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PM meets Macedonia’s Deputy PM Denial of air Taliban open tickets, wages top workers’ office in Doha complaints DOHA: Employers not giv- ing air tickets to workers to visit their home countries dur- ing vacations, denial of end- for peace bid of-service benefits to those leaving the country for good and delays in salary transfers were some of the major woes Move follows Obama-Karzai talks reported by aggrieved work- ers to the Labour Ministry DOHA: In a significant politi- pressing ahead with his re-elec- in 2012. cal development that may have tion pledge to continue winding The Labour Relations a positive impact on efforts down the war, while preparing Department (LRD) of the to bring peace in trouble-torn Kabul to prevent a slide back into Ministry of Labour received Afghanistan, the Taliban move- chaos and a Taliban resurgence some 6,000 worker complaints ment has decided to set up a once most Nato forces are gone last year. bureau in Doha. by the end of next year. The ministry said it resolved The government of Qatar, while Back in Doha, the foreign min- 4,500 of these woes amicably, welcoming the move yesterday istry source was quoted as say- accounting for 85 percent of the said it hoped the bureau would ing by QNA, Qatar’s official news total complaints lodged with it. help facilitate efforts to ensure agency, “The State of Qatar is And the remaining ones that security and peace between keen on supporting any effort did not concern the labour rela- Taliban and other parties involved that will establish comprehensive tions department were referred in Afghanistan. and lasting peace in Afghanistan to courts, said the Head of the An official source at Qatar’s and help achieve unity among its department, Saleh Saed Al Shawi. Foreign Ministry told Qatar people”. He said a majority of work- News Agency (QNA) late last ers’ woes that were reported to evening that the decision to Peace Council his department in 2012 related set up the bureau followed the The official reiterated that to not getting tickets from their release of a joint statement at both Obama and Karzai had employers, denial of end-of- serv- The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani with Deputy the White House in Washington voiced their support for setting ice benefits and delays in salary Prime Minister of Macedonia, Musa Xhaferi, in Doha yesterday. Talks dealt with bilateral ties and means of by US President Barack Obama up the Taliban bureau in Doha transfers. and his Afghanistan counterpart in the statement they released developing them. Workers can lodge complaints Hamid Karzai. earlier. with the branches of the depart- Obama and Karzai said in “Both presidents said that ment in the Industrial Area, Al the joint statement issued later the bureau will help advance Muntaza and Al Khor. However, yesterday that they supported peace talks between the Afghan job contracts are being attested opening an office in Doha for Supreme Peace Council and the Doing business to be made easier at all the branches of the depart- negotiations between the Kabul Taliban.” ment, including ones at Al regime and authorised represent- The Peace Council was estab- Muntaza, Industrial Area, Al atives of the Taliban. lished late in 2010 with 68 mem- DOHA: Doing business in of the Qatar National Vision 2030. A high-level legal committee Wakra, Al Ruwais and Al Khor. After a meeting with Karzai, bers who include intellectuals, Qatar will be much easier once a The draft reflects the minis- has prepared the draft law in The legal working age starts Obama said Nato troops would scholars and community elders, law, the draft of which is ready, try’s keenness to modernise the consultation with experts at the from 16 but persons below 18 speed up transfer of lead security some of them being women. The comes into force soon. The pro- existing legislation in order to ministry. are considered minors, so special responsibility to Afghan forces Council was set up at the behest posed law would considerably simplify and facilitate the proc- The committee was set up permission is required from the this spring, in a sign the pace of of President Karzai to hold peace simplify the formalities for set- ess of setting up commercial with members of law-related Ministry of Labor if people above United States troop withdrawals talks with the Taliban. ting up businesses here, says the companies. institutions, including the 16 but below 18 are to be engaged could quicken, according to wire The Qatari foreign ministry Ministry of Business and Trade. The minister said in a state- Trade Ministry, the Ministry of in work. agency reports trickling from source said that both the presi- The Minister of Business and ment yesterday that the draft Economy and Finance, Ministry The working hours for such Washington. dents have also asked the State of Trade, H E Sheikh Jassim bin takes into consideration inter- of Justice, Qatar Central Bank, workers are also specified by The crucial round of talks, the Qatar to facilitate peace efforts in Abdul Aziz Al Thani said the national standards on the basis the Qatar Financial Markets the ministry and these must be reports added, is expected to help Afghanistan. ministry has completed a draft of which countries are classified Authority, the Cabinet’s General between sunrise and sunset, Al determine how fast the US with- They have also called on the of commercial companies law in terms of ease of starting and Secretariat and the Emiri Diwan, Shawi told local Arabic daily Al draws its troops from Afghanistan armed opposition in Afghanistan which meets the requirements of doing business, explaining that in addition to some experts from Raya in an interview published and if it leaves a residual force to join the peace process, QNA the political, economic and social it will contribute to improving other institutions. The draft law yesterday. after 2014. said. changes that have taken place Qatar’s rank and will attract consists of 340 articles and 13 THE PENINSULA Obama faces the challenge of THE PENINSULA here and is in line with the goals more foreign investment. chapters. THE PENINSULA Continued on page 6

Attiyah cruises in Dakar New US tax law puts Qatar in Souq Khalid to be a quandary razed for rail project DOHA: Qatar faces a huge dilemma over complying with a BY FAZEENA SALEEM Not only this souq, but build- new US law that asks countries ings behind it and clusters of across the world to report finan- DOHA: Souq Khalid located other buildings in localities like cial assets of American compa- near what once was Crazy Najma, Old Airport and Al Sadd, nies, citizens and green card Roundabout is being vacated among others, are earmarked holders for taxation purposes. and might soon be razed to for demolition for the ambitious The legislation reportedly also make way for the upcoming rail project. requires countries to deduct integrated railway project. A few buildings in Najma have, taxes on the income of US com- The complex, a ground-plus- in fact, been partially demol- panies, nationals as well as resi- one structure, is more than 20 ished and some others have been dents that exceeds a certain years old and has more than 60 vacated and are awaiting the civic threshold and report directly shops and offices. bulldozers. to the internal revenue service They have been served evic- Souq Khalid, aside from hav- (IRS) of the US. tion notices by the Ministry ing two famous restaurants The question of compliance of Municipality and Urban and a pharmacy above which poses a number of key challenges Planning. But most of the occu- several medical practition- and risks to Qatar and other pants, hugely shocked since ers have their clinics, has shops GCC states and they have begun Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah competes in the ninth stage of the Dakar Rally in Alijilan, Argentina, yesterday. they must look for alternative and offices of travel agencies actively coordinating among commercial space which is hard and construction companies, themselves to be better equipped to find at an affordable rent, among others. to conform. say they will wait until elec- “The money we recently spent The Foreign Account Tax tricity and water supplies are on interiors will go waste,” rued a Compliance Act (FATCA), in a Some schools exempted from holiday rule disconnected. shopkeeper. Other occupants, too, nutshell, aims at improving tax January 11 was the deadline have similar tales to tell. compliance and brings within DOHA: The Supreme unified academic calendar. from July 25 to September 5. given by the civic ministry for “We have not found any alter- its ambit those American com- Education Council (SEC) has The mid-term holidays will be All schools in the country must eviction but so far only a few native place yet, so will be here panies and individuals as well announced the mid-term and from February 10 to February 21 comply with the unified holi- occupants have left the complex. until the electricity is discon- as residents who have financial annual holidays for private and while the annual summer holidays day schedule, in line with the There are others who say they nected. Rents are very high accounts or assets in foreign independent schools in the cur- will begin on June 26 and end on Emiri Decision No 14 of 2009, will be leaving soon. But then outside. Here, we paid only financial institutions. rent academic year but said September 9. the SEC said in a statement there are others who say they QR12,000,” said another shop- THE PENINSULA that some community schools The annual holidays for yesterday. will wait until utility supplies are keeper. THE PENINSULA Full report on page 17 have been exempted from the Independent school staff will be THE PENINSULA disconnected. Continued on page 6 TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Al Mahmoud meets Macedonian Deputy PM

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud received Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister Musa Xhaferi and his delegation yesterday. They discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern. Made in Qatar exhibition opens tomorrow; 200 firms to attend

DOHA: This year’s edition of space at the Doha Exhibition economy that achieve diversifica- of Made in Qatar exhibition Centre. tion of sources of national income, opens tomorrow at the Doha Apart from showcasing Qatari create new jobs, lessen reliance on Exhibition Centre with the products and businesses, the imported products and promote participation of more than 200 event is also aimed at encouraging sustainable development. companies in various sectors. partnerships among the business Unique to this year’s edition is Qatar Chamber in collaboration community in Qatar and devel- the presence of well-known com- with the Ministry of Energy and opment of the industrial sector panies and traders from other Industry is organising the expo within the country. parts of the world visiting the under the patronage of the Heir The expo reaffirms Qatar’s expo to see products of Qatari Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin intensive efforts to diversify its companies, paving the way for Hamad Al Thani. economy from oil and gas as marketing them abroad. Launched four years ago, the traditional sources of national The exhibition will also feature three-day expo will showcase income to the manufacturing a parallel discussion forum where high quality products, industries sector based on Qatar National experts from the industry will and businesses involved in the Vision 2030. shed light on the Qatari indus- manufacturing, food processing The exhibition also aims to tries, prospects and challenges and chemical and petrochemi- contribute to attracting invest- faced by them and focus on the cal sectors as well as small and ment in the manufacturing sec- sectors having high potential for medium-sized industries in the tor, to revitalise it as one of the foreign investment. country. It will occupy 15,000sqm most important segments of the THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Advisory Council holds meeting DOHA: The Advisory Council held its weekly session yesterday under the HMC Ambulance Service Chairmanship of the Speaker H E Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Kholeifi. Secretary General Fahd bin Mubarak Al Khayarin read out the meeting’s agenda which has been approved. The council approved the minutes of its previous session. It reviewed a draft law amending some provisions of Law No. 19 of 2005 on practice of the engineering professions and decided to refer it to the reduces response time Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee to study and submit a report to the council. Meanwhile, the council’s Financial and Economic Affairs Committee held Help us Help you awareness campaign launched its 41st meeting chaired by rapporteur Mohamed Ajaj Al Kobeisi. It discussed the draft budget of the Advisory Council for fiscal year 2013/2014 and decided to submit a report to the Advisory Council. QNA

FROM LEFT: Hassan Mohammed Al Hail, Director of Media, Marketing and Public Relations at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Ali Darwish Karbon Abdulla, Operations Manager of Ambulance Service at HMC and Rashid Andaila, PR Manager of Ambulance Service at a press conference at HMC, yesterday. (SHAIVAL DALAL)

DOHA: Hamad Medical The awareness campaign decide what type of a service is he could be located through Cooperation’s ambulance ‘Help us Help you’ outlines five needed,” he added. the support of the technology service yesterday claimed ways in which the public can Callers are requested to pro- available with the Ministry of they have reduced ‘response help the ambulance service pro- vide the ambulance service with Interior. However, that option time’ from 11 minutes to 8. 3 vide fast and efficient service. accurate location details with is applicable only in unavoidable minutes in 2012. In case of emergencies public the use of landmarks and road circumstances. The time difference between is requested to call 999 as soon names. They are asked to answer When an ambulance is on its a call is received and the arrival as possible, provide the exact all questions as it will help way to an accident site, it will flash of the ambulance has been location so that the ambu- authorities decide what type of lights and blow sirens to indicate reduced by 2.7 minutes. “The lance can find quicker, answer medical team should be sent as it is an emergency. “Giving away ‘response time’ was 11 minutes all questions asked about the the ambulance service has differ- to an ambulance is very vital. Each in 2011 and was reduced to 8.3 in situation and patient, follow ent vehicles such as bikes, SUVs, second can save a life. Even if you 2012,” said Ali Darwish Karbon instructions given by the emer- regular ambulance, and some are at a signal, move and give way Abdulla, Operations Manager, gency service until the ambu- with heavy medical equipment. to the ambulance” said Abdulla. Ambulance Service. lance arrives. Motorists should The caller could also help the “People are more cooperative “We were able to reach it give way to the ambulance even ambulance service reach early in Qatar, they always clear the by enhancing efficiency of the if the red light is on at a signal. by waiting on road to signal the way for an ambulance,” he said. service,” he said on the sidelines “Help us help you, every mem- driver, clearing the driveway If a motorist gives way to an of a press conference yesterday ber of the public can easily follow of cars for the ambulance and ambulance at a signal and is fined, at the Hamad Medical City to the instructions and benefit from follow instructions given by the he or she can go to the ambulance launch a campaign to increase the service,” said Abdulla. ambulance team. “It is very service and obtain a report to awareness about the service. “We need people to have the important that the caller follows avoid the fine, Abdulla said. The ‘response time’ is decided habit of calling 999 for any any instructions as this could A fleet of over 100 ambulances upon various factors provided emergency immediately. When help save a life,” said Abdulla. is available in Qatar and around including available resources, they call it’s very important to In case of emergency if the 50 are on daily operations. They efficiency, geographical situa- give us the exact location and patient happens to call the are located at six selected hubs tion and information given by answer questions, because it will ambulance service, and is una- in the country. the caller. help us reach them soon and ble to communicate further, THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner flight touches down in Zurich Boeing 787 service to Munich and Frankfurt from Feb 1

DOHA: Qatar Airways has The addition of the German- impact on travel decisions. embarked on its Boeing 787 speaking cities to the already estab- “In addition to introducing new European expansion with the lished 787 on one of the five daily routes, we are also relentlessly deployment of the next-genera- London Heathrow flights takes focused on improving the pas- tion aircraft on three additional to four the number of European senger experience when travelling routes – Munich, Zurich and routes featuring the aircraft. with Qatar Airways. That is why Frankfurt. Also starting February 1, Qatar there is so much hype around our The carrier has started flying Airways will deploy a 787 on all Boeing 787, it offers the travel- the Dreamliner on the Munich daily flights from Doha to Perth. ling public a second-to-none fly- route four-times-a-week. With Qatar Airways will be the first ing experience straight through the service yesterday Qatar airline to operate Dreamliner from comfort, to entertainment Airways became the first airline flights to and from Australia. to gastronomy.” to fly a commercial flight of a It currently operates four 787s, Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner air- Boeing 787 to Switzerland. The with a further 56 pending deliv- craft features 254 custom-made Dreamliner service to Zurich ery. The airline took delivery of seats across its Business and route will be three-times-a-week. its first Boeing 787 in November. Economy Class cabins with spe- Beginning February 1, one of the Qatar Airways Chief cially designed interiors, together double daily services to Frankfurt Executive Officer Akbar Al with a unique in-flight entertain- will be served by a Boeing 787. Baker said: “As an airline we are ment system offering over 1,000 February 1 also signals an increase always striving to enhance pas- audio and video fully interac- of 787 frequency on the Munich senger experience in the skies by tive programming options. The and Zurich routes to daily. offering improved connectivity Business cabin features 22 seats in All three destinations are cur- with convenient scheduling and a 1–2–1 layout while Economy has rently operated with a mixed an all-round new in-flight prod- 232 seats in a 3–3–3 configuration. Airbus fleet. uct which makes a significant THE PENINSULA Qatar Airways’ new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft is parked after its first arrival at Zurich Airport yesterday. Over 22,000 donated blood last year

BY ISABEL OVALLE

DOHA: Over 22,000 peo- ple donated blood in Qatar in 2012 and there was an increase in demand due to the new hospitals and the growing Volunteers donating blood at the Blood Donor Unit of the HMC yesterday. (SALIM MATRAMKOT) population. Sadika Ismail Al Mahmoudi When there is an extreme sometimes it’s hard for donors from 9am to 9pm. (pictured above), Coordinator need for a certain type of blood to reach the centre”. Blood donors must be in good of Donor’s Affairs at Hamad group, the bank turns to its To accomplish this, the blood health and feel well on the day Medical Coroporation (HMC), data base and sends text mes- centre will add a new vehicle of the donation, have no chronic told The Peninsula: “We have sages to all available donors. “All to its fleet, have two daily cam- diseases of the heart, lungs or to concentrate on new donors the community needs to help paigns and work on Friday as circulatory system. They also in order to reach 30,000 in the patients, we need more blood well. For the last three years the must have their Qatar ID and next three or four years. every day,” said Al Mahmoudi, centre has been taking only vol- answer several questions such as “There is a need for donors adding that “in all hospitals in unteer donors, having no family if they have travelled in the last from all blood types, espe- the world at some point there or paid donors, and requesting no six months to a country where cially O+, to provide blood for will be a shortage of a specific blood from other countries. there is malaria or if they have all surgeries that take place in blood group”. People over 18 years old recently undergone a surgery. Qatar,” she added. In spite of the To cover all the hospitals’ who weigh more than 50kg HMC also distributed a press increase in population and the needs, HMC will have a mobile can donate blood. The Blood release yesterday aiming to recently inaugurated hospitals, campaign programme for a year, Donor Unit, located near the raise awareness among citizens she said, “we still need help to approaching different compa- finance department at Hamad and said that by donating blood, support and help patients, but nies, the army, the Ministry of General Hospital, is open one person can save the lives of we never wait until there is a Interior and various expatri- every day, except Friday, from as many as three people. severe shortage.” ate communities, “given that 7am to 9,30pm and Saturday THE PENINSULA ‘Painting The History’ expo extended to January 26

DOHA: Due to public demand, Qatar Museums Authority has decided to extend the closing date of the exhibition of French-Chinese artist Yan-Pei Ming at the QMA Gallery, Building 10, in Katara. “Painting The History” exhibition will be open free to the public until January 26, from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 8pm and on Friday from 3pm to 9pm. “Painting The History”, Yan Pei-Ming’s first major exhibition in Doha, opened on October 12 and received a large number of visitors. The artist also participated in an interactive educational programme that accompanied the exhibition. Curated by Francesco Bonami, “Yan Pei-Ming: Painting the History” exhibition profiles three types of history-makers. The first section of the exhibition is dedicated to the modern history of Arab culture, with 150 portraits in watercolour of influential figures of the Arab world from politics to literature and art. The only work in the sec- ond section is a triptych of the most famous painting in Western art — The Death of Marat by Jacques-Louis David, on view now at the Palais des Beaux-Arts of Brussels. In the last section of the exhibition, Yan Pei-Ming builds on David’s process, painting the history of assassinated political leaders from the beginning of 20th century until recently, including Che Guevera and Mahatma Gandhi. THE PENINSULA

Zakat Fund offers QR9m medical aid DOHA: The Zakat Fund said that it had provided medical aid worth QR9m last year which benefited about 500 cases. In a press release yesterday, the Fund said the value of the assistance provided from January to December 2012 was QR8,860,681 with 497 beneficieries. The aid was provided in coordination with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in regard to treatment at home as well as with the Supreme Council of Health in regard to cases requiring treatment abroad. QNA TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Clan clashes blamed for Libya violence Fear of revenge prevents migrants’ return

BY MOHAMMED USMAN back due to a feeling of insecurity. The council which has five DOHA: Most of the human branches in Benghazi, Misrata, rights violations in post-rev- Jabal Al Akdhar and Jabal Al olution Libya emanate from Nafousa is following up on the rivalries between supporters internally displaced people and of former president Muammar closely monitoring the human Gaddafi and his opponents, a rights situation. visiting human rights activist The second issue is serious from the country said yesterday. human rights violations taking Waleed Kawaan, a member of place inside prisons. the National Council for General “The council conducted sur- Freedoms and Human Rights, prise inspections and found that which was established immediately many prisons still belong to the after the revolution, said that many militias and are not controlled by Libyans who migrated from the the government. And the prisons country during the revolution are under the government lack many not willing to come back for fear of basic facilities,” said Kaawan. revenge from rival clans and cities. “Many prisons are overcrowded Kaawan is in Doha attending a and do not meet the required regional human rights conference standards. Cases of many detain- that began at The Ritz-Carlton ees are not investigated and FROM LEFT: Dr Al Obaid Ahmed Al Obaid, Dr Ali bin Futais Al Marri and Dr Musa Braizat at the meeting. yesterday. transferred to court. Prisoners “Most human rights violations are not classified according to in Libya do not emanate from pre- their health condition,” he added. planned policies or strategies but The council found many inci- Arabs urged not to go back on reforms they are related to enmity between dents of torture and ill treatment supporters and opponents of in jails and collective punishment DOHA: Head of the human In a veiled reference to the ICC’s (International Coordination “It is important for human Gaddafi. They originate from what of prisoners. rights watchdog in Qatar has democratic awakening in the Committee for national human rights organisations to work we call town rivalry and revenge “After efforts by the govern- called on regional human rights Arab world which resulted in rights institutions) sub-committee with the government, although seeking,” Kaawan told The Peninsula ment and the council, the situa- organisations to contribute to the Arab Spring, Al Marri said: on accreditation, said that the ICC they have an advisory role. Qatar on the sidelines of the conference. tion is improving and the number the “new developments” tak- “The current developments in the had received more than 30 appli- initially was granted a B status He said that the main challenge of prisons out of government con- ing place in the Arab world and Arab countries are motivating cations for accreditation from accreditation by the ICC but we facing human rights activists in trol is declining,” said Kaawan. ensure that the Arab countries us to organise this event. These national human rights institutions. changed the status by forcing the Libya is the lack of a human He said the council had suc- do not retract from what they changes have raised hopes about Thirteen human rights insti- government to change some regu- rights culture. People still didn’t cessfully forced the government have achieved so far. our role as the Arab network to tutions in the Arab world have lations,” he said. get rid of the old mentality that to change some new laws that Dr Ali bin Futais Al Marri, consolidate the achievements and already been accredited to the Dr Al Obaid Ahmed Al Obaid all the institutions are controlled violate basic human rights. For Chairman of the National Human prevent a backtrack. ICC. The countries that got A from the Office of the High by the government. instance, the new government Rights Committee ( NHRC) and “Our role is to protect human status include Qatar, Palestine, Commissioner for Human Rights The first report of the council passed a law that made support- President of the Arab Network rights honestly, honourably and Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and at the UN and Dr Musa Braizat, released recently has highlighted ing Gaddafi a crime. for Human Rights Institutions, according to international stand- Mauritania. Libya, Oman and Chairman of the International two main issues in human rights, “We took the issue to the judi- was addressing the opening ses- ards and conventions,” he added. Bahrain have been granted B sta- Coordinating Committee of said Kaawan. ciary and the court forced the sion of conference on “strength- He said the aim of the conference tus, while several newly formed National Institutions for the The first one is related to inter- government to cancel it since ening the capacity of national was to support national human organisations in the region are in Promotion and Protection of nally displaced Libyans as well it was against human rights and institutions for human rights in rights institutions to build their the accreditation process, he said, Human Rights, also addressed as those who migrated to other freedom of speech,” he added. the Arab region” which began at capacity and address challenges. addressing another session of the the opening session. countries and are afraid to come THE PENINSULA The Ritz-Carlton Doha yesterday. Al Marri, who also heads the conference yesterday. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME EQ promotes business skills among students Foroige developing work books

DOHA: Enterprise Qatar EQ’s greater goal of supporting (EQ), the state’s entrepre- the World Cup in 2022 and help neurial support body, this week create a diverse, knowledge-based launched a new programme in economy and a vibrant private partnership with the Schools sector in line with Qatar National Olympic Programme (SOP) to Vision 2030. foster entrepreneurial spirit Noora Al Mannai, the CEO of in school-age students in the EQ and one of the members of area of ‘Sport and Investment’, the jury, said: “Enterprise Qatar a statement issued by EQ said believes that to create a healthy yesterday. SME and entrepreneurial sce- The 2013 theme for the SOP is nario in Qatar, we need to support ‘The Business of Sport’, and will the country’s future entrepre- feature a series of workshops in neurs. The best way to achieve cooperation with EQ that will this is through building capacity target approximately 350 stu- within the educational system. dents between the ages of 15 and “Sports business is the perfect 18. Working in coordination with way to ignite youngsters’ imagi- the Qatar Olympic Committee, nations, spark interest in tomor- the programme’s main objectives row’s entrepreneurs, and support are to equip students with new Qatar in its ambitions when it business and trading skills and comes to hosting grand sports encourage them to explore their events. We are proud to be part of entrepreneurial ideas. developing the future generation Students engaged in an activity as part of the Enterprise Qatar’s programme to promote entrepreneurial spirit. EQ is working closely with Irish of our country’s business leaders.” service providers Foroige, a leader The five days of activities will they will have the opportunity to within the Villagio Mall. materials to support the activi- student population of the via- in their field in Europe, to develop see 350 students from several pitch their sports business ideas Students will be encouraged to ties and will be given a series of bility and importance of sports and implement a series of work- schools participating in work- to a panel of experts. learn and apply skills in business workbooks donated to the schools’ related businesses, encourag- shops and projects to advance shops on creativity and innova- Those students who succeed planning, trading activities and Business Studies Departments ing them to explore sports and business education curricula, tion in business, with a focus on in the pitch process will have the development and implemen- by EQ. Foroige is developing the other allied industries as a build capacity among teachers sports. Once the students have the opportunity to realise their tation of marketing and product work books in cooperation with pathway to employment, entre- and support entrepreneurship been coached and offered sup- projects in the form of product promotion plans. EQ. preneurship and new business initiatives within their schools. port by the professional trainers stands at a school market, fol- Participating schools will be The workshops intend to opportunities. The student workshops also serve through attested programmes, lowed by a public market located provided with the necessary raise awareness among Qatar’s THE PENINSULA

Minister calls for cooperation to preserve Arab heritage

DOHA: The Minister of Cultural and Scientific that was conveyed in traditions, Culture, Arts and Heritage, H Organisation (Alesco) and tales, traditional music or even E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Unesco. The four-day event will cookery. Kuwari, said yesterday that see 18 Arab countries participate. Documenting intangible cultural Qatar has always been keen to The Minister said that since heritage in particular is a real preserve its culture, ever since it joining the convention, Qatar problem given that it is very dif- ratified Unesco’s agreement for along with the UAE, the Sultanate ficult to do, the Minister said, call- Safeguarding of the Intangible of Oman and the Kingdom of ing for better cooperation between Cultural Heritage 2003. Saudi Arabia managed to include Arab countries on defining intan- The Minister was speaking at falconry as a living human gible cultural heritage. the opening ceremony of a work- heritage. He praised the role of Alesco shop organised by the ministry He added that cultural herit- for holding workshop since it will on the challenges of document- age belongs to all the people of help Arab countries define the ing intangible cultural heritage the world regardless of its original problems that they face in the in the Arab world. The workshop source, stressing that humanity field, as well as how to overcome is organised in cooperation with can never compensate for lost them. The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari (centre), addressing the forum. the Arab League Educational, heritage of any group, whether QNA

Qatar 2022 Committee meets Shopkeepers Swedish delegation worried DOHA: The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee met yesterday a del- over finding egation of Swedish energy companies to discuss issues related to Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup. Director of International Relations Ahmad Nimeh headed a delega- alternative space tion of Qatar 2022 representatives, while the Swedish delegation was led by Director General of Swedish Energy Agency Erik Brandsma. Continued from page 1 The delegation consisted of officials from 10 companies specialised in “Outside, the minimum clean technology. The committee had meetings with leading companies rent would be QR20,000 and in the field of renewable and sustainable energy to limit the carbon we have to pay a deposit of print of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. QR100,000,” he added, saying that It had also signed agreements with its local partners to ensure that he had been there for over five the 2022 World Cup is successful. It also signed agreements with local years. partners to contribute to realising the goals of Qatar National Vision There are other shops 2030. and offices that simply pay QNA QR9,000 monthly rent and they seem to be more worried Private schools keen on unified holiday as they say finding an alterna- tive and suitable space is hard Continued from page 1 and even if they do, they must It, however, added that some community schools have sought pay double the rent they used exemption, on grounds that the holiday schedule clashes with their to pay. examinations. “We will be moving to a new “Most private schools have expressed keenness to follow the uni- place soon. Rent is definitely fied holiday schedule but some community schools have been granted higher than what it is here, exemption this year,” said the statement. but we have no other option,” It added that such schools have been exempted because they follow A passenger filling up a survey form at the airport. said the manager of a restau- a different curriculum and academic schedule that are based on their rant at Souq Khalid, who did national school calendar. It is difficult for them to fully comply with not want to disclose the rent the Qatari academic schedule, the SEC noted. Field survey on services offered being paid. The academic year in Qatar starts in September but for some com- The tenants of the souq have munity schools, it begins in April. Instead of a long annual holiday, submitted collective estimates of they have two breaks in between the academic year, one during sum- the cost of shifting and expenses mer — July and August — and the other during winter, in December. by Airport Passports Department they have incurred on chang- ing the interiors of their shops Workers’ strike rare DOHA: The Strategic Planning department. supporting the decision making and offices to the Municipal Department at the Ministry of The one-week survey is being process, finding out levels of ade- Ministry. Continued from page 1 Interior started a comprehen- conducted by a team from the quacy of the services to the pub- “Representatives from Replying to questions about why some companies pay less to their sive field survey on the services department by distributing lic and the insufficient aspects of the ministry came here and female employees as compared to men, the official said that salaries offered by the Airport Passports opinion measuring to the pas- those services and to enhance the inspected the place. We have and perks of an employee are based on the job contract signed between Department recently. sengers passing through arrival efficiency of the services and their given them an estimate and the employer and the worker. The objective of the survey and departure terminals of Doha quality, the Director of Strategic hope that monetary compen- Regarding worker strikes, he said such incidents were quite rare. is to gather views passengers International Airport. Planning Department Colonel sation will be paid soon,” said “As soon as we get information about a strike we rush to the work site and assess the range of their The Ministry of Interior gives Abdul Rahman Majid Al Sualiti the manager of an office at the to find out the reason and solve the problem.” satisfaction on the standard of high importance to opinion sur- said. souq. THE PENINSULA the services extended by the veys for their significant role in THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Iran set for 2014 nuclear capability: US report Experts recommend Obama should clearly threaten military action against Tehran

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: which says its nuclear programme enough time to build a secret it would be “far more difficult to decisive steps towards producing weapons rather than use them Iran could produce enough is for peaceful energy purposes, uranium-enrichment site or sig- stop the program militarily.” a bomb,” the report said. and face prosecution or have weapon-grade uranium for one calls those allegations baseless. nificantly increase the number of The report recommends that On the civil war in Syria, the them fall into the hands of its or more nuclear bombs by mid- The 154-page report, “US centrifuges for its nuclear pro- the US government should report said that the US govern- opposition. 2014, and the United States and Nonproliferation Strategy for the gram, said David Albright, one of announce its intention to use ment should emphasise to the In addition to Albright, the its allies should intensify sanc- Changing Middle East,” produced the project’s co-chairs and presi- sanctions to impose a “de facto opposition trying to oust President other project co-chairs were Mark tions on Tehran before that by five nonproliferation experts, dent of the Institute for Science international embargo on all Bashar Al Assad that once it Dubowitz, Executive Director of point is reached, a report by a was expected to be released and International Security. investments in, and trade with, comes into power, it will have to The Foundation for the Defence group of US nonproliferation yesterday. “We don’t think there is any Iran” if Tehran does not com- work with the international com- of Democracies; Orde Kittrie, experts said. “Based on the current trajec- secret enrichment plant mak- ply with UN Security Council munity to destroy Assad’s chemi- Law Professor at the Sandra President Barack Obama tory of Iran’s nuclear programme, ing significant secret uranium resolutions. cal weapons stockpile. Day O’Connor College of Law; should also clearly state that we estimate that Iran could reach enrichment right now,” he said. It also recommends sending a Failure to do so would lead to Leonard Spector, Deputy Director the United States will take mili- critical capability in mid-2014,” But there is “real worry” that “crystal clear” message to Iran’s sanctions and other measures of the James Martin Center for tary action to prevent Iran from the report said. Iran would build such a plant, he leaders that US military action at a time when a new govern- Nonproliferation Studies; and acquiring a nuclear weapon, the It defined “critical capability” said. would prevent them from suc- ment would need external assist- Michael Yaffe of the Near East, report said. as the point when Iran would be The report recommends that ceeding in the pursuit of a nuclear ance to consolidate control and South Asia Center for Strategic The UN nuclear watchdog, able to produce enough weapon- the United States and its allies weapon. develop the economy, the report Studies at the National Defence the International Atomic Energy grade uranium for one or more intensify sanctions pressure on “The president should explicitly said. University. They were not repre- Agency, has expressed concern bombs without detection by the Iran prior to that point because declare that he will use military It also recommended stressing senting their institutions in this that Iran’s nuclear programme West. once Tehran acquires enough force to destroy Iran’s nuclear to the Assad government that project. has a military dimension. Tehran, By mid-2014, Iran would have weapon-grade enriched uranium program if Iran takes additional it should destroy the chemical REUTERS

Women protest Tunisians take to streets Beirut protests France’s parole 2 years after Ben Ali’s fall delay for militant BEIRUT: Scores of protest- TUNIS: Thousands of Ennahda party won elections in ers demonstrated outside the Tunisians protested against October 2011, but has struggled French embassy in Beirut their Islamist-led government to restore security and stability. yesterday as Lebanese Prime yesterday, exactly two years “Ennahda out, down with the Minister Najib Mikati called after President Zine El Abidine (Muslim) Brotherhood Party,” “unjustified” a delay by Paris in Ben Ali’s overthrow in a popu- chanted the demonstrators, releasing a Lebanese militant lar revolt that inspired others waving red and white Tunisian granted parole on a life sen- across the Arab world. flags. “Where is the constitution? tence handed down in 1987. More than 8,000 secular Where is democracy?” Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, 61, demonstrators gathered out- Tunisians rose up against the former head of the Lebanese side the Interior Ministry in Ben Ali after street peddler Armed Revolutionary Faction Tunis’s Bourguiba Avenue, the Mohammed Bouazizi set fire to (LARF), was convicted for his same spot where mass protests himself in despair at the confisca- part in the 1982 murders in Paris forced veteran leader Ben Ali tion of his fruit cart in the town of US military attache Charles to accept his rule was over and of Sidi Bouzid. Robert Ray and Israeli diplomat flee the country on January 14, Popular unrest then convulsed Yacov Barsimantov. A French 2011. much of the Arab world, ousting court granted Abdallah parole Protesters filled the central or challenging entrenched rulers in November on condition he be boulevard, carrying banners that in Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain deported but a judicial source read “No fear, no horror, power and Syria, which is still mired said yesterday the interior min- Egyptian women demonstrate in front of the Shura Assembly for more rights for minority groups and against belongs to the people” and “No in a civil war that the United istry had yet to issue the deporta- the new election law, in Cairo, yesterday. The country is due to hold parliamentary elections, possibly in March to emerging dictatorship... No to Nations says has cost more than tion order. The court postponed or April. religious dictatorship”. 60,000 lives. its decision on his release until The moderate Islamist REUTERS January 28. AFP TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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On the right track Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

UNISIA is quietly celebrating the second anniversary of its uprising against a dictator. There are two reasons why these celebrations, though muted, As drone strikes increase, US Thaven’t received huge attention in the international media. First, the country’s transition to democracy, though not flawless, has been free of the kind of upheavals we are must answer some questions currently witnessing in Egypt. Secondly, the global media are focusing their cameras on Syria, where the uprising against President Bashar Al Assad is in a stalemate, and Egypt, where BY KEITH ELLISON the pangs of transition to democracy have been excruciating. Qaeda’s top 30 leaders and just last week Congress should consider these steps: In the two years since the overthrow of president Zine El took out a Taliban leader. Critically, First, we must do more to avoid inno- Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia has been able to manage its affairs N UNMANNED US aerial they lessen the need to send our troops cent civilian casualties. The Geneva fairly well. As Rachid Ghannouchi, the leader of Al-Nahda vehicle — or drone — report- into harm’s way, reducing the number Conventions, which have governed the Aedly killed eight people in rural of US casualties. rules of war since World War II, dis- Islamist party put it, Tunisians are now for the first time the Pakistan last week, bringing the esti- Yet the costs of drone strikes have tinguish between combatants and non- protagonists of their history and are engaged in an experience mated death toll from drone strikes in been ignored or inadequately acknowl- combatants in the conduct of hostilities that can become a model for democracy in the region. The Pakistan this year to 35. As the fre- edged. The number of innocent civilian and state that civilian casualties are not governing coalition of Islamist and secularist parties is now quency of drone strikes spikes again, casualties may be greater than peo- acceptable except in cases of demon- in its second year. There is an atmosphere of pluralism and some questions must be asked: How ple realize. A recent study by human strated military necessity. This is the many of those targeted were terrorists? rights experts at Stanford Law School standard we must follow. equality, and people are free to protest freely against their Were any children harmed? And what and the New York University School of Second, Congress must require an government and its policies, which they have been doing with is the standard of evidence to carry out Law found that the number of innocent independent judicial review of any unfailing regularity. these attacks? The United States has civilians killed by US drone strikes is executive-branch “kill list.” The US If the current leaders work sincerely, with the sole objective to provide answers, and Congress has a much higher than what the US govern- legal system is based on the principle of taking their country forward in every sphere, Tunisia can critical role to play. ment has reported: approximately 700 that one branch of government should transform itself into a stable and The heart of the problem is that our since 2004, including almost 200 chil- not have absolute authority. Congress technological capability has far sur- dren. This is unacceptable. should object to that concentration of mature democracy and serve as passed our policy. As things stand, the Another cost is how drone strikes power, especially when it may be used As Tunisia a model for other Arab countries executive branch are shaping views of the United States against US citizens. A process of judicial marks the second which are either in the throes of exercises unilat- around the world. You might develop review would diffuse executive power Arab Spring, or are facing the eral authority a negative attitude toward the United and provide a mechanism for greater anniversary of its over drone strikes States if your only perception of it is oversight. threat of revolutions. Much of The number of the success Tunisia has achieved against terrorists a foreign aircraft buzzing over your Third, the United States must col- revolution, hopes innocent civilians abroad. In some house that occasionally fires missiles laborate with the international commu- are high about in ushering democracy can be cases, President into your neighborhood. In Pakistan, nity to develop a widely accepted set attributed to the liberal values in killed by US drone Obama approves where 95 percent of US drone strikes of legal standards. No country — not its transition to the country and its proximity to strikes is much each strike him- have occurred, people familiar with even our allies — accepts the US legal a mature and the West. higher than what self through “kill them overwhelmingly express disap- justification for targeted killings. Our Despite the huge strides made lists.” While the proval (97 percent, according to Pew justification must rest on the concept the US government president should polling from June) and believe they kill of self-defence, which would allow the stable democracy. in many spheres, Tunisia still has reported: be commended for too many innocent people (94 percent). United States to protect itself against has to go a long way. The new creating explicit Drone strikes may well contribute to the any imminent threat. Any broader cri- government has to restore complete security and stability; it approximately rules for the use extremism and terrorism the United teria would create the opportunity for has to build a national consensus on key issues like the role 700 since 2004, of drones, uni- States seeks to deter. abuse and set a dangerous standard for lateral kill lists US drone use has also lowered the other countries to follow, which could of religion in politics and construct a development model including almost that ensures prosperity for all Tunisians. Most importantly are unseemly threshold for the use of lethal force harm long-term US security interests. 200 children. This and fraught with in foreign countries. Would we fire so The United States will not always it has to rebuild its economy and fight unemployment which hazards. many missiles into Pakistan, Yemen and enjoy a monopoly on sophisticated is still at unacceptable levels. Economic deprivation was a is unacceptable. When asked Somalia if doing so required sending US drone technology. The Iranian-made major reason why Tunisians rebelled against Ben Ali, and the about the drone troops into harm’s way? Our drone pol- drone that Hezbollah recently flew over revolution can’t be complete as long as people are denied their programme in icy must be guided by more than capa- Israel should compel us to think about daily bread. The tension between Islamists and secularists October during an interview on the bility. It must be guided by respect for the far-reaching implications of current remains another major concern, with both sides on the path “The Daily Show,” the president said, noncombatants, necessity and urgency. policy. A just, internationally accepted “One of the things we’ve got to do is It is Congress’ responsibility to exer- protocol on the use of drones in warfare of confrontation. It’s a measure of the grave challenges facing put a legal architecture in place, and cise oversight and craft policies that is needed. By creating and abiding by the Ghannouchi government that thousands of people took to we need congressional help in order to govern the use of lethal force. Any rules our own set of reasonable standards, the the streets yesterday demanding jobs and protesting against do that, to make sure that not only am must provide adequate transparency, United States will demonstrate to the price rise and violence. They also warned against religious I reined in, but any president’s reined respect the rule of law, conform with world that we believe in the rule of law. dictatorship, referring to the presence of Islamist parties in terms of some of the decisions that international standards and prudently WP-BLOOMBERG we’re making.” It’s time to put words advance US national security over the (Keith Ellison, Democrat, represents in the government. But these protests can only strengthen into action. long term. Minnesota’s 5th District in the US House democracy, and prevent the rulers from sliding back into Weaponized drones have produced In codifying a legal framework to and is co-chair of the Congressional dictatorship • results. They have eliminated 22 of Al guide executive action on drone strikes, Progressive Caucus.) Letters Quote of Qtel renewed contracts without warning No monopoly the day would like to urge all new Qtel also to upgrade my Mozaic basic the knowledge of the customer) have had difficulty securing shoes for fibre optic customers to please internet package to the QR350 and hence I would have to wait school for my children and would not read the contract before signing package, from the existing QR250 another two months to remove Irelish the thought of having to trust that Iit. It would also be in their one. this package. a store in Doha would stock enough sup- Britain, like any best interest to ask the installing On speaking to the customer I can easily wait for another plies for the entire population here. technicians to explain the contract. service representative, I was two months, but it is the principle My children attend a school where other member, I had added the English Premier shocked to learn that I could that matters. Shouldn’t Qtel tech- the uniforms are sharp looking and has a perfect right League and Pehla Basic channels not remove the EPL channels nicians be informing the customer stand up to repeated use. I loved the to my Mozaic TV list a few years since I had not yet completed that all the contracts are renewed fact that my son lost his jumper and I to say Britain is ago, and I was told that I would the stipulated three months. I as soon as the fibre optic cable could replace it easily after dropping have to avail of these channels for informed her that I had added services have been activated? him off this morning, in one stop. This a member of this at least three months, which was these channels somewhere in the So for those people who are is not a monopoly, it’s what unifies the club (EU), we pay fine by me. My fibre optic cable year 2011, to which she replied about to have their fibre optic children, that no matter what your back- was activated on December 5, that once the fibre optic cable is cable services activated, ensure ground is, it doesn’t interfere with the a large bill and we 2012. Subsequently, I decided activated, which in my case was that you add/ remove whatever education, because they all have to believe Europe has to remove the EPL & Pehla Basic on December 5, 2012, all the services you want beforehand. wear the same uniform. David Cameron channels from my account, and contracts are renewed (without Francis Cardoso Cbecons to change. British Prime Minister TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Abe unveils strategic PR, policy campaign

for the first time. Backed by media “Only after winning in the lower and then the upper house can we manage savvy advisers, the parliament with stability and carry out bold policies,” Abe told NHK public TV premier and his on Sunday. WIDER FEEDBACK Liberal Democratic The strategic PR campaign, a depar- ture from previous ad hoc attempts to harness the power of the media, includes Party hope to stay in the prime minister’s office opening a Japanese language Facebook account — it power long enough had one in English after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami disasters — in addition to Abe’s personal account. to implement a “Under (defeated Democratic Party Prime Minister Yoshihiko) Noda, they broader agenda. were very cautious about having wider feedback through Facebook. They were BY LINDA SIEG afraid of having negative comments,” said a person familiar with Abe’s media uoyed by a December elec- strategy. tion landslide, Japanese Prime Japanese rightwing activists are fre- Minister Shinzo Abe is roll- quent Internet users and have targeted ing out a comprehensive PR those who offend them with comments strategy mixing Facebook, and threats. Bpublic appearances and policy announce- On Twitter, too, Abe is leading the ments to prop up voter ratings ahead of charge for a more modern Japanese a crucial July poll in an effort to avoid political machine, with around 54,500 becoming just the latest of the country’s followers, compared to fewer than 1,900 short-term leaders. for his predecessor in the prime minis- Backed by media-savvy advisers, Abe ter’s office. By comparison, US President and his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Barack Obama has more than 25.7 mil- hope to stay in power long enough to lion Twitter followers. implement a broader agenda going well Several of Abe’s aides are involved in beyond reviving a stagnant economy to media strategising, including Isao Iijima, altering a pacifist constitution, seeking often compared to US Republican strate- a bigger global security role and revising gist Karl Rove when he served as adviser Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during a news conference at his official residence in Tokyo. Japan’s take on its wartime history. to soundbite-savvy Junichiro Koizumi The strategy, a far cry from the often during a rare five-year term that ended mixed and amateurish messages of in 2006. to convince a wary public, which appears want to explain how important it is to beginning in April should be ready by the Japan’s revolving door leaders, is aimed “This administration is very aware of to have let the LDP back on sufferance, write our constitution with our own end of this month, and the extra budget at giving the LDP and its coalition part- the importance of information dissemina- that the hidebound party that ruled hands to pave the way for a new 21st for 2012-13 could pass in February. ner a good shot at winning a July upper tion,” said the person familiar with Abe’s for most of the past six decades has century era,” he said. The government then appoints two house poll to take control of both houses media strategy, which also includes tar- changed. Advisers have mapped out a steady new BOJ deputy governors in March and of parliament. geted interviews, news conferences and The glass separating receptionists from flow of economic policy announcements a new central bank governor to replace “They are not only being strategic in keeping ministers “on message”. the public at LDP headquarters has been to keep up momentum — although the Masaaki Shirakawa whose term expires what they announce and when — taking Those ministers, of course, have only removed to present a more “open image”, real verdict on his print-money-and- in April, most likely people more willing time for people to digest the announce- been in office less than three weeks and women have been appointed to key party spend-it policies will take time. to bend to Abe’s wishes on easy money — ments — but they are being strategic in need to avoid the scandals and gaffes that posts, and cameras were allowed to film He also plans a judicious mix of over- although the appointments need approval how they talk about things,” said Deborah plagued Abe’s first 2006-07 administra- the start of the New Year’s first cabinet seas trips including a probable visit to by both houses of parliament. Hayden, regional director at the Japan tion, which ended with his abrupt resig- meeting in the room where ministers Washington next month and one to May will likely see the 2013-14 budget office of Edelman, the world’s largest PR nation just months after losing an upper deliberate — rather than just the tradi- Moscow in May to show off diplomatic enacted and in June, government advis- firm. house poll. tional photograph of them sitting stiffly prowess. Abe begins his travels this ers are to unveil plans to boost competi- “They’re giving people a sense of what “They’ve got a grace period and have in an ante-room. week, visiting Indonesia, Thailand and tiveness, spur growth and rein in Japan’s it means — the ‘whys’ rather than just plans afoot, but they have got to deliver Vietnam. bulging debt. ‘here are the facts’.” on it,” said Hayden. SUSTAINING MOMENTUM Following Friday’s unveiling of a 10.3 “They have a big agenda, it’s very The LDP-led bloc has a two-thirds In an effort to reduce the risk of mis- Key to the Abe strategy is an initial trillion yen ($115.6bn) stimulus pack- impressive and they seem to be staying on majority in the lower house — big enough takes, Abe has abandoned the twice-daily focus on fixing the economy, trapped in age, the cabinet will approve an extra message — that they are focusing on the to override most legislative objections by brief stand-up Q&A sessions with report- deflation and stuck in recession, with a budget to fund it. Then, at a January economy,” said Koichi Nakano, a political the upper chamber — but a majority in ers that were skillfully used by Koizumi, potent mix of spending and easy mon- 21-22 policy meeting, the Bank of Japan science professor at Sophia University both houses would make it easier to push but tripped up many subsequent leaders, etary policy. — under intense pressure from Abe — is in Tokyo. “They want to win the upper through policies, and holding two-thirds including Abe. By prioritising economic revival, “I expected to double its inflation target to house election, and then they will do what in both chambers would open the door to The government and the LDP have think many people will have a sense of 2 percent and consider easing monetary they want.” revising the 1947 US-drafted constitution taken a number of symbolic steps to try security,” Abe told NHK. “After that, I policy again. A draft budget for the year REUTERS Obama’s new team shows Iraq lessons are forgotten

a political culture that allowed The president’s key appointments death, destruction and torture on such a massive scale; the contributed to the worst foreign problem was defeat. Those who are responsible move on and up. Those who suffer are left down blunder in at least a decade. Can and out. Those with the sketchiest memories move faster and fur- we trust them in another war? ther. Those who force a reckoning with the past either contract the BY GARY YOUNGE American servicemen dying and collective, selective, amnesia or killing for a mistake, Kerry didn’t are cast aside. n April 1968 a squad from take it. As Democratic senator for Most of those who voted for the US 9th infantry divi- Massachusetts he too voted for war in Iraq now regret their sion in Vietnam hit a trip- the Iraq war. Last month Obama decision. Hagel has been a more Iwire, triggering a landmine. chose him for his secretary of been a more critical voice on Iran In the troop carrier were two state. and Israel and was the most con- brothers, Chuck and Tom Hagel. “If you don’t care for obscenity, flicted before Iraq. “How many of Chuck freed an unconscious Tom you don’t care for the truth; if you us really know and understand from the wreckage and both were don’t care for the truth, watch much about Iraq, the country, evacuated. “The night Tom and I how you vote,” wrote Tim O’Brien the history, the people, the role were medevaced out of that vil- in his Vietnam war novel, The in the Arab world?” he asked. lage I told myself: if I ever get Things They Carried. “Send guys “I approach the issue of post- out of this and I’m ever in a posi- to war, they come home talking Saddam Iraq and the future of tion to influence policy, I will do dirty.” Send those same guys to democracy and stability in the everything I can to avoid need- Congress a few decades later and Middle East with more caution, less, senseless war,” Chuck told watch how they vote. Many lose US President Barack Obama speaks during a news conference with chief counterterrorism adviser John Brennan realism and a bit more humility.” Vietnam magazine. In 1996 Chuck their appetite for truth and come (left), and former senator Chuck Hagel in the East Room at the White House in Washington, DC. Yet, he is a sorry example for was elected Republican senator to the podium talking drivel. Obama’s efforts at bipartisanship. for Nebraska. Presented with a For all the blood spilt and Eventually, they would all “needless, senseless war” in Iraq treasure spent in US military when he was an Illinois senator, — as Secretary of State. Now Gelpi, a political science profes- blame faulty intelligence, poor in October 2002, he voted for it. conflict, the carnage and chaos branding the invasion, “a dumb comes Hagel, Kerry and John sor at Duke University who spe- leadership and inadequate plan- Last week Obama picked him for they inflict and the enemies they war. A rash war. A war based not Brennan — his pick for CIA chief cialises in attitudes to foreign ning. All of these problems were defence secretary. create, precious few of the lessons on reason but on passion, not on — who was heavily implicated in policy, the most important single real. All were evident before the On 22 April 1971, John Kerry, seem to trickle up to the politi- principle but on politics.” With 62 Bush-era torture programmes factor shaping Americans’ opin- war. None are adequate excuses. a young Vietnam veteran, testi- cal class. Obama’s most recent percent of the country support- and responsible for drone attacks. ions about any war is whether When they had the chance to stop fied before the Senate Foreign nominations suggest that, for all ing the war back then, this was a As such, Obama’s presidency they think America will win. it, they didn’t. Questions of for- Relations Committee, highlight- his rhetoric about turning a page risk for a perennial candidate for continues to mark not a new nar- Solipsistic, opportunistic and eign intervention can be complex. ing the war crimes committed by in foreign policy, he cannot resist higher office. rative to Bush’s post-9/11 agenda essentially amoral, the tipping Iraq was not. Morally, militarily, American servicemen in Vietnam returning to the authors of its But since he’s attained the so much as a more tonally sen- point is not human rights abuses, strategically, politically this was and asking: “How do you ask a most discredited recent chapters highest office he has repeatedly sitive sequel to it. When, during civilian casualties or even the not a tough call. man to be the last man to die for to craft the next episode. elevated those dumb, rash or the presidential campaign, he deaths of American servicemen. Most people in the world, a mistake?” Obama’s opposition to that war unprincipled enough to support accused Mitt Romney of want- It’s simply expectations of success. regardless of their education, “We rationalised destroying vil- was essential to his appeal both that war to key foreign policy ing to “do the same things we do, “The American public is partly religion or nationality, under- lages in order to save them,” he within the Democratic party and positions. His Vice-President, Joe but say them louder”, he spoke a casualty-phobic but it is primarily stood it was a bad idea from the said. “We saw America lose her to the nation at large. It coun- Biden, was one of the Democrats’ sad truth. His uncritical evocation defeat phobic,” says Gelpi. “You start. Those in power who didn’t, sense of morality as she accepted tered criticism about his lack principle cheerleaders for the war. of Kerry and Hagel’s service in can muster support for just about couldn’t or wouldn’t are responsi- very coolly a My Lai and refused of experience and overarching He kept Bush’s defence secretary, Vietnam as their qualification for any military operation in the US ble for the greatest, deadliest for- to give up the image of American ambition with evidence that he Bob Gates, on in the same post, serving him now speaks volumes so long as you can get enough eign policy blunder of at least the soldiers who hand out chocolate had judgment and principle. Just named Hillary Clinton — who for the nation’s inadequacies in of the defeat-phobic people on last decade. To entrust them with bars and chewing gum.” a week before Kerry and Hagel considered her support for the processing the fallout of military board.” fighting the next war is to forget In October 2002, when pre- voted for the war, Obama spoke war her greatest vulnerability conflict. The problem with Vietnam how we got into the last one. sented with the chance to prevent against it at a rally in Chicago, during the Democratic primary According to Christopher was not the ethical collapse of THE GUARDIAN TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST 57 nations want war crimes probe against Syria 26 children among 126 killed in fresh violence

NEW YORK/DAMASCUS: resolutions which would have as part of any deal to get talks Fifty-seven countries yester- just threatened sanctions against started on a political settlement. day demanded that the UN President Bashar Al Assad’s Assad’s ouster would be “impos- Security Council refer the Syria regime. sible to implement,” Russian conflict to the International As Syria is not an ICC member, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Criminal Court for a war crimes only a Security Council referral was quoted as saying by Russian investigation. could start a war crimes inves- media. Switzerland sent a petition tigation. But diplomats said the “This justice initiative should demanding the move to the divide on Syria is so deep that no jolt the Security Council into 15-member Security Council, the move by the body is now possible. action,” said Balkees Jarrah, only body that can refer the case Russia and China refused to international justice counsel for to the ICC but which is bitterly sign the Swiss petition. Human Rights Watch. “Russia divided over the 22-month-old The United States has not and China have paralyzed the war. signed the letter because it is not Council for too long and need to The signatories included many an ICC member, but it does sup- hear the demand for justice from European nations, such as Britain, port the initiative, diplomats said. countries around the world.” France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Other countries also said they At least 26 children were killed Australia, Japan, New Zealand could not sign as they were not in violence in Syria yesterday, a and a number of African and ICC members either, the diplo- watchdog said, fuelling interna- Pacific nations also endorsed the mats added. tional calls for a war crimes probe initiative. “Our proposal is supported into the 22-month conflict. Libya and Tunisia, which also throughout Europe and also in Reports of the child deaths saw Arab Spring uprisings, also most other regions of the world,” came as Human Rights Watch signed the call, which highlighted Switzerland’s Foreign Minister accused President Bashar Al a UN investigation that said there Didier Burkhalter told SRF Swiss Assad’s regime of expanding its is strong evidence of crimes broadcaster on Friday. “We can use of banned cluster bombs. against humanity and war crimes get this operation moving now,” Eight of the children were US actress Mia Farrow, a Unicef goodwill ambassador, with children of Syrian refugees in Wadi Khaled, north in Syria over the past two years. he added. killed in an air strike on the town Lebanon, yesterday. Farrow is on a two-day visit to Lebanon, meeting Syrian refugees. The letter demanded that the “There are horrific war crimes of Moadamiyat Al Sham, south- Security Council refer the Syria happening in Syria,” Burkhalter west of Damascus, the Syrian two siblings, the Observatory said. yesterday alone. International on this scale,” MSF said. conflict for an ICC investigation said. “People must realize Observatory for Human Rights Eight children were killed in medical organisation Medecins On the diplomatic front, at “without exceptions and irrespec- that these crimes will not go said. Five women were also killed. the northern province of Aleppo- Sans Frontieres condemned a least 57 governments called on the tive of the alleged perpetrators.” unpunished.” “The children, all members of five of them in an air strike. Sunday air stike on the Alppo UN Security Council to refer the “At the very least, the council Russia has been the main oppo- the same clan, were aged between Six more children died in other province town of Aazaz that Syria conflict to the International should send out an unequivo- nent of international action on six months and nine years old,” flashpoints in the strife-torn wounded 99 people. Criminal Court for a war crimes cal message urging the Syrian the conflict, which the UN esti- said the head of the Britain- country. “The attack... was particularly investigation. Switzerland sent a authorities and all other par- mates has now left more than based Observatory, Rami Abdel The Observatory says that devastating as it came just two petition requesting the move to ties to fully respect international 60,000 people dead. Rahman. State television blamed more than 3,500 children have weeks after air strikes hit the the 15-member council, the only human rights,” the letter states. The Russian government reaf- “terrorists” for the deaths. been killed since the Syrian con- city’s health facilities, making body that can refer the case to the Permanent members Russia firmed Sunday that it opposes any Also near the capital, four other flict erupted in March 2011. It it almost impossible for medical ICC but which is deeply divided and China have vetoed three move to force Assad from power children were killed, including also reported at least 126 killed staff to cope with an emergency over the conflict. AGENCIES

Israel troops kill Second French soldier dies after failed Somalia raid Palestinian near MOGADISHU: Somalia’s 2009 was a failure, with another French soldier and the hostage. button-up shirt and khaki trou- militants for three and a half Al Qaeda-linked Shebab said French soldier killed and the situ- “All indications unfortunately sers, lying face up on an orange years. Le Drian said on Saturday Gaza border yesterday a French soldier ation of the hostage unclear. lead us to believe that the Shebab surface next to presumably his that the raid was sparked by the wounded and captured during The Shebab, who claim the are preparing to organise a dis- combat gear. A small crucifix was “intransigence of the terrorists GAZA: Israeli soldiers shot a failed hostage rescue raid has hostage is alive, said they would graceful and macabre display” seen around his neck. who have refused to negotiate for and killed a Palestinian man died and published pictures of announce later their decision of the bodies, Defence Minister “Francois Hollande... was three and a half years and were in the Gaza Strip yesterday, the purported commando chief. regarding his fate, while France Jean-Yves Le Drian said. it worth it?”, read a caption holding Denis Allex in inhuman medical officials said. Israel had “The French soldier who was believes he was killed during the The gruesome image recalled addressed to France’s president conditions.” no immediate comment on the part of the invasion to Somalia rescue attempt. the incident in 1993 when the bod- on a second photo in which the The minister said at the week- reported shooting of the man, who died (from) the injury he sus- The Shebab have posted on ies of US soldiers were dragged dead man is seen with bullet mag- end that a French soldier was the Islamist Hamas-run Health tained,” Shebab military spokes- their Twitter account two pic- through the streets and muti- azines and an assortment of guns missing, but yesterday said it Ministry said was a farmer, in the man Abdulaziz Abu Musab said tures they claim are of a French lated in Mogadishu, after a bat- and other tools of war strewn now appeared that the soldier had Gaza town of Beit Lahiya on the by telephone. “Our medical staff commando chief killed in the tle between US forces and Somali around and on top of him. died. He did not indicate that he frontier with Israel. attempted to help him but he was botched raid. militia fighters. The operation by France’s was a commander. At the same Palestinian officials said a gun- unlucky.” The French defence ministry The Shebab have displayed the elite DGSE secret service was an time the Shebab extremists have shot to the head had critically France’s military operation on earlier had expressed fears that body of an alleged French com- attempt to rescue an intelligence denied Le Drian’s assertion that wounded 21-year-old Mustafa Saturday to free a French spy held the Somali Islamists would put on mander in photographs. One agent with the name Denis Allex, they had killed the hostage. Abu Jarad. Doctors in the hospi- hostage by the Shebab since July display the bodies of the missing depicts him dressed in a black who had been held by the Somali AFP tal at Shifa where he was treated said he had died of his injuries. The Israel-Gaza frontier has been mostly calm since November when eight days of Palestinian rocket fire and Israeli air strikes killed 170 Palestinians and six Israelis. Since then, four Palestinians have been shot dead by Israeli troops along the bor- der, most of them in an area Israel has deemed off-limits for several years, citing the risk of attacks on its soldiers. Palestinians say the restrictions deny many farmers access to their fields. Ban renews call to halt West Bank settlement

UNITED NATIONS: UN leader Ban Ki-moon yester- day renewed a call for Israel to scrap its plans to build settle- ments in a controversial West Bank area where police have evicted dozens of Palestinian activists. Ban is “following with Detainees wait for their release from Al Rusafa prison in Baghdad, yesterday. concern” developments around the “E1” area on the outskirts of Jerusalem, said a statement Maliki government frees 335 released by his press office. “He notes that Israeli settle- ments in the West Bank are ille- gal under international law. The prisoners to ease Sunni protests secretary general repeats his call that any such settlement plans for BAGHDAD: Iraq’s govern- ended or whose cases had been Shia figure heading the com- E1 must be rescinded,” the state- ment has released 335 prison- dismissed for lack of evidence. mittee. Detainee releases are ment added. Hundreds of Israeli ers held under anti-terrorism Sunni leaders say security just one demand from Sunni police entered a protest camp in laws as a goodwill gesture to forces use terrorism laws to protesters. Many are also call- E1 early on Sunday and took away try to appease Sunni Muslim unfairly target their sect. ing for Maliki to step down. about 200 activists who had set up demonstrators who are stag- Dozens of prisoners in yellow Thousands of protesters are the camp two days earlier. ing protests against Shia Iraqi correctional department still camped out in Anbar, once Israel recently moved forward Prime Minister Nouri Al uniforms waited surrounded the home of Al Qaeda’s cam- with plans to build in the area, Maliki. by guards as women in tradi- paign against US troops in Iraq, which links Jerusalem to a set- Three weeks of demon- tional robes and old men tried where they have blocked a main tlement, drawing international strations, mainly in Sunni- to catch a glance of detainees road to Jordan and Syria near criticism for the move, which dominated Anbar province, to see whether relatives were the Sunni heartland city of Palestinians say would effectively have evolved into a tough chal- among those released. Ramadi. end the chances for a contiguous lenge for the Shia premier, “In name of the Iraqi “This is not enough. We Palestinian state. Ban noted that increasing worries that Iraq State, I apologise to those didn’t ask for a gesture or a gift the Palestinian demonstrations could slide back into the sectar- who were arrested and jailed for the people. We want to give and the Israeli evacuation of the ian confrontation of its recent and were later proven to people their rights,” said Jaber protesters had been “largely non- past. Officials said a ministe- be innocent,” said Deputy Al Jaberi, a lawmaker from the violent” and added that the right rial committee had freed 335 Prime Minister Hussein Aal- Sunni-backed Iraqiya block. to stage peaceful protests had “to detainees whose jail terms had Shahristani, a senior Iraqi REUTERS be fully respected.” AFP TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Cuba travel law British premier Islamist rebels plays down prospect of in Mali launch ‘in-out’ EU vote

LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron yester- day played down the prospect of counter-attack a referendum any time soon on whether Britain should leave the European Union, defying calls France warned against long war from within his Conservative Party and the public. BAMAKO/PARIS: Al Qaeda- Security Council meeting to dis- Cameron is expected to explain linked Islamist rebels launched cuss the Mali crisis. how he wants to change Britain’s a counteroffensive in Mali yes- “We knew that there would relationship with the EU next terday after four days of French be a counter-attack in the west week, in a speech that could set a air strikes on their northern because that is where the most course for leaving the 27-member strongholds, seizing the central determined, the most organ- bloc, deepen fractures within his town of Diabaly and promising ised and fanatical elements are,” own party, and strain ties with to drag France into a brutal French Defence Minister Jean- his Liberal Democrat coalition Afghanistan-style war. Yves Le Drian said. partners. France, which has poured hun- France has said its sudden A weekend poll by influential dreds of troops into the capital intervention on Friday, respond- website ConservativeHome found Bamako in recent days, carried ing to an urgent appeal from Mali’s that 78 percent of Conservative out more air raids in the vast president prompted by an advance Party members either want desert area seized last year by by a heavily armed rebel convoy, Britain’s relationship with the an Islamist alliance grouping stopped the Islamists from seizing EU reduced to access to its com- Al Qaeda’s north African wing the dusty capital of Bamako. mon market or to leave the bloc AQIM alongside Mali’s home- President Francois Hollande altogether. grown MUJWA and Ansar Dine says Operation Serval — named “If we had an in-out referen- militant groups. after an African wildcat — is Cubans queue outside the Mexican Embassy in Havana, to request visas, yesterday. A law allowing Cubans dum tomorrow, or very shortly, I “France has opened the gates of aimed at supporting the 15-nation to travel abroad without special exit visas took effect in the communist-ruled island for the first time in half don’t think that would be the right hell for all the French,” a spokes- West African bloc ECOWAS a century. The measure does away with the exit visas that have kept most Cubans from travelling abroad. answer for the simple reason that man for MUJWA, Oumar Ould which received UN backing in I think we would be giving peo- Hamaha, told Europe 1 radio. December for a military interven- ple a false choice,” Cameron told “She has fallen into a trap which tion to dislodge the rebels. BBC radio. “Right now I think is much more dangerous than Under pressure from Paris, there are a lot of people who say Iraq, Afghanistan or Somalia.” regional states have said they ‘I would like to be in Europe, but Paris is determined to shatter hope to send in their forces Smaller crowd, tight security I’m not happy with every aspect Islamist domination of north- this week. Military chiefs from of the relationship, so I want it ern Mali, which many fear could ECOWAS nations will meet in changed’. That is my view.” become a launchpad for terrorism Bamako today but regional pow- Conservative infighting over attacks on the West and a base erhouse Nigeria, which is due to for Obama’s inauguration Europe helped topple previ- for coordination with Al Qaeda in lead the mission, has cautioned ous party leaders, and splits on Yemen, Somalia and North Africa. that training and deploying troops WASHINGTON: The crowd parade route to the White House. including first-class airfare from the issue appear to be deepen- MUJWA, which has imposed will take time. will be smaller, the temperature So too are beverage, signs, port- anywhere and a chauffeured ride ing as Cameron’s speech nears. strict Shariah law in its northern Hollande’s intervention has hopefully warmer and security able chairs and umbrellas. from the airport. Communities Secretary Eric fiefdom of Gao, promised France won plaudits from Western lead- as tight as ever when Barack “In terms of visitation, we are “I’m not sure it’s going to be Pickles, a Conservative, said that would pay for air strikes on the ers but raises the threat level for Obama is sworn in for a second anticipating between 500,000 to as frenzied as 2008,” said college he hoped it was in Britain’s interest city. Dozens of its fighters died on eight French hostages held by Al term in the White House on the 800,000 visitors, according to professor Tuere Anne Marshall, to stay in the EU, but “we shouldn’t Sunday when rockets hit a fuel Qaeda allies in the Sahara and steps of the Capitol in a week’s transportation authorities,” Alicia 61, a native Washingtonian who stay at any price”. depot and a customs house being for the 30,000 French expatri- time. Malone of the Destination DC remembers being “carted off Both pro and anti-Europe sen- used as a headquarters. ates living in neighbouring, mostly Presidential inaugurations are tourism authority said. in blankets” to attend John F ior politicians stepped up their Launching a counter-attack Muslim states. a big deal in Washington, never Major hotels still have rooms Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961. campaigns over the weekend, far to the southwest of recent Concerned about reprisals at more so than four years ago when available, even the historic “But there are going to be a lot with eurosceptic Conservative fighting, Islamists dislodged gov- home, France has tightened secu- a record 1.8 million Americans per- Willard — two blocks from the of people from out of town coming group “Fresh Start” pledging to ernment forces from the town rity at public buildings and on sonally came out to witness Obama White House on Pennsylvania in, and I’m so excited — it’s a great demand a radical repatriation of of Diabaly, just 350km northeast public transport. The fighting in taking office as the first black pres- Avenue with a commanding view kick-off for the new administra- powers from Brussels this week. of Bamako. French and Malian Mali has already driven hundreds ident of the United States. of the inaugural parade route. tion,” she said at Friday’s opening Conservative Party gran- troops attempting to retake the of refugees across the border into This time around, next Monday, It has been offering suites based of the Official Inaugural Store. dee Michael Heseltine said on town were battling Islamists, Mauritania, aid groups say. the numbers will be smaller, as in design on the Oval Office for By another yardstick — official Saturday that Cameron’s plan to residents said. The rebels infil- Officials in Washington have they usually are for a second $5,700 per night for a four night balls attended by the president change Britain’s relationship with trated the town overnight from said the United States would inauguration. Indeed, the no- minimum — or for those of more and first lady — this inauguration the EU was an “unnecessary gam- the porous border region with share intelligence with France traffic zone around the Capitol, modest means, deluxe rooms for will have fewer than the norm. ble”, and put the country’s status Mauritania, home to AQIM and was considering sending the National Mall and the White $1,149 a night. “We are getting There will be just two — one for as a business destination at risk. camps housing well-equipped and unarmed surveillance drones. House is smaller, although secu- close to selling out,” said Willard members of the armed forces, The Lib Dems, the Conservatives’ trained foreign fighters. Britain has made available two rity will remain intense with spokeswoman Barbara Bahny. the other for more than 35,000 junior partners in coalition rule, France, which has repeatedly giant C17 transport planes which police, soldiers and Secret Service Not to be outdone, the less stra- members of the public, both at the are pro-Europe, and divisions over said it has abandoned its role will ferry French medical gear, agents thick on the ground. tegically located Ritz-Carlton has utilitarian rather than glamorous the issue threaten to put renewed as the policeman of its former tanks and other equipment to Backpacks are banned at the pitched an Access Washington Washington convention centre. strain on the partnership. African colonies, convened a UN Mali this week. REUTERS inauguration proper and the package for two at a cool $100,000, AFP REUTERS

Kate to give Obama backs assault weapons ban birth in July, WASHINGTON: US President we can do a much better job in would present details on guns Barack Obama yesterday offered terms of keeping these magazine later this week. says Palace support for a ban on assault clips with high capacity out of Biden was tasked after the weapons as part of a “sensi- the hands of folks who shouldn’t Newtown massacre to meet LONDON: Prince ble” effort to reduce gun vio- have them, an assault weapons with key players on guns William and his wife lence, while saying he could take ban that is meaningful... those including the National Rifle Catherine’s first child smaller steps by executive order. are things I continue to believe Association, the powerful lobby is due in July, St James’ At a White House press confer- make sense. which has adamantly opposed Palace announced yes- ence a month after the Newtown “Will all of them get through any restrictions on the US free- terday, adding that the massacre, Obama backed restrict- this Congress? I don’t know. But dom to bear arms. mother-to-be is feeling ing high capacity magazines and what’s uppermost in my mind is Obama stood by comments by better following her hos- better background checks for gun making sure I’m honest with the Biden that the president could pitalisation last month. buyers but acknowledged that American people and with mem- take some measures on guns by “Their Royal Highnesses some proposals may fail to pass bers of Congress about what I executive order — which do not The Duke and Duchess of in Congress. think will work,” Obama said. require approval by Congress. Cambridge are delighted to “If there is a step that we can Obama said that cabinet mem- Asked what action he could take confirm they are expect- take that will save even one child bers led by Vice President Joe on his own, Obama said that ing a baby in July,” the from what happened in Newtown, Biden have “presented me now it could relate to “how we are Palace said, suggesting the we should take that step,” Obama with a list of sensible common gathering data, for example on 31-year-old is at least three said of the elementary school sense steps that can be taken to guns that fall into the hands of months pregnant. massacre that left 26 people dead. make sure that the kind of vio- criminals, and how we track that “The duchess’s condi- “The belief that we have to have lence we saw at Newtown doesn’t more effectively.” tion continues to improve stronger background checks, that happen again.” Obama said he AFP since her stay in hospital last month,” it added. Catherine was admitted to hospital on December 3 suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form Mixed signals on Chavez spark confusion of morning sickness, and stayed three nights. She CARACAS: Mixed signals from “Despite his delicate health followed a denial from Chavez’s was not seen in public for officials in Venezuela sparked state since his complex surgery on brother Adan on Saturday that several weeks after receiv- confusion yesterday over the December 11, his general health the 58-year-old was in a coma. He ing treatment. condition of cancer-stricken has improved in recent days,” insisted the Venezuelan leader was Hyperemesis gravi- President Hugo Chavez, under Villegas said in a statement read responding well to treatment and darum is often associated treatment in a Cuban hospital on radio and television. making progress on a daily basis. with twins, but the palace for over a month. The president’s previously dis- Last Thursday, Venezuela’s gov- confirmed that William Chavez is “fighting for his life,” closed severe pulmonary infection ernment was forced to postpone and Kate were only expect- former vice president Elias Jaua was “under control” but he still the president’s inauguration when ing one child. They refused said. “The situation is complex required treatment for “respira- it became clear that Chavez could to comment on its sex, or and delicate, but it is true that tory failure,” he added. not attend. Authorities insist the whether the couple knew Hugo Chavez has fought and is Chavez has been out of sight Venezuelan constitution allows its sex. The child will be fighting for his life,” said Jaua, since leaving for Cuba for the lat- him to take the oath of office at a direct in line to the throne who was in office from January est round of treatment in the 18 later time. Although the opposi- after William and his father 2010 until October. months since his condition was tion objected, calling for a medical Prince Charles, and should Communications Minister made public. Uncertainty about his board to review the absent lead- wear the crown regardless Ernesto Villegas, however, said status has fuelled speculation about er’s health, the Supreme Court of whether it is a boy or a that Chavez, hospitalised in Cuba his prospects for a full recovery — rejected the bid, ruling that the girl thanks to a change in following his fourth cancer opera- and his political future. delayed swearing-in was consti- the laws of succession. tion last month, was doing better. The latest, conflicting reports tutional. AFP AFP TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES

Snow blankets Tokyo Philippine police Sri Lanka seals rescue Indian businessman impeachment MANILA: Philippine police said yesterday that they res- cued a kidnapped Indian busi- nessman being held for ransom but not before his captors had with new judge cut off one of his fingers and sent it to his wife. Four kidnappers were killed Lawyers to continue their battle when police rescued the man from a hideout in Santa Maria COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s presi- “We will use all legal avenues to town, 37km north of the capital, dent completed the controver- challenge this purported impeach- on January 4, a police statement sial impeachment of the chief ment,” Lawyers’ Collective said. Police said the recovery of justice by choosing a successor spokesman J C Weliamuna told the hostage was initially kept a yesterday, his spokesman said, reporters in Colombo. secret because they were still as lawyers vowed to keep up a Bandaranayake’s lawyers said hunting other members of the battle for judicial independence. she had no immediate comment. kidnap gang. President Mahinda Rajapaksa “The government wanted her out Gurtej Singh and his Indian nominated a new chief justice who because she remained independ- wife were meeting clients north is expected to be confirmed by a ent and did not do their bidding,” of Manila on December 22 when parliamentary panel today, his Weliamuna said. “This is not a armed men seized them. The spokesman Mohan Samaranayake matter that affects only her and wife was released on December said. Rajapakse selected the suc- the legal fraternity but the demo- 29 after 227,000 pesos ($5,590) cessor to Shirani Bandaranayake, cratic rights of all citizens.” in ransom was paid but the gang the first woman chief justice, Rajapakse’s office in a state- A pedestrian looks at the falling snow while crossing the road in the Ginza shopping district in Tokyo yesterday. held on to Singh, demanding after she was removed by him ment insisted he had acted in line The winter’s first snowfall blanketed the Japanese capital, paralysing traffic. Japanese airlines cancelled more another 3m pesos. on Sunday following an impeach- with the constitution. “There may than 460 domestic flights, mainly to or from Tokyo’s Haneda airport where runways were temporarily closed. “To force the family to give ment declared illegal and uncon- be imperfections with our con- in... they cut the small finger of stitutional by the highest courts stitution,” the statement quoted Singh and sent it” to his wife, the in the country. Rajapakse as saying. “No country police statement added. The fam- “The president sent his nomi- has a constitution that is perfect, ily instead contacted the police. nee to the parliamentary commit- but we have to follow it.” In a meeting with reporters, tee today,” Samaranayake said. He Rajapakse brushed aside inter- UN rights chief urges probe on Singh, whose face was covered declined to name the new chief jus- national calls for restraint and with a towel, thanked national tice, but added: “I can say that it sacked Bandaranayake who would police chief Director General Alan is most likely to be Mohan Peiris.” have had another 11 years in office. N Korea human rights record Purisima for his rescue but made Peiris retired two years ago as The main opposition United no further comment. The Indian the country’s attorney general, National Party has rejected the embassy in Manila said it had no but has since been the senior legal sacking while the Commonwealth, GENEVA: The UN’s top nuclear-armed Asian country We know so little about these contact with the kidnap victims adviser to the cabinet of minis- the United States, Britain and human rights official said yes- upon the death of his father. camps, and what we do know and relied on the local police for ters in addition to being a key Canada have expressed con- terday that as many as 200,000 “There were some initial hopes comes largely from the relatively all information on the incident. defender of Sri Lanka’s record at cern over the impeachment as a people are being held in North that the advent of a new leader few refugees who have managed The gang behind Singh’s kid- UN human rights sessions. blow to the rule of law and good Korean political prison camps might bring about some positive to escape from the country,” Pillay napping is also believed to have The announcement came hours governance. Lawmakers found rife with torture, rape and slave change in the human rights situa- said. “The highly developed system held an 11-year-old Taiwanese after the Lawyers’ Collective, Bandaranayake guilty of tamper- labour, and that some of the tion,” Pillay said. “But a year after of international human rights pro- schoolgirl from January 9 to 11 which includes most of Sri ing with a case involving a com- abuses may amount to crimes Kim Jong Un became the coun- tection that has had at least some south of Manila before being Lanka’s 11,000 attorneys, said pany from which her sister bought against humanity. try’s new supreme leader we see positive impact in almost every releasing her mysteriously, they would contest through the an apartment, of failing to declare For that reason, said Navi almost no sign of improvement.” country in the world, seems to have Purisima said. AFP courts any appointment to replace dormant bank accounts, and of Pillay, the world body’s high Pillay’s statement was based completely bypassed” North Korea. Bandaranayake after her “pur- staying in office while her husband commissioner for human rights, on extensive research submitted She said the camp system ported impeachment”. faced a bribery charge. AFP nations must mount an inde- by a special investigator for the involves “rampant violations, China pollution pendent probe into North Korea’s 47-nation Human Rights Council including torture and other forms human rights record. based in Geneva and meetings of cruel and inhumane treatment, anger boils The UN Human Rights Council that she held there in December summary executions, rape, slave and the UN General Assembly, with two survivors of the prison labor, and forms of collective BEIJING: Public anger in which includes all 193 member camps, said Pillay’s spokesman, punishment that may amount to China at dangerous levels of Three dead in Myanmar attack nations, have condemned North Rupert Colville. crimes against humanity.” Living air pollution, which blanketed Korea’s human rights record, A UN report in September conditions are reported to include Beijing in acrid smog, spread LAIZA, MYANMAR: Kachin rebels in Myanmar said three civil- but Pillay said stronger action is by special rapporteur Marzuki scarce food, little to no medical yesterday as state media que- ians were killed and six wounded yesterday in the first government needed, including such a probe Darusman said some 150,000 to care and inadequate clothing. ried official transparency and attack on their stronghold, as fighting escalated in the country’s — one authorised by the United 200,000 people are estimated to be Pillay said North Korea also has the nation’s breakneck develop- last active civil war. Three shells landed in the centre of Laiza, a Nations but performed by experts imprisoned in six North Korean used the death penalty to punish ment. The media joined Internet town on the northern border with China that serves as headquar- independent of the UN system. camps for alleged political crimes. minor offenses and abducted South users in calling for a re-evalua- ters for the Kachin Independence Army, said Colonel James Lum The stinging criticism and Pillay said she found “their per- Korean and Japanese nation- tion of China’s modernisation Dau, spokesman for the KIA’s political wing. “This is the first time call from the world body’s top sonal stories were extremely har- als over the years. North Korea’s process. Dense smog shrouded they have directly bombarded Laiza,” he said. The KIA said the human rights official for “a full- rowing” after meeting with the mission to the United Nations in large swathes of northern China victims of the early morning strike included a 15-year-old boy and fledged international inquiry into two survivors. Geneva, which was given a copy of at the weekend, cutting visibil- a 76-year-old man. People were going about their daily chores when serious crimes” in North Korea “They described a system that the report before its publication ity to 100 metres in some areas the attack happened, causing panic, he said, adding that two small comes a year after Kim Jong Un represents the very antithesis of yesterday, did not have an imme- and forcing flight cancellations. children were among the wounded. AFP became the new leader of the international human rights norms. diate public response to it. AP AFP Japan boosts defence of disputed islands

TOKYO: Japan will deploy two more island invaded by an enemy force,” offi- them in September, sometimes within the patrol ships to boost its defence of islands cials said. Some 300 troops took part in the 12 nautical-mile territorial zone. at the centre of a territorial row with 40-minute drill with 20 warplanes and more Tokyo’s defence ministry has said that China and has conducted its first drill than 30 military vehicles at the Narashino F-15s were sent airborne to head off Chinese simulating the recapture of an isle seized Garrison in Chiba, southeast of Tokyo. state-owned — but not military — planes by enemy forces. Some 80 personnel from the SDF’s First four times in December, including an occa- The vessels will be stationed at the Airborne Brigade rappelled from helicop- sion when Japanese airspace was breached. regional coast guard headquarters which ters with parachutes in front of some They were also mobilised in January, it said. covers the Japanese-controlled Senkaku 11,000 spectators to demonstrate manoeu- Japan plans to spend an extra 180.5bn yen islands in the East China Sea, known as the vres to counter an enemy invasion of a ($2bn) on missiles, fighter jets and helicop- Diaoyus in China, Japanese public broad- remote island. ters, an official said last week, as it tries to caster NHK said yesterday. “We will strengthen the deployment of strengthen defence capabilities with con- The 335-tonne “Kurose” and the 3,100- the Self-Defense Force in response to the cerns growing over a rising China. tonne “Chikuzen”, equipped with a helicop- tougher security environment surround- The announcement came after Prime ter, will be deployed in August and October ing our country,” Defence Minister Itsunori Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling Liberal respectively, NHK reported. Onodera told the military. Democratic Party said Japan would increase On Sunday, Japan’s Ground Self-Defence Chinese government ships and planes military spending for the first time in 11 Force carried out the nation’s first military have been seen off the disputed islands years in the next fiscal year starting April. exercise designed to recapture “a remote numerous times since Japan nationalised AFP

Bangladesh PM to ink China to build second airport in Beijing $1.5bn arms, nuclear BEIJING: Chinese leaders have given final Reports said the new airport was scheduled to approval for a long-awaited new international open by the end of 2018 and have a capacity of 70 deals in Russia airport in Beijing, costing $11.2bn, to ease million passengers a year by 2025. DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Prime crushing congestion at the existing facility, It will cost at least 70bn yuan ($11.2bn), CAAC Minister Sheikh Hasina will state-run media said yesterday. News reported, adding that the proposal was made sign defence and nuclear energy The huge new airport south of the capital will as long ago as 2008 but not approved by the Central deals worth $1.5bn during a have six runways for civilian aircraft and a sev- Military Commission until the end of last year. three-day visit to Russia, the enth for military use, the China Daily said, citing The military enjoys priority over China’s airspace, government announced. CAAC News, a paper linked to the country’s civil which has worsened congestion for civilian flights Hasina flew out the Bangladeshi aviation administration. forced to ply narrow air corridors. capital yesterday at the head of a Approval of the airport comes despite China’s “The current law on civil aviation was made 54-member delegation to Moscow Communist leaders saying they want to retool in 1995, and it should be revised after 18 years where she is expected to hold the economy away from such big ticket infra- of tremendous changes in society and rapid eco- talks with President Vladimir structure projects, which have been a key driver nomic development,” the China Daily quoted Putin at his Kremlin offices today. of economic growth in recent decades. Liu Weimin, professor at the Civil Aviation Foreign Minister Dipu Moni Beijing Capital International Airport, north Management Institute of China, as saying. said a total of nine accords would of the city, has been ranked as the world’s sec- Beijing Capital — the world’s second busiest be signed during the trip, includ- ond busiest airport for three years, handling airport after Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta — ing a $500m credit agreement 81.8 million passenger movements in 2012, the saw a major expansion in the run-up to the 2008 to help fund construction of China Daily noted. “The plan for a new air- Olympics, reflecting China’s relentless economic Bangladesh’s first nuclear power port has been approved by the State Council rise, but passengers have long complained of delays. plant. Moni also said Bangladesh (China’s cabinet),” it quoted a Beijing aviation A new airport would put Beijing alongside the likes would use Russian government spokesman as saying. Official confirmation was of New York, London, Paris and Tokyo as cities credit to enable it to buy a $1bn not immediately available. with more than one major facility. AFP worth defence equipment. AFP TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Minority Hazara community calls off protest Premier Ashraf sacks the Baluchistan government; families hit by blast prepare bodies for burial in Quetta

QUETTA: Thousands of Shia members who have the power to arrest and inves- from Pakistan’s minority Hazara com- tigate anyone. munity ended a nearly four-day protest “We are determined to defeat this yesterday after Islamabad caved into mindset,” Ashraf was quoted as say- their demands for protection by sack- ing by state media in reference to those ing the provincial government. he accused of trying to create a divide Men, women and children spent four between Shias and Sunnis. nights camped in freezing conditions, “I have great respect for the sacrifice, refusing to bury the victims of Pakistan’s tolerance and peaceful behaviour of the worst single attack on Shias, which killed Hazara community. You are an asset of 92 people in the southwestern city of Pakistan,” he added. Quetta last Thursday. “We have decided to impose governor’s In other cities across Pakistan, soli- rule in Baluchistan for two months,” darity protests were held by hundreds Ashraf said after offering condolences to of other Shias, who account for 20 per- bereaved families. It is a national tragedy cent of the population and according to and the entire nation is saddened over Human Rights Watch last year suffered it.” He also directed the authorities to record levels of violence. arrest the culprits behind attacks against The protesters had demanded that the the Shia community and urged families army take over in the southwestern prov- to bury their dead. ince of Baluchistan, which also suffers The provincial government was widely from a nine-year separatist insurgency criticised for being unable to control the and Islamist militancy. myriad security problems in Baluchistan Extreme Sunni Muslim group and the chief minister, Aslam Raisani, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed responsibility was criticised for making a trip to London for Thursday’s bombing at a snooker hall, while security deteriorated. which wounded more than 120 people. In Karachi, Pakistan’s financial capi- Hazaras were initially divided over tal, authorities announced that they whether the government had gone far had suspended cell phone services “for enough in accepting their demands by a few hours because of security reasons” appointing the governor to take over, but yesterday. by 11am (0600 GMT), families started More than 1,000 people had gathered leaving to prepare their dead for burial. near President Asif Ali Zardari’s house “The protest has been called off, burials in the upmarket neighbourhood of Clifton will be after Zuhar (afternoon) prayers,” Members of the Hazara community attend a funeral prayer for victims killed three days ago in a bomb blast in Quetta, yesterday. late on Saturday in solidarity with the Shia leader Sadat Ali Khan announced Hazaras and hundreds of them remained at the protest. Shia leaders had said overnight that protesters and announced live on televi- He said Governor Nawab Zulfiqar there until yesterday morning. An AFP photographer said families they would not call off their protest until sion in the middle of the night that the Magsi could call the army at “any time “We are leaving now, as our demands had started to take bodies of loved ones they saw official notification of the orders provincial government would be sacked for assistance” and that the top mili- have been accepted and our brothers in killed on Thursday to a local mosque to from Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf. and the governor, appointed by the presi- tary commander in Baluchistan would Quetta have asked us to end our protest,” prepare them for burial. Ashraf flew to Quetta to meet dent, would take over. “directly” supervise paramilitary forces said participant Shaukat Ali. AFP Winter goods Afghans to decide on US troops’ immunity KABUL: Afghan elders will foreign troops had left the Afghan Karzai repeated his call on the decide on the key issue of security forces would be able to Taliban to join peace talks, urging whether American soldiers defend the country, but they them “to come back to their home remaining in the country after would need financial and techni- and join their nation and work for 2014 will be granted immunity cal backing. the peace in their country for the from prosecution, President He said the US had agreed development in their country”. Hamid Karzai said yesterday. to provide military equipment The president said the pres- US President Barack Obama including 500 vehicles, 20 heli- ence of US troops would be based warned last week that no copters, four C-130 transport air- on a bilateral security agree- American troops would remain craft and drones for intelligence ment which could take eight to behind in Afghanistan after the gathering. nine months to finalise, adding withdrawal of Nato forces in 2014 Obama, planning to withdraw that the US proposals were not unless they were granted immu- most of the 66,000 US troops left yet acceptable, without giving nity from prosecution in local in Afghanistan, said that after details. courts. President Hamid Karzai 2014 American forces would have Any US troops remaining in “The US is standing firm by a “very limited” mission in train- Afghanistan would be “in small its demand for immunity for “I’m fully confident that the ing Afghan forces and preventing numbers, very, very small numbers its soldiers,” Karzai told a news situation in Afghanistan will be a return of Al Qaeda. like in Germany, Turkey or South conference on his return from improved — very, very improved.” Washington also suggested a Korea, like in Japan”, he said. Washington where he held talks Karzai noted that he had long “zero option” for Afghanistan -- On the question of immunity, with Obama on Friday. called for foreign troops to leave in which no troops remain behind, Karzai appears in recent months “The Afghan government can’t Afghan villages, saying that was compounding Afghan fears the to have softened his approach decide on this. This is up to the not where the war on terror country could be abandoned again and there was no suggestion that Afghan nation to decide. The should be conducted. by the international community he believed the Loya Jirga would Loya Jirga will decide,” he said, Obama promised to speed up a — as it was after the end of the reject it. referring to the national assembly transfer of lead security responsi- Soviet occupation in 1989. The issue was complicated of tribal elders. bility from Nato to Afghan forces The power vacuum led to the after a murderous rampage last Karzai said that on the comple- this spring rather than in the rise of the Taliban, and a safe March by a US soldier who alleg- tion of the US-Nato withdrawal middle of the year, in a sign that haven for Al Qaeda to plot the edly killed 17 Afghan villagers in of most of their 100,000 troops, the pace of US troop withdrawal September 11 attacks, which their homes at night before being Afghanistan would be “safer and could quicken. drew the US into an Afghan war flown out of the country. better”. Karzai said that once the in 2001. AFP An Afghan child receives winter goods on the outskirts of Kabul. Judiciary’s plea for funds put on the back burner Demand for poll panel’s dissolution ‘unjustified’ ISLAMABAD: Controversial PPP and PML-N leaders said which is extra-constitutional. He ISLAMABAD: Contrary cleric Dr Muhammad Tahirul the demand for a change in the should not mislead the nation.” to its rhetoric, the Pakistan Qadri, whose march is rolling process of scrutiny of candidates’ Senior PPP leader Naveed People’s Party government towards Islamabad, has con- nomination papers under Articles Chaudhry, also coordinator for appears uninterested about veyed a few demands, with the 62 and 63 proved that he had a Zardari in Punjab, said he was taking steps to ensure citi- sacking of the election commis- “hidden agenda” to delay the surprised by Qadri’s demand for zens receive expeditious sion of Pakistan (ECP) as the election. dissolving ECP at a time when the justice. first and foremost. Malik of the PPP ruled out elections were round the corner. Despite a lapse of eight However, the Pakistan People’s the possibility of reconstitution He said almost all major politi- months, and reminders, it has Party of President Asif Zardari of ECP. cal parties had a consensus over shown no interest in providing and the opposition Pakistan And PML-N’s Deputy the appointment as election the judiciary with around Rs31 Muslim League-N of former Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal commissioner of Justice (retd) billion for human resources and prime minister Nawaz Sharif asked why Qadri had not found Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim whose infrastructure development, have termed Qadri’s demands as any wrong in ECP under Justice integrity was unquestionable. leaving it helpless while a mas- “unworkable and unjustified”. Irshad Hassan Khan during He expressed surprise over sive backlog of cases piles up. Qadri, who has vowed to the regime of General Pervez Qadri’s demand that elections In stark contrast, the prime make public his other demands Musharraf. should be held under Articles 62, minister has spent close to in the capital, wants immediate “It is strange that ECP under 63 and 218 and said they were Rs37bn in six months to lure installation of an interim set-up Hassan was acceptable to Qadri always held under them. voters as the general elections acceptable to all stakeholders and but the chief election commis- Chaudhry said it showed that approach fast. implementation of Articles 62 and sioner appointed with a national Qadri had some goals when he Official documents reveal 63 of the Constitution that set a A supporter of Dr Muhammad Tahirul Qadri, leader of Mihaj-ul-Quran, consensus is not acceptable to demanded that agencies should that Chief Justice Iftikhar strict criteria for individuals to be him,” Iqbal said. be given some role in determin- shouts slogans as he marches towards Islamabad to take part in a protest, Chaudhry, in a meeting of the eligible to contest elections. As far as changes to Articles 62 ing the eligibility of candidates yesterday. Law and Justice Commission Sources said a government and 63 were concerned, he said, under Articles 62 and 63 and that on May 19, 2012, asked the gov- team, headed by Chaudhry provisions to remove ECP hierar- few days and fear that the situ- these could not be done without time for scrutiny of nomination ernment to sanction Rs31bn for Shujaat, held talks with him and chy: Either any of the four mem- ation could go out of hand if the amending the Constitution. papers should be increased to one strengthening human resources said it was ready to negotiate. bers and the chief commissioner federal government failed to act Malik said the dissolution of month. and infrastructure of the dis- But the government considers as resign or through a Supreme prudently. ECP meant a further delay of six Qadri, a Pakistani-Canadian trict judiciary in all four prov- “unconstitutional” his demand for Court reference. Interior Minister Rehman months in the election. who returned home last month inces. However, despite two dissolving ECP. The long march was over- Malik has claimed that the admin- He alleged that the main objec- after years in Toronto, also reminders to the premier’s There is no other way except shadowed by countrywide pro- istration of the capital had inked tive of Qadri’s march was to derail accuses the government of being principal secretary, the govern- bringing an amendment to the tests against killings of Hazara an agreement with Minhajul the democratic system. corrupt and incompetent, and ment has not responded. Constitution with a two-thirds community. Quran officials that it would not “If he is conversant with the says elections cannot be held until Internews majority, a cabinet member said. Political pundits are predicting go beyond the venue reserved for Constitution’s spirit, he should key reforms are enacted. The constitution has two important changes in the next them by the administration. not have spoken in such a manner Interviews TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

Girl gang raped, Govt delays thrown out of vehicle in Bengal

KOLKATA: A 18-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped and controversial thrown out of a moving vehi- cle in West Bengal’s North Dinajpur district, police said yesterday. “The victim was found lying tax rules unconscious and injured beside National Highway 31 under Chakulia Police Station last Inflation slows, gives hope of rate cut Thursday. Following a statement by her, we have registered a case MUMBAI: India has decided sector of a policy rate cut by the of gang rape against unknown to defer controversial rules central bank. persons,” Sub-Divisional Police to fight tax evasion for two The inflation moderated due to Officer Subimal Pal said. years, the Finance Minister P softening in power and fuel prices, “The girl is resident of Tamluk Chidambaram said yesterday, government data showed yester- in East Midnapore and is admit- which should help ease foreign day. The rate for November, 2012, ted at North Bengal Medical investor concerns. was 7.24 percent. College and Hospital (NBMCH), The General Anti-Avoidance The rate in increase of prices Siliguri. Reports of medical tests Rules, introduced in last year’s was recorded at 7.74 percent in to confirm rape are awaited and budget to curb tax evasion the corresponding month of the we are yet to make any arrest,” through tax havens, will now be previous year. added Pal. introduced from April 1, 2016 on Moderation in inflation would Doctors at the NBMCH to the recommendation of a govern- give some relief to the policymak- where she was later shifted to ment panel. The rules, which had ers, who have been struggling to by the police, said her condition been criticised by several experts balance the need for controlling was stable but she was undergo- as a money-grabbing exercise by the inflationary pressure and ing trauma. a government battling to curb a stimulate economic growth. “The girl is very traumatised widening fiscal deficit, were origi- Inflation has remained at an and not speaking to anyone. A nally due to come into force in elevated level despite a tight medical test for rape has already 2014. monetary policy adopted by the been conducted. We are also Shares extended gains after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). taking help of a psychiatrist news, up 0.94 percent, or 185.73 There will be pressure on the to help get over the trauma,” points, to 19,849.37, their highest RBI for rate cuts in its quarterly said NBMCH superintendent Activists hold banners during a protest against the gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old student in New Delhi, level in about two years. review of monetary policy for Sabyasachi Das. yesterday. Five men appeared in court for the third time to face charges amid chaotic scenes that forced the The tax rules will apply to only 2012-13 on January 29. IANS hearing behind closed doors. those foreign investors who seek The latest inflation data also to take advantage of the double had a positive impact at the taxation avoidance treaties India Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). has with different countries, The 30-scrip sensitive Sensex Chidambaram told reporters. of the BSE increased by more “No investor should have any than half a percent in the late One more nabbed apprehension about their invest- afternoon trade. Visa-on-arrival for Pakistani ments in India,” he said. Sectoral indices such as infor- in Pune serial “The modifications that we mation technology (IT) was have done are fair, non-discrim- up 146.14 points, followed by blasts case inatory, just and strike a balance bank index, which was higher elders at Attari from today between interest of revenue and by 120.78 points and consumer MUMBAI: The Maharashtra interest of investors,” he said. durables index which gained Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) One of India’s top business- by 103.49 points. The RBI has AMRITSAR: Indian authori- person under the new rules. Kashmir and some other states. yesterday arrested one man men, software entrepreneur N kept key lending and borrowing ties are all set for a historic India and Pakistan had signed Those availing the visa on for alleged involvement in the R Narayana Murthy, slammed rates unchanged, saying inflation move to issue visas on arrival to a visa agreement September last arrival will have to go back the August 2012 Pune serial blasts, the government over the earlier remained sticky and might rise Pakistani nationals aged 65 and year under which rules to issue same way (on foot) and cannot an official said here. proposals, which he said soured further. above, from today, immigration visas to nationals of both coun- change the mode of travel. Bunty Jahagirdar, who was foreign sentiment and were “like Another barring on the RBI, officials said here yesterday. tries were eased a little. It was People from both countries can picked up from Ahmednagar, taking a pistol and shooting apart from a slowdown in infla- This is the first time that under this agreement that both travel by bus, train, air or through has been charged with aiding ourselves”. tion, will be the November’s Pakistani nationals will be sides agreed to allow visa on the sea route. A restricted and abetting the blasts on Jangli Foreign institutional investors, industrial production data, which allowed the facility of visa on arrival for senior citizens at the number of people are allowed to Maharaj Road of Pune. He was who started to invest in Indian had logged a negative 0.1 percent arrival at the Attari-Wagah land Attari-Wagah border. cross the border on foot through produced before a court, which equities and debt markets after growth year-on-year in November border joint check post, 30km However, those who are issued the land route. sent him to police custody until liberalisation in the 1990s, were 2012. However, the increase in from here. the visa on arrival will be allowed On an average, nearly 100 January 24. net investors in Indian stocks wholesale-based food price infla- However, the facility will only to go only to those places or states people cross the land border at Arguing for his remand under worth $24.37bn in 2012. tion to 11.16 percent in December be for senior citizens 65 and which are mentioned in the visa. Attari-Wagah on foot. the stringent Maharashtra Meanwhile, nation’s general from 0.79 percent recorded in the above. They will be allowed to They will not be allowed to stay in Others travel by the Delhi- Control of Organised Crime Act, inflation moderated to 7.18 per- corresponding month of 2011, will cross the border gates on foot, Punjab and can only transit from Lahore bus service or the the ATS said that Jahagirdar, who cent in December, the lowest remain a major concern for the and can stay in India for 45 days the state. Samjhauta Express peace train had a long criminal record, had since December 2009, giving central bank. during one visit. Two visits are Such people will also not be between both countries. supplied two pistols to four people hope to the industry and banking AFP/IANS proposed to be allowed for each allowed to enter Jammu and IANS nabbed by the Delhi Police in con- nection with the blasts. One person was injured when three low-intensity blasts shook the posh Jangli Maharaj Road, shortly after Sushilkumar Shinde was appointed the new union home minister on August 1. Shortly after the blasts, the Delhi Police had arrested four people from different parts of India, including Nanded in Maharashtra, while the ATS had nabbed three people allegedly belonging to the banned Indian Mujahiddeen. After foggy start, Delhi sees clear day

NEW DELHI: After wit- nessing dense fog, the capital experienced a clear and sunny morning yesterday as the maxi- mum temperature was recorded at 21 degrees Celsius - average for this time of the season, the Met Office said. According to Delhi International Airport Limited, nearly 60 flights were delayed due Hindu devotees after taking a dip during the first Shahi Snan (grand bath) at the ongoing Kumbh Mela, or to fog in the morning. Around 20 Pitcher Festival, in the northern city of Allahabad, yesterday. trains were delayed, said a state- ment from Indian Railways. Minimum temperature settled Millions purify themselves three notches above average at 10.6 degrees Celsius. The Met Office has forecast fog this morning but a clear sky dur- at largest Hindu festival ing the day. “Today’s maximum and mini- mum temperatures are likely to ALLAHABAD: Upwards of meet a third, mythical river. camp smoke before dawn, hover around 20 and 9 degrees a million elated Hindu priests Officials believe that over the followed by a crowd of ash- Celsius respectively,” said an and pilgrims took a bracing next two months as many as 100 smeared and naked holy men, official of India Meteorological plunge in the Ganges river to million people will pass through or sadhus, one incongruously Department. wash away lifetimes of sins the temporary city that covers wearing a suit jacket. At exactly Earlier, motorists, especially yesterday, in a raucous start an area larger than Athens on five minutes past six (0035 those who left homes in national to an ever-growing religious a wide sandy river bank. That GMT), they yelled and dashed capital region areas like Noida gathering. would make it larger even than dancing into the river. and Gurgaon to drive into Delhi Once every 12 years, tens previous festivals. That the ancient festival were hit hard, as the fog was of millions of pilgrims stream After a slow start, police grows in size each time it is held dense and visibility poor. Sunday’s to the small northern city of chief Alok Sharma said 1.5 partly reflects India’s expand- maximum and minimum tem- Allahabad from across the million people had gathered by ing population, but is also seen peratures were both two notches country for the Maha Kumbh 8am yesterday, with more on as evidence that spiritual life above average for this time of Mela, or Grand Pitcher their way. is thriving alongside the new- year at 22.9 degrees Celsius and Festival, at the point where Two dreadlocked men rid- found affluence of a growing 9.4 degrees Celsius respectively. the Ganges and Yamuna rivers ing horses emerged from thick middle class. AFP IANS TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 We’ve right to retaliate: Army chief New Delhi lodges protest at flag meeting NEW DELHI/JAMMU: India government level. “This has to be yesterday took a tough stance done through diplomatic levels,” against Pakistan over the killing he said. and mutilation of two of its sol- Hemraj’s widow has been fast- diers with its army chief assert- ing in her village near Mathura ing that his forces “reserve the in Uttar Pradesh, demanding that right to retaliate” and a strong the severed head of her husband protest being lodged at the be handed over to the family. flag meeting along the Line of While Gen Bikram Singh was Control (LoC) in Jammu and talking to media, the Indian and Kashmir’s Poonch district. Pakistani armies were holding Pakistan denied the charge, a brigadier level “flag meeting” news reports said. along LoC at Chakan da Bagh in The January 8 killing of Lance Poonch. Naik Sudhakar Singh and Lance The hour-long meeting, which Naik Hemraj - who was decapi- started at 1pm, saw the Indian tated - in the Mendhar sector in side lodge a “strong protest with Poonch district of Jammu and Pakistan over its soldiers intrud- Kashmir by Pakistani troops was ing into Indian side and brutally a “gruesome and an unpardonable killing two of its soldiers in Sona act”, army chief General Bikram Gali area of Mendhar sector on Singh declared. January 8 and repeated viola- He also termed as “pre-planned tions of ceasefire by Pakistan and pre-meditated” Pakistan’s on the LoC”, a source said. The aggression along the LoC, which Army chief General Bikram Singh sources said the Indian Army speaks at a news conference in divides in Jammu and Kashmir also demanded the severed head. The Brigadier level officers from India (right), and Pakistan at the flag meeting at Chakan-da-Bagh, in Poonch, between India and Pakistan. New Delhi, yesterday. The Indian side also underlined yesterday. The tough talking army chief the need for restoring confidence said it was possible that Pakistan building measures (CBMs) across Army used terrorists as it had to be exerted on Pakistan so the the LoC. Pakistan across the LoC is mainly to Friday, has halted since Commission, met India’s Defence done in the past. severed head of Hemraj was Ten ceasefire violations by to provide cover to infiltrating Wednesday as Pakistan did not Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma, “The firing from Pakistan is a returned. Pakistan have taken place this militants, it is believed. open the LoC gates. The cross- Xinhua reported. manifestation of their frustra- In response to a question, he year; in 2012, the number was Cross-LoC trade, taking place LoC bus carrying passengers to Xu said China and India, being tion... Their troops are not mov- said it had to be taken up at the 117 and 61 in 2011. The firing by four days a week from Tuesday and from Jammu and Kashmir the biggest developing countries ing forward but we are watching,” and Pakistan administered in the world, are important neigh- he said. Kashmir once a week on Mondays bours for each other. “What they (Pakistan) have also did not ply. He said the two countries have done is against the ethics of sol- Border tensions have risen extensive common interests and diering. My heart goes out to Pakistan denies truce violations sharply since the January 6 death were developing friendly and the families of soldiers who were of a Pakistani soldier in alleged mutually beneficial cooperation, killed and whose bodies were ISLAMABAD: Pakistan yes- the two countries with regard to counterparts for firing across firing by Indian forces along the in line with the aspirations of the mutilated. It’s a gruesome and terday rejected allegations of Kashmir, Dawn News reported. the border. The Pakistan Army, LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. people in both nations. unpardonable act. Beheading of ceasefire violations on the Line The Pakistani army briga- however, registered their pro- Two days later, on January 8 The Chinese official said he soldiers is not acceptable,” Gen of Control (LoC) in Jammu dier in Poonch sector also par- test against Indian violations Pakistani soldiers killed and muti- believes that the two countries Bikram Singh told reporters in and Kashmir levelled against ticipated in the meet in which, of the ceasefire at the LoC, the lated two Indian soldiers. Hemraj’s have enough wisdom and ability to New Delhi on the eve of Army it by the Indian Army dur- the Pakistani commanders Pakistani daily quoted military headless body was recovered after handle their relationship and are Day. “We will uphold the cease- ing a flag meeting yesterday, a rejected the allegations levelled sources as saying. the assault. able to pave a healthy and stable fire as long as it is maintained. media report said. against them by their Indian The Pakistani Army also Meanwhile, top defence offi- development path for it. We reserve the right to retali- During the meeting Pakistan counterparts. demanded that India comply cials from China and India held Xu said China attaches great ate at the time and place of our asked India to abide by the The Indian command- with the ceasefire agreement. talks in Bejing on strengthening importance in developing military choosing.” ceasefire agreement between ers accused their Pakistani IANS ties. Xu Qiliang, Vice Chairman ties with India. He added that pressure needed of China’s Central Military IANS

Hindu leader jailed Rehearsal for hate speech in Hyderabad HYDERABAD: Hindu religious leader Swami Kamlananda Bharati was yes- terday sent to jail for allegedly making a hate speech and pro- moting enmity on grounds of religion and race. Bharati, who was arrested in Srisailam town on Sunday night, was brought to Hyderabad and produced before a magistrate, who remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days. The president of Hindu Devalaya Parirakshana Samithi, a committee fighting for protection of Hindu tem- ples, has been charged with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, language and doing acts prejudicial to main- tenance of harmony. Amid tight security, the saf- Border Security Force soldiers ride their camels as they rehearse for fron-clad leader was later shifted the Republic Day parade amid dense fog in a cold winter morning in to Cherlapally Central Jail on the New Delhi, yesterday. city outskirts. He had allegedly made a venomous speech against the Muslim community while addressing a rally in the city on National space research January 8. Cases were booked against him in Mir Chowk and Dabeerpura hub to come up in Kolkata police stations in the old city on the complaints lodged by some KOLKATA: Aiming to emerge reading or observations. organisations including Majlis the national hub for research in According to Nandi, the main Bachao Tehreek and Human space weather, supporting space functions of the centre are to Awakening Society, an NGO. missions and large-scale astro- generate the required scientific They alleged that Bharati made physics projects, the Centre of understanding of space environ- an inflammatory speech to cre- Excellence in Space Sciences ment that will lead to predictions ate communal disturbances in is set to come up in Kolkata of the weather in space. Hyderabad. later this year, says a leading “A secondary function will His speech was aired on some scientist. be to work in outstanding chal- television channels and was also “The primary focus of the cen- lenges in the field of astrophysics, posted on YouTube. tre is to be a national hub for particularly supporting national He had made the remarks at a research in space weather and initiatives in grand challenge rally was organised to condemn to support space missions and problems,” said Nandi. Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen national large-scale astrophys- In order to provide advanced leader Akbaruddin Owaisi’s hate ics projects such as the Laser training to students interested speech. Owaisi was arrested last Interferometer Gravitation Wave in space research, the centre week. Observatory,” co-ordinating sci- will also run a PhD programme, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and entist Dibyendu Nandi said. where students can get their doc- other rightwing Hindu groups The centre will come up at torates and as well have annual have condemned Bharati’s the Indian Institute of Science, national workshops to dissemi- arrest. Education and Research campus nate the centre’s knowledge base. They alleged that he was here. The novelty of the centre is “Our training programme will arrested on Sankranti day when that it is expected to deliver space be geared towards producing he had gone to the pilgrim town of weather forecasts based on com- space scientists, a trained man- Srisaialam for performing some puter simulations of solar activity power capable of leading India’s rituals. and the space environment well ambitions in the space sciences,” IANS in advance, not just by current said Nandi. IANS TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Fast food News in Numbers WINDOW ON ECONOMIC linked to child ACTIVITY GDP- 13 Fajr (Dawn) 5:01 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:21 asthma: Study

Zuhr (Noon) 11:43 PARIS: Children who frequently Asr (Afternoon) 2:45 eat fast food are far likelier to have severe asthma compared to Maghrib (Sunset) 5:06 counterparts who tuck into fruit, Isha (Night) 6:36 a large international study pub- lished yesterday said. Researchers asked nearly half a million teenagers aged 13-14 and WEATHER children aged six and seven about their eating habits and whether in Today Wednesday Thursday Weather the previous year they had expe- Conditions: rienced wheezing, eczema or an Partly sunny Mostly sunny Mostly sunny itchy, blocked nose when they did Slight dust not have cold or flu. GDP by Economic Activity to dusty at The questionnaires — com- ( Import duties ) High: 26° High: 20° High: 23° places at pleted by a parent or guardian Low: 16° Low: 15° Low: 15° times. for the younger children — were distributed in scores of coun- tries. It marks the latest phase Import Duties at in a long-running collaborative Current Prices (QRm) programme, the International DOHA - SUN & SEA Study of Asthma and Allergies Import duties at Constant in Childhood, which was 2004 Prices (QRm) SUN TIDE SEA launched in 1991. SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND The investigators filtered out Current Prices Y-O-Y Change factors that could skew results, 06:21 17:06 07:30 & 19:30 00:15 & 14:30 12-20/35KT such as maternal smoking during pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle and Real Growth Rate THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW body-mass index, in order to focus HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER purely on diet. They found that fast food was MUSCAT 24/16 Clear 23/15 Mostly sunny the only food type that could be MAKKAH 32/21 Mostly sunny 32/21 Clear clearly linked to asthma severity. KUWAIT 15/07 Clear 15/08 Clear Three or more weekly servings Current Prices Y-O-Y Change Real Growth Rate BAHRAIN 19/14 Mostly sunny 19/16 Mostly sunny of fast food were associated with 60 SANAA 23/06 Mostly sunny 22/05 Mostly sunny a 39 percent increase in the risk RIYADH 17/05 Clear 17/02 Clear of severe asthma among teens 50 and a 27 percent increase among DUBAI 22/16 Mostly sunny 22/15 Mostly sunny younger children. 40 BAGHDAD 13/03 Mostly sunny 15/02 Mostly sunny It also added to the risk of eczema and severe rhinitis. 30 THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW In contrast, eating three or 20 HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER more weekly portions of fruit led to a reduction in symptom sever- 10 ATHENS 18/11 Partly sunny 19/10 Clear ity of between 11 and 14 percent, WASHINGTON 07/06 Mostly sunny 10/05 Chance of rain respectively. 0 SYDNEY 26/18 Mostly sunny 30/21 Clear The study, which appears in the LONDON 04/-3 Partly sunny 04/-4 Mostly sunny British Medical Association jour- -10   PARIS 04/00 Chance of rain 05/02 Partly sunny nal Thorax, noted that to prove -20 ISTANBUL 11/06 Mostly sunny 13/07 Partly sunny an association is not to prove a cause — but argued that a further MANILA 27/21 Mostly sunny 29/22 Mostly sunny  DHAKA 26/14 Clear 26/15 Clear inquiry was clearly needed. -30 DELHI 22/12 Mostly sunny 18/11 Mostly sunny AFP ISLAMABAD 19/05 Mostly sunny 18/06 Mostly sunny Source : http://www.qsa.gov.qa/ Fitness class combines spinning and yoga Forensic tool reconstructs NEW YORK: Pairing indoor One 60-minute class, she added, muscles and improve strength. She said the yoga postures class 50/50 between bikes and cycling’s intense, calorie- incorporates cardio, flexibility and And the combination class is should specifically address mus- yoga mats might appear unusual, busting cardio workout with strengthening elements. suitable for cyclers who may be cles that were challenged in it worked to introduce the ben- eye colour yoga, the mind-body practice “The first (part) gets your unfamiliar with yoga. cycling. “Muscles that are used efits of yoga to cyclers. of stretching into inner peace, heart rate going so you can jump “You’re not going to get those should be stretched; muscles not “Having the yoga allowed them WARSAW: A cutting edge new may seem like a mismatch but into yoga quicker,” she said. “It crazy, advanced moves,” Harris used, strengthened,” she explained. to focus on flexibility, hips, and tool for identifying hair and eye fitness experts say it works. feels like a full body workout in said. “But if you’re spinning con- “The instructor may guide partici- posture alignment,” she said. colour from forensic samples Whether it is called Yoga Ride, an hour’s time.” sistently, at least five times a pants to stretch specific lower body Diehard yogis, however, tend can also be used to reconstruct Spin to Ride or Cycle Yoga, the And the transition to yoga is week, I would incorporate a yoga muscles used during the cycling to be less satisfied with the class. details from ancient human two very different activities com- quick and involves moving to a ride class at least once.” workout, such as hip flexors, quads, “People who have a strong yoga remains, says an European study. plement each other to improve different room and easing into Shirley Archer, author of 12 hamstrings and calves.” practice tend to have a more neg- For instance, the HIrisPlex fitness and flexibility. an easy yoga pose. fitness books including Weight When Jessica Matthews, ative perception of classes like DNA analysis system was able to Cycle Yoga classes at The At Crunch, the national chain Training for Dummies, believes spokesperson for the American this,” Matthew said. “My stance reconstruct hair and eye colour Spinning Yogi studio in Lakewood, of fitness centres, New York City- indoor cycling and yoga are a Council on Exercise and a cer- in teaching group fitness is that it from teeth up to 800 years old, Colorado, follow the typical for- based instructor Taj Harris said natural fit. tified yoga instructor, taught a offers people opportunity to dab- including that of the Polish gen- mat: First spin, then stretch, slowing down music in the yoga “Yoga, with its emphasis on Spin-to-Yoga class, she adjusted ble in something new.” eral Wladyslaw Sikorski (1881 to according to owner and instructor room smoothes the transition for deep relaxation, restores balance the yoga to the spinning. Juarez said another benefit of 1943) confirming his blue eyes and Patsy Juarez. “Cycling is so car- its Yoga Ride classes. after the stimulating aerobic “It wasn’t just to pair the two,” fusing two classes is that it makes blond hair. dio-vascular intense,” said Juarez. “Because spinning is so one efforts of cycling,” said Archer, said Matthews, who is based in workout time fly. “No boredom in Researchers from Poland and “We do that for a half hour then direction, muscles get overused who plans to teach the class at San Diego, “but to focus on spe- these classes,” she said. “You are the Netherlands, who recently change gears, stretching out the and tight,” Harris explained, Revolutions Cycling studio in cific areas of the body.” done before you know it.” developed the HIrisPlex sys- things we tightened up.” adding that yoga poses ease the Jupiter, Florida, later this month. She said while splitting the REUTERS tem for forensic analysis, have now shown that this system is sufficiently robust to success- fully work on older and more Robot Restaurant degraded samples from human remains such as teeth and bones, App rewards children the journal Investigative Genetics reports. Wojciech Branicki, from the Institute of Forensic Research for doing chores and Jagielonian University, Krakow, who led this study with TORONTO: Forget bribery, receive them. The child can then Manfred Kayser, professor at the intimidation and threats, a new log in to their account and review Erasmus University Rotterdam, app is designed to encourage the chores and rewards. explains: children to do chores by turning “If rewards aren’t enough incen- “This system can be used to the tasks into a game and giving tive, the empowerment typically solve historical controversies them points when it is completed. is,” said Bergman. When the task where colour photographs or The app called ChoreMonster, is done, the child marks it in the other records are missing”. available for iOS devices and on app and the parent is notified and “HIrisPlex was able to confirm the web, aims to make household prompted to verify that it was that General Wladyslaw Sikorski, chores, such as setting the table, completed well. After the par- who died in a plane crash in 1943 feeding the pets or unloading the ent approves the task, the child is had blue eyes and blond hair dishwasher, fun. awarded the points. The app helped present in portraits painted “There are usually enough 21,000 children complete more years after his death. Some of chores in a week to redeem than 300,000 chores during the our samples were from unknown some sort of reward,” said Chris eight months it was tested before inmates of a World War II prison. Bergman, the founder and CEO of being launched at the end of 2012, In these cases HIrisPlex helped to Cincinnati, Ohio-based company according to its makers. Making put physical features to the other ChoreMonster. The rewards, which the bed, picking up toys and books, DNA evidence,” adds Branicki. are provided by the parents, can cleaning the bedroom, feeding pets For medieval samples, where range from privileges like sleep- and dealing with dirty laundry were DNA is even more degraded, this overs or a family outing, to video among the main chores. system was still able to predict games or a cash allowance. A similar web and iPad app eye and hair colour (for the “It’s exactly what you would called HighScore House lets par- most degraded DNA samples expect kids would want and also ents and children agree on a set eye colour alone), identifying more esoteric rewards,” Bergman of tasks and the rewards they one mysterious woman buried explained. Parents assign chores will receive for completing them. in the crypt of the Benedictine Robots deliver dishes to customers at a Robot Restaurant in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China. Opened in through the app and include the ChoreMonster is available world- Abbey in Tyniec near Krakow, June 2012, the restaurant has gained fame in using 20 robots, which range in heights of 1.3-1.6 metres, to cook completion dates along with the wide in more than 50 countries sometime during the 12th-14th meals and deliver dishes. They can work continuously for five hours after a two-hour charge, and are able to number of points the child will and is ideal for children between centuries, as having dark blond/ display over 10 expressions on their faces and say basic welcoming sentences to customers, media reported. earn. They also set rewards, four and 12 years old, according brown hair and brown eyes. including the number needed to to Bergman. REUTERS IANS Tuesday 15 January 2013 3 Rabial I 1434 Volume 17 Number 5580 Price: QR2

BofA plans to increase Gulf lending

Business | 18

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar faces dilemma over new US tax law Countries asked to reveal financial details of firms, citizens

BY MOBIN PANDIT

DOHA: Qatar faces a huge dilemma over complying with a new US law that asks countries across the world to report finan- cial assets of American compa- nies, citizens and green card holders for taxation purposes. The legislation reportedly also requires countries to deduct taxes on the income of US companies, nationals as well as residents that exceed a certain threshold and report directly to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the US. The question of compliance poses a number of key challenges and risks to Qatar and other From right: The Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, the Managing Director and GCC states and they have begun CEO of RasGas Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, the Chief Executive Officer of RasGas Operating Company Ltd actively coordinating among Sheikh Khalid K Al Thani and the Managing Director of Nakilat Muhammad Ghannam, after the naming ceremony themselves to be better equipped of the barge yesterday. PICTURES BY KAMMUTTY VP to conform. The Governor of Qatar Central Bank, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Saoud Al Thani, The Foreign Account Tax addressing the forum on ‘Impact of the US Law on the Region’ yesterday. Compliance Act (FATCA), in a nutshell, aims at improving tax compliance and brings within its officials from Qatar and other revealing bank details of custom- First-of-its-kind barge named ambit those US companies and GCC states, top bankers, taxa- ers and exchanging these with individuals as well as residents tion experts and senior repre- others? And what legal authority DOHA: The Minister of who have financial accounts sentatives from financial services do we have to deduct taxes on the Energy and Industry H E Dr or assets in foreign financial providers, insurance industry income of customers for the ben- Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada institutions. professionals and asset managers efit of other governments? These yesterday unveiled the name of The law requires that foreign attended the symposium. Some are the key questions for us to the giant load-out and recovery institutional investors and other 200 people converged at the event. ponder over,” said Al Muftah. barge in Ras Laffan yesterday. financial intermediaries pre- The symposium was held by Complying with the US law The 140m barge is the first vent tax evasion by US entities, the QCB in collaboration with requires the taxation authorities project to be completed by Nakilat citizens and green card holders the Qatar Financial Markets of Qatar and other GCC states Damen Shipyards Qatar (NDSQ) through use of offshore accounts. Authority (QFMA), regulator to be structurally modified and and the first vessel of its kind con- All US-sourced payments, of the Qatari bourse, and Qatar additionally have more finances structed entirely in Qatar. including dividends and interest Financial Centre Regulatory and human resource. The barge’s name, Al paid by US corporations, are to be Authority (QFRCA). “This is the biggest challenge Ghatroushah, was revealed by subject to 30 percent withholding Since the US tax law has been facing us. And one must remem- the minister at a ceremony tax. The tax also applies to gross announced it has led to many ber that our countries do not have held at NDSQ’s facilities at the sale proceeds from the sale of rel- questions and fears in coun- much experience and expertise in QR3.5bn Erhama bin Jaber Al evant US properties. tries across the world and the taxation.” Al Muftah added: “We Jalahma Shipyard facilities on “The legislation aims to ensure GCC states are no exception, Al are still at a stage where we are the Port of Ras Laffan’s Southern more revenue for the US which Muftah said. “The IRS has issued creating capacities”. Breakwater. would help it narrow its yawn- a number of legal notes clarifying Complying with this law Qatari dignitaries and top level Al Ghatroushah barge at the Erhama bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard, yesterday. ing budget deficit,” said Muftah how the legislation is going to be requires the GCC states to make management from the shipyard’s Jassem Al Muftah, Director of enforced and how it can be com- extensive preparations, which owner Qatar Petroleum, NDSQ, Public Revenue and Taxation at plied with,” said Al Muftah. actually begins with these coun- Nakilat and a host of compa- shipyard’s infrastructure and will will bring great benefits to the Qatar’s Ministry of Economy and The aim of the law is to reach tries needing to deeply under- nies from Qatar’s marine sector be used for the launch and recov- future generations.” Finance. out to those US companies, citi- stand the requirements and the attended the event, which was ery of boats by NDSQ, which is Nakilat Managing Director He was addressing a forum zens and residents who are not ways to comply, Qatar News held aboard the barge. currently building 19 workboats Muhammad Ghannam said: “As a here yesterday that was opened paying taxes. “This will ensure Agency (QNA) reported. The 6,500-tonne load-out and up to 32m in length for QP’s Port young company, NDSQ has made by the Governor of the banking more revenue for Washington.” “This symposium gives an recovery barge took 1.6 mil- of Mesaieed. an incredible stride forward in regulator, Qatar Central Bank However, to comply, Qatar and opportunity to address this issue lion man-hours to complete and Dr Al Sada said: “The rise of completing this project, but we (QCB), H E Sheikh Abdullah bin other GCC states face a number and answer questions and suggest not a single Lost Time Incident Erhama bin Jaber Al Jalahama have not achieved this milestone Saoud Al Thani, on the ‘Impact of of challenges and risks, both the options we have to comply,” (LTI) was recorded throughout Shipyard is a story of which all of alone. I would like to express our the US Law on the Region’. legal and financial. “Should we said Al Muftah. the barge’s build and launch — an us can be proud. We are commit- sincere thanks to the Minister A number of senior government breach our own laws that prevent THE PENINSULA unprecedented safety achieve- ted to continue with this excel- of Energy and Industry for his ment for such a young company. lence and innovation. We trust unwavering support to our ongo- The barge now forms part of the that our growing marine industry ing activities. “A special note of thanks is also due to QP’s Technical Group for NDSQ forays into luxury yacht market their expert supervision of the BMW records construction of our shipyard facil- DOHA: Driven by the region’s enabling interior and exterior ities and to Ras Laffan Industrial strong sales growing demand for lux- finishing to the highest yacht- City for the assistance it contin- ury yachts, Nakilat Damen ing standards. ues to provide. NDSQ and Nakilat growth last year Shipyards Qatar (NDSQ) is Nakilat has also formed are proud to be involved in turn- foraying into the yacht build- a joint venture with Keppel ing the dream of a fully-fledged DOHA: Alfardan Automobiles ing sector. The Nakilat joint Offshore & Marine, a global Qatari marine industry into a has recorded a considerable venture has already devel- leader in ship repair and con- reality,” Ghannam said. growth in the sale of top BMW oped a state-of-the-art pro- versions as well as offshore rig NDSQ is a joint venture Group models in 2012. The flag- duction yard at its QR3.5bn design, construction and repair. between Qatari shipping com- ship BMW 7 Series was the facilities in Ras Laffan. The Nakilat-Keppel Offshore pany Nakilat and Dutch ship- company’s best selling model. “We have received a handful & Marine (N-KOM), oper- building group Damen Shipyards Offering new levels of luxury, of orders for luxury yachts and ates Nakilat’s ultra-modern based at Erhama bin Jaber Al comfort and power, the new and giving final touches to the newly ship repair yard for the repair Jalahma Shipyard. NDSQ began refined 7 Series model went on developed yard. The state-of- and maintenance of very large operations in 2010 and builds sale in Qatar in the 2nd half of the the-art yard is spacious enough LNG carriers and a wide range ships in steel, aluminium and year and has been a strong driv- levels of customer satisfaction in terms of Qatari sales and an to build multiple vessels at of other vessels, including the GRP, up to 170m in length. ing force behind the company’s have clearly paid off as shown by impressive result when operating a time. The yard is capable conversion of tankers to various Nakilat is Qatar’s premier ship- 2012 sales achievements. Other these remarkable results. This in a market that predominantly of building up to a 120m long configurations for offshore pro- ping company, overseeing the top performing BMW models was combined with the launch of favours large, luxury cars. Mini luxury yachts,” sources told The duction, storage and off loading. world’s largest fleet of LNG included the BMW X5 Sports six beautifully-designed and tech- continued to grow its community Peninsula yesterday. Talking on the sidelines vessels. In 2005 Nakilat was Activity Vehicle with 37 percent nologically-advanced new models of fans and Mini friends. The yacht-building yard has of the name revealing cer- requested by QP to manage the growth and BMW 5 Series with during 2012 which helped drive Mini sales were led by the Mini dedicated facilities to build emony of the newly launched development of a world-class 15 percent growth. our sales growth upward.” Countryman – the first Mini with luxury vessels up to 165m in load-out and recovery barge, shipyard at Ras Laffan. Commenting on the impres- Mini, the world’s fastest grow- four doors and four wheel drive length, in addition to building Nakilat Managing Director Nakilat has since created joint sive performance of 2012, ing small premium car brand, capabilities. of yacht support vessels and the Muhammad Ganam told The ventures with world-renowned Mohammed Kandeel (pictured), recorded another year of excep- The newly launched Mini repair and conversion of mega Peninsula the growing marine marine industry specialists to General Manager of Alfardan tional sales with 31 percent Coupé and Mini Roadster were yachts. market is giving great oppor- operate the yard, while Nakilat’s Automobiles, said: “Our strate- increase over 2011. also a strong contributing fac- These facilities will include tunities to NDSQ’s facilities. development of Qatar’s premier gies, planning, employing the best This is one of the most success- tor to the brand’s 2012 success in fully climate-controlled halls THE PENINSULA shipyard continues. people and ensuring the highest ful years in the brand’s history Qatar. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS QNB shares suffer largest one-day drop Oil rises above $111 QE declines 0.5pc; bourses across the Middle East end mixed YESTERDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS QATAR: The index declined 0.5 on supply DOHA: Shares in Qatar Sunday’s intraday high of 141.70 this year, but buying has now index dipped 0.7 percent. “The percent to 8,640 points. National Bank (QNB) made riyals per share. steadied. Funds are shifting out Saudi market, in general, has been SAUDI ARABIA: The index retreats their largest one-day drop in 12 Disappointed retail investors of IQ to other regional stocks like trading at a premium to other 0.4 percent to 7,088 points. months yesterday as investors were expecting a share dividend petrochemical heavyweight Saudi regional markets — this is shrink- EGYPT: The index gained 0.7 per- concerns reacted to flat profit growth in of around 10 to 15 percent. Basic Industries Corp (Sabic), ing (as other markets catch up),” cent to 5,739 points. the fourth quarter and no share “The base of growth for QNB Dalgiannakis added. said Ali Adou, portfolio manager DUBAI: The index gained 0.2 per- LONDON: Oil rose above $111 option in its dividend, while will be moderate but I see the Saudi Arabia’s bourse ended at The National Investor. cent to 1,736 points. a barrel yesterday, rebounding other regional markets closed results as good — there isn’t much lower for a second session since “You have an expansionary ABU DHABI: The index advanced from the previous session’s drop, mixed. pressure on margins as its capital Thursday’s four-month high as budget, which should translate 0.9 percent to 2,766 points. as concern about supply resur- The heavyweight lender’s adequacy ratio, at 21 percent, is the heavyweight banking and pet- to higher growth in loans. We’re KUWAIT: The index eased 0.04 faced amid growing optimism results met estimates. QNB set a comfortable,” said Reda Gomaa, rochemical sectors weighed. seeing about 15-16 percent loan percent to 6,107 points. over signs that the world’s big- 60 percent cash dividend equiv- portfolio manager at Mashreq. “I The kingdom’s index slipped 0.4 growth, which has to be priced in OMAN: The index advanced 0.1 gest economies are on their way alent to 6 riyals per share but think it’s a good time to buy given percent, trimming January’s gains the valuations.” percent to 5,851 points. to a steady recovery. retail investors, hoping for bonus their acquisition plan on NSGB.” to 4.2 percent. Saudi Arabia has set a record BAHRAIN: The index ticked up A cut in Saudi Arabian produc- shares, were not impressed. Societe Generale agreed late Investors booked gains in the state budget for 2013, at SR820bn 0.07 percent to 1,073 points. tion last month, pipeline sabotage “We saw some profit-taking last year to sell its majority newly-listed Dallah Healthcare, ($219bn) as high oil prices allow in Yemen and a weather-related after its very strong (stock) stake in Egypt’s National Societe which slipped 0.8 percent from heavy spending on welfare and Generale Bank added 0.3 percent. drop in Iraqi shipments have performance because the num- Generale Bank to QNB for $2bn, Sunday’s record high. infrastructure projects. These are the only two gainers, reduced output, while fighting in bers were in line to a slight miss as part of the French bank’s bid Petrochemical stocks declined Elsewhere, Egypt’s bourse rose which help lift the market. Syria and Iranian naval exercises of estimates,” said Anastasios to meet new capital requirements. with Sabic down 0.3 percent. 0.7 percent, halting two sessions Most other stocks slipped. in the Strait of Hormuz reminded Dalgiannakis, institutional trad- Other large-caps also declined. Saudi Kayan Petrochemical of profit-taking as non-Arab for- Non-Arab foreign investors were investors of the risk of wider dis- ing manager at Mubasher. “The Industries Qatar (IQ) slipped 0.6 extended declines, dipping 1.2 eigners resumed buying. net buyers against Egyptian net ruption to Middle East supply. dividend payout doesn’t mean the percent. The energy firm hit percent, since saying its fourth- The market hit a 10-week peak sellers, according to bourse data. Brent crude gained 70 cents to market will bypass the opera- a 54-month high last week as quarter net loss increased 1.9 per- on Wednesday at 5,866 points, In the UAE, Dubai’s index $111.34 a barrel, after settling 1.1 tional performance.” strong earnings growth supported cent from the year-earlier period. but technical resistance offered climbed 0.2 percent, heading percent lower on Friday. US oil QNB fell 2.6 percent to buying. Turnover was the highest in a trigger for investors to then back towards Thursday’s two- rose 37 cents to $93.93. QR134.4, its largest one-day loss Doha’s market, which closed 0.5 insurance stocks, as investors book gains. year high after Sunday’s declines. “Today is a partial recovery since January 2012. The stock ral- percent down, had seen a surge shifted focus from banks and Orascom Construction gained Abu Dhabi’s measure advanced from Friday’s sharp losses, which lied from QR131 and peaked at of inflows from foreign investors petrochemicals. The insurance 1.2 percent and National Societe 0.9 percent. REUTERS were hard to justify,” said Carsten Fritsch, analyst at Commerzbank. “The demand side is improving while supply has been cut. The general theme is that over-supply is going to shrink.” Saudi Arabia Morgan to cut Dubai staff cut production in December to around 9 million barrels per day DUBAI: Morgan Stanley Inc, there has been little growth on (bpd). A Saudi oil ministry adviser the sixth-largest US bank by the equities side barring Saudi,” yesterday said the reduction was assets, is trimming staff at its one of the sources said, speaking in response to lower seasonal Dubai office, mainly by cutting on condition of anonymity as the demand, rather than to push up jobs in its equities division, as matter has not been made public. prices. part of a global plan to reduce Morgan Stanley’s equities “In just the first fortnight of costs, three sources aware of business will now focus on Saudi 2013, supply has already mate- the matter said. Arabia, the source said, adding rially disappointed,” analysts The bank plans to slash 1,600 that planned cuts at other divi- at Morgan Stanley, including jobs globally, many of whom work sions in the Middle East were Hussein Allidina, said in a report. in its securities unit, sources said minimal. Bad weather led to a cut in last week. Morgan Stanley declined to shipments from Iraq’s southern Big US and European insti- comment. ports to 960,000 bpd on Sunday. tutions are cutting investment Equity capital markets issuance They recovered to 1.46 million bpd banking jobs in the Middle East in the Middle East was $9.4bn in yesterday, a shipping source said, as the promise of emerging mar- 2012, according to data, down 5 still well below the normal rate. kets is overshadowed by the need percent from the previous year. The spread between US crude to slash costs and a dearth of deal Trading volumes in most Gulf and Brent continued to shrink, activity. Arab markets are down sharply trading at the narrowest since UBS, Bank of America Merrill from the highs of 2005-07. September. US crude is gaining on Lynch and Nomura Holdings have It was not immediately clear Brent following the start-up of the all cut jobs in their investment how many Morgan Stanley expanded Seaway pipeline, which banking teams for the region in employees in Dubai would be aims to ease the glut of crude in recent months. affected by the move, but a sec- the US Midwest and especially at “The Dubai cuts are part of the ond source said the cuts in the the Cushing, Oklahoma, delivery bank’s global plan. Obviously, the emirate might be limited to fewer point for the US contract. bank is trying to focus on growth than 10 employees. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan speaks at the sixth Asian Financial Forum in Hong The supply outages arise as evi- opportunities in the region and REUTERS Kong, yesterday. dence grows of a gradual revival in the world’s top economies, bolster- ing oil demand, which forecast- ers including the International QATARI MARKET China to hike foreign investment quota Energy Agency currently expect Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P to be sluggish in 2013. The growth Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 105.50 0.64 % Aa2 AA HONG KONG: China could The A-share market refers to Index ending the day 3.06 percent outlook for most industrialised increase 10-fold the quota for stocks denominated in the domes- higher. They followed a string countries is improving, led by the Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.81 1.62 % Aa2 AA foreign investors putting money tic yuan currency, also known as of reforms aimed at opening up United States and Britain, while Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 126.38 2.03 % Aa2 AA into the country’s stock mar- the renminbi. financial markets and boost- the Chinese and Indian economies Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 119.88 2.18 % Aa2 AA kets, the head of its securities “I think at least we can increase ing the economy, while allowing have reached positive turning Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 115.25 2.59 % Aa2 AA regulator said yesterday. 10 times,” he told about 2,000 state-run banks and huge public points, the OECD said yesterday. Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 182.50 3.42 % Aa2 AA Foreign institutions —- individ- business and government leaders companies to still play a promi- The US economy is expected Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 138.50 4.04 % Aa2 AA uals are barred — can at present attending the Asian Financial nent role. to grow by 2.5 percent in 2013, Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 129.25 4.03 % Aa2 AA buy shares in the world’s second- Forum organised by the Hong Last July, the securities regula- improving to 3.5 percent growth largest economy through two pro- Kong government and the city’s tor eased restrictions on foreign in 2014, Fed official Charles Evans Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.25 1.37 % Aa2 AA grammes, the main one being the trade development council. He did investors by allowing qualified said yesterday. Surveys this week Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 116.88 2.52 % Aa2 AA Qualified Foreign Institutional not elaborate. institutional investors to hold of US consumer confidence and Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 106.00 1.68 % A1 A- Investors, or QFII, scheme. By the end of last year, China up to 30 percent of shares in any of house builder sentiment are Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.44 2.27 % A1 A- The programmes together had granted 169 institutions more domestically listed company, up expected to improve. QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 105.13 1.92 % NR NR account for “just 1.5 or 1.6 per- than $37bn in QFII quotas since from 20 percent. China’s annual economic QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.63 1.81 % Aa3 A+ cent” of China’s A-share market, the start of the scheme in 2002, The new rules also aimed to growth is expected to have quick- QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 105.00 2.10 % Aa3 A+ China securities regulatory com- according to official figures. make it easier for foreign groups ened to 7.8 percent in the fourth mission chairman Guo Shuqing Guo’s comments sparked a to obtain the status of qualified quarter, a Reuters poll showed, Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.44 2.37 % A2 A- told an economic forum in Hong market rally with the nation’s institutional investor, and thus after seven quarters of weaker Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.63 1.81 % A2 A Kong. benchmark Shanghai Composite enter the Chinese market. AFP expansion. REUTERS Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 131.31 2.55 % A2 A Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 113.00 2.93 % A2 A Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 112.25 3.78 % A2 A Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 107.25 1.21 % Aa3 A Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 109.50 3.10 % Aa3 A Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 112.75 3.40 % Aa3 A BofA to increase Gulf lending as deal making recovers SOVEREIGNS Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P DUBAI: Bank of America see tremendous growth for our the region as part of plans to inte- Eastern M&A is showing signs of Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 106.00 0.58 % Aa2 AA Merrill Lynch (BofA) plans to corporate banking platform,” said grate corporate and investment a revival after a three-year slump, Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 129.13 1.79 % Aa2 AA increase lending to businesses Boueiz, who also heads the bank’s banking in emerging markets. with transaction volume totalling in the Middle East as oil-rich sovereign wealth fund business. BofA’s Chief Executive Brian $20bn in 2012, nearly double that Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 111.50 2.32 % NR NR Gulf investors show more appe- A wide range of financial Moynihan earlier this month of the previous year, according to Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 108.81 2.71 % NR NR tite for acquisitions, a senior institutions, including Credit urged his bankers to lend more Thomson Reuters data. Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 128.25 3.54 % NR NR banker at the US financial serv- Suisse, Japan’s Nomura Holdings aggressively to businesses. This Boueiz said Middle Eastern Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 119.31 3.95 % NR NR ices firm said. and UBS, have cut jobs in their comes as BofA and its rivals try investors were increasingly look- Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.75 1.11 % Aa2 AA BofA’s move comes at a time investment banking teams for the to find avenues of growth as new ing into the US for investments, a Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 115.81 3.28 % NR BBB when global banks, mostly Middle East last year. regulations and the US Federal shift from their traditional pref- Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 109.75 3.93 % NR BBB European institutions, faced with Some have sold assets outright Reserve’s low interest rate policy erence for Europe. a slump in deal activity and pres- to raise capital. squeeze profits. “Interest in the US has always Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 101.50 5.50 % B2 B- sure to save money at home, scale In December, French bank The bank is betting on a pick been there but it went through a Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 105.13 3.73 % NR BBB- back their business in the region BNP Paribas sold its Egyptian up in merger and acquisition major slowdown. The US is start- *Periodic Distribution Amount IMPORTANT NOTE: and pull out of funding big-ticket arm to Dubai’s Emirates NBD, activity in the Gulf Arab region ing to show signs of improvement Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which projects. while Societe Generale sold this year as high oil prices, stable in its fundamentals, banks are is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services But the bank, which made sen- its Egyptian business to Qatar markets and low valuations spur doing better and corporates are Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary ior hires in the Gulf region last National Bank. deals from sovereign wealth funds sitting on excess cash,” he said. data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising year, expects investment banking “The Mena (Middle East and and large companies. In the past 18 months, Bank out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds activity to pick up in 2013, accord- North Africa) region remains “Sovereign wealth funds and of America advised on a number can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant ing to Wadih Boueiz, the bank’s a strategic priority for Bank of regional companies looking to of cross border transactions, liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not co-head of corporate and invest- America. We are taking a long expand should drive most of this including the $3.25bn acquisition a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and ment banking for the Middle East term view of the region and are M&A activity. We expect them to of Gassled by an infrastructure consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. and North Africa. fully committed to further build- be more active in outbound M&A, consortium including a Middle “We are using our balance ing our business here,” Boueiz whether it’s out of their countries Eastern sovereign wealth fund, sheet more aggressively with said. into the Gulf/Mena or globally,” and the $1.9bn sale of Abu Dhabi strategic clients as part of our The bank appointed Boueiz and Boueiz said. Commercial Bank’s 25-percent strategy to increase investment Hakim Karoui in October as co- Though still far off activity seen stake in Malaysian lender RHB banking market share. We also heads of investment banking for in the boom years, the Middle Capital. REUTERS TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Russian gas line opened France, Turkey Abu Dhabi plans plan major $90bn boost for Airbus order PARIS: France and Turkey will discuss a possible order for almost 150 Airbus passenger jets during a visit by French infrastructure Trade Minister Nicole Bricq to Istanbul this week, the ministry said yesterday, another sign of Move to cut dependence on oil, gas thawing in commercial relations between the two countries. A ministry statement said that DUBAI: Abu Dhabi plans to of the world’s largest sovereign ongoing talks between Turkish spend Dh330bn ($90bn) on wealth funds, does not publish its Airlines and Airbus, the European development projects over the yearly budget plans and outcomes. aircraft manufacturer, “centre next five years, the emirate’s Abu Dhabi, traditionally more on the acquisition of almost 150 Executive Council said in a fiscally conservative than neigh- aircraft, notably the A380 super statement. bouring trade hub Dubai, post- jumbo jet.” “The allocations ... are in line poned a number of development Airbus declined to comment with the Abu Dhabi government projects when it reviewed its eco- on the statement, while Turkish policy to diversify its economic nomic strategy last year. Airlines did not reply immediately. resources and reduce dependence It is now proceeding with many Bricq is to fly early today to on oil and gas industry revenues,” of them, albeit at a slower pace. Istanbul, and is scheduled to meet said the statement, published late Last week it awarded a $653m Temel Kotil, the head of Turkish on Sunday. contract to build a branch of Airlines, tomorrow, a ministry The plan includes building France’s Louvre museum, which spokesman said. more than 12,500 houses as well it hopes will help to develop Her visit comes as trade rela- as schools, roads and other infra- Abu Dhabi into a top tourist tions improve following a freeze structure, said the government of destination. From left: Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Anatoly Janovsky, State Secretary of German early in 2011 after the French par- Abu Dhabi. It said it was improv- Government spending in Abu Federal Ministry of Economy and Technologies Anne Ruth Herkes, Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas, Managing liament approved a law to punish ing the investment environment Dhabi, which makes up 65 per- Director of gas transmission operator Net4Gas, Thomas Kleefuss, and Chief Executive Officer of the Executive those who denied an Armenian by offering incentives and better cent of the UAE’s economic out- Board of RWE AG Peter Terium attend the opening ceremony of the new gas pipeline station in Primda, Czech genocide by Ottoman forces in facilities to companies. put, jumped 21 percent in 2011 to Republic, yesterday. The pipeline called ‘Gazelle’ is a new transmission route for Russian gas to the entire 1915. Turkey fiercely denies that It expects in 2013 to create an estimated Dh314.7bn, a report European Union. such a genocide took place, and the 5,000 new jobs for UAE nationals by the International Monetary law was overturned in March by in the emirate, which accounts Fund based on government fig- France’s Constitutional Council. for almost all UAE oil produc- ures showed in June 2012. Its Airbus now seeks to equip tion. Some Dh3bn worth of hous- revenues shot up 46 percent to Turkey’s flag carrier as it pre- ing loans would be provided under Dh280.9bn. Indian inflation dips; hope up for rate cut pares to substantially expand the 2013-2017 plan. The UAE has not been hit by its fleet at a time that many “Social development projects social unrest seen elsewhere in MUMBAI: Indian inflation Jones Newswires. The easing of rates in an effort to spur eco- European airlines are cutting were given priority in the the Middle East since early 2011, eased marginally in December inflation is likely to encourage nomic growth that has slowed back. In December, Turkish Council’s deliberations due to but it has raised public spending to 7.18 percent year-on-year, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) dramatically. Airlines ordered 15 long-range their direct impact on public life,” along with its fellow oil exporters. data showed yesterday, raising to start shifting its focus from an India’s economic growth fell to A330 Airbus jets in a deal that the statement said. It has a cradle-to-grave welfare expectations of an interest rate anti-inflationary to a pro-growth 5.3 percent in the July-September had a catalogue price of $3.5bn, “The Council members under- system and its per capita income cut when the country’s central stance. quarter, extending a slowdown even as it bought 15 comparable lined the necessity to move for- of nearly $49,000 in 2012 is one of bank meets later this month. “The numbers are a relief and since the start of the year. Boeing 777-300ER plans, which ward with the social development the highest in the world. Inflation was down slightly core inflation is easing,” said Last week, data showed indus- would have a list price of $4.7bn. projects in accordance with the Abu Dhabi’s economy was from 7.24 percent in November Siddhartha Sanyal, chief India trial output shrank by 0.1 percent Airlines regularly negotiate bet- timetables already stated because expected to grow 3.9 percent and has been on the decline since economist with Barclays Capital, in November from a year ago, the ter terms than the catalogue price these projects are closely associ- in 2012, lagging previous fore- October, government figures show. who expects an interest rate cut latest signs of economic distress however, especially for big orders. ated with progress being made ... casts, but should pick up in the The latest reading in the of 25 basis points at the next RBI in Asia’s third-biggest economy. Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines in other sectors.” next few years helped by fur- Wholesale Price Index -- India’s meeting. India’s central bank, Countries such as China, South has floated the possibility of an The emirate of some 2 million ther diversification away from most widely watched inflation which meets on January 29 to Korea and Brazil have all cut order for 15 A380 super jumbo people, which accounts for around oil, the Department of Economic measure — was lower than mar- consider monetary policy, faces interest rates in a bid to protect jets, the world’s biggest passenger 78 percent of overall fiscal spend- Development said in September. ket forecasts of 7.44 percent, pressure from businesses and their economies from the effects airliner, though it could also opt ing in the UAE and is home to one REUTERS according to a survey by Dow the government to start cutting of the eurozone debt crisis. AFP for Boeing’s 747-8 jumbo jet. AFP World shares steady as euro hits 11-month high Austrian Airlines stops flying to Tehran VIENNA: Austrian Airlines yes- from Vienna to the Iranian capital LONDON: The euro hit an Equity markets have risen without letting inflation take a new head of the central bank terday said that it has stopped to three. Iran has seen the value of 11-month high against the dol- and most major currencies hold, although he did not refer who shares his views when flying to Tehran because of the its currency fall sharply in recent lar yesterday as fading pros- gained against the dollar this to any further Fed easing. Governor Masaaki Shirakawa’s economic situation in Iran. months as US and European Union pects of an interest rate cut year after US lawmakers struck Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke term ends in April. The subsidiary of German carrier sanctions, imposed because of the in Europe bolstered demand, a deal on taxes, easing fears will speak on the outlook later “The confirmation that Lufthansa had already in November country’s nuclear programme, have while world shares consoli- of a sudden fiscal tightening in the day and investors will there’s going to be a push for cut the number of weekly flights hit its oil exports. AFP dated recent gains prompted that would slow the economy. scrutinise his remarks for any a new governor (and) that new by an improving global growth Chinese data, which has begun clues on how much longer the governor is going to have a outlook. to show a pickup in momen- Fed’s bond purchase programme mandate of 2 percent inflation - The common currency was tum in the world’s second larg- will last. that plus the fiscal stimulus is a up 0.2 percent at $1.3365, hav- est economy, has added to the Any suggestion that the Fed major negative for the yen,” said ing hit a high of $1.3404 earlier optimism. is in no hurry to end its quanti- Callum Henderson, global head for a hefty 2.5 percent jump Japan, the third largest tative easing programme would of FX research for Standard since European Central Bank economy, is embarking on a probably lead to the dollar sof- Chartered Bank in Singapore. President Mario Draghi damp- new strategy to lift itself out tening further against higher- Tokyo markets were closed ened expectations of further of recession, weakening the yen yielding currencies such as the yesterday for a holiday but monetary policy easing in the substantially but boosting Tokyo Australian dollar and those MSCI’s broadest index of Asia- near term. stocks. of faster-growing emerging Pacific shares outside Japan Europe’s FTSE Eurofirst 300 The MSCI world equity index economies. rose a modest 0.3 percent on index of top companies was traded near an 18-month high Meanwhile, the Japanese yen the statement, remaining near steady but just shy of a two-year yesterday although it didn’t continued to sink against the a 17-month peak set on Friday. high, while London’s FTSE 100, push higher, while the dollar’s other major currencies, touch- The growing optimism over Frankfurt’s DAX and Paris’s value against a basket of major ing a fresh a 2-1/2-year low of the outlook for the world’s big- CAC-40 all traded around 0.1- currencies floated around its 89.67 yen against the dollar, on gest economies helped commod- 0.4 percent higher. lowest levels since the start of expectations that a round of ity prices to recover from last “It does seem as if markets the year. aggressive monetary easing is week’s decline. are in a mood to go up regard- Chicago Federal Reserve coming soon in Japan. Oil also benefited from a less of any worries, and there Chief Charles Evans, a voting New Prime Minister Shinzo resurfacing of fears about a certainly doesn’t seem to be too member of the Fed’s policy- Abe reiterated on Sunday his disruption of supply from the much bad news at the moment,” making committee this year, calls for the Bank of Japan to set Middle East. said Chris Beecham, markets underlined the better outlook a 2 percent inflation target and Brent crude gained 50 cents analyst at IG. by forecasting the US economy pursue bolder monetary easing to $111.14 a barrel, while U.S. US stock index futures would grow 2.5 percent in 2013 to end nearly two decades of crude rose 35 cents to $93.91 a pointed to a mixed open on Wall and 3.5 percent in 2014. deflation. barrel. Street where investors were Evans added that mar- Abe, who has already Copper edged up 0.3 percent focused on corporate earnings kets could be confident the announced a huge budget stim- to $8,069.50 a tonne and gold due out as the first big report- US central bank would take ulus for the Japanese economy, was up 0.6 percent at $1,672.70 ing week of 2013 gets underway. action to boost the recovery also said he would be appointing an ounce. REUTERS

Iran may bid for Turkish gas grid

ISTANBUL: Iran’s national gas company may bid for a • Bullion - Mumbai Turkish natural gas distributor and has sought the prelimi- Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 30345 nary documents in the privatisation tender, Turkey’s Zaman Silver (1 kg) Rs. 58095 newspaper reported yesterday, citing energy officials. • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.88 A successful bid by the National Iranian Gas Company for • Sensex 100 percent of Ankara’s Baskent Gaz network would further integrate Iran and Turkish energy ties, despite Western sanc- BSE 19906.41 tions against Iran for its nuclear programme, Zaman reported. NSE 6024.05 Iran is Turkey’s second-biggest supplier of natural gas after • LIC (International) launches New Gold Investment Plan ‘GOLD PLUS’ – Russia. which provides an opportunity to invest in GOLD ETF & GOLD SPOT, PAN Turkey has won exemptions from the United States to import Card/Demat Account not required. Iranian fuel after it sharply reduced the amount of oil it buys • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return from the Islamic Republic. p.a. (in dollar) The latest deadline for bids for Baskent, which serves 1.4 • Housing loan from HDFC LTD million people in the capital Ankara, is Friday. Its sale has faced a series of delays and cancellations in recent • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, years. High valuations and tough funding conditions during Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. the eurozone crisis have also forced the postponement of other Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] Turkish privatisations. REUTERS TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS

Positive sentiment hikes A financial reform agenda Europe’s single currency

FTER the good per- formance of financial for Obama’s second term markets since the BY HAL S SCOTT risk-based and paid by the insured institu- policies premised on the idea that we cannot Abeginning of the year, tions, just like deposit insurance. let large banks fail. the FX markets eased back ESPITE the exhausting pace At the same time, we should revise our First, required equity capital for large Weekly Money Market Review from recent peaks, as the post- of financial regulatory reform approach to the too- big-to-fail problem, banks has been effectively increased to 9.5 cliff new-year rally faded and in the Obama administration’s starting with a re-examination of whether percent from 2 percent. If we are prepared attention turned to the start of the corporate earnings season. first term, further changes are the failure of a large bank poses a real sys- to let large banks fail, such high costs are Across the Atlantic, the European Central Bank reversed the needed to improve the stability temic problem. The Lehman meltdown did unnecessary. And they are certainly an trend, by sending a strong signal that it is unlikely to cut inter- Dof the financial system and to make the US not set off a chain reaction of bankruptcies imperfect antidote to contagion where even est rates. Draghi stated that “economic activity should gradu- capital markets more efficient and competi- caused by financial firms’ direct exposure higher levels of capital would be quickly ally recover in 2013” due to “considerable improvements” in the tive internationally. to one another. True, the Reserve Primary depleted through fire sales of assets, com- financial markets”. First, we must return to our regulators Fund lost two basis points (0.02 percent) of pounding the contagion. The euro started the week at 1.3070. The single currency then the tools — taken away by the 2010 Dodd- value due to its investment in Lehman paper. In addition, new untested Basel liquid- advanced against the dollar, ahead of the ECB meeting to 1.3130. Frank Act — that enabled the United States Yet the run on money-market funds gener- ity requirements would force banks to hold The single currency range traded between 1.3050 and 1.3130, while to survive the most pernicious aspect of the ally, and the credit crunch more broadly, enough high-quality liquid assets (which markets anticipate the ECB’s decision. The euro rose against its 2008 crisis: the contagion following the col- resulted from the fear that short-term may not even be available) to withstand American counterpart, after a successful Spanish bond auction, lapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings. Had creditors of all financial institutions, with withdrawals of as much as 3 percent of pushing the euro to the 1.3120 level. The single currency then Dodd-Frank been enacted in 2008, the finan- or without significant Lehman exposure, insured deposits over 30 days, even though surged on Thursday, after the ECB decided to keep the bench- cial meltdown would have been even more were at risk. runs may last much longer. While the ini- mark interest rate unchanged. The ECB Presidents’ upbeat tone devastating. There is also substantial evidence that the tial proposals have recently been relaxed in spurred a sharp rally for the euro against the dollar hiking the The Federal Reserve can no longer pro- failure of American International Group Inc terms of the time frame for implementa- single currency to the week’s high of 1.3366. The euro closed at vide liquidity to nonbanks without the con- would not have bankrupted its derivative tion and what qualifies as a high-quality liq- 1.3343. The sterling pound endured a volatile week. Cable opened sent of the Treasury secretary. The Treasury counterparties that were hedged or had col- uid asset, these requirements are still very the week at 1.6070, only to surge on Monday to reach 1.6130, after can no longer guarantee money-market- lateral. And central clearing requirements costly. Traditional central-bank last-resort good housing figures. The sterling pound then dropped to 1.5992 fund investors against runs, and the Federal for derivatives have further reduced this lending to solvent institutions is cheaper after disappointing economic figures. Cable followed suit with Deposit Insurance Corp can no longer insure concern. than requiring banks to add to liquid assets. the euro, hiking on Thursday with the optimism spurred by ECB senior debt or increase insurance on deposit What we do need to worry about is the More important, it is the only effective way President Mario Draghi, to peak at 1.6180. Cable closed the week accounts without congressional approval. possibility that a particular financial institu- to deal with runs. at 1.6132. The Japanese yen opened the week at 88.15, strength- These backstops are politically unpopu- tion’s failure could put at risk the perform- What’s more, we must restore the com- ening against the dollar, to touch a low of 86.84 on Wednesday. lar, and should only be deployed in extreme ance of a crucial financial-system function, petitiveness of the US capital markets, a pri- The yen then weakened significantly against the dollar, as the circumstances, but they should be available like the payment system or clearing. This ority for some US officials before the crisis. newly elected prime minister, Shinzo Abe, continued to stack if needed. can be addressed through Dodd-Frank’s liv- From 1996 to 2006, the US share of global pressure on the Bank of Japan Governor, Masaaki Shirakawa, to We need to further safeguard the finan- ing-will requirement, which permits regula- initial public offerings by foreign companies double the central bank’s inflation goal. The Japanese yen hiked cial system from contagion by limiting the tors to promptly transfer crucial functions of was almost 29 percent and the percentage of to a high of 89.44 on Friday, after the Japanese cabinet approved dependence of banks on short-term funding. insolvent institutions to solvent ones. US companies choosing to go public overseas a ¥10.3tn ($116.9bn) stimulus package. The Japanese yen closed We should also extend insurance coverage, Seen through this lens, we can let large was a mere 1.3 percent. In 2011, these figures the week at 89.18. with appropriate fees, for the short-term banks fail and stop imposing such high were 8.6 percent and 6.9 percent, respec- funding that remains within banks and in costs on their current operations. The tively. The source of competition, as with CRUDE OIL INVENTORIES RISE shadow banks, such as prime money-market Basel Committee on Banking Supervision all matters economic, is increasingly China. funds. The cost of the insurance should be has implemented two potentially high-cost WP-BLOOMBERG US crude oil inventories increased by 1.3 million barrels for the week ending on 4 January. At 361.3 million barrels, crude oil inventories are well above the upper limit of the average range for this time of year. Total motor gasoline inventories increased by 7.4 million barrels last week and are well above the upper limit of the average range. Finished gasoline inventories decreased while blending components inventories increased last week. More Americans than forecasted filed for first-time claims for unemployment last week, indicating that improvements in the labour market remain irregular enough to maintain current employment levels. Jobless claims rose by 4,000 from 367,000, to 371,000, against a forecasted drop of 7,000. A consistent decline in firings, along with a rise in payrolls is needed to spur consumer spending, which counts for 70 percent of the US economy. The US trade deficit unexpectedly widened by 15.8 percent in November to $48.7bn while analysts were expecting the deficit to shrink to $41.3bn, the gap’s widening was driven by a 3.8 percent increase in imports, the largest gain in eight months, which gave a positive signal for consumer spending. The European Central Bank President, Mario Draghi, addressed optimism and positive contagion into financial markets, at the ECB’s press conference. The ECB have kept the rate unchanged at 0.75 percent, before Draghi’s speech, which dwelled into a positive note. The central banks’ decision to keep rates unchanged was unanimous. The President of the ECB said that “we are now back in a normal situation from a financial viewpoint, but we are not at all seeing an early and strong recovery”, and that the central bank takes-note of the “significant improvements” in financial market conditions in recent months. Leader of Euro-area finance ministers, Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, resonated Draghi’s positive com- ments by stating that “the worst is over, but what we still have to do is difficult”. The policy makers’ comments spurred the single currency to its biggest gain in four months versus the dollar and to its strongest since July 2011 against the Japanese Yen. Moreover, Spain’s 10-year borrowing costs, which hit a Euro-era record of 7.75 percent in July, fell below 5 percent for the first time since March, after a successful bond sale. Unemployment rate in the eurozone rose to an all-time high in November as the fiscal crisis and tougher austerity measures worsened Europe’s economic worries. The unemployment rate in the 17-nation region rose to 11.8 percent in November, from 11.7 percent in October. THE PENINSULA Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

Abe aids Fed as Japan seen buying $558bn foreign debt

BY WES GOODMAN & demand for the relative safety of average 10-year yield for Japan’s easing till the goal is met. Abe’s head of foreign-exchange strat- Treasuries because they are the DANIEL KRUGER government debt even with the debt in 2012 was 0.85 percent, and LDP, which swept to power in egy at Nomura in Tokyo. “It’s the most easily-traded securities, Fed buying $45 billion in bonds a was 1.85 percent during the past elections last month, has pro- bazooka strategy,” Tokyo-based Yoshiyuki Suzuki, the head of HINZO Abe is set to month. 20 years. posed establishing a fund run by Ikeda said in a telephone inter- fixed-income in Tokyo at Fukoku become the best friend of “I can’t imagine the US would Strategists are already paring the Bank of Japan, the Ministry view on January 10. “In order to Mutual Life Insurance Co., which investors in Treasuries be disappointed in Japan buying back bearish forecasts for US debt. of Finance and private investors have an impact on the dollar- has about $64.8bn in assets, said Sas Japan’s prime minis- Treasuries,” Jack McIntyre, a fund The 10-year Treasury yield will to buy foreign bonds. yen market, the size needs to be on January 8. ter buys US government bonds manager who oversees $34bn in rise to 2.27 percent by year end, He announced on January 11 a very big.” The yen may weaken Tradable Treasury debt to weaken the yen and boost his global debt at Brandywine Global according to the median predic- ¥10.3tn stimulus plan including to about 95 per dollar, Iwata, the amounted to $11tn at the end of nation’s slowing economy. Investment Management in tion of economists in a Bloomberg about ¥3.8tn for disaster preven- president of the Japan Center 2012, with weekly trading volume Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party Philadelphia, said in a Jan. 8 tel- survey. In July, the estimate was tion and reconstruction, aimed at for Economic Research, said at a in the securities among 21 pri- pledged to consider a fund to ephone interview. “The Fed’s been 2.7 percent. boosting gross domestic product forum in Tokyo on January 11. The mary dealers averaging $521.4bn, buy foreign securities that may doing all the heavy lifting.” Hiromasa Nakamura, a senior by about 2 percentage points and currency traded at 89.23 against Fed data show. amount to ¥50tn ($558bn) accord- Ten-year note yields fell three investor for Tokyo-based Mizuho creating about 600,000 jobs. its US counterpart, having ear- Japanese Finance Minister ing to Nomura Securities Co and basis points, or 0.03 percentage Asset Management Co, which The election handed the LDP lier fallen to 89.67, a level not seen Taro Aso said last week that his Kazumasa Iwata, a former Bank of point, to 1.84 percent at 1:07pm oversees the equivalent of $38bn, a political mandate to follow since June 2010. nation will buy bonds issued by the Japan deputy governor. JPMorgan London time, after touching 1.97 is more bullish. Ten-year Treasury through on its bond-purchase In an October report, Iwata said European Stability Mechanism to Securities Japan Co says the total percent on January 4, the high- yields will fall to a record low of plan, George Goncalves, the that a ¥50tn fund would enable weaken the yen. The nation hasn’t may be double that. The purchases est level since April. They have 1 percent by year-end as Japan head of interest-rate strategy at the BoJ to purchase foreign bonds decided on the amount, he said. would further weaken a currency risen 14 basis points, or 0.14 per- ramps up purchases, while the yen Nomura Securities International, to rein in the yen. Support for a new foreign-bond that has depreciated 12 percent in centage point, from the December falls to 90 per dollar, he said in an one of 21 primary dealers that The fund could be twice that fund isn’t universal. four months as the nation suffers 28 close, according to Bloomberg interview on January 11. Japan’s trade with the Fed, said in a size or more as “there’s no upper “I personally think it won’t hap- through its third recession since Bond Trader data. This year, buying “will be one of the positive January 8 telephone interview limit,” said Masaaki Kanno, pen,” said Naruki Nakamura, head 2008. US debt maturing in 10 years factors in the market.” from New York. “It’s a quantum the chief Japan economist for of fixed income at BNP Paribas The support would help Federal or longer ranked 125 out of 144 Abe said on Sunday he wants leap from doing central bank JPMorgan and a former BoJ offi- Investment Partners Japan in Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke indexes tracked by Bloomberg someone “who can push through easing in local markets to foreign cial. Abe can hold off on unveiling Tokyo, which has the equivalent damp yields after the worst start and the European Federation of bold monetary policy” as the next markets.” a large plan now until the next of $8.7 billion in assets. “There’s to a year since 2009, according Financial Analysts Societies. governor of the Bank of Japan Details of the bond fund weren’t time the currency starts to appre- no need to boost yen weakness. to the Bank of America Merrill The average Treasury 10-year when Masaaki Shirakawa steps announced. It might be targeted ciate, Kanno said by telephone on It’s a myth. I’m not sure the new Lynch US Treasury Index. note yield in 2012 was the low- down in April. at a variety of assets including January 11. administration wants unlimited Government bonds lost 0.5 percent est since at least World War II at He has demanded the central Treasuries, though the whole Whatever the foreign bond inflation,” he said in a telephone as improving economic growth in 1.79 percent, compared with the bank double its inflation target to amount may not even be deployed, fund’s amount, more than half interview on January 4. the US, Europe and China curbed 20-year mean of 4.73 percent. The 2 percent and engage in unlimited according to Yunosuke Ikeda, the will probably be funneled into WP-BLOOMBERG TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,639.68 0.52 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,542.98 0.06 % QE Total Return Index 11,692.61 0.52 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,074.78 0.57 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,015.58 1.11 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 4745.719 11.946 0.25 4770.2 4664.6 QE All Share Industrials 2,710.53 0.38 % QR195.9451 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 1,378.8 0.00 % Cac 40 Index/D 3723.61 17.59 0.47 3733.93 3683.82 UK ...... QR 5.8210 QR 5.9028 QE All Share Real Estate 1,631.55 0.07 % SILVER Euro ...... QR 4.8385 QR 4.9061 QE All Share Insurance 1,934.2 0.05 % Dj Indu Average 13488.43 17.21 0.13 13661.9 12035.1 QR 3.6171 QE All Share Telecoms 1,102.62 0.32 % CA$ ...... QR 3.6657 QR 3.7387 QE All Share Consumer Goods & Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 4,816.97 0.13 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9468 QR 3.0022 Services Hang Seng Inde/D 23413.26 149.19 0.64 23486.6 22860.25 Yen ...... QR 0.0404 QR 0.0412 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.8158 QR 3.8905 Iseq Overall/D 3479.35 -2.13 -0.06 3526.74 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0663 QR 0.0676 14-01-2013 13-01-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 16633.18 -1.53 -0.01 16935.52 16379.47 Index 8,639.68 8,684.72 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0371 QR 0.0378 Change 45.04 96.98 Nikkei 225 Index 10801.57 148.93 1.4 10743.69 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0888 QR 0.0906 % 0.52 1.10 $ 111.26 SL Re ...... QR 0.0286 QR 0.0292 YTD% 3.36 3.90 S&P 500 Index/D 1472.05 -0.07 0 1474.51 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0450 QR 0.0462 Volume 3,701,502 2,718,723 Straits Times/D 3206.59 -9.91 -0.31 3237.78 3186.28 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0416 QR 0.0424 Value (QAR) 245,422,504.13 151,938,362.93 $ 110.08 Trades 2,867 2,755 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4153 QR 0.4236 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 13 | Down 19 | Unchanged 08

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 14-01-2013

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A B G Infra-B/D 111.75 -0.85 3678 Chowgule St-B/D 19.6 0.15 2523 Himat Seide-B/D 40.7 0.65 19230 Kilburnengg-B/D 19.8 -0.2 2906 Radico Khait-B/D 146.1 3.6 69575 Imperial Tobac/D 2463 16 369443 A C C-A/D 1362.45 1.8 21390 Cimmco-B/D 43.95 -0.05 2358 Hind Motors-B/D 11.35 -0.11 322866 Kin.Motor-B/D 11.22 -0.25 10854 Rallis India-B/D 150.9 1.05 62699 Kingfisher/D 286.5 1.5 2197386 Aarti Drugs-T/D 233.65 4.75 2087 Cipla-A/D 416.2 -5.2 250351 Hind Org Chem-/D 18.85 -0.1 11794 Kinetic Eng-T/D 100 3.1 2165 Rallis India-B/D 150.9 1.05 62699 Land Secs Grou/D 835.112 3.5 229814 Aban Offs-B/D 384.4 7.1 61972 City Union Bk-/D 59.85 1.35 84483 Hind Unilever-/D 505.15 6.65 155477 Kopran-B/D 21 0.35 38660 Reliance Indus/D 469.75 7.4 144943 Legal & Genera/D 150.564 -0.6 6134957 Ador Welding-B/D 141.85 0.75 2314 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1371.25 36.4 48945 Hind.Petrol-A/D 330.5 4.6 242656 Lloyd Metal-B/D 15.4 -0.35 7356 Ruchi Soya-B/D 72 1.75 21541 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 55.31 1.26 95155565 Aegis Logis-B/D 185 2.6 21046 Colgate-A/D 1489.6 -12.05 9195 Hindalco-A/D 128.25 1.15 842677 Lloyd Steel-B/D 13.23 -0.02 34765 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 470.4 4.4 13525 Marks & Sp./D 368.388 -4.2 1701226 Alembic-B/D 16.95 -0.1 11226 Dai-Bichi Kar-/D 42.7 -0.95 2733 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 825.2 15.6 66923 Lloydsfin.-B/D 1.59 0.07 69703 Salora Inter-B/D 17.65 0.05 7957 Next/D 3965 -30 77718 Alkyl Amines-B/D 193.25 32.2 11086 Dcm Financia-B/D 1.73 -0.02 3500 I F C I-A/D 38.75 1.75 5488232 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 28.2 0.55 603623 Saur.Cem-B/D 26.05 -0.2 6233 Pearson/D 1190 -9 579949 Alok Indus-B/D 12.07 0.32 1391611 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 41.4 -0.45 7559 Idbi-A/D 115.85 1.85 319197 Lupin-A/D 578.8 -9 175594 Thirumalai-B/D 125.65 2.75 23953 Prudential/D 926.5 5 783692 Andhra Paper-B/D 287.35 -0.25 19163 Dhampur Sugar-/D 50.65 0.4 9074 Ifb Agro-B/D 195.05 1.55 1656 Lyka Labs-B/D 12.27 0.7 9786 Timexgroup-B/D 24.35 0.1 100770 Rank Group/D 146.336 -2 6805 Apollo Tyre-A/D 89.2 2.1 247822 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1912.55 18.7 92120 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 105.75 0.45 1665 Maha Scooter-B/D 515.6 -7.35 6883 Tinplate-B/D 52 0.4 9177 Rentokil Initi/D 91.65 0.55 523331 Asahi I Glass-/D 50.95 -0.8 10473 E I H-B/D 70.05 0.15 14229 India Cement-B/D 87.45 2.1 172642 Mangalam Cem-B/D 162.95 -1.2 11724 Ub Engineer-B/D 35.45 -0.45 19463 Rolls Royce Pl/D 897.5 7 1005177 Ashok Leyland-/D 26.95 0.35 341330 E.I.D Parry-B/D 193.9 -1.05 4389 India Glycol-B/D 165.2 -1.05 4657 Maral Overs-B/D 15.04 0.05 8377 Ub Engineer-B/D 35.45 -0.45 19463 Rsa Insrance G/D 127.3 -0.3 3826416 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1008.15 15.6 2404 Eicher Motor-A/D 2776.8 -23.5 6055 Indian Hotel-A/D 65 1.4 153005 Mastek-B/D 146.05 -2.95 14169 Ucal Fuel-B/D 68.65 -0.35 2258 Sainsbury(J)/D 326.2 2.2 1422104 Ballarpur In-B/D 22.85 0.1 52512 Electrosteel-B/D 27.35 0.25 1642259 Indusind-A/D 439.5 8.35 80194 Max India L-A/D 250.4 -1.05 11903 Ucal Fuel-B/D 68.65 -0.35 2258 Schroders/D 1873 54 94711 Bata India-A/D 857.9 3.05 27732 Emco-B/D 30.15 0.05 31757 J.B.Chemical-B/D 90.2 3 23789 Mrpl-A/D 65.95 0.65 88446 Ultramarine-B/D 54.7 2.45 14303 Severn Trent/D 1571 -2 106935 Bayer Crop-A/D 1222.6 6.4 1679 Escorts Fin-B/D 4.77 0.18 2113 Jagatjit Ind-B/D 68.3 0.9 3801 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 21.3 3.55 19642 Unitech P -A/D 40 1.8 8494500 Smith&Nephew/D 693.5 7 249677 Beml Ltd-B/D 277.4 1.8 16691 Escorts-B/D 72.5 0.45 185285 Jagson Phar-B/D 13.52 -0.12 2549 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 21.3 3.55 19642 Smiths Group/D 1222 9 161604 Bharat Bijle-B/D 560.9 6.6 1997 Essar Oil-A/D 73.25 3.95 858907 Jamnaauto-B/D 102.1 -0.25 2150 Nahar Spg.-B/D 83.3 6.75 43187 LONDON Standrd Chart /D 1687.5 7 1156376 Bharatgears-B/D 56.85 2.2 11638 Eveready Indu-/D 24.1 0.6 363919 Jbf Indu-B/D 123.7 -1.2 8322 Nation Alum -A/D 49.3 0.05 32446 Tate & Lyle/D 765 -4 428542 Bhartiya Int-T/D 183.75 6.55 56551 F D C-B/D 92.1 1.05 24679 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.7 0.03 105808 Navneet Pub.-B/D 65.1 0.75 53460 3I Group/D 241.826 -0.2 1567523 Tesco/D 351.188 -2.1 4279039 Bhel-A/D 229.3 2.15 390760 Federal Bank-A/D 519.85 12.55 39750 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.47 0.01 61271 Nepc India-B/D 2.82 -0.09 8135 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1506 -24 545556 Tomkins/D 0 0 0 Bom.Burmah-B/D 148.65 7.5 226906 Ferro Alloys-B/D 6.81 -0.08 57416 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 3.61 0.03 8629 Neuland Lab-B/D 122.55 -0.75 1655 B Sky B/D 776.5 -4 550493 Unilever/D 2390.3361 6 858020 Bombay Dyeing-/D 129.55 1.4 160244 Finolex-B/D 61.3 0.7 24275 Jik Indust-B/D 2.77 0.13 674415 Nrb Bearings-B/D 36.05 -0.2 2803 Barclays/D 300.075 0.4 19897889 United Util Gr/D 693.3327 -1 532455 Cable Corp.-B/D 22.85 -0.45 2340 Gail-A/D 369.95 6.2 19250 Jindal Drill-B/D 252 -0.05 1860 O N G C-A/D 304.5 12.5 484875 Bg Group/D 1048.5 -5 1890036 Vodafone Group/D 164.514 -0.65 16207931 Canfin Homes-T/D 180.05 2.25 13092 Galada Power-B/D 4.14 0.07 1951 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 122.8 1.7 6610 Ocl India-B/D 148.45 -0.55 2999 Bp/D 461.806 -0.25 6466002 Whitbread/D 2461 0 73941 Caprihans-B/D 50.5 -0.2 1398 Gammon India-B/D 40.25 0.55 19590 Jmc Projects-B/D 115.95 -1.3 1515 Oil Country-B/D 56 3.85 83682 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3162 15 969701 Castrol Ind-A/D 315.45 1.85 18744 Gangotri Tex-B/D 3.45 0.15 4695 Kajaria Cer-B/D 228.95 -3.6 9672 Onward Tech-T/D 43.4 1.05 13720 British Airway/D 276.4574 0 0 Century Enka-B/D 129.35 -1.65 11204 Garden P -B/D 63.9 0.5 3710 Kalpat Power-B/D 100.35 2.85 152215 Orchid Chem-B/D 99.95 1 98447 Bt Group/D 246.785 0.6 3277241 Century Text-A/D 423.55 6.4 68815 Goodricke-B/D 154.2 1.25 5995 Kalyani Stel-B/D 58.3 0.85 48774 Orient Hotel-B/D 23.15 -0.1 1794 Centrica/D 333.3278 -2.5 2329864 Chambal Fert-B/D 69.1 0.85 104086 Hcl Infosys-B/D 39.1 0.35 43836 Kanoria Chem-B/D 39.5 0 350311 Orient.Carb.-B/D 127.1 1 1388 Gkn/D 243.6 4.3 1603138 Chola Invest-B/D 281.6 -0.3 2828 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 10.16 0.12 358403 Kg Denim-T/D 15.17 0.08 4114 Orient.Carb.-B/D 127.1 1 1388 Hsbc Holdings/D 680.6 2.9 4685254 TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Rookie Henley opens PGA Tour career with victory American birdies last five holes to win by three shots

HONOLULU, HAWAII: but Henley, a two-time winner on at seven before Henley bogeyed Rookie Russell Henley launched the Web.com developmental tour the eighth to end a run of 50 holes PGA Tour Sony his US PGA Tour career with a last year, said it was not as easy without a bogey. record-setting victory yester- as he made it look. That was his only mis-step on Open Scores day, closing a seven-under par “It felt pretty hard,” Henley the day as Henley birdied seven HONOLULU, Hawaii: Final- 63 with five straight birdies for said. “That was definitely 10 times of his remaining 10 holes. round scores yesterday in the a three-shot win at the Sony as nervous as I’ve ever been.” Howell pulled within one stroke US PGA Tour $5.6m Sony Open. South Africa’s Tim Clark bird- of the lead with an eagle at the Open (USA unless noted, Henley, making his first start ied the final four holes, and seven ninth, and Clark applied the pres- par-70): as a member of the PGA Tour, of the last 11 overall, to match sure with three birdies in a row 256 Russell Henley 63-63-67-63 showed the poise of a veteran Henley’s 63. That left him in sole from the eighth. as he shattered the tournament possession of second place on But Henley held up, launch- 259 Tim Clark (RSA) 64-66-66-63 scoring record with his total of 21-under 259. ing his closing run of five birdies 263 Charles Howell 66-64-67-66, Scott 24-under-par 256. Scott Langley, a fellow rookie with a 43-foot birdie putt at the Langley 62-66-65-70 After setting both the 36- and who shared the overnight lead 14th. He converted a 12-footer for 264 Matt Kuchar 66-63-70-65, Brian 54-hole scoring marks for the with Henley, carded an even-par birdie at 15, and birdied 16 after Stuard 66-68-65-65, Chris Kirk 68- event -- the first full-field tourna- 70 and finished tied for third on making a recovery from the trees. 62-68-66 ment of the 2013 season -- Henley 17-under 263 with Charles Howell, When his eight-foot birdie putt 265 Jeff Overton 65-68-67-65 broke the 72-hole record by four who posted a 66. dropped at 18 Henley celebrated 266 Harris English 69-69-62-66, Marc strokes at Waialae Country Club. Henley and Langley, who with a fist pump. Leishman (AUS) 67-68-64-67, Dicky Henley, 23, also set a record shared low amateur honors at the Clark, the 2010 Players cham- Pride 68-67-64-67, Pat Perez 68-63- for the lowest 72-hole total by a 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach, pion who was hindered by an 67-68 rookie in PGA Tour history in a played together in all four rounds. elbow injury last year, said he 267 Shane Bertsch 69-67-65-66, Danny win that earned him an invitation They exchanged the lead over the was happy with the way he played, Lee (NZL) 66-66-66-69 to the Masters, the first major of first two rounds before emerging even if it did not yield a victory. the year scheduled for April 11-14 tied for the lead after 54 holes. “I’m very upbeat. He played 268 Josh Teater 70-68-65-65, Justin at Augusta National. Henley started fast with a very impressively today,” Clark Hicks 69-68-64-67, Scott Piercy He became the first rookie to two-foot birdie at the first, while said. “I certainly don’t feel like 64-64-72-68, Scott Gardiner (AUS) win his first start as a tour mem- Langley took a bogey. Langley fell I let it go, so I’m happy how I 68-64-65-71, Matt Jones (AUS) 66- Russell Henley poses with the Sony Open trophy after winning the final ber since Garrett Willis in 2001, a further stroke back with a bogey played.” AFP 68-64-70 round at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii, yesterday. More majors on Oosthuizen joins top-ranked contenders at Oosthuizen’s radar

Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in Doha LONDON: World number four Louis Oosthuizen’s swing leaves DOHA: Following his first joint runner-up at The Barclays Fichardt (2003) as a winner at commentators and fans purring European Tour win of 2013 in to Alvaro Quiros in August Doha Golf Club. with delight and after racking South Africa on Sunday, World of Spain. before finishing “I want to continue that form up his sixth European Tour win Number Four Louis Oosthuizen “I’ve played runner-up to this season and I’ll definitely on Sunday the only thing on the (pictured) is the second top five the Commercial McIlroy in the target a good result in Qatar, South African’s mind is winning player to confirm his participa- Bank Qatar Deutsche Bank although I know there will be a lot more majors. tion in the $2.5m Commercial Masters many Championship in of competition as there are some Oosthuizen ran away with the Bank Qatar Masters, which will times and I early September. great players there this year.” 2010 British Open to claim his be held at Doha Golf Club next know the course The father-of- Hassan Al Nuaimi, President first major title by seven shots week, from January 23-26. well. It’s a layout two continued his of the Qatar Golf Association, and while the 30-year-old has yet Along with World Number that suits my good form on the believes the field for this year’s to win in the United States, he is Five Justin Rose of England and game and I’ve European Tour Commercial Bank Qatar Masters eyeing another big trophy in 2013. World Number 11 Jason Dufner had some good to finish sixth at is shaping up to be one of the “It’s all going to come down to of the USA, the 30-year-old results there,” both the BMW strongest yet. the majors. If I can try and get South African adds further star said Oosthuizen, Masters and “Louis Oosthuizen is one of a major this year - one, or two appeal to The European Tour who has com- WGC - HSBC the world’s top players and it is even - then the difference will be event in Qatar as the winner of peted in Doha Champions in fantastic to confirm him along the majors, because it’s got the big the 2010 Open Championship seven times China, second with Justin Rose and Jason points,” Oosthuizen said after his and runner-up at last year’s from 2004, only at the Barclays Dufner. With other star players one-shot Volvo Golf Champions Masters Tournament, where he missing out in Singapore Open including Sergio Garcia, Martin victory. was pipped by Bubba Watson in 2007 and last – after lipping Kaymer and defending champion Oosthuizen moved up to a a dramatic playoff. year. April with a third-place finish at out with a putt Paul Lawrie all confirmed, spec- career-high fourth in the rank- Oosthuizen, who finished a “I was runner-up four years the Shell Houston Open in the during a playoff loss to Matteo tators are guaranteed a truly ings and immediately targeted a career-best third in the Race ago and I’m playing at a higher US, his impressive Masters per- Manassero – and fifth at the world-class event,” Al Nuaimi further rise. to Dubai last year behind Rory level now, so I should have a good formance and a three-stroke win season-ending DP World Tour said. “Even if I or Tiger or Luke play McIlroy and Rose, won the chance. I won my first event of at the Maybank Malaysian Open, Championship in Dubai. Paul Lawrie (1999, 2012) and really well, Rory is still playing Volvo Golf Champions in South 2013 and I’m really pleased with his second European Tour win of “I had a great 2012 overall. I Adam Scott (2002, 2008) are well. It will be tough to catch Africa on Sunday taking his sixth how I’m playing so far. Hopefully the season. had a couple of good wins in the the only two-time winners of him,” he said. European Tour win and reach- I can continue to build on my A series of high finishes around start of the year and then played the Commercial Bank Qatar “Top spot is a tough one. I ing a career-high fourth in the results from last year.” the world later in the season then really consistently in big events in Masters, while other champi- think Rory is far ahead, so if I can Official World Golf Ranking. Oosthuizen teed off last year’s elevated him to World Number the second part of the year,” said ons include multiple Major win- somehow get myself to number He will head to Qatar next European Tour by successfully Five by early December. In the Oosthuizen, who is seeking to join ners Ernie Els (2005) and Retief two then I can work on trying to week determined to go one bet- defending his title at the Africa US, he was fourth at the WGC - compatriots Retief Goosen (2007), Goosen (2007). get to number one.” ter than in 2009, when he finished Open. He then bloomed again in Bridgestone Invitational and fifth Ernie Els (2005) and Darren THE PENINSULA AFP Knicks sting Hornets Bryant stars in to end slide in NBA NEW YORK: Carmelo “They had a big quarter and Falcons’ victory Anthony scored 27 points and they kept having big strides after rookie Chris Copeland added that. We didn’t play as well.” ATLANTA, Georgia: Matt Francisco 49ers in the first of two 22 yesterday as the New York The Knicks got off to a slow Bryant kicked a 49-yard field games next Sunday with a Super Knicks beat New Orleans 100-87 start, and trailed 29-22 after the goal with eight seconds left as Bowl berth on the line. to snap a three-game National first quarter. the Atlanta Falcons thwarted a The 49ers advanced Saturday Basketball Association losing Then Anthony came alive, out- fourth-quarter surge by Seattle with a win over Green Bay. streak. scoring the entire Hornets team for a 30-28 second-round NFL In the late game yesterday, the Amare Stoudemire added 12 18-12 in the period. playoff victory yesterday. New England Patriots advanced points for the Knicks, who had A free throw by Anthony knot- The Falcons blew a 20-point to the American Conference five points and 14 rebounds from ted the score at 36 with 4:19 to second-half lead but man- championship game with a 41-28 Tyson Chandler on the way to play in the first half, and the aged to hold off upstart Seattle victory over Houston. ending the Hornets’ four-game Knicks never trailed after that. and advance to the National The Patriots will next face winning streak. “We were slow again out of the Conference championship game. the Baltimore Ravens who “They got into a flow. Carmelo box defensively, I thought,” Knicks “We knew coming into it, it edged Denver 38-35 in double got into a big flow in the second coach Mike Woodson said. was going to be tough. That’s a overtime. quarter and when he is flowing, “We’ve just got to start the very good defense” Ryan said of The conference champions will their whole team is flowing,” said game better. That’s what I’m con- Seattle. meet in the Super Bowl in New Eric Gordon, who led the Hornets cerned about right now.” “Luckily we made enough plays Orleans on February 3. with 22 points. Anthony said the Knicks were to come out with the win.” Yesterday’s win could prove to determined to tighten up on Quarterback Matt Ryan tossed be costly for the Patriots who fear defense after surrendering 29 three touchdown passes en route they may be without star tight NBA Results points to the Hornets in the open- to his first playoff victory for the end Rob Gronkowski for the rest NY Knicks 100 New Orleans 87 ing quarter. Falcons, who had lost their last of the playoffs after he left the Milwaukee 107 Toronto 96 “We came back to the huddle, four playoff contests. game in the first quarter with an at the end of the quarter, looked Running back Michael Turner arm injury. Brooklyn 97 Indiana 86 up and knew 29 points was defi- carried the ball 14 times for 98 Seattle rookie quarterback San Antonio 106 Minnesota 88 nitely too many points,” Anthony yards and fifth-year Falcons Russell Wilson looked poised Denver 116 Golden State 105 said. quarterback Ryan completed to continue his Cinderella run Oklahoma City 87 Portland 83 “We held them to 12, 13 points Andray Blatche (left) of the Brooklyn Nets attempts to score two past Ian 24-of-35 passes for 250 yards. Sunday but his sensational sea- Mahinmi of the Indiana Pacers at the Barclays Center in New York City, LA Lakers 113 Cleveland 93 and the game turned around from Atlanta, who are the No. 1 seed son ended with Bryant’s field there.” AFP yesterday. in the NFC, will host the San goal. AFP TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Djokovic begins Australian Open defence with easy win Sharapova advances with double bagel; home favourite Hewitt loses

MELBOURNE: Novak but Argentina’s Juan Monaco was temperatures which have gripped Djokovic served up only flashes the first seed to fall in the early Australia for the last couple of his best tennis on the open- evening and his 7-6 6-1 6-1 defeat of weeks, the Australian Open ing day of the Australian Open was as much down to hand and opened to a mild morning in but took a comfortable first step leg injuries as Russian Andrey Melbourne. on the path he hopes will lead to Kuznetsov. There was nothing mild an unprecedented hat-trick of Lleyton Hewitt did his best to about Sharapova’s demolition of titles at Melbourne Park in two produce another shock in front of Puchkova on Rod Laver Arena, Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia reacts weeks’ time. a partisan night crowd but eighth however, and the Russian pow- during his match against Lleyton Perhaps keeping energy in seed Janko Tipsarevic brought a ered her way into the second Hewitt of Australia at the Australian reserve for the battles that lie rapid end to the Australian’s 17th round in just 55 minutes. Open in Melbourne, yesterday. ahead, the world number one’s appearance at his home Open Firing winners at will, particu- Novak workmanlike 6-2, 6-4, 7-5 vic- with a 7-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory. larly off the forehand, the 2008 Djokovic tory over Frenchman Paul-Henri Serbian Djokovic only hit top champion showed no signs of the of Serbia Australian Open Mathieu yesterday summed up a gear twice in his match against collar bone injury that caused celebrates day where the year’s first Grand Mathieu - when he faced three her to pull out of the Brisbane match Results Slam failed to really fire. break points in the second set and warm-up. point in the MELBOURNE: Results from “It was a good performance for again when the third set looked “I was happy with the way first round day one of the Australian Open a first round,” said the top seed, destined for a tiebreak. I started, considering I didn’t match yesterday: who will play American Ryan On the first occasion he rustled play any matches coming in,” the against Women’s Singles Harrison in the second round. up three aces to get himself out 25-year-old said. “It was just one Paul-Henri First Round: Maria Sharapova (RUS x2) “There are some few adjust- of trouble and on the second, he of those matches where I didn’t Mathieu bt Olga Puchkova (RUS) 6-0, 6-0; Venus ments that I need to make and produced a couple of exceptional try to worry about her too much, of France, Williams (USA x25) bt Galina Voskoboeva get a little bit sharper on the winners to break the Frenchman I just tried to think about what I during the (KAZ) 6-1, 6-0; Li Na (CHN x6) bt Sesil court. But it’s expected in the and set up victory in an hour and had to do.” Karatantcheva (KAZ) 6-1, 6-3; Julia first match you’re still not a 100 42 minutes. Williams could meet Sharapova Australian Open in Goerges (GER x18) bt Vera Dushevina percent on the court.” “I felt I was in control of the in the third round and proved she (RUS) 7-5, 2-6, 6-4; Sorana Cirstea (ROM While Djokovic only roused match in the opening two sets might be a handful for the sec- Melbourne, Australia, x27) bt Coco Vandeweghe (USA) 6-4, 6-2; himself when necessary, Maria then he started playing better,” ond seed by winning 12 succes- Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) bt Sacha Jones yesterday. Sharapova was ruthless as she said Djokovic, who would set an sive games to beat Kazakh Galina (AUS) 6-3, 6-2; Romina Oprandi (SUI) bt swept aside any fears about her open era record with three suc- Voskoboeva 6-1, 6-0. Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 4-6, 7-5, 6-2; fitness with a thumping 6-0, cessive titles. It was 10 years ago that Olga Govortsova (BLR) bt Pauline Parmentier 6-0 win over compatriot Olga “It was tough to break. But Williams lost her only Australian (FRA) 2-6, 6-3, 6-2; Samantha Stosur (AUS Puchkova on Rod Laver Arena. in the end ... I made some good Open final to her sister Serena, x9) bt Chang Kai-chen (TPE) 7-6 (7/3), 6-3; American Venus Williams and shots and managed to go through who gets her campaign underway Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x4) bt Bojana China’s Li Na, both former losing straight sets.” today. Bobusic (AUS) 7-5, 6-0; Misaki Doi (JPN) finalists, also enjoyed emphatic With Andy Murray and Roger Pole Radwanska, winner of bt Petra Martic (CRO) 6-3, 6-4; Jelena wins to breeze into the second Federer not beginning their cam- back-to-back warm-up events Jankovic (SRB x22) bt Johanna Larsson round, while in-form fourth seed paigns until today and Rafa Nadal in Sydney and Auckland, battled (SWE) 6-2, 6-2; Klara Zakopalova (CZE Agnieszka Radwanska extended absent injured, yesterday was an through a tricky first set and x23) bt Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) 6-1, 6-2; her perfect start to the year to opportunity for those players whipped through the second to Ekaterina Makarova (RUS x19) bt Michelle 10 matches. just outside the elite of the men’s beat Australian wildcard Bojana Larcher De Brito 6-2, 7-5; Kirsten Flipkens Upsets are often the catalyst game to strut their stuff. Bobusic 7-5, 6-0. tennis, not only about technique, over Chang Kai-chen of Taiwan (BEL) bt Nina Bratchikova (RUS) 6-4, 6-3; that jolt a tournament into life David Ferrer duly continued Li lost to Radwanska in Sydney he’s also helping me get my mind yesterday. Heather Watson (GBR) bt Alexandra Cadantu the form which won him a fourth last week to end her own win- stronger on court,” Li said of “I desperately wanted to win (ROM) 2-6, 6-3, 6-2; Chan Yung-jan (TPE) Australian Open Auckland Open title on Saturday ning streak at eight matches, but Justine Henin’s former mentor out there today, but I didn’t nec- bt Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 6-1, 1-6, to beat Olivier Rochus 6-3, 6-4, the former French Open cham- Carlos Rodriguez. essarily feel it any more than my 6-1; Lucie Hradecka (CZE) bt Kiki Bertens Schedule - Day Two 6-2, while fifth seed Tomas pion continued to thrive under Mental fragility has contrib- first rounds in grand slams,” said (NED) 6-2, 7-6 (10/8); Vesna Dolonc (SRB) Berdych also progressed with a the guidance of her new coach uted to Sam Stosur’s poor show- the Australian, who was knocked bt Olivia Rogowska (AUS) 5-7, 7-5, 8-6; MELBOURNE: Order of 6-3 ,7-5, 6-3 win over American with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Sesil ings at her home Grand Slam out in the first round last year Stephanie Foretz Gacon (FRA) bt Camila play for show courts at the Michael Russell. Karatantcheva. and the ninth seed again failed and at her warm-ups in Brisbane Giorgi (ITA) 6-2, 6-3; Tamira Paszek (AUT Australian Open today (x Despite the record “He’s not only a teacher about to convince in her 7-6, 6-3 win and Sydney. REUTERS x30) bt Stefanie Voegele (SUI) 4-6, 6-4, 7-5; denotes seeding): Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x15) bt Ashleigh ROD LAVER ARENA Dimitrov slams Barty (AUS) 3-6, 6-0, 6-1; Zheng Jie (CHN) Federer reveals bt Zhang Yuxuan (CHN) 6-1, 3-6, 6-4; Marion 11:00 am (0000 GMT) Rebel Indian player Robin Haase (NED) vs Andy Murray (GBR x3) Bartoli (FRA x11) bt Anabel Medina Garrigues ‘privacy invasion’ (ESP) 6-2, 6-4; Valeria Savinykh (RUS) bt Followed by how he yearned Mandy Minella (LUX) 7-6 (7/4), 6-1; Irina- Victoria Azarenka (BLR) vs Monica over Sharapova surges into next round Camelia Begu (ROM) bt Arantxa Rus (NED) Niculescu (ROU) for Aussie move 6-4, 6-2; Maria Joao Koehler (POR) bt Karin Benoit Paire (FRA) vs Roger Federer (SUI x2) MELBOURNE: Tennis Knapp (ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-3; Angelique Kerber 7:00 pm great Roger Federer has MELBOURNE: Grigor MELBOURNE: A defiant (GER x5) bt Elina Svitolina (UKR) 6-2, 6-4; described how he almost Dimitrov has criticised interest Somdev Devvarman proved Bernard Tomic (AUS) vs Leonardo Mayer Alize Cornet (FRA) Marina Erakovic (NZL) moved to Australia as a child in his relationship with Maria yesterday the Indian Davis (ARG) 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 10-8; Madison Keys (USA) bt and broke down in tears when Sharapova as an invasion of pri- Cup team will be poorer for his Followed by Casey Dellacqua (AUS) 6-4, 7-6 (7/0); Mona the shift from Switzerland vacy and said the topic should absence as he surged into the Barthel (GER x32) bt Ksenia Pervak (KAZ) Yanina Wickmayer (BEL x20) vs Jarmila failed to happen. be off-limits. second round of the Australian 7-5, 2-6, 6-4. Gajdosova (AUS) The 17-time Grand Slam The 21-year-old suffered a Open. Men’s Singles HISENSE ARENA winner was 13 at the time and vastly different fate to the Russian Devvarman is one of 11 rebel First Round: Julien Benneteau (FRA x32) bt 11:00 am could have ended up playing starlet who won in straight sets players to make themselves una- under the Australian flag. over Olga Puchkova yesterday. vailable for India’s Asia/Oceania Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 6-4, 6-2, 6-4; Xavier Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x10) vs Sabine Malisse (BEL) bt Pablo Andujar (ESP) 6-3, Lisicki (GER) “I remember that period Dimitrov lost 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 Group I tie against South Korea. quite vividly actually and it to veteran Frenchman Julien He ignored a bitter dispute 6-1, 6-2; Kei Nishikori (JPN x16) bt Victor Followed by would have been a life-changer, Benneteau. with the Indian governing body to Hanescu (ROM) 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-1, 6-3; Serena Williams (USA x3) vs Edina Gallovits- no doubt about it,” he said in Hype followed Dimitrov to defeat Germany’s world number Nicolas Almagro (ESP x10) bt Steve Johnson Hall (ROU) Melbourne. his outside court, partly because 78 Bjorn Phau 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 in a (USA) 7-5, 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 6-7 (6/8), 6-2; Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x7) vs Michael He said his father went word had spread that he was commanding performance. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI x15) bt Cedrik- Llodra (FRA) Marcel Stebe (GER) 6-2, 6-4, 6-3; Guillaume on several business trips to Sharapova’s new flame, and Devvarman, along with Yuki India’s Somdev Devvarman Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG x6) vs Adrian Australia and was offered a job partly because he has uncanny Bhambri and Sanam Singh, Rufin (FRA) bt Julian Reister (GER) 4-6, 7-6 reacts during his match against (7/4), 6-1, 6-2; Tomas Berdych (CZE x5) bt Mannarino (FRA) in Australia by a pharmaceu- similarities in technique and flair boycotted Davis Cup with eight Germany’s Bjorn Phau at the MARGARET COURT ARENA tical company and they were to 17-time major-winner Roger others after claiming demands Michael Russell (USA) 6-3, 7-5, 6-3; Edouard Australian Open in Melbourne, Roger-Vasselin (FRA) bt Ruben Bemelmans 11:00 am seriously debating a permanent Federer. made to the All India Tennis yesterday. move. “I don’t think it’s a distraction,” Association had not been met. (BEL) 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 2-6, 7-5, 11-9; Ryan Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) vs Sara Errani His father asked the family Dimitrov said of interest in his They included Davis Cup teams Harrison (USA) bt Santiago Giraldo (COL) (ITA x7) if they wanted to go. personal life. “I just believe I am to ensure adequate practice part- the players on the Indian tennis 2-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-4; Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) vs Petra Kvitova “I was like: ‘Yeah, let’s go. I’m here to be on the court. I am not ners, and the decision-making scene, pretty much, are on really bt Adrian Ungur (ROM) 6-4, 6-4, 6-2; Carlos (CZE x8) ready to go to Australia and here to speak about my private process for choosing the surface good terms with each other,” he Berlocq (ARG) bt Maxime Authom (BEL) 1-6, Sloane Stephens (USA x29) vs Simona live there,’” said Federer. life. and venue for home ties to involve said. 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4), 6-2; Daniel Gimeno- Halep (ROU) “Then he was, like: ‘No, we “People love gossip. Who the selected players. “As far as the players are con- Traver (ESP) bt Lukasz Kubot (POL) 6-7 (4/7), Marinko Matosevic (AUS) vs Marin Cilic have too many friends here, our doesn’t? But I believe it’s a pri- They also want team manage- cerned, we know we’re trying to 6-4, 6-0, 4-6, 6-4; Fernando Verdasco (ESP (CRO x12) roots are here now and I don’t vacy invasion. I don’t think that’s ment to include a physiotherapist do the best thing for ourselves and x22) bt David Goffin (BEL) 6-3, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4; Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Paul- 7:00 pm think we should go.’ right. It’s not because we’re dif- and coach and a revised agree- our country and give future play- Henri Mathieu (FRA) 6-2, 6-4, 7-5; Jurgen Gael Monfils (FRA) vs Alexandr Dolgopolov “I remember when he told ferent, but because it’s not right ment for the distribution of Davis ers the best conditions. It’s chal- me this, I cried. I was like: ‘No, to athletes in general. It should be Cup prize money. lenging but it’s a good time and Melzer (AUT x26) bt Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) (UKR x18) 6-1, 6-1, 6-2; Andrey Kuznetsov (RUS) bt SHOW COURT 2 I can’t believe it,’” he said yes- forbidden to even be asked but it “I’ve been enjoying the dis- it’s not playing with my mind at terday. AFP is what it is, right?” he said yes- pute, speaking honestly. It’s the all. It’s great, actually.” he added Juan Monaco (ARG x11) 7-6 (7/3), 6-1, 6-1; 11:00 am terday. AFP first time in a long time that all yesterday. AFP Feliciano Lopez (ESP) bt Arnau Brugues-Davi Vania King (USA) vs Maria Kirilenko (RUS (ESP) 6-3, 6-2, 6-4; Brian Baker (USA) bt x14) Alex Bogomolov Jr (RUS) 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 6-7 Followed by A spectator (0/7), 3-6, 6-2; Mikhail Youzhny (RUS x23) bt Matthew Ebden (AUS) 4-6, 6-7 (0/7), 6-2, James Duckworth (AUS) vs Benjamin watches Agnieszka 7-6 (7/4), 6-3; Tim Smyczek (USA) bt Ivo Mitchell (AUS) Radwanska of Poland playing against Karlovic (CRO) 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5; Somdev Albert Montanes (ESP) vs Richard Gasquet Devvarman (IND) bt Bjorn Phau (GER) 6-3, Bojana Bobusic of (FRA x9) 6-2, 6-3; Tobias Kamke (GER) bt Flavio Australia during their Jamie Hampton (USA) vs Urszula Cipolla (ITA) 6-1, 6-4, 6-1; Sam Querrey (USA Radwanska (POL x31) first round match x20) bt Daniel Munoz-De La Nava (ESP) 6-7 SHOW COURT 3 at the Australian (2/7), 6-4, 6-2, 6-4; Tatsuma Ito (JPN) bt 11:00 am Open in Melbourne, John Millman (AUS) 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 0-6, 7-5; Australia, yesterday. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) vs Lourdes Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) bt Fabio Fognini RIGHT: Russia’s Maria Dominguez Lino (ESP) (ITA) 6-0, 2-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1; Lukas Lacko Sharapova serves (SVK) bt Gilles Muller (LUX) 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 Followed by to compatriot Olga (7/3); David Ferrer (ESP x4) bt Olivier Rochus Milos Raonic (CAN x13) vs Jan Hajek (CZE) Puchkova in their (BEL) 6-3, 6-4, 6-2; Janko Tipsarevic (SRB Melanie Oudin (USA) vs Laura Robson (GBR) first round women’s x8) bt Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) 7-6 (7/4), 7-5, Tommy Haas (GER x19) vs Jarkko Nieminen singles match. 6-3; Jerzy Janowicz (POL x24) bt Simone (FIN) Bolelli (ITA) 7-5, 6-4, 6-3. TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Anti-Pakistan protests Qatar go down fighting threaten to derail Indian to Macedonia in Handball hockey league MUMBAI: A new franchise- based Indian hockey league faces the prospect of being forced out Handball World Championship: Brave Tunisians win against Germany of Mumbai after heightened regional political tensions led to protests against Pakistani play- SEVILLA: Tunisia caused the profit from a huge number of ers competing in the IPL-style major sensation at the Men’s Macedonian mistakes and missed event yesterday. World Championship in Spain by chances in attack. Following the latest outbreak beating 2007 World Champion And suddenly the Macedonian of violence in disputed Kashmir, Germany while Macedonia advance melted goal by goal – and around 100 workers of the hard- nearly stumbled against Qatar. the Spanish spectators started to line right-wing Shiv Sena party The African champions one day cheer for the Qataris, hoping for protested at a stadium where after their close 30-28 over Chile a big sensation. the Mumbai Magicians team, registered yet another nail bitting Macedonian coach Zvonko who have four Pakistani players 34-30 win over Qatar yesterday. Shundovski took two time-outs in in their squad, were practising. With two wins in two days only five minutes, but he could not The players had to be whisked Macedonia are on a clear way to wake up his team, which played away and the team subsequently reach the quarter-finals. like in lethargy despite the great left Mumbai yesterday for New Macedonia did not show a per- support from the stands. Delhi, where the inaugural match fect performance in the second With goalkeeper Mohsin Yafai of the five-team Hockey India match, but were able to gain their clearly improving compared to League (HIL) will be held. second victory in Spain but were the opening stage, Qatar flew on Local organisers are unsure if close to get blamed by the 2015 the wing of success. they will be able to hold the fran- World Championship hosts. In only eight minutes they chise’s home matches in Mumbai if The Europeans had a splendid reduced the gap from 17-26 to Pakistani players remain in the side. start, scoring their first 15 goals 26-28 and still had ten minutes “It does not depend any longer from 15 attempts, while the Qatari until the end. But finally the on the HIL and the players. It will defence could not stop the power- Europeans got themselves out now depend on the government of ful Macedonian shooters like top of the mess, still not doing more India’s stand and the government star Kiril Lazarov, who scored six than they must, but extending the of Maharashtra’s stand,” Ram of his in total nine goals before gap to five goals again to 32-27 Singh Rathor, the secretary of the break. The consequence was a backed by the late saves of goal- Mumbai Hockey Association, said. ten-goal difference at 16-6 already keeper Borko Ristovski. “I think it will be a very difficult after 20 minutes. But Qatar could feel like a lit- situation if we have to play with But then the Macedonians hit tle winner despite their second the Pakistani players in Mumbai.” the break hard, lost their con- defeat, as they not only improved The Mumbai police said they centration and allowed Qatar to clearly in contrast to their opener had beefed up security at the reduce the gap to 13-21 at the against Denmark 27-41. practice venue after they became break. Earlier, a brilliant goalkeeper aware of the protests. Spectators who thought the Marouane Magaiez, an out- “No players are there in Europeans could manage to standing fighting spirit until the Mumbai currently. We will return to their usual style in the end and the eight goals of Wael hold discussions with the HIL second half were proved wrong. Jallouz paved the way for the first Qatar’s pivot Mahmoud Osman (centre) vies with Macedonia’s centreback Filip Mirkulovski (left) during their and understand their plans and The Asian runners-up stood Tunisian victory in Spain. Handball World Championship preliminary round Group B match at the Palacio de Deportes San Pablo in Sevilla, make arrangements accordingly,” brave in defence and took the THE PENINSULA yesterday. Ravindra Shishve, the deputy commissioner of police (Zone-I), said. “It is too premature for me Shooting: Qatar’s Kholoud Nasser Al Khalaf wins gold in Kuwait to speak about the details of the Australia arrangements.” India and Pakistan have fought three wars since inde- pendence in 1947, two of them over review urges the Himalayan region of Kashmir. Shiv Sena, who dug up the Wankhede Stadium pitch in drug test 1991 on the eve of a test match between the two countries, called expansion for the players’ visas be cancelled. “We will not allow Pakistani players or artists to perform SYDNEY: An independent here,” Rahul Narvekar, a spokes- review of cycling in Australia person for the Hindu right-wing yesterday recommended that party, said. officials extend drug testing The city was also omitted as a and establish an ethics panel in venue last month when Pakistan the wake of the doping scandal toured India for its first bilateral surrounding US rider Lance cricket series in seven years. Armstrong. Mumbai is scheduled to hold its The government ordered first HIL match on Sunday but the report in November after Rathor said that the issue needed Armstrong was accused of being to be discussed at the highest part of the most sophisticated level of administration before doping programme in the sport’s they could proceed. “Yesterday history and two senior Australian was only a practice session, so cycling figures made admissions we could manage it. But what will related to doping. “People want we do if such things happen when to see cycling in Australia cleaned the whole stadium is packed with up, they want their confidence Qatar’s women shooting team which took part in the Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah Shooting Championship in Kuwait pose for a picture. Qatar’s Kholoud spectator. It is not only a ques- restored,” Sport Minister Kate Nasser Al Khalaf won the gold medal of Trap Competition while Amna Musaaed Al Abdullah clinched the silver medal of the same event. In trap tion for the players but it has to Lundy said as she released the team event, a Qatari team including Amna Al Abdullah, Kholoud Al Khalaf and Nawal Al Khalaf occupied the second place. On the other hand, Nasra deal with the safety and security report, which contains 16 wide- Mohammad claimed the gold of Pistol Event while Dina Khamis Al Tebaishi grabbed the silver of Skeet Competition. Furthermore, the Qatari rifle of the crowd also,” Rathor added. ranging recommendations. AFP team, which included Bahya Al Hamad, Aysha Al Mutawa and Aysha Al Suwaidi, occupied the first place and took the gold medal of rifle team event. REUTERS FIVB ties up with UN for youth camp in Qatar

DOHA: A United Nations (UN) Lynne Beattie, opened the camp inaguaral ceremony. The FIVB Youth Leadership Camp which yesterday Heroes Campaign plays a pri- seeks to bring about a change The camp will focus on volley- mary role in the UNOSDP Youth in society using sport as tool ball fundamentals and workshops Leadership Camp, helping inspire kicked off at Aspire Academy besides community development a new generation of athletes and here yesterday. and peace. fans. FIVB Hero and captain of The Fédération Internationale FIVB Instructor, Sherif El Great Britain’s women’s national de Volleyball (FIVB) and FIVB Shemerly will facilitate the ses- volleyball team captain Beattie, Heroes are partners in the pro- sions, both theoretical and prac- reinforced FIVB’s commitment to gramme which targets youth tical, to help equip these youth the values of the UNOSDP Youth leaders in sports. leaders with the knowledge and Leadership Camp. The governing body for volley- skills needed for them to initiate “I think this is an absolutely ball is a key partner in the Camp grass roots programmes in their fantastic initiative. Sport can be which runs until January 24. home countries. a very powerful thing to bring The 11-day Camp is organised by Thirty youth leaders aged 18 people and communities together. the United Nations Organisation to 25 have been selected by the Sport serves the purpose of keep- on Sport for Development and UNOSDP to participate in the ing people fit, but more impor- Peace (UNOSDP) and is hosted camp, including 18-year old, tantly, it’s fun and can enhance by Right to Play and the Aspire FIVB-nominated Ahmed Sameh one’s self-confidence and encour- Dome. Ahmed Zaki from Egypt. age positive relationships. But it The programme, which is Ahmed has played volleyball needs people to drive it… people on into its fourth year, provides an since he was just three years the ground, in the heart of their opportunity to bring together 35 old and is delighted to have the communities. The young leaders youth aged 18-25 from Africa and opportunity to take part. participating in this camp have the Middle East who are actively “I’m so thrilled and excited, the potential to inspire an unbe- involved in sport. because I believe I can really lievable number of people back Wilfried Lemke (left), Under-Secretary-General for United Nations Organisation on Sport for Development As part of a global partnership learn some useful skills from home, bringing them together and and Peace (UNOSDP) speaking during the inaugural ceremony of the United Nations (UN) Youth Leadership with the United Nations (UN) the coaches and other partici- positively impacting their com- Camp which began at Aspire Academy yesterday. The Camp will end on January 24. Also seen are Fédération signed in late 2011, the FIVB, pants that will benefit my com- munity,” Beattie said. Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Instructor, Sherif El Shemerly (right) and FIVB Hero and captain of Great Britain’s with the support of FIVB Hero munity,” said Ahmed during the THE PENINSULA women’s national volleyball team captain Beattie. PICTURE BY: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Real under more pressure Barca ease past Malaga than United to The Catalans set new record; Atletico Madrid beat Real Zaragoza 2-0 succeed, says

MADRID: Barcelona set a new with the Champions League and star Ronaldo record for the best-ever start the Spanish Cup to think about to a La Liga season on Sunday as well,” said Barca coach Tito night when a 3-1 win at Malaga Vilanova. MADRID: Real Madrid’s anxi- allowed them to remain 11 “We have Atletico 11 points ety to win a 10th European points clear of Atletico Madrid behind us and we have to go there Cup puts them under greater and 18 in front of Real Madrid. and to Real Madrid so we can’t pressure to succeed than Ballon d’Or winner Messi just stop now, we have to keep Manchester United when scored for a ninth successive going.” they meet in the last 16 of the league game and then sup- Willy Caballero in the Malaga Champions League, Cristiano plied Cesc Fabregas and Thiago goal was determined to show why Ronaldo said yesterday. Alcantara for the second and his side have the best defensive The Spanish champions host third goals. He now has 28 for La record in La Liga and he robbed the first leg on February 13 with Liga season. the ball from Messi’s foot when the return at Old Trafford on Barcelona have 55 points from it seemed the Argentinian would March 5 and, with the defence of 19 games with 18 wins and a draw, dance round him to open the their league title faltering, suc- breaking the previous mark for scoring on seven minutes. cess in Europe is taking on even the halfway stage of the campaign He was alert again to block at greater significance. which they set at 52 points in the the feet of Pedro Rodriguez but “I think there’s more pres- 2010-2011 season. he could do nothing when Messi sure at Madrid than at United,” “We’re very happy to get 55 intercepted a poor back pass from the Portugal forward, who was out of 57 points, but logically it Ignacio Camacho on 27 minutes named World Player of the Year will be difficult to repeat that and cut back to avoid the advanc- as a United player in 2008, told ing keeper, before sliding the ball www.fifa.com. home for the opener. “I’ve been here for 3-1/2 years Spanish League The home side, who started the now and I think that’s the case day in fourth spot, were strug- because everyone involved is Results gling to create chances and it totally focused on winning the wasn’t until a Roque Santa Cruz club’s 10th European Cup. MADRID: Spanish league glancing header on 37 minutes “That creates a certain amount results on Sunday: that Victor Valdes was first called of anxiety, which can be felt at Real Betis 2 (Campbell 7, Ruben Castro 63) into action in the Barca goal. all times. Levante 0 Fabregas doubled the lead five “We haven’t started the cham- Real Sociedad 1 (Vela 45) Deportivo La minutes into the second period Barcelona’s Thiago Alcantara (second right) is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring a goal against Malaga pionship very well for sure. We Coruna 1 (Pizzi 27) when Messi found the former during their Spanish First Division match at La Rosaleda Stadium in Malaga, southern Spain, on Sunday night. know that La Liga’s an uphill Atletico Madrid 2 (Tiago 31, Falcao 38-pen) Arsenal captain with a perfectly struggle for us now, but nothing’s Real Zaragoza 0 weighted chip on the left hand impossible in football. There’s the Malaga 1 (Buonanotte 89) Barcelona 3 side of the area. Tiago Cardoso got a header home from the penalty spot after clever turn and drive for his 11th Champions League and the King’s (Messi 27, Fabregas 50, Thiago 82) He still had a lot to do but with and Radamel Falcao hit a penalty Arda Turan’s surging run was league goal of the season. Cup too. There’s plenty for us to Played on Saturday a simple left foot control and right for the win that means Atletico halted by Zaragoza’s Romanian Ten man Deportivo La Coruna, win this season,” the Portuguese footed shot he slid the ball past stretch their lead over Real full-back Cristian Sapanaru. who had Evaldo dismissed with said. Valladolid 3 (Ebert 21, 90+3, Oscar 88) Caballero. Madrid to seven points. That makes it 18 league goals almost 30 minutes remaining, A 0-0 draw at lowly Osasuna Real Mallorca 1 (Victor 38) Substitute Thiago wrapped Real could only draw 0-0 at for the season for the Colombian. held on for an important 1-1 on Saturday left Jose Mourinho’s Espanyol 1 (Sergio Garcia 24) Celta Vigo 0 things up with a left-footed drive Osasuna on Saturday. Betis moved above Malaga into draw at Real Sociedad that keeps side 18 points adrift of unbeaten Osasuna 0 Real Madrid 0 after exchanging passes with Atletico controlled the game fourth position and a Champions the Galician side a point ahead La Liga leaders Barcelona in third Valencia 2 (Soldado 50, 88) Sevilla 0 the Argentinian with eight min- from start to finish and their League berth with a 2-0 win at of Osasuna at the bottom of the place. Played on Friday utes to play before Buonanotte’s early pressure finally paid off on home to Levante. table. Their biggest deficit on their Athletic Bilbao 1 (Dominguez 77) Rayo consolation. 31 minutes when Tiago powerfully Costa Rican forward Joel They went ahead with a Pizzi arch-rivals in a 20-team league Vallecano 2 (Bangoura 48, Piti 65-pen) Atletico Madrid made it 10 headed home a Gabi corner at the Campbell, on-loan from Arsenal, goal midway through the first was in the 1987/88 season when Playing on Monday wins out of 10 at home this sea- near post to break the deadlock. hit the first on seven minutes period but Carlos Vela equalised Real trailed Barca by 21 points son with a 2-0 victory over Real The lead was doubled six min- before Ruben Castro wrapped for Sociedad with a well hit, curled at the midway point of that cam- Getafe vs Granada (1900 GMT) Zaragoza. utes later when Falcao blasted up the win on 63 minutes with a shot just before the break. AFP paign. REUTERS

Laher stars as Basketball: Eljaish beat Al Sadd Clarke returns to Australia Flamin’Go beat squad for Sri Lanka ODIs QP Dukhan SYDNEY: Skipper Michael dismissed for 170 leaving Sri don’t release it. We have done DOHA: Bogs Laher’s five suc- Clarke returned yesterday Lanka to win at a canter by eight that with our bowlers. We want cessive shots at the 15-foot line to the one-day squad to lead wickets with 59 balls remaining to play our guys all the time, in the third quarter proved to be Australia after a thrashing by at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday with the amount of cricket we the turning point as Flamin’Go Sri Lanka and an ear-bash- night. play these days it’s impossible to beat QP Dukhan 77-58 to reg- ing over selection policy from Phillip Hughes was the only keep the guys on the park every ister their first victory in the An Al Sadd player former stars. member of the Test XI who single game,” he said to reporters semi-final rounds at the Class tries to score a basket Quick bowlers Mitchell played in Adelaide. yesterday. B of Subaru Cup 2012 of Pinoy during his side’s Qatar Johnson and Mitchell Starc were The tabloid Sydney Telegraph “The constant thought that Basketball Qatar. Basketball League match also brought back in after being called the selectors “trigger sports scientists are picking the Elsewhere in other matches against Eljaish at Al withdrawn as a precaution to happy”, adding “Australia’s team is so far way off the mark in the Pinoy Basketball Qatar Gharafa Sports Stadium protect niggling minor injuries. controversial rotation policy it’s frightening. competition, newcomer CEG yesterday. Eljaish won Opener David Warner and appeared to affect the national “Whenever we make those International also foiled the high 65-63. keeper Matthew Wade completed team’s performance in last decisions, we make those deci- hopes of veteran KIA Motors in the list of big guns coming back night’s defeat.” sions with a lot of thought into the other semi-final game that after a rest for the third and Australia did put Sri Lanka to how we are going to use that took place. fourth one-dayers in Brisbane the sword in the opening match quick bowler and when we are CEG International captured on Friday and Sydney on Sunday. of the five-game series that began going to use that quick bowler.” a 92-88 victory, led by Ryan National selector John on Friday with a 107-run victory. Former fast bowler Geoff Feliciano. Inverarity also unveiled Moises But coach Mickey Arthur Lawson called yesterday for Feliciano played an important Henriques as the latest new- sensed the mood after Sunday’s Australia to field their best team, role who contributed eight of comer to get his chance. thrashing and went on the while Brett Lee has hit out at the his 21 points in the crucial last “Moises Henriques also comes attack. rotation policy as cheapening the quarter. into the squad as a genuine all- He said he was “sick and tired” value of an Australia cap. It was a big blow for KIA rounder whose bowling will be of misinformation that Australia Former skipper Ian Chappell Motors after Arjen Tolentino suited to conditions often found has a pace bowling rotation policy charged Cricket Australia with was slapped with a technical foul at the Gabba,” Iverarity said. after using 10 quicks this south- creating “more confusion than an for wearing improper uniform “Moises is a young man who ern summer. algebra Test”. compounded by another reliable QBF signs MoU with EBF has shown promise for some “It’s either very naive or just Australian squad: Australia: player who never showed up in years with both the bat and the a little bit stubborn that people Michael Clarke (captain), George the game that added problems for ball. This will be an opportunity don’t understand what we’re Bailey, Xavier Doherty, Moises coach Boyet Gamba. for him to impress as we look for doing,” Arthur said. Henriques, Phillip Hughes, David In another game that was a good seam bowling all-rounder.” “The example I have used is Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Glenn played on the sidelights of the The selection policy came in Black Caviar, when he goes and Maxwell, Clint McKay, Mitchell Qatar Basketball League, Dukhan for stinging criticism yesterday runs a horse race, if they don’t Starc, Matthew Wade, David Ballers escaped a narrow victory, after a second-string side were feel he’s 100 per cent right, they Warner. AFP 75-74, over NATSCO Garage. Both squads fought hard in the first two periods with the Group 1 BCCI changes leaders, Dukhan taking the driv- Hafeez demands more er’s seat, 37-35, at the half-time break. India, Australia The Group 2 leaders NATSCO climbed back in contention to Tests for Pakistan series schedule grab the upper hand in their match at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. KARACHI: Pakistan player I believe players only develop by NATSCO looked like they were of the year Mohammad Hafeez playing Test matches,” Hafeez told NEW DELHI: The venue of heading for a win as they posted a wants his cricket board to reporters yesterday. the first Test for the four-match 7-point margin at 70-63, with 3:20 schedule more Test matches for “It is unfortunate we get less India, Australia series has been to go in the match. the national team. Test matches. Last year we played changed the Indian cricket The Ballers, however, sub- Pakistan are restricted after three Tests in January and than board announced yesterday. dued their foes’ offensive in the rival teams refused to tour the three in June-July. Now we are The revised schedule: homestretch. country following a gun attack going to South Africa. We will be First Test: February 22-26, The Ballers banked on 12-4 Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) President Sheikh Saoud bin on the Sri Lanka squad in 2009 playing Tests after a gap of nearly Chennai run to pick up their seventh win Abdulrahman Al Thani (centre) hands a memento to Egyptian Basketball but the national Twenty20 cap- six months which is hard on us.” Second Test: March 2-6, in eight outings and fortify their Federation (EBF) President Dr Magdi Abou Frekha (right) at the Qatar tain still believes more Tests are Pakistan whitewashed England Hyderabad hold of top spot in Group 1. Olympic Committee Headquarters. QBF signed a Memorandum of possible. in three Tests in January and Third Test: March 14-18, The result meant that NATSCO Understanding (MoU) with the EBF. Sheikh Saoud said the agreement “I would ask the board to take February last year in their tem- Mohali absrobed their second setback in will strengthen the relations between the two federations as well as up this issue and try to schedule porary home of the United Arab Fourth Test: March 22-26, eight matches this season. enhancing the level of basketball in both countries. more Test matches for us because Emirates. REUTERS New Delhi. IANS THE PENINSULA Tuesday 15 January 2013 3 Rabial I Safar 1434 Volume 17 Number 5580 Sport Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 NHL players South Africa secure series win back to work The hosts win second Test by an innings and 193 runs on fourth day as training camps open PORT ELIZABETH, South Scoreboard “But there has to be an Africa: Fast bowlers Dale Steyn acknowledgement of the differ- and Morne Morkel used the South Africa (I innings): ...... 525/8 decl ence in class between the two LOS ANGELES: NHL training second new ball to devastat- New Zealand (I innings): ...... 121 teams.” camps opened yesterday, draw- ing effect as South Africa com- New Zealand (II innings): New Zealand were bowled out ing large crowds of fans in some pleted victory by an innings and M Guptill b Kleinveldt ...... 48 half an hour before lunch on the cities and revealing the changes 197 runs on the fourth day of the B McCullum lbw Peterson ...... 11 fourth day as South Africa com- underway as the 30 teams pre- second and final Test against K Williamson b Peterson ...... 11 pleted a 2-0 series victory. pare for the start of the lockout- New Zealand at St George’s D Brownlie c De Villiers b Kallis ...... 53 They won the first Test in shortened season on Saturday. Park yesterday. D Flynn c De Villiers b Kleinveldt ...... 0 Cape Town by an innings and The reigning Stanley Cup Man-of-the-Match Steyn took B Watling b Steyn ...... 63 27 runs. Dean Brownlie and BJ champion Los Angeles Kings three for 48 and Morne two for C Munro c Petersen b Morkel ...... 15 Watling put on 98 for the fifth began their quest to repeat by 36 as New Zealand were bowled D Bracewell c Peterson b Morkel ...... 0 wicket before Brownlie was walking past a replica of the out for 211. N Wagner c De Villiers b Steyn ...... 4 caught behind off Jacques Kallis Stanley Cup as they headed to They needed only a combined T Boult c Peterson b Morkel ...... 3 for 53 in the tenth over of the the ice at Staples Center arena. 34 deliveries to take the last five J Patel (not out) ...... 0 day. Just moments before the first wickets. Steyn took five for 17 in Extras (LB-2, W-1) ...... 3 The new ball was taken three practice the players learned the first innings and had match Total (all out) ...... 211 overs later and the rest of the that teammate Kevin Westgarth figures of eight for 65. Fall of wickets: 1-40, 2-64, 3-84, 4-84, batsmen folded quickly. had been traded to the Carolina South Africa captain Graeme 5-182, 6-203, 7-203, 8-204, 9-207. Colin Munro was caught Hurricanes. Smith said that he had been Bowling: Steyn 15.4-2-48-3; Morkel 16-6- at third slip off Morkel in the “We lived together in pleased by the standard of cricket 36-2 (1w); Kleinveldt 15-8-44-2; Peterson first over with the new ball and Manchester (when on the Kings’ his team had played over the 26-13-47-2; Kallis 9-3-18-1; Smith 1-0-10- Watling’s defiant innings ended farm team),” said Stanley Cup series as they strengthened their 0; Petersen 4-0-6-0. when he was bowled by Steyn for finals Most Valuable Player position as the world’s top-ranked Result: South Africa won by an innings and 63 in the next over. Jonathan Quick, who had off- Test nation. 197 runs. Watling and Brownlie were season back surgery. “He is a close “We’ve had to work hard to get Man-of-the-Match: Dale Steyn (RSA). among the few players to shine friend. I wish him the best.” into this position and it’s nice to Series: South Africa won the two-match se- for New Zealand in a one-sided Forward Dustin Penner said keep playing well and it’s been a ries 2-0. series. getting back on the ice with his wonderful two Test matches for Brownlie made a century in teammates made him feel like his us,” Smith said at the post-match the second innings in the first old self again. presentation. Bar a couple of dropped catches in innings, while Watling made “It is nice to have a routine and “They (the wins) were very the first Test I thought our cricket 63 in both innings in Port a bit of meaning to our lives now,” professional and both were very was of a very high standard. Elizabeth. Penner said. “It is right back to South Africa’s Hashim Amla (second right) and Abraham Benjamin de big wins. A lot of guys contributed “It’s extremely disappoint- The win consolidated South work.” Villiers (right) celebrate their team’s victory on day 4 of the second Test and I thought our style of cricket ing,” said New Zealand captain Africa’s position at the top of the The Kings will raise their match against New Zealand at the St George’s Cricket Stadium, yesterday. and the way we played was good. Brendon McCullum. world rankings. AGENCIES first Stanley Cup championship banner to the rafters of Staple Center when they open the sea- son Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. India aim to bounce back against England “It is going to be exciting for the team and a great honour KOCHI: Still smarting from the team and may make it very the Pakistan series, conditions are the Indian bowlers will be detri- and have an edge going into the for the city,” said Kings’ player their narrow nine-run defeat in difficult to stage a comeback. not going favour the bowlers this mental to the team’s cause. second ODI. Jordan Nolan. the opening ODI, a struggling With the top order batsmen time during the five-match one- During the Pakistan series, Teams (from): The Kings are hoping to fin- India will have to work on their failing repeatedly, the team man- day series against England. India were struggling to get a India: MS Dhoni (Capt), ish the season as the NHL’s bowling frailties and incon- agement may toy with the idea India’s seam bowlers and spin- good start which had affected Gautam Gambhir, Ajinkya first repeat champions since the sistent batting as they take of bringing in Cheteswar Pujara ners have lacked venom and it the teams’ results. But, in the last Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Detroit Red Wings captured on England in the second one- though Dhoni is not keen to would be interesting how the one-dayer, India got a decent start Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj back-to-back titles 1998 and 1997. dayer today with the pressure tamper with the composition of hosts bowl at the Nehru stadium, but the top-order failed to convert Singh, Suresh Raina, R Ashwin, Most teams practised yester- on the home team. the team as yet. which is also going to be a batting them even on a placid track at the Ravindra Jadeja, Amit Mishra, day morning for the first time Nothing seems to be going right In the first ODI, India’s bowl- paradise. newly built Saurashtra Cricket Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar including the St Louis Blues who for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and ing frailties were exposed as they In the spin department, R Association Stadium. Kumar, Ashok Dinda, Shami worked out in front of 5,700 fans. his men as after their 1-2 series conceded 38 runs in the last two Ashwin is very crucial for India Openers Gautam Gambhir and Ahmed. The four-month old lockout loss in the three-match ODI overs, which cost them the match but the off-spinner has not really Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina England: Alastair Cook (Capt), ended Saturday after the owners series against Pakistan, India and the bowlers really have to sort been effectiveness so far. He used and Yuvraj Singh came up with Joe Root, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, and players signed a memoran- again started on the wrong foot out their problems of bowling at to control the game and take cru- good scores but none of them Danny Briggs, Joseph Buttler, dum of understanding outlin- against England last Friday. the death overs if the hosts have cial wickets. But now, he is unable could stay on for a longer time. Jade Dernbach, Steven Finn, ing the major issues agreed for The Indians will have to give to bounce back today. to bring in the required control Following their historic 2-1 vic- Craig Kieswetter, Stuart Meakar, their new collective bargaining a serious thought to the team There is very little margin and is becoming too predictable. tory over India in the Test series, Eoin Morgan, Samit Patel, Kevin agreement. composition as another defeat for error for bowlers on batting The English batsmen have come the England side has returned for Petersen, James Tredwell, Chris The deal salvaged a shortened may put immense pressure on friendly conditions and unlike in well prepared and any mistake by the one day series after Christmas Woakes. AGENCIES season of 48 games per team. AFP Golf star McIlroy joins Nike in blockbuster deal

ABU DHABI: World No.1 Rory “Hopefully now using Nike I as I am well past that,” he said. He had to wait until the 2009 McIlroy yesterday confirmed he have an even better year than last “I am Major Champion that I Dubai Desert Classic for his first had signed on with sportswear year. Last year was great winning have always dreamed of being and victory and oddly he has yet to and equipment giant Nike in a a second major Championship and I am World No. 1 as I have always win on European soil, all his deal believed to be one the big- getting to No.1 in the world and dreamed of being, and really Nike successes since coming in the gest sponsorship contracts in this year I feel I can go to a new is the company that can help me United States (five, including sport. level and higher than I ever had sustain that. two majors), Asia (two) or back With the Abu Dhabi Grand and hopefully more majors.” “So I play for Major titles, not in the Middle East. Mosque lit up in the back- McIlroy was introduced as a the money.” He finished last season with ground, McIlroy stepped onto a Nike staff player by Cindy Davis, Welcoming McIlroy to the Nike five birdies in a row to lift the DP stage wearing the Nike swoosh president of Nike Golf, who indi- family were three of Nike’s famed World Tour title in Dubai. and revealed the clubs he will cated he had signed a ‘multi-year’ stars - Manchester United’s It was the 2011 US Masters take into competition starting agreement. Wayne Rooney, tennis great that put him on a new level in at this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC “Today marks a significant Roger Federer and 14-time Major terms of fame and popularity. Championship in the UAE capital. moment for our brand and our winning Tiger Woods, who deliv- McIlroy led by four with a No exact details of what the golf business, and for the career of ered video welcome messages to round to play and was still out deal was worth were released, an extraordinary young athlete,” McIlroy. in front at the turn, but in an but press reports have estimated she said. McIlroy will face Woods in horrific back-nine meltdown he it could bring the 23-year-old “We could not be more thrilled this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC crashed to an 80 and ended up in Northern Irishman up to $250m with tonight’s announcement. Championship, part of the only 15th place, 10 shots behind (190m euros) over 10 years. “The beginning of 2013 for us European PGA Tour with both winner Charl Schwartzel. “Growing up I always thought is one of the most exciting times players choosing the emirate to The sporting world waited to all the best athletes in most sports since Tiger Woods joined the start their season’s for the second see how long the mental scars were Nike players and I’m looking ‘Swoosh’.” straight year. would last, and got their answer forward to joining the Nike fam- McIlroy, who grew up in hum- Like Woods, McIlroy was a boy two months later when he won ily,” he said. ble surrounds in suburban Belfast, wonder who was the world under- the US Open by eight shots. “I began testing the clubs late insisted his switch of clubs from 10 champion in 1998, turning At just 22 he was the youngest last year at the Nike factory in Titleist to Nike was not about the professional in 2007, two months winner of the title since Bobby Texas and I could not be more money. after finishing as the leading ama- Jones in 1923. A superstar was Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland removes a club cover during a presenta- happy. “I don’t play golf for the money teur in The Open at Carnoustie. born. AFP tion unveiling him as Nike’s new ambassador in Abu Dhabi, yesterday.