Special Needs Sport Festival 17 April 2014 17 April 2014 Local International Olympic D0ay 11 December 2014 11 December 2014 Local Federation Committee Qatar Basketball Qatar Basketball H H the Emir’s Basketball Cup Final 25 April 2014 25 April 2014 Local 2nd FIBA 3X3 All Stars (2/3) 12 December 2014 12 December 2014 International Federation Federation Qatar Football GCC Snooker & Billiard Qatar Billiard &. Snooker Qatar Cup Football Final 26 April 2014 26 April 2014 Local 13 December 2014 21 December 2014 Gulf Association Championship Federation Qatar Volleyball Qatar Association of Qatar Cup Volleyball Final 2 May 2014 2 May 2014 Local GCC Marathon Relay - Athletics 14 December 2014 14 December 2014 Gulf Federation Athletics Federation Qatar Associtation of Tour of Al Zubarah - cycling Qatar Cycling Federation 17 December 2014 20 December 2014 International Diamond League for Athletics 9 May 2014 9 May 2014 International Athletics Federation 7th Qatar International Handball Qatar Handball 17 December 2014 21 December 2014 International 3rd Qatar International Karate Tournament for Men Federation Qatar Karate Federation 10 May 2014 11 May 2014 International championship Qatar International Show Jumping Qatar Equestrian 19 December 2014 22 December 2014 International 34th GCC Club Championship for Qatar Basketball First Championships-Equestrian Federation 11 May 2014 19 May 2014 Gulf Basketball Federation Qatar Asian Junior for Tennis Qatar Tennis Federation 22 December 2014 26 December 2014 Asia Qatar Olympic Excellence Athletic Day 13 May 2014 13 May 2014 Local 2nd Qatar Optimist Cup for Sailing Qatar Sailing Federation 27 December 2014 2 January 2015 International Committee Rayyan International Show Jumping Qatar Equestrian Qatar Football 27 December 2014 29 December 2014 International H H the Emir's Football Cup Final 16 May 2014 17 May 2014 Local Championships-Equestrian Federation Association Qatar Weightlifting Qatar Football 2nd Weightlifting Qatar Cup 28 December 2014 31 December 2014 International Arab youth U20 Cup for football 1 June 2014 13 June 2014 Asia Federation Association 17th Asian Youth + 21st Asian Junior Qatar Weightlifting Qatar Handball 1 January 2015 8 January 2015 Asia Qatar Cup Handball Final 5 June 2014 5 June 2014 Local Championships for Weightlifting Federation Federation Qatar ExxonMobil Open (ATP) Qatar Tennis Federation 5 January 2015 10 January 2015 International 6th Qatar International Swimming Qatar Swimming 5 June 2014 7 June 2014 International 29th The WAGR - Qatar Open Championship Association Qatar Golf Association 8 January 2015 10 January 2015 International Amateur Golf Championship 3rd Qatar International Handball Qatar Handball 10 June 2014 14 June 2014 International 24th Men’s Handball World Qatar Handball Tournament for Men's Youth Federation 15 January 2015 1 February 2015 International Championship Federation Qatar Volleyball H H the Emir's Volleyball Cup Final 16 June 2014 16 June 2014 Local 18th Commercial Bank Qatar Federation Qatar Golf Association 21 January 2015 24 January 2015 International Masters for Golf (1/3) 5th World 9 ball Championship for Qatar Biliard &. Snooker 16 June 2014 27 June 2014 International Qatar Basketball Biliard (1/4) Federation 1st International Mini Basket Festival 1 February 2015 5 February 2015 International Federation Qatar Handball H H the Emir's Handball Cup Final 26 June 2014 26 June 2014 Local Federation 7th Ladies Tour Of Qatar - Cycling Qatar Cycling Federation 3 February 2015 6 February 2015 International 23rd Sail The Gulf Regatta Qatar Sailing Federation 3 February 2015 7 February 2015 International Qatar Football AFC U22 Championship Qualifiers 15 July 2014 31 July 2014 Asia Association 14th Mens Tour Of Qatar - Cycling Qatar Cycling Federation 8 February 2015 13 February 2015 International (4/5) 5th Qatar International Handball Qatar Handball 1 August 2014 6 August 2014 International Tournament for Men's Junior Federation Qatar Total Open (WTA) Qatar Tennis Federation 10 February 2015 16 February 2015 International 1st Qatar International U18 Qatar Basketball National Sports Day State institutions 10 February 2015 10 February 2015 Local 2 August 2014 6 August 2014 International Championship for basketball Federation Qatar Football GCC U14 Football Festival 14 February 2015 15 February 2015 Gulf GCC Juniors Championship for Qatar Football Association 10 August 2014 19 August 2014 Gulf Football Association Group 2015 ITTF World Tour GAC Qatar Table Tennis 17 February 2015 22 February 2015 International Qatar Basketball Qatar Open (Super) Association 23rd FIBA Asia U18 Championship 20 August 2014 29 August 2014 Asia Federation Qatar Table Tennis Junior Circuit Doha Open ITTF 17 February 2015 22 February 2015 International Qatar Football Association GCC U23 Championship for Football 26 August 2014 5 September 2014 Gulf Association 12th Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Gulf Qatar Gymnastics 20 February 2015 25 February 2015 Gulf Qatar Swimming Championships Federation FINA Swimming World Cup (1/4) 27 August 2014 28 August 2014 International Association 8th Qatar International Ladies 5th Arab Bowling Championship for Endurance Ride 80km FEI Endurance Committee 20 February 2015 20 February 2015 International Qatar Bowling Federation 1 September 2014 6 September 2014 Arab youth team and 1st for Girls team -Equestrian Qatar Handball 10th Qatar International Endurance 5th IHF Super Globe 2014 7 September 2014 12 September 2014 International Endurance Committee 21 February 2015 21 February 2015 International Federation Ride 120 km FE -Equestrian 1st Qatar Asian Junior Tournament Qatar Football Qatar Tennis Federation 24 February 2015 28 February 2015 Asia GCC Futsal Championship 24 September 2014 30 September 2014 Gulf U/14 for Tennis Association 16th H H Emir's Cup 2015 for 4th Sail Qatar Regatta Qatar Sailing Federation 1 October 2014 5 October 2014 International Qatar Bowling Federation 24 February 2015 2 March 2015 International Bowling Qatar Woman's Sport AFC-U16 Women's championship 6 October 2014 12 October 2014 Asia The 3rd International Women Qatar Woman's Sport Committee 26 February 2015 28 February 2015 International Handball Tournament Committee Qatar Olympic 2nd GCC Beach Game 20 October 2014 26 October 2014 Gulf 10th Qatar Junior Open Squash Committee Qatar Squash Federation 1 March 2015 5 March 2015 Asia Championship 2014 Asian Cricket Council Under - 16 2nd Qatar Asian Junior Tournament Qatar Cricket Association 20 October 2014 31 October 2014 Asia Qatar Tennis Federation 2 March 2015 6 March 2015 Asia Tournament U-14 for Tennis Qatar Football Arab Juniors U-17 Cup for football 20 October 2014 10 November 2014 Arab CHI Al Shaqab (Equestrian) Al Shaqab 2 March 2015 7 March 2015 International Association Qatar Shooting & Arab 26th Squash Championship Arab Archery Championship 4 March 2015 9 March 2015 Arab Qatar Squash Federation 27 October 2014 2 November 2014 Arab Archery Association (Juniors u13, u17 & Open) GCC Under 10 years forTennis Qatar Tennis Federation 5 March 2015 7 March 2015 Gulf Qatar FIVB Beach Volleyball Open Qatar Volleyball 3 November 2014 8 November 2013 International 10th Doha Junior Open Squash Tour Federation Qatar Squash Federation 6 March 2015 10 March 2015 Asia Championship 2014 Doha Goals Aspire Zone 3 November 2014 5 November 2014 Conferences World Schools Championship Tennis Qatar School Sport Qatar Shooting & 8 March 2015 15 March 2015 International Arab Shooting Championship 2014 8 November 2014 17 November 2014 Arab – Qatar 2015 Association Archery Associationn

Asian & Middle East Continental Qatar International Islamic Triathlon Qatar Olympic Qatar Sailing Federation 10 November 2014 15 November 2014 Asia 13 March 2015 13 March 2015 International Race Championship 2014 2015 Committee Global Champions Tour Final 2014 - Al Shaqab 13 November 2014 15 November 2014 International International Friendly Tournament Qatar Football Equestrian 15 March 2015 25 March 2015 International U-22 for Football Association Qatar PSA World Open 2014 Qatar Squash Federation 14 November 2014 21 November 2014 International 1st Qatar ITF Open Qatar Tennis Federation 16 March 2015 21 March 2015 International GCC Under 10,12 and 16 year for Qatar Tennis Federation 17 November 2014 23 November 2014 Gulf Tennis Qatar Olympic Final Schools Olympic Program - Committee – Qatar 19 March 2015 19 March 2015 Local 47th World Military Sailing Military Sports Girls 21 November 2014 30 November 2014 International School Sports Federation Championship Federation

Qatar Asian Championship for Tennis Qatar Tennis Federation 24 November 2014 29 November 2014 Asia Qatar Olympic Final Schools Olympic Program - Committee – Qatar 20 March 2015 20 March 2015 Local 14th Qatar Open Bowling Qatar Bowling Federation 26 November 2014 2 December 2014 International Boys School Sports Federation Qatar Swimming 3rd FINA World Aquatics Convention 29 November 2014 1 December 2014 Conferences Association 2nd Qatar ITF Open Qatar Tennis Federation 23 March 2015 27 March 2015 International 8th FIG ART Gymnastics World Qatar Gymnastics 1st Qatar Chess Master Open Qatar Chess Association 1 December 2014 9 December 2014 International 25 March 2015 27 March 2015 International Challenge Cup Federation 12th FINA World Swimming Qatar Swimming 3 December 2014 7 December 2014 International Championship (25m) Association The 2nd GCC women handball Qatar Woman's Sport 26 March 2015 1 April 2015 Gulf 11th Grand Prix Qatar (2014) and Tournament Committee Qatar Fencing World Cup Women Qatar (2014) - 5 December 2014 8 December 2014 International Federation Fencing Aspire for Sport Aspire Zone March March Conferences Thursday 27 March 2014 26 Jumadal I 1435 Volume 19 Number 5616 Sport Price: QR2

Nadal, Murray QOC releases advance in sports Miami calendar

Sport | 24 Sport | 26

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar grouped with Iran and UAE Champions Japan get Jordan and Iraq in Asian Cup 2015 in Australia SYDNEY: Hosts Australia Asian Cup 2015 Association general secretary Hara but I think in this group, everyone were handed a tricky opening Hiromi said. “We will do our best to can lose points against anyone, so round at the 2015 Asian Cup Draw play Australia in the final.” it’s open,” he said. “It’s important All teams in Group C are well finals when they were grouped Groups for the 2015 Asian Cup following the Iran, the top ranked Asian to have a good start and to create with twice former champions draw in Sydney on Wednesday: team in the FIFA rankings, will a good spirit because the quality balanced: QFA President South Korea, Oman and Kuwait Group A play a United Arab Emirates, of the teams are very close and in the draw at Sydney Opera Australia; South Korea; Oman; Kuwait Qatar and Bahrain in Group C maybe the spirit of the team can SYDNEY: Qatar Football House yesterday. with the talented young Emirati make the difference.” Association (QFA) President Sheikh Group B The Socceroos open the side looking likely to be their big- Australia progressing is the key Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al tournament against Kuwait in Uzbekistan; Saudi Arabia; China; North Korea gest rivals. to the success of the tournament Thani yesterday said all teams in Melbourne on January 9 and will Group C “Group C is quite balanced with and Oman coach Paul Le Guen, Group C of the 2015 Asian Cup are hope to be still in the reckon- Iran; UAE; Qatar; Bahrain three Arabic countries, neigh- whose team embarrassed the ‘well balanced’. ing when the final takes place 23 Group D bours, the rivals, a lot of tension Socceroos in a 2-2 draw in Sydney Qatar, hosts of the 2011 Asian Cup, days later at Sydney’s Olympic Japan; Jordan; Iraq; Winners of 2014 AFC and emotion,” said Iran coach in World Cup qualifying last year, were drawn along side neighbouring Stadium. Although two teams Challenge Cup (TBC) Carlos Queiroz, whose contract said he thought the hosts were Bahrain, the UAE and Iran in Group C will qualify from Group A for the ends after this year’s World Cup. favourites. “They will host the of the 16-team event which will be held quarter-finals, the hosts could “It will tough but I think Iran competition, the crowd will be in Australia next January. “All teams have hoped for easier first round points that will put pressure on will have a good chance. We must behind them, so we will be out- are well balanced,” Sheikh Hamad told opposition than South Korea, who the other teams.” play the World Cup intensively as siders and they will be favourites Doha media which travelled with the they will play in their final group Champions Japan were drawn an Asian Cup preparation. And but we will try to bother them like QFA delegation to Sydney. match in Brisbane on January 17. in Group D with Jordan, who they if that happens, I think whoever we did a few months ago,” he said. “Asia’s top 16 teams will be vying for “You want to avoid them but lost against for the first time in comes after me has a good chance “I think it is the toughest group Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa the Asian Cup title and we have four are you going to avoid them the World Cup qualifying last year, to compete for a medal.” of the competition, it will be very bin Ahmed Al Thani of those best sides in our group,” he whole tournament? At some 2007 Asian Cup winners Iraq Uzbekistan face Saudi Arabia, difficult for us. We are a little bit added. “I won’t say it is a strong or a point you have to play a team,” and the champions of this year’s China and North Korea in Group unlucky but I keep smiling.” weak group. It is a well balanced group Australia coach Ange Postecoglou Asian Challenge Cup, which will be B and the French coach of the South Korea, like Japan, is my opinion,” he added. “I hope we achieve positive results,” the told reporters. “That first game decided in May. “We played against Chinese team, Alain Perrin, said Australia and Iran, will be playing QFA chief said. “We will be fully prepared for the event. We have against Kuwait in Melbourne both teams in the World Cup he thought all four teams would at the World Cup before the Asian to prepare thoroughly,” Sheikh Hamad said. becomes a real critical one. We qualifiers and both matches were fancy their chances of progressing. Cup and Brazil was still the focus “We will prepare step by step taking into considerations who we need to get off to a really strong tough, so I can expect it is going “I know Uzbekistan very well for their coach Hong Myung-bo. will play in friendlies and when we play them. We have the Gulf start and if we can get those three to be tough again,” Japan Football and they are a strong team to play REUTERS Cup in November and that should be of great use to us,” he said. Qatar have never won the Asian Cup title. Meanwhile, Qatar coach Djamel Belmadi feels all four sides in Group C of the 2015 Asian Cup are ‘strong and can play well.’ Belmadi, who was appointed Qatar coach less than two weeks ago, was speaking to media after Qatar were drawn along side Bahrain, the UAE and Iran in Group C of the 16-team event. “We know all teams are strong,” Belmadi said. “We can’t choose one over the other. We will try our best to produce good results,” Belmadi said. “We know Iran have qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil,” Belmadi said. “Bahrain and the UAE are also one of the better sides in our region. We will be working to schedule as we prepare for a busy football season,” he added. “We need to prepare like never before. We have the Gulf Cup in November which means we will be playing two top international events in three months. We will prepare a strong squad,” Belmadi said. “I know the players are confident and when we approach January, we will be ready,” Belmadi said. “And yes, we will be ready for Gulf Cup as well. These are our next two targets,” the new coach said. Belmadi, who guided QSL side Lekhwiya to two back-to- back titles in 2011 and 2012, was the AFC General Secretary Alex Soosay displays Qatar’s draw in group C during the draw of the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 in Sydney yesterday. coach of the Qatar A side that won Hosts Australia will play Kuwait in the opening game of the 2015 Asian Cup. RIGHT: Australia’s former player Brett Emerton carries the Asian Cup the WAFF Championship in January trophy for a ceremony at the Sydney’s iconic Opera House. this year. THE PENINSULA Qatar coach Djamel Belmadi Vettel, Franklin bag Laureus awards

KUALA LUMPUR: Formula “At this difficult time we draw with you along with the thoughts One world champion Sebastian strength from individual stories and prayers of billions of people Vettel and swim star Missy of perseverance, of generosity, of around the world,” said Franklin, Franklin were named Laureus endurance. The nominees here who won a record six golds at last sportsman and woman of the tonight display those values,” year’s world championships. year yesterday in a ceremony in Najib told the audience in the Spain’s Nadal won comeback of Malaysia that was tinged with Malaysian capital. the year for his amazing recovery tragedy over the MH370 plane Vettel, F1’s youngest four-time from a career-threatening knee disaster. world champion and in Kuala injury when he won the French Germany’s treble-winners Lumpur for this week’s Malaysian Open and US Open and returned Bayern Munich beat out rugby’s Grand Prix, won sportsman of to world number one. All Blacks for team of 2013 and 2013 ahead of Usain Bolt, LeBron “Everyone knew how tough Rafael Nadal won comeback of James, Nadal, Cristiano Ronaldo last year was with my injury. I the year at the glamorous awards and Mo Farah. thought I would never have the show in downtown Kuala Lumpur. “If I’ve learned anything chance to come back,” said Nadal, The ceremony, packed with tonight, surely it’s the fact that who picked up the third Laureus some of the greats of world sport, sport can be a very, very big inspi- award of his career. was preceded by a moment’s ration,” an emotional Vettel said. Afghanistan’s cricket team silence for the 239 people killed “I’ve come here and seen many were honoured with a spirit of when flight MH370 crashed in the heroes of mine... this (award) is sport award for their feat in ris- Indian Ocean in still unexplained very inspirational, very special.” ing from refugee camps and long- circumstances. Franklin, 18, beat tennis great running conflict to qualify for the Malaysian Prime Minister Serena Williams and Russian pole 2015 World Cup. Najib Razak, who just two days vault queen Yelena Isinbayeva, Spanish MotoGP rider Marc earlier announced the fate of among others, to the women’s Marquez won breakthrough of the missing Malaysia Airlines award and afterwards she offered the year for becoming his sport’s German Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel (left) and US swimmer Missy Franklin pose with their Laureus plane and passengers, said “our her condolences for the plane youngest ever world champion at World Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards during the 2014 Laureus Sports Awards ceremony thoughts and our prayers” were crash. “It’s a horrific tragedy. the age of 20 years and 266 days. in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. with the victims. My thoughts and prayers are AFP