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Palestinian Children’s Day Talks deadlock Moldova mulls due to ‘intensive’ US role: Livni visa waiver JERUSALEM: Israel’s chief negotiator called yesterday for direct talks with the Palestinians, as attempts continue to prevent the collapse of peace negotiations. for Qataris Tzipi Livni’s remarks came on the eve of a three-way meeting with her Palestinian counter- part Saeb Erakat and US envoy Qatar first Arab nation to open mission Martin Indyk, officials said. Livni told Channel 2 TV that the BY JABER AL HARAMI in Moldova and disclosed plans to “intensive” US involvement in the launch direct flights between Doha talks might have got in between DOHA: Moldova, a former and the Moldovan capital Chisinau. the actual sides in conflict. The Soviet republic bordered by The Moldovan embassy in Qatar is Americans should remain involved Ukraine and Romania, is con- considered the first of its kind in but “as those who help negotiations sidering a visa waiver for Qatari Arab region, he said. and bilateral talks, rather than as citizens visiting the country to He said Qatar is playing a very their replacement,” she said. attract more investments from important role in regional and Livni said the release of prison- here, Moldovan Prime Minister international levels. “Moldova is ers was delayed only because of the Lurie Leanca has said. a small country so it might not Palestinian demand that the prison- He hoped that the Russia- compete with other European ers to be freed include Arab Israelis. Ukraine conflict over Crimea countries. But in cooperation with That, she told Channel 2, would would die down soon and it would Qatar we would be able to attract Palestinian children flash the V sign and hold national flags during a demonstration demanding the lifting necessitate a new framework. AFP not lead to separation of the Trans- investments to manufacture sev- of the Israeli blockade on Gaza Strip and marking the Palestinian Children’s Day, in Gaza City, yesterday. See also page 6 Dniester region from Moldova. eral products for the Qatari market “We are studying from our side and re-export them to other GCC the possibility of removing entry and Arab countries,” said Leanca. visa to Moldova for Qatari citizens Asked what is the guarantee for to boost relations and attract invest- investors due the tension in the ment because we need investments region after the Russia-Ukraine from the Qatari government as conflict, he said: “There is ten- New rehabilitation centre for addicts well as Qatari investors,” Leanca sion in the region but I believe it said in an interview with Al Sharq is temporary and it will be solved DOHA: The Supreme Council held for health care professionals beds for inpatients and a sepa- will be followed at the TRC, in Moldova recently. Moldova pos- very soon. There are investments of Health (SCH) is all set to about TRC. rate clinic for out-patients. It will with international standards. sesses about two million hectares of still coming to Moldova. Soon I open a new centre this month to Although comprehensive sta- have a staff of nearly 100 doctors, The centre will keep privacy highly fertile arable land. When it will lay the foundation stone for help people with addiction prob- tistics on drug addiction in Qatar nurses and social workers. and confidentiality of patients. was part of the Soviet Union, it was a joint project by Germany and lems, said an official yesterday. are not available, officials say that Although patients will be Therefore anyone who has an providing food to about 300 million Austria on assembling and manu- The Treatment and the magnitude of the problem is referred to TRC by primary addiction problem can approach people in Russia. facturing car spare parts and this Rehabilitation Centre (TRC) “similar to other countries in the health centres, Hamad Medical without any stigma,” Dr Al Agib Qatar can invest in Moldova to investment will provide 3,000 job will provide education, prevention region”. The victims are often Corporation (HMC) and social said. “Treatment time can vary produce high quality food, due to opportunities in Moldova.” and rehabilitation for substance addicted to alcohol, cannabis, workers, people with addiction depending on nature of the addic- the availability of fertile lands and He said the Moldovan law is addicts, said Dr Ahmed Omar captagon and sweika (chewable problem can go to the centre tion,” he added. cheaper workforce, said Leanca. based on the European Union rules Ahmed Al Agib, senior consult- tobacco). Addicts seeking help in directly. Dr Al Agib also explained that “We have attractive tourism spots to protect investment and is being ant psychiatrist at the TRC. Qatar included youth as young as Drug addiction treatment is social stigma is a huge obstacle but not enough investments. amended time to time to protect The new facility is set to open 18 to adults aged over 60, Dr Al based on a biological, psycho- which prevents many substance Qatar can invest in tourism sec- the investors fully. “We have dis- by the end of the month near the Agib said. social and spiritual programme, addicts from seeking medical tor in Moldova. With a strong cussed removing double taxation Racing and Equestrian Club in Al “We don’t know the size of the with a residential programme. assistance. Many addicts are pres- economy and advanced banking between Qatar and Moldova and Rayyan. It will function closely problem, therefore a survey will This includes detoxification and ently treated at HMC’s Psychiatry system, Qatar can as well invest special privileges to Qatari inves- with primary health centres, start soon to identify the reasons, psycho-social therapy, after which Department, Arshidni Centre as in the banking sector in Moldova.” tors,” said the Prime Minister. which can help identify people nature and prevalence of addic- patients are sent to the after-care well as the Social Rehabilitation He appreciated Qatar for being THE PENINSULA who are addicted to drugs, said Dr tion,” he said. programme. Centre (SRC). first Arab country to open embassy Continued on page 5 Al Agib on sidelines of a workshop TRC will initially open with 28 “A comprehensive programme THE PENINSULA

Iran nuclear deal to be 7m Afghans cast votes KABUL: In anxious preparation million Afghans cast votes, said election for a historic presidential election, organisers, nearly two and a half million drafted in May Afghanistan fortified its cities against more than the last presidential poll, and WASHINGTON: World pow- attack, primed observers to detect about 60 percent of all eligible voters. ers and Iran will start drafting fraud ... then was blind-sided by a prob- Even if results are declared clean, a final nuclear agreement next lem no one had even dared to imagine they will only be final if one candidate month, a US official said in a — unprecedented voter enthusiasm. gets more than 50 percent of the vote. surprisingly optimistic assess- Defying Taliban threats and the more Anything lower triggers a second round ment that expressed hope that mundane challenge of rainy weather, runoff, and with strong competition a comprehensive pact could be Afghans flocked to the polls in such high between the top three candidates another reached in July. numbers that ballots were running out in polling day seems more likely than not. Negotiators were to meet again some places by midday. Still, Afghans celebrated their extraor- next week in Vienna. The sides Afghans are choosing a successor to dinary success in holding a day of voting. were making progress in talks, President Hamid Karzai after 12 years, “Huge, huge day for Afghanistan. A his- said the official. More than a and if the handover is smooth it will be toric event ends peacefully with millions decade of deadlocked diplomacy the first peaceful, democratic transfer of casting their votes,” said Saad Mohseni, ended last year with an interim power their country has ever seen. the businessman owner of Tolo TV. “A agreement providing Iran limited “Today is a vital day for us, the people massive victory for our people, and a mas- easing of international sanctions of Afghanistan, that will determine our sive kick in the face for the Taliban.” for strict limits on its uranium A woman casts her ballot at a polling station in Mazar-i-Sharif yesterday. future,” Karzai said after casting his ballot THE GUARDIAN enrichment and potential pluto- and urged other voters to come out. Seven See also page 14 nium production. The Obama administration and the United Nations say Iran has honoured the six-month agree- ment thus far. It expires in July and may be extended by another six months. The US official said Chinese ship hunting for Malaysian jet detects ‘ping’ the goal remains to seal a final pact before July 20, without the need for KUALA LUMPUR/PERTH: linking the “ping” to Flight spotted a number of white floating consistent with the aircraft black had launched a formal investiga- a six-month extension. The official A Chinese patrol ship hunting MH370, which went missing on objects in the search area. box,” Retired Air Chief Marshal tion into the plane’s disappearance said much of the work remaining for a missing Malaysia Airlines March 8 with 239 people aboard Dozens of ships and planes from Angus Houston, head of the that would include experts from was technical in nature, but noted jetliner detected a pulse signal shortly after taking off from 26 countries are racing to find the Australian agency coordinating Australia, the United States, China, that nothing had yet been agreed. in the south Indian Ocean yes- Kuala Lumpur for Beijing. black box recorders before their the operation, said. “However, Britain and France. Normally, a Earlier this year, US President terday, the state news agency A black box detector deployed batteries run out. Up to 10 mili- there is no confirmation at this formal air safety investigation is Barack Obama put the chances of a Xinhua reported, in a possible by the vessel Haixun 01 picked up tary planes, three civilian jets and stage that the signals and the not launched until wreckage is successful final agreement at 50-50 indicator of the underwater bea- the “ping” signal with a frequency 11 ships are scouring a 217,000-sq- objects are related to the missing found. But there have been con- or less. He has said diplomacy with con from a plane’s “black box”. of 37.5kHz per second - the same km patch of desolate ocean some aircraft,” he said. cerns that Malaysia’s informal Iran must be tested because the Australian search authori- as emitted by flight recorders - at 1,700km northwest of Perth, near Dozens of flights by a multina- investigations to date have lacked alternative of possible military ties said such a signal would be about 25 degrees south latitude where investigators believe the tional task-force have failed to the legal standing of an official intervention by the US or any “consistent” with a black box, but and 101 degrees east longitude, Boeing went down. turn up any trace of the plane in inquiry convened under UN rules. other country is far less desirable. both they and Xinhua stressed Xinhua said. Xinhua also reported “The characteristics reported the past four weeks. REUTERS AP there was no conclusive evidence that a Chinese air force plane had (by the Chinese vessel) are Meanwhile, Malaysia said it See also page 12 SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME British envoy launches shopping fest at Ezdan Wide range of UK products at ‘ Shopping is Great’

DOHA: Aiming at promoting would support British goods, as British Week through the British Qatar-UK bilateral economic well as cultural events that reflect brands and trademarks that are ties, British Ambassador to the rapprochement between the available in the Mall, and that Qatar Nicholas Hopton invited two peoples, the Qatari and the includes a selection of the best people to visit the ongoing British. He further explained that choices, which entered the Qatari ‘Shopping Festival’ at Ezdan such bilateral relation has been market for the first time. Mall to enjoy shopping expe- translated in terms of ‘Qatar UK “We are proud of the partici- rience at the festival, which 2013’ initiative that aims to forge pation of the British embassy include some of the leading new partnerships between Qatar and we call on the rest of the British brands, said a press and the United Kingdom in the embassies in Qatar to organise statement yesterday. fields of art, culture, education, such events, aiming at bringing The ambassador, along with his sport and science, while promot- together cultures of the peoples.” wife, participated in the inaugura- ing an awareness and apprecia- Deputy CEO of Ezdan Holding tion ceremony of the shopping fes- tion of each country’s culture, Group Nasser Mohammed Al tival under the slogan “Shopping achievements and heritage. Abdullah pointed out that Ezdan is Great” on Tuesday. The festival Malik Qaiser Awan, General Holding Group is constantly keen aims at celebrating the most famous Manager of Ezdan Mall took the to support its subsidiaries to take British brands available at the mall, British ambassador and his wife part in initiatives that would such as Laura Ashley, Clarks and on a tour along the mall’s stores, encourage communication between Neal’s, M&Co and WHSmith. during which they were able to Qatari people and other nations. “I am proud to be present at know about the mall and the wide According to the statement, the inauguration of the British range of distinct services it offers Ezdan Mall has managed to Shopping Festival at Ezdan to its visitors, the fact that ena- attract about 70 new brands to Mall, which enjoys a wide range bles it to be classified among the enter the Qatari market for the of famous British brands, and I distinguished malls of the country. first time out of the 140 stores invite everyone to visit it to enjoy A number of famous brands at within the mall. Ezdan Mall is such products, as well as the shop- the mall have announced special regarded as not only a distin- ping experience at the mall,” said offers throughout the festival guished shopping center, but also Hopton. period which will last until April a perfect attraction for families Hopton added that he is keen 8. and relaxation outlet. FROM LEFT: Nicholas Hopton, his wife, and Malik Qaiser Awan cutting a cake to mark the opening of the ‘Shopping to participate in all events that Awan said: “We celebrate the THE PENINSULA is Great’ festival at Ezdan Mall.

Two new officials Barwa Bank awards winners in management competition appointed at SEC DOHA: Barwa Bank, one of Global Management Challenge, recently was Khalid Al Subeai, proud of those who represented Challenge consists of a strategy DOHA: The Minister of Qatar’s leading Shariah com- the largest strategy and man- Acting CEO of Barwa Bank Group Barwa Bank in this competition. and management simulation com- Education and Higher Education pliant banking service pro- agement simulation competition and representatives from the They shone as CEO’s of their vir- petition in which each team runs and Secretary-General of the vider, awarded participating in the world, said a statement Adnar Group, the official organ- tual companies and saw through a virtual company, with the objec- Supreme Education Counci teams from the bank for scor- yesterday. isers of the Global Management this highly competitive competi- tive of finishing with the highest (SEC) H E Dr Mohammed ing the “Highest Share Price” in Attending the event, held Challenge. tion with flying colours.” company share price on the simu- Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi Qatar’s inaugural edition of the at Barwa Bank headquarters Al Subeai said: “I am very The Global Management lated stock exchange. has issued Decision No. 6 of Representing Barwa Bank 2014 appointing Khalid Abdulla Group in the national competition Qassim Al Harqan as Director was Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Amadi, of the Evaluation Institute, and Abdulla Al Fadli, Abdulaziz Ishaq, Fawzia Abdul Aziz Al Khater Abdulla Al Madeed, Mohamed as Director of the Education Hamaq, Fawziya Al Abdulla, Institute. Abdulrahman Fahad Al Thani, Yousef Al Khulaifi, Abdulrahman Al Hammadi and Talal Khaja. ICBF to conduct In the competition each team managed a fictitious company essay contest with the objective of getting the highest company invest- DOHA: Indian Community ment performance in the simu- Benevolent Forum (ICBF) has lated stock exchange. They took announced an essay competi- decisions in the areas of mar- tion for students at Indian keting, sales, human and finan- schools in Qatar. cial resources and production, Set to be held as an annual just like what happens in real event, the essay competition life, simulating a real business will be held to honour late M.V. environment. Abdul Kader, popularly known The Global Management as “Hajika”, an Indian expatriate Challenge is the world’s largest social worker. strategic and management com- The competition will be held on petition based on simulation. This April 19 at MES Indian School. futuristic talent development pro- 250 students from eight Indian gram is the cutting edge Training schools are expected to take part and Talent development tool in the competition. It will be held today, more than 500,000 manag- in senior and junior categories. ers and university students from Teachers from eight schools will over 40 countries participated in be evaluating the essays, two win- it so far throughout the world. ners will be selected in each cate- The participants came from all gory. They will be presented with walks of life; senior and middle trophies by Indian Ambassador managers, managers to be and Sanjiv Arora. It will be followed students. by a cultural programme. The winners with officials during the awards ceremony. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA/QNA Ooredoo launches prepaid monthly bundles for business customers

DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday Sultan Al Kuwari, Director in Qatar required a greater degree announced the launch of Hala Community and Public Relations, of flexibility in the communication Smart Packs for Business, the Ooredoo Qatar. support provided for employees. first prepaid monthly bundles At the entry level, Hala Smart The prepaid packs are valid for in Qatar for business custom- 35 offers 120 local minutes/SMS 30 days, and renewed automati- ers, as part of their ongoing and 250MB data for QR35/ cally every month. #OoredooSmart campaign. month, while Hala Smart 55 pro- Business Customers will be The new prepaid packs have vides 200 local minutes/SMS, as able to register their employees been designed for employers look- well as 250MB data for QR55/ through their corporate accounts ing to provide more economic and month. with Ooredoo, and will be billed flexible options for their staff’s For executives, Hala Smart for the monthly rental fees on mobile plans, delivering incredible 100 offers 450 local minutes/ their monthly business bill. Any value as well as a host of business- SMS, 45 international min- usage after consumption of the friendly features. utes/ SMS, and 1GB of data packs will be deducted from the Hala Smart Packs are priced for QR100/ month, while Hala main balance of the Hala user. from QR35 to QR150 per month, Smart 150 gives customers 800 Research suggests that the and offer a complete range of local minutes/ SMS, 80 interna- monthly prepaid model is a better business services to keep business tional minutes/ SMS, and 1GB fit for some businesses, enabling people connected. data for QR150/month. to manage communication costs “Ooredoo is the leading part- The new smart packs were more effectively, at the same time ner for companies in Qatar, and developed based on research in as ensuring that employees are we are continuing to innovate to the Qatari market, which sug- always connected. ensure that we are offering all the gested that more companies Customers wishing to sign up communication and data serv- are looking to provide employ- for the new Hala Smart Business ices our customers need. Today’s ees with local calls and access Packs can do so by visiting their launch of Hala Smart Packs for to the Internet via their mobile nearest Ooredoo Business Centre Business demonstrates once phone, but wanted more options or calling the business support again that businesses work bet- to reduce costs. helpline on 8008000. ter with Ooredoo,” said Fatima In particular, small businesses THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Al Nasser, Pope discuss dialogue among religions

THE VATICAN: Visiting UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilisations Nassir bin Abdulaziz Al Nasser met Pope Francis. They discussed issues related to dialogue among cultures and religions and the role played by the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations in promoting under- standing between cultures as well as brokerage of soft power diplo- macy to resolve ethnic, religious or cultural conflicts. The overall situation in the Middle East, particularly the humanitarian situation in Syria, the Palestinian issue and the Ukrainian crisis, in addition to a number of international humanitarian issues of common interest were also dis- cussed during the meeting. Al Nasser explained the role www.swiss-belhotel.com played by the alliance through Tel various programmes and activi- ties in order to promote dialogue Fax between religions and respect for cultural diversity and religious tolerance as essential elements for enhancing international peace Tel and security. The United Nations Nassir bin Abdulaziz Al Nasser (right) with Pope Francis in Vatican. Fax Alliance of Civilisations is in a position to play an important Nasser added. Al Nasser also met with Vatican The visit is the second by Al Nasser to the role in promoting inter-religious Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and senior Vatican, the first visit was in June 2012, as dialogue through communication officials to discuss cooperation between the alli- president of the UN General Assembly where with religious leaders and non- ance and the Vatican in the field of culture and he met with Pope Benedict XVI. Tel governmental organisations, Al sports and inter-religious dialogue. QNA Fax

Tollfree Aljazeera documentary film Fax Tel festival postponed to October Fax Tel Sheraton Doha’s closure cited as reason; entries from over 100 countries Fax

DOHA: The 10th Aljazeera International said Aranaout. The opening and closing cer- long, short, and medium. Documentary Film Festival which was emonies of the festival will seek folkloric Aljazeera festival awards are as follows: Tel scheduled to begin on April 17 has been band shows. Some of the winning films Aljazeera Golden Award for the best win- Fax postponed to October 23, due to the clo- from previous festivals will be showed. Film ning film from the three categories (long, sure of Sheraton Doha for renovation, the directors have been invited to hold post-film short, and medium); and the Jury Award www.doha.hilton.com organisers said yesterday. discussions with viewers and answer their for the best long, medium, and short films. Abbas Aranaout, Director of the Festival queries. There are three special awards sponsored Tel +974 44233333 said that the change in the dates will not The main seminar will be held in col- by Aljazeera satellite channel for the best affect the quality of the event which is laboration with the Ministry of Culture, three films discussing a certain topic for that Fax +974 44233000 planned to be held on a larger scale this Arts and Heritage about the importance of year. Public Liberties and Human Rights year to mark its 10th anniversary. Arabic language and the role it has in the Award is for the best three films discussing He said the organisers were in the process intellectual, cultural, and human innova- liberties and human rights and sponsored of launching the 10th edition on April 17, and tion. In addition, there will be a series of by the Public Liberties and Human Rights “were taken aback” by the closure of the seminars discussing important subjects in Administration at Aljazeera. hotel “because finding an alternative venue the realm of documentary films, as well as The Child and Family Award comprises in such a short notice was not possible.” an exhibition for satellite and news chan- three awards that are presented to the best The motto of the 10th anniversary is nels and Arab and international production three films discussing the children and “Steps” which represents the first step firms. family issues and sponsored by Aljazeera taken when the first edition was launched The films represent all age groups with Children Channel. Tel in 2005. Now the step turned into steps a high presence of youth. There is a huge As for the “Promising Films Award”; Fax and the motto is inspired by the proverb demand on the New Horizon competition, three awards will be given for the best “a journey of thousand miles begins with a which is dedicated to films produced by three films produced by students of Qatari single step”. amateur or debutante directors. There will universities and it is sponsored by Qatar “The steps don’t come to an end, what be more long films compared to medium or Foundation. New Horizon Award comprises we’ve walked is not the end point. Rather, short films. two awards for the best two films produced Tel they were just steps that will be followed by The festival organisers have already by students and beginners. Fax many others,” the festival director added. increased the number of awards to eight. A third award has been added this year “We can announce the number of partici- Best Camerawork and Best Direction are and sponsored by Aljazeera Training and pating films has exceeded all expectations. the two newly introduced awards. Each Development Centre. We received films from over 100 countries,” award will be divided into three categories: THE PENINSULA Tel Fax

Qatari designer Tel launches Abay Fax collection in US Tel DOHA: Young Qatari designer Fax Khadeja Al Buhaliqa launched her new Abaya and fashion collection recently in the his- torical League Union club in Tel Manhattan, New York, during Fax the UN sponsored International Maritage Foundation exhibition. The International Maritage Foundation is an institution that tackles poverty by creating work and training opportunities for female artisans in develop- ing countries to support them in developing their skills. Tel The exhibition titled Fax ‘International Creativity without Borders’ saw wide participation of fashion lovers,representatives from the UN, as well as members Tel Models during the launch of the collection. of the diplomatic and academic Fax communities from around the world. Qatari designer Khadeja bring together different civi- very important to me, and after from all over the world as well Al Buhaliqa presented her fashion lisations and cultures from becoming the official represent- as showcasing paintings and www.renaissancedoha.com line under the title ‘Old is Gold’, around the world. The world ative of the State of Qatar at the accessories for sale, where all which aimed to provide a blend of fashion is a beautiful realm United Nations’ International the proceeds went to charita- Tel +974 44195000 between Qatari and Western that vividly represents the cul- Maritage Foundation, I ambi- ble organizations that oper- Fax +974 44195100 fashion that connects the past to ture and history of any com- tiously aspire to organise a high ate under the United Nations. the present. munity, and each country has level exhibition in my country It is worth mentioning that Khadeja Al Buhaliqa said, “I the right to be proud of the to support my heritage and that Khadeja Al Buhaliqa was the am delighted and honoured to be impact of its heritage and vari- of other communities around only designer from an Arab the first Qatari and Arab taking ous costumes in our modern the world.” country to participate in the part in this exhibition to support times.” The exhibition displayed the exhibition. women across several sectors to She added: “This event is collections of several designers THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Rehabilitation of kids with Down Syndrome urged CDC offers early intervention programme

DOHA: The Rumailah seeks to raise awareness of Down Hospital’s (RH) Child Syndrome with the CDC event Development Centre (CDC) promoting interaction between sees an average of 190 children children, families and healthcare with Down Syndrome, who are providers in an informal setting aged between 0-14 years. through the combined efforts The CDC offers an early inter- of the Occupational Therapy vention programme that includes Department, Early Intervention parent-to-parent counselling, Section, Special Education family and group therapy, in Section, Patient and Visitor addition to occupational therapy, Service Center and the Dental speech therapy, special education Department at RH. and physiotherapy services. Dr El Bashir said, “Like most According to Dr Haitham of our programmes, this event El Bashir, head of Children was built around the idea of fam- Rehabilitation and Development ily-centred care, which not only Section, children with Down includes offering medical services, Syndrome may have a number of but also incorporates the social other health problems including and recreational aspect. congenital heart disease or abnor- “We held the event in our malities within their body organs premises because we wanted the and system. parents to see that this place is The organising team for the World Down Syndrome Day celebration at Child Development Centre. Many also have developmental not just a building where their delay reflected in their motor, lan- children come to seek rehabilita- utilised fine motor skills such as on how to produce toys with the Mustafa stated that: “Parents support his or her normal guage or cognitive development. tion, but to understand that we playing with play dough, making aid of raw materials easily found often look at the healthcare pro- development.” “It is vital that as soon as the look at the child as a whole and shapes and colouring; ‘Food as at home. fessionals through a restricted Down Syndrome, also known as diagnosis is made for such chil- that we are vested in strength- Fun’, where children prepared Intended to boost the relation- lens. They are often not very trisomy 21 is a genetic condition, dren, they are referred for reha- ening the talents and abilities of their snacks themselves; ‘Sensory ship between staff and parents of comfortable expressing their which occurs due to the presence bilitation to avoid any delay in their child,” he added. Corner’, offering visual and audi- children with Down Syndrome, ideas, sharing their worries and of an extra chromosome. People their development,” he suggested. With the motto: ‘The Child tory stimulation to children in the event also included a light- troubles, but this particular cel- with the condition therefore have Over 80 children and families with Special Talents’, the event the form of music and dance; hearted skit that depicted a funny ebration has allowed us to break 47 chromosomes in their cells have attended the third annual saw a variety of enjoyable activi- ‘Assistive Technology’, showed scenario at the hospital, per- those barriers. Through such a instead of the usual 46. The cur- World Down Syndrome Day held ties designed to attract different parents the latest devices that formed by the Early Intervention celebration, parents are more rent incidence of Down Syndrome recently at Rumailah Hospital’s age groups with different abilities can help enhance their child’s team. willing to communicate with globally is one in 1000 births on CDC. at a number of stations, including learning; and ‘Home-made Toys’, RH’s Pediatric Rehabilitation us, so we can in turn learn more average. World Down Syndrome Day ‘Hands in Action’, where children where parents learned new ideas Assistant Director Fatima about their child and together THE PENINSULA

GRSIA, EQ launch Step initiative

DOHA: The General Education at EQ, stated that Dalal Alaqeedi, in-charge of Retirement and Social the inking of the memorandum Media and Director of GRSIA’s Insurance Authority (GRSIA), of understanding (MoU) with website, confirmed that the in cooperation with Enterprise GRSIA is an obvious evidence Authority, supported by its Qatar (EQ), has launched ‘Step’ of the EQ openness towards its higher leadership, strives to go initiative which aims at estab- economic and social community ahead with the implementation lishing effective partnership for in the State and for the benefit of of a package of partnership serv- training a number of retirees realizing the national goals stated ice programs in cooperation with and provide them with knowl- in Qatar Vision 2030. He appre- the relevant entities in the state, edge and skills necessary to ciated the prompt response and considering that the GRSIA is establish their own small and favorable spirit of cooperation the preoccupies and concerned with medium enterprises (SMEs). leaders of GRSIA have met ‘Step’ securing the best opportuni- Khalifa Al Khulaifi, the Director initiative with. ties for retirees to live humble of Retirement Department at the Al Mana’i, explained that EQ and dignified lives within the GRSIA, lauded EQ initiative to aims in launching ‘Step’ initiative community. cooperate with the Authority in at further promoting Qatari reti- “The social partnership is launching this initiative to pro- rees’ standard of living, provid- considered as a key element for vide the retirees with the neces- ing them with additional revenues achieving sustainable development sary training and qualification to mitigate the burden of living and essential pathway for securing to enable them build their own expenses and secure appropriate a package of services for the reti- businesses. opportunities to establish suc- rees in the State,” said Alaqeedi. Khalifa Al Khulaifi (left) and Ibramim Al Mana’i exchange documents at the signing ceremony yesterday. Ibramim Al Mana’i, the cessful commercial business. “Whenever this partnership is (SALIM MATRAMKOT) Director of Development and “We shall strive to provide the consolidated the society reaps retirees, who seek self- its positive outcomes through substantiation and the awareness of the community. catch up the world Hence, the application and favour- of small and medium able outcomes of all the plans and businesses, with the strategies depend on the standard relevant information of such social partnership and its and experience,” said outcomes,” she said. Al Mana’i. THE PENINSULA Ebola under control globally: SCH official

DOHA: The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) has allayed public fears about the Ebola virus disease (EVD) saying the epidemic is under control globally and so for no case has been detected out of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leon. The health authorities are in close contact with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) at World Health Organisation (WHO) to get the latest development about the Ebola epidemic, said the daily quoting an official source at SCH. So far the WHO has not issued any instructions on travel or trade ban with the countries where Ebola virus outbreak was reported, said the source. The risk of Ebola virus infection to the passengers is very low because mostly cases of human infection is caused by direct contact with the patients through body fluids. There is no cause for concern and the national health care system is ready to deal with any emergency, said the source. THE PENINSULA Human Rights Committee official meets Norway’s envoy DOHA: Human Rights Committee Secretary- General Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah has met with Norway’s Ambassador to Qatar Sten Anders . Discussions during the meeting dealt with cooperation between the two sides and the mechanisms for exchanging expertise in the areas of human rights. QNA SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Sheikha Hessa Technological wins award for humanitarian work SHARJAH: The regional net- infrastructure work of social responsibility announced yesterday the win- ners of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) award for humanitarian work, in its 2014 vital for projects edition. Chairman of the regional net- work Professor Yousef Abdul Expert speaks at telecom conference Ghaffar said that the award was given to H E Sheikha DOHA: Developers are always quality, and very fast broadband Hessa bint Khalifa bin Ahmed looking to draw in tenants services. Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson of and the competitive edge is in A constant challenge for any Shafallah Centre for Children being able to deliver services service partner is to get broad- with Special Needs, and the UN that no other developers offer band connected to buildings and Special Rapporteur on Disability said Anthony Potgieter, ICT facilities. Because the Internet from Qatar, Prince Faisal bin Manager at QPM (Qatar Project and wireless connectivity are now Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, President Management) while speak- ubiquitous, it is essential to have of Saudi Red Crescent Authority, ing at Telecommunications the right infrastructure in place Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Regulatory Conference held to make this easy for the service Khalifa, Chairman of the Board recently. He has worked on providers. of Trustees of the Bahrain Royal varying project ICT mandates Technology has been progress- Charity Organisation, Sheikha in Qatar with clients including ing rapidly. In the past, when Jameela bint Mohammed Al Lusail’s pioneering Smart City people used dial up connections, Qasimi, Director General of the concept, the Internal Security something as simple as down- A view of the Qatari Embassy in Moldova. BELOW: Jaber Al Harami interviewing Moldovan Prime Minister Lurie Leanca. Sharjah City for Humanitarian Force Duhail Camp Project, loading emails would take a few Services, Dr Abdul Mohsen Al Barwa City, Barwa Commercial minutes. Today, people want eve- Moldova does not Jarallah Al Kharafi, Secretary- Avenue, and more. rything at the touch of a button General of Kuwait’s General He said there are many chal- and they want the fastest solution recognise Crimea Secretariat of Awqaf, Sheikh lenges and opportunities to be possible, said Potgieter. Mohammed bin Said bin Saif Al addressed and explored from So to adapt to shifts in tech- referendum Kalbani, Chairman of the Main the service provider’s and the nology, companies such as QPM Committee for Sultan Qaboos developer’s perspectives, and as work with project principals to Prize for Voluntary Work in technology and services evolve deploy the most advanced infra- Continued from page 1 Oman. Sheikha Fariha Ahmed which are customer and end user structure possible. The chal- On the Russian-Ukraine con- Al Jaber Al Sabah, President driven. lenge is that systems are being flict after Crimea joining Russia, of the Kuwait Association for One of our responsibilities upgraded all the time. This he said, “What happened in this The Ideal Family, won the GCC as developers is to deliver good including evolutions in cabling region has caused concern, not award for leading humanitarian infrastructure to complete good technology which has advanced only in the neighbouring coun- organisation. projects, he said. Lusail City is a from Cat 5 cabling to Cat 6 and tries but also internationally. We good example of how good plan- Cat 6E cables in a short period. are more concerned because we Minister honours ning is essential to developing New front-end systems are also are neighbouring to Ukraine functional systems infrastruc- coming into the picture. and what Russia has done in Youth Salon artists ture. The size and scope of the As project managers and Crimea is a violation of the DOHA: The Minister of project brings with it the impor- developers are always looking to international agreements and an on the other side,” he added. of Moldova. Russian Foreign Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr tant challenge of delivering tel- upgrade their systems, Potgieter interference in the sovereignty “We have relations with Nato Minister himself had said that Hamad Abdulaziz Al Kuwari ecoms infrastructure that is both said you can see situations where of a country.” and share borders with Ukraine the issue should be solved within honoured yesterday Arab and all-encompassing and intuitive, even within the same developer’s He said Moldova does not rec- and Romania. We are trying Moldova.” Qatari artists who participated across the breadth of the project. purview, buildings and projects ognise the referendum in Crimea. hard to reduce the tension in this He added that a possible solu- in the first Arab Art Salon Due to the magnitude of these often become islands – isolated “We wish the tension will region.” tion to the issue is federal auton- for youth. The Salon held in projects, developers are responsi- from each other – and there be over in the region. We were On the issue of Trans-Dniester omy Trans-Dniester. Katara conducted a number ble for ensuring that tenants can is often a lack of consistency informed that Russia has started region of Moldova he said: “This He said within three weeks, of workshops that included 20 receive services from all service between projects. For new front- withdrawing its forces deployed problem is 23 years old since Moldovan citizens will be able artists from Iraq, Palestine, providers. In addition, other mas- end systems to work, the planned on the border. This is the first the independence of Moldova, to enter the European coun- Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, sive infrastructure projects like a infrastructure should be intuitive step to bring about a solution to but unfortunately we could not tries without a visa and In June Lebanon, Jordan and Qatar. Al subways, rail networks, and sta- enough to be compatible with the conflict that has put European have clear-cut strategy to solve Moldova will sign free trade with Kuwari viewed the works of the diums are being built for World these changes. Union, the US, Ukraine and this conflict. Everybody knows EU. artists during the workshops. Cup 2022 that will require high THE PENINSULA Moldova on one side and Russia Tra Trans-Dniester is part THE PENINSULA QNA SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Palestinians, Israelis to meet US envoy Attempt to revive negotiations

JERUSALEM: Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will EU backs Kerry’s meet jointly today with US envoy Martin Indyk, as attempts con- peace push tinue to prevent the collapse of peace negotiations, officials ATHENS: European for- close to the talks said. eign ministers yesterday said The first three-way meet- they fully supported efforts ing since Wednesday comes as by US Secretary of State Washington reviews its push for John Kerry to keep Middle a peace deal after a spiral of tit- East peace talks alive as ten- for-tat moves by Israel and the sion mounted on both sides. Palestinians took hard-won nego- “We support the efforts of tiations close to collapse. Secretary of State Kerry,” EU US Secretary of State John foreign affairs chief Catherine Kerry said on Friday there were Ashton said at the close of a “limits” to the time and energy two-day meeting in Athens. Washington could devote to the Kerry has laboured lately to process, adding it was time for a bring Palestinians and Israelis “reality check.” back from the brink. The same day Indyk met sepa- On Friday he warned from rately with chief Israeli negotia- Morocco that there were “lim- tor, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, its” to the time and effort the and her Palestinian counterpart, United States could devote Saeb Erakat. to the process “if the parties Supporters of newly elected mayor of Ankara, from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), cheer in Ankara yesterday. Turkey’s secular opposition Kerry, who has engaged in more themselves are unwilling to received a setback yesterday in a province-level ruling that rejected a vote recount in contested local elections in the capital Ankara. The opposition has than a year of intensive shuttle take constructive steps”. claimed AKP of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan rigged the result in the symbolic race on March 30 where the AKP incumbent claimed a narrow diplomacy, had spoken to both the But Palestinian President victory. Israeli and Palestinian leaders on Mahmoud Abbas has rejected Thursday in a bid to bring the two Kerry’s appeals to with- sides back from the brink. draw applications he signed But Palestinian president on Tuesday to adhere to 15 YouTube to remain blocked in Turkey Mahmoud Abbas rejected his international treaties in pur- appeals to withdraw applications suit of recognition for the ISTANBUL: YouTube will newspaper reported. weighing possible military action around”. A damaging corruption he signed on Tuesday to adhere Palestinians’ promised state. remain blocked in Turkey, The change of heart comes inside war-torn Syria. scandal fuelled by online leaks — to 15 international treaties, a And Israeli Prime Minister despite the end to a similar con- after Turkey’s government com- Both restrictions, the latest which Erdogan has blamed on Palestinian official said. Benjamin Netanyahu has like- troversial ban on Twitter, after plied with a Constitutional Court steps in Ankara’s crackdown on supporters of influential US-based And Israeli Prime Minister wise ignored calls to refrain a court backtracked on an ear- ruling on Thursday and scrapped the Internet, have sparked pro- Islamic cleric Fetullah Gulen — Benjamin Netanyahu ignored from hardline moves, and has lier ruling to grant access to the a similar ban on San-Francisco- tests from Turkey’s Western allies has posed the biggest challenge to appeals to refrain from “unhelp- reportedly asked his officials to video-sharing site. based Twitter. and human rights groups, which Erdogan’s 11 years in power. ful” tit-for-tat moves, asking offi- draw up reprisals. The court in the capital Ankara The microblogging site was have deplored it as curbing the Despite street protests, cials to draw up a range of tough “Kerry’s initiative is with- on Friday lifted a March 27 gov- blocked by the Turkish Prime right to free expression. crackdowns and graft scan- reprisals, Israeli media reported. out doubt in a critical phase,” ernment decision blocking access Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Washington on Friday hailed dals, Erdogan’s Justice and Israel says Abbas’s move is a German Foreign Minister to YouTube, saying the blanket on March 20 after it was used the court’s decision to lift the ban Development Party (AKP) scored clear breach of promises made by Frank-Walter Steinmeier said ban violated human rights, and to spread a spate of anonymous on US-based Twitter and urged sweeping wins in the nationwide the Palestinians when peace talks yesterday. instead restricting 15 videos. leaks implicating his inner circle the government to “open all social municipal polls last Sunday. were relaunched in July to pursue AFP But the court later reversed the in corruption. media space in Turkey”. The vote has led to a tense no other avenues for recognition decision, saying the block would YouTube was banned in Turkey Erdogan, however, slammed standoff in the capital, where the of their promised state. fourth and final batch of Arab remain in place until the audio after the site was used to spread ruling, saying he has no “respect” opposition claims the AKP rigged The Palestinians say Israel had prisoners last weekend, and recordings allegedly showing audio recordings in which the for the court’s decision and that the vote to deliver its candidate a already reneged on its own com- that the treaty move was their top-level security talks on Syria voices of senior government, mili- “insults to a country’s prime narrow victory. mitments by failing to release a response. AFP are removed, Turkey’s Hurriyet tary and spy officials can be heard minister and ministers are all AFP

Salva Kiir visits Sudan Beirut charges a dozen with Nuclear experts’ belonging to talks useful: Iran terror group VIENNA: Nuclear talks ends once and for all the decade- between technical experts from old standoff over Iran’s nuclear Iran and world powers prepar- programme. BEIRUT: Lebanon has charged ing for a third round of talks A senior US administration a dozen people including a next week on a lasting deal official involved in the talks said prominent Alawite leader with were “useful”, Iran’s lead nego- on Friday that Washington hoped belonging to an “armed ter- tiator said yesterday. to begin drafting such an agree- rorist organisation”, judicial “The technical positions help ment at the following meeting sources said yesterday, part us to understand better our in May. of a drive to control sectarian respective positions,” Hamid Baeedinejad said the proc- violence fuelled by the war in Baeedinejad told the IRNA news ess would begin in the Iranian Syria. agency after three days of discus- month of Ordibehesht, which Around 30 people have been sions in Vienna. runs from April 21 to May 21, killed in the past month in The meeting came ahead of echoing Iranian Foreign Minister Lebanon’s northern coastal city of talks between political directors Mohammad Javad Zarif last Tripoli in clashes between Sunni from Iran and the six powers — month. Muslims and members of the the United States, China, Russia, “We are looking to ensure we Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shia Britain, France and Germany -- have the right combination of Islam to which Syrian President in Vienna from Tuesday, the third measures in place to ensure Iran Bashar Al Assad also belongs. The such round this year. cannot acquire a nuclear weapon rebels fighting Assad’s forces are These negotiations are aimed and that its programme is exclu- mostly Sunni. at turning an interim deal from sively peaceful,” the US official Of the 12 people charged by November that expires on July said. Lebanon’s military prosecutor, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir waves before leaving Khartoum Airport yesterday as Sudan’s President 20 into a lasting accord that AFP 11 have fled and have not been Omar Hassan Al Bashir looks on. apprehended, the judicial sources said, including Rifaat Eid, head of the Arab Democratic Party, which draws its support largely from Tripoli’s Alawites. Eid’s house was among those Surge in refugees fleeing South Sudan conflict raided when the army deployed in Tripoli in force on Tuesday. GAMBELA, ETHIOPIA: homes in the 100 days since said the slight young man. said Peter Salama, head of the “Now the hope is degraded,” Like the others, Eid was sus- Bang Chuol was studying to the beginning of the conflict in Fighting broke out on United Nations children’s agency said the second-time refugee, pected of “belonging to an armed become a geographer in South South Sudan, creating a massive December 15 between government in Ethiopia. who had been working as a dis- terrorist organisation aiming Sudan when soldiers arrived at humanitarian crisis in the region. soldiers loyal to President Salva Some refugees are returning to armament officer for former child to carry out terrorist activities, his home and gunned down his Many of those who fled were, Kiir and rebels loosely allied to his Ethiopia for a second time, having soldiers in the northern town of participation in incidents ... in entire family, forcing him to flee like Chuol, seeking to rebuild sacked deputy Riek Machar. The fled for safety and food during the Malakal before he was forced to Tripoli, possessing weapons and in an instant. the world’s newest nation after violence has escalated into full- two-decade war with Sudan. leave last month. inciting sectarian and confes- “I saw them die myself,” the decades of war with Sudan that scale fighting across the country Bol Gatkuoth Bithaw, 33, Bithaw spent weeks walking sional strife,” Lebanon’s National demure 20-year-old said, speak- finally led to independence from and has already killed thousands returned to South Sudan in 2007 to the Ethiopian border with his News Agency reported. ing in a crowded refugee camp in the north in 2011. of people. after 10 years in Ethiopian refu- wife and two-year-old son, avoid- On Friday, Lebanon’s military Ethiopia. For Chuol, education was the Aid workers and rights groups gee camps, with ambitious plans ing dead bodies and foraging wild prosecutor charged two suspected “People were killed indiscrimi- top priority. Now, his sole focus have been sounding the alarm to reconstruct his country, one of fruit and edible leaves before Lebanese militants with belonging nately. I was living with my family, is surviving in the underserved over the recruitment of child the world’s poorest nations. finally reaching safety. to a Syrian Sunni Islamist rebel and I was very happy living with refugee camp, where more than soldiers, especially with so few “I was very happy because it Aid agencies are struggling to group tied to Al Qaeda. them, but they were killed one by 80,000 people have sought safety young men crossing into the refu- was my first time to smell peace. serve the rapidly growing refugee Lebanon, still dealing with the one,” he said of losing his mother, in only three months. gee camps. My hope was to build the coun- population — with up to 1,000 new fallout of its own 1975-90 civil war, brother, aunt and nephew in the “Life for us refugees is difficult, “We have now confirmation try,” he said, sitting on a pile of arrivals into Ethiopia daily — and has struggled to contain Syria- swift, bloody slaughter. supplies are not enough, but on that child recruitment into the logs near a food station where the United Nations said $654m is related violence inside its borders. He is one of more than a mil- top of that I just want to go to military is going on in South scores of women waited to receive required to respond to the crisis. REUTERS lion people who have fled their school, back to where I studied,” Sudan, so that’s absolutely a risk,” grain sacks. AFP SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

Egypt court delays Mursi’s trial for murder US plans to until today

CAIRO: A court in Egypt adjourned the murder boost Syria trial of deposed Islamist president Mohamed Mursi until today, when it will hear “decisive” tes- timony from senior secu- rity officials. opposition The case is part of a relentless crackdown against Mursi and his Training, small arms supply likely Muslim Brotherhood movement since the mili- WASHINGTON: The US gov- included in the assistance. tary ousted him on July 3, ernment is finalising a plan to President Barack Obama has ending a turbulent single increase training and small- resisted becoming entangled in year in office. arms shipments for Syrian Syria’s complex, two-year civil Mursi and 14 co-defend- rebels, two US security sources war, but has faced criticism for ants are charged with said on Friday, as Syrian gov- failing to take a tougher stand involvement in the killing ernment troops gain momen- given the immensity of the of opposition protesters tum following the collapse of humanitarian crisis. outside a Cairo presidential US-backed peace talks. Details of how much aid will palace in December 2012. The United States would flow to the screened rebel groups At today’s hearing, testi- increase assistance and send are the subject of continuing mony is expected from the the shipments to moderate rebel discussions. It’s also unclear, for former head of the mili- Residents walk past damage in what activists said was shelling from forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar Al Assad factions mostly based in Jordan, instance, how much would be cov- tary’s Republican Guard, in Al Shaar neighbourhood of Aleppo yesterday. along Syria’s southern border, the ert or whether there would be a the unit tasked with pro- officials familiar with the plan US military or special forces role. viding security for Egypt’s told Reuters. The assistance does not require presidents. The additional supplies are additional funding from Congress, The court will also likely to be modest and will not said the officials. hear from three other top Mortar shells hit Syrian capital include surface-to-air missiles, “Now we have to finalise the Republican Guard offi- the officials said, raising ques- plans,” one official said. cials and from the head of BEIRUT: Mortar shells slammed Fahama, where a number of security The fighting left 17 rebels dead tions over the impact in a civil A former government official Mursi’s personal security into several areas of the Syrian buildings are located. on Friday, a day after 22 opposi- war that has killed an estimated familiar with the plan said that detail. capital yesterday, with one hitting Syria’s state news agency SANA tion fighters were killed in and 136,000 people, produced nine training would be done in small “The five witnesses are near the Russian embassy with- reported 17 mortar round attacks around Mleiha, according to the million refugees and threatens to tranches. decisive as they were the out causing injuries, a monitoring across the city, causing damage to Observatory. destabilise the region. The sources said that while the closest to Mursi and his group said. a hospital as well as several homes In nearby Jaramana, SANA Rebels have urged the Obama Obama administration accepts aides,” Ramy Ghanem, The Syrian Observatory for and cars. reported “terrorist mortar shell administration to provide that the plan will not turn the a lawyer for a civilian Human Rights also said regime Mortar shell attacks on the attacks” injured 13 people yesterday. advanced weapons including tide of the conflict decisively wounded in the clashes, troops battled rebels in Eastern capital on Friday injured 22 peo- The army siege of Eastern Ghouta surface-to-air missiles and exert against Assad, the US assistance told AFP. During pre-trial Ghouta near the capital, while oppo- ple, it said, without giving a toll has led to food and medical short- greater military pressure on could improve the chances that questioning, the head of sition forces tightened their siege of for yesterday. The escalation came ages, which the Observatory said Russia-backed Syrian President if Assad is deposed the United the Republican Guard told a military base in Idlib province of as government troops stepped up had caused the death of a child on Bashar Al Assad, who has intensi- States will have allies among suc- prosecutors that Mursi northwest Syria. a campaign against rebels on the Friday. fied bombings of rebel neighbour- cessful revolutionary forces. called him the night before The Observatory reported mor- outskirts of Damascus, particularly In Idlib, the Observatory reported hoods in recent month. US and European officials say the clashes. tar fire near the Ummayad area Eastern Ghouta which has been fighting between regime and rebel But the US fears supplies of the most powerful anti-Assad He said he was ordered and the Russian embassy in the under regime siege for months. forces in the area around Babuleen, advanced weapons to pro-West- factions are militant groups to disperse a sit-in by upscale Mazraa neighbourhood The Observatory said rebels which opposition forces captured on ern rebels could be diverted to such as the Al Nusrah and the Mursi opponents near the of Damascus, with no casualties and regime troops were fighting in Friday. Their advance has allowed Islamist militant groups, who Islamic State of Iraq and the presidential palace within reported. the town of Mleiha in the Eastern rebel forces to tighten a siege of could use them to attack allied, Levant, some of which either an hour but had refused to The Britain-based group also Ghouta area. On Friday, regime the Wadi Deif army base, one of Israeli or civilian aircraft, the US have links to Al Qaeda or are so do so because it could lead reported mortar fire in the south- warplanes carried out air strikes the regime’s last significant posts officials said, explaining why the extreme that even Al Qaeda has to casualties. AFP ern Shughur district and nearby as soldiers tried to storm the town. in Idlib. AFP surface-to-air missiles won’t be denounced them. REUTERS 23 killed as rival families clash

CAIRO: At least 23 people The two sides used gunfire there were “signs of involvement were killed in clashes between and petrol bombs and several of the Muslim Brotherhood in the rival families in the southern houses were burned to the ground strife between the two tribes”. Egyptian city of Aswan, health before police were able to stop the The Islamist group, which has and security officials said fighting on yesterday morning, been declared a terrorist organi- yesterday. the Interior Ministry said in a sation by the state, says it is com- The violence erupted late on statement. mitted to peaceful activism. Friday after students from the Security sources told Reuters Authorities have cracked feuding families had scrawled the police and the governor had down hard on the group since insulting graffiti on the walls of a requested reinforcements from the army overthrew elected school, security sources said. the army yesterday to prevent President Mohamed Mursi of the One family is from the Nubian more bloodshed. Army spokes- Brotherhood last year. Thousands ethnic group and the other from man Ahmed Ali said on his offi- of Islamists have been arrested the Arab Beni Helal clan, the cial Facebook page the army had and hundreds more killed. sources said. helped to “contain the crisis” and REUTERS

Violence hits Bouteflika rally in Algeria ALGIERS: Violence forced President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s camp to call off an elec- tion rally in eastern Algeria yesterday, as tensions run high over the ailing veteran’s bid for a fourth term. In contrast, Bouteflika’s main rival, Ali Benflis, was cheered by thou- sands of supporters who gathered for a rally in his southern hometown of Batna. Campaigning for the April 17 presidential elec- tion started on March 23, with incumbent Bouteflika, 77, aiming to clinch another term but without taking to the road due to health concerns. He will square off against five other presi- dential hopefuls — includ- ing Benflis — and is widely expected to win despite protests against his can- didacy. But yesterday, protesters stormed the venue for Bouteflika’s rally in the eastern Kabylie region and torched portraits of the president. Demonstrators also attacked the crew of En-Nahar television cov- ering the rally. AFP SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Hope and despair Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

s Afghans exercised their much-vaunted but fraught right to franchise in pouring rain yesterday, the world watched with baited breath. The Taliban, Aas is the militants’ wont, had threatened anyone voting with dire consequences. The militant group had Would Scotland have its own launched attacks on government facilities in the run-up to the vote. The Interior Ministry’s headquarters in Kabul were attacked by a suicide bomber on Wednesday, killing six policemen. spies after independence? Despite the reign of terror unleashed by the Taliban, there BY KEVIN MCKENNA were no signs yesterday that Afghans were intimidated by Scottish radical volunteers who fell in harbour nationalist sentiments. They the militia’s boycott call. The wave of enthusiasm to cast the the conflict, stands not far from the MI5 could become tartan double agents ballot was so strong that many polling centres ran out of rom an unremarkable property building. “sleeping” within England’s agencies ballots. The general mood in the country was convivial. in a dishevelled neighbourhood What, though, will be the status of but supplying secrets to the motherland The vote is the first democratic transfer of power in the not far from Glasgow city cen- MI5 spies and operatives in an independ- when their conscience dictates. country, which was a staging ground for the Cold War and Ftre, some spooks of MI5 oper- ent Scotland? Will they have to become The Americans, meanwhile, have ate, searching for ripples in Britain’s “illegals” operating under a flag of con- for years been alarmed at the behav- has in the past three decades seen the pulls of tribal clashes northern approaches. Their perma- venience from a future UK embassy iour of this disputatious and cussed lit- and overriding warlordship. nent presence in Scotland, if not their in Scotland? Or will they, in the fond tle land. They were outraged in 2009 There are eight candidates in the running to replace actual residence, isn’t a secret known imaginations of the Scottish National when Kenny MacAskill, Scotland’s President Hamid Karzai who is barred by the constitution only to an anointed handful. After all, Party (SNP), be welcome here as a cru- justice minister, released Abdelbaset from contesting for a third straight term. Karzai has thrown why wouldn’t there be some surveillance cial part of an independent Scotland’s Al Megrahi, the Lockerbie bomber. his weight behind confidant and former foreign minister operations based in Scotland’s busiest future intelligence arrangements? As the rise of the SNP has gathered city and one of the UK’s most turbulent? An assortment of UK ministers has pace, so the unease of the Americans Zalmai Rassoul, a nephew of former King Amanullah Khan They have been there for 10 years or so, said that an independent Scotland will has grown. Here, before their very who liberated the country from British yoke. but whether they remain following a yes be cut off from the UK’s intelligence- eyes, is the emergence of their worst The other two key contenders are Ashraf Ghani, a vote in September’s referendum is at gathering operation, leaving us naked nightmare: a European Cuba right technocrat educated in the US the heart of one of the most vexed and and vulnerable in an era of geopolitical in the middle of the Nato zone. This Afghanistan who previously served at the World intriguing issues surrounding the inde- uncertainty and strife. The Home Afairs is a country that doesn’t want their Bank, and Abdullah Abdullah, the pendence debate. minister, Theresa May, has repeatedly nukes, whose two main political parties There are sev- slapped down SNP claims that, post- make the US Democrats look like UK has managed leading opposition candidate. His eral nuances in independence, Scotland will remain independence party (Ukip) and whose the democratic father is Pashtun, but Abdullah Scotland’s politi- part of the UK’s intelligence network leader seems to have a troubling fas- Abdullah primarily represents the What if an cal, social and simply because of the mutual interest in cination with China. You can be sure exercise well. majority Tajik powers of the former independent economic land- maintaining the security of the British that American spies are highly active Northern Alliance, the group which scape that will coastline. Not so, says May. “If Scotland in Scotland and will remain so follow- Scotland were to always separate is separate it becomes a separate state. ing an independence vote. Perhaps Alex However, the joined the Americans in toppling shift more radically it from London So it is not the same as sharing intel- Salmond should soon deploy the serv- incoming the Taliban government in 2001. and the south- ligence across the UK,” she said. ices of a cigar tester. Two days before the vote, to the left and east of England. If an independent Scotland does have The home secretary’s warnings may president won’t a police commander shot London, perhaps in Occasionally, to develop its own intelligence network, simply be dismissed as the same sort of have a smooth two journalists covering the a Ukip-influenced these have it will lead to one of the most intriguing phoney rhetoric in which her colleague election campaign. The German required special questions in the independence debate. finance minister George Osborne has coalition, moved scrutiny from Who will pose the biggest threat to been indulging over currency union. ride. photographer was killed but the inexorably to the Britain’s intelli- the physical and economic security of Perhaps not. Will an independent reporter escaped with injuries. extreme right? gence forces, such the state? Scotland deploy double agents at the The attack was a reminder that as the fallout and The two nations whose activities heart of the English establishment, festering rage among the security services can be a game Therein lie the seeds aftermath of the must concern it most are likely to be expert in knowing how to dress for din- spoiler. of mutual distrust terror attack on England and the USA. One of the char- ner and able to differentiate between a Whoever comes to power after Karzai will have the and suspicion. Glasgow airport acteristics of an independent Scotland grouse and a partridge at 100 metres? in 2007. most trumpeted by nationalists is that Will they be able to guard against formidable task of fighting the Taliban without US troops to Scotland’s poli- it will be eternally left wing in gov- replying: “Aye, no’ bad” to the seem- back Afghan forces. That the 13.5 million electorate turned tics in the last 50 years has adopted a ernance and outlook. What if an inde- ingly innocent query: “How’s it gaun?” out in large numbers to vote without a major incidence permanently reddish hue and the city pendent Scotland were to shift more designed to out a Jock sleeper? If a of violence is an indicator of the authorities’ efficiency in can justly lay claim to being in the radically to the left and London, per- future expansionist England ruled by a managing the exercise. vanguard of early 20th-century radi- haps in a Ukip-influenced coalition, reactionary coalition of Ukip and tra- calism. In another time less than a cen- moved inexorably to the extreme right? ditional Tories decides it wants to take Though the polling exercise has been largely successful, tury ago, tanks appeared in Glasgow’s Therein lie the seeds of mutual distrust back Scotland, will we have to beware challenges remain. The Taliban might come out with renewed George Square as the British establish- and suspicion. In such circumstances, pasty-faced and chinless men in pin- force to disrupt the new government. ment became twitchy at the prospect though, Scotland would enjoy a spying stripes furtively reading the Financial Moreover, there is the fear of militants or militant of a general strike and the danger of advantage. Times in a station and who want their sympathisers entering the ranks of the government. Russia exporting its revolution. A statue There are dozens of Scots in the kedgeree done with freshly flaked cod Afghanistan is looking with hope at the future, but not of La Pasionaria, the republican leader British intelligence community and in and a poached egg on top? in the Spanish Civil War honouring the diplomatic corps, some of whom will GUARDIAN NEWS completely without despair. The other side Quote of ‘Monster’ El Nino in the making the day

he Pacific Ocean, especially as the El Niño Southern Oscillation or in an El Niño watch being issued on to be right, 2015 can turn out to be around the equator and the ENSO – over the tropical Pacific Ocean March 6. the warmest year in living memory. The tropics, is one of the most for the past 60 years. When the waters Ominously, recent days have seen a massive release of thermal energy in Tsensitive regions of the world, in the ocean are cooler than the aver- monster Kelvin wave bubbling under the the Pacific Ocean during an El Nino and also one of the most volatile. age, the event is called La Niña, but Pacific Ocean, with its tip nosing up to event can have a devastating impact on Developments in the ocean can when they are warmer, an El Niño the surface. While the National Oceanic global weather patterns, even upsetting Twenty years later, bring misery to millions around the develops, playing havoc with weather and Atmospheric Administration, part the south-west monsoon, on which the globe, resulting in devastating floods systems in the sub-continent, Africa, of the US Department of Commerce, lives of millions of farmers is dependent. the only thing you can thousands of kilometres away, upset- California and other parts of the globe. had predicted a 50 per cent chance The early warnings of a monster El say against them (the ting the delicate south-west monsoon Experts have since early this year of El Nino developing later this year, Nino event have already triggered off a French) in their eyes is system in the South Asian sub-conti- noted strong bursts of winds emerging other researchers are now estimating rise in the price of agricultural commod- nent, causing severe drought, and even from the west in equatorial and tropical a 70 to 80 per cent probability of the ities including wheat and sugar. For the they didn’t do enough impacting the hurricane season in the Pacific Ocean, replacing the easterly emergence of El Nino. global economy, just about recovering to save lives during the North Atlantic. trade winds. Satellites and ocean buoys Some have warned that the ‘mon- from the 2008 financial crisis, this can Consequently, weather scientists have also picked up the movement of ster’ El Nino this year could be more indeed be one of the most depressing genocide. have been monitoring the fluctuations in warm ocean waters from the western powerful than the one that occurred in forecasts for 2015. Paul Kagame the sea surface temperature — known Pacific headings eastwards, resulting 1997-98; if the prognostication proves KHALEEJ TIMES Rwanda President SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Karzai’s legacy may surprise us

explanations: “First, it is clear to him The big question that the US really wants the BSA and, in his view, if the US really wants it, it though, after all can’t be good for Afghanistan. Second, he wanted to the use the BSA negotiations to force the US not to interfere with the these years, is [2014] election.” But “interference” means different whether Karzai was, things to different people. Indeed, few Afghans believe Karzai’s promises that he plans to “move on” after his successor in the end, a great has been sworn in. In the lead-up to the Saturday poll, much attention has been leader. focused on Karzai’s new home situated BY LEELA JACINTO just outside the Arg. The post-presidential residence is fghan presidents historically close enough to the Arg to be covered by have never gone gently into the tight security ring around the pal- the night -- they have been ace. Afghan leaders, in and out of office, variously shot, poisoned, suf- need protection. Karzai need only recall focated by pillows, castrated former Afghan President Mohammad Aand hanged. This has never been a job Najibullah, who was castrated and hung with a comfortable retirement plan. by the Taliban in 1996 after the Afghan Except this time, the very first in military crumbled due to the withdrawal Afghan history, when President Hamid of Russian aid. Karzai -- constitutionally barred from But still, Karzai’s upcoming proxim- running for a third consecutive term -- ity to the palace he has inhabited for will transfer power to an elected succes- over a decade is too close for comfort sor. That process is set to begin Saturday, Afghan women queue outside a school to vote in presidential elections in the northwestern city of Herat yesterday. Afghan voters went for many Afghans and the international when Afghans go to the polls to elect to the polls to choose a successor to President Hamid Karzai, braving Taliban threats in a landmark election. community. their first and only post-Taliban leader. Once the polls have closed on Election It’s a process that could take weeks, Day, the focus will shift to the results and more likely, months if the election Was Karzai’s big-tent approach of getting regular payments by the CIA. outcome in a “clumsy and failed putsch.” as Karzai’s favoured candidate, former goes to a runoff. It will be messy. It will accommodating powerbrokers, for The case of Karzai’s brother was just The reaction in Kabul circles and among foreign minister Zalmay Rassoul, bat- be difficult. It will certainly be danger- instance, simply not appreciated by his the tip of the iceberg. A report by the Karzai’s advisers was immediate. “I’ve tles it out against frontrunners Abdullah ous. But it will happen, and nothing -- bossy foreign overlords (who are not Center on International Cooperation at been emailed pages from Gates’ book by Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani. no amount of complaints, compromises, known for their cultural intelligence or New York University found US and Nato different Afghan friends, sometimes with If none of the candidates get more than or Taliban attacks -- can take away the diplomatic delicacy)? Or does Karzai’s contingents had frequently hired private passages in all caps,” Smith said. “Afghans 50 percent of the vote in the first round, a historic import of this ballot. legacy lie somewhere in between? security providers linked to regional war- were paying attention to that memoir. runoff must be held, ideally sometime in It’s also a testimony to Karzai’s sur- Nearly 13 years ago, when he emerged lords. On the corruption front, the inter- It confirmed their suspicions that the May. That’s when many analysts believe vival skills in a country where compet- on the world’s stage resplendent in his national disillusionment with the Afghan Americans were meddling.” Karzai may insert himself again, playing ing ethnic interests, local powerbrokers, striped chappan robe and signature kar- president was palpable in US memos “I’m sure [Karzai] felt vindicated by a role in negotiating an outcome using the warlords, and foreign (US) overlords akul hat, Karzai bore the hopes of his from Kabul to Washington published by Gates’ comments,” van Bijlert said. “But age-old Afghan mechanisms of consensus need to be accommodated, mollified and war-weary people and a fretful interna- WikiLeaks, which detailed at least one the real problem was that the 2009 vote building. occasionally faced down -- without the tional community on his stylishly encased case of Karzai pardoning Afghan offi- was really hugely fraudulent. There was It’s the sort of elder statesman, loya delicate edifice crumbling into war, as it shoulders with aplomb. Over the course of cials detained for their involvement in fraud done on all sides, but it was strong- jirga, fiery-speech thing that Karzai loves has done in the past. a decade though, the image transformed the opium trade. est on the incumbent’s side.” and the international community hates. “If Karzai does end his term without into that of a mercurial, emotionally But if the honeymoon between Karzai The rift, when it came, was accompa- But, as they say in French, on verra -- dying, that in itself will be historical precarious leader isolated in the heavily and the West was starting to sour in nied by outbursts on both sides. we’ll see what happens next. in Afghan terms,” said Graeme Smith, guarded Arg, as the Afghan presidential the second-half of the 2000s, it was the US officials were withering about As for the big legacy questions, the an author and senior analyst for the palace is known. Afghan president’s 2009 reelection bid Karzai’s overwrought encounters with experts say we still also have to wait and International Crisis Group in Kabul. “He “In the beginning, Karzai was viewed that drove the couple to Splitsville. them and proffered suggestions that see. has survived the past decade by holding through rose-tinted glasses,” said Martine A bitter post-electoral process the isolated leader in the Arg palace “The jury is still out,” Smith said. together a fractious coalition of power- van Bijlert, codirector of the Kabul-based marred by allegations of widespread was abusing prescription drugs. Shortly “The real test will be in 2015, 2016, 2017, brokers, many of whom have fought with Afghanistan Analysts Network. “Now, fraud, recounts and investigations by before leaving his Kabul posting, former when Afghanistan will start to see sharp each other in previous decades. He has there’s a very negative view of him, par- the UN-backed Electoral Complaints US Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, a declines in foreign aid. We don’t know managed to keep them on side by cajol- ticularly in the West -- and that’s partly Commission (ECC) only ended when crusty retired American army lieutenant how the Afghan government will do in ing, economic incentives, and all kinds unfair. He’s being blamed for things that Karzai’s main rival, Abdullah Abdullah, general, had his own emotional moment the struggle to control significant parts of of trickery.” are not just his fault -- like corruption withdrew from a runoff citing lack of when he slammed the “hurtful and inap- the territory. If the state survives, Karzai The big question though, after all and not dealing with strongmen. In that, faith in the Karzai administration’s propriate” comments by some Afghan can claim, quite rightly, to be the father these years, is whether Karzai was, in he and the international community and ability to hold a fair election. “The 2009 “leaders” in a speech to hapless Afghan of the nation and his place in history will the end, a great leader. Can he even international military have a shared election was seen by Karzai as an inten- students. be assured.” hold a candle to the regional heroes he responsibility.” tional humiliation of him by the West,” Given how low the relationship had If it doesn’t, you only have to look so publicly admires, such as Mahatma One of the better known cases of van Bijlert said. “In the end, the way he sunk, Karzai’s subsequent refusal to to history and shudder. And that’s one Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Khan shared international responsibility interpreted it was that the US wanted to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement thing Afghan presidents know very well. Abdul Ghaffar Khan? involved Karzai’s late brother, Ahmed weaken him. He took it very personally.” (BSA) that would keep some US troops The international community may lose Or was he more of a Shah Shujah, a Wali Karzai, a prominent politician in his Nearly five years later, in his memoir, in Afghanistan after the 2014 pullout patience, fall out of love, divorce and even fellow Durrani noble in the 19th cen- native Kandahar and a suspected player “Duty,” former US TO Secretary Robert should really have come as no surprise. cut the alimony to their former local tury, who handed the famous Kohinoor in Afghanistan’s booming opium trade. In Gates acknowledged that the 2009 poll But it did. partners. It will just move on. Problem diamond to Punjab’s Maharajah Ranjit 2009 -- two years before his assassination was “ugly” and that Karzai was “tainted.” “Trying to psychoanalyse Karzai is not is, moving on will be far more difficult Singh, served as colonial Britain’s puppet -- The New York Times confirmed what But Gates also noted that “our hands an easy game,” Smith said. “Even those for Afghanistan. But on verra -- this par- king, and did the craven alliance-appease- many Afghans and experts suspected: were dirty as well” before accusing the close to Karzai expected him to sign it.” ticular chapter in Afghan history is still ment thing until his assassination? the corrupt Kandahar powerbroker was United States of trying to manipulate the Van Bijlert offers two possible being written. WP-BLOOMBERG We learned nothing from Rwanda Russia will regret lies The situation in the Central African in Ukraine; just ask US Republic is dangerously similar to BY MARC CHAMPION he change in European perceptions of Russia caused by its annexation of Crimea feels familiar: It reminds me of what that of Rwanda in 1994. happened to views of the United States after its decision to invade Iraq. BY LINDA MELVERN T and unless action is taken now As with Iraq, it isn’t just disagreement with the particular military there will be regional instability aggression that is changing ideas about Russia, but the brazen way in hen Lieutenant for years to come. The current which senior officials appeared to lie in justifying it: Knowing what we General Roméo military deployment is totally know today about Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, the image of former Secretary Dallaire, the insufficient, and African Union of State Colin Powell holding up evidence of nonexistent weapons of mass Wformer UN force peacekeepers on the ground, who destruction in 2003 at the United Nations Security Council lingers. commander in Rwanda and now a lack basic resources, are unable to Iraq and Crimea, of course, are not the same. Whatever the US Canadian senator, calls once again ensure the protection of civilians. African Union peacekeepers and French troops in Bangui, the Central goals were in Iraq, they did not include annexation. But this is about for urgent action to protect civil- In December there was said African Republic ‘are unable to ensure the protection of civilians’. the lying, and for many the image of President Vladimir Putin denying ians at risk in an impoverished to be a “looming genocide.” The that Russian soldiers in Crimea were Russian will also linger. African country, one would expect EU has promised to send 1,000 offer, and the silent did not offer. decision-makers today and those Putin clearly doesn’t much care much what the rest of the world the whole world to listen, particu- troops, although the plan was What choice did we have?” who sit and read the cables. thinks. Yet this kind of mistrust has an impact. larly on the eve of the 20th anni- reportedly delayed by Ukraine’s The 20th commemoration of With no official inquiry by either Russia, for example, said this week that it had arrested 25 Ukrainian versary of the Rwandan genocide. uprising. The situation in this the genocide sees fine words spo- the US or the UK, blame for inac- citizens in connection with a suspected terrorist plot on targets within You just could not divorce, he said, impoverished nation of 4.5 million ken by all and it seems timely tion over the genocide has simply Russia, by the Ukrainian ultranationalist group Right Sector. I suspect what is happening in the Central worsens by the day. The country to reflect on why Rwanda was slipped away from the officials and that few outside the bubble of Russian propaganda will give that claim African Republic with what hap- is teetering on the brink of a cata- so quickly abandoned to its fate politicians responsible. This might credence until they see ironclad evidence. pened in Rwanda in 1994. “We’ve strophic disaster. in 1994. There has never been be a suitable time to find out why Similarly, when Russia next says that its natural gas monopoly actually established a damn peck- And so it was in Rwanda. a satisfactory explanation for the UK government was so deter- Gazprom doesn’t use exports as a political weapon (after further raising ing order and the sub-Saharan The lack of any action contrib- the indifference over Rwanda. mined in the security council that the price to Ukraine to roughly 40 percent more than it charges rich black African – yes we’re inter- uted to the destabilisation of an Western governments – the US, Dallaire’s UN peacekeepers be European Union countries), those claims will meet with simple derision. ested but it just doesn’t count entire region followed by years of UK, Belgium, France – continue withdrawn from Rwanda, leaving An intercepted phone call between two Russian diplomats posted enough to spill our blood, to get human deprivation. All Dallaire to withhold a wealth of infor- behind a “token force” in order to recently on YouTube also appears to show the challenge Russia now embroiled in something complex had wanted in 1994 was 5,500 mation about events. Neither “appease public opinion” – not to faces. In the tape, the ambassador to Eritrea, Igor Chubarov, and that will need longer-term stabil- reinforcements to stand guard the US nor the UK, two perma- protect civilians but to try to nego- the ambassador to Zimbabwe and Malawi, Sergey Bakharev, appear ity and influence,” says Dallaire. at places where desperate peo- nent members of the UN secu- tiate a ceasefire in the civil war. to discuss their efforts to get Russia-friendly countries in Africa to The similarities do seem impos- ple were sheltering; this would rity council, has ever answered Since 1994 there has been oppose last month’s UN resolution against the annexation of Crimea. sible to ignore. Raising aware- have sent a clear signal to the accusations of a failure to abide an almost continuous series of Chubarov congratulates Bakharev on getting Zimbabwe to show “let’s ness of a tiny African country machete-wielding Interahamwe by obligations under the 1948 debates, studies and resolutions say, the correct understanding of the situation in Ukraine.” Eritrea, yesterday as she trudges around militia that the world would not genocide convention, nor revealed on the failure over Rwanda. however, surprised the diplomats by refusing. Are they crazy? Bakharev Whitehall is Oxfam’s humanitar- stand for their brutality. the information on which their These have shown how little true asks. The two men go on to lament that only two African countries ian policy adviser, Emma Fanning, “Those who were critical did decisions were based. The failure humanitarianism there is at the — Zimbabwe and Sudan — could be persuaded. Of 193 UN members, who has recently returned from not offer,” Kofi Annan, the former to critically examine the role of heart of states that both possess Russia could get only 10, including Syria, Belarus, Cuba and Venezuela, the Central African Republic. The UN secretary general who in ministers and officials has further abundant resources and profess to support its position. UK has a vital role to play in the 1994 was its head of peacekeep- encouraged the sort of secretive a commitment to human rights. Putin really may not care. But the damage to Russia’s image will face of massive human suffering, ing operations, told me in July of and unaccountable decision-mak- Nothing has changed. last and infect all kinds of other issues. If he thinks it won’t, he should she says. The country is in freefall, that year. “The sceptical did not ing that will no doubt shroud the THE GUARDIAN ask the US Department of State. WP-BLOOMBERG SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL West Africa Ukraine arrests 15 ‘coup plotters’ KIEV: Ukraine’s security service said yesterday that it had arrested 15 men for alleg- edly plotting to stage an armed mobilises revolt in an eastern region neighbouring Russia. It added it had also seized 300 machineguns, a rocket launcher and numerous grenades from against Ebola the suspected coup plotter. The Ukrainian Security Service said the men planned to seize the administration building in the Mob attacks treatment centre Lugansk region on Thursday, “frighten the local population, and BAMAKO: West African and organ failure in severe cases, use arms and explosives”. countries mobilised against causing death. The security agency provided an epidemic of haemorrhagic There is no cure and little no other details and did not reveal fevers including Ebola, which treatment for Ebola, although any political affiliation of the sus- has claimed more than 80 lives the government said two pects. The heavily Russified eastern in Guinea with more suspected infected patients had recovered. regions of Ukraine have been hit by cases in Mali, Liberia and Sierra Experts say isolating victims is protests since last month’s over- Leone. the only way to contain the dis- throw in Kiev of a pro-Kremlin Guinea is the worst affected ease, although that is not always regime by leaders who are seeking country with 86 deaths, 45 of straightforward in traditional a closer alliance with the West. them confirmed as Ebola — a communities, where social obli- Some eastern regions have also highly contagious disease that gations and rituals are important. sought to stage their own inde- leads to external and internal Doctors without Borders, which pendence referendums similar to Pro-Russian protesters attend a rally in the eastern Ukrainian city of Lugansk yesterday. Demonstrators marched bleeding and kills up to 90 per- goes by its French acronym MSF, the one that resulted in Crimea to the Ukrainian Regional Security Service demanding the release of their colleagues, who were arrested for cent of patients in its most viru- said it had been forced to suspend recently being annexed by Russia. separatism, and called on former president Yanukovich to return to Ukraine. lent strain. treatment in Macenta in south- Earlier, European Union for- Mali on Thursday became the eastern Guinea after residents eign ministers tried to map out latest of Guinea’s neighbours attacked one of its centres. a new strategy towards Russia Since Russia’s annexation of the suspended top-level contacts with to balance the need to preserve to announce suspected cases of Suspect cases have been at talks in Athens yesterday, Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, Russia. stability to east of the bloc, while Ebola, saying three victims had reported in Liberia and Sierra pledging to keep a tough stance the European Union has imposed Further sanctions are being strengthening ties with former been placed in isolation while Leone, almost all due to contami- over its tensions with Ukraine, sanctions against the closest allies prepared in case the conflict esca- Soviet republics, a process that test samples were sent to the US nation from neighbouring Guinea. while steering clear of provoking of President Vladimir Putin, and lates. But in the near term, the has drawn ire from Moscow. Centres for Disease Control. Ebola tests proved positive for two Moscow into further conflict. Group of Seven governments have EU’s 28 governments will have AFP Oumar Sangare of the national cases in Liberia and negative for health directorate said that all those in Sierra Leone. three patients were Malian citi- Liberia has reported 14 cases of zens who “worked in a border haemorrhagic fever, seven of them zone between Mali and Guinea”. fatal, and all but one of the victims Two priests and With Liberia and Sierra Leone also had contact with Guineans. But Nato to boost presence in Poland reporting suspected cases, Doctors Liberia’s health ministry said one Without Borders has described the suspected victim from a forest near nun kidnapped outbreak as an “unprecedented the eastern town of Tapeta had no WARSAW: Nato will strengthen Soviet domination from Moscow. details as planners are still work- epidemic” and warned the unu- Guinean connection. Sylvain Baize, its presence in Poland within But, in an apparent gesture to ing on options. sual geographical spread of cases who heads France’s National weeks, Prime Minister Donald minimise the risk of any conflict But the measures could include in Cameroon complicates the task of containing Reference Centre for haemor- Tusk said yesterday, a move that with Russia, Nato has suggested sending Nato soldiers and equip- it “enormously”. rhagic fever, pointed to the fruit could help allay fears in east- it is more likely to beef up eastern ment to eastern European allies YAOUNDE: Suspected Boko But the nation worst hit by the bat, a regional delicacy that is ern European states for their European security through rotat- for short-term reinforcements Haram gunmen have seized two latest outbreak is Guinea, where suspected to be a natural “reser- security after Russia’s seizure of ing reinforcements rather than and exercises, as well as ensuring Italian priests and a Canadian haemorrhagic fever has killed 86 voir” for the Ebola virus. Ukraine’s Crimea region. permanent basing of substantial Nato’s rapid-reaction force could nun in northern Cameroon people out of 137 cases registered The disease can spread to pri- Tusk spoke three days after additional combat forces there. deploy more quickly. in the latest kidnapping of since January, according to the latest mates and humans who handle foreign ministers from the “The strengthening of Nato’s Poland, which spent more than Westerners in the remote, government toll. The World Health infected meat — a risk given the US-led alliance ordered military presence (in Poland), also military four decades under the sway of insurgency-wracked corner of Organisation said that it is moni- informal trade in “bushmeat” in commanders to devise plans for presence, has become a fact and the Soviet Union in a divided west Africa. toring “just under 400” cases in the forested central and west Africa. reinforcing Nato defences among will be visible in the coming days, Europe after World War Two, The attack occurred over- country, and is in contact with all The west African region is con- its eastern European members, weeks,” Tusk told the broadcaster is eager to see more U.S. troops night on Friday in the small par- those who may have come in contact fronted with its first ever major including Poland. TVN. “The discussion is not about based on its soil. ish of Tchere, in the far north with the disease from the forested outbreak of such disease, unlike Russia’s annexation of Crimea if, but rather about the scale, pace Polish Foreign Minister of Cameroon across the border southeast area of the country. such central African nations as after the fall of Ukraine’s pro- and some technical aspects of Radoslaw Sikorski said earlier from an area of northeastern Other haemorrhagic fevers, the Democratic Republic of Congo Russian president to mass pro- strengthening Poland’s security.” this week that Warsaw would be Nigeria that serves as a base for including Marburg, have simi- and Gabon, where some 1,200 peo- tests has caused the deepest Military planners have been “fully satisfied” if Nato stationed the Islamist Boko Haram group. lar symptoms to Ebola, including ple have been killed by Ebola since crisis in East-West relations since asked to come back with detailed two heavy brigades in Poland. But A group of armed men pulled muscle pain, vomiting and diar- the virus was first discovered in the Cold War, when most east ideas by April 15. A Nato official that seems unlikely. up at the parish shortly before rhoea, as well as heavy bleeding 1976 in the former Zaire. AFP European countries were under said it was premature to give REUTERS midnight, according to Henri Djonyang, the region’s head cleric, which was confirmed by police. Boko Haram militants kid- napped a priest and seven mem- bers of a French family in the EU to set up global court same region last year, and both Djonyang and a Cameroonian police officer said they suspected for Kosovo war crimes the sect in the new abduction. “We suspect they are still in PRISTINA: The European of Kosovo Liberation Army Cameroonian territory. ... We Union said yesterday it plans (KLA), an independence-seeking knew that the Boko Haram to set up an international court guerrilla force that fought the Islamists were planning new kid- in Kosovo to deal with alleged armies of the Serbian strongman nappings,” the officer said. crimes committed by ethnic- Slobodan Milosevic. The two-year The gunmen ransacked the Albanian guerrillas during the war ended when a Nato air cam- parish before seizing the priests war with Serbia. paign ousted Milosevic’s forces and nun, according to news “The EU is not proposing to from Kosovo, paving the way to reports. The priests were identi- establish a tribunal, but rather a its declaration of independence fied as Giampaolo Marta, 47, and specialist court within the Kosovo from Serbia in 2008. Gianantonio Allegri, 57, from the court system,” the bloc’s Pristina The EU in 2011 set up a spe- northern Italian city of Vicenza, office said in a statement. cial task force (SITF) to conduct and the nun as Gilberte Bussier. “This court would have a seat in a fair and independent crimi- Marta has been in Cameroon Kosovo, but sensitive proceedings, nal investigation into the alle- since 2004, while Allegri had including hearing of witnesses, gations contained in the Marty returned to the country last would take place outside of the report. Led by US prosecutor September after working there country in view of the nature of Clint Williamson, the force “is through most of the 1990s, the the allegations,” the EU said. expected to release its findings by Italian foreign ministry said. The court will address the mid-June”, a justice official said. The priest abducted last year findings of a 2010 report by the “He hinted that his probe resulted and held for seven weeks, Georges Central African Interim President Catherine Samba-Panza (centre) welcomes UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Council of Europe’s special rap- in enough evidence for raising an Vandenbeusch, told AFP he upon his arrival at Bangui’s airport yesterday. porteur Dick Marty that alleged indictment,” said the official. knew the three victims well and ethnic-Albanian fighters had been The establishment of the court was “aware that this could hap- involved in serious war crimes topped the agenda of meetings pen again”. He added that the during the 1998-1999 conflict. senior US diplomat Johnathan Western religious workers must Avert new genocide, urges Ban It accused Kosovo’s top political Moore held on Friday with Thaci have been specifically targeted leaders, including Prime Minister and other top officials in Pristina. as two Cameroonian nuns in the BANGUI: UN Secretary 12,000-strong UN peacekeep- “terrified by the prospect of a new Hashim Thaci and several of his In an interview with Kosovo’s area were “left alone”. General Ban Ki-moon made an ing force to be put in place in Rwanda” — is trying to drum up closest associates, of killing some Koha Ditore daily, Moore said the Djonyang said that the abduc- impassioned plea yesterday to the former French colony, where international support for a major 500 prisoners — mostly Kosovo goal of the court “is to focus on tion followed the same pattern the leaders of the strife-torn thousands have been killed since UN operation in Central Africa Serbs — in order to harvest and sell the findings of the Marty report,” as that of Vandenbeusch: “They Central African Republic to pre- sectarian violence broke out a that would also include a civilian their organs, among other crimes. and that it should be approved by looted everything and then left.” vent a new genocide on the conti- year ago. mission. At the time Thaci was a leader parliament. AFP AFP nent, 20 years after Rwanda. In his speech, he said Central Ban said the international com- Ban, in Bangui for a brief visit Africa was now in a state of munity had “failed the people of en route to Rwanda to commemo- “anarchy”, with lynchings, decapi- Rwanda” two decades ago, and rate the anniversary of its genocide, tations and sexual violence going now risked not doing enough for told parliamentarians they had a unpunished. “Ethno-religious the people of the CAR. duty to prevent a recurrence of cleansing is a reality. Most mem- He said he had heard “horror First female mayor of Paris takes office the atrocities that claimed at least bers of the Muslim minority have stories” from displaced people in 800,000 lives in 1994. fled,” he told the transitional par- Bangui, where food was scarce PARIS: The first female mayor of Paris Anne Members currently in office include Ana Botella, the “It is your responsibility as lead- liament after meeting President and living conditions “dire”, and Hidalgo formally took office yesterday with a mayor of Madrid, Cape Town’s Patricia de Lille and ers to ensure that there are no such Catherine Samba-Panza. warned that the approaching rainy pledge to alleviate a housing shortage in the Carolina Toha, who runs Santiago, Chile. anniversaries in this country,” he “Muslims and Christians have season could make things worse. French capital. Born near Cadiz in the southwestern corner of said, warning that “ethno-religious been placed in mortal danger Former colonial power France, The Spanish-born Socialist took up the post after a Spain in 1959, Hidalgo came to France as an infant cleansing” was already happening simply because of who they are which has 2,000 troops in Central City Hall vote to rubber-stamp her victory in municipal and grew up in a working class suburb of Lyon. in the CAR. “Do not repeat the or what they believe. The security Africa, has pressed for a UN force elections on Sunday. An old school feminist socialist, Hidalgo has promised major investment in housing, mistakes of the past — heed the of the state has been replaced by to stem the deadly cycle of inter- Hidalgo, 54, has spent the last 13 years as a low-profile transport and green spaces, with the aim of revers- lessons. The fate of your country a state of anarchy.” communal violence that has laid deputy to outgoing mayor Bertrand Delanoe. ing a middle and working class exodus to the sub- is in your hands.” The secretary general — waste to the country. She now joins an exclusive club of women who urbs. She has promised to create 10,000 new social Ban has called for a who one UN diplomat said was AFP have taken charge of major cities around the world. housing units and 5,000 kindergarten places. AFP SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Olympic Park opens to public UK re-arrests Drone killings fugitive former mafioso LONDON: London police said case thrown yesterday that they had re- arrested a fugitive Sicilian mafioso who last month won a legal fight against extradition to Italy from Britain where he has been living under an alias for out in the US two decades. Domenico Rancadore, 65, has been tried in his absence by an Federal judge dismisses lawsuit Italian court and sentenced to seven years in an Italian jail for WASHINGTON: A US federal held personally responsible in mon- mafia-linked crimes between 1987 judge has dismissed a lawsuit etary damages for conducting war.” and 1995. The Metropolitan Police filed against the government by Awlaki’s US-born son said he was held on Friday night the families of three American Abdulrahman Al Awlaki was 16 at an address in Uxbridge, west citizens killed by drones in years old when he was killed. Also London, under a new European Yemen, saying senior offi- killed was Samir Khan, a natural- arrest warrant issued by Italy, cials cannot be held personally ised US citizen who had moved and would appear at Westminster responsible for money damages to Yemen in 2009 and worked on Magistrates’ Court later. for the act of conducting war. Inspire, an English-language Al In March, he avoided extradi- The families of the three — Qaeda magazine. tion after a British judge ruled including Anwar Al Awlaki, a The American Civil Liberties that Italy’s prison overcrowding New Mexico-born militant Muslim Union and the Centre for could breach his human rights. cleric who had joined Al Qaeda’s Constitutional Rights, both based REUTERS Yemen affiliate, as well as his teen- in New York, represented the age son — sued over their 2011 families. They had argued that Children play in a playground, in front of the Olympic Arena,in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east US Navy testing deaths in US drone strikes, argu- in killing American citizens the London. The park, now re-named, which was the venue for the London 2012 Olympic Games, opened to ing that the killings were illegal. government violated fundamental the public yesterday. Judge Rosemary Collyer of the rights under the US constitution pilotless copter US district court in Washington to due process and to be free from threw out the case, which had unreasonable seizure. WASHINGTON: The helicop- named as defendants the former “This is a deeply troubling deci- ter kicked up a cloud of freshly defence secretary and CIA chief sion that treats the government’s fallen snow that partly obscured Leon Panetta, the former senior allegations as proof while refus- the ground below, but despite the military commander and CIA ing to allow those allegations to Venezuela charges oppn leader poor visibility, it gently touched chief David Petraeus and two be tested in court,” said ACLU down in a landing that was unre- other top military commanders. lawyer Hina Shamsi. CARACAS: Protests erupted the most radical protesters. The midst of a massive opposition pro- markable except for the fact no “The question presented is Collyer ruled that the families in Caracas late on Friday after government claims the protests test rally. Attorney General Luisa one was at the controls. whether federal officials can be did not have a claim under the Venezuela’s attorney general are part of a coup attempt orches- Ortega Diaz told a press conference The helicopter, filmed during held personally liable for their Constitution’s fourth amendment charged jailed opposition leader trated by the United States and that Lopez was formally charged testing by the Naval Research roles in drone strikes abroad guarantee against unreasonable Leopoldo Lopez with responsi- right-wing Colombians. with inciting violence, arson, dam- Laboratory, was piloted by a that target and kill US citizens,” seizures because the government bility for anti-government dem- The protesters, in turn, have age to property and conspiracy. 45kg sensor and software pack- Collyer said in her opinion. “The did not seize or restrain the three onstrations that have shaken long complained about harass- The action stems from Lopez’s age that officials said can turn question raises fundamental who were killed. “Unmanned the country since February. ment from gangs of armed, semi- public support for the student-led any rotary-winged aircraft into issues regarding constitutional drones are functionally incapable of Riot police fired tear gas at official pro-government thugs. street protests that have rocked a virtually autonomous drone principles and it is not easy to ‘seizing’ a person; they are designed crowds of rock-throwing dem- Thirty-nine people have died and the country since they began able to fly with minimal input answer.” But the judge said she to kill, not capture,” she wrote. onstrators in the Chacao neigh- another 608 have been wounded February 4 in the western city of from the Marine Corps troops would grant the government’s Nasser Al Awlaki, father of borhood in what has become an since crowds took to the streets San Cristobal and spread to sev- it was designed to serve. motion to dismiss the case. Anwar Al Awlaki, said he was almost regular nightly ritual. in early February to protest eral other major cities. Rear Admiral Matthew Collyer said the officials named disappointed in the American In an ominous sign of possible Venezuela’s soaring crime, high Lopez and some other opposition Klunder, chief of Naval Research, as defendants “must be trusted justice system and “like any par- escalation, a masked man was pho- inflation and shortages of essen- leaders support a strategy dubbed said the aim of the project was and expected to act in accordance ent or grandparent would, I want tographed moving among the pro- tial goods. “the exit” that is aimed at generat- to give troops a simple tool for with the US constitution when answers from the government testers armed with what appeared Lopez, a Harvard-educated ing pressure through street pro- battlefield resupply, reducing they intentionally target a US when it decides to take life, but to be a rifle with a telescopic sight. economist who is leader of the tests for Maduro — the handpicked the casualties inherent in using citizen abroad at the direction of all I have got so far is secrecy and Leftist President Nicolas Maduro Popular Will party, has been held successor to late socialist icon Hugo ground convoys to deliver food, the president and with the concur- a refusal even to explain”. more than once has decried the in a military prison since he was Chavez — to resign. water and weapons. rence of Congress. They cannot be THE GUARDIAN existence of sharpshooters among arrested on February 18 in the AFP REUTERS SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA

Still no trace of crew in sunken Biggest hunt ship off S Korea

SEOUL: An overnight search for a cargo ship carrying 16 North Korean crew that yet for lost sank off South Korea killing at least two failed to find any sign of survivors or debris, officials said yesterday. The 4,300-tonne Mongolian- flagged ship sent out a distress Malaysia jet call from international waters off South Korea’s southern island of Geomun shortly after Ten planes, 11 ships to scour sea 1.00am Friday. The bodies of two North PERTH: Four weeks after the transmits “pings” when under- Korean sailors were recovered disappearance of a Malaysia water, but its batteries may only Friday and three other crew Airlines jetliner, searchers last 30 days. were rescued, with 11 peo- yesterday launched the most Australian authorities said the ple still missing mid-morning intensive hunt yet in the south- so-called Towed Pinger Locator yesterday. ern Indian Ocean, trying to find will be pulled behind navy ship the plane’s black box recorders HMAS Ocean Shield, searching US backs HK before their batteries run out. a converging course on a 240-km Up to 10 military planes, three track with British hydrographic democracy civilian jets and 11 ships will scour survey ship HMS Echo. a 217,000-sq-km patch of desolate Experts have warned the Phoenix International personnel prepare to deploy the towed pinger locator off the deck of the Australian Defence WASHINGTON: US Vice ocean some 1,700km northwest of Towed Pinger Locator may be of Vessel Ocean Shield in the southern Indian Ocean during the search for the flight data recorder and cockpit voice President Joe Biden called Perth near where investigators little use unless investigators can recorder of the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 on Friday. Friday for democratic rule believe the plane went down on get a much better idea of exactly in Hong Kong as he met March 8 with the loss of all 239 where the plane went into the with two outspoken activists people on board. water, because its limited range from the semi-autonomous “If we haven’t found any- and the slow speed at which it Chinese metropolis. thing in six weeks we will con- must be pulled behind the ship In an unusually high sign tinue because there are a lot of mean it cannot cover large areas Pressure increases for plane of support, the White House things in the aircraft that will of ocean quickly. said Biden stopped by talks float,” Retired Air Chief Marshal “I won’t even call it an area. at the White House with Angus Houston, the head of the What we are doing is we are Martin Lee, a founder of the Australian agency coordinating tracking down the best estimate tracking devices after MH370 opposition Democratic Party, the operation, told reporters. of the course that the aircraft and Anson Chan, the former “Eventually I think something was on,” USNavy Captain Mark number two in the Hong Kong will be found that will help us Matthews told Reuters. “It takes WASHINGTON: Four weeks aircraft in near real time and, in Further recommendations may, government. narrow the search area.” a couple of days on each leg so its into the hunt for MH370, pres- this day and age, it is unaccept- however, have to wait for the jet’s “The vice president under- Authorities have not ruled out a slow-going search.” sure is building for better ways able that the location of the air- recorders to be found. scored our long-standing sup- mechanical problems as a cause Britain is also sending HMS of tracking aircraft as regula- craft is unknown,” the US-based After the Air France crash, port for democracy in Hong but say the evidence, including the Tireless, a Trafalgar-class tors wrestle with the Malaysian Air Line Pilots Association said. a United Nations agency began Kong and for the city’s high loss of communications, suggests nuclear submarine with sonar jet’s disappearance armed with “Implementation of technology looking at three reforms, but not degree of autonomy under Flight MH370 was deliberately capabilities, and a Malaysian only minimal information on such as ADS-B and use of satel- all would be required by law. the ‘one country, two systems’ diverted thousands of kilometres frigate was due to arrive in the the fate of its 239 passengers. lite surveillance of aircraft dur- Under one of these, a jetliner framework,” a White House from its scheduled route from search area yesterday. As search efforts intensi- ing flight operations must become would automatically beam back statement said. Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Malaysian Prime Minister fied yesterday, four weeks after the standard across the industry,” regular updates on its location Dozens of flights by a multi- Najib Razak and his Australian the Boeing 777 went missing, a it added in a statement received throughout the flight. Under the 10 injured in national taskforce have so far counterpart, Tony Abbott, this US pilots association called for yesterday. second proposal, the jet would auto- failed to turn up any trace of the week toured RAAF Base Pearce, existing satellite technology to ADS-B is a satellite naviga- matically send out useful tracking China tremor plane, and investigators concede near Perth, from where air- be made mandatory so control- tion device capable of linking to data when it senses it is about to the task has been made more dif- crews seven countries have been lers can track jets. the Global Positioning System or crash. A third idea calls for the BEIJING: A shallow 5.3 ficult by the lack of data. operating. Until recently, aircraft fly- other space-based networks. black box to be ejected from the quake struck southwest The Boeing 777 was briefly “The world expects us to do ing over oceans well outside the French authorities recom- aircraft just before impact, avoid- China yesterday, sending ter- picked up on military radar our level best, and I’m very con- reach of air traffic control rou- mended extending the life of the ing the risk of destruction. rified residents running from on the other side of Malaysia fident we will indeed show what tinely gave their position through batteries on the locating devices to IFALPA, an association repre- their homes as dozens of and analysis of subsequent we can do together as a group high-frequency radio links that 90 days after the crash of an Air senting pilots globally, says better houses collapsed and injuring hourly electronic “handshakes” of nations; that we want to find are vulnerable to interference France jet in the Atlantic in 2009, tracking would come about auto- at least 10 people, state media exchanged with a satellite led answers, that we want to provide from the atmosphere. but the move will not become man- matically through efforts already reported. investigators to conclude the comfort to the families and we Some airlines now use satellite- datory until 2018 or 2019. under way to overhaul air traf- The tremor in Yunnan plane crashed far off the west will not rest until answers are based voice and text communica- France’s final report on the fic by using satellites, but such province, near the border Australian coast hours later. indeed found,” Najib said. tions, but these are not mandatory AF447 crash led to a rethink of schemes have been held up in part with Sichuan, hit at 6.40am Sonar equipment on two ships Malaysian authorities have and may require a subscription how technology can help inves- by budget problems. at a depth of 13 kilometres, joining the search may help find faced heavy criticism, particu- that Malaysia Airlines had not tigators track the wreckage, but One US government official said Xinhua news agency said cit- the plane’s black box voice and larly from China, for misman- signed up for, according to offi- aviation experts say changes can the sheer scope of the international ing the China Earthquake data recorders that are key to aging the search and holding cials investigating the loss of take years to negotiate. search effort, the frustration of not Networks. unlocking what happened on the back information. Most of the Flight MH370. Experts say the jet’s disappear- finding any sign of wreckage, could AGENCIES flight. The black box is equipped 227 passengers were Chinese. “Technology that exists today ance has renewed pressure for push the issue to a tipping point. with a locator beacon that REUTERS can pinpoint the location of better use of tracking technology. REUTERS

‘Janku’ in Kathmandu Japan to ram new N Korean missile launch

TOKYO: Japan has ordered a destroyer in the Sea of Japan to strike any ballistic missiles that may be launched by North Korea in the coming weeks after Pyongyang fired a Rodong medium-range missile over the sea, a government source said yesterday. Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera issued the order on Thursday, but did not make it public in order to avoid putting a chill on renewed talks between Tokyo and Pyongyang, the first in more than a year, local media Laxmi Kumari Manandhar, 89, gets prepared by her daughters before celebrating ‘Janku’ tradition in reported earlier. Kathmandu yesterday. Janku is a ritual for 77 to 89 years old Newa people as a celebration of long life. “The defence minister made the order from April 3rd through to the 25th to prepare for any additional missile launches,” the Washington assures Tokyo on security source said. Onodera, the source said, did not deploy Patriot missile bat- TOKYO: US Defence strategy to punish Russia and recognises that Japan admin- teries that would be the last Secretary Chuck Hagel moved told reporters ahead of two days isters them and says they fall line of defence against incoming yesterday to reassure Japan of of talks with Japanese leaders under the US-Japan Security warheads. America’s commitment to its that it was natural that “allies Treaty, which obligates America Media reports said the North security, as Russia’s annexa- are going to look at each other to come to Japan’s defence. Korean-Japanese talks in Beijing tion of Crimea raises eyebrows to be assured,” given the crisis in Addressing US and Japanese this week broke no new ground, in a region facing its own terri- Ukraine. “It’s a pretty predict- forces at Yokota Air Base, Hagel but ended with an agreement for torial disputes with an increas- able, I think, reaction not just said one of the goals of his trip further meetings. ingly assertive China. of nations of this area, of this to the region was to assure The firing of the Rodong coin- The United States and its region, but all over the world. It allies of America’s commitment cided with a meeting in The allies have made clear they has to concern nations,” he said. to “our treaty obligations. We’re Hague between US President have no military plans to defend But Hagel rejected any sug- serious about that,” he said. Barack Obama and the leaders Ukraine, which is not a Nato gestion of weakness as he Daniel Russel, President of South Korea and Japan and member, instead moving to iso- renewed US commitments to Barack Obama’s diplomatic followed a series of short-range late Russia diplomatically and Japan, which is locked in a dis- point man for East Asia, said on rocket launches. impose limited sanctions. pute with China over islands in Thursday the prospect of eco- The launch appeared to be a Critics say such moves are the East China Sea. nomic retaliation should discour- show of defiance by North Korea. too weak to return Crimea to Washington takes no position age Beijing from using force to The missile fell into the sea Ukrainian control and do little on the sovereignty of the islands, pursue territorial claims in Asia, after flying 650km, short of a to deter further aggression. called the Senkaku by Japan in the way Russia has in Crimea. maximum range thought to be Hagel defended the US and the Diaoyu by China, but REUTERS some 1,300km. REUTERS SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Milf activists expected to register as voters 3 million extremists might register for 2016: Comelec

KIDAPAWAN CITY: The “We expect more or less 56 participated in previous electoral Commission on Elections million registered voters to par- exercises will come out to register (Comelec) is expecting thou- ticipate in the 2016 electoral exer- as qualified voters in preparation sands of Moro Islamic Liberation cise,” Brillantes said. for the first ever elections in the Front (Milf) members to regis- Brillantes said the poll body is Bangsamoro core territory. ter as voters during the nation- preparing for the “inclusion” in The Bangsamoro Transition wide May 6, 2014 to October 31, the country’s voters’ lists of Milf Commission, which is comprised 2015 registration of new voters. members that wants to partici- of mixed Milf and government Comelec Chairman Sixto pate in the elections of the first representatives, and chaired by Brillantes said they are, in fact, set of officials for the Bangsamoro the rebel group’s chief negotiator, expecting no fewer than 3 million political entity, which the rebel Muhaquer Iqbal, is now draft- A Filipino Navy boat arrives at a port after patrolling waters off the coast of Sulu province on Friday. new voters to register in differ- group and the government aims ing the Basic Bangsamoro Law ent parts of the country ahead of to establish before 2016. (BBL), the enabling measure for the 2016 synchronized local and “Those who are already 18 the creation of the Bangsamoro presidential elections. years of age should have them- entity that would replace the Search continues for kidnap victims “We are expecting about three selves listed promptly to avoid ARMM. million voters to register during hassles. There will be no exten- The BBL will be submitted to the period,” Brillantes said told sion of this registration process,” Congress for enactment and, sub- MANILA: Philippine authori- continue for the search and res- extensive search and naval block- Catholic station dxND here. Brillantes said. sequently presented for approval, ties are conducting extensive cue of the 29-year-old Chinese ade to locate suspected seacrafts,” He said the country already has He said the Comelec will pro- via a referendum, by voters in the search and naval blockade to and 40-year-old Filipina, who Valte said. about 53 million registered vot- vide special attention to regis- proposed Bangsamoro core terri- locate and rescue the two vic- were kidnapped by seven fully She said that other military ers as of last year’s simultaneous trants with physical disabilities, tory in early 2015. tims who were abducted by sus- armed men from the Singamata units in Western Mindanao local, senatorial and regional elec- the senior citizens, and those Brillantes said the Comelec pected Abu Sayyaf Group from Reef Resort near Semporna, Command and local police in the tions in the Autonomous Region detained in jails undergoing liti- will strictly apply the Republic a resort in Sabah, Malaysia ear- Sabah late Wednesday night. areas have been alerted as well. in Muslim Mindanao. gation for various offenses. Act 10367, also known as the lier this week, a senior govern- She said the operations were The Philippine military earlier Brillantes said all Comelec The Milf, which signed with Act Providing for Mandatory ment official said yesterday. focused in areas in island prov- identified the abductors belong- offices throughout the country government last March 27 the Biometrics Voters Registration, Deputy Presidential inces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi- ing to an Abu Sayyaf Group unit will facilitate registration of vot- Comprehensive Agreement on in the forthcoming nationwide Spokesperson Abigail Valte, cit- Tawi in Mindanao. in Tawi-Tawi led by a certain ers during workdays starting May Bangsamoro, said guerrillas 18 listing activity. ing a report from the Philippine “So the Armed Forces of the Murphy Ambang Ladia. 6 until October 31 next year. years old and above who have not THE PHILIPPINE STAR military, said that “best efforts” Philippines (AFP) is conducting THE PHILIPPINE STAR ‘Manila chose right course in sea row’ India group wins $389m Philippine airport project MANILA: The Philippines Beijing seems to have believed lessons from China’s intimidation, Ren’ai Reef by the Chinese, is not chose the right course, an inter- never would actually happen.” including the latter’s seizure of an island or even a rock but a low- national think tank said of the The nearly 4,000-page memorial Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal and tide elevation that is not subject MANILA: A consortium that Over the next three to four country’s filing a case before an explains in detail the Philippines’ its effort to prevent Philippine to any independent territorial includes India’s GMR Group years, the Indian company and arbitral court on its overlap- arguments and evidence against ships from delivering supplies and claim under the UN Convention has won a $389.33m contract to its local partner will renovate ping claim with China in the China’s nine-dash line and other provisions to a handful of Marines on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). upgrade the passenger terminal Mactan’s passenger terminal, Spratlys. aspects of Beijing’s expansive and stationed at a grounded transport “The shoal belongs to whoever of the Philippines’ second air- build a separate one for inter- The Philippines may face reper- excessive South China Sea claims. ship on Ayungin Shoal. has sovereignty over the conti- port, the Filipino government national flights, and then oper- cussions for bringing its territo- “Manila is paying a cost for its “The incident underscored nental shelf on which it rests – said yesterday. ate the improved facility with an rial dispute with China before an case, but it has correctly deter- a lesson that the Philippines by all indications the Philippines,” The GMR-Megawide consor- expected annual turnover of eight international court but compla- mined that the cost of compla- learned well after Scarborough he said. Poling said China has not tium has been awarded a 25-year million passengers. cency may be costlier, US-based cency would be higher,” he said. Shoal: China has no intention restricted its underwater claims concession to the Mactan airport The existing terminal was built think tank Center for Strategic “The Philippines chose the of compromising on its claims, to the continental shelf of the that serves the central city of to handle 4.5 million passengers and International Studies (CSIS) right course. Now the interna- restricting them to the bounds Philippines. Cebu, the country’s second-larg- a year, but annual traffic topped said in a report. tional community must weigh in of international law, or treating He cited an incident in January est metropolis after Manila, the six million in 2011, well past its Gregory Poling of the CSIS in and convince China of that fact,” fellow claimants as equal parties involving three Chinese ships that transportation and communica- capacity, the department said. Washington said the submission Poling said in a commentary. to the disputes,” he added. patrolled James Shoal, a completely tion department said. Cebu is the country’s main tour- of the memorial or written argu- China has rejected arbitra- Poling said there is a flaw in submerged feature on Malaysia’s “This project should have been ism hub. ment on the Philippines’ position tion and even threatened the Beijing’s position that it is only continental shelf, and held a cer- done at least a decade ago, so there Under the contract terms, the to the arbitral tribunal in The Philippines with sanctions for claiming “islands and adjacent emony swearing to defend Chinese is no more time to waste,” the new facility reverts to govern- Hague on March 30 “marks a filing the memorial. waters” within its nine-dash line. sovereignty over it. department’s spokesman Michael ment ownership and control after bold step by Manila and one that Poling said Manila has learned He said Ayungin Shoal, called THE PHILIPPINE STAR Arthur Sagcal said in a statement. 25 years. AFP

Singaporean President Tan visits Samar BASEY, SAMAR: Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam arrived here Friday afternoon to hand over medical equip- ment and supplies to the Basey District Hospital. Gov Sharee Ann Tan led local officials in accepting the donations and later gave the Singaporean leader a commendation signed by all provincial board members of Samar. In his speech, Tan said he is optimistic that the “small” dona- tion from his country would sym- bolize a gesture of friendship and solidarity with the Filipino people. “I hope it can help make some improvement, especially in the most devastated areas,” he said. Children scavenge in the ruins of a slum after a fire in Davao City yesterday. Last Friday, Tan also handed over $7m in donations to partner organizations in the Philippines of the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) Thousands flee as fire razes slum involved in post-Yolanda rehabili- tation projects. Tan added that they also raised DAVAO: A huge night fire worth $2,225 that she had paid Some of the houses had funds amounting to $11.45m for sent slum dwellers running for with three years’ worth of rested on stilts that stuck out the victims of the super typhoon for their lives and destroyed savings from working abroad. of the coastal waters, and fire- that hit the Philippines last more than a thousand homes The catastrophic blaze was fighters said they had difficulty November. in the Philippines’ largest finally under control shortly moving through the narrow, He said the funds will be used southern city, officials said after 1.00am yesterday, but by winding alleyways between the by their partner organizations to yesterday. then more than 5,000 people shanties, he said. construct and rehabilitate hospi- Davao city’s skyline lit up were left homeless, local civil More than a thousand fami- tals, shelters, schools and health as firefighters battled for defence officials said. lies sought refuge at a govern- care facilities as well as for medi- more than five hours against All that was left of the homes ment schoolhouse that escaped cal supplies and water sanitation. flames that leapt swiftly from were charred or blackened the blaze. Tan’s visit to the Philippines one shanty to another in the posts, according to a photog- Martinez added the slum sat reciprocates President Aquino’s depressed coastal neighbour- rapher at the scene. on a previously vacant govern- state visit to Singapore last hood of Isla Verde on Friday “These were houses made of ment lot that had been gradu- month. night, witnesses said. light materials. They were all ally settled by impoverished Singapore was the Philippines’ “I’m back to zero. I don’t razed to the ground,” Jimmy migrants to the city of 1.5 mil- fourth largest trade partner in know how I can recover,” said Martinez, an official of the civil lion people -- a common phe- 2013 and the sixth largest source grocer Norayna Serad, who defence office for the Davao nomenon in Philippine urban of tourists. lost her store and merchandise region said. centres. AFP THE PHILIPPINE STAR SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN 7m voters turn out for Afghan election Despite Taliban threats, voters exercise their rights

KABUL: Afghanistan’s presi- afraid of any attacks,” said Haji the eastern province of Kunar dential election drew to a close Ramazan as he stood in line at a alone, two voters died and 14 were yesterday amid relief that polling station in rain-drenched wounded, while 14 Taliban mili- attacks by Taliban fighters were Kabul. “This is my right, and no tants were killed. fewer than feared for a vote one can stop me.” However, there were no large- that will bring the first-ever The United States could point scale attacks by the Taliban on an democratic transfer of power in to the advance of democracy in election it saw a US-backed sham a country plagued by conflict for one of the world’s most violent and had vowed to derail. decades. countries as a success as it pre- Dozens died in a spate of “I congratulate all Afghans for pares to withdraw the bulk of its attacks in the preceding weeks. this successful and historic elec- troops by the year-end. A veteran Associated Press pho- tion,” said Election Secretary Having spent $90bn on aid tographer was killed and a senior Zia-ur-Rahman, as counting got and security training since help- correspondent of the same news underway. “People participated ing Afghan forces to topple a agency was wounded on Friday beyond our expectations.” strict Islamist Taliban regime when a policeman opened fire on Due to Afghanistan’s rugged in 2001, American support for the two women in the east as they terrain it will take six weeks for Afghanistan’s ongoing fight reported on preparations for the results to come in and a final against the Taliban has faded. poll. result to be declared in the race to When the last election was held Most people had expected the succeed President Hamid Karzai. five years ago, the Obama admin- election to be better run than the Even then one of the eight can- istration had viewed Afghanistan chaotic 2009 vote that handed didates will have to score over 50 as the “good war” - unlike Iraq - Karzai a second term amid mas- percent of the vote to avoid a run- ordering a ‘surge’ of over 60,000 sive fraud and ballot stuffing. off with his nearest rival. additional soldiers to be deployed. The constitution barred Karzai Despite the Taliban threat, Yet as US troops get ready to go from seeking another term. But, Election officials hold a ballot paper during the vote counting process at a polling station in Herat Province yesterday. turnout was seven million out home, the abiding Taliban threat after 12 years in power, he is of 12 million eligible voters, or and uncertainty over neighbour widely expected to retain influ- guarding against attacks on poll- Hamida, a 20-year-old teacher honey-brown eyes visible through about 58 percent, according to Pakistan’s intentions leave the ence through politicians loyal to ing stations and voters. The capi- working at a Kandahar polling her black niqab. preliminary estimates, election worry that Afghanistan could him. tal, Kabul, was sealed off by rings station, said more than a dozen Raising questions about the commission chief Ahmad Yousuf enter a fresh cycle of violence, Former foreign ministers of roadblocks and checkpoints. women turned up in the first legitimacy of the vote even before Nuristani said. That was well and once again become a haven Abdullah Abdullah and Zalmay In the city of Kandahar, cra- two hours of voting and added it began, the election commis- above the 4.5 million who voted for groups like Al Qaeda. Rassoul, and former finance dle of the Taliban insurgency, the that she expected more to come sion announced that at least 10 at the last election in 2009, as During yesterday’s election, minister Ashraf Ghani were mood was tense. Vehicles were not despite the threat of an attack by percent of polling stations were voters refused to be cowed by the there were dozens of reports of regarded as the favourites to suc- allowed to move on the roads and the Taliban. expected to be shut due to secu- militants. roadside bombs, attacks on poll- ceed Karzai. More than 350,000 checkpoints were set up at every “We are trying not to think rity threats. “I am here to vote and I am not ing stations, police and voters. In Afghan troops were deployed, intersection. about it,” she said, only her REUTERS

Two suicide Pakistani couple gets death Nawaz set to limit power subsidy bombers killed in Afghanistan over blasphemous message ISLAMABAD: The federal amount and then reducing it over mechanism - which would be government of Pakistan led by a period of time to eliminate the introduced by June 30, 2014 - to KABUL: A suicide bomber LAHORE: A court in east- Hassan said, adding that they prime minister Nawaz Sharif causes of circular debt. fulfill this policy,” the documents was killed by police and a ern Pakistan has sentenced would appeal the sentence. is planning to limit and subse- The policy guidelines, in their stated, adding that the mecha- second bomber blew himself a Christian couple to death Maulvi Mohammad Hussain, quently reduce the power subsidy initial form as approved by ECC nism would be based and revised up in two separate incidents for sending a blasphemous the prayer leader at a local from June 30 onwards in a bid to on February 28, had recom- on circular debt audits. in eastern Afghanistan, offi- text message insulting to the mosque in Gojra, lodged a com- tackle circular debt and recover mended restricting the power In order to bring clarity to the cials said. Prophet Mohammed, their law- plaint against couple on July 21 dues the power sector is owed. subsidy to low-income residen- clause covering the matter in the A man wearing a suicide vest yer said yesterday. last year for sending him a text Although the government has tial consumers and allowing the policy guidelines, the Ministry of was identified and shot dead by Judge Mian Amir Habib handed message which he said was insult- already paid Rs480bn to clear cir- government to pass on the full Water and Power proposed con- police before he could enter a the death sentence to Shafqat ing to the Prophet Mohammed. cular debt, power sector receiv- impact of the tariff determined sidering circular debt as the cash checkpoint in Waghaz district Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar Hussain accused the husband ables have surged to Rs508bn by the National Electric Power shortfall within the Central Power in the province of Ghazni, in a jail in the town of Toba Tek of sending the message from his against payables of Rs288bn. Regulatory Authority (Nepra) Purchasing Agency (CPPA), the said Sediq Sediqqi, an Interior Singh on Friday, defence lawyer wife’s cellphone. However, defence The Economic Coordination onto other consumers. documents revealed. Ministry spokesman. Nadeem Hassan said. lawyer Hassan said that the text Committee (ECC) of the cabi- Currently, power distribution The overdue amount is the In neighbouring Khost prov- Prosecution department offi- originated from a cellphone which net, in a meeting held on March companies are charging consum- result of the difference between ince, a suicide bomber was the cials confirmed the sentence. The the couple had lost some time 27, approved an addition in ers an average cost of Rs14.70 per the tariff determined by Nepra sole victim after he blew him- impoverished couple, who are in before the incident, so they could the National Power Tariff and unit, against the Rs15.90 per unit and the cost the consumers are self up near a polling station their forties, have three children not have sent the message. Subsidy Policy Guidelines 2014 to tariff determined by the regulator. actually charged, the ministry in Zazi Maidan district, dep- and live in the town of Gojra, The couple had suspected rivals help manage circular debt, docu- “The Finance Division, in informed ECC. As such, the CPPA uty provincial governor, Abdul which has a history of violence of implicating them into blas- ments revealed. consultation with the Ministry is unable to pay the dues to power Wahed Pathan said. against Christians, Hassan said. phemy case to settle personal sco The addition envisages limit- of Water and Power, and other supply companies. Both denied the charges, res. AFP ing the power subsidy to a certain stakeholders, will oversee a INTERNEWS PTI to form two Bus accident separate events ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lead- ers and activists are poised for participation in two sepa- rate events in the same city to mark the party’s 18th foundation day on April 25. One to be organised by the PTI, will be graced by its Chairman Imran Khan while another planned at a local hotel where disgruntled lead- ers and activists will gather to remind their party skipper of the ‘original mission’ and chalk out their future line of action. It is too early to say, what exactly will be the outcome of the event being organised by Akbar S Babar and others of same thinking, however, they intended to convey a loud and clear message to Imran to ‘return to the old ways’ before Local residents check the wreckage of a passenger bus after it fell into a ravine in Taxila Haripur Road in PTI. AGENCIES Hattar Industrial Estate Dohrian Bridge, Pakistan yesterday. At least three people were killed. TTP had not demanded the release of detainees

ISLAMABAD: The 19 non- been fighting against terrorism. members would be held and the issue of retired General combatant Taliban, freed by However, the official said what would be on the table for Pervez Musharraf. the government, do not figure that the instant release was discussion. “The government has been in the list furnished by the approved by Interior Minister He said that after the release bogged down in the Musharraf Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan with of 19 Taliban, the matter of saga for the past few days as (TTP) to the official negotia- a view that it would send a posi- freeing kidnapped Prof Ajmal, several people have made it tors although the government tive signal to the TTP. “It is a Shahbaz Taseer and Ali Haider hostage on this very issue forc- hopes their release will be good move to start with.” Gilani, who are in the custody of ing it to take a decision that has seen as a goodwill gesture by Meanwhile, the next gov- the Taliban, could be taken up generated problems,” the official the outfit, it is reliably learnt. ernment strategy and steps in with the TTP. “It is time for the said. “The release of these Taliban, relation to taking the dialogue Taliban to give an encouraging “For everybody, the peace involved in petty crimes, which process forward and give a fil- matching response.” process must be much more was directed by the interior lip to it will transpire yester- The source said that although important than Musharraf’s ministry, will reinforce the con- day when the interior minister the interior minister was sin- staying in Pakistan or going ducive atmosphere between the will chair a joint meeting of cerely working with the key abroad.” TTP and the government, which the Taliban intermediaries and agencies for the release of some However, he cited umpteen was created before and after the the government committee of Taliban, who were included in examples to establish that a first direct round of negotia- interlocutors. the list furnished by the TTP, number of leading politicians tions,” said a senior official. The official said it would be his job has become extremely including Benazir Bhutto went The Taliban detainees, he decided where and when the difficult and complicated after abroad when criminal cases said, whom the TTP wants to next round of direct parleys bad blood has been created were in progress in Pakistan be released are in the custody between the government body between the government and against them. of security agencies, which have and the TTP political council the security establishment on INTERNEWS SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Nation readies for Lok Sabha battle Modi-led BJP buoyant; more than 800 million registered to vote; voting to take place over five weeks

NEW DELHI: India will begin voting tomorrow in a staggered national election widely tipped BJP to get to give a decisive edge to a confi- dent BJP, led by Hindutva mas- cot Narendra Modi, which may 234 to 246 however still fall short of a par- liamentary majority. It will be the world’s biggest seats: Poll democratic exercise, involving a staggering 814 million voters — of NEW DELHI: A new opin- which about 120-150 million will ion poll by CNN-IBN said be first-time voters — across the the BJP and its allies could length and breadth of the sev- get 234 to 246 seats in Lok enth largest country, who will Sabha. Congress and its part- cast their votes in 930,000 polling ners may win just 111 to 123, booths to choose from hundreds the poll suggested. of candidates — nominations are According to another opin- still being filed — and dozens of ion poll released by CSDS, a political parties, big and small. respected Indian polling group, Although fingers are still the BJP and its allies are fore- crossed on whether the BJP-led cast to win the biggest chunk National Democratic Alliance of the 543 parliamentary seats (NDA) will secure a majority up for grabs but fall up to 38 in the 545-member Lok Sabha, seats short of a majority. most agree that it has out- The winning party needs paced a bruised Congress and 272 seats for a majority but the its shrunken United Progressive BJP is expected to strike more Alliance (UPA) that ruled India alliances to reach that crucial for ten years since 2004. number when results come in Ranged against both these on May 16. IANS/REUTERS groupings are a string of regional parties with devoted pockets of support such as the Samajwadi Modi will become Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party (Uttar Pradesh), Biju A sand sculpture by sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik depicts the Parliament with various parties’ election symbols, created to raise awareness among PM, says Advani Janata Dal (Orissa), the AIADMK people to cast their votes in the election, on a beach in Puri, Odisha, yesterday. (Tamil Nadu) and the Trinamool GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat Congress (West Bengal) which its allies are unlikely to get past Whatever the outcome, Lok governance in Gujarat, Modi has recently poor but now can afford Chief Minister Narendra Modi could play a key role in the event the half way mark of 272 seats Sabha Election 2014 is a unique without doubt connected with a consumer goods. Even the poor- will become the next prime of another hung parliament. and dismiss the widely talked battle, one reason being Modi, still large mass of middle class Indians, est people, those below that group, minister of India but cannot be The Bharatiya Janata Party is about “Modi wave” as a largely the Gujarat chief minister. frustrated by a stuttering econ- want some of that,” said Vaishnav, compared to former prime min- supremely confident of returning urban phenomenon promoted by In less than a year since he omy and lack of jobs, denouncing an India expert. ister Atal Behari Vajpayee, sen- to power that it lost a decade ago. sections of the electronic media. was made chief of the BJP elec- the Congress and other political While Modi has cut red tape ior BJP leader L K Advani said “We are very sure that the BJP on tion campaign, leading to his later foes, often using language his own and overseen a period of high yesterday. its own will win up to 250 seats,” NO CLEAR MAJORITY elevation as the party’s prime colleagues may not be comfort- growth in Gujarat, details of his “Modi will become the PM of the spokesperson Prakash Javadekar Political analyst Pradip Dutta ministerial candidate amid some able with. However, he remains policy plans, or “Modinomics”, on country... I would not compare him said. “Along with our allies in NDA, admitted that the BJP “obviously misgivings within the party, Modi a divisive figure for many, having the national scale remain sketchy. (Modi) to Vajpayee ji,” the former the tally is sure to touch 290 or so.” has a much larger lead over the has grown larger than life into a presided over the Gujarat anti- The BJP is due to release its deputy prime minister said. The Congress is harping on Congress” but added that the figure who is both venerated and Muslim riots of 2002 for which delayed manifesto after voting Putting up a united face after the theme that doomsayers will BJP might not win 272 seats on reviled like few other politicians he has never offered any apology. starts on Monday. reports of differences, Advani, be proved wrong again — as it its own. “I don’t see a Modi wave, in India. Across the country, Modi — Tomorrow, five of the 14 Lok who was accompanied by Modi happened during the last two and the BJP should not take its In some ways, the 63-year- who will run from Varanasi — has Sabha constituencies in Assam when he filed his nomination, Lok Sabha elections. “We are victory for granted,” Dutta said. old has turned the election into vowed to revive a $1 trillion infra- and one of the two in Tripura, expressed confidence about the not prophets or astrologers. All He said that the BJP, if it finishes a show largely revolving around structure programme, create jobs both in the northeast of India, will party’s success and said he was I can say is that the UPA will on top of a hung parliament, could him, hoisting his aggressive per- and help an ambitious, growing see polling. It will be followed by sure BJP would form the next surprise everyone as it did both attract more allies. sona on a party which for decades middle class whose economic suc- Delhi and some heartland states government. in 2004 and 2009,” spokesperson Another political analyst, believed in collective leadership, cess has sputtered in recent years. on April 10. Seven more rounds Advani, who has been repre- Abhishek Singhvi of the Congress Badri Narayan Tiwari, was more and making subtle attempts to “The Modi message has been of voting will follow until May senting the Gandhinagar Lok said. “With our known allies and emphatic. “The BJP won’t get a shed his Hindu hardliner image very savvy,” said Milan Vaishnav 12. The millions of votes will be Sabha constituency since 1998, a few others, we will easily form clear majority,” Tiwari said on tel- without giving up Hindutva, or of the Carnegie Endowment for counted May 16 to reveal the wanted to fight from Bhopal this the government.” ephone from Allahabad where he Hindu nationalist, politics. This, International Peace. mind of the Indian electorate time as per party sources and Most pollsters and political is an academic. “They will have to analyst Tiwari said, was the BJP’s “He’s pitching at the middle about who will govern India for was miffed when he was given pundits don’t agree with Singhvi. woo more parties if they have to strength — and weakness. class — people who are on $4-$10 the next five years. Gandhinagar seat. But they also say that the BJP and form a government.” With a proven track record of a day, people who were until IANS/REUTERS IANS Modi aide’s remark sparks row Every vote for CPI-M will help BJP: Rahul NEW DELHI: The Congress and the AAP yesterday rapped on the Election Commission’s door against BJP prime ministerial can- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Every will be affected. “The Congress is one party that One of the highlights of Gandhi’s visit was didate Narendra Modi’s close aide Amit Shah over his remark on vote for the CPI-M in Kerala would end up understands the needs of the people and there is the huge number of women who had turned the Muzaffarnagar riots. The BJP defended Shah, saying it saw helping the BJP when it comes to the big no need to fear about any problems on account up at his meetings, which has encouraged the “nothing wrong in his remark”. electoral picture. This was Congress star of the Kasturirangan report,” he said. party’s state leadership. Shah reportedly said in a recent election meeting in Muzaffarnagar campaigner Rahul Gandhi’s main thrust At his third venue in central Kerala’s State leaders believe that if this success was that “this election is about voting out the government that protects and during his campaign blitz here yesterday. Chengannur, he said the United Progressive the measure of response to the party’s first star gives compensation to those who killed Jats. It is about badla (revenge) The Congress vice president went hammer Alliance (UPA) government has delivered what campaigner, then subsequent meetings involving and protecting izzat (honour)”. and tongs at the Community Party of India- it had promised and it would continue to work Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress He was accompanied by BJP legislator Suresh Rana, who was an Marxist during his whirlwind tour stretching for the uplift of the poor and downtrodden. president Sonia Gandhi which are to follow, accused in the Muzaffarnagar riots in which over 60 people, mostly from the north to the southern end of the state. Touching down at his fourth venue — the would receive an even better response. Muslims, had died, while thousands were rendered homeless. Attacking “The CPI-M has no role in national politics, Attingal Lok Sabha constituency in the capital Kerala, which goes to the polls April 10, sends Shah for his “provocative hate speech”, the Congress complained to so a vote here for the CPI-M means it would district - close to sunset, Gandhi attacked both 20 members to the lower house of parliament. the Election Commission. The Congress sought his arrest and asked be helping the Bharatiya Janata Party,” Gandhi the CPI-M and the BJP, claiming they were In the outgoing Lok Sabha, the Congress led- the panel to ban him from campaigning in western Uttar Pradesh. said at his first public meeting at Kasargode two sides of the same coin. United Development Front had 16 members, The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also went to the poll panel, seeking in north Kerala. “Both parties are trying to gain power while the Left opposition had just four. Defence action. “The EC should not allow such elements to create hatred at At his next campaigning pit-stop in the hilly using violence. We gave the people Right Minister A K Antony has already thrown a such a sensitive juncture, when the country is in the midst of a general district of Idukki, Gandhi assured the residents to Education, Right to Food and Right to challenge to the opposition, claiming that the election. The remarks openly incite people of one community to take — who fear that the K Kasturirangan report on Information. The next UPA government will party would better its last performance and revenge against another religious community and cannot be allowed the Western Ghats would hit as many as 123 assure Right to Health and Right to a Job,” would add at least one more win to its kitty. to go unpunished.” IANS villages in the district — that not a single person the Congress leader said. IANS

Chaiti Chhath festival US cop’s arrest has nothing to do with Khobragade case: Official

NEW DELHI/NEW YORK: A 11am. It was when his luggage was followed in such cases. This is a New York police officer arrested passing the X-Ray machine to be standalone case, it has nothing to at Delhi airport last month for loaded on the Air India flight that do with the Khobragade case.” carrying three live bullets in his airport authorities noticed the Deputy Commissioner of Police luggage is out on bail, authorities three live bullets.. (IGI Airport) M I Haider said that in India said yesterday, as offi- Officials wondered how Delhi International Airport (P) cials dismissed US media reports Encarnacion went past US immi- Ltd officials upon noticing the bul- describing it as India’s revenge gration with the live bullets in his lets in the luggage called up the air- over the Khobragade affair. luggage. “How did he manage to port police and kept Encarnacion’s US police officer Manny go past US airport scanners with luggage in custody. Officials asked Encarnacion was arrested on the live bullets in his luggage,” a Encarnacion, 35, to open his lug- March 11 after three 9 mm bul- senior official asked. Encarnacion gage and show the bullets. He was lets were found in the pocket of was presented before a Delhi also asked for an explanation. a jacket in his checked luggage at court on March 11, which granted “When Encarnacion failed to the Indira Gandhi International him bail the same day. give us a satisfactory reply for Airport (IGI), a senior airport Dismissing US media reports having the bullets in his luggage, official said. that the US cop’s arrest was in he was arrested under the Arms Encarnacion, a Harlem police retaliation to the arrest and strip- Act. To carry arms and live car- officer from the New York Police search of Devyani Khobragade, tridges without a licence and per- Department, had alighted from India’s then deputy consul gen- mission of the authorities during Devotees offer prayers during the Chaiti Chhath festival in Siliguri yesterday. Devotees pay obeisance to the a New York flight at 1.30am on eral in New York, an official said: travel is an offence. The Arms Act rising and setting sun in the festival and seek the blessings of the forces of nature, mainly the sun and river. March 11 and was headed to Pune “If someone is carrying bullets in is for same for everyone. It does to meet his newly-wedded wife on his baggage, it is against Indian not matter if the person is Indian an Air India flight, scheduled for law. There is a procedure to be or a foreigner,” Haider said. IANS SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Petrol-loving News in Numbers MIDDLE EAST spiders cause WEALTH REPORT CHART: 9 Fajr (Dawn) 4:03 Mazda recall Shorook (Sunrise) 5:21 Zuhr (Noon) 11:36 for second time Asr (Afternoon) 3:06 NEW YORK: For the second Maghrib (Sunset) 5:53 time in three years, Mazda Isha (Night) 7:23 Motor Corp has issued a recall for Mazda6 sedans in North America because of a spider that likes the smell of gasoline WEATHER and weaves a web that blocks a vent in the engine. Weather Mazda told US regulators that Today Monday Tuesday Conditions: it is recalling 42,000 sedans with Clear Clear Clear 2.5-liter engines from model years Relatively hot 2010 to 2012 in the United States. with with slight Mazda officials were not imme- The Old World preferred over the New 2 dust. diately available to report recalls High: 30° High: 30° High: 29° outside of the United States. Low: 21° Low: 20° Low: 21° Politics inevitably informed the survey respondents’ attitudes towards risk in general, as Three years ago, Mazda recalled about 65,000 Mazda6 they considered the various factors affecting their business interests and the value of their sedans in North America from investments. In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, wealth owners throughout the Middle model years 2009 and 2010, also East have become keenly aware of the value of political stability, as well as regulatory and DOHA - SUN & SEA because of spider webs blocking legislative predictability and transparency. At the same time, however, macroeconomic evaporative canister vent lines. factors such as inflation eroding the value of holdings came up frequently in discussions SUN TIDE SEA The same issue is the cause of the most recent recall, Mazda told the – quickly followed by complaints about a poor offering from banks in terms of instruments WIND SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW National Highway Traffic Safety that offer satisfactory protection against inflation. 05:22 17:50 08:15 & 22:15 04:45 & 14:15 12-20/28 KT Administration. The web weaved by a spider THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW Can you rate your investment priorities in terms of each region? can lead to a restriction of fuel flow, which in turn can reduce HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER GLOBAL Not Important fuel tank pressure when the No use PERSPECTIVE No use whatsoever 11pc MUSCAT 33/22 Clear 35/22 Clear emission control system purges whatsoever 0pc MAKKAH 33/26 Partly cloudy 34/27 Partly cloudy vapours from the evaporative 11pc canister. This can put stress on KUWAIT 29/19 Clear 30/18 Clear the fuel tank, which may crack Important BAHRAIN 29/16 Clear 29/16 Partly cloudy and leak fuel, increasing the 43pc SANAA 22/11 Thunderstorm 24/11 Chance of rain Emerging risk of a fire, a report filed with Middle East RIYADH 32/19 Clear 33/19 Clear NHTSA says. Important Markets DUBAI 29/22 Partly cloudy 31/22 Clear Extremely Mazda said it is not aware of Important 43pc BAGHDAD 30/15 Partly cloudy 33/19 Partly cloudy any fires because of this risk. 50pc Extremely In 2011, Reuters reported that Important THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW Not Important the Yellow Sac spider was the cul- 7pc 36pc HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER prit in that year’s recall. It just likes the smell of gasoline, an auto Extremely No use Not Important ATHENS 20/14 Partly cloudy 17/11 Chance of storm analyst said at the time. Important whatsoever Mazda attempted to remedy 18pc 18pc 21pc WASHINGTON 15/05 Clear 16/11 Rain the problem by adding a spring SYDNEY 24/18 Thunderstorm 23/17 Chance of rain to the canister vent line to keep No use Important Extremely LONDON 17/12 Rain 16/05 Chance of rain spiders from crawling inside. whatsoever North Europe 50pc Important PARIS 20/16 Chance of rain 23/10 Chance of rain For the most part, that solution 4pc America 11pc ISTANBUL 16/07 Chance of rain 11/06 Partly cloudy worked, but after several reports of cracked fuel tanks in sedans MANILA 33/24 Partly cloudy 33/24 Partly cloudy equipped with the spring, Mazda Not Important Important DHAKA 35/24 Thunderstorm 34/26 Partly cloudy engineers tried to figure out the 29pc 50pc DELHI 36/24 Partly cloudy 35/20 Chance of storm spider’s route to the canister. Source : http://www.campdenwealth.com ISLAMABAD 27/15 Thunderstorm 27/12 Chance of storm REUTERS Salvadoran sea Last car driven by Elvis survivor passes polygraph, Presley goes on display WINSTON-SALEM, North exhibited with more than 20 oth- says lawyer Carolina: Elvis Presley, who in ers in the performer’s collection. his lifetime owned more than Presley typically drove cars for SAN SALVADOR: The 200 automobiles and crooned about six months before trading Salvadoran fisherman who says the tune No Room to Rhumba them in or giving them away, but he survived 13 months adrift in a Sports Car, took the wheel the 1973 Stutz proved to be one of in the Pacific has passed a lie of one of his favourite cars in his favorites, said Angie Marchese, detector test proving his tale is 1977 for what was to be his final director of archives at Graceland. true, his lawyer said. drive. He put 8,450 miles on the car in A US-based law firm repre- After Presley drove his black about three years and, unlike his senting Jose Salvador Alvarenga 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III home, others, did not allow any mem- said a psychological exam and the just hours before his death, the bers of his entourage to drive it, polygraph test showed that the 230-horsepower V-8 vehicle with Marchese said. 37-year-old Salvadoran man was soft red leather interior and A fan waiting outside the telling the truth. 18-karat gold trim sat nearly idle Graceland gates snapped a photo Alvarenga made global head- for decades at Graceland, the of Presley in the car just after lines after his small open boat entertainer’s Tennessee estate. midnight on August 16, 1977, as he washed ashore in the Marshall The vintage car is on display returned from a dentist appoint- Islands in January, more than a this weekend in North Carolina, ment. The singer was found dead year after he disappeared off the for the first time since undergoing in his house later that day. southwestern coast of Mexico, a refurbishment aimed at getting it The Graceland staff chose the where he lived for many years. back in working condition without Stutz as the first in the collection He told reporters after his res- losing any of its physical ties to the to undergo preservation work, and cue that he had survived by eat- “King of Rock and Roll.” “It still tapped 67-year-old Hollifield of Mint ing raw fish and bird flesh while has all of Elvis’ DNA on it,” said Hill, North Carolina, for the job. keeping hydrated by drinking rain Walt Hollifield, the car collector After an 11-hour, white- water, turtle blood and his own and restorer chosen to oversee the knuckle drive through a January urine. He also said he sheltered recent 12-week preservation effort. snowstorm to deliver the car to himself from the sun under a The Stutz will be featured in Hollifield’s shop, his team began cooler. an auto show at Charlotte Motor a systematic review of the car’s The Salvadoran fisherman says Speedway through Sunday, components to see what still his 24-year-old Mexican crew Automobile restorer Walt Hollifield poses with Elvis Presley’s 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III during a media event at then returned to the Graceland worked and what needed fixing. mate, Ezequiel Cordova, died four Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) in Charlotte, North Carolina. auto museum in Memphis to be REUTERS months into their ordeal because he could not stomach the diet. He pushed his companion’s body into the sea. “We have listened to Mr. Alvarenga’s story and we con- cluded that, in addition to being ‘Human skin’ book at Harvard bound in sheepskin epic, it is 100 percent real,” said Jeffrey Masonek, head of CAMBRIDGE, used a technique for identifying poore Jonas chiefe possessions, university’s online library system 19th century, and an edition of US-based Masonek Law Offices. Massachusetts: A 17th century proteins called peptide mass fin- together with ample of his skin later this year. Ovid’s Metamorphoses published Salvadoran lawyer Jose Barrera book owned by Harvard Law gerprinting to differentiate the to bynd it. Requiescat in pace.” The practice of binding books in the 16th century, said Heather said Alvarenga took the lie detec- School, thought to have been samples from other parchment The book arrived at Harvard in human skin, called anthropo- Cole, an assistant curator at the tor test on Wednesday and that bound in human skin because sources such as cattle, deer, goat Law School in 1946, Beck said. It dermic bibliopegy, was once some- university’s Houghton Library. the descriptions told by the sea of an inscription that referred and human skin, Beck wrote in a may have had a different bind- what common and has been done “There’s large pores on the survivor “are completely true and to a man “flayed alive,” has post on the Harvard Law School ing at some point in its his- since at least the 16th century, front of it,” she said of the linked to reality.” been shown through scientific Library blog. The glue was found to tory, according to Beck, possibly according to a Harvard library Houssaye volume, adding that AFP testing to have been bound in consist of cattle and pig collagen. explaining the mention of 1632 on blog post. Criminals’ confessions books are typically bound in calf sheepskin. Curators, dermatologists and a book published 1605-06. were occasionally bound in the or sheep leather. “It looks dif- The binding material of the others had studied the book for Beck questioned why any- skin of the convicted or individu- ferent than the normal kinds of Spanish law book published in years because of a suggestive one would have written such an als may have asked to be memo- leathers we use to bind books.” 1605-1606 was determined after inscription on its last page that inscription if Jonas Wright was rialised for family or lovers in Cole said the book contained an analysis of nine samples of reads: actually the name of a sheep and the form of a book bound in their a note from a doctor who was a its front and back covers, bind- “The bynding of this booke is all said the inscription instead may skin, it said. friend of the author that said a book ing and glue, Karen Beck, a rare that remains of my dear friende have been the product of some- Harvard has two other books about the human soul deserves a books curator at Harvard Law Jonas Wright, who was flayed alive one’s macabre imagination. thought to be bound in human human covering. The skin was from School Library, said. by the Wavuma on the Fourth Day The book — and its sheepskin skin, including a meditation on a female mental patient who had The Harvard conservation sci- of August, 1632. King Mbesa did binding — are being digitised the soul published by French died of a stroke, she said. entist who conducted the testing give me the book, it being one of and will be available through the writer Arsène Houssaye in the REUTERS Sunday 6 April 2014 6 Jumadal II 1435 Volume 19 Number 5626 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 London Stock Qatar property transaction value up 35.2pc DOHA: Qatar’s property trans- Leading market players in Exchange have really performed attract substantial amount of for- action value recorded a huge the real estate sector noted that well during the first quarter of eign investments. jump in the first quarter of 2014 Qatar’s new budget proposals that this year. This has lifted the con- Ali Al Naimi, another real recording a high 35.2 percent to projects a whopping QR87.5bn fidence of real estate investors. estate expert, said the spurt in Exchange woos QR11.9bn compared to QR8.8bn spending in the infrastructure, is This trend is likely to continue transaction is due to the country’s during the same period in 2013. going to be a big booster to the in the coming quarters”, he said. fast growing population rate. “The The value of transactions sector. The projected allocation is The newly enacted law intended real estate sector is moving in the during January 2014 reached up 16.8 percent compared to the regulate the real estate market is right direction, and the coming Qatari firms QR4.8bn compared to QR2.8bn previous budget allocations to another driver for the construc- years will witness an accelera- exactly a year ago, recording 71.4 infrastructure development. The tion sector. The market players tion in the growth in line with percent growth. However, the Finance Minister’s announce- believe that the law will help the 2030 development strategy.” rate of transactions saw a mar- ment that the government would check market manipulators and Mohammed Hale, a local busi- Listing gives global fund access ginal decline in February 2014 spend an estimated QR664bn in further stabilise the market. nessman, said Qatar’s real estate compared to the same month the non-oil and gas sector for the “Given the huge number of sector is set to attract huge for- BY SACHIN KUMAR infrastructure to host the 2022 in 2013. This February saw a 6.5 next five years has further lifted projects lined up for future, Qatar’s eign investment. The projects World Cup and London is well percent year-on-year decline in the spirit of the country’s con- real estate transaction value is related to infrastructure of vari- DOHA: The London Stock placed to be the leading source of transactions before rebounding to struction sector, they noted. expected to accelerate further in ous hues are considered an impor- Exchange is wooing Qatari that capital. Secondly, a London a 44.8 percent growth in March Khalifa Al Muslimani, a leading the next quarters”, said Mansour tant factor to stimulate the sector. companies to get listed on the listing will give Qatari compa- 2014. The total transactions real estate appraiser, attributed Al Mansour, another leading He said Qatar’s real estate sector exchange to get global exposure. nies global visibility particularly value during the last month was the huge growth in the real estate player in local real estate market. is one of the best destinations in The exchange, which is home if they opt for premium listings QR4.2bn compared to QR2.9bn transaction in the first quarter He believes Qatar’s construction the region where foreign investors to almost 3,100 companies from and also achieve index inclusion worth deals in the same period of to the increase in the land value. sector is heading to strong recov- can safely park their money. more than 70 countries around in any of the FTSE series,” said 2013, Al Sharq reported. “The real estate stocks on Qatar ery in the coming years and would THE PENINSULA the world, is in talks with sev- Adebayo. eral companies in Qatar for the “Also, London listing gives London listing. access to a large pool of investors “We are in talks (for listing on beyond those who invest directly the exchange) with some of the in Emerging Markets such as companies based in Qatar. There Qatar. Trading is very robust in Boeing, GE is very strong interest in London London and well valued stocks Vivendi accepts Numericable’s listings at the moment, not only with adequate free float see a high in Qatar but throughout the degree of liquidity,” he added. get US licence Gulf region and beyond,” Ibukun The trend of raising funds €17bn bid for SFR phone unit Adebayo, Co-Head of Emerging by the companies in the Middle to sell spare Markets, London Stock Exchange East by listing on the London told The Peninsula. “London is the Exchange is catching up. PARIS: Vivendi yesterday world’s largest centre for inter- In the past three years, 11 accepted a bid by French cable parts to Iran national equity capital and is companies have listed shares on and fibre-optic network opera- well placed to meet the financing the London Stock Exchange to tor Numericable worth €17bn to WASHINGTON/PARIS: requirements of Qatari companies raise money from global inves- buy its SFR mobile phone unit, Boeing Co, the world’s biggest operating in diverse sectors from tors. Commercial Bank was the rejecting a rival offer from tel- airplane maker, and engine energy to hospitality to infra- first Qatari bank to list its Global ecoms group Bouyges. maker General Electric Co said structure,” he added. Depository Receipts (GDRs) on “The supervisory board has they had received licences from According to the industry the exchange in 2008. unanimously decided to accept the the US Treasury Department sources, some companies may “Qatari companies from a vari- Altice/Numericable bid,” Vivendi to export certain spare parts decide to list on the exchange in ety of sectors such as oil and gas, said in a statement, saying it was for commercial aircraft to Iran coming years. Experts say that healthcare, infrastructure, bank- the more likely to favour “growth under a temporary sanctions the listing will help them to raise ing and financial services, renewa- (and) create value for customers, relief deal that began in January. funds to meet their financial ble energy, transport can consider employees and shareholders”. GE spokesman Rick Kennedy requirement. London listing is a London listing,” he said. The total value of the deal is said the Treasury had approved better suited for companies that In the 11 months from April more than €17bn ($23.3bn), the the company’s application to have international focus or global 2013 to the end of February, company said. service 18 engines sold to Iran in ambitions in addition to domestic London has seen as many as 162 “All the experts consulted the late 1970s. They will be serv- operations, or those whose busi- issues with a total equity capital concluded that the Altice/ iced at facilities owned by GE or nesses can be understood and raising of nearly $47bn which is Numericable offer presents the Germany’s MTU Aero Engines, valued properly by overseas insti- nearly double of the amount that least risk in terms of competition. which is licensed to do the work. tutional investors. was raised in the same period in SFR and Numericable are not in He said GE officials would meet “Capital will be a major require- the previous fiscal. the same segments of the market with officials from Iran flag car- ment as Qatar develops the THE PENINSULA and their activities are comple- rier Iranair and MTU in Istanbul mentary,” Vivendi added. next week to discuss Iran’s needs. The deal with Altice/ A Boeing spokesman said his Numericable, which Vivendi called company received the licence “a better balance”, would involve and would now contact officials an initial payment of €13.5bn, in Iran to determine which parts Blackstone to buy Gates for $5.4bn followed by another payment of were needed. The licence covered €750m and eventually the ability only components needed to ensure NEW YORK: Investment biggest since it acquired hotelier to own and then sell its 20 percent continued safe flight operations of fund Blackstone said it will buy Hilton for $26bn in 2007. stake in the new enterprise. The older Boeing planes sold to Iran US auto parts maker Gates Gates, formerly known as Gates fate of SFR was seen as having A combination picture of Vivendi’s and Numericable’s logo. before the 1979 revolution, and did Corporation for $5.4bn from its Global, is the world’s leading man- a big impact on the structure of not allow any discussions about Canadian owners. ufacturer of power transmission mobile phone services in France upheaval and a price war in the involving Numericable’s parent sales of new aircraft to Iran. “It’s The deal is the second-largest belts and a leader in fluid power against a background of consoli- French mobile telecom market to company Altice, a foreign-regis- very limited,” said the spokesman. private equity takeover so far products for the automobile and dation in European markets. the benefit of consumers. tered group owned by Frenchman The sales would be the first this year after Cerberus Capital’s other industries. “Gates derives a A takeover of SFR by Bouygues SFR’s incorporation into Patrick Drahi who is a resident acknowledged dealings between $9.1bn agreement to merge its majority of its sales from replace- would have reduced the number Numericable however will keep of Switzerland. The French gov- US aerospace companies and Iran Albertson’s supermarket chain ment markets around the world,” of dominant operators to three, four operators on the market, ernment has been bluntly critical since the 1979 US hostage crisis with rival Safeway. Blackstone said. generating some political contro- though strengthening SFR- of citizens who keep their assets led to US sanctions that were Blackstone said it had clinched Blackstone said the transaction versy and raising concerns among Numericable’s position as a power- in tax havens like Switzerland, later broadened during the dis- the cash deal to buy all of Pinafore was expected to close this year, consumer groups that the benefits ful competitor capable of offering Luxembourg or Guernsey. Arnaud pute over Iran’s nuclear activities. Holdings, the parent company of subject to regulatory approvals. of new competition for customers customers a complete package of Montebourg, who was promoted Boeing and GE had applied for Gates owned by Canadian private- Gates garnered $2.9bn in sales and would be eroded. mobile, Internet, television and to economy minister in a govern- permission to export aircraft parts equity company Onex and the $25m in profits in the year that The launch of low-price serv- fixed-line telephone service. On ment reshuffle this week, last to Iran during a six-month win- Canada Pension Plan Investment ended September 28, 2013, accord- ices in 2012 by the much smaller the political front, there has been month publicly criticised Altice’s dow agreed by Iran and six world Board. The buyout is Blackstone’s ing to a US securities filing. AFP new fourth operator Free sowed some opposition to an SFR sale bid and Drahi. AFP powers in November. REUTERS Now, Amazon Dash to deliver groceries, household items

LOS ANGELES: Amazon.com Inc is currently available only Southern California, States. A successful foray into groceries launched a new product named Amazon San Francisco and Seattle. could also help underwrite the development Dash that allows the user to add groceries The online retailer has been steadily of a broad-based delivery service employing and household goods to their shopping lists expanding towards electronics manufacturing Amazon trucks to deliver directly to homes, using the company’s AmazonFresh service. businesses, starting with the Kindle e-reader which could have implications for UPS, FedEx A black-and-white hand-held wand-shaped which was first launched in 2007, and the Fire and other package delivery companies that remote-control features a microphone, speaker TV streaming set-top box announced earlier currently ship Amazon goods. as well as a bar-code reader and links directly this week, even as it seeks new ways to ener- Still, groceries have proven to be one of to the user’s AmazonFresh account. However, gize a gradually slowing core retail business. the most difficult sectors for online retail- the device is available only for users of the Amazon has been steadily expanding its ers to manage successfully. One of the most AmazonFresh which currently operates exclu- “Fresh” online grocery business, targeting one richly-funded start-ups of the dot-com era, sively in Southern California, San Francisco of the largest retail sectors yet to be upended Webvan, was a spectacular failure as the cost and Seattle. The device is free during the trial by online commerce. The company has plans of developing the warehouse and delivery period, according to the product’s website. to launch AmazonFresh, which has operated infrastructure proved overwhelming. Amazon An Amazon Fresh delivery van in Los Angeles. However, signing up for Amazon Dash is by in Seattle for years, in roughly 20 urban areas was unavailable for comment regarding the invitation only while the AmazonFresh service in 2014, including some outside the United public availability of the device. REUTERS SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Tourism tender GDP to grow submission still open

DOHA: The tender submission by 6.8pc in is still open for potential inves- tors seeking to invest in the recently launched six priority investment sectors of Qatar’s booming tourism industry iden- tified under ‘Qatar Tourism 2014: QNB Investment Opportunities’ initi- ative, jointly launched by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Qatar Tourism Authority Large projects to push Qatar growth (QTA) last month, said a state- ment yesterday. DOHA: QNB Group expects by the growing population. The initiative is aimed at pro- Qatar’s real GDP growth to Construction activity expanded by moting the six business opportuni- accelerate to 6.8 percent in 2014 15 percent year-on-year as Qatar’s ties, which include Luxury Dhow as the implementation of large infrastructure investment pro- Dining Cruise, Luxury Coach, infrastructure projects and gramme is gathering momentum. 4x4 Leasing Company, MICE higher population continue to Furthermore, transportation and and Events DMC, Ticketing and drive double-digit growth in the communication increased by 8.4 Mobile Information Centres, SME non-hydrocarbon sector. percent year-on-year primarily The site of the Laffan Refinery’s Diesel Hydrotreater Project. Cottage Markets. Quoting figures released by owing to increased passenger Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al the Ministry of Development flows through Doha international Khalifa, CEO of QDB, said: “We Planning and Statistics (MDPS), airport. invite the private sector to take QNB analysts noted Qatar’s Looking forward, the accel- Laffan Refinery’s Diesel Hydrotreater part in these opportunities we economy continued to maintain eration in economic activity in are offering in collaboration with its strong growth momentum in the near-term is expected to be QTA. These opportunities have the fourth quarter of 2013. primarily driven by the imple- been identified after studying the The growth figures for the mentation of additional large Project registers another milestone existing gaps in the tourism mar- fourth quarter of 2013 confirm infrastructure projects in the ket and work to turn them into the continued process of economic non-hydrocarbon sector. The DOHA: Laffan Refinery’s teamwork across multiple depart- the EPC Contractor for the investment opportunities.” diversification of Qatar’s economy largest projects are mainly in the Diesel Hydrotreater (DHT) ments and organisations. I would work (Samsung Engineering and “This initiative comes within away from its traditional role as transport and real estate sectors. Project recently celebrated five like to congratulate the Project Construction Ltd) have adopted QDB’s objective to contribute a hydrocarbon exporter toward a Qatar Rail is constructing the million man-hours without a Management Team, the contrac- an integrated approach to safety directly to the growth and diver- manufacturing and services hub. Doha metro network. The public Lost Time Incident (LTI). The tor and sub-contractors and the on the project that involves work- sification of Qatar’s private sector The oil and gas sector contracted works authority is modernising a significant safety milestone was Laffan Refinery asset staff for ing closely with the workforce in by offering an integrated array of by 1.1 percent year-on- year in Q4 network of expressways (30 major achieved earlier this month as their excellent cooperation and a collaborative manner to achieve financial and non-financial prod- 2013, reflecting a fall in oil pro- projects), local roads and upgrad- the project gets closer to com- safety management.” excellent health and safety out- ucts and services which assure duction, the temporary halt of a ing existing roads. Work is also pletion and start up at the end Hasan Numan, Acting Project comes for all employees associ- sustainable and success projects,” number of LNG trains for main- being finalised on the new Hamad of April. Manager, added: “This achieve- ated with the activities. Success in Al Khalifa added. tenance, as well as the morato- International Airport due to open When operational, the DHT ment is extremely important avoiding incidents and injuries is a Issa Al Muhanadi, QTA’s rium on further exploration of the later this year. At the same time, will produce diesel with less for us as our aim is to finish clear indication that this coopera- Chairman, said: “We are proud North Field. a number of large private-sector than 10 parts per million of sul- the project without an LTI. We tive process is working and has to partner with QDB and this At the same time, wholesale real estate projects are under phur, serving domestic demand are very close to the end of the provided a solid foundation upon partnership is a great example of trade, hotels and restaurants was construction. and making a major contribu- project which is a time that which to continue this type of cooperation between the private the fastest growing sector (19.3 A new wave of expatriate tion towards Qatar’s drive for requires maximum focus from performance well into the future. and public sectors. The initiative percent year-on-year), predomi- workers is coming into Qatar to the world-class environmental everyone involved to get safely The DHT project forms part of falls in line with Qatar National nantly on the back of the double- respond to higher labour demand standards. The facility will have to the handover. We are looking Qatar’s National Vision for ensur- Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 digit increase in population. from infrastructure spending. the capacity to process 54,000 forward to reinforcing Qatargas’ ing efficient energy supplies and which plays a vital role in facili- Financial, real estate, and This increased level of job growth barrels per stream day (BPSD). reputation as a safety leader in meeting the stringent environmen- tating the objective we set out business services was the second should boost aggregate domestic Acknowledging this significant the industry.” tal specifications. The processed to reach of a sustainable tour- fastest growing sector (18.1 per- consumption, which will be a key achievement, Salman Ashkanani, The permanent works con- diesel from the DHT unit will be ism sector to position Qatar as cent year-on-year) as banking driving force of non-hydrocarbon Chief Operating Officer, Refinery struction phase commenced back distributed within Qatar through a favourite tourist destination intermediation accelerated and GDP growth over the medium Ventures, said: “This mile- in July 2012. The company’s project the existing truck loading Gantry regionally and internationally. real estate services were boosted term. THE PENINSULA stone is the result of exemplary management team together with facilities. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Etihad good for Commercial Bank wins Alitalia: UniCredit Qatar Equity Fund award CERNOBBIO: Etihad Airways could be a good partner for Alitalia, UniCredit Chief DOHA: Commercial Bank’s Executive Federico Ghizzoni Al Waseela Fund has won the said yesterday, adding he hoped prestigious ‘Qatar Equity Fund the Abu Dhabi-based airline of the Year’ award at the annual would submit a proposal for the Mena Fund Manager Awards Italian carrier as it is expected held in Dubai earlier this year. to do shortly. Commercial Bank’s Al Waseela The Gulf carrier is due to kick- Fund (F-Class) is managed start formal talks for an investment by EFG-Hermes and provides in Alitalia by outlining its condi- returns on a diversified portfo- tions in a letter of intent. “From lio of equities listed on the Qatar the beginning I’ve said it could be Exchange and GCC stock mar- a good partnership because there kets. Since its inception in April are no overlaps,” he said. 2007, the Al Waseela Fund has But sources said negotiations gained 104.14 percent, achieving of investment products to suit with the Italian airline were not an impressive 30.8 percent gain their personal requirements and expected to make much progress, in 2013 and a further 9.49 percent appetite for risk. These range contradicting a Financial Times gain this year up until 16 March from mutual funds such as report saying Etihad was expected 2014. Al Waseela Funds F-Class the Al Waseela Fund, to Asset to make an offer to buy almost and Q-Class are paying a cash Management, Bonds, Structured half of Alitalia as soon as this dividend of QAR 0.80 per unit to Products and International Share weekend. UniCredit, which is one the Funds’ unit holders registered Trading. The Al Waseela Fund of Alitalia’s creditor banks, owns as of 17 March 2014. has performed exceptionally well a 13 percent stake in the airline Commercial Bank CEO, for our customers and I con- after it took part in a €500m Abdulla Saleh Al Raisi (pic- gratulate EFG-Hermes on this share issue engineered by the tured) said: “Commercial Bank achievement in their role as Fund Italian government. REUTERS offers our customers a number Manager.” THE PENINSULA

Gadgets for seniors

A visitor uses an ergonomic tablet computer designed for senior citizens at the Senior and Retirement Show in Paris. SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Russia seeks Ukraine, EU in talks for gas imports $11.4bn in Regulatory hurdles a big issue gas ‘debt’ KIEV/LONDON: Ukraine is in the International Monetary Fund emergency talks with European under a new loan package but from Ukraine Union neighbours on the possi- faces large debts and its economy bility of importing natural gas is in chaos. MOSCOW: Chairman of from the West, following a leap The discounted price had been Russia’s Gazprom Alexei Miller in the price it pays for Russian part of Moscow’s strategy of yesterday said that Ukraine supplies, Prime Minister keeping Ukraine, a fellow former must pay back the full discount Arseny Yatseniuk said. Soviet republic, under its political it has been granted on Russian The urgency of securing afford- influence and discouraging Kiev gas over the past four years, able supplies has grown since from building closer ties with the worth $11.4bn. Moscow — which annexed Crimea EU. Yanukovich’s rejection of an Miller said this week’s annul- from Ukraine last month — raised EU trade and cooperation deal ment of the so-called Kharkiv its discounted gas tariff for Kiev set off the protests that brought accords, which gave Ukraine twice this week, almost doubling him down. Yatseniuk has called cut-price Russian gas until 2017 it in three days. the price increases unacceptable in exchange for access to the Yatseniuk told reporters that and warned that he also expects Crimea’s port facilities, means one possibility was “reverse Moscow to increase pressure on that Kiev should pay the sum flows”, in which EU countries Kiev by limiting supplies. total of this discount back. would send gas back down pipe- In Washington, the White “The sum of the discount lines normally used in the tran- House said that US Vice President granted in the time that the sit of Russian supplies through Joe Biden spoke to Yatseniuk by Kharkiv accords were valid was Ukraine to the West. “We are car- telephone on Friday. The White $11.4bn. That is the sum that the rying out emergency talks with House said in a statement that Russian government, the Russian our European partners. One way Biden “emphasised the impor- budget did not receive,” Miller to solve the problem is reverse gas tance of improving Ukraine’s told Russian television. from EU countries,” he said, add- energy security and pledged to The discount was a de-facto ing that the main candidates for work closely with Ukraine and People wait in a queue outside a branch of Chernomorskiy Bank of Development and Reconstruction in the advance payment by Moscow for imports were Slovakia, Hungary other countries across Europe to Crimean city of Simferopol yesterday. the future lease on Black Sea and Poland. ensure that no country can use Fleet’s facilities in the Crimean Ukraine, which is in an eco- energy as a political weapon.” port of Sevastopol — annexed by nomic crisis, covers half its needs Independent energy analyst Russia with the rest of the penin- with Russian gas. However, rela- Valentin Zemlyansky said: “At Kiev plans to take Russia to court sula — and so must be paid back, tions between the countries this price for gas, Ukraine will he added. became hostile after protesters most likely continue to import KIEV: Ukraine yesterday said metres of gas),” Yatsenyuk told a to Ukraine due to disagreements “Russia was paying for the ousted pro-Moscow president and ratchet up its debt. It will it rejected Russia’s latest gas government meeting. “Russia was over price. Black Sea Fleet in Ukraine... Viktor Yanukovich in February happen until either side decides price hike and threatened to unable to seize Ukraine by means Russia’s gas meets about a third towards prolonging the agree- and Russia seized Crimea, lead- to go to arbitration or Russia take its neighbour to arbitration of military aggression. Now, of EU nations’ demand. ment. That is, Russia was pay- ing to the worst East-West crisis decides to cut off deliveries of gas court over a dispute that could they are implementing plans to Nearly 40 percent of that ing an advance. Therefore, the since the Cold War. to Ukraine.” imperil deliveries to Western seize Ukraine through economic flows through Ukraine while the $11.4bn is a debt that Ukraine has Yatseniuk said it was possible “If it goes to the court, we could Europe. aggression.” remainder travels through the accrued to Russia,” he said. to send gas down the pipelines in expect a very long ordeal, but if Prime Minister Asreniy Yatsenyuk said Ukraine was Nord Stream undersea pipeline Cutting discounts which had the opposite direction to the nor- Gazprom cuts supplies, Ukraine Yatsenyuk said Russia’s two rate ready to continue to purchase to Germany and another link that been in place, Russia hiked its gas mal east-west flow. “On a techni- will take gas from volumes increases in three days were a gas from Russia at the old rate runs through Belarus and Poland. price for Ukraine by 80 percent cal level, the idea of reverse gas intended for European consum- form of “economic aggression” of $268.50 because this was “an Ukrainian Energy Minister last week to $485.50 per 1,000 raises no problems, and we hope ers,” he said. aimed at punishing Ukraine’s acceptable price”. Yuriy Prodan told the same meet- cubic metres, reflecting its deep our European partners make One source who advises on new leaders for overthrowing But he added that Ukraine ing that Kiev was ready to take displeasure with the ex-Soviet the right decision. If it will be to gas contracts noted that Russia a Moscow-backed regime last must be ready for the possibility Gazprom to arbitration court in nation’s new westward course. reverse, then it means the price offered the discount in 2010 in month. that “Russia will either limit or Stockholm if Moscow refused to Gazprom is also seeking imme- for gas will be $150 lower than return for continuing use of Russia’s natural gas giant halt deliveries of gas to Ukraine” negotiate over a lower price. diate payment for all recent gas Russian gas.” its Black Sea naval base in the Gazprom this week raised the over the raging gas dispute. “I have firmly said that we are deliveries to Ukraine, valued at Russia has raised the price Crimean port of Sevastopol. price of Ukrainian gas by 80 per- Gazprom’s Western European going to try to reach an agree- over $2.2bn. Moscow has repeat- to $485 per 1,000 cubic metres, “With the seizure of Crimea, cent and now requires the ex- clients saw their deliveries limited ment,” said Prodan. edly shown readiness to use gas as meaning Gazprom, Russia’s Moscow now could argue the Soviet state to pay the highest in 2006 and 2010 when the energy “But if we fail to agree, we are a lever in conflicts with Ukraine, monopoly gas exporter, charges rebate is no longer valid, hence rate of any of its European clients. giant — long accused of being going to go to arbitration court, as which remains dependent on Kiev about the same as other raising the gas tariff to levels “Political pressure is unac- wielded as a political weapon by the current contract allows us to imports from its resource-rich customers in central Europe. more normal in the region,” said ceptable. And we do not accept the Kremlin against uncoopera- do,” he added. “There is still time former Soviet master to keep the Ukraine will soon get money from the source. REUTERS the price of $500 (per 1,000 cubic tive neighbours — halted supplies to agree with Russia.” AFP country running. AFP Moody’s cuts McDonald’s quits Crimea Ukraine rating

WASHINGTON: Rating firm as trade clash grows Moody’s again lowered Ukraine’s credit rating by a notch on KIEV: McDonald’s Corp said “Like many other multi- Friday, citing the “escalation” it had closed its restaurants national companies, McDonald’s of its political crisis, and put the in Crimea, prompting fears is currently evaluating potential country on a “negative” outlook of a backlash as a prominent business and regulatory implica- for further downgrades. Moscow politician called for all tions which may result from the Moody’s Investors Service of the US fast food chain’s out- evolving situation in Crimea,” pushed the country’s rating lets in Russia to be shut. McDonald’s said in a statement. deeper into speculative territory, Crimea’s annexation by Russia, “Due to the suspension of nec- to “Caa3” from “Caa2” — a one- which Ukraine and the West essary financial and banking notch move matching the rating do not acknowledge, has wor- services, we have no option but firm’s prior downgrade in January. ried companies with assets in to close our three restaurants in Three factors which underlie the Black Sea peninsula as it Crimea.” Ukraine’s longstanding economic is unclear how the change may The Crimean outlets are not and fiscal fragility drove the affect their business. franchises, but owned and oper- downgrade, the rating firm said. McDonald’s said the decision ated by McDonald’s itself. The first was “the escalation was strictly based on business The closures follow Geneva- of Ukraine’s political crisis as and had “nothing to do with poli- based Universal Postal Deutsche reflected by the recent regime tics.” Nevertheless, its move to Post’s announcement that it was change in Kiev as well as the temporarily close restaurants in no longer accepting letters bound annexation of Crimea by Russia,” Simferopol, Sevastopol and Yalta for Crimea as delivery to the it said, noting that Russia, rated is likely to be seen as emblem- region was no longer guaranteed. Baa1, is being reviewed for a atic of the rift in Western- Economic relations between downgrade. The second was Russian relations, now at their Russia and Ukraine have wors- the country’s strained lowest point since the end of ened since Russia annexed external liquidity. AFP the Cold War. Crimea last month. REUTERS

Protest against Taiwan-China trade pact

Protesters take part in a “civic parliament” inside Taiwan’s parliament, during protest to oppose the controversial trade pact with mainland China, in Taipei yesterday. Hundreds of protesters have occu- pied Taiwan’s legislature since March 18. SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Toyota India No more time for Paris to cut deficit: EU output halves France already got two-year extension of deficit deadline; Rehn sees no need for revision amid strike BRUSSELS: There is no reason government finances,” said Rehn . to further extend a European “I don’t see that there have BANGALORE: Japan’s Toyota Union deadline for France to been such unexpected adverse said production at its two cut its budget deficit, the EU’s economic events since last June. Indian plants has fallen by half top economic official said yes- On the contrary, the eurozone as many of its unionised work- terday, adding policy-makers economy has actually been expe- ers remain off the job over a pay should have learnt the lessons riencing a strengthening ... recov- dispute. of the debt crisis and stuck to ery,” Rehn said. The Toyota workers and the agreed rules. His comments echo remarks company’s management at two In June last year, Paris got two from the top conservative can- plants near Bangalore have more years, until 2015, to bring didate for European Commission been negotiating the pay issues its budget shortfall below the president, and the head of the for 10 months. “Production has EU ceiling of 3 percent of gross German Bundesbank, who both declined 50 percent to 350 cars domestic product (GDP), from came out against granting France from 700 cars a day,” senior a 4 percent gap the European more time to cut its deficit, warn- Toyota Kirloskar Motors execu- Commission expects it to have ing such a move would set a dan- tive Shekar Viswanathan said. this year. But after a government gerous precedent for other EU Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private reshuffle this week, France said states. Ltd is the Indian unit of the that while it agreed the deficit Official figures released on world’s biggest carmaker. should fall, it wanted to discuss Monday showed the French defi- Its Bangalore complex produces the deadline again as slower cuts cit strayed off target again last some 310,000 vehicles annually, would help the economy grow. year, reaching 4.3 percent of GDP including Toyota’s flagship Camry Under new EU budget rules, instead of the planned 4.1 percent. sedan, the Corolla, and the Prius made stricter during the sover- The situation has some resem- EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn. hybrid, mostly for the Indian eign debt crisis to prevent runa- blance to a dispute from 10 years market. way state spending, if a country ago, when France and Germany the EU budget rules, which limit The Greek budget deficit, again try to undermine the new, Just 300 of the 4,200 unionised ignores EU deficit reduction prevented the EU’s executive arm government deficits to 3 percent already well above limits in 2005 stricter budget rules, Rehn said: employees have resumed work, deadlines it can be swiftly fined. from stepping up disciplinary of GDP and debt to 60 percent of at 5.2 percent of GDP, grew “Precisely because the policy mak- with others staging protests out- EU Economic and Monetary budget action against them, even GDP, because disciplinary action steadily after that to 15.7 per- ers of the eurozone are aware of side the plants almost a fortnight Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn, though they failed to cut deficits has no teeth. Many policy-makers cent in 2009. The full extent of that risk and should have learnt since the company lifted an eight- the only person who can propose under the existing rules. believe this “original sin”, of the the problem went undetected the lesson, we need to make sure day lockout, Toyota said. a deadline revision, said there The dispute between the two two biggest eurozone countries earlier because the Greek gov- that we respect those reformed The carmaker had said work- were no grounds for it. “If I refer biggest eurozone countries and not respecting EU budget rules ernment was falsifying statistics rules of the smarter Pact.” ers could return to work on to the Stability and Growth Pact the European Commission lead and getting away with it, was and other EU countries would not This time, Paris does not have March 24 provided they signed a (EU budget rules), a new exten- to a watering down of EU budget at the foundation of the sover- give the Commission the right to Germany on its side. Berlin, good conduct pledge after it sion could only be justified if rules in 2005. eign debt crisis that started in check the accuracy of government now a model of fiscal health, has suspended some workers over there were unexpected adverse Some among European govern- 2010 when Greece revealed how accounts. repeatedly said France must stick accusations they had disrupted economic events with major ments then drew the lesson that unsustainable its public finances Asked if there was a risk that to the promises it has made on production and made threats to unfavourable consequences for they did not need to take seriously had become. a large country like France would the deficit. REUTERS supervisors. AFP

Jordan will get Asean discusses economic risks US economists $264m IMF loan NAYPYIDAW: Southeast capital outflows and losses to partly to the region’s efforts to AMMAN: The IMF said it had Asian finance ministers are their currencies after the Fed strength its defences since the see rate hike in reached an agreement with “vigilant” in the face of eco- began to reduce its massive stim- 1997-98 Asian Financial Crisis. Jordan to disburse $264m that nomic risks such as reduced US ulus programme, as the world’s “The macro-economic funda- represent the third and fourth monetary stimulus, Myanmar largest economy emerges from a mentals of Asean countries are review under the Stand-By said yesterday at a meeting that crippling financial crisis. strong — much stronger than in Agreement (SBA), according underscored its return to the Under quantitative easing, 1997,” Asian Development Bank first half of 2015 to an IMF statement quoted by international diplomatic stage. the Fed “creates” money to buy president Takehiko Nakao said at Jordan Petra news agency. Officials said the 10-member government debt from financial the meeting. “Governments have WASHINGTON: More Wall just 6.7 percent and is likely to Head of the IMF mission to Association of Southeast Asian institutions, which helps lower pursued sound macro-economic Street economists now believe drop through 6.5 percent before Jordan Kristina Kostial said the Nations (Asean) was well-placed long-term interest rates, in the- policies. Banks are well capital- the Federal Reserve will raise long. Instead, the Fed will rely on SBA is subject to the approval to withstand the impact of the ory stimulating the economy by ised. Financial regulations and interest rates in the first half of a number of labour-market indi- of the Executive Board, which is US Federal Reserve’s “tapering” encouraging companies and indi- supervisions have been strength- 2015, as evidence builds that the cators, inflation figures and “read- tentatively scheduled to consider of its liquidity-boosting quantita- viduals to borrow. ened. Countries now enjoy larger US economy has regained some ings on financial developments” to the reviews in late April. Board tive easing programme. Low interest rates in the West foreign reserves.” momentum lost during an unu- determine when to increase rates. approval will allow for the dis- “We are vigilant to global following the 2008-2009 financial The ADB expects the Asean sually rough winter, a survey Ten of the 17 Wall Street firms bursement of $264m for the com- economic challenges and pledge crisis prompted investors to seek region to show economic growth of showed. expected the first rate move bined fourth and fifth tranches,” our commitment to maintain out higher returns elsewhere, 5 percent in 2014 and 5.4 percent Eight of 18 US primary deal- would be an increase to 0.50 per- she added. “In recent years, financial stability in our region such as in buoyant emerging in 2015, Nakao said. “Domestic ers said they expected the US cent from the current zero to 0.25 Jordan has had to grapple with and beyond,” Myanmar Finance economies such as Indonesia, the demand of Asean countries is central bank to increase its pol- percent range, which has been in strong headwinds. The Syrian cri- Minister Win Shein said in his Philippines and Thailand. solid. The US recovery continues icy rate by the end of June next effect since December 2008. sis has had major macroeconomic opening remarks in the capi- With markets now turning to strengthen. The eurozone will year, according to a poll among The rest of the primary deal- implications for Jordan, and dis- tal Naypyidaw. “We have taken their attention to the prospect of return to positive growth this the Wall Street’s top 22 firms that ers said they anticipated the Fed ruptions of energy imports from concrete and bold steps in main- rising interest rates in the United year and Japan’s economy today do business directly with the Fed. would eliminate the near-zero Egypt have continued to put fur- taining financial markets and States, the fear is that a rapid is stronger than before,” he said. A Reuters poll done three target range prior to actually ther pressure on Jordan’s external implementing the road map for repatriation of investment funds Asean, a region of 600 million weeks earlier showed only four raising rates by a quarter point. and fiscal accounts”. monetary and financial integra- could send stock markets and cur- people, wants to establish a com- primary dealers anticipated a Short-term interest rates She said the IMF team was tion in the region,” he said. rencies sliding in emerging Asia. mon market and manufactur- rate hike by the first half of 2015 futures rallied on the jobs figures, impressed by hospitality and sup- Some emerging economies, But experts note that so far the ing base to better compete with despite comments from Fed which were good but not better port for the Syrian refugees. QNA such as Indonesia, suffered sharp impact has been limited, thanks China and India. AFP Chair Janet Yellen that suggested than expected. The federal funds increases might come sooner. contract for April 2015 delivery Friday’s solid March jobs implies traders scaled back their report concluded a busy week expectations of a rate hike a year of economic data that indicated from now to 42 percent from 50 the economy has thawed along percent late on Thursday, accord- Symantec to hire banks for activism defence with much of the country, where ing to CME FedWatch, which cal- shoppers were reluctant to leave culates traders’ view of changes in NEW YORK: Anti-virus the company with its business. their homes and companies kept the Fed’s rate policy. and security software maker JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs and a lid on payrolls. US employers While traders speculate on Symantec Corp, which recently Morgan Stanley declined to com- hired 192,000 workers last month, the timing of the first Fed rate fired its chief executive amid ment. A number of well-known fewer than the 200,000 projected increase, which would be the first declining sales and fierce com- technology companies, such by economists, the US Labour one since June 2006, economists petition, is in the process of as Apple Inc, Microsoft Corp, Department said. It upwardly at major Wall Street firms reck- hiring banks to help advise on Hewlett-Packard Co and Yahoo adjusted its January and February oned the central bank will end its strategy and defend against Inc, have been targeted by activist payrolls figures by a combined third round of quantitative eas- possible activist investors, investors in recent years as the 37,000. Another key job measure, ing by year-end. While the over- according to several people sector undergoes rapid change the monthly unemployment rate, all March payrolls report was familiar with the matter. and old technology companies sit held at 6.7 percent. Economists positive, some analysts pointed The $14bn company, best on large piles of cash. Symantec had expected a fall to 6.6 percent. out the naggingly high level of known for its Norton anti-virus is currently searching for a new “The Fed will be very happy with part-time workers and sluggish software, has been interviewing CEO after it surprised the mar- this type of jobs report,” said Jacob wage growth as worrisome factors top Wall Street banks in recent ket on March 20 by firing Chief Oubina, senior economist at RBC that support the view the labour weeks, including JPMorgan Chase Executive Steve Bennett, who was Capital Markets in New York. recovery is still fragile. This & Co, Goldman Sachs Group Inc on the job for less than two years. Last month, the Fed as expected should keep Fed policy-makers and Morgan Stanley, sources said. Bennett had been brought in scrapped its use of a 6.5 percent from making any rapid changes JPMorgan, which helped to turn around the faltering com- household unemployment rate as in their current timing in paring Symantec in the past when the pany in July 2012, but the board a barrier before raising interest stimulus and in raising borrowing company was the target of poten- felt he was not moving quickly The headquarters of Symantec. rates. The jobless rate is currently costs, economists said. REUTERS tial activism, is expected to land enough. Revenue continued to a role as Symantec’s financial shrink amid fierce competition Hedberg said in a research note should look at selling itself, or adviser, although a mandate has from smaller, more nimble rivals on Thursday. unlock value by separating its yet to be finalised, the people said, such as FireEye Inc, Palo Alto Activist investors circled the businesses. Symantec entered asking not to be named because Networks Inc and Check Point company in the past. the data storage business with its the discussions are not public. Software Technologies, the peo- In 2010, the company faced $13.5bn acquisition of enterprise Symantec has decided to hire ple said. Symantec’s shares have pressure from investors, includ- storage company Veritas in 2005, a bank as it is worried that its lost 17.5 percent over the past 12 ing Ralph Whitworth’s Relational a move widely seen as not having recent turmoil and management months, compared with a 1.5 per- Investors LLC, which pushed the reaped the expected benefits. shake-up could potentially attract cent rise in the Nasdaq Composite software company to split its Last year, speculation also activist investors, the people said. Index. The stock dropped as storage and security businesses, swirled that Symantec might Such investors buy shares in a much as 14 percent on March 21, Reuters reported at the time. offload Altiris, an IT management company with the aim of mak- the day after news of the CEO Whitworth, who had a posi- and software business it bought ing management changes. Some departure. tion in Symantec and met with in 2007 for $830m. Analysts have of the large activist funds have “We believe the recent price company management to discuss said that Symantec would ben- already started examining the action of Symantec could strategy, decided not to launch efit more from selling off assets company as a potential target. attract the interest of activists a public campaign after stock within its consumer, storage and A representative for Symantec who could nominate new board prices rebounded later in 2010. server businesses than looking The facade of the US Federal Reserve building is reflected on wet marble declined to comment on specifics members, which could be sup- A recurring theme with to sell the whole company, which during the early morning hours in Washington. but said Symantec commonly ported by existing holders,” RBC Symantec among investors and would be unlikely due to its size. hired financial advisers to help Capital Markets analyst Matthew analysts is whether the company REUTERS SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

There’s no justification It’s the middle class’ turn BY CHRISTINA PATTERSON and services will be cut to nearly zero. There redundant and can’t get jobs as good as the is, he says, an “unmistakable feeling of pos- ones they had before. There’s an earthquake for these NHS charges t isn’t all that often that your heart sibility in the air”. about to hit us. It won’t be today, but it’s on bleeds for an estate agent. When I read There might indeed be a feeling of “unmis- its way. The working classes have been here that the Poundland boss, Steve Smith, takable possibility” when you’re the author already. They’ve watched whole industries BY JACKY DAVIS has shacked up with the founder of of 19 bestsellers and can charge $40,000 for a shipped out to China and wiped out. They’ve the dating website Match.com to talk you’ve given before. If this was the sort seen the service-industry work that’s left imon Stevens, until recently a vice-president of the US Ilaunch something called Estatesdirect.com, of money you could get by talking about col- go to immigrants who think they’ve won health giant United Health – and ersthwhile Blairite mine did. It would, said one newspaper, give laboration, you might think that the death of the lottery with the minimum wage. Now health adviser to New Labour – took over this week as homeowners a “warm glow”. Sell your home capitalism was working out rather well. But it’s time for the middle classes. Savour your Sthe NHS chief executive. for £390 plus VAT! Save yourself a bunch of if you were one of the people whose “goods Sauvignon while you can. It can hardly have been by chance that his arrival coin- hassle and cash! That’ll show the bastards and services” were now worth pretty much You wouldn’t, of course, know any of cided with two new reports recommending the introduction who keep messing you around. nothing, you might not. If, for instance, you this from our politicians. The Tories talk of up-front charges for NHS care –one from the King’s Fund, In the brave new digital world, we’re all were a musician who used to make quite about “full employment” as if, in the new the other from an unholy alliance between the former Labour experts. We can sell our homes online, or a good living, and now doesn’t, you might digitised world, that’s a simple step. They health minister Lord Warner and the rightwing thinktank rent them out on the travel accommodation think that the word “sharing” doesn’t sound seem to think that all you have to do to build Reform. site Airbnb. We can post our own music, half as nice as it did before. And if you were a nation of “entrepreneurs” is to cut “red Both reports start from the unchallenged but erroneous asser- publish our own books, and edit our own a journalist who found that you were now tape”. Labour seems to think that the best tion that the NHS is “unsustainable”, and are padded out with magazines. We can, in other words, cut out expected to write for “a nominal fee”, you way to address the “cost of living” crisis is to a plethora of platitudes about more care in the community and the middle man. And this is just the start. might wonder how your landlord would feel preserve terms and conditions in the public the merging of health and social care services. But at their heart It won’t be long before we can print our about a “nominal” rent. sector that would make most workers weep are radical recommendations for the introduction of upfront own stuff on 3D printers and share energy You’re an academic and you think you’re for joy. It seems to forget that 80 percent of charges for the NHS. on a global network called “the internet of safe? Moocs – online courses offered for workers are in the private sector, and that In the case of Reform, this would be a “suggested” £10 “mem- things”. Never mind Ed Miliband and his almost nothing – are hovering like birds quite a few don’t actually report to a boss. bership fee” a month. “cost of living crisis”. It’s algorithms that will about to seize their prey. Legal writer? And both left and right seem to think Research is clear that charges of this sort deter the poor and cut our costs and set us free. Those algorithms are out to get you. education is something that should be the elderly – the very people who need the NHS most – and as a Quite a few people will be excited by the Financial adviser? Toast. That, at least, is geared towards a world that looks pretty result they present later with more advanced illness. To Warner thought of a world where so many things the prediction of two economists in a 2013 much like the one we’re in now. An Ofsted and the pundits at Reform £120 a year may not look much, but are so cheap. The people, for instance, who Oxford Martin report called The Future of report this week said nurseries weren’t good it will feel like the last straw to those already struggling with spent a lot of time camping outside St Paul’s Employment. Some 47 percent of US jobs, at preparing children for school. On the evi- the consequences of austerity. The public understand this and, seemed to think capitalism was a bad thing they say, are at risk from computerisation. dence they’re not, but the much bigger prob- as a recent survey shows, are overwhelmingly against upfront (but that other people paying to clear up And what happens there will happen here. lem is the schools. In the Pisa international payments. after them was probably OK). No wonder so many people are setting up education league tables, Britain is currently There is no financial, ethical or clinical argument in favour of Quite a few social theorists seem to think on their own. Since 2008, according to fig- 23rd in reading and 26th for maths. If our upfront charges for the NHS. so, too. One of them, a man called Jeremy ures from the Office for National Statistics, children can’t even read or count, God only The most efficient and the fairest way of funding it is through Rifkin, who’s taken very seriously as a guru about 333,000 people have registered as self- knows how they’re going to survive in a progressive central taxation. on the future, seems to think capitalism is employed. By 2018, according to a report world where they have to live on their wits. Flat-rate charges, such as those proposed, would need to be “giving way to a new economic paradigm”. by the RSA, there will be more people self- Steve Smith, by the way, sold Poundland means-tested, a fact that Warner was forced to concede in a In his book The Zero Marginal Cost Society, employed than in the public sector. This, it for £50m. He made his fortune, and good for radio interview. which created quite a stir this week, he says says, is because lots of people “dislike hier- him. In the digital, low-cost “collaborative” He also admitted that the charges as laid out would only raise it will be pushed to the margins by a “collab- archy” and want to be “masters of their new world, most “entrepreneurs” won’t. £2bn a year, a drop in the ocean of the NHS funding gap. orative commons”, where the cost of goods own fate”. Or perhaps they’ve been made THE GUARDIAN This raises the question of the point of introducing a system of means-tested charges that would almost certainly raise less money than it would cost to administer. But there is no secret about the agenda here. Reform is funded by the very people who would benefit from undermining the fun- damental principles of the NHS. The list of their donors includes major insurance companies, management consultants and private healthcare providers. Reform is essentially a third party speaking for those whose voice – for good reason – is not trusted; it is a front for the health industrial complex, which for years has worked to get its hands on the NHS budget. They understand that once the fundamental principles of the NHS are breached with upfront payments, it will be a short step to top-ups, co-payments and insurance to cover the escalating charges. Hence their enthusiasm for the big conversation about the “unsustainablity” of the NHS and their solution of saving it with modest direct charges. Who could possibly be churlish enough to say no? It is no surprise that neither report mentions far better ways of raising or saving money for the NHS: £10bn a year could be saved by ending the market in the English NHS, many more by tackling the PFI debts emptying taxpayers’ money into share holders’ pockets – £11bn of infrastructure is costing us over £60bn to fund. But these solutions would not benefit the backers of Reform. No politician with any sense would publicly endorse these pro- posals for charges, but nevertheless they have served their pur- pose: they have reinforced the myth that the NHS is “outdated and unaffordable”, and re-animated the zombie policy that it could be saved by upfront individual payments. With phone-in hosts trying to persuade callers that it would be entirely reasonable to pay less than the cost of a tin of salmon each week to save the NHS, Reform’s corporate backers must consider their money to have been well spent. The rest of us will view this as a poll tax for the NHS and act accordingly. Simon Stevens, as he takes over the reins of the NHS, should not underestimate the strength of public feeling against under- mining one of the founding principles of the NHS. THE GUARDIAN Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Stop adding up the wealth of the poor

BY FELIX SALMON Suisse’s 2013 Global Wealth you’ll find 16.4 percent of them massive student loans, renters to get by on less than a dollar a The second lesson of this story Databook. First of all, you have to in India, and another 4.4 percent carrying five-figure car loans and day. All of whom would happily is broader: that when you’re talk- t’s the meme that refuses to find the total wealth in the world, in Bangladesh. Pakistan has 2.6 credit-card obligations, uninsured change places with, say, Eike ing about poor people, aggregat- die. It started, back in 2011, which you can find at the bottom percent of the world’s bottom 10 people who just got out of hospi- Batista, even if the latter, thanks ing wealth is a silly and ultimately with the Waltons: six mem- of the fourth column on page 89: percent, while Nigeria has 3.9 tal, you name it. to his debts, has a negative net pointless exercise. Ibers of the family, we were it’s $241tr. percent. If you’re looking for people with worth in the hundreds of millions Some poor people have mod- repeatedly told, were worth as Then, you flick forwards to page But there’s one unlikely country significant negative net worth, in of dollars. est savings; some poor people are much as the bottom 30 percent 146, where you find the proportion which has a whopping 7.5 percent a way it’s surprising that only 7.5 Now $1.7tr is undoubtedly a deeply in debt; some poor people of all Americans combined. of all global wealth held by each of the poorest of the poor — sec- percent of the world’s bottom 10 lot of money: there is an aston- have nothing at all. (Also, some I tried to address this silly of the world’s income deciles. The ond only to India. That country? percent are in the US. ishing amount of wealth inequal- rich people are deeply in debt, stat back then, but now it’s gone top 10 percent have 86 percent of The United States. And as you start adding all ity in the world, and it’s shocking which helps to throw off the global: back in January, Oxfam the wealth; the next 10 percent How is it that the US can have those people up — the people who that just 67 people are worth statistics.) announced that the world’s 85 have 7.8 percent, and so on. Add 7.5 percent of the bottom decile, dominate the bottom 10 percent that much. By lumping them all together richest people had the same up the bottom five deciles, and you when it has only 0.21 percent of of the wealth rankings — their You could spread that money and aggregating all those positive wealth as the bottom half of get 0.7 percent (not 0.71 percent, the second decile and 0.16 percent negative wealth only grows in around the “bottom billion” and and negative ledger balances, you the global population. And now which is the number in the Oxfam of the third? magnitude: you get further and give them $1,700 each: enough to arrive at a number which is inevi- Forbes has come along to say that, report; I have no idea where that The answer: we’re talking further away from zero. put them squarely in the fourth tably going to be low, but which is actually, it’s not 85 people — it’s extra basis point came from). And about net worth, here: assets The result is that if you take global wealth decile. also largely meaningless. a mere 67. if you multiply $241tr by 0.7 per- minus debts. And if you add up the bottom 30 percent of the But let’s look at just the top The Chinese tend to have Oxfam does a pretty bad job cent, you get $1.7tr. the net worth of the world’s bot- world’s population — the poorest 2 two-fifths of the 3.5 billion peo- large personal savings as a per- of footnoting its report, but I did All of which makes a certain tom decile, it comes to minus a billion people in the world — their ple referred to in the Oxfam stat. centage of household income, but manage to finally track down how amount of sense, until you start trillion dollars. total aggregate net worth is not That’s 1.4 billion people; between that doesn’t make them richer it arrived at this conclusion. The looking a bit closer. The poorest people in the world, low, it’s not zero, it’s negative. them, they are worth $2.2tr. And than Americans who have neg- 85 (or 67) number is easy: you just China has zero people in the using the Credit Suisse methodol- To the tune of roughly half a they’re a subset of the 3.5 billion ative household savings — not start at the top of the Forbes bil- bottom 10 percent of the world ogy, aren’t in India or Pakistan trillion dollars. My niece, who just people who between them are in the way that we commonly lionaires list, and start counting population: everybody in China or Bangladesh: they’re people like got her first 50 cents in pocket worth $1.7tr. understand the terms “rich” and up the combined wealth until you is in the top 90 percent of global Jérôme Kerviel, who has a nega- money, has more money than the The first lesson of this story “poor”. reach $1.7tr. wealth, and the vast majority of tive net worth of something in the poorest 2 billion people in the is that it’s very easy, and rather Wealth, and net worth, are use- The harder question is: where Chinese are in the top half of glo- region of $6bn. world combined. misleading, to construct any ful metrics when you’re talking does the $1.7tr number come bal wealth. America, of course, is the spir- Or at least she does if you really statistic along the lines of “the about the rich. But they tend to from? India is on the list, though: if itual home of the overindebted consider Jérôme Kerviel to be the top X people have the same conceal more than they reveal The answer is that it comes you’re looking for the poorest 10 — people underwater on their poorest person in the world, and amount of wealth as the bottom when you’re talking about the from a pair of tables in Credit percent of the world’s population, mortgages, recent graduates with much poorer than anybody trying Y people”. poor. REUTERS SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com GECM & TENDERS

GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS MAP (GECM) Every Sunday China growth seen slowing German inflation hits three-year U.K. house price inflation to five-year low in Q1 low in March rises in February BEIJING: China is forecast to have BERLIN: The rate of inflation in LONDON: U.K. house prices grown at its slowest rate in five years Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, Japan’s industrial increased at a faster pace in in the first quarter, a Reuters poll fell to its lowest level in more production fell 2.3% in U.S. trade deficit hits $42.3 February with London reporting shows, with the slow start to 2014 than three years in March, official February billion in February the most significant growth, already prompting government action preliminary data showed on Friday. TOKYO: Japan’s industrial WASHINGTON: The U.S. trade data from Land Registry to steady the world’s second-largest The cost of living rose by 1.0 percent production fell 2.3% in deficit climbed to the highest level showed Friday. House prices economy. The economy is expected to on a 12-month basis this month, down February, coming in much in five months in February as rose 5.3 percent from a year have grown 7.3 percent in the January- from 1.2 percent in February, the weaker than the MNI median demand for American exports fell ago in February, after climbing March quarter from a year earlier federal statistics office Destatis said forecast of +0.3% and marking while imports increased slightly. 4.2 percent in January. On a in a statement. The last time inflation the first drop in three months The deficit increased to $42.3 monthly basis, house prices in Europe’s biggest economy was after +3.8% in January and billion, which was 7.7% above gained 0.7 percent bringing the lower was in June 2010. +0.9% in December. Severe the January imbalance of $39.3 average house price in England snow storms in the middle of billion, the Commerce Department and Wales to GBP 170,000 in the month shut down some reported Thursday. February. factories and hampered SA posts R1.7bn trade India’s GDP growth to shipments, resulting in surplus in February accelerate to 5.5% declines in output. JOHANNESBURG: South Africa posted NEW DELHI: The Indian economy its third trade surplus in four months is expected to grow 5.5% in in February as a weaker rand stoked 2014-15 on the back of improved exports and curtailed imports. The performance in industry and trade balance switched to a surplus of services and will inch up to 6% Brazil’s real weakens to R1.72-billion compared with a deficit of one-week low on interest rate in 2015-16 as external demand R17.1-billion in January, the Pretoria- improves due to the strength in outlook based South African Revenue Service advanced economies, the Asian BRASILIA: Brazil’s real dropped to (Sars) said. The median estimate of 10 Development Bank said. The 5.5% Australia shares slip, investors a one-week low and swap rates economists surveyed by Bloomberg estimate is slightly lower than its cautious declined as the central bank signaled was for a deficit of R3.5-billion. The previous forecast of 5.7% growth. SYDNEY: Australian shares shed 0.1 that it was ready to end the world’s rand plunged by 19% against the dollar percent on Friday, pulled lower by longest stretch of borrowing-cost last year and a further 5.7% in January, the financial sector after Wall Street increases. The real fell 0.5 percent boosting the competitiveness of the slipped overnight and investors opt to 2.2796 per dollar at the close of nation’s exports and raising import costs. for caution ahead of the U.S. payrolls trading in Sao Paulo, the biggest report due out after local markets decline among 24 developing-nation close. Banks lost ground for another currencies tracked by Bloomberg session, with Westpac Banking Corp after Chile’s peso. Swap rates on slipped 0.5 percent, Commonwealth contracts maturing in January 2017 Bank of Australia fell 0.3 percent, decreased three basis points, or 0.03 while mid-tier Bendigo and Adelaide percentage point, to 12.45 percent. Bank Ltd shed 0.1 percent.

TENDERS

TENDER TENDER CLOSING No. COMPANY TENDER No. SUBJECT No COMPANY TENDER No. SUBJECT TENDER TENDER CLOSING BOND FEES DATE BOND FEES DATE

1 ST14101000 Provision of air conditioned tent at QR 15,000 QR 200 7/4/2014 21 AF/C/ Investigate and issue report on roof and QR 37,500 QR 500 27/04/2014 Dukhan recreation club in Duhkan AL5340R1/13 cladding leaks at various Aspire Zone township venues 22 AF/C/AL5478/14 Provision of catering supples on call-off QR 30,000 QR 500 22/04/2014 basis for Aspire Zone 2 GT14104000 Maintenance street lighting and SS EQ QR QR 500 20/04/2014 at QP industrial cities 1130,000 23 LTC 797/2014 Supply of sensors for hydrant and QR 30,000 QR 500 04/05/2014 hydrant units Not later than 11:00am 3 ST14100900 Supply/Install electro mechanical QR 12,500 QR 200 7/4/2014 motors for steel gates gas OPS area 24 LTC 781/2014 DR new security infrastructure QR 100,000 QR 500 27/04/2014 mesaieed Not later than 11:00 am

4 GT14103900 O&M of remote water quality monitoring QR 400,000 N/A 20/04/2014 25 LTC 742/2013 Consultancy services for updating KM QR 40,000 QR 500 27/04/2014 environmental buoys electricity and water regulation Not later than 12 pm

5 GT14103300 Epic for Dukhan township 11kV network QR 700,000 QR 500 13/04/2014 26 LTC 751/2013 Two(2) years call-off contract for QR 150,000 QR 500 By noon of system upgrade providing customers assistants 13/04/2014 (cashiers) at Kahramaa tankers filling stations 6 GT14104100 Batch inhibition of gas lines on call-off QR 350,000 QR 500 27/04/2014 27 GTC 630/2014 Two years call-off agreement for supply QR QR 12,000 15/05/2014 basis within Dukhan fields of outdoor switchgears 5,000,000 Not later than 11:00am 7 GT14MT0010 Stocking & supply of class ‘G’ Oil well QR 600,000 QR 1,000 06/04/2014 28 GTC 633/2014 Two years call-off agreement for supply QR QR 5,000 01/05/2014 cement for offshore & onshore on call (12:00hrs) of feeder pillars with ‘j’ type and ‘Din’ 2,500,000 Not later than off basis for QP and Oxy for a period of type fuses 11:00am three (3) years 29 LTC 777/2014 Petabyte cost-effective storage for main QR 100,000 QR 500 20/04/2014 8 GT141039800 Epic for additional water storage at Jabel QR 900,000 QR 500 27/04/2014 and DR Not later than tank farm, Dukhan 11:00am 9 GT14MT0007 Stocking & supply of liner hanger QR QR 1,000 06/04/2014 30 GTC 601/2013 Consultancy services for Qatar’s QR 180,000 QR 1,000 10/04/2014 complete & compatible with inflatable 1,000,000 (12:00hrs) long-term electricity transmission Not later than annuluse/external casing packer & development plan 11:00 am hydraulic stage cementing collar equipment & services for north field area 31 LTC/756/2013 Call-off contract for disconnecting and QR 100,000 QR 500 13/04/2014 project on call-off basis for a period of connecting electricity meters Time: Before (3) years 12:00 noon 10 ST14MT0044 Supply, Install & commission of QR 8,000 QR 100 14/04/2014 distillation apparatus as per ASTM (12:00hrs) 32 GTC 609/2013 Three (3) years regular maintenance QR QR 3000 17/04/2014 D7344 contract (PH-I) for fire protection and fire 3,300,000 Not later than fighting systems at various Kahramaa 11:00am 11 ST14MT0051 Multi purpose test equipment QR 6,500 QR 100 14/04/2014 buildings/ facilities-state of Qatar (12:00hrs) 12 ST14MT0054 Stocking and supply of safety rigger QR 10,000 QR 100 21/04/2014 33 PWA/ On call for one year supply of A/C QR 31,000 QR 500 14/04/2014 boots on call-off basis for a period of (12:00hrs) STC/049/13-14 units for PTPS and STW’s of drainage three (3) years networks O&M department AA/DOM/13- 14/M/1309-1.05/S 13 ST14MT0055 Sale and removal of shredded wood QR 10,000 QR 100 14/04/2014 stockpiled at RLC (12:00hrs) 34 PWA/ITC/034/13- Secondment of site supervision staff QR 180,000 QR 750 6/4/2014 14 AF/C/ Supply, installation, testing and QR 5,000 QR 300 27/04/2014 14 for house connection and other related AL5365R2/14 commissioning of eccentric reducer drainage projects within state of Qatar at suction side for Kahramaa room at IA/D-HC/13-14/S/078/I Aspire logistics 15 AF/C/ Supply , delivery & installation of pool QR 5,000 QR 300 27/04/2014 35 PWA/ Construction of temporary container QR 50,000 QR 2,000 15/04/2014 ASP5416R1/14 bar counter at Aspetar GTC/096/13-14 yard for Doha Port at Jerry Musabbeh BA/13-14/C/010/G 16 AF/M/AA3064/14 Comprehensive maintenance of IPTV QR 20,000 QR 500 27/04/2014 system (media project centre) at Apsire 36 PWA/GTC/097/13- Post contract professional consultancy QR 500,000 QR 1,000 15/04/2014 Academy and Aspire sports hall in Aspire 14 servcies for the construction of new Zone pumping station PS 16N and interceptor 17 AF/C/AL5470/14 Supply & delivery of toilet and Bio- QR 7,000 QR 300 27/04/2014 sewer IA-D/13-14/005/G hazard pedal operated bins to Aspire Logistics 37 PWA/GTC/070/13- Construction of additional classrooms QR 400,000 QR 1,000 15/04/2014 14/R1 for (3) Nos. schools around Doha and 18 AF/M/AF2052/14 IT infrastructure maintenance & repair QR 30,000 QR 500 29/04/2014 villages BA/13-14/C/054/G services for Awaya IP telephony at Aspire Zone Foundation 38 Ministry Of 166 2013/2014 1) Renting (6) Customs Clearance QR 10,000 QR 100 Monday 19 AF/C/ASP5473/14 Supply, delivery & installation including QR 50,000 QR 500 29/04/2014 Interior counters at Abu Samra border Entry 14/04/2014 hardware refreshment and Data point for (3) years. 2) Renting (3) migration and configuration of IBM Customs clearance counters at Abu AIX system for Aspetar laboratory Samra border Exit Point for (3) years Information System 39 AF/C/ Installation of artificial Turf at various QR 20,000 QR 500 29/04/2014 20 AF/C/ Design, supply, delivery & installation of QR 15,000 QR 300 27/04/2014 AL5368R1/14 outdoor areas in Aspire Zone ALAT5369R1/13 main entrance canopy for the proposed torch-ballroom area at ladies club in 40 AF/C/ Repair of two (2) units of ozone generators QR 30,000 QR 500 29/04/2014 Aspire Zone ALEC5487/14 at Energy center in Aspire Zone SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 New Jersey beat Rockets win despite Washington, keep play-off hopes alive

Durant’s new record NEW YORK: Ryan Carter’s third period goal gave the New NHL Results Jersey Devils a 2-1 win over the Montreal 7 Ottawa 4 Minnesota end Miami’s four-game winning streak Washington Capitals on Friday, Chicago 4 Columbus 3 with the victory helping the New Jersey 2 Washington 1 NEW YORK: Guard James home team retain the slimmest Harden had 39 points, nine of hopes of reaching the play- Detroit 3 Buffalo 2 rebounds and seven assists and offs with a handful of games Calgary 2 Florida 1 helped salt away the Houston remaining. Edmonton 3 Phoenix 2 Rockets’ first win over the Left wing Tuomo Ruutu also Nashville 5 Anaheim 2 Oklahoma City Thunder this scored for New Jersey (33-28-16), season, a 111-107 victory that who jumped above a Washington an early 3-0 lead, the Montreal enabled Houston to clinch a (34-30-13) team that lost for the Canadiens stormed back with post-season berth. fifth game in a row despite right seven in a row on their way to The Rockets (50-25) seemed wing Alex Ovechkin scoring his a 7-4 victory over the Ottawa to take control with an 11-2 49th goal of the season. Senators. push midway through the fourth The Capitals and Devils each Montreal was led by three goals quarter, with reserve swingman have five games left this season but and two assists from winger Max Francisco Garcia hitting a three- trail Eastern Conference wild card Pacioretty. Defencemen Andrei pointer for a 104-98 lead with 2:42 leaders Detroit and Columbus in Markov and Mike Weaver and remaining. the race for the final two play-off centres Lars Eller and David Despite the loss, Kevin Durant berths. Desharnais had their other goals. finished with 28 points and 12 New Jersey sits three Winger Thomas Vanek added rebounds, his 40th consecutive points behind Columbus while three assists for the Canadiens. 25-plus-point game, matching Washington is four adrift. Centre Zack Smith scored twice Michael Jordan for the longest Centre Peter Regin scored with for the Senators, while winger such streak in the last 50 years. 3.9 seconds remaining in regula- Ales Hemsky and centre Mika The New York Knicks des- tion to help the Blackhawks eke Zibanejad had the others. perately needed a win to keep out a 4-3 win over the Columbus The loss pushed the Senators pace in the play-off race, but the Blue Jackets. to the very brink of elimination Washington Wizards had other The Blue Jackets have dropped from the play-off race, while the ideas in a last-second 90-89 13 straight to the Blackhawks, fall- Canadiens increased their chances victory. ing to 0-10-3 dating back to the for home ice advantage in the first The Wizards (40-36) already 2010-11 season. round. clinched a play-off berth for the The latest loss stings the most, The Calgary Flames won their first time since 2008 with a win though, as it sets back the Blue second straight game, posting a 2-1 Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic (1) lays the ball in past Portland Trail Blazers centre Robin Lopez (42) during in its previous game and did Jackets in their pursuit of an victory over the Florida Panthers. the fourth quarter of their NBA game at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. all they could to make sure the Eastern Conference play-off berth. The Flames jumped on the Knicks (33-44) fell in the stand- The Blackhawks also got goals scoreboard first on a snap shot ings after briefly holding on to 28 points, and point guard John two free throws with 1.8 seconds nine of 11 away from home. from left winger Jeremy Morin, by left winger Kenny Agostino at the eighth and final play-off seed Wall, who had 19 points and nine left in double overtime to win the Guard Paul George had game- right winger Patrick Sharp and 1:34 of the second period before after Wednesday night’s win. assists, including 11 points and game. high 26 points for the Pacers. right winger Marian Hossa. Panthers centre Vincent Trocheck Washington was led by shoot- five assists in the first half. Heat guard Ray Allen missed Al Jefferson had 29 points Right winger Daniel Afredsson responded quickly with his fourth ing guard Bradley Beal, who had Beal made a 15-foot jumper a shot at the buzzer to end it. and 16 rebounds and Kemba had a goal and an assist and the goal of the season. with 22.9 seconds remaining in Wolves forward Kevin Love had Walker notched a triple-double Detroit Red Wings held on for a Calgary left winger Mike NBA Results regulation to give the Wizards a 28 points and 11 rebounds while as the Charlotte Bobcats beat the 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Cammalleri then put the Flames 90-89 lead. Heat forward LeBron James fin- Orlando Magic, reducing their Centre Darren Helm and right permanently back on top with Memphis 100 Denver 92 Carmelo Anthony had a chance ished with 34 points. magic number to two as they look winger Tomas Jurco also scored his team-leading 26th goal of the Charlotte 91 Orlando 80 for the win in the waning sec- Toronto centre Jonas to clinch a play-off spot for the for Detroit (37-26-14), which is in season. Toronto 102 Indiana 94 onds after Beal’s basket, but he Valanciuanas and guard Terrence second time in franchise history. the seventh play-off spot in the Pekka Rinne tied the Nashville Atlanta 117 Cleveland 98 lost control of the ball, leaving Ross led the Raptors to a 102-94 The Bobcats (38-38) started Eastern Conference. Defenceman franchise record for goaltender Philadelphia 111 Boston 102 JR Smith to heave a desperation victory over the Indiana Pacers. pulling away midway through the Danny DeKeyser had two assists victories and centres Colin Wilson Brooklyn 116 Detroit 104 three-pointer at the horn that Ross finished with a team-high second quarter and led 53-36 at and Jimmy Howard made 21 saves. and Mike Fisher scored two goals was off the mark. 24 points and Valanciunas had 22. halftime before pushing the lead It was Red Wings’ coach Mike apiece as the Predators ended Minnesota 122 Miami 121 The Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto used a late run to pull to as many as 21 points in the sec- Babcock’s 413th win for Detroit, nearly two years of frustration Washington 90 NY Knicks 89 despite being out of the play- away to its fifth victory in six ond half. which ties him for the all-time against the Anaheim Ducks with Chicago 102 Milwaukee 90 off hunt, battled mightily and games. It marked the first time that franchise record with Jack Adams. a 5-2 victory. Utah 100 New Orleans 96 snapped the Miami Heat’s four- Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan the Bobcats have been at .500 Detroit led 3-0 before defence- Nashville (34-32-11) had lost Houston 111 Oklahoma City 107 game win streak, earning a 122- had 20 points and guard Nando since opening the season 5-5 man Jamie McBain and left winger five in a row to Anaheim in two Phoenix 109 Portland 93 121 double-overtime win. De Colo added 10 off the bench. through 10 games. Walker fin- Nicolas Deslauriers scored for seasons before Rinne made 27 Minnesota forward Corey The loss stretched Indiana’s ished with 13 points, 10 rebounds Buffalo (21-47-9), which has the saves in tying Tomas Vokoun at 161 Golden State 102 Sacramento 69 Brewer, who drew a foul on Heat season-worst road losing streak and 10 assists. NHL’s worst record. career victories for the Predators. Dallas 107 LA Lakers 95 guard Norris Cole, made one of to six games. Indiana has now lost REUTERS After spotting the home team REUTERS

NFL: Seahawks Tanaka overcomes rocky extend Carroll’s start in Yankees’ victory contract NEW YORK: Right-hander SEATTLE: Super Bowl cham- Masahiro Tanaka pitched pions Seattle have rewarded seven innings to earn the win coach Pete Carroll with a three- in his major league debut as year contract extension, the the New York Yankees spoiled Seahawks said on Friday. the Toronto Blue Jays’ home Carroll led the Seahawks to a opener with a 7-3 victory. 13-3 record and their first Super The Yankees took the lead Bowl triumph in a 2013 season with two runs in third, which capped by their 43-8 rout of the was extended after a video Denver Broncos in the NFL cham- review reversed an out call pionship showcase in February. at first base that would have The deal runs through the 2016 ended the inning with no runs season and locks up the services of scored. a coach who was entering the final Tanaka (1-0), who gave up season of a five-year deal he had a home run to his first bat- signed prior to the 2010 campaign. ter, left fielder Melky Cabrera, “This is a very special day,” allowed six hits and three runs, Carroll said. “This is a day of while striking out eight as the gratitude for me. It’s really excit- Yankees (2-2) won their second ing because it’s a statement of in a row and the Blue Jays (2-3) New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka throws a pitch our commitment, of our staying dropped their second straight. during the fourth inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at power.” Second baseman Chase Utley Rogers Centre, Toronto. Carroll has a record of 38-26 went 2-for-5 with a home run during his four-year tenure with and three RBIs to lead the before a sellout crowd of 42,834. Cabrera had four hits, includ- three play-off appearances, includ- Philadelphia Phillies to a 7-2 It was the first loss of the ing an RBI single in the sev- ing two NFC West division titles. victory over the Chicago Cubs. season for the Nationals (3-1). enth and a two-run home run The Seahawks, buoyed by Utley clubbed a go-ahead Braves reliever Craig in the eighth, his first RBI of emerging star quarterback Russell two-run homer, his first of the Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth the season. Wilson, have been especially dom- season, in the fifth inning off for his third save and 142nd First baseman Lyle Overbay inant the past two years with a Chicago starter Travis Wood, overall with Atlanta, breaking delivered a tie-breaking, two- 24-8 mark. who took the loss on a windy, a tie with Gene Garber for sec- run double in the ninth inning “We’ve had a really good run frigid afternoon in the Cubs’ ond place in franchise history. to lead the Milwaukee Brewers and we think we’re in the middle home opener at Wrigley Field. Rajai Davis hit a three-run to a 6-2 win over the Boston of something special here,” Carroll Right-handed starter home run following a 34-minute, Red Sox, spoiling the home said. Roberto Hernandez (1-0) fourth-inning rain delay and opener at Fenway Park on a With the Super Bowl victory, worked 5 2/3 innings for the Torii Hunter added a solo shot day dedicated to the defending Carroll joined Jimmy Johnson and win. The Cubs led 2-0 but were one out later to help the Detroit World Series champions. Barry Switzer as the only coaches run down. Tigers improve their record to Centre fielder Carlos Gomez to win both a collegiate national Third baseman Chris 3-0 with a 10-4 victory over the went 4-for-5 with two RBIs and championship and a Super Bowl Johnson hit a sacrifice fly in Baltimore Orioles. catcher Jonathan Lucroy had title. He guided the University of the top of the eighth to break Tigers first baseman Miguel a home run and double as the Southern California to a pair of a 1-1 tie and the Atlanta Cabrera became just the ninth Brewers scored more runs than college championships during a Braves beat the Washington player in Major League history they had in their first three highly successful nine-year run Nationals 2-1 to spoil Opening to reach 2,000 hits before the games combined. before taking the Seahawks’ job. Day in the nation’s capital age of 31. REUTERS AFP SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Garcia shoots 65 to take lead Spaniard fires five birdies and an eagle amid windy conditions at Houston Open

HOUSTON: Spain’s Sergio Garcia had five birdies and an Horsey, Warren share eagle en route to a seven-under 65 on Friday to vault into a one- shot lead after the second round of the Houston Open. lead in Cadiz gloom Garcia, who matched the low round of the week, completed 36 CADIZ: England’s David Horsey holes at 12-under-par 132. and Marc Warren of Scotland European Tour “When I look at today, I shared a one-shot lead at the thought if I am able to shoot Cadiz Open on Friday but 45 Cadiz Open Scores three, four under I will be happy,” players were unable to finish Scores from the European Tour said Garcia, who won the Qatar their second rounds after play Cadiz Open at the par-72 course Masters in January. “To be able to was halted due to bad light. yesterday in Cadiz. shoot seven-under in those condi- A lengthy delay for rain on 139 Marc Warren (Britain) 72 67; David tions was really, really nice.” Thursday had already meant half Horsey (Britain) 71 68; Bradley Dredge Matt Kuchar bogeyed his final the field had to complete their (Britain) 70 69 hole at the $6.2 million (4.5 mil- first rounds in the morning and lion euros) US PGA Tour event to the knock-on effect played further 140 Adrian Otaegui (Spain) 71 69; Felipe close out a five-under 67 and fin- havoc with the schedule. Aguilar (Chile) 71 69 ish a shot off the pace at 11-under Warren, who had completed a 142 John Hahn (US) 74 68 133. level par 72 in the delayed first 143 Oliver Fisher (Britain) 71 72; Marco Windy conditions made scor- round, then went out and fired 67 Crespi (Italy) 70 73; Tjaart Van der ing difficult on Friday and bad to set the clubhouse target at five Walt (South Africa) 70 73; Richie weather was expected to roll in under par. Ramsay (Britain) 71 72; Matthew late in the day on Saturday at the Horsey was four under par for Nixon (Britain) 72 71; Lasse Jensen Tournament Course at the Golf his round with three holes remain- (Denmark) 73 70; Rhys Davies (Britain) ing when play was halted for the 72 71; Scott Jamieson (Britain) 71 72; day. Jack Doherty (Britain) 69 74; Damien Houston Open “My round didn’t finish yes- McGrane (Ireland) 74 69; Jamie Sergio Garcia of Spain hits his ball out of the bunker on the eighth hole during round three of the Shell Houston terday so I had to come back and McLeary (Britain) 73 70; Jordi Garcia

Scores Open at the Golf Club of Houston in Humble, Texas, yesterday. play seven holes this morning Pinto (Spain) 73 70; Mikael Lundberg Leading second-round scores and I played ok,” said 33-year-old (Sweden) 71 72 on Friday in the US PGA Tour Club of Houston. on the 10th, sandwiched his eagle week as he plays his final tune-up Warren. 144 Jens Dantorp (Sweden) 71 73; Houston Open (USA unless Players will tee off in three- between birdies on the 12 and 14 before the Masters. “At the start of the second round Gregory Havret (France) 74 70; Daniel noted, par-72): somes from the first and 10th on his first nine. “We’ve seen how some weeks I struggled a bit with concentra- Im (US) 72 72; Chris Paisley (Britain) 132 Sergio Garcia (ESP) 67-65 holes to try and get as many into He added three consecutive you can go from missing a cut tion, but once I got it going I played 72 72; Phillip Archer (Britain) 74 70; 133 Matt Kuchar 66-67 the clubhouse as possible before birdies on holes three, four and comfortably to winning the really good — my long game was Michael Jonzon (Sweden) 74 70; 136 Matt Jones 68-68, Cameron Tringale the storms hit. five coming in. next week or going from win- excellent, short game was good. I Thomas Norret (Denmark) 73 71; 68-68, Shawn Stefani 67-69, Jimmy Three-time 2014 winner Jimmy Garcia hit 13 of 18 greens and ning to missing the cut,” he said. think I got the best out of my round Matteo Delpodio (Italy) 71 73; Ricardo Walker 71-65 Walker (65), Australian Matt missed just one fairway in his “Obviously playing nicely helps, today. Santos (Portugal) 74 70 137 Steve Stricker 68-69, Ben Curtis 67-70 Jones (68), Cameron Tringale round. there’s no doubt about that. But “Today and yesterday’s condi- 145 Andrew Johnston (Britain) 73 72; (68) and Shawn Stefani (69) Garcia has finished no worse every week is a different world.” tions were pretty similar, obviously 138 Ryan Palmer 70-68, Jason Gore 67-71, Daniel Gaunt (Australia) 75 70; Carlos shared third place at eight-under. than 16th in five US PGA Tour Both of the first-round co- without the rain. The wind is going Jim Renner 66-72, Phil Mickelson 68-70 Del Moral (Spain) 73 72; Lorenzo Gagli Steve Stricker (69) and Ben starts this season and placed in leaders struggled Friday, as Bill to stay pretty strong and it’s going 139 Erik Compton 66-73, Bill Haas 65-74, (Italy) 71 74; Oscar Stark (Sweden) 74 Curtis (70) were tied for seventh the top 20 in his past 12 world- Haas stumbled to a two-over 74 to be tough for the guys playing this 71; Lucas Bjerregaard (Denmark) 72 Brice Garnett 68-71, J.B. Holmes 66-73, at seven-under. wide starts. to fall into a share of 13th place afternoon.” Retief Goosen (RSA) 68-71 73; Jeppe Huldahl (Denmark) 72 73; Jones will play in the final “I do feel like I’m playing at five-under. Horsey bogeyed the first two Jorge Campillo (Spain) 72 73; Kevin 140 Justin Hicks 67-73, Nicholas Thompson threesome Saturday with Kuchar nicely,” Garcia said. “I feel very Charley Hoffman posted a four- holes of his second round, but Phelan (Ireland) 75 70 71-69, Freddie Jacobson (SWE) 68-72, and Garcia, who eagled the par- comfortable with my equipment. over 76 to fall into a group of play- fought back with six birdies in ten Martin Flores 68-72, Michael Thompson five 13th hole after hitting his I feel comfortable with myself in ers tied for 27th at three-under holes from the fourth. 67-73, Rickie Fowler 70-70, Chris 284-yard approach shot to five and outside the golf course.” 141. Chile’s Felipe Aguilar was tied for third with Bradley Dredge and Stroud 68-72, Camilo Villegas (COL) feet. Garcia said he is not reading AFP Adrian Otaegui on four under following a round of 69. 67-73, Michael Putnam 68-72. Garcia, who started his round too much into his strong start this AFP

LPGA Kraft Teen Thompson sparkles at Kraft Nabisco event Nabisco Scores RANCHO MIRAGE: US teenager Lexi birdies and one bogey in her 71 for 138. victory of a career that saw her become “I had the same confidence over every Leading second-round scores Thompson fired eight birdies in a spar- First-round leader Feng Shanshan of what was then the youngest LPGA Tour shot, just committing to my line and just on Friday in the LPGA Kraft kling eight-under par 64 on Friday to China was tied for the lead after a birdie winner in 2011 — at the age of 16. She added being confident over every shot or every Nabisco Championship, first grab a share of the LPGA Kraft Nabisco at the par-four seventh, her 16th hole of two more titles to her resume since then. putt, and I just tried to do that the whole women’s major of the year (USA Championship lead alongside Hall-of- the day. After a disappointing day on the greens way throughout, even at the beginning of unless noted, par-72, a-denotes Famer Pak Se-Ri. But she closed with back-to-back bogeys on Thursday, Thompson said she “figured the round.” amateur): Thompson’s effort in perfect morning for a one-over 73 that left her tied for out some things” about her putting and Pak was pleased with another efficient, 137 Lexi Thompson 73-64, Pak Se-Ri (KOR) conditions on the Dinah Shore Tournament fourth with Cristie Kerr on 139. iron play. if unspectacular round. 67-70 Course at Mission Hills gave her a seven- Feng, whose 2012 LPGA Championship She felt her opening five pars were a slow “It’s the same as yesterday,” she said. 138 Michelle Wie 67-71 under par total of 137. victory made her the first Chinese golfer start, but Thompson, who teed off on the “Everything has just been really solid. I She was joined atop the leaderboard to claim a major title, finished with four 10th, came alive after that. She picked up kept it in fairways and from the fairway 139 Cristie Kerr 69-70, Feng Shanshan (CHN) at the halfway stage of the first women’s bogeys and three birdies. Kerr carded a 70 birdies at 15, 17 and 18, then added five on the greens. I had a lot of opportunities 66-73 major of the year by Pak, who had two bird- to get to five-under. more on her inward run. today, but putting was not as good as yes- 140 Catriona Matthew (SCO) 72-68, Anna ies in a steady two-under 70. Pak, winner of five major titles, is seeking “I was just trying to stay in the moment terday, but still, really just a really smooth, Nordqvist (SWE) 71-69, Morgan Pressel The two were one stroke in front of her first Kraft Nabisco Championship win. and focus on each shot, not really think solid round today.” 70-70 American Michelle Wie, who had two Thompson, 19, is seeking the first major about what I was shooting,” Thompson said. AFP 141 Mo Martin 73-68, Amy Yang (KOR) 68-73 Barrett’s boot helps Late tries seal Crusaders’ victory JOHANNESBURG: A couple Stand-in Canterbury skipper Hurricanes beat Bulls of late tries clinched a 28-7 vic- and centre Ryan Crotty claimed tory for Canterbury Crusaders the first try of the game six min- NAPIER: The Wellington The ball was neatly taken by over Golden Lions Saturday in a utes into the second half, powering Hurricanes set out to run the a leaping Cory Jane on the right Super 15 match at Ellis Park. over despite a brave attempt by Northern Bulls into submis- wing who flicked it inside to chas- Veteran scrum-half Andy scrum-half Faf de Klerk to stop sion but in the end had to rely ing full-back Andre Taylor, who Ellis dived over on 73 minutes him. on the boot of Beauden Barrett crossed for the try. and replacement fly-half Tyler Slade converted and soon after to pull off a 25-20 Super 15 win Barrett’s conversion had the Bleyendaal converted to give the Lions were back in conten- yesterday. Hurricanes out to a 10-0 lead the New Zealanders a 16-point tion when a charge by flank Willie Barrett’s 20-point contribution before the Bulls were able to get on advantage. Britz toward the try-line was ensured the Hurricanes continued board with a penalty to Jacques- And a superb grubber kick from halted only for Mapoe to dot down. their revival after a horror start Louis Potgieter, the first time they All Blacks full-back Israel Dagg But the Lions lacked composure to the season. were within striking distance of at the end set up centre Kieron when presented with further try- The win lifted them to 16 points, the posts. Fonotia for a simple try and a scoring chances. equal with the Golden Lions, NSW Potgieter and Barrett traded deserved win by the seven-time Crusaders took control of pos- Waratahs and Auckland Blues, further penalties for the champions. session and territory in the closing and one behind the fourth-placed Hurricanes to lead 16-6 just before The New Zealanders lacked stages and the pressure told as the Bulls, who also have three wins as half-time when Jurgen Visser their three biggest stars — loose Lions suffered their heaviest loss well as a draw against the defend- scored the Bulls’ first try from a forwards Richie McCaw and of the season. ing champion Waikato Chiefs. simple kick-chase move. Kieran Read are injured and At Newlands, New South Wales Siya Kolisi (second left) from the Stormers of South Africa is tackled by The Bulls outscored the It took 25 minutes for the first fly-half Dan Carter is taking a Waratahs ended an eight-year Hurricanes two tries to one, but points to be scored in the sec- sabbatical. Michael Hooper (second right) from the Waratahs of Australia as Nizaam wait for victory in Cape Town with it was the Hurricanes who domi- ond half when Barrett kicked his Crusaders were deserved vic- Carr from the Stormers jumps over during their Super Rugby match in Cape a deserved 22-11 Super Rugby win nated territory. fourth penalty before the Bulls hit tors after winning the breakdowns Town, South Africa, yesterday. over the hapless Stormers. Barrett enjoyed 100 percent the front from a try scored and battle. The Australian side moved success with six penalties from six converted by replacement back The New Zealanders did not gained the initiative and centre the New Zealand conference. into the wildcard places with the attempts, including two after the Handre Pollard to lead 20-19. allow ill discipline to creep in and Lionel Mapoe squeezed over in the Lions stayed sixth with 16 victory, achieved via a first-half Bulls had sneaked in front 20-19 With the clock counting down, gift penalties to deadly place- corner for a try. points — seven less than compa- opportunist try from scrumhalf with 14 minutes to play. Barrett backed himself with a kicker Marnitz Boshoff. That narrowed the deficit to six triots and leaders Coastal Sharks Nick Phipps after the ball broke “It nearly got away from us but 40-metre penalty on an acute The Lions fly-half, who tops the points and 18 point-less minutes — but could be overtaken by the to him from a scrum. we came back. It’s a tight com- angle to regain the lead then Super 15 scoring charts with 109 followed before Dagg slotted a Australian New South Wales Flyhalf Bernard Foley con- petition,” a relieved Hurricanes boosted the margin with another points, had just two shots at goal penalty after regular kicker Colin Waratahs later yesterday. verted and added three penalties captain Conrad Smith said. penalty on full-time. and narrowly missed off an angled Slade was forced to retire injured. A couple of Slade penalties fol- to go with two more from full- Barrett gave the Hurricanes The Hurricanes have a bye penalty before succeeding with a Crusaders climbed only one lowing ruck infringements was a back Kurtley Beale as the tourists a flying start when he landed an next week while the Bulls play the conversion. place to 12th on the overall south- meagre return for the hard work dominated territory and drew the early penalty and then set up their Otago Highlanders. After falling 13 points behind ern hemisphere championship of the Crusaders during an opening home side into costly errors. sole try with a deft cross kick. AFP early in the second half, the Lions standings and remain bottom of half which ended 6-0 in their favour. AFP SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 England will attack Brazil will overcome in Brazil: Hodgson

LONDON: England manager the games,” Hodgson added. Roy Hodgson has promised to “With the type of players we’ve be brave, risk defeat and allow got that wouldn’t suit us. I think Cup delays: Valcke his talented young players to we’ve got to allow the players to express themselves at the World express themselves in the same Cup in Brazil in June. way as you see them express them- Under his predecessor Fabio selves in the Premier League.” Capello, England were sterile and England have been drawn Unfinished stadiums will be ready, says Fifa official defensive at the previous edition in against Italy, Uruguay and Costa South Africa four years ago before Rica in World Cup Group D. RIO DE JANEIRO: Fifa sec- being knocked out by Germany in Hodgson also said veteran retary general Jerome Valcke the last 16. defender Ashley Cole’s lack of first- insists Brazil will overcome “The way we will play in Brazil team football at Chelsea would not delays to World Cup prepara- will be a continuation of the way affect his chance of being picked in tions, indicating that three we have been trying to play over the World Cup squad. unfinished stadiums, including the last year or so,” Hodgson told Cole, England’s most-capped opening venue Sao Paulo, will Talksport Radio on Friday. fullback with 107 appearances, be ready. “If you take the front play- has lost his place to Spanish Work has been halted this week ers who played in the last international Cesar Azpilicueta on two sections of temporary game, Raheem Sterling, Daniel at Stamford Bridge this season. seating at the Corinthians Arena, Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, and “It’s been unfortunate for where Brazil will face Croatia in add them to people like Wayne Ashley this season but I know him the tournament curtain-raiser on Rooney and Steven Gerrard, just well enough so that won’t neces- June 12, following a fatal accident to name five players off the top of sarily affect my decision-making last Saturday, the second at the my head, they have great technical when it comes to selecting the ground in four months. ability, pace and athleticism. team,” Hodgson added. “It’s one There have also been fatal acci- “We will be brave and we of the responsibilities as national dents at the stadiums in Brasilia will believe in ourselves and team manager to pick who you and Manaus, taking the toll of we will risk defeat. We won’t think are the best players.” construction worker deaths to try and sneak our way through REUTERS seven. The resulting delays have fuelled fears Brazil will struggle to be ready with kickoff now under Neymar has World Cup butterflies ten weeks away, given that the stadiums at Curitiba and Cuiaba also remain unfinished and amid RIO DE JANEIRO: With less than ten weeks to the World Cup doubts over who will pay for tem- on home soil, Brazil star Neymar has admitted to butterflies in porary facilities still to be deliv- his stomach. ered at Porto Alegre. “I think it is an honour to wear the Brazil shirt in my country Regarding the Sao Paulo and to see my greatest childhood dream come true, but the nerves Children kick soccer balls during a protest by non-governmental organisation Rio de Paz (Rio of Peace) at the accident, Valcke stressed that are starting to appear and I’ve butterflies in my stomach,” Neymar “safety is paramount and that is Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. The protest was to tell Fifa President Sepp Blatter to be aware of said in an interview published on Friday in Lance sports daily. the utmost priority whether it is conditions at slums in Rio de Janeiro, as well as a call for the Brazilian government to improve education, health “We are going to give our all out there to give Brazil the title,” during construction or the event and public services to the same standards as 2014 World Cup stadiums. said Neymar. itself”. He said that “no match will be easy” as Brazil, who lost the final Fifa president Sepp Blatter, he noted “positive footprints” put into question by the media. taking shape in the giant nation. to Uruguay when they last staged the tournament at home in 1950, attending the Under-17 Women’s left by the 2010 tournament, the “Nearly four years later, the “All the reports I receive indi- take on Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon in their pool. “Your oppo- World Cup in Costa Rica on first held in Africa, Valcke echoed common perception is that it was cate just how fast and hard Brazil nents always want to win and will give everything against Brazil. We Thursday, insisted Brazil will Blatter’s comments that Brazil an outstanding World Cup,” said is working now to complete prep- have no preference regarding who we play as we know every match stage an “extraordinary” event are not the first host nation to Valcke. arations, not only for the World will be difficult. To get to the final will be a dream,” Neymar added. — while again chiding the hosts scramble to finish preparations. “Unfortunately, pessimism is a Cup, but also for improvements Asked about missing out on a place in the 2010 squad he said: “It for starting preparations late — “I remember well all the doubts common trend when it comes to to the country’s cultural, urban was not my turn (then) to play a World Cup. I have always worked and Valcke said he was just as and criticism which accompanied staging major events. But in the and transportation infrastructure for this day — unfortunately it didn’t happen for me on that occa- confident. the last few months of the prepa- end it always works out.” that will continue to serve genera- sion. But after that I was lucky enough to be called up to wear the Returning from a development rations in South Africa and how He insisted that “those who tions to come,” said Valcke. Brazilian colours. AFP seminar in South Africa, where the event staging was constantly want to see it” can see a legacy AFP High-flying Roma eye return to Europe’s big stage

ROME: Roma travel to Cagliari today appearance was an embarrassing 2-1 what the situation was, and that we A draw against Cagliari would be redeveloped and has a capacity of only looking for a first win in Sardinia for aggregate defeat by Slovan Bratislava in needed to win in order to get out of enough to guarantee a place in the top 5,000 spectators. over 18 years and knowing that a point the Europa League preliminary rounds at that spiral,” Frenchman Garcia told the three even if Fiorentina beat injury-hit Roma’s future looks bright following would be enough to guarantee them at the start of the 2011-12 campaign. Corriere Della Sera yesterday. Udinese in Florence as there would be a Garcia’s stunning opening season and least a place in the Champions League There followed two poor seasons under “I realised it was a difficult place to 19-point gap between the sides with 18 plans for a new 50,000-capacity stadium preliminary rounds. Luis Enrique, Zdenek Zeman and Aurelio work, but I like a challenge. left to play for. that could be opened within two years. Rudi Garcia’s side lie second in Serie Andeazzoli which coincided with a group “We will be in the Champions League Qualifying for the Champions League “When I first arrived, I asked for faith, A on 73 points, eight behind champions of American entrepreneurs taking over and we want to be in there directly. This would give Roma a better chance of keep- to be allowed to prove that I can do well. Juventus and still with an outside chance the club. means finishing either first or second. For ing midfielder Miralem Pjanic from a Now the fans see a united team that never of their first league title since 2001. Never It culminated in a painful Italian Cup first place we don’t have our destiny in potential transfer to big-spending Paris gives up,” Garcia said. before have they had so many points after final loss to local rivals Lazio, which our hands, but we do for second.” St Germain. “Winning the Rome derby (2-0) ena- 31 games. brought about a full-scale rebellion among Roma are nine points ahead of third- Roma, whose last win at Cagliari bled us to go forward with more confi- Even more important for the club, fans, who pelted players with abuse on placed Napoli, who occupy the final came in 1995, will be favourites today dence and beating Juve in the Italian Cup however, is a place in the Champions their return to training at the start of Champions League place, and a massive although their opponents’ seven wins helped us understand we shouldn’t fear League after what will be three seasons the season. 21 points clear of Fiorentina in third with this season have all come at their dilapi- anyone.” without European football. Their last “When I first arrived here I understood seven games remaining. dated Sant’Elia stadium, which is being REUTERS PSG notch 11th successive win France sells domestic TV PARIS: An Edinson Cavani strike and two Aissa Mandi own goals gave Paris St Germain a 3-0 home rights for nearly $1bn win over Stade Reims to open a 16-point lead over second-placed Monaco in Ligue 1 yesterday. PARIS: France’s top football league sold Germany (€675m), but behind Spain (€750m), The victory at the Parc des Princes domestic television rights for 2016-20 for a Italy (€960m) and especially England’s Premier in Paris without injured talisman record sum of nearly one billion dollars a year, League, which earns a massive €1.7bn a year. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was PSG’s 11th officials said on Friday. The LFP had set a reserve price above the in a row in all competitions and they The new deal saw Ligue 1 sold for €726m €726m announced, but it was not immediately have not conceded a goal in the league ($994m) a year and the second division for €22m revealed how much they wanted. this year. euros a year. Thiriez said only that the offers by Canal Plus Ibrahimovic missed the game after The Canal Plus cable television broadcaster and BeIn Sport were “very close” with tens of suffering a muscle injury during the made the biggest offer to secure the right to the millions of euros between them. French champions’ 3-1 home win over first choice of the two best Ligue 1 matches each According to sources close to negotiations, Chelsea in the Champions League week. Canal Plus will increase payments from their quarter-final first leg on Wednesday. The previous record for 2008-2012 sold for current €420m a year to about €550m. They have 79 points with six €668m a year while this season and next the fig- BeIn has been paying about €150m a year. Its matches left, to Monaco’s 63 with ure falls to €607m. new deal was not revealed. seven to play including Sunday’s home But with Qatari and Russian investors now BeIn could be saving its financial power for bids game against Nantes. Lille, in third on ploughing huge sums into Ligue 1 clubs -- allowing to UEFA, Europe’s governing body, for the 2015- 57, play at Toulouse later on Saturday. Paris Saint Germain to buy Zlatan Ibrahimovic 2018 rights to the Champions League, which have Cavani, spearheading a largely and Monaco Radamel Falcao for a combined figure to be handed in on Monday, analysts said. reserve PSG side, put them ahead two over €120m — the French Professional League Despite the arrival of the Qatar Investment minutes before the interval with his (LFP) had hoped for more. Authority to bankroll PSG and Russian billionaire 15th league goal of the season, tapping “I had wanted to put the French championship Dmitry Rybolovlev at Monaco, French clubs say the ball home from Gregory van der in the top three in Europe,” said LFP president they face growing financial difficulties as they Wiel’s cross. The home side increased Frederic Thieriez, who added that the figure was battle to pay top salaries to help them compete the lead three minutes into the second below but close to what the league had sought. in Europe. half when the Mandi helped a header “I would have liked more because I have big While PSG are close to qualifying for the semi- by Brazilian Lucas into the net. The ambitions for French football, but the market has finals of Europe’s Champions League, other clubs Reims right back sealed the result spoken,” he added. are deep in debt. with another own goal one minute BeIn Sports, a Qatari-backed cable broadcaster, The French government has put football stars from time. was the second highest bidder. None of the other in the group that will have to pay a 75 percent PSG rested several first-team regu- competitors, such as Eurosport or telecoms firm tax on the highest salaries. lars for the Champions League visit to Orange, won any television rights. The French league estimates this will cost clubs Action from Al Wakra’s 4-1 win over Al Ahli in their Qatar Stars League Stamford Bridge next week. The auction put France in fourth place in the €44m a year. match at Al Wakra Stadium yesterday. MOHAMMED AL OBAIDLY REUTERS European television rights league — ahead of AFP SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT In-form sides India, Sri Lanka eye World T20 glory in Dhaka Sri Lanka may bench Dinesh Chandimal; India to rely on strong batting for win

DHAKA: Sri Lanka face a Malinga said the monetary daunting test of nerves by a bonus was not on the team’s mind. Malinga dominant India in today’s all- “We don’t think about how Asian World Twenty20 final in much money we will get, we play Indian cricket wants World Dhaka that is rich with incen- because we love to represent Sri captain tives for both teams. Lanka and win for the country.” Mahendra If Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s India have enjoyed an amazing Singh Dhoni Indians win, they will become the run in the tournament, winning T20 farewell first team to hold all three major all four Super-10 league matches (left) and Sri limited-overs titles, having won before beating South Africa by Lanka skipper gift for the 50-over World Cup in 2011 six wickets with five deliveries to Lasith Malinga and the Champions Trophy last spare in Friday’s semi-final. pose with the year. Virat Kohli smashed an ICC World departing Sri Lanka will seek an end to unbeaten 72 off 44 balls as India Twenty20 an inexplicable losing streak in chased down South Africa’s chal- trophy at the title matches, after being beaten lenging 172-4, making the prolific Sher-e-Bangla greats twice in the World Cup finals right-hander the tournament’s National Cricket in 2007 and 2011 and the World leading scorer with 242 runs from Stadium MIRPUR: Winning the World Twenty20 finals in 2009 and 2012. five games. in Dhaka Twenty20 title will be a perfect A fitting farewell to veterans India have also been served well yesterday. farewell gift for the depart- Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela by opener Rohit Sharma, whose India and Sri ing Sri Lankan greats Mahela Jayawardene in their last T20 171 runs are far ahead of the 134 Lanka play the Jayawardene and Kumar international game and a million- runs compiled by Sri Lanka’s top- final today. Sangakkara, stand-in skipper dollar winning bonus offered by scorer Jayawardene. Lasith Malinga said yesterday. India won the officials back home will further India also have the bowling edge Today’s final against India will trophy in 2007 inspire the Sri Lankans. with off-spinner Ravichandran be the last Twenty20 interna- Sri Lanka reached Sunday’s Ashwin’s 10 wickets and leg-spin- when they beat tional for both former captains final with a 27-run win over ner Amit Mishra’s nine outshin- Pakistan in the who have played a combined 265 defending champions West Indies ing Sri Lankan seamer Nuwan final, whereas, tests and 781 ODIs, totalling through the Duckworth-Lewis Kulasekara (seven) and left-arm Sri Lanka, the 46,000-plus international runs. calculations in a rain-hit semi- spinner Rangana Herath (five). losing finalists Against India, Sri Lanka now final on Thursday. Dhoni said the prospect of in 2009 and have an opportunity to better The West Indies, chasing Sri holding all three titles was not 2012, are their dismal final record in a Lanka’s 160-6, were 80-4 in 13.5 on his, or the team’s, mind. aiming for their global competition, having been overs when a heavy downpour “We can think of that only after first major win beaten in the title showdown forced the match to be abandoned we have won,” the Indian captain since their 1996 of the 50-over World Cup in at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium in said. “For now, it is all about doing World Cup 2007 and 2011 and at the World Dhaka. what will make us successful. We triumph. Twenty20 in 2009 and 2012. Sri Lanka’s T20 captain Dinesh need to play good cricket, and not Malinga sounded determined Chandimal is again expected to focus on statistics. to make sure the departing duo sit it out, as he did on Thursday, “It is a big game tomorrow. Sri tasted a World Cup triumph to allow the winning combination Lanka are a fantastic side with before their exit from Twenty20 to stay with pace bowler Lasith a good mix of experienced and internationals. Malinga at the helm. young players. We will have to be “We all know they are great “Its a special day tomorrow and on top of our game.” Kohli gratefully accepts gift players of international cricket,” we have to do something special Meanwhile, defending cham- BELOW: Indian batsmen Yuvraj Malinga told reporters. for Mahela and Sanga,” Malinga pions Australia will take on Singh and Shikar Dhawan crack “I’m the captain now (and I’m) told reporters yesterday. England in the women’s final at jokes during a training session from India skipper very happy to be in that position. “They are great cricketers and the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium a few in Dhaka yesterday. They’ve helped the young players, deserve a good farewell,” Malinga hours before the men take the MIRPUR: When Virat Kohli accepted the Man-of-the-Match (including) myself. added. field today. REUTERS award on Friday it was the second gift he had received in quick “We are looking forward to succession. do our best for these two ... We With the scores level in the World Twenty20 semi-final against South have to do (something) special Africa, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni could not have asked for tomorrow.” a more innocuous delivery as left-arm paceman Beuran Hendricks sent India captain Mahendra Singh down a slow, short ball to conclude the 19th over. Dhoni also paid tribute to the Dhoni, who has a penchant for hitting the winning runs with a six, departing greats. instead offered a defensive shot that appeared to baffle Kohli as he “They’ve served Sri Lankan gestured to his smiling skipper from the other end. cricket for a long time through Right-handed Kohli then smashed the first ball of the final over all formats ... Sri Lanka will miss from fast bowler Dale Steyn for four to seal a six-wicket triumph with their presence in the dressing five balls to spare. room,” Dhoni said. “Yes, he gave me the chance (to score the winning runs),” the Delhi “They have between them in batsman told reporters after finishing unbeaten on 72 as India reached excess of 650 ODIs and lot of their victory target of 173. “I told him, ‘You finish it off’. test matches. They got fair bit “But he said, ‘What else can I give you? You’ve batted well in this of experience and Sri Lanka will match. This is my gift’. miss that. “I said, ‘That’s very kind of you’. I accepted it, why not? Scoring the “But every good thing comes winning runs always feels different. I’m grateful to him that he let me to an end, they will have to get finish it off.” over it and get someone to fill this Kohli once again showed the poise and skill that has made him the space.” mainstay of India’s batting. Malinga confirmed he would A player with a silky touch, he said his performance could not have lead Sri Lanka in the final even come at a better time. if regular Twenty20 skipper Dhoni, India on the “I’ve hit the ball better on other occasions, my timing has also been Dinesh Chandimal, replaced by better on a few occasions. But considering the situation and the occa- Lahiru Thirimanne in the last sion it’s definitely my top Twenty20 innings,” Kohli said. two matches, returns to the play- South Africa captain Faf du Plessis was also full of praise for the ing XI. Indian. “Chandimal is a good captain cusp of record treble “It was a fantastic knock. We all know how good he is. We all know and played a few matches. We he has shown that so many times,” said Du Plessis. all know he is an up-and-coming MIRPUR: Under a charis- Dhoni probably has contempo- “As a fielding captain you always have at the back of your mind that good player. (But) I think Lahiru matic Mahendra Singh Dhoni, “There’s nothing really in rary cricket’s most daunting task, Virat is a real danger, a real threat. Thirimanne had grabbed his world champions India could Indian cricket that I have leading the national team of 1.2 “He paced his knock really well and he saw them home. He is a really chance and proved how good he seal an unprecedented limited- not seen. I’ve seen Indian billion-plus unforgiving cricket- good batsman and he played some really good shots.” REUTERS is,” Malinga said. REUTERS overs treble with victory against cricket at its best and also crazy fans but the 32-year-old, neighbours Sri Lanka in today’s when we went through a sporting grey sideburns, said he World Twenty20 final. lean phase. It has taught me had learnt to live with it. After sealing victory in the a lot.” “Over the years, as the captain, 2011 50-over World Cup final India captain M S Dhoni I think I have seen everything,” in Mumbai, Dhoni led India Dhoni said. “There’s nothing to Champions Trophy glory in Cup final. “It’s more important to really in Indian cricket that I have England two years later. win the World Cup for your coun- not seen. I’ve seen Indian cricket They now stand just one match try than think about stats. at its best and also when we went away from becoming the first “That (treble) will be very good through a lean phase. country to hold three major one- for the side, but that’s some- “Controversies are big part day titles at the same time. thing we can always think about of Indian cricket and I’ve been India may not have won a sin- after we’ve done well in the final through it all. There is hardly gle Test abroad since prevailing tomorrow.” any good or bad thing in Indian in West Indies in June 2011 but Dhoni would not say he feels cricket without my name (being they have flexed their limited over extra motivated in International attached). You’ve got to con- muscles to reach the final of the Cricket Council (ICC) events centrate on the process more. I 20-over world event they won in which seem to bring out the best know certain things are under my 2007 under Dhoni. in him. control, I look to move into that Asked for his view on the rare “If you talk about this tour- direction rather than to give a honour beckoning him and the nament, the spinners have got a thought about something beyond Sri Lanka team, the Indian captain, how- bit of purchase of the wicket and my control. It has been an inter- players ever, did not want to get drawn they made sure they capitalised esting time, up and down. That’s during a into the debate ahead of today’s on that,” he said. what international sport is all training clash against Sri Lanka at the “Overall it’s a perfect team about, doesn’t matter which game session Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. environment where when some- you are playing. in Dhaka “The only important thing now body needs to do a job, there “It has taught me a lot and yesterday. is to do well in the final. We should have been individuals who rose it’s still a learning curve for me. not think about anything else,” to the occasion and said ‘OK I’ll Hopefully it will teach me many Dhoni said as he got ready for a be the person who will take the more and help me in the life after repeat of the 2011 50-over World responsibility’.” cricket.” REUTERS SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Rugby: Inspired Mercedes’ Formula One driver Nico Munster rout Rosberg of Germany drives in front of a Toulouse, barricade bearing a message for former F1 star Michael Clermont edge Schumacher during the qualifying Leicester session of the LONDON: Munster produced Bahrain Grand a typically inspired perform- Prix at the Bahrain ance at their beloved Thomond International Circuit Park to overwhelm Toulouse (BIC) in Sakhir, 47-23 in an emotionally-charged south of Manama, Heineken Cup quarter-final in yesterday. Limerick yesterday. Clermont Auvergne restored French pride with a gritty 22-16 win over Leicester, last year’s runners-up holding off a spirited fightback from the English side to notch up their 75th consecutive home win and reach the last four. Ireland’s Munster repeated Rosberg ends Hamilton’s their shock 2008 final victory over the most successful team in the competition’s history thanks to tries by Keith Earls, Dave Kilcoyne, CJ Stander, Casey Laulala, Simon Zebo and Paul O’Connell. pole run with top lap time Toulouse, four-times Heineken Cup winners, trailed 27-9 ten min- utes after halftime but a fine try The German clocks a time of 1 minute 33.185 seconds in Bahrain by winger Hosea Gear gave them hope before Munster eased away in the final quarter with scores MANAMA: Nico Rosberg all three practice sessions, with by Laulala, Zebo and O’Connell. planted his Mercedes on pole Rosberg second, but was trailing Munster started fast and position for the floodlit Bahrain his team-mate as he prepared for winger Earls crossed in the right Mercedes Formula Grand Prix yesterday after a his final lap. corner for the opening try after One driver Nico last-lap error cost team-mate He overcooked it, running wide, five minutes. Lewis Hamilton his chance of a and fixing the front row there and Rosberg (left) The hosts continued to batter qualifying hat-trick. then. of Germany Toulouse and two penalties by Rosberg, the Formula One “You can’t always get it right celebrates taking flyhalf Ian Keatley stretched the championship leader, had been and congratulations to Nico,” pole position lead to 13-3 after Luke McAlister in Hamilton’s shadow throughout said the 2008 champion. “He did next to Red Bull’s had kicked the French side’s first practice but struck when it mat- a great job this weekend, he’s Daniel Ricciardo points. tered to secure his first pole since been improving and picking up of Australia after Munster suffered a huge Monaco last May with a best lap his pace. He had a really good lap the qualifying blow when their captain Peter of one minute 33.185 seconds. at the end there. session of the O’Mahony limped off injured and Hamilton, who won in Malaysia “I made a mistake on my last Bahrain Grand McAlister cut the halftime deficit last weekend and was chasing his lap, locked up and went straight Prix at the Bahrain to 13-9 with two penalties. third successive pole, had to settle on but generally I’m happy. I’m International Circuit The hosts began the second half for second at the Sakhir circuit. really proud of the team, for us to (BIC) in Sakhir, as explosively as they did the first “I have good memories of this continue to keep moving forward south of Manama, and rocked Toulouse with two track, winning the GP2 champi- and progressing as we are.” yesterday. quick tries. onship and starting my first race Australian Daniel Ricciardo Prop Kilcoyne burrowed over in F1. I enjoy coming here and was third fastest for Red Bull from close range and replace- again today, it’s suited me,” said but carries a 10-place grid penalty ment Stander also capitalised on Rosberg, who won the season- from Malaysia, which will mean the dominance of the Munster opener in Australia. Finland’s Valtteri Bottas moving forwards, led by Ireland lock “It’s a different challenge await- up to take the slot for Mercedes- the second row in his Mercedes- here,” the German told BBC tel- Button alongside and Brazilian O’Connell, to cross the line. ing us for the race. Tyre degra- powered Williams. powered Force India. evision. “Hopefully we can do a Felipe Massa’s Williams sharing New Zealander Gear conjured dation may be the main problem “I’m really pleased with the Red Bull’s world champion good job...and rescue some points the fourth row with McLaren’s up an excellent long-range try as and difficulty but I’m confident,” performance. At the moment Sebastian Vettel qualified 11th, this weekend. Danish rookie Kevin Magnussen. the mercurial French side briefly added the German of his fifth it’s the best anyone else can do but will start 10th, after failing “Things are going on in the Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso flickered into life but Munster career pole. besides the two guys alongside to make the final phase of qualify- background which haven’t helped qualified 10th. regrouped and Keatley’s penalty “I had some good runs yester- me,” said Ricciardo in a post- ing for the second time in three and we haven’t done many laps Today’s race will be the 10th stretched the lead before Laulala day on high fuel so I’m confident qualifying news conference. races and complaining about the here,” he added cryptically. edition of the Bahrain Grand Prix powered over in the left corner that I can stay ahead in tomor- Mexican Sergio Perez, who did gear shifts. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen and is being held in a day-to-night during the intense match. row’s race.” not start in Malaysia due to a “They (Mercedes) are out qualified sixth, but moves up to format for the first time. Joe Tekori surged over the Hamilton had been quickest in software glitch, will join him on of reach. This track suits them fifth, with McLaren’s Jenson REUTERS Munster line for a consolation try for the visitors but Zebo and O’Connell crossed for rampant Bahrain GP Qualifying Munster in the dying minutes to MANAMA: Qualifying from the Formula One Bahrain Grand seal a famous victory. Prix at Bahrain International Circuit on Saturday Epic battle between Clermont roared into a 16-0 1. Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes 1:33.185 lead against Leicester thanks 2. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes 1:33.464 to three penalties by scrumhalf 3. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) RedBull - Renault 1:34.051 Morgan Parra and a typically 4. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Williams-Mercedes 1:34.247 opportunist try from France cen- Ketomaa, Al Attiyah 5. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India - Mercedes 1:34.346 tre Wesley Fofana. 6. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 1:34.368 The English rugby side hit ALGARVE, PORTUGAL: lead of 3.7 seconds over Estonian had snatched a 4.7 second lead 7. Jenson Button (Britain) McLaren 1:34.387 back with a try by number eight Skydive Dubai Rally Team driver Ott Tanak, with WRC champion off Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah in 8. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams-Mercedes 1:34.511 Jordan Crane following a clever Rashid Al-Ketbi and German Sébastien Ogier in third over- WRC 2. Fellow Qatari Abdulaziz 9. Kevin Magnussen (Denmark) McLaren 1:34.712 cross kick but Parra’s immaculate co-driver Karina Hepperle had all. Khalid Al Qassimi started Al Kuwari was seventh, Al Ketbi boot put the hosts 19-7 ahead at 10. Fernando Alonso (Spain) Ferrari 1:34.992 settled into a solid rhythm and Saturday’s stages from 16th had settled into 14th position the interval. 11. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) RedBull - Renault 1:34.985 were well-placed to mount a overall. and Kuwait’s Salah bin Eidan Leicester refused to lie down, late challenge for WRC 2 hon- Polish star Robert Kubica had was 19th. Ketomaa extended his 12. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Force India - Mercedes 1:35.116 however, and three penalties by ours after eight demanding spe- hit a tree and ripped a wheel off advantage to 6.1 seconds through 13. Daniil Kvyat (Russia) Toro Rosso - Renault 1:35.145 flyhalf Owen Williams cut the cial stages of the 2014 Vodafone his car, Elfyn Evans rolled his stage eight, as Al Attiyah main- 14. Jean-Eric Vergne (France) Toro Rosso - Renault 1:35.286 deficit to 19-16 midway through Rally of Portugal yesterday. Ford Fiesta heavily, Kris Meeke tained a comfortable second 15. Esteban Gutierrez (Mexico) Sauber - Ferrari 1:35.891 the second half. “The plan has worked so far retired after an accident and Jari- overall from Sweden’s Pontus 16. Romain Grosjean (France) Lotus - Renault 1:35.908 Leicester replacement forward and that was to start carefully Matti Latvala also crashed and Tidemand. 17. Pastor Maldonado (Venezuela) Lotus - Renault 1:36.663 Thomas Waldrom was sent to the feel our way back into the car continued. Ogier was a mere 0.2 The Skydive Dubai Rally Team 18. Adrian Sutil (Germany) Sauber - Ferrari 1:36.840 sin bin for an infringement at a and make no mistakes,” said Al seconds quicker than Hirvonen is running in the 2014 WRC 19. Kamui Kobayashi (Japan) Caterham - Renault 1:37.085 ruck and Parra calmed French Ketbi who maintained a position through the eighth stage yester- under the patronage of HH nerves with another penalty 20. Jules Bianchi (France) Marussia - Ferrari 1:37.310 just outside the top 10 in WRC day and the Finn retained a lead Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed as the hosts subdued the tiring 2 after SS8 and beat close rivals of 4.4 seconds from Tanak, with bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown 21. Marcus Ericsson (Sweden) Caterham - Renault 1:37.875 English pack in the closing 10 Martin Kangur and Subhan Aksa. Ogier in third. Abu Dhabi’s Khalid Prince of Dubai and Chairman 22. Max Chilton (Britain) Marussia - Ferrari 1:37.913 minutes to close out the win. Finland’s Mikko Hirvonen Al Qassimi maintained 16th. of the Dubai Sports Council, and ** 1-10: Third and final qualifying session Ulster host Saracens while had begun yesterday’s two loops By the start of yesterday’s is promoting Dubai’s hosting of ** 11-16: Second qualifying session olders Toulon entertain Leinster of three stages with an overall six special stages, Jari Ketomaa EXPO 2020. THE PENINSULA ** 17-22: First qualifying session today. REUTERS

Shooters celebrate after winning events during the Emir Shooting and Archery Cup at Losail Shooting Complex. Qatar’s top shooters including Bahia Al Hamad are taking part in the event. Masoud Saleh Hamad, Khalid Al Mansouri and Hajer Mohamed are three of the shooters who have picked up medals in various categories. PICTURES: MOHAMMED FARAG Sunday 6 April 2014 6 Jumadal II 1435 Volume 19 Number 5626 Sport Price: QR2 India, Sri Lanka Al Attiyah in get set for T20 epic battle with World Cup final Ketomaa

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 F1 must Chelsea grab Euro boost accent positives of new with return to top in EPL era, says The Blues crush Stoke City 3-0; Manchester City down Southampton Symonds MANAMA: Formula One LONDON: Chelsea returned to City’s Yaya Toure and Saints’ needs to focus on the positives the top of the Premier League Rickie Lambert both struck from EPL Results Midfielder of its new turbo era rather than with a 3-0 win at home to the penalty spot before Samir Frank Lampard talking itself down, Williams LONDON: Stoke yesterday in a timely Nasri and Edin Dzeko scored in English Premier celebrates after technical head Pat Symonds boost ahead of their do-or-die first-half stoppage-time to make League results yesterday: scoring Chelsea’s said yesterday. Champions League clash with it 3-1 to Manuel Pellegrini’s men. Aston Villa 1 (Holt 70) Fulham 2 (Richardson second goal Speaking ahead of today’s Paris Saint-Germain. However, controversy sur- 61, Rodallega 86) from a rebound Bahrain Grand Prix, Symonds Jose Mourinho’s side bounced rounded Nasri’s goal with David Cardiff 0 Crystal Palace 3 (Puncheon 31, 88, after Stoke warned that criticism of the rule back from their 3-1 midweek Silva, who played in the France Ledley 71) City’s Bosnian changes from within the sport quarter-final first leg loss in midfielder, offside when he goalkeeper Asmir risked a backlash similar to that Chelsea 3 (Salah 32, Lampard 61, Willian Paris to move a point ahead of received the ball. faced by British jeweller Gerald 72) Stoke 0 Begovic saved Liverpool, who will regain top City substitute Stevan Jovetic Lampard’s penalty Ratner in 1991. spot if they avoid defeat away to added a fourth goal in the 81st Hull 1 (Boyd 39) Swansea 0 during their Ratner wiped £500 ($829.50m) West Ham today. minute. Manchester City 4 (Toure 3-pen, Nasri 45+1, English Premier off his firm’s value with a speech Manchester City maintained “I haven’t seen it (City’s sec- Dzeko 45+4, Jovetic 81) Southampton 1 League (EPL) to business leaders that mocked their title challenge with a 4-1 win ond goal) yet but it is the referee both his merchandise and cus- (Lambert 37-pen) match at Stamford at home to Southampton that left (Chris Foy) who decides,” said tomers’ taste. Newcastle 0 Manchester United 4 (Mata 39, Bridge in London them two points off the summit Pellegrini. “I don’t think the dif- 50, Hernandez 65, Januzaj 90+3) In one of the great corporate and still with two games in hand ference between the two sides was yesterday. blunders, he boasted his compa- over both Chelsea and Liverpool just one goal.” Norwich 0 West Brom 1 (Amalfitano 16) ny’s earrings were cheaper than at the end of this weekend. Defeat was made worse for the Playing today a prawn sandwich “but probably Everton and Arsenal, fifth Saints when Jay Rodriguez, one of Everton vs Arsenal (1230GMT), West Ham vs wouldn’t last as long” and called a and fourth respectively, clash at their England strikers, was car- Liverpool (1500GMT) cheap set of decanters and glasses Goodison Park today. ried off on a stretcher after suf- “total crap”. Playing tomorrow Egypt winger Mohamed Salah fering a first-half knee injury that Symonds said Formula One marked his first Premier League put a huge question mark against Tottenham vs Sunderland (1900GMT) should not follow that path. start by giving Chelsea, who wel- his chances of being selected in “We are in a good place and as come PSG on Tuesday, a 32nd Roy Hodgson’s squad for this tomorrow, and into sixth place Kagawa and substitute Adnan Fulham moved off the bottom a business we should focus on the minute lead at Stamford Bridge June’s World Cup finals in Brazil. with a 4-0 win away to Newcastle. Januzaj completed the scoring in of the table with a 2-1 win away positives,” he told a news confer- when he turned in Nemanja “I don’t know how Jay Following their impressive 1-1 stoppage time. to Aston Villa. ence. “I think many people in the Matic’s cut-back. Rodriguez is. It’s not looking Champions League draw at home “Mata was terrific and so The Cottagers remained in the UK will remember a guy called Salah then won a penalty after good,” said Southampton boss to title-holders Bayern Munich, were Shinji Kagawa and Darren relegation zone but are now just Ratner who basically killed his Andy Wilkinson’s poor challenge Mauricio Pochettino, who was David Moyes’ side took the lead at Fletcher,” said United manager five points shy of safety with five business by negative comments and although Frank Lampard’s furious at the decision to let St James’ Park courtesy of Mata’s Moyes. games left. on it. We should be positive. 61st minute spot-kick was saved Nasri’s goal stand. curling 39th minute free-kick. The Scot, who made eight Fulham took the lead courtesy We’ve done something good and by Asmir Begovic, the veteran “This action from the lines- The Spain midfielder doubled changes from midweek, added: of Kieran Richardson’s 22-yard we should tell the world about it.” England midfielder followed up man for the second goal killed the United’s advantage five minutes “We’ve left a few players at home shot in the 61st minute at Villa Formula One ditched the old 2.4 to make it 2-0. game,” he added. after half-time. and not played a few players. Park. litre V8 engines at the end of last Willian added a third goal with Juan Mata scored twice as Javier Hernandez then made We are hoping they will be fit But Villa equalised nine min- season and replaced them with a a curling shot in the 72nd minute. Manchester United moved above it 3-0 in the 65th minute after for Wednesday night’s game at utes later though striker Grant new 1.6 litre V6 turbo power unit At Eastlands, Manchester Tottenham, who face Sunderland being played in by Japan’s Shinji Bayern Munich.” Holt’s header. REUTERS with systems harnessing exhaust gases and kinetic energy from the brakes. The result has been much qui- eter cars that must now complete Atletico, Barca maintain races with 30 percent less fuel in a bid to become more environmen- tally friendly and road relevant. Critics, such as Ferrari presi- dent Luca Di Montezemolo and title push with wins Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, have condemned the MADRID: Barcelona remain new sound and the formula that just one point behind La Liga puts an emphasis on fuel economy leaders Atletico Madrid as they rather than outright speed. overcame Real Betis 3-1 at the Montezemolo is due in Bahrain Camp Nou yesterday. for talks with Ecclestone and Atletico registered their sixth Barcelona’s Jean Todt, head of the govern- straight league win earlier in the Lionel Messi ing International Automobile day with a tense 1-0 victory over celebrates his Federation (FIA), on the new Al Wakra players celebrate one of their goals against Al Ahli during their Villarreal. goal against regulations and possible tweaks. Qatar Stars League (QSL) match at Al Wakra Stadium yesterday. Al Wakra Lionel Messi put Barca in front Betis during Symonds, a former Benetton won 4-1. In another match, Al Arabi beat Al Gharafa 2-1. from the penalty spot before Jordi their La Liga and Renault technical direc- Figueras’ comical own goal dou- match at tor, said the new technology was bled the hosts’ advantage. Camp Nou impressive and necessary. Ruben Castro brought Betis “The road car industry, rightly Stadium in back into the game moments or wrongly, has to hit CO2 per Bayern suffer first league Barcelona later, but Messi killed the game km targets...and they will have off four minutes from time by yesterday. to employ technology such as we defeat in 54 matches! slotting home the rebound after are using in Formula One. So we Antonio Adan had saved his sec- are moving forwards, we are more BERLIN: Bayern Munich suffered their first Bundesliga defeat ond penalty of the day. relevant than we used to be. since October 2012 yesterday as their record 53-match unbeaten Third-placed Real Madrid are “There was a great danger that league run was ended by a 1-0 defeat at Augsburg. now six points behind Atletico, but we would become irrelevant, that Coach Pep Guardiola named a weakened team for the Bavarian can cut that gap when they visit we would become the focus of gas- derby and paid the price as Bayern were beaten for the first time in Real Sociedad later on Saturday. the bar on its way over. Jose Adan saving Messi’s second pen- guzzling and not having social the German league since going down 2-1 at home to Bayer Leverkusen Betis arrived at the Camp Nou Manuel Pinto then had to make alty of the day, the Argentine responsibility. I think it was really on October 28, 2012. seemingly already resigned to a smart save to prevent Marc knocked home the rebound. important that we did move away With one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League clash at home to being relegated this season and Bartra turning Alfred N’Diaye’s Atletico were also far from from that,” added the Briton. Manchester United, Guardiola started with three teenagers, giving the game started as expected effort into his own net, but Barca their best as an early goal from “The thing Formula One needs Bundesliga debuts to wing-backs Ylli Sallahi and Mitchell Weiser while when Alexis Sanchez was bun- appeared to have made the game Raul Garcia was enough to to really face up to at the moment Pierre-Emile Hoejbjerg was named on the left wing. dled over by Figueras and Messi safe when Figueras’ desperate claim all three points at home to is costs. It’s costs that are going to The gamble backfired when Weiser lost possession to Augsburg’s converted his 10th goal in his last lunge diverted the ball into his Villarreal. kill Formula One,” he said. Daniel Baier who fed Sascha Moelders and the Augsburg striker blasted seven games. own net from outside the box. “We were holding on more Mercedes executive director his shot past Bayern’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with 31 minutes gone Messi then fired another effort Betis were back in the game because it was only 1-0 than Paddy Lowe, whose team are cur- to claim the winning goal. just wide as Barca controlled just two minutes later, though, because Villarreal had a lot of rently dominant, agreed. “Sooner or later we had to lose, we accept that and we have to pre- the opening 45 minutes without when Castro took advantage of chances,” admitted Atletico boss “I was very interested in Pat’s pare as quickly as possible for Manchester United,” said head coach overly threatening the Betis goal. a slip by Adriano to slot low past Diego Simeone. “They players Ratner comment because we’ve Guardiola. Pedro Rodriguez was first to Pinto. have come from making a huge seen a little bit of that going on “Next Wednesday is a final for us. It’s a matter of life or death.” come close after the break as he However, Barca did finally kill effort in midweek and I can’t find and I don’t understand it,” he said. It was the third game in succession Bayern have fallen behind and shot straight at Antonio Adan the game off four minutes from the words to keep congratulating “I think there are so many posi- Guardiola responded by bringing stars Mario Goetze, David Alaba and with just the ’keeper to beat time when Antonio Amaya han- them on their effort and commit- tives around this formula.” Thomas Mueller off the bench. REUTERS before Xavi’s free-kick clipped dled Neymar’s cross and despite ment.” REUTERS REUTERS