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Thursday 4 December 2014 • 12 Safar 1436 • Volume 19 Number 6269 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Private sector must take lead role: PM Oil price fall a cause of concern, Premier tells businessmen BY MOBIN PANDIT and opportunity in economic activities.” its role, said the Premier. rate to 12 percent this year. MOHAMED OSMAN The PM, who also holds the One of the main issues the This key sector will continue interior ministry portfolio, was government is working on is to with its upward march until its DOHA: Fluctuating world oil speaking during his maiden make land available for different ratio to the GPD has reached 50 prices are causing alarm and interaction with the business purposes, among other things percent. prompting Qatar to rise up to community at the Ritz-Carlton for housing, including labour As for the GDP itself, its the occasion and speed up its last evening. accommodation, industries, growth this year is expected to diversification effort, the Prime The meeting was held by Qatar warehouses, commercial activi- be 6.2 percent. Next year also, Minister said yesterday. Chamber, the representative ties, food security projects, health despite falling global crude H E Sheikh Abdullah bin body of the private sector. and education. prices, the GDP is likely to grow Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani told The PM said effective policies Various ministries have been five to six percent. businessmen that the time had were being framed and imple- asked to estimate the require- The government is bolstering come to promote the private sec- mented to improve the com- ment of land for the above pur- the non-hydrocarbons sector tor and rely on it for economic petitiveness and productivity of poses over the next five years. through a number of measures, development. private businesses. The PM said the government and one of them is to encourage The government, he said, The government would rather was fixing a time frame for com- the private sector, said the PM. didn’t want to continue with its play a supervisory and legislative pletion of projects (since people A board member of the role as an investor and direct role and encourage private busi- have been complaining of undue Chamber, Mohamed Jawhar, operator of productive sectors nesses to shoulder their respon- delays). said in his address at the meet- and as a monopolist. sibility, he said. Talking about the diversifi- ing that the private sector’s situ- “The government is keen Instructions have, therefore, cation effort, the PM said the ation was pathetic. The capital of to implement development been given to various minis- good news was that the non- 75 percent of the local companies projects faster and ensure that tries to identify sectors which oil sector was performing very accounted for just 20 percent of required legislations are in place the government can support the well. It grew 11 percent in 2013 the total capital of companies in The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin to give the private sector more private sector in and enhance and is expected to improve the Qatar. And two percent of the compa- Khalifa Al Thani speaking during his annual interaction with businessmen nies, including venture firms as yesterday. well as foreign entities, account Tourist visas to be made easier for 50 percent of the total capital of imported goods at Doha Port A highlight of the meet was of companies in the country. and other points of entry. the presence of a fairly large DOHA: The government said during his maiden interaction their choice were being allowed Some 95 percent of Qatari Mega development projects are number of foreign businessmen yesterday it is making tour- with businessmen at the Ritz- that privilege. companies are in the construc- all being launched almost simul- and women. ist visa procedures easier and Carlton last evening. “The government is indeed tion sector and the majority taneously, causing a shortage of In remarks to this newspaper adding many more nationali- Answering a question from taking into account their request of them are financially hard- building materials that is pushing later, a foreign investor attending ties to the list of beneficiaries. a businessman as to why the to recruit professionals from pressed. The majority of them up their prices, he said. the meet, Shelley D Chuchmuch, A new law is on the anvil to government was not opening countries of their choice,” said have no share in government Traffic jams on Doha’s roads said that to help the Qatari mar- ease tourist visa procedures and up the tourism sector to people the PM. projects. were also among the problems ket expand not only local but all its draft has already been sent by from more nationalities, the PM “But, you must remember that Qatari companies have a share facing the private sector, Jawhar companies needed to be provided Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) talked of plans to make tourist we have bilateral labour agree- of barely 10 percent in develop- said. equal opportunities. to the Cabinet. visa procedures easier. ments with countries, so we must ment projects of the government, The PM, in his address, said He said a joint committee This was disclosed by the Replying to another question, respect them.” he said. the focus in the present situa- needed to be set up with repre- Prime Minister and Interior the Premier hinted that compa- The PM first delivered a brief Jawhar raised issues like tion was clearly on the role of the sentatives of the government and Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah nies requesting work visas for speech and then fielded ques- shortage of land for various pur- private sector and its competi- the private sector to help resolve bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, professionals from countries of tions. THE PENINSULA poses, including warehousing and tiveness and on attracting more the woes of the latter. labour camps, and slow clearance foreign and local investment. THE PENINSULA

Top cleric urges tougher action New law will let SEC take over errant schools DOHA: A new law is on the for more than one academic year, law deals with coaching classes Once it comes into force, all pri- non-government organisations to against Islamist anvil to regulate private schools. the draft suggests. and training centres for languages, vate schools must comply with its their employees. Its draft was approved by the The SEC would have the power computer science, secretarial serv- provisions within a year. There are an estimated 154 pri- State Cabinet yesterday. to launch investigations against a ices, and accounting and manage- However, the Minister may vate schools in Qatar, according to militants Once it comes into effect after private school, including those run ment courses. All these centres extend this deadline for another the latest data. Some 138,174 stu- CAIRO: A prominent Muslim the necessary approvals, the law by communities, and its employees will be licensed and monitored year. The grace period for coach- dents are enrolled in these institu- cleric yesterday said the US-led would empower the Supreme in the event of a serious complaint. by the SEC, Qatar News Agency ing classes and training centres tions, which employ thousands of coalition carrying out air Education Council (SEC) to take If a school is found breaching (QNA) reported yesterday. would be six months. This dead- teachers and administrative staff. strikes on Islamic State insur- over a private school temporarily provisions of the proposed law, The draft law, which also deals line can also be extended by the Their job contracts would, argu- gents should widen its scope to in case of a serious complaint. its licence can be cancelled or its extensively with licensing proce- Minister. ably, need to be endorsed by the include all other militant groups However, the SEC, the licens- financial grant stopped, or it can dures, is to be forwarded to the The law wouldn’t, though, apply SEC. QNA, however, didn’t say if that were tarnishing Islam. ing authority for private schools, be taken over temporarily. Advisory Council for review and to educational or training services this provision is in the draft law. Islamic State, an offshoot of would not control an errant school The second part of the draft recommendations. provided by the government or THE PENINSULA Al Qaeda, has seized wide areas of Iraq and Syria and declared a caliphate to try to revive theo- cratic rule that prevailed in the Snowscape region more than 1,000 years ago. Its militants have beheaded some NHRC sets up help desks prisoners and been accused of massacring and enslaving non- Sunni Muslims. for various communities “The international coalition must call on all its material and DOHA: In a new initiative, to six complaints daily. Today, a moral energies to eradicate this the National Human Rights group of 18 workers approached terrorism, in all its manifestations, Committee (NHRC) has set up the help desk seeking a solution doctrines and schools, and to con- exclusive help desks catering to to their salary-related problems,” front the countries that support different expatriate communi- Abdullah said last evening. it,” Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb, the ties, staffed by members of the The complaints range from non- Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar, told a respective communities. payment of salary, denial of exit conference on fighting extremism. An Indian help desk was the permit and sponsorship change “If it does this, the coalition first such facility to open at the by employers to legal and crimi- is defending its own people first, NHRC premises about two-and- nal issues. Most of the cases are before the people of the east.” a- half months ago. This was fol- referred by the Indian embassy, Al Azhar is one of the most ven- lowed by the establishment of help while expatriates also approach erable centres of Islamic learning desks catering to the Nepalese and NHRC directly. Several married and the grand sheikh is among the Filipino communities. women approach the help desk most pre-eminent authorities in Kareem Abdullah, former seeking support in cases involv- Sunni Islam. president of Indian Community ing their husbands. “I ask myself... day and night,” Benevolent Forum (ICBF) said “When we receive a complaint Tayeb said, “about the reasons for that the Indian counter became a we refer it to legal experts at this Arab ordeal and this blind dis- reality after the NHRC responded NHRC who examine the case cord that is mixed with the smell positively to a request from ICBF and give proper advice to the of blood and death and explosions during his tenure. concerned person or take up the and the beheadings of people and He said that over a short period, issue with the higher authorities. the expulsion of millions with a the help desk had received a Some cases are directly referred brutality that is unknown in his- number of complaints from Indian to the human rights department tory. These barbaric and awful A man walks among trees covered in ice and snow at Grosser Feldberg mountain in the Taunus area, Hesse, expatriates, including families, and at the Ministry of Interior,” said crimes are sullying this religion.” Germany, yesterday. helped resolve several cases. Abdullah. THE PENINSULA REUTERS “We receive on average five Continued on page 6

HOME THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 500 brands to dazzle at jewellery & watches expo Space up by 25 percent across five halls at QNCC

Hamad Al Abdan, (centre) Director, Exhibitions, QTA, addressing a press conference in the presence of Ibrahim Al Malki (left), Chief Enterprise Officer, q-media, and Aleix Salvado, Qatar Business Manager, Fira de Barcelona at W Doha Hotel yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT

DOHA: Over 500 brands, includ- across five halls at the centre, growing in terms of participa- ing those that recently pene- covering 25,000sqm. “This is being tion and reputation. This is where trated the Qatari luxury market, implemented to ensure that the people want to be and see the best will dazzle at the 12th Doha increase in the number of brands the luxury world has on offer.” Jewellery & Watches Exhibition is well attended in terms of con- Al Malki said q.media Events from February 24 to 28 at Qatar venience and visibility.” will soon launch an advertising National Convention Centre. Underpinning the growth of and public relations campaign “Visitors will not only see the the MICE sector is QTA’s com- for domestic, regional and inter- familiar names that have par- mitment to ensure Qatar com- national markets through differ- ticipated in the exhibition every petes with the region’s business ent channels to ensure maximum year but also many new brands tourism destinations, he said. reach and impact. He said the which have recently entered the “Business tourism has been expo website is now active. Qatari market,” Hamad Al Abdan, growing fast in recent years Aleix Salvado, Qatar Business Director, Exhibitions, Qatar and we remain determined to Manager, Fira Barcelona, said, Tourism Authority (QTA), told a maintain growth by exploiting “We look forward to the 2015 edi- press conference yesterday at W an untapped MICE market we tion with confidence and pride as Doha Hotel. believe will be worth up to $1.5bn the exhibition continues accel- He said the increase in the by 2030,” he added. erating momentum, enhancing number of participating brands Sponsored by Qatar National experiences year on year and proves the expo “continues to Bank, the expo is being managed gaining immense respect on the become one of the most pre- and organised by q.media Events international level.” ferred business-to-consumer in collaboration with interna- Themed ‘Timeless Elegance’, platforms for the international tional partner Fira Barcelona. the expo is poised for a grand open- and regional luxury sector”. The Ibrahim Abdullah Al Malki, ing with luxurious watches and upcoming edition, he said, would Chief Enterprise Officer, q.media, jewellery celebrating the never- be bigger than the previous one. said, “The significance of the ending appeal of inspiring creativ- “We have increased the space by exhibition has transcended the ity and grand craftsmanship. 25 percent and the expo is spread national border as it keeps THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Emir appoints Cabinet nod to draft law on sports clubs QIA CEO DOHA: The Prime Minister and Interior The club should have a power to investigate any procedures, work system units affiliated to the DOHA: The Emir H H Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser president and vice-president licensees or employees of pri- at educational centres and Minister. It will prepare Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday chaired the elected by its members for vate schools in case of com- regularisation of positions of working papers for confer- Al Thani yesterday issued Cabinet’s regular meeting at the Emiri Diwan. four-year renewable terms. plaints or violations. practitioners of educational ences, seminars and local, Emiri Decision No. 90 of The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of The president has to man- Once the law takes effect, services in accordance with regional and international 2014, appointing Sheikh State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah age the club’s affairs accord- private schools should adjust the law within six months meetings, and take part in Abdullah bin Mohamed bin bin Zaid Al Mahmoud said the Cabinet approved a ing to the ministry’s plan their positions in accordance of its coming into force. conferences and meetings Saud Al Thani as CEO, Qatar draft law on regulating sports clubs, and forwarded and will be responsible to with its provisions within The Minister has the right held by regional and inter- Investment Authority (QIA). it to the Advisory Council. the general assembly for the one year, and the Minister to extend the deadline for national organisations. The Emir also issued Emiri Under the draft law, the establishment of a club’s performance. The club may extend the deadline for another similar period. A Department of Visual Decision No. 89 of 2014, reshuf- sports club or its relocation is not allowed without should also have a general another similar period. The Cabinet then approved Arts will also be added to fling the QIA Board of Directors. a licence. The Minister of Youth and Sports should manager to be appointed by Under the second draft its draft decision amending the administrative units of The new board comprises issue the licence. the president. law, provisions of the law regulation of some adminis- the Under-Secretary. It will Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad The Cabinet endorsed two are applicable to educational trative units at the Ministry develop plans relating to Al Thani as Chairman, Sheikh draft laws regulating pri- services, including education of Culture, Arts and Heritage technical aspects of visual Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed vate schools and educational or training provided in the and set its terms of reference. arts and organise educational Al Thani as Vice-Chairman, and services and decided to refer areas of language, computer, It also approved a draft programmes, training and Ali Sharif Al Emadi, Sheikh them to the Shura Council. secretariat, accounting and decision of the Minister of workshops on contemporary Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani and The first draft law includes administrative work, and Culture, Arts and Heritage and traditional visual arts. Dr Hussein Ali Al Abdullah as licensing procedures, work not applicable to educational to establish sections in the The draft decision also members. and study system and inves- services provided by the gov- administrative units and set includes provisions for the tigation and disciplinary ernment and non-govern- its terms of reference. establishment of sections at Economic council accountability. mental agencies for their An International the administrative units and The Supreme Council of workers. Cooperation Department will set its terms of reference. reconstituted Education (SEC) has the It also includes licensing be added to administrative QNA DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday issued Emiri Decision No. 88 of 2014, amending some provisions of Qatar’s child mortality second lowest in GCC Emiri Decision No. 37 of 2001 on the establishment of the DOHA: Qatar has the 2013, according to ‘Levels Qatar), Kuwait (19) and Saudi than a third of under-five deaths. Supreme Council for Economic second lowest child and Trends in Child Arabia (31). The report doesn’t In Qatar, neonatal mortal- Affairs and Investment. mortality rate com- Mortality’ report for 2014 specify reasons for high or low ity rate before 28 days of age is The council has been recon- pared to neighbouring by four UN agencies. mortality rates in each country. four and infant mortality rate is stituted with the Emir as countries, says a UN Male child mortality It says the global under-five seven per 1,000 live births. Earlier Chairman, the Deputy Emir report. rate was nine and female mortality rate has been falling reports suggested that 260 child as Vice-Chairman, the Prime Average mortality rate child mortality seven. faster than at any other time in mortality cases were reported in Minister and Interior Minister among children under Bahrain recorded child the past two decades. The global 2011 — 39 percent Qatari and 41 (Executive Member), the five in Qatar was 16 for mortality rate at 12, the annual reduction rate has stead- expat children. Foreign Minister, the Minister every 1,000 live births in UAE (16 — similar as ily accelerated from 1990 to 1995 Female child mortality rate of Energy and Industry, the — a three-folds increase from 1.2 was 59 percent and 41 percent Minister of Finance, the percent to 4.0 percent between cases were recorded, according Minister of Economy and 2005 and 2013. to the Ministry of Development Commerce, the Governor About half of under-five deaths Planning and Statistics. The of Qatar Central Bank, the occur only in five countries: India, report said disorders related to Economic Adviser at the Emiri Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic premature birth and low birth Diwan and two representa- Republic of the Congo and China. weight are the major causes of tives from Qatar Investment India (21 percent) and Nigeria child mortality, with 20 percent Authority as members. (13 percent) account for more of the cases. THE PENINSULA 2022: OIC slams Qatar Brazil Year of Culture ends anti-Qatar media

TEHRAN: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has denounced the biased media campaigns questioning Qatar’s sovereign right to host FIFA World Cup in 2022. It also condemned false infor- mation and non-neutral reports, despite Qatar winning the bid through honest and transparent competition. At the conclusion of the 10th meeting of the Islamic Conference of Ministers of Information, OIC confirmed that the hosting of FIFA 2022 in Qatar is an achievement for the OIC members and the right of the peoples of the Islamic world. The ministers urged joint action by institutions and the Artists explaining their works to visitors during ‘Here There’ exhibition, media in OIC states to support the concluding event of Qatar Brazil 2014 Year of Culture, at Qatar Qatar and refute false media Museums’ Al Riwaq Gallery yesterday. BAHER AMIN tactics and incitement. QNA

Qatar hails France over Palestine DOHA: Qatar has welcomed the French parliament vote recognising the state of Palestine. In a statement yesterday, the Foreign Ministry expressed Qatar’s appreciation of the positive step towards ending the Israeli occupation and establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital. The ministry also expressed Qatar’s hope that the French vote would prompt other European countries to recognise the Palestinian state, support peace efforts, and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

Hala Egypt Key launched

DOHA: Ooredoo yes- subscribe to service can terday announced the activate the key for QR2 launch of Hala Egypt per week by sending SMS Key, offering custom- ‘EGY’ to 121. The subscrip- ers the lowest rate of 30 tion will automatically dirhams per minute for renew every week, so that calls to Egypt. customers can continue Egypt Key customers to enjoy benefits of inter- will also be able to call national calling rates. To Ooredoo numbers in Qatar cancel the service, they can at 10 dirhams per minute. SMS ‘STOP EGY’ to 121. The key has been devel- The key, available for one oped after strong demand month, has been launched from the Egyptian com- to help the expatriate com- munity in Qatar and busi- munity talk more for less nesses looking to connect as they stay connected with to partners in the country. friends and family in the Previously, custom- region. It uses Ooredoo’s ers wishing to call Egypt bigger, faster network to could subscribe to Hala ensure that customers can International Saver Key stay connected for less. and make calls to Egypt Customers can also for QR0.45 per minute and enjoy similar international QR0.45 per SMS. saving options with keys With the latest key, cus- for India and Bangladesh, tomers can save 15 dirhams along with International per minute. Saver Key for 121 countries. Customers wishing to THE PENINSULA HOME THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Emir receives new envoys

The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday received the credentials of new ambassadors Saleh bin Mohammed Al Amri (the UAE), Oscar Shawkybayev (Kazakhstan) and Sidi Ould Mohamed Laghdaf (Mauritania) and wished them success. Diabetes centre opens at Al Wakra Hospital

DOHA: A new National Diabetes Centre with improved specialised care has been inau- gurated at Al Wakra Hospital to reduce the waitlist at Hamad General Hospital (HGH). The centre on the ground floor of the Outpatient Department is providing diabetics in Al Wakra and the southern region with improved access to specialised care. It was inaugurated by the Minister of Public Health H E Abdullah bin Khalid Al Qahtani and Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, Managing Director, The Minister of Public Health H E Abdullah bin Khalid Al Qahtani and Dr Hamad Medical Corporation Hanan Al Kuwari, Managing Director, HMC, inaugurating the new National (HMC). Diabetes Centre at Al Wakra Hospital. Over 750 patients have been treated at the centre since it Diabetes Centre at HGH. patients and is providing services, began receiving cases in October. Treating diabetics during including foot care, counselling About 800 patient visits per morning and afternoon clinics, and education, blood investigation month are expected at the facil- the centre uses a multi-disci- and insulin pump therapy. ity which modelled on National plinary approach in caring for THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Japan Emperor’s birthday marked Ashghal awards 12 key projects worth QR5.5bn

DOHA: Twelve infrastructure January has exceeded QR26bn, he walls in Al Khor Industrial Area projects worth QR5.53bn were said. They include infrastructure — Abal Grarees (Package 5), in yesterday signed by the Public contracts worth QR22.6bn, build- addition to a diversion scheme in Works Authority — Ashghal. ing projects worth QR2.5bn and Al Wajbah and New Al Rayyan to Nasser bin Ali Al Mawlawi, deals on operation and mainte- North Doha treatment station. President, Ashghal, signed the nance of roads and sewerage net- Nasser Ghaith Al Kuwari, deals with representatives of works worth QR762m. Manager, Expressway Programme, awarded contractors in the pres- Saud Mohammed Tamim, said under the programme, one ence of directors of Ashghal Manager, Roads Project contract was signed for the con- departments, at Hilton Hotel. Department, said the contracts struction and development of The deals include seven con- under the Local Roads and Lejmailya, Al Otouriyah and Al struction contracts under the Local Drainage Programme included Shahhaniya. Roads and Drainage Programme, construction and development of The fourth phase of construc- one under the Expressway East Aziziya. tion of New Orbital Road and Programme and four for sewerage “The project will develop east Truck Route worth QR3.34m has stations. Aziziya covering 720,000sqm and also been signed during the year. “The process of awarding and include 740 residential plots, with Sewerage contracts include executing projects is a result of storm water drainage, sewage net- design, construction, operation and tireless efforts, careful planning, works, treated sewage networks, maintenance of Al Shamal Sewage and important elements taken road entries and exits, parking lots, Treatment Works, design and into consideration before award- artscapes and landscapes,” he said. construction of the second phase ing projects. This is in addition to Other projects in the category expansion to the Industrial Area’s the tangible positive impact and include construction and devel- Sewage Treatment Facility, design, services brought about by these opment of roads and infrastruc- build, operation and maintenance projects upon their completion on ture in the northern part of New of Al Dhakhira Sewage Treatment the state of highways, roads, and Slata (Zone 40), west of Al Wakra Works, transfer of the pumping The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari (centre) and Shingo Tsuda drainage networks in many areas,” (Package 1, Phase 2,), Rawdat Abal station and associated pipelines, (second left), Japanese Ambassador, cutting a cake to mark Emperor Akihito’s birthday at the Japanese said Al Mawlawi. Heeran (Package 2), north of Bani and design and build of Doha West embassy yesterday. With them are Ibrahim Y Fakhroo (second right), Director of Protocol, and other diplomats. With these contracts, the total Hajer (Phase 2, Package 7) and Sewage Treatment Works exten- KAMMUTTY VP value of deals awarded since preparatory works and building sion No. 5. THE PENINSULA Official launch of Indian help desk soon Qatar’s win in Gulf Cup celebrated

Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari, Acting Group CEO, Qatar National Bank, cutting the cake with officials and members of the national football team to mark Qatar’s victory in the Gulf Cup Championships held in Riyadh. Abdul Karim Abdulla at the Indian community desk at NHRC. ABDUL BASIT

Continued from page 1 the Indian help desk had taken up issues. In many cases, “A major advantage of the help many issues, especially those related employers were coopera- Daily ‘official list helped stabilise prices’ desk is that community members to non-payment of salaries and denial tive in settling the issues BY SIDI MOHAMED have easier access to government of exit permits by employers and amicably,” said Abdullah. He, however, said the the quality of the items departments that are crucial in requests for sponsorship changes. Some complaints related department had not for sale. Saudi Arabia and resolving their problems,” he added. “In such cases, NHRC call spon- to sponsorship and exit DOHA: Prices of fruits and vegetables in received any complaints Jordan top the countries He said since its establishment, sors/ employers and discuss the permit are resolved with Qatar are not higher compared to other GCC about shops selling the exporting vegetables to support from the Human countries and the daily price list issued by perishables at prices higher Qatar, followed by Lebanon Rights Department at the the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has than those in the price list. and Egypt. Ministry of Interior, he said, helped stabilise the prices, a senior official of Al Kuwari was speak- Al Kuwari stressed the adding the official launch the ministry said yesterday. ing to the media on the need for strict monitoring of the Indian help desk is Abdulla Khalifa Al Kuwari, Director, sidelines of an inspection on the marker as Qatar is expected soon. It can be Licensing and Quality Control Section, urged campaign conducted by importing fruits and veg- contacted on 55691333. consumers to check the official price list avail- the ministry in the auction etables from many coun- THE PENINSULA able at all outlets to ensure they are not cheated. area of the central fruit and tries. He said there are vegetable market yesterday. daily visits by a special The surprise raid unit to monitor auction was conducted by the prices before issuing the Commercial Fraud Section daily price list. There are at the Consumer Protection also surprise raids to detect Department and the other violations. Market Control Section at “We collect samples of the ministry. vegetables and fruits to Inspectors stopped check quality and whether a trader from selling the boxes carry neces- imported fruits after sary information like spoilt items were found prices, quantity and source in his stocks. The sale country, among others,” was stopped to check his said Yousuf Al Suwaidi, remaining stocks. Assistant Director, An average of 132,598 Consumer Protection packages of imported veg- Department. He said vio- etables and 33,000 packages lations were mostly related of fruits reach the central to quality and wrong or market every day, officials incomplete information said. The campaign aimed about the products and to monitor daily auction that erring traders could be prices and prevent viola- fined and their goods seized. tions related to prices or THE PENINSULA

Qatar Airways’ A380 arrives in Bangkok on Friday

DOHA: Responding to high demand for the state-of- the-art aircraft, Qatar Airways (QA) has brought for- ward the arrival date of A380 to Bangkok to December 5 this year. QA had earlier said its newly received A380 aircraft would be ready for touchdown in Bangkok in January 2015. The additional capacity offered to passengers with the introduction of A380 operated on one of QA’s four-times daily services gives passengers the opportunity to experi- ence the latest aircraft to join the QA fleet. “Bangkok is an ever-increasingly popular destination for holiday makers and QA is pleased to be providing additional capacity on the route. We recently introduced Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the Phuket route, deploying two of the latest aircraft on these popular routes,” said Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, QA. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Forum on education for SUQ attends model UN sessions

people with special needs DOHA: During Bahrain Universities Model United DOHA: The Middle East educational assistance at all lev- Nations (BUMUN) on International Special Needs els, including higher education. November 26-28, students Education Conference Mona Al Mulla, Chairperson, from Stenden University Qatar (MISNEC 2015) will be held on Al Tamakon School, said, “The (SUQ) debated topics such as March 24- 26 under the patron- conference will promote teaching extremism, violence against age of the Supreme Education strategies by improving learning, women and climate change. Council. formed on global research-based Universities from Bahrain, The regional event with an practices for special needs educa- Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and international perspective aims tion and shape innovative strat- the UAE were represented, with to empower people with special egies to support the upcoming a student from SUQ receiving the needs. It also aims to secure a generation to become effective Best Delegate award. positive position towards the contributors. The 10th annual event was development of the future of The conference comes at a time held at Sheraton Hotel under the special needs education, with the when Qatar has been nurturing patronage of Bahrain’s Supreme concept of making high school special needs education through Council for Youth and Sports inclusion meaningful. out the years while striving to Chairperson Shaikh Nasser bin Naseem Shiekh, Conference achieve best standards in the Hamad Al Khalifa. Consultant and Director, said region. The forum will feature He praised BUMUN and said, the forum aims to play a key role topics, including tech application “The distinctive interaction of in the advancement of profes- for better results; research high- youth and their determination sionalism of special educators, lights; making high school inclu- to put forward proposals and academicians, researchers, poli- sion meaningful; and parental role views freely with a sense of high cymakers and others who provide in special needs education, among responsibility towards diagnos- students with special needs with others. THE PENINSULA ing challenges and brainstorming solutions has achieved success of FROM LEFT: Dr Ian McKay, Coach, Maysaa Al Mulla, Shivi Mishra, Nada Mohamed El Garhy, Vignesh Venkataraman BUMUN”. and Siddharth Bhavnani of the SUQ team. Participants heard guest speak- ers, including Lin Zheming from The SUQ team included North Korea, while their commit- received by Al Mulla and Mishra, the Chinese embassy and Shaikha Vignesh Venkataraman, Shivi tees were International Atomic while Venkataraman received Qatar Rail pushes for Deena bint Rashed Al Khalifa, Mishra, Siddharth Bhavnani, Energy Agency and Economic and the Diplomacy Award for Best Acting Director, Public & Foreign Maysaa Al Mulla, Nada Mohamed Social Council (ECOSOC). Delegate for his participation in Relations, Supreme Council for El Garhy and Coach Ian McKay. Shaikh Nasser presented the ECOSOC. compliance with QND95 Women. They represented Iraq and team with a participation award THE PENINSULA DOHA: To achieve high stand- The workshop was organised in ards and uniformity in all areas cooperation with the Ministry of of works, Qatar Rail has asked Municipality and Urban Planning, every engineering consulting CGIS and the Building Permit Naseem Al Rabeeh Medical Centre marks World Aids Day firm to submit all paper works, Complex Department. including drawings in com- The event came as part of DOHA: Naseem Al Rabeeh pliance with Qatar National Qatar Rail’s coordination with Medical Centre held a cam- Datum 95 (QND95). governmental stakeholders on paign at its new facility on C In a statement yesterday, Qatar adopting the highest standards Ring Road to mark World Aids Rail said it recently held a work- in its projects. It highlighted Day. shop on the importance of apply- the importance of dealing with Dr Sadu T Kunjummen, Senior ing QND95, a comprehensive QND95, clarification about the General Physician, discussed the geodetic datum for topographic datum specifications, the differ- topic and Dr Leenes Paul, pathol- mapping used as a spatial refer- ence between ‘Level of Zero’ and ogy, briefed the gathering on lab ence system in Qatar. QND95 and the problematic of tests related to HIV/Aids. QND95 has been defined using ‘Zero Level’ elevations. Mohammed Arif, Marketing by Centre for Geographic Hassan Ahmed Al Marwani, Manager, delivered the welcome Information Systems (CGIS), Senior Technical Interface speech. Rishad P K, Assistant with two main components — Manager, Qatar Rail, said: “We Administrative Manager, and vertical and horizontal. It pro- are keen to comply with the high- Sandeep G Nair and Iqbal N, vides ministries and institutions est standards in all areas of our marketing executives, attended with the coordinate system, con- works and QND95 is one to which the event along with hundreds sisting of easting, northing and we are committed. Participants at the event marking World Aids Day. from various communities. elevation. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Israeli election Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

SRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved the parliament – the Knesset – and called for fresh elections which are scheduled to be held in March. INetanyahu, the leader of the right-wing Likud party and the second-longest-serving prime minister in the country’s Cuba’s extraordinary global history, said he had finally had enough, complaining that he could not run a government with constant bickering. “I can no longer tolerate opposition from within the government,” he said in a televised statement. In an unprecedented move, medical record shames US he also sacked two important ministers, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and Finance Minister Yair Lapid, accusing them BY SEUMAS MILN has provided the lion’s share of medical years of rightwing military dictatorships. of working against him, undermining his authority. relief following a humanitarian disas- Leftwing and centre-left governments Netanyahu’s action comes from his confidence that OUR months into the interna- ter. Four years ago, after the devastat- continue to be elected and re-elected his party would win the next election. But it’s bad news tionally declared Ebola emer- ing earthquake in impoverished Haiti, across the region, allowing Cuba to rein- for Palestinians and the peace process. Netanyahu has gency that has devastated west Cuba sent the largest medical contingent vent itself as a beacon of international singlehandedly destroyed the peace process and is inexorably FAfrica, Cuba leads the world in and cared for 40% of the victims. In the humanitarianism. But the island is still direct medical support to fight the epi- aftermath of the Kashmir earthquake of suffocated by the US trade embargo that taking Israel towards international isolation. He doesn’t demic. The US and Britain have sent 2005, Cuba sent 2,400 medical workers to has kept it in an economic and politi- care a hoot about international criticism of his actions and thousands of troops and, along with other Pakistan and treated more than 70% of cal vice for more than half a century. If has made the Israeli society more extremist and hostile countries, promised aid – most of which those affected; they also left behind 32 Barack Obama wants to do something towards Palestinians. Livni and Lapid have been accused of has yet to materialise. But, as the World field hospitals and donated a thousand worthwhile in his final years as president actions which in reality are meant only to help Israel. Livni, Health Organisation has insisted, what’s medical scholarships. he could use Cuba’s role in the Ebola crisis for example, had met with Palestinian President Mahmoud most urgently needed are health work- That tradition of emergency relief as an opening to start to lift that blockade ers. The Caribbean island, with a popu- goes back to the first years of the Cuban and wind down the US destabilisation war. Abbas against the government’s orders and Lapid had lation of just 11m and official per capita revolution. But it is only one part of an There are certainly straws in the wind. accused the prime minister of creating tension between Israel income of $6,000 (£3,824), answered that extraordinary and mushrooming global In what looked like an outriding opera- and the United States. call before it was made. It was first on the medical internationalism. There are now tion for the administration, the New York The Israeli public must realize Ebola frontline and has sent the largest 50,000 Cuban doctors and nurses working Times published six editorials over five Netanyahu is that their future is not safe contingent of doctors and nurses – 256 in 60 developing countries. As Canadian weeks in October and November praising with Netanyahu, but only with are already in the professor John Kirk puts it: “Cuban medi- Cuba’s global medical record, demand- field, with another cal internationalism has saved millions of ing an end to the embargo, attacking US acting like an leaders like Livni and Lapid. But 200 volunteers on lives.” But this unparalleled solidarity has efforts to induce Cuban doctors to defect, ostrich and it unfortunately, polls show that their way. barely registered in the western media. and calling for a negotiated exchange of Netanyahu’s Likud and other From Ebola to While western Cuban doctors have carried out 3m free prisoners. won’t be long rightwing parties are likely to media interest eye operations in 33 countries, mostly The paper’s campaign ran as the UN increase their share of the vote has faded with the in Latin America and the Caribbean, general assembly voted for the 23rd earthquakes, receding threat and largely funded by revolutionary time, by 188 votes to 2 (US and Israel), before the from the previous election held just Havana’s doctors of global infec- Venezuela. While emergency support to demand the lifting of the US block- truth catches last year. A reelected Netanyahu tion, hundreds has often been funded by Cuba itself, ade, originally imposed in retaliation for will push his country deeper into have saved of British health the country’s global medical services are the nationalisation of American busi- up with him. extremism and he will go ahead service workers usually paid for by recipient governments nesses and now justified on human rights with draconian laws to deprive millions. Obama have volunteered and have now become by far Cuba’s larg- grounds – by a state allied to some of the Arabs of their legitimate rights. to join them. The est export, linking revolutionary ideals most repressive regimes in the world. must lift this first 30 arrived in with economic development. That has The embargo can only be scrapped by The tension between Palestinians and Israelis is rising, embargo. Sierra Leone last depended in turn on the central role congress, still stymied by the heirs of the and so is violence. A Palestinian teen stabbed two Israelis in week, while troops of public health and education in Cuba, corrupt US-backed dictatorship which a West Bank settlement yesterday before an off-duty security have been building as Havana has built a low-cost biotech Fidel Castro and Guevara overthrew. But guard shot him in the leg. The alleged attacker was a 16-year- clinics. But the industry along with medical infrastruc- the US president has executive scope to old from the village of Al-Azariya east of Jerusalem. Some Cuban doctors have been on the ground ture and literacy programmes in the loosen it substantiallyand restore diplo- are calling the recent flare-up in violence the ‘intifada of in force since October and are there for developing countries it serves – rather matic ties. He could start by releasing the long haul. than sucking out doctors and nurses on the remaining three“Miami Five” Cuban individuals’. Palestinians are disappointed with their leaders The need could not be greater. More the western model. intelligence agents jailed 13 years ago who are now more known for their inefficiency and lethargy. than 6,000 people have already died. So Internationalism was built into Cuba’s for spying on anti-Cuba activist groups In a situation of status quo and loss of hope, individuals feel shaming has the Cuban operation been DNA. But what began as an attempt to linked to terrorism. The obvious moment forced to take the law into their hands, targeting Israelis that British and US politicians have felt spread the Cuban revolution in the 60s for Obama to call time on the 50-year wherever and whenever possible. obliged to offer congratulations. John and became the decisive military inter- US campaign against Cuban independ- Kerry described the contribution of the vention in support of Angola against ence would be at next April’s Summit of Amid Netanyahu’s depredations, it’s a good sign that the state the US has been trying to overthrow apartheid in the 80s, has now morphed the Americas – which Latin American international community is at last identifying the villain in for half a century “impressive”. The first into the world’s most ambitious medical governments had threatened to boycott the peace process. Support for a Palestinian state is rising in Cuban doctor to contract Ebola has been solidarity project. unless Cuba was invited. The greatest Europe, and France is the latest country to hold a symbolic treated by British medics, and US officials Its success has depended on the contribution those genuinely concerned vote to support the cause. Netanyahu is acting like an ostrich promised they would “collaborate” with progressive tide that has swept Latin about democratic freedoms in Cuba can and it won’t be long before the truth catches up with him. Cuba to fight Ebola. America over the past decade, inspired make is to get the US off the country’s But it’s not the first time that Cuba by socialist Cuba’s example during the back. THE GUARDIAN The other side Quote of More AIDS awareness needed the day

N THE 27th World Aids Day students. From January to October this contact with each other and have sex, the issue when World AIDS Day is on Monday, it is easy to brag year, the capital reported more than 100 which has increased the possibility of observed, instead, it is something that about what we’ve achieved cases of infections among students. In homosexuals being infected with the should attract serious attention from the Oin the fight against the virus, the same period, 10 other provinces HIV virus. Statistics suggests homosex- government, parents and schools. but that does little to help locate where have also reported more than 100 stu- uals account for 73. 5 percent of people Students should be instructed about When the idea of more urgent efforts are needed. dents infected with the virus. infected in Beijing. On the other hand, the disease and safe sex. We should Despite the drop in HIV infections by Five provinces reported more than the lack of sex education has resulted in no longer take it for granted that sex, a no-fly zone and almost 40 percent globally since 2001 100 students infected with the virus last a lack of AIDS awareness among them. safe sex in particular, is something that safe zone emerged and AIDS-related deaths by 35 percent year. The youngest one is only 14 years In the majority of Chinese primary, everyone finds out about by them- since their peak in 2005, the number of old in North China’s Hebei province. middle schools and even universities, selves. The cost will be prohibitively everybody had new AIDS infections and patients from It is a reality then the HIV virus is there are almost no sex education high otherwise. differing views, and January to October this year was 2,932 spreading among students, and not courses, and HIV/AIDS awareness is And if so many students, university in Beijing, a 21.3 percent increase over just university students but students in far from enough. A survey in Guangzhou ones in particular, know little about safe some did not even the same period the previous year. The middle schools. How can this be? shows that only 40 percent of students sex and about how to take precautions understand what it national statistics are not available yet. On the one hand, the social media on campus have received any knowl- against the disease, how can we expect What is particularly worrying is the network has greatly increased the edge about AIDS. other ordinary people to know? meant. Mevlut Cavusoglu increase in AIDS infections among opportunities for homosexuals to get in So it is not enough to just raise CHINA DAILY Turkey’s Foreign Minister THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Qatar wins in football and diplomacy

winning the Gulf Cup.” So I DR MOHAMMED SALEH AL MISFER reminded him in a tweet that he earlier said Qatar was an enemy state. However, I pardon y family and Arabia. However, I am objectively him for what he said because I watched the compelled to say that the Qatari that was before the latest GCC final of the Gulf team was outstanding in both reconciliation. Cup football performance and sportsmanship. Yet another message from between Saudi I was afraid that the politi- an Emirati friend, who doesn’t MArabia and Qatar. It is not usu- cal disagreements between Gulf really follow football, said: ally my habit to follow Arab foot- States would reflect negatively “Congratulations Qatar on your ball, since I would rather watch on the players. However, I was innovative skills in winning the a game between an Arab and a overcome by the exemplary Gulf Cup and your diplomatic foreign team where I cheer for sportsmanship of players and ability of convincing Gulf lead- the Arab team, irrespective of fans alike. ers to go back to Doha after a the country. Few seconds before the game period of estrangement.” In fact, I was extremely ended, I received a call from a On this occasion, I cannot help impressed by the performance of friend in Riyadh, congratulating but extend my warmest con- the two teams — Qatar and Saudi me on the victory of the Qatari gratulations to the Father Emir team. I told him to wait until H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa the referee announces the end Al Thani who set up the basic of the match, since the outcome building blocks of this athletic of a football match could change edifice, which is unparalleled in even in the dying moments. the Middle East. For the same He said, the result was fore- occasion, my thanks go to the gone for Qataris. Before we Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin ended our conversation, the ref- Hamad Al Thani, who followed We hope to see eree blew the whistle and Qatar into the footsteps of his father. more victories were declared the winners. The I also join all Qatari people friend said, “Didn’t I tell you that in celebrating the return of our in the future the Qatari team is creative and football team from Riyadh with deserves to win.” the Arabian Gulf Cup. with regard While talking, I received It was indeed a fantastic to education, another phone call from Riyadh, reception worthy of the accom- which I couldn’t answer because plishments of the national team health, I was still busy finishing my cur- congratulate you and your Emir It is again an honour for all of Jeddah sent me yet another con- in the 22nd Gulf Cup. management, rent conversation. So the caller H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad us and a pleasure to know that gratulatory message for Qatar To end, congratulations sent me a text message saying: Al Thani on these wonderful Qatar was cleared of all the false winning the Gulf Cup. He said, Qatar on the triumph of our and media “Qatar achieved a victory, an achievements. We also applaud allegations related to hosting of “Our defeat is indeed bitter but football team; well done for our (hopefully more athletic triumph, and a politi- you for being selected to host the 2022 World Cup. Finally, your footballing skills are becom- leadership on its diplomatic cal accomplishment at the same the 2022 World Cup. It is a great Qataris deserve to be proud of ing outstanding and you deserve achievements. freedom of time, by overcoming the Gulf honour not only for Qatar but their leadership’s achievements. this victory.” We hope to see more victories political crisis since its GCC for the entire GCC and Arab We congratulate and envy you on I have also received many in the future with regard to edu- speech, too). counterparts accepted that world, that for the first time in what you have already achieved messages from the United Arab cation, health, management, and Qatar host the next summit. FIFA history, a world cup will be and will achieve.” Emirates and one of them said: media (hopefully more freedom We, the Saudi people, played in a Gulf country. A childhood friend from “Congratulations Qatar for of speech).

KHALID AL JABER Qatari teachers deserve better The Arab region he following lines include Qatari teachers and the role of an urgent call from the Qatari graduates to choose such Tbottom of the hearts of RASHID AL OUDA AL FADHLI career, by doing the following: and its future! students and their parents to the — Correct the education track Qatari teacher and those who are once again by counting on the responsible for attracting him education foundations drawn he stormy changes which hit the Arab region require once again and convincing him to from our religious principles and a different situation from what was previously known. come back to his fertile environ- values TThis transformation has to tackle related forces that ment as an educator, a teacher — Granting special privileges could affect entire relationships and interactions of the region, and a mentor for his students. to Qatari teachers, including or affect stability and security, and relations with a super This does not include any immunity, healthcare and travel power like the United States, which is the dominant force underestimation for our fel- facilities and give them respect- influencing the region for several decades. This was indicated low reputable Arab teachers, ful status. by recent analyses and studies about regional affairs and its however, Qataris’ turnout for — Activation of discipline regu- future outlook. educating and their positive con- lations for behavioural changes A recent study was published by international media about tinuance in the teaching field are and moral control, by applying Israeli intelligence report entitled (Learn how your enemy considered demands and absolute deterrent measures against vio- thinks!). The report refers to the Arab world as being in a necessities because of the sig- lators and students shows disre- constant state of weakness and nificant influence Qatari teach- spect to their teachers. does not have the ability to ers have over their students and — Cancelling what called address its collective problems The United States their ability to adapt and inter- “model schools”. from within. Today, the three act with them positively and — Seeking expertise of Qatari major Arab countries (Egypt, will no longer be the fruitfully. teachers, experts and curricu- Iraq and Syria) are suffering dominant influence Education comes as a priority lum experts in drawing educa- internal conflicts, and even for our wise leadership, there- tional policies and curriculum other countries are busy with in the Middle East, or fore it gets infinite interest and development their domestic problems. support, for it is considered the — Forming a more effective In light of this situation in more precisely, the foundation of building and the university education system at the Arab world, the Calendar pillar of development. faculties of education in order of Events in the Middle East is region is no longer Despite the increasing need to graduate qualified students determined by non-Arab coun- the focus of US for their efforts in this particu- to work at the education field tries, namely: Iran, Turkey, and lar critical and vital field, Qatari after making them acquire the to some extent Israel. policy. This is graduates became reluctant to required skills by through prac- The Gulf region has to join the teaching career. This tical training in schools before deal with transfer of the due to a forms an actual chronic crisis graduation Arab-Israeli conflict to the as Qatarisation indicators in the — Empowering teachers, Arabian Gulf. reprioritisation of field of education began decreas- reduce their loads, and grant Since 1973, extended wars Washington’s ing alarmingly, in a way that lead them full independency to play between Arabs and Israelis to make the education field com- their constructive roles stopped and were replaced by policies and its pletely free of Qatari teachers, — Assigning old teachers to limited local conflicts, which and this is a serious loss for us, supervisory and administrative were distinguished by terror- growing interest at the time we are still suffering positions at the Ministry instead ist gangsters and guerrilla from its dangerous implications of expatriates, with due respect warfare. in Asia. over the situations of education to all nationalities. The three major battles that in general. — Raising awareness about the occurred after that were in the Salaries of teachers are not private sector business, while the — Introducing weak discipline important role of Qatari teach- Gulf region; Iraq-Iran conflict, and the two Gulf wars. tempting to Qataris anymore, Supreme Education Council, the procedures, student counselling ers and the need for their efforts This change is linked with two less important factors: despite that it is the highest Ministry of Education and the system and leniency towards to embody our overall national The first of which is the fact that most Arab leaders have compared to salaries of public Ministry of Labour and Social students’ encroachments to their vision. adopted the idea of resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict through employees. Promises of better Affairs are in conflict over its teachers. Achieving our dear national political dialogue instead of war. privileges are not convincing supervision. — Introduction of many tests, demand to Qataris’ education The second factor is related to the international front, where anymore to apply for this job, — Domination of Independent which confused students and hin- in order to regain its national the United States will no longer be the dominant influence even granting rewarding monthly school operators, their deputies dered the achievement of assess- identity, and realisation of this in the Middle East, or more precisely, the region is no longer bonuses to students to join the and lack of response to teachers’ ment goals. depends on making the aforesaid the focus of US policy. This is due to a reprioritisation of training programme to work as demands. — Focussing on names and solutions true. Washington’s policies, the US’ growing interest in Asia, and teachers after only two years did — Extra burden and assign- formalities on the expense of I call upon decision makers to other issues related to the impact of July 3 coup in Egypt. not manage to attract enough ments for teachers, which affect essential cases that are related take serious steps in this direc- The US is also encouraging other powers, such as Russia, to Qataris. their educational performance to education and teachers. tion before the field of education intervene in the affairs of the region. Moreover, those who we rely and are a hindrance to perform- — Depriving teachers of their gets rid of its nationals, and we The study concludes that, in the coming years, the region on to add a national character to ing important roles. powers and leadership roles in are still hoping for successful will experience radical changes in alliances, and perhaps the education field are gradually — The absence of the educa- schools and the society. solutions that would make the beyond that, redrawing borderlines to create new cantons withdrawing, and if we were seri- tional role of the Ministry, reduc- — Unreasonably increasing education field regain its worthy like Sykes-Picot. ous about attracting national ele- ing its powers, which discourage official work hours and the dura- stature and prestige. The region will also see a decline in the role of a nationalistic ments to work in the education efforts and makes teachers feel tion of classes. The way to achieve our major state as opposed to the proliferation of armed groups which field, we should have excluded the that their interests are not And now after I have listed aspirations will not be possi- witnessed considerable momentum of violent confrontations reasons behind that reluctance protected. reasons for reluctance, I provide ble without reform of this vital against those countries, accompanied by security chaos, which to achieve an important national — Cancelling the educational a number of solutions, based sector. is currently experienced in Arab Spring nations. strategic demand, which I can list guidance role and role of curricu- on field experiences and realis- This is a fraction of Israel’s concern, so what about the as follows: lum experts and replaced with tic experiences regarding this The views expressed in the articles on this Arabs? — The education system weak procedures that have nega- vital field, and I see that they page do not reflect the viewpoint of the turned into what looks like the tive results. are enough to regain the role of newspaper. THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 MIDDLE EAST 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Car bomb targets Iran ambassador in Yemen Three killed; Al Qaeda claims responsibility

SANA’A: A car bomb killed local guards. Security officials never be justified or excused,” three people at the Iranian said it was a suicide attack and the State Department said in a ambassador’s residence in no Iranian staff were harmed. statement. Yemen yesterday, an attack Iran, the Middle East’s major “Glass shattered on me from claimed by Al Qaeda mili- Shia power, backs the Houthi the force of the explosion,” Bashir tants who oppose Iran and the rebel movement that seized con- Al Ossaimy, who works at a drug Yemeni Shia rebels who control trol of Sana’a in September and company opposite the residence, the capital Sana’a. has since taken swathes of the said. He had two bandages on his Yesterday’s bombing, the second country’s north and centre. face, a swollen eye and a blood- in Sana’a claimed by Al Qaeda in AQAP, which claimed respon- stained jacket and shirt. as many months, blew a large hole sibility for a suicide bombing in Inside the embassy compound, in the Iranian residence and sent Sana’a on October 9 that killed an Iranian flag was draped over rubble flying across the street of 47 people at a Houthi checkpoint, the rubble. Part of the perim- the well-guarded diplomatic quar- opposes the political ascendancy eter wall had caved in and sev- ter of the city, a witness said. of the Houthis, who took over eral Houthi militia officials were A Yemeni civilian and two sol- Sana’a after weeks of anti-gov- on the scene, as well as regular diers were killed, a medical offi- ernment demonstrations. Yemeni security officials. cial said. Seventeen people, mostly The hardline Sunni militants Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister employees at a nearby oil minis- see Shias as heretics and decry Hossein Amir Abdollahian urged try building, were wounded. The Iranian influence in politically Yemen to “quickly identify and ambassador was unhurt, having volatile Yemen. punish the culprits behind the left his residence for the embassy The United States, which is at terrorist act”, according to the 10 minutes earlier, security offi- odds with Iran on a number of Irna news agency. The damaged residence of the Iranian ambassador after a car bomb attack in Sana’a yesterday. cials said. issues from its nuclear program Western and Gulf Arab coun- Al Qaeda in the Arabian to its support for militant groups tries, which have supported establish a stronghold. the Houthis may seek to emu- diplomat is being held hostage Peninsula (AQAP) claimed in the Middle East, quickly con- Yemen’s UN-backed political Sunni Saudi Arabia, tradition- late the king-making role played by suspected Sunni militants responsibility on its Twitter demned the bombing. transition to democracy since ally the dominant outside influ- in Lebanon by the Shia militia and another was killed this year account. It said its fighters parked “Attacks on diplomatic facilities 2012 after decades of autocracy, ence in Yemen, is also concerned Hezbollah there. when he resisted a kidnapping the car and left the scene, killing and against diplomats contravene are worried that instability in about the Houthis’ friendship Iranian diplomats have been attempt. several Iranian employees and all international norms and can Yemen could allow Al Qaeda to with Shia Iran. Riyadh fears targeted in Yemen before. One REUTERS

Israel to hold snap Turkey, US moving closer on Syria no-fly zone polls on March 17 JERUSALEM: Israeli legis- ANKARA: Nato allies Turkey “I can say that our approach on border. Washington is pressing lators agreed yesterday to set and the United States are nar- this issue with the United States Iran strikes against IS positive: Kerry Ankara for the use of the Incirlik March 17 as the date for a new rowing their differences over in particular is getting closer. We air base in southern Turkey to parliamentary election, Israel plans to create a no-fly zone see the number of countries con- BRUSSELS: US Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday wel- facilitate US jet strikes on IS Radio said. The report said the along the Syrian border, the sidering a no-fly zone or safe zone comed any Iranian military action against Islamic State mili- militants. date was agreed in a meeting of the Turkish foreign minister said a must increasing,” Cavusoglu tants in Iraq as “positive” after the Pentagon said Tehran had Turkey, however, has refused heads of parliamentary factions. yesterday. However, his com- added. His comments, however, carried out air strikes against the group. to succumb to the pressure, and Netanyahu’s government, ments contrast with state- stood in stark contrast to mes- Kerry, hosting a meeting of an anti-IS coalition in Brussels, said set several conditions for play- which only took office last year, ments from the White House sages from the United States indi- international airstrikes were finally stopping the advance of the ing a greater role in the US-led has been unravelling over an which suggest the two coun- cating a no-fly zone was off the militants across Iraq and Syria, but warned it could take years to coalition. Those include the crea- array of issues, including the 2015 tries remain divided on how to table for now. finally defeat them. tion of a no-fly zone, as well as budget and a Jewish nation-state respond to the Syria conflict. On Monday, White House But in a sign of the deepening complexity of the regional confla- the training of moderate Syrian bill that critics say discriminates “When the idea of a no-fly spokesman Josh Earnest said gration, Syria’s Iranian-backed President Bashar Al Assad criticised rebels fighting Assad. against Arab citizens. zone and safe zone emerged eve- Washington was “open to discuss- the Western and Arab air strikes for having no effect. Talks between US Vice Two television polls on Tuesday rybody had differing views, and ing a range of options with the Kerry told the meeting of officials from 60 states in the coalition President Joe Biden and Turkish said Netanyahu’s Likud party some did not even understand Turks” but that establishing a no- that a campaign of around 1,000 strikes had had a “significant” leaders in Istanbul last month would emerge once again as the what it meant,” Foreign Minister fly zone over Syria was not under impact on the Sunni extremist IS, which declared a caliphate in produced no breakthroughs on largest group in parliament if Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted consideration “at this point”. Syria and Iraq in June. AFP the issue. But Turkish authorities elections were held today, almost by the state-run Anatolia news Turkey has been pushing for a maintain both sides are working certainly ensuring him a fourth agency following a Nato meeting buffer zone to be backed up by a to move towards common ground. term as prime minister. in Brussels. no-fly zone inside Syria to pro- regime, rebels and Islamic State reluctance to take robust action “But we are engaged in a sin- The next national ballot had “But we have allies, especially vide shelter to refugees of the (IS) militants. Ties between the against IS militants who have cere and open dialogue,” a Turkish not been scheduled until 2017, the United States, who have begun three-way fight between Syrian United States and Turkey have siezed control of swaths of Iraq official said, speaking on condition but Netanyahu announced that to understand its importance.” President Bashar Al Assad’s been strained over Ankara’s and Syria right up to the Turkish of anonymity. AFP he wanted to dissolve parliament “as soon as possible” and hold an early election. US pilots hurt in Saudi plane crash RIYADH: The American pilot and co-pilot of a Cessna air- plane were slightly hurt yester- day evening when they crashed short of a runway in the Saudi capital, a civil aviation spokes- man said. The pilot radioed that he needed to make an emergency landing because he had run out of fuel, Khaled Al Khaibari, spokes- man for the General Authority of Civil Aviation said. They had flown from Egypt to King Khalid International Airport where their small plane came down between one and 1.5 miles from the runway, Khaibari said. “The pilot and the co-pilot were lightly injured,” he said. Palestinian workers participate in efforts to clear the rubble of a school, destroyed by Israeli shelling during the recent war on Gaza, in the east of Gaza City yesterday. According to Housing Minister Mufeed US teacher stabbed Al Hasayna, Gaza needs 8,000 tonnes of cement a day to meet the demand. to death in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: An American Palestinian stabs two Israelis teacher and mother of twins was stabbed to death in a shop- RAMALLAH: A Palestinian wounded in the incident at a are all proud of him.” ping centre toilet in Abu Dhabi teen stabbed two Israelis in supermarket in the Mishor David Assaraf, the spokes- by a suspect in a veil, police said a West Bank settlement in Adumim settlement, about man for Israeli police in the yesterday. It was unclear what “an apparent terror attack” 10km from Al Azariya. West Bank, said that officers the motive was for Monday’s yesterday before an off-duty Many Palestinians work in were called to the scene after attack in the upmarket Boutik security guard shot him in the settlement’s indusial zone gunfire was reported, finding Mall on Al Reem Island, which the leg, police said. and the supermarket is fre- the two Israelis and the alleged is popular with expats. None of the three were quented by Palestinians and attacker lying wounded on the Police said the 37-year-old vic- reported to have been seriously Israelis. The armed Israeli was ground. tim, who worked at a nursery wounded. an off-duty security officer “Two more (Palestinians) school in Abu Dhabi, was stabbed Police spokeswoman Luba from Prime Minister Benjamin were arrested and are under by a person wearing a black robe, Samri said in a statement Netanyahu’s office, the premier investigation,” he said. black gloves and a niqab — a that the alleged attacker was a said. Police said they were caught Muslim veil that conceals the face 16-year-old from the village of “On the way here I talked trying to flee the scene but except for the eyes. Her 11-year- Al Azariya east of Jerusalem. to the guard who prevented provided no further details old twins were taken into police She said he was moderately a lethal attack at Mishor about how they may have been care until their father arrived wounded in the shooting. Police Adumim,” he said during a tel- involved. Ruti Dahan, 50, who from abroad. The US embassy had earlier described his con- evised address in Tel Aviv. works at a nearby kindergar- confirmed the death, saying it dition as serious. The stabbing “I know him, he is a guard ten, was shopping at the super- was working with “all appropri- victims, described as middle- at the prime minister’s office,” market when she heard three ate authorities to seek further aged, were also moderately Netanyahu said. “I told him we gunshots. AFP information.” AGENCIES THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Bid to defund Obama amnesty No threat from 2014 could be N-plant accident, says Ukraine govt

KIEV: An accident at a nuclear warmest, says power plant in Zaporizhzhya in southeastern Ukraine poses no danger to health or the environ- ment, energy authorities said yesterday, an assessment later UN agency corroborated by the French nuclear institute IRSN. Energy Minister Volodymyr Demchyshyn said the accident High ocean temperatures alarming occurred on Friday in one of the six blocks at Zaporizhzhya, LIMA: Record high ocean tem- temperature over land and the Europe’s largest nuclear power peratures will make 2014 the sea surface for January-October plant, and was caused by a short hottest year on record, or at was 0.57 degree Centigrade above circuit in its power outlet system. least among the very warmest, the average of 14C for 1961-1990. The incident was “in no way” in evidence of a long-term trend Sceptics who doubt climate linked to power production, he of global warming, the UN’s change is mainly man-made told a news conference. weather agency said yesterday. often note that temperatures “There is no threat ... there are Including this year, 14 of the 15 have not risen much since 1998, no problems with the reactors,” most sweltering years on record despite a surge in greenhouse gas said Demchyshyn, who took up will have been in the 21st cen- emissions. his post in a new government tury, the World Meteorological But Christiana Figueres, only on Tuesday. He added that Organization (WMO) said of the head of the UN Climate Change he expected the plant to return to findings issued during 190-nation Secretariat, said “our climate is normal operations on December 5. talks in Lima on ways to fight cli- changing and every year the risks An explosion and fire at Ukraine’s mate change. of extreme weather events and Chernobyl power plant in 1986, “There is no standstill in glo- impacts on humanity rise.” People join the press during a Republican leaders’ news conference about the need “To Defund the President’s the world’s worst nuclear acci- bal warming,” WMO Secretary- She said there were signs of a Executive, Unconstitutional Amnesty” on Capitol Hill in Washington yesterday. Republican leaders say that dent, was caused by human error. General Michel Jarraud said in a shift by governments that could President Obama has violated the US Constitution by moving to shield some 4.7 million undocumented REUTERS statement. “What is particularly put the world on a path to deep residents from deportation. unusual and alarming this year cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. are the high temperatures of vast The Lima talks, from December areas of the ocean surface.” 1-12, are working on a UN climate The WMO said average sea deal meant to be agreed in Paris surface temperatures hit record next year. highs in 2014. On land, it listed Still, some experts advised Hungary furious at US over McCain remarks extremes including floods in caution. Bangladesh and Britain and “Advocates should be wary of BUDAPEST: Hungary sum- unacceptable and firmly The senator said the on,” McCain told the Senate, droughts in China and California. over-claiming, because if you see moned the United States’ top rejects Senator John Hungarian premier’s echoing widespread criticism that “High sea temperatures, a record one year, you probably diplomat in the country yester- McCain’s comments deal with Putin earlier Orban was centralising power and together with other factors, con- won’t see another one the follow- day to protest comments by US on the Hungarian this year to upgrade a curbing the independence of the tributed to exceptionally heavy ing year due to natural variabil- Senator John McCain brand- prime minister and on nuclear plant along with judiciary and media. rainfall and floods in many coun- ity,” said Richard Black, Director ing Prime Minister Viktor Hungary’s relationship a crackdown on media “And we’re going to send the tries and extreme drought in oth- of the Energy and Climate Orban (pictured) a “neofascist with Russia.” were among “a long list” producer of ‘The Bold and The ers,” the WMO said. Intelligence Unit, a London-based dictator.” The foreign ministry of examples of neofascist Beautiful’ as the ambassador,” “The year 2014 is on track to be private consultancy. During Senate deliberations on also said the Hungarian behaviour by Orban. the senator added, calling Bell a one of the hottest, if not the hot- Among other WMO findings, new ambassadors in Washington embassy in Washington “It is well known in “totally unsuitable” nominee. test, on record,” the WMO said of Arctic sea ice was the sixth small- on Tuesday, McCain described was in contact with Europe the things that Relations between Hungary estimates based on temperatures est on record in summer 2014 Hungary as “a nation that is on McCain’s staff. he is doing. This comes as a rev- and the US have steadily wors- from January to October. Reliable while Antarctic sea ice paradoxi- the verge of ceding its sovereignty McCain later told AFP in elation to no one,” he said. ened, with Obama in September temperature records stretch back cally expanded to a record large to a neo-fascist dictator getting Washington he was not concerned McCain’s comments came criticising Budapest for targeting to the 1850s. extent, apparently because of in bed with (Russian President) about how his remarks were being after a confirmation hearing for civil society. If temperatures stay similarly changing wind patterns. Vladimir Putin.” taken by the Hungarian govern- Colleen Bell, a TV soap opera Washington last month banned above normal for the rest of the In good news, the WMO Budapest hit back yesterday, ment, and that he urged Orban to producer and President Barack the entry of six Hungarian offi- year “2014 will likely be the hot- counted just 72 tropical storms with Levente Magyar, state sec- change during a trip to Hungary Obama’s nominee as ambassador cials for alleged corruption. test on record, ahead of 2010, 2005 until mid-November 2014, against retary for foreign affairs, telling last January. to Hungary. The US ambassador’s seat in and 1998,” it said. a long-term average of 89 a year. the US charge d’affaires: “The “Obviously he has chosen not “This is a very important coun- Budapest has been vacant since The global average air REUTERS Hungarian government finds it to,” McCain said. try, where bad things are going July 2013. AFP

Sweden PM calls snap polls after Landmine casualties dropped sharply this year WASHINGTON: Fewer people of conflicts in the Middle East, effect. “While far too many people October 2014 as well as military anti-personnel mines or similar losing budget vote were killed or wounded by land- Africa and Eastern Europe over are still losing their lives and limbs forces in the breakaway region of improvised explosive devices in mines over the past year than the past year. to landmines, new casualties are at Nagorno-Karabakh. Afghanistan, Colombia, Libya, STOCKHOLM: Swedish Prime at any time since record-keep- The Nobel-prize-winning group their lowest level ever recorded, The conflict between Ukrainian Myanmar, Pakistan, Syria and Minister Stefan Loefven called ing began in 1999, and produc- said in its annual Landmines possibly the best measure of how government forces and Russian- Yemen, the report said. the country’s first snap elec- tion of the weapons has almost Monitor that 3,308 people were successful the Mine Ban Treaty backed separatists has provoked Casualties due to landmines tion in over half a century yes- stopped, the International killed or wounded by mines and has been,” said Megan Burke, an allegations of landmine use and and other explosive war remains terday after a far-right party Campaign to Ban Landmines other explosive war debris over editor at the Landmine Monitor, the presence of landmine stocks more than tripled in Syria over torpedoed his two-month-old said in a new report yesterday. the past year, nearly a quarter the campaign’s research arm. have been documented, but the the past year compared to the government’s budget in a par- The drop in casualties caused less than the 4,325 in the previ- The report said the new use report said the group had not previous year, it said. liamentary vote. by landmines, victim-activated ous year. The casualty rate of nine of anti-personnel landmines by been able to determine whether Syria and Myanmar are not The announcement of March explosive devices and unex- people per day is down from 25 government troops had been mines had been used in the con- parties to the Mine Ban Treaty, 22 polls came after the rul- ploded weapons left behind after per day in 1999, when the interna- confirmed in Syria and Myanmar flict or by whom. which has been accepted by 162 ing minority coalition failed to war came despite the spread tional Mine Ban Treaty went into between September 2013 and Militant groups used countries. REUTERS push its budget past the populist Sweden Democrats, who refused their support in parliament in response to the government’s pro- Mourning a braveheart immigration policies. The snap vote will be Sweden’s ICC gives ultimatum first since 1958 and is highly unusual for what is often consid- ered one of Europe’s most stable democracies. over Kenyatta trial The March election “is meant to let voters take a stand in this THE HAGUE: The indefinite postponement until the new political landscape,” Loefven International Criminal Court Kenyan government cooperated, said at a briefing. yesterday gave prosecutors a saying it “would be contrary to Loefven’s Social Democrats final week either to strengthen the interest of justice under the emerged as victors of parlia- or drop crimes against human- circumstances”. mentary elections in September, ity charges against Kenyan In an apparent final push joining the Greens in a minor- President Uhuru Kenyatta, say- against the African leader, pros- ity centre-left government that ing a trial could not be post- ecutors earlier this year asked ended eight years of centre- poned any longer. Nairobi for financial documents right rule. However, the Sweden “The Chamber directed the which they believed could have Democrats became kingmakers prosecution to file a notice, proven their case. after winning 13 percent of the within a week, indicating either Prosecutors hoped documents vote. Yesterday’s drama was cen- its withdrawal of the charges... — among the company records, tred on the budget, the ruling coa- or that the evidentiary basis has bank statements, records of land lition’s version winning only 153 improved to a degree which would transfers, tax returns, phone of 349 votes, while a centre-right justify proceeding to trial,” The records and foreign exchange alternative was passed — with the Mourners at the burial yesterday of a woman who died from injuries sustained in a scuffle with men caught Hague-based tribunal said in a records — would prove a link help of the Sweden Democrats — harassing teenage girls in the German town of Offenbach near Frankfurt. The teacher received a blow to the statement. between Kenyatta and the dead- with 182 votes. AFP head in the November 15 incident that sent her into a coma. Calls have mounted in a mass online campaign Kenyatta, 53, faces five charges liest unrest in Kenya since inde- for Tugce Albayrak, 23, to be posthumously awarded the Federal Order of Merit. of crimes against humanity for pendence in 1963. allegedly masterminding deadly Judges however said that if “the post-election violence in the east prosecution had genuinely con- African country in 2007-08 in sidered such compliance to be so which more than 1,200 people central to establishing the charges Opposition leader charged with Maduro murder died and 600,000 others were in this case, the Chamber would displaced. have expected it to be vigorously ICC chief prosecutor Fatou persued at a much earlier stage.” CARACAS: The Venezuelan protests that rocked the coun- supposed evidence are false, and law, she faces eight to 16 years in Bensouda in September asked for The judges also added there was government charged a promi- try earlier this year, vehemently I reject them.” prison if convicted, it said. an indefinite delay in the Kenyan no evidence to substantiate alle- nent opposition leader yester- rejected the charges as she left The attorney general’s office Maduro has made frequent leader’s long-running and trou- gations that Kenyatta abused his day of conspiracy in an alleged the attorney general’s office after said in a statement she had been claims of assassination and other bled case, citing a lack of evidence position as president to interfere plot to assassinate President undergoing questioning. charged with “conspiracy” for plots against him. and Nairobi’s refusal to cooperate in the prosecution’s investigation. Nicolas Maduro. “Today they have charged me “allegedly having links to the Machado was ousted from her in the investigation. Kenyatta in October became Maria Corina Machado, a vocal with the crime of conspiracy,” assassination plan against the seat in the National Assembly But judges yesterday slapped the first sitting president to supporter of anti-government she said. “All the accusations and president.” Under Venezuelan in March. AFP down Bensouda’s request for an appear before the ICC. AFP THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 ASIA / PHILIPPINES 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Philippines disaster city braces for typhoon Tacloban city starts evacuating residents ahead of Hagupit expected to hit on Saturday TACLOBAN, PHILIPPINES: storm ever to make landfall — last the city government orders a over Palau islands and is expected Tacloban resident Ailyn Metran weather bureau Pagasa, said at a Authorities in a Philippine city year were clearing out grocery mandatory evacuation, he said. to pick up strength before hitting said staff at her state health insur- media briefing, adding there was ravaged by Super Typhoon shelves in an effort to stock up Residents of coastal villages eastern Philippines on Saturday. ance company office have been told a 25 percent chance Hagupit may Haiyan were yesterday faced on emergency provisions ahead and landslide-prone communities Tropical Storm Risk forecasts to pack away computers and docu- veer north and miss Philippine with how to keep residents still of the storm. were told to move to government- Hagupit will become a category ments ahead of Hagupit. “I can’t coasts as it heads to Japan. living in tents after the 2013 Meanwhile, authorities were designated evacuation areas. 4 typhoon in 36 hours. concentrate at work because I keep The Southeast Asian coun- disaster safe as a new, power- due to meet early today to iden- The weather service said yes- Haiyan claimed more than checking the (disaster alert) web- try was hardest hit by extreme ful cyclone threatened to bring tify new evacuation centres far terday shorelines are vulner- 7,350 lives as it swept in off the sites,” Metran said. weather in 2013, said a report by giant waves ashore. from shore. able to “storm surges” or walls Pacific. Many of the dead were While Hagupit is weaker a German government-funded The state weather service said Tacloban city Vice Mayor Jerry of water up to four metres tall from Tacloban, the regional capi- than Haiyan’s 250kph winds, it is think tank Germanwatch. Typhoon Hagupit was head- Yaokasin said about 500 families that could be driven ashore by tal of more than 220,000 people expected to bring 3-4 metre high Concerns over extreme ing west for the central islands were still living in tents more Hagupit’s violent winds. “Of on Leyte island, an impoverished, storm surges, topple houses made weather have been exacerbated of Samar and Leyte, and would than a year after waves up to course they are deadly. These largely agricultural region. of light materials and uproot trees, by an apparent shift in storm make landfall as early as Saturday seven metres (23 feet) tall driven would be at least one storey tall,” Aurelio said there was a “60 said officials at the state weather paths, with southern regions hit afternoon with gusts of up to ashore by Haiyan destroyed their state weather forecaster Alczar percent” chance Samar and Leyte bureau, adding there was a 75 per- by powerful typhoons in the past 170km an hour. homes. Aurelio said. “We tell our people, would be hit by Hagupit because cent chance the typhoon will hit three years. About 20 typhoons Residents in the city of They and some 3,000 other ‘Do not panic but take precau- a high-pressure wall of air in the land. “We are on a worst (case) strike the country each year, most Tacloban, which bore the brunt families housed in temporary tionary measures’,” Yaokasin said. northern Pacific was preventing scenario,” Landrico Dalida Jr, hitting the north along the main of Haiyan — the most powerful shelters are the priority in case Hagupit is currently hovering the typhoon from veering north. deputy administrator at the state island of Luzon. AGENCIES

Former Thailand HK protest leaders ruling party MP jailed over surrender to police royal slur HONG KONG: The founders of outside the police station also queued BANGKOK: A lawmaker from Hong Kong’s pro-democracy Occupy up to fill out forms turning themselves Thailand’s toppled ruling party movement surrendered to police in. “This is for the fortune of the next was jailed for two-and-a-half yesterday in a symbolic move, as generation,” said secondary school years yesterday for defaming they try to take the protests off the teacher April Fan, 55. the royal family, the latest in a streets after more than two months Police said Wednesday afternoon series of such convictions since of rallies punctuated by violence. that 24 people had so far surrendered. the army grabbed power. Dozens of supporters, carrying yellow “They were explicitly told by the Prasit Chaisrisa, 49, a former umbrellas which have become a symbol interviewing officers that illegal occu- MP for the Peau Thai party, con- of the movement and shouting “I want pation of public places was an unlaw- fessed to committing lese majeste true democracy without fear!”, sur- ful act and they should stop such act during a speech to “Red Shirt” rounded the trio as they turned them- immediately,” a statement said. “Police supporters of the then-govern- selves in at a central police station. will conduct follow-up investigations ment, shortly before it was top- However Benny Tai, Chan Kin-man based on the information provided.” pled in a May coup. and Chu Yiu-ming quickly emerged The founders’ “surrender” and their “The judge initially sentenced from the station, saying they had not call to end the road blockades followed him to five years in prison but been arrested despite admitting “par- violent clashes between protesters and halved the term because he ticipating in unauthorised assembly”. police outside the government head- confessed,” a Bangkok Criminal “We have not been arrested so we quarters late Sunday which left dozens Court official said. are allowed to leave with no restriction injured. FROM LEFT: Professor at the University of Hong Kong Benny Tai, professor of sociology at Chinese His comments can not be on our liberty,” said Tai. Tai said the Occupy movement University Chan Kin-man, former head of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen and reported as they would be in He said there were “political con- would now take a different approach Reverend Chu Yiu-ming walk to Central Police Station before voluntarily surrendering themselves in breach of Thailand’s lese majeste siderations” behind their swift release to promoting democracy, including Hong Kong yesterday. law — one of the world’s tough- to avoid crowds flocking to the protest through education and a new social est — that shields the king, queen, zones, but said it was inevitable they charter. despite the student-led protests and Hong Kong’s waned. A survey last month showed 83 per cent heir or regent. would eventually be arrested. “I don’t Protesters began blocking three current leader Leung Chun-ying has also taken of respondents want the road blockades to end. Anyone found to have defamed, think the matter will be resolved on major intersections in late September a tougher line since Sunday’s violence. Anti-Occupy demonstrators outside the insulted or threatened them this occasion, later we may be arrested, to demand free leadership elections in Yesterday, he rejected a call made by three police station swore and held up placards faces up to 15 years in jail for even prosecuted for more serious the semi-autonomous Chinese city. One students on hunger strike, for the constitutional of the three Occupy founders in striped jail each count. Thai media outlets offences,” Tai added. has since been cleared by police. reform process to be re-launched. uniforms. frequently censor themselves to The three had been joined by China insists that candidates for the Leung’s office said in a statement there was “Support the government to enforce the law!” avoid falling foul of the law. 82-year-old Cardinal Joseph Zen, a 2017 leadership vote must be vetted by no legal way to restart the process. “Expressing they shouted, and “Eat shit!” Analyst Sonny Lo Prasit, a former lawmaker for prominent pro-democracy supporter, a loyalist committee, which demonstra- views on constitutional reform through illegal said the Occupy trio were handing themselves the impoverished northeastern who also gave himself up. tors say will ensure the election of a pro- and confrontational means is bound to be futile,” in to “reignite” the movement by regaining the province of Surin, was arrested About 40 other supporters waiting Beijing stooge. China refuses to budge it added. Public support for the protesters has moral high ground. AFP just days after the May 22 coup and initially denied the charge. He changed his plea in hopes of a lighter sentence. “The suspect is a two-time MP and must be... more pru- Probe clears Malaysia govt in dent than ordinary people before speaking,” the judge said, giving his ruling. citizenship-for-votes scheme Since ousting the elected gov- ernment, junta leader Prayut KUALA LUMPUR: An offi- Muslim ruling party, the United into the state.” Chan-O-Cha has repeatedly cial Malaysian inquiry yes- Malays National Organisation But it blamed criminal “syn- vowed to crack down on anyone terday cleared the country’s (UMNO), is accused of seek- dicates” and unnamed “corrupt who insults the monarchy, which long-ruling regime of involve- ing to alter the demographics officials”, and avoided implicat- attracts deep loyalty among the ment in a huge scheme to of the politically important, ing UMNO or former prime military and Bangkok-based grant citizenship to illegal multi-faith state to make it minister Mahathir Mohamad, establishment. aliens in exchange for votes, more Muslim and thus more who ruled from 1981-2003 and The pledge comes as anxiety drawing opposition accusa- UMNO-friendly. UMNO was is suspected of masterminding mounts over the future of the tions of a whitewash. battling at the time to wrest the scheme. Mahathir, still an kingdom as the decades-long Explosive allegations that Sabah from opposition control, influential political figure in reign of revered but ailing King aired in 2012 hearings detailed which it did in 1994 and has retirement, denies the charge. Bhumibol Adulaydej, who turns a systematic clandestine cam- held onto ever since. “I am disappointed by the 87 on Friday, enters its twilight. paign begun in the state of A Royal Commission of findings. Blaming criminal syn- A recent study by the Paris- Sabah in the 1980s to fast-track Inquiry’s final report into the dicates? Thousands of identity based International Federation of citizenship for possibly hun- scandal said vaguely that the cards (ICs) were given out, how Human Rights said lese majeste dreds of thousands of Muslim scheme probably existed, add- can the government not detect cases have surged since the coup, illegal migrants from the south- ing that “nefarious activities ... this?” said Wilfred Bumburing, with 18 new arrests made and ern Philippines and Indonesia. precipitated and accelerated a veteran Sabah politician now outstanding cases fast-tracked The regime dominated by the the influx of illegal immigrants with the opposition. AFP through the courts. AFP

Hasina in Malaysia 11 bodies from South Korea trawler found in Bering Sea

SEOUL: Eleven more bodies were recovered yesterday from the area where a South Korean trawler sank in the Bering Sea as hopes dimmed of finding any survivors among 41 crew mem- bers still missing. The 11 comprise seven Indonesians, three South Koreans and a Filipino, the South Korean foreign ministry said in a press statement. A total of 12 bodies have now been recovered while seven peo- ple were rescued, leaving 41 still unaccounted for. The 1,753-tonne Oryong 501 trawler, with 60 people Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inspects the guard of honour during a welcoming ceremony in on board, went down in rough, icy Putrajaya, Malaysia, yesterday. Hasina arrived for a three-day official visit to strengthen bilateral relations. seas on Monday. AFP THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 760,000 Afghan Police baton-charge blind protesters in Lahore LAHORE: Pakistani police in the eastern city of Lahore yes- terday baton charged dozens of refugees risk blind people protesting against the government for failing to implement an official quota for government jobs. A group of up to 70 blind men deportation had gathered in front of the local press club around noon on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, demanding the Kabul to send delegation to Tehran government uphold its two per- cent quota for the handicapped. KABUL: Afghanistan will In June, Iran’s semi-official After hearing that Pakistan’s send a delegation to Iran to ask news agency Tasnim said that President Mamnoon Hussain was the government to extend tem- temporary visas were extended visiting the city, they began to porary visas to allow 760,000 to unregistered Afghan refu- walk towards Governor’s House, Afghan refugees who have no gees for six months from leading to the clash with police. documents and risk deportation mid-June. Television footage showed to stay on for at least a year, an The Afghan government says police in riot gear repeatedly Afghan government spokesman there are 760,000 such unreg- striking protesters with batons said yesterday. istered Afghans and Faisal said as some fell to the ground. There are almost 1 million their temporary visas were due to Local police station chief registered Afghan refugees in expire in 20 days, meaning they Rafiullah said that police did not Iran, according to the United risked deportation. beat up protesters but had to Nations, most of whom arrived The Iranian foreign ministry “push” them away from a main before 2001 when US-led troops declined to comment. road where a security detail had toppled the hard-line Taliban Afghanistan is the United been deployed for the president’s Islamist regime. Nation’s largest repatriation motorcade. But those who arrived after- operation, but fewer refugees “As (a) last resort police had wards are required to have their are agreeing to return because to push them away from the road permits assessed on an individual of increasing violence and dete- due to security reasons,” he said. basis, making it harder for them riorating economic conditions in Afzal Mohiuddin, a 30-year-old to obtain the paperwork needed the country. blind man who had travelled from to be officially registered, accord- Since 2002, the UN agency the city of Faisalabad for the pro- Pakistani blind youth protest for jobs in Lahore yesterday. ing to the United Nation’s refugee has helped more than 900,000 test, said the police used excessive agency. Afghans return home from Iran, force. demanding any favour but our cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri supporters, due to preventable diseases like “The delegation will request but the number has dropped off “Police beat us with sticks and right to employment,” he said. killing 14. cataracts. They are often forced the Iranian government to and next year just 20,000 people pushed also and many of us fell Police in Pakistan are notori- Pakistan is home to almost two to deal with societal taboos sur- extend the visas for at least are expected to be voluntarily on the ground,” Mohiuddin said, ous for their sometimes heavy- million blind people, according to rounding disability and have little one more year,” said the Afghan repatriated, a fraction compared adding that he had been unem- handed response to situations. the Fred Hollows Foundation, an in the way of government facili- chief executive’s deputy spokes- with previous years. ployed for many years and came In June, Lahore police fired on Australia-based blindness char- ties to aid them in public spaces. man, Javid Faisal. REUTERS from a poor family. “We are not a gathering of anti-government ity, with more than half afflicted AFP

Cops investigate former pop star Pakistan jets bomb militant hideout; 8 killed for blasphemy PESHAWAR: The bullet-rid- confirmed the recovery. among militant groups. —including Al Qaeda and the TTP were killed while patrolling dled bodies of eight suspected The army launched a fresh Separately, 15 militants were as well as foreign fighters. on a motorbike by unknown ISLAMABAD: Pakistan police militants have been found in offensive in Khyber district this killed yesterday as jets hit their Pakistani jets and artillery gunmen. said yesterday they were inves- Pakistan’s restive northwest year against militant group hideouts in North Waziristan began targeting rebel strongholds Officials said that three men tigating blasphemy allegations where the military is battling Lashkar-e-Islam, led by war- tribal district, where the army in North Waziristan in mid-June riding another motorbike chased against a man dubbed the “disco insurgent groups, officials said lord Mangal Bagh who has joined began a major offensive earlier and ground forces moved in on the policemen on the city’s mullah” who quit a career in yesterday. hands with the homegrown this year, the military said in a June 30. Saryab road and sprayed bullets pop music to become a preacher. Troops recovered the eight Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan statement. The army says it has killed at them. The case against Junaid corpses late on Tuesday after they (TTP). An intelligence official said more than 1,100 militants and One policeman was killed at Jamshed, a member of the deeply were spotted by local residents in Neither the military nor rival the planes bombed a meeting lost more than 100 soldiers since the spot while the other died in conservative Tableeghi Jamaat the Khyber tribal district, where militants claimed the killings. place for insurgents in Datta then. a hospital. organisation, was brought by Taliban and Lashkar-e-Islam But troops have in the past been Khel village, and said the dead A tally based on regular updates Baluchistan, Pakistan’s larg- Mobeen Qadri, a member of the fighters are based. accused of the extra-judicial kill- included six Arabs and seven from the military puts the mili- est but least developed and most religious political party Sunni Five bodies were recovered ing of captured militants in the Uzbeks. tant death toll at more than 1,500, sparsely populated province, is Tehreek. from one place and three from region. It was not possible to independ- with 125 soldiers killed. racked by Islamist militants, Blasphemy is punishable another, a senior government offi- Retired brigadier Mahmood ently verify the casualties. Meanwhile, in the south- banditry, a separatist revolt and by death in Muslim-majority cial in Khyber said on condition Shah, a former security chief for Pakistan’s semi-autonomous western city of Quetta, capital sectarian violence between Sunnis Pakistan. But the law does not of anonymity. the tribal areas, said the deaths areas have long been a hideout of Baluchistan province, two and Shias. define what is blasphemous — A second official in Khyber could also be a result of infighting for Islamist militants of all stripes policemen from an elite unit AFP anyone can file a case alleging their religious feelings were hurt for any reason. “Now the case is with the inves- Military graduates tigators,” said Mehmood Ahmed, a police officer in Karachi. “We will have to arrest Junaid Jamshed and it is up to him if he moves bail and goes to court against this.” After the video went viral, Jamshed released a video apology. “This is my mistake and it is because of my ignorance, because of my lack of knowledge,” the 50-year-old said. “With a clean heart I ask that Allah forgive me and I beg and beseech all Muslims to forgive me. This was not on purpose.” Rights groups say the law is mostly used against minorities and the poor to settle personal scores or seize property. Before becoming a preacher, Jamshed was a pop star with a string of chart-topping songs and albums. He retired in 2001 and announced that he was devoting his life to Islam. Afghan security officials march during a graduation ceremony in Herat yesterday. The Afghan parlia- REUTERS ment has approved military agreements with the US and Nato that allow foreign troops to remain in the country after their combat units withdraw next month. Aid workers in Afghanistan fear for their lives

LONDON: Half the aid workers in “We risk leaving our colleagues in should signal an increase, not a reduction, Afghanistan received death treats or Afghanistan with a feeling of betrayal, that in support for Afghanistan,” Mercy Corps’ intimidation during the past year as for- we are turning our back on them and leav- Afghanistan director David Haines said in eign troops phased out their operations ing them exposed, both in terms of security a statement. and funding began to dwindle, a survey and financially.” In the last two weeks three compounds released ahead of the London conference Three quarters of aid organisations work- used by foreign aid organisations have been on Afghanistan said. ing in Afghanistan said funding for their hit by armed attackers, including a guest Aid workers and rights campaigners sur- development programmes had fallen in the house for international aid workers in the veyed by BAAG, an umbrella group of British past year. Certain areas have become off capital Kabul, in which three people were and Irish charities working in Afghanistan, limits for aid workers because of insurgent killed. said their security was rapidly deteriorating activity, and vulnerable communities are Recent incidents have shown that despite and 60 percent felt unprotected. no longer receiving their support, said the an intensive U.S. training programme, the Taliban insurgents and their allies have survey, released yesterday. 350,000-strong Afghan security forces will stepped up attacks across the country ahead Humanitarian agency Mercy Corps, find it hard to fight off the insurgents once of international troops’ planned withdrawal which has worked in Helmand province most of the foreign troops have withdrawn. by the end of 2014. since 2011, warned that progress made in The conference on the future of “There is a clear picture of people feeling Afghanistan risked being eroded if its pro- Afghanistan, co-hosted by the governments abandoned, vulnerable, under-funded,” said grammes were not funded. of Britain and Afghanistan, will take place BAAG director Jawed Nader. “The withdrawal of international troops in London on December 4. REUTERS THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Bhopal disaster victims call for justice Oppn insists BHOPAL: Hundreds of protest- ers gathered yesterday outside the abandoned factory which caused the world’s deadliest industrial disaster in the city on removal of Bhopal, burning effigies and demanding justice for survivors suffering 30 years later. Elderly women and men, some of whom were injured by the toxic cyanide gas leak, together with of minister activists, supporters and chil- dren — some born with physical and mental disabilities — held up Uproar over offensive remark banners and chanted “We want justice!” NEW DELHI: The opposition demanded the minister’s dismissal In the early hours of December yesterday continued to press for from the council of ministers. 3, 1984, around 40 tons of methyl the removal of union Minister Samajwadi Party leader isocyanate gas accidentally leaked Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti for her Ramgopal Yadav said Jyoti’s com- from a pesticide factory owned by abusive remarks, as its stale- ment was against the secular US multinational Union Carbide mate with the government on spirit of the Constitution. Corp. and was carried by the wind the issue disrupted proceedings As the disruptions continued, into the surrounding slums. of the Rajya Sabha for the sec- the house was adjourned for the The government recorded ond consecutive day. day. 5,295 deaths. Activists estimate A united opposition created an Similar scenes were witnessed 25,000 deaths from illnesses since uproar in both houses, leading in the Lok Sabha, where Prime the leak. Many people still suffer to repeated adjournments in the Minister Modi was present. from cancer, blindness, respira- Rajya Sabha and once in the Lok Raising the issue, Congress tory problems and immune and Sabha. leader Mallikarjun Kharge said: neurological disorders, with little Delhi Police yesterday regis- “As the prime minister is present support, they say. A demonstrator throws kerosene on an effigy depicting Dow Chemical Company, which now owns Union Carbide, tered a complaint against the here today, I want the minister to Activists accuse the Indian and minister. be asked to resign.” US governments and the Dow during a protest to mark the 30th anniversary of the Bhopal gas tragedy, yesterday. Both the houses got off to a Minister of State for Chemical Company, which now stormy start, with the opposition Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv owns Union Carbide, of not doing and cleaning up the waste are many of the issues “have already decided, after extensive examina- members demanding the resigna- Pratap Rudy said the minister has enough to support victims of the being pressed in Indian and US been resolved and responsibilities tion of their cases, what is to be tion of the minister of state for already apologised. disaster. courts. assigned.” paid and to whom,” Pravir Krishn, food processing, who had used “Yesterday (Tuesday), the issue They want more financial com- “The time has come to bring The government of central the state’s principal secretary at abusive language in her speech at was discussed and the minister pensation for the victims and the Dow and Carbide to justice. No Madhya Pradesh state, where the department in charge of reha- a Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party also apologised. Why are they rais- removal of thousands of tons of more hiding behind share own- Bhopal is located, held a prayer bilitation for Bhopal’s victims, told rally. ing the issue again?” he said. toxic waste around the plant, ership and legal loopholes,” said meeting yesterday to mark the the Thomson Reuters Foundation. “Aapko tay karna hai ki Dilli The speaker also dismissed the which has seeped into the ground Salil Shetty, Secretary-General 30th anniversary of the leak and Krishn said some families mein sarkar Ramzadon ki banegi adjournment motion and notice with activists saying this is poison- of Amnesty International. the parliament in New Delhi seeking compensation or medi- ya haramzadon ki. (You have to for suspension of question hour. ing the water of 50,000 people. An email from Tomm Sprick observed a two-minute silence for cal help were not from contami- decide if you want a government in MPs went near the speaker’s Dow Chemical has denied liabil- of the Union Carbide Information the victims of the disaster. nated locations, suggesting they Delhi to be led by children of Lord podium shouting slogans like ‘PM ity, saying it bought Union Carbide Centre said the company was not Government officials deny falsely claimed to be victims of the Ram or illegitimate children),” she Jawab do’ (prime minister must a decade after the firm settled its doing any interviews and referred neglecting victims and failing to tragedy. was quoted as saying at the rally. answer). liabilities to the Indian govern- to information on its website, help many survivors. They say He said the state had provided In the Rajya Sabha, where the Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said ment in 1989 by paying $470m. which features many facts “which the Supreme Court decides who 40 billion rupees ($650m) to government is in a minority, the all members will have to apolo- But activists said that was a have been forgotten or overlooked is eligible for compensation and 575,000 people identified by the opposition members advanced to gise if such issues get raised all paltry sum based on the extent of in the past 30 years.” free healthcare after receiving a Supreme Court as being affected the Chairman’s podium, shouted the time. human suffering and various peti- In an email last week, Sprick list of the affected people. by the disaster, built state-of-the slogans and demanded Prime The house was adjourned briefly tions to hold Dow to account and said UCC had the “utmost respect “This has been put before the art hospitals and provided houses Minister Narendra Modi’s expla- amid din and resumed worked insist on increased compensation and sympathy for the victims” but Supreme Court and the court has for many survivors. REUTERS nation on the issue. later. “We feel shame in repeat- Talking to reporters later, ing what the minister said. A Parliamentary Affairs M Venkaiah mere apology is unacceptable,” Naidu ruled out the resignation of Communist Party of India-Marxist the minister and took a dig at the leader Sitaram Yechury said. opposition. Army kills six rebels near Kashmir border Congress leader Anand Sharma “All parties had moved ahead said: “We don’t accept apology. after accepting Sadhvi’s statement SRINAGAR: The army killed “A junior commissioned officer fought at an altitude of more than a paramilitary police patrol in The prime minister should come of regret yesterday (Tuesday). I six rebels during a two-day gun- and six infiltrators were killed 4,200 metres “with (the) likely aim the village of Puhu in Pulwama to the house and sack the min- don’t know what changed today battle in Kashmir which was in the operation, three of them of terrorists to disrupt elections” district, 50 kilometres south of ister. It is a cognizable and non- (yesterday). I don’t know why the believed to be an attempt by yesterday,” army spokesman S D which are ongoing in the region. Srinagar, a local police officer said compoundable crime, punishable issue was raised once again in par- militants to disrupt elections Goswami said. “A major infiltration bid foiled on condition of anonymity. up to three years in jail.” liament,” Naidu said. in the region, a spokesman said Four other soldiers received by Army,” the army also tweeted. Four paramilitary personnel, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien He said the previous Congress- yesterday. minor injuries during the battle “Terrorists equipped with latest another policeman and a civilian had to thrice adjourn the proceed- led government had not removed An Indian soldier was also killed that has now ended in the snowy winter clothing and accessories.” were hurt. ings of the house, before adjourn- Beni Prasad Verma as union in the fighting which started on and mountainous Naugam sector, Another attack yesterday Voting took place on Tuesday in ing the house till 2 pm. minister following objectionable Tuesday when militants crossed 100 kilometres from Kashmir’s injured five policemen and a the tense Muslim-majority region Post lunch, opposition members remarks made by him. the heavily fortified border with main city of Srinagar, he said. civilian. for the staggered state election. continued shouting slogans and IANS Pakistan. The army said the battle was Militants threw a grenade at AFP

Oldest litigant not to pursue Babri case further Mentally ill women LUCKNOW/AYODHYA/ them and the Bahujan Samaj Ansari also said he will not could visit temples in Chitrakoot, NEW DELHI: Mohammed Party demanding a probe into the take part in any programme on why could he not visit Ayodhya. Hashim Ansari, the oldest liti- circumstances in which he made December 6, the anniversary of In remarks to Times Now chan- treated worse than gant in the Babri Masjid case, the comments. the Babri Masjid’s demolition. nel, Ansari said he was ready to has accused Samajwadi Party Ansari said he was fed up with He hit out at Azam Khan, a talk to Prime Minister Narendra leader Azam Khan of seeking to the politicisation of the issue. minister in the Akhilesh Yadav Modi on the issue. animals: HRW take political advantage of the “Whether it is Babri masjid or government in Uttar Pradesh, and Zafaryab Jilani, legal advisor issue and said he will not pursue Ram Janmabhoomi, it has become said: “I file the case and political to the All India Muslim Personal NEW DELHI: Intellectually But experts say those figures the case any further. a battleground of politics. I do not advantage is taken by Azam Khan. Law Board, said Ansari’s recusal disabled women in India are are strikingly low for the world’s Ansari’s remarks triggered want to befool Hindus or Muslims. Hence, I will not pursue it. Let from the case would not have routinely locked up in institu- second most populous country political reactions, with the I will not pursue the Babri Masjid Azam Khan fight it.” much effect. tions where they suffer sexual where many health issues go Bharatiya Janata Party welcoming case at any cost,” he said. Ansari asked if Azam Khan IANS or other abuse and are “treated undiagnosed. worse than animals”, a report Vilas Bhailume, superintendent by a human rights group said of a mental hospital in western yesterday. Pune, said overcrowding was a Trooper’s funeral Women are often dumped in major problem. overcrowded, state-run institu- “We only have 100 toilets for Kerala’s plea on tions lacking basic facilities in more than 1,850 patients out of India, where mentally ill and disa- which only 25 are functional. The Mullaperiyar dam bled people are “ridiculed, feared, others keep getting blocked. Open and stigmatised”, the Human defecation is the norm,” he said in verdict rejected Rights Watch report said. the report. “Once they’re locked up, their Women with a range of dis- NEW DELHI: The Supreme lives are often rife with isolation, abilities and illnesses such as Court has dismissed a plea fear and abuse, with no hope of schizophrenia are often admitted by the Kerala government for escape,” said Kriti Sharma, the against their will by their families review of its verdict that struck report’s author. or legal guardians, despite the fact down the 2006 Kerala Act that “Women and girls with dis- that forced institutionalisation is sought to restrict the water level abilities face unique challenges illegal in India. in Mullaperiyar dam at 136 feet. — including sexual violence and “Relatives just dump patients The bench of Chief Justice H denial of access to reproductive at the hospital and think that’s L Dattu, Justice J Chelameswar, health — that men do not.” it. They put fake addresses and Justice Madan B Lokur, Justice M Called “Treated Worse than phone numbers on the registra- Y Eqbal and Justice C Nagappan Animals”, the report is based on tion forms so we cannot contact dismissed the plea after consider- interviews with 52 women and them again,” a nurse at the Pune ing it in their chamber. girls who were in or had been in hospital said. “The application for an open institutions, along with those of India’s government launched court hearing is rejected. We have 150 doctors and family members. a national mental health pro- gone through the review petition “The house aunty (staff mem- gramme in 1982 to provide com- and the connected papers. We ber) who drops me to school hits munity-based services, but HRW see no reason to interfere in the me. She hits me here (in the insti- says it is largely ineffective and impugned order. Review petition tution) too. She slaps me hard lacks oversight. is dismissed,” the court’s order said with her hand,” an 11-year-old Sharma said many of the on Tuesday. said in the report. women she interviewed were des- Kerala had sought review of Some 1.5 million people suffer perate to leave, describing their the May 7 Supreme Court verdict intellectual disabilities such as treatment as unbearable. by which the apex court allowed A relative of slain paramilitary trooper Muhammad Shafi Bhat mourns during his funeral in Buran, around 35km genetic Down’s syndrome in India, “Long-term warehousing of Tamil Nadu’s plea to raise the north of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, yesterday. Hundreds of people took part in the while another 722,826 suffer from women and girls with disabilities water level from 136 feet to 142 funeral of Bhat, who was among 13 troopers killed when they were attacked by Maoist fighters last Monday. mental illnesses such as bipolar, is simply not the answer,” she said. feet. IANS government census figures show. AFP

THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME

Fajr (Dawn) 4:43 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:04 Zuhr (Noon) 11:24 Asr (Afternoon) 2:23 Maghrib (Sunset) 4:44 Isha (Night) 6:14

WEATHER

Today Friday Saturday Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Slight dust to dusty and partly High: 26° High: 26° High: 26° cloudy Low: 18° Low: 20° Low: 20°

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:04 16:44 03:45 14:30 10:00 21:00 10-20/25 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER People taking photos of a chocolate-made Mona Lisa painting at the Chocolate Happy Land in Shanghai. An Italian historian’s theory that Mona Lisa might be a Chinese slave and Leonardo da Vinci’s mother — making the 15th-century polymath half-Chinese — sent online commentators into a frenzy MUSCAT 26/22 Clear 25/21 Clear yesterday. MAKKAH 35/24 Partly cloudy 35/23 Partly cloudy KUWAIT 24/11 Clear 24/10 Clear BAHRAIN 23/19 Partly cloudy 24/18 Clear SANAA 22/10 Clear 23/12 Partly cloudy RIYADH 22/10 Clear 23/12 Partly cloudy Mona Lisa may have been Chinese DUBAI 28/17 Partly cloudy 30/15 Clear BAGHDAD 21/10 Partly cloudy 20/10 Partly cloudy BEIJING: An Italian histo- faces from Chinese comedians to Leonardo’s father had a slave an image of a frowning Mona Lisa rian’s theory that Mona Lisa British actor Rowan Atkinson called Caterina. After 1452, holding two rolls of toilet paper THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW might be a Chinese slave and grafted over her delicate features. Leonardo’s date of birth, she dis- and blowing her nose. “I’d rather Leonardo da Vinci’s mother Little is known about Caterina, appeared from the documents,” be from wherever I am loved.” HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER — making the 15th-century the mother of the artist, writer, he told the paper. Another user replaced her fea- polymath half-Chinese — sent mathematician and inventor, and The evidence for a Chinese con- tures with unlikely faces ranging ATHENS 19/13 Partly cloudy 17/14 Partly cloudy online commentators into a the identity of the sitter for the nection appears to be slight, with from Chinese male comedian WASHINGTON 09/05 Partly cloudy 11/08 Chance of rain frenzy yesterday. portrait hanging in Paris’ Louvre Paratico saying he was sure “up Zhao Benshan to British actor SYDNEY 29/19 Chance of storm 24/19 Thunderstorm Angelo Paratico, a Hong museum has long been a matter to a point” that da Vinci’s mother Rowan Atkinson, to a grimacing LONDON 05/04 Cloudy 06/-1 Partly cloudy Kong-based historian and nov- of debate. was from the Orient. “To make robot holding a Mona Lisa mask. elist from Italy, told the South Paratico, who is finishing her an oriental Chinese, we need The topic had been viewed PARIS 04/03 Cloudy 06/03 Chance of showers China Morning Post: “On the a book entitled Leonardo da to use a deductive method,” he more than four million times and ISTANBUL 13/10 Chance of showers 13/10 Partly cloudy back of Mona Lisa, there is a Vinci: a Chinese scholar lost in added. triggered 160,000 postings by mid- MANILA 29/23 Cloudy 28/21 Cloudy Chinese landscape and even her Renaissance Italy, cited Austrian Many posters on China’s day yesterday. DHAKA 29/19 Clear 29/18 Partly cloudy face looks Chinese.” Chinese web neurologist Sigmund Freud’s 1910 Twitter-like Sina Weibo were “I now understand why her DELHI 28/12 Partly cloudy 27/12 Clear users expressed astonishment and assumption that the painting was incredulous. smile looks so mysterious and ISLAMABAD 22/09 Clear 22/08 Clear disbelief yesterday, posting dozens inspired by the artist’s mother. “I’m so sad that you thought concealed — it’s typically Chinese,” of parodies of the painting, with “One wealthy client of I’m a foreigner!” wrote one, with said another poster. AFP Thursday 4 December 2014 12 Safar 1436 Volume 19 Number 6269 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Petrochem diversification key for Qatar, says Al Sada Minister inaugurates Muntajat BV headquarters in The Hague

DOHA: The Minister of Energy Dr Al Sada said, stressing that Muntajat dinner, Abdulrahman Ali Al Abdulla, and Industry, H E Dr Mohamed bin BV — the international marketing arm Chief Executive Officer of Muntajat Saleh Al Sada, has inaugurated the of Muntajat — is proud to be the latest said: “The inauguration of the interna- headquarters of Muntajat BV in The addition to The Hague, along with a long tional marketing company’s headquarters Hague, Netherlands. Muntajat BV list of international companies, institu- marks a defining moment for Muntajat. is the wholly-owned subsidiary of tions and organisations. Muntajat BV represents the fulfilment of Qatar Chemical and Petrochemical The inauguration of the headquarters our mission of marketing ‘Made in Qatar’ Marketing and Distribution Company follows the opening of 14 new marketing chemical and petrochemical products on (Muntajat) QJSC. offices in Morocco, Sri Lanka, UAE, India, the global market. Our international mar- Dr Al Sada described the opening of China, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, keting network is expanding and already the headquarters as an important mile- Pakistan, Jordan, Australia, South Africa, services more than 120 countries.” stone for Muntajat as well as for Qatar’s Malaysia, and Turkey. “Muntajat is a success today because chemicals and petrochemicals sector. The ceremony was followed by a din- it leverages the value of top local and “The development and diversification ner and attended by Dr Al Sada, who international talent, a roadmap we The Minister of Energy and Industry, H E Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada, along with other of Qatar’s petrochemical industry is key is also the Chairman of Muntajat’s will continue to follow in the future. officials at the inauguration of the headquarters of Muntajat BV in The Hague, Netherlands. for Qatar. For more than a year now, Board of Directors. Khalid bin Fahad We’re pleased that The Hague and The Qatar’s downstream products have been Al Khater, ambassador of Qatar to The Netherlands are part of the Muntajat marketed and sold under a single banner: Netherlands and Maarten Camps, the story moving forward,” he said. Maarten Camps, said both Qatar and Launched in 2012, Muntajat holds Muntajat,” he said. Secretary General of Economic Affairs of Based in the World Trade Center, the the Netherlands are small countries with exclusive rights to market, distribute and “At age 2, Muntajat stands today ready the Netherlands and over 300 guests from newly established headquarter, will set big ambitions. “We are both true gas- sell Qatar’s 10-million tonnes of chemical to announce assuming responsibility for the downstream industry were among strategic direction for the network’s glo- producing countries. We’re also countries and petrochemical exports to the global the full 100 percent of Qatar’s high quality others who attended the event. bal marketing offices and serve customers in transition – looking to add more sus- market. chemical and petrochemical production,” Addressing the guests at the gala based in Europe and USA. tainable energy to our energy mix.” THE PENINSULA

Oil producers pump more while urging Opec cut: Kuwait Qatari bourse

KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait unacceptable to us and we have reducing production,” Omair said. minister who said he hoped the afternoon trade. WTI tumbled index slips accused oil-producing countries to preserve our market share and “The output surplus on the Opec decision would benefit the $2.12 in New York on Tuesday, that had urged Opec to cut its continue with a production level international market was 1.8 mil- market in the future. while Brent fell $2 after Iraq output, in a bid to curb sliding that covers our needs,” Omair lion barrels per day, and amid a Last week’s Opec decision sent announced plans to boost its 1.13 percent prices, of doing the opposite by told parliament. slow world economy there is no oil prices crashing to five-year exports of crude after strik- pumping more crude. He did not name any coun- point in cutting output while oth- lows. ing a deal with the autonomous DOHA: Qatari stocks fell Oil Minister Ali Al Omair try, but appeared to allude to ers raced to raise their produc- However, crude prices made Kurdish region. Omair said by 1.13 percent as blue chips defended the oil cartel’s decision non-Opec members, mainly oil- tion,” he said. some gains in Asian trade yes- Kuwait was pumping 2.7 million declined and three sector indi- last week to maintain produc- rich Russia, the world’s larg- He said the Organisation of terday as traders awaited a US barrels a day, around 300,000 ces ended flat. The benchmark tion levels, insisting that mem- est producer of crude that had Petroleum Exporting Countries stockpiles report. lower than its average daily pro- index dipped to 12,400 levels in ber states want to keep their urged Opec in the past to cut had sought to coordinate with US benchmark West Texas duction for the past three years. the intraday trading before set- market share. “Everyone wanted production. non-Opec oil producers over sup- Intermediate (WTI) for January A portion of the decline was the tling at 12,612 points. you (Opec) to cut your output “After discussing the issue plies and prices. “We will not sac- delivery rose 52 cents to $67.40, result of halting production at a Banking major QNB declined while they increased production of cutting output at Opec, we rifice our interests for the sake of while Brent crude for January Saudi-Kuwaiti offshore oilfield. by 3.11 percent and QIB fell 3.69 and flooded the market. This is found that there was no point in adjusting market prices,” said the gained 35 cents to $70.89 in AFP percent. Vodafone Qatar edged 2.24 percent down. Market cap decreased by QR8bn. Total traded value declined to QR682m from the previous ses- sion’s QR716m. Traded volume Sukuk market set to slipped to 10 million shares from 12 million shares. Total transac- tions fell to 6,698 from 7,318 deals. change as investor The value of real estate stocks plunged to QR81m from the pre- vious session’s QR177m. Insurance appetite shifts: Study sector’s value declined to QR5m from QR7mn. However, the mar- DOHA: The market for sukuk, or Islamic bonds, looks ket was up 21.51 percent up year- set to enjoy another year of expansion, but some inves- to-date. “Though Qatar has been tors are planning to reduce their allocations to the pretty soft in the last week, it is asset class which could push yields higher, a study by still one of the best performing Thomson Reuters showed. markets in the Gulf year-to-date,” Demand from investors in the Gulf and Southeast Asia Reuters quoted Akber Khan, continues to exceed supply, an imbalance which has helped director of asset management at drive down yields for sukuk at issue, making them an Al Rayan Investment in Doha as appealing funding source for corporates and sovereigns. saying. “Given this, much of the Sukuk are investment certificates which follow reli- current weakness is about inves- gious principles such as bans on interest and monetary tors locking in profits in stocks speculation. This year the market has attracted debut they are still able to, as opposed issuers such as Hong Kong, Britain, Luxembourg and to crystalising losses.” South Africa, while emerging market issuers are poised to Officials at the acquistion ceremony. Qatar’s benchmark is up 21.5 join as well. This would help take global issuance of sukuk percent this year, second only to in 2015 to between $150bn to $175bn, the report estimated, Dubai which has gained 24.2 per- exceeding the previous record of $137bn in 2012. cent. Oil price moves will domi- But the market’s dynamics could start to change next ARTIC buys The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel nate investors’ attention and it year, according to the report’s survey of investors and DOHA: Al Rayyan Tourism and situated at 790 Seventh Avenue. premium hotels and resorts.” might take a while before the sukuk arrangers conducted during July and August. Investment Company (ARTIC), the ARTIC’s acquisition of The Tarek M El Sayed, Executive Board market finds a new equilibrium. Out of 105 investor respondents, nearly half said they international hospitality subsidiary Manhattan at Times Square Hotel Member, said: “As the US economic “Many investors are waiting to see expected to allocate between 5 percent and 25 percent of of Al Faisal Holding Company, one is another significant step forward in recovery accelerates, the hospitality where oil prices stabilise and for their portfolios in sukuk. of Qatar’s largest private diversified the global expansion of its investment sector is seeing the highest occupancy governments to announce budgets This is lower than last year’s findings, when on average industry groups, announced that portfolio and its strategy of buying rates in decades. The US is a key mar- for the next fiscal year before they investors said they would allocate between 25 percent to it has acquired 97 percent of The high quality assets in prime locations ket for our geographic expansion and reassess valuations,” Khan said. 35 percent in sukuk. Manhattan at Times Square Hotel to which it can add value. this acquisition is an important mile- Elsewhere, most Middle East The drop could be attributed to market expectations of in New York. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, stone in ARTIC’s development.” bourses slipped as oil market tur- higher interest rates and an expected economic recovery Built in 1962, The Manhattan at Chairman of ARTIC, said: “Since Rutger Smits, CEO of ARTIC, bulence kept equity investors cau- in Western markets, the study said. Times Square Hotel is located at the the creation of ARTIC in 2003, our added: “As a leading global hospital- tious, although blue chips lifted A resurgence in equity markets would encourage the heart of Mid-Town and combines the objective has been to have a pres- ity real estate investment company Saudi Arabia’s index and energy shift: 40 percent of investors expect to invest less than age-old glamour of New York and clas- ence in major cities around the world with a long-term strategic investment importer Egypt rebounded follow- $25m in sukuk, with close to a third expecting to invest sic Art Deco detailing with a coveted through high quality investments. approach, this acquisition fits perfectly ing a wave of profit-taking. Saudi between $25m to $75m. Times Square location. ARTIC’s success and sustainable with our strategy. The potential of this index rose 0.7 percent, while But other factors could come into play, such as an The 22 storey property features 689 growth stems from its balanced, long property is considerable and we have Kuwait slipped 0.1 percent and investor aversion for new structures, with a quarter of rooms and suites, commercial space term investment strategy and I am the know-how, successful track record Oman lost 0.2 percent. Bourses respondents not interested in exchangeable or hybrid and is within easy reach of numerous delighted with this acquisition which and financial strength to support its in the UAE were closed for a sukuk, while 45 percent saying they would prefer project- New York landmarks. The hotel cov- represents an important addition, development plans.” national holiday. based sukuk. REUTERS ers an entire block of 44,100sqm and is bringing our current portfolio to 24 THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA/AGENCIES THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Leaders explore Dahej receives first RasGas cargo vessel innovative Terminal expansions to increase India’s LNG imports solutions to

DOHA: The Q-Max vessel, cargo to Dahej demonstrates our A K Balyan, Managing Director Mekaines, RasGas Company flexible portfolio and commitment and Chief Executive Officer, job creation Limited’s (RasGas) chartered in meeting our long-standing cus- Petronet LNG Limited. liquefied natural gas (LNG) tomer’s needs,” said Khalid Sultan The Q-Max is the largest DOHA: Over 150 young leaders, tanker, successfully berthed R Al Kuwari, RasGas’ Chief LNG carrier class in the world. innovators, thought leaders and this week for the first time at Marketing and Shipping Officer. A typical Q-Max gas tanker is decision makers representing Dahej LNG terminal in Gujarat, India’s first and only active 1,132 ft long, 177 ft wide, and over 30 countries have gathered India, which is owned and oper- long-term LNG contract to date 170 ft in height, with a draught in Doha to explore innovative ated by Petronet LNG Limited. was signed between RasGas and of 39 ft. The Q-Max has a cargo solutions to the challenges of job This marks the arrival of one of Petronet in July 1999 for 7.5 mil- capacity of 266,000 cubic metres creation and economic develop- the world’s largest LNG carriers lion tonnes per year (MTA) for (9,400,000 cubic ft) of LNG, equal ment during the annual two-day at Dahej LNG terminal which has 25 years. RasGas’ first Q-max to 161,994,000 cubic metres of Shape Mena conference that been recently expanded to include cargo to Dahej delivered around natural gas. kicked off yesterday. a second LNG jetty and accom- 261,000 cubic metres of LNG on The carrying capacity of Shape Mena is the annual modate larger vessels. this occasion. To date, RasGas has Q-Max ship results in lower per regional gathering of the World “The safe berthing and unload- delivered over nine million tonnes unit transportation costs per Economic Forum’s Global Shapers ing of the Q-Max vessel Mekaines to India this year. journey compared to conventional Community in the Middle East and at Dahej LNG Terminal is “We are glad to receive the LNG ships, giving Qatar a power- North Africa region. The Global another significant milestone in first Q-Max LNG vessel one of ful competitive advantage. Shapers Community is a global our long-standing relationship the biggest size LNG ships avail- RasGas’ integrated shipping Mekaines, the first Q-Max LNG vessel, on its journey to berth at the newly network of over 350 city-based with Petronet. As one of the main able today, at Dahej Terminal and fleet consists of 27 long term expanded Dahej LNG terminal in India. hubs developed and led by future suppliers of LNG to India, RasGas expect to receive more such car- chartered LNG vessels. The fleet’s leaders between 20 and 30 years stands ready to continue support- goes in the future. Petronet also variety of 14 conventional ships, of age, who collaborate on activi- ing Petronet in meeting India’s looks forward to further strength- 12 Q-Flex tankers and one Q-Max currently operates the Dahej and MTA respectively. Petronet meets ties designed to improve the state growing demand for cleaner ening the time-proven and cor- vessel enhances RasGas’ flexibility Kochi LNG terminals on India’s approximately 30 per cent of the of their communities. Shapers are energy in the form of LNG. The dial bilateral trade relationship to meet global demand. west and south coasts each with country’s gas demand. highly motivated individuals who delivery of the fully loaded Q-Max between Qatar and India,” said Dr Petronet LNG Limited a capacity of 10 MTA and five THE PENINSULA are selected on the basis of their achievements, leadership poten- tial and commitment to make a difference. The Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka meet This year’s conference addresses the theme of “Economic Growth Eurozone risks return and Job Creation in the region,” and participants are discussing issues related to changing nature of work, current and future work- to contraction; China place skills gaps, technology and philanthropy, Islamic finance, and social entrepreneurship. outlook smoggy Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, President of Hamad bin Khalifa University, Founding LONDON/NEW YORK: The demand shows signs of reviving,” Curator and ongoing Adviser to eurozone economy may face said Chris Williamson, Markit’s the Doha Global Shapers hub, said: another contraction after busi- chief economist. “Occasions such as these remind ness activity grew less than A poll last month for the euro- us that the young people of our expected in November, although zone predicted 0.2 percent eco- region possess the talent and Asian readings were more nomic growth this quarter and ambition to build a better world, upbeat, while US data was mixed 0.3 percent next. The Markit PMI despite the countless challenges in global surveys published covering the eurozone’s dominant their generation faces. Over the yesterday. service industry fell to 51.1 from next two days, this select group of Firms across the eurozone cut October’s 52.3 and showed firms young Arabs will work together prices again which may concern have been cutting prices for three in seeking solutions to some of Participants at the meeting of The Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, Qatar Chapter in Doha. The chapter the European Central Bank which full years now to drum up busi- our most difficult problems. At hosted a presentation followed by a discussion on the subject ‘The New Emerging role of the Modern CFO’. holds a policy meeting today. ness. The ECB is offering banks the same time, they are building In contrast, a survey covering long-term cheap loans and buying networks and sharing experiences, China’s services sector showed covered bonds and asset-backed and this will form a platform for slightly faster expansion, but after securities. But facing resistance future collaboration”. data on Monday suggested manu- from Germany, there is only an Dr Tarik M Yousef, CEO of Shape Indonesia to sign sales, refinery facturing growth was its weakest even chance it will buy govern- Mena partner Silatech said, “Youth in at least six months, investors ment bonds, a poll found last week. unemployment is a longstand- remain concerned that Chinese Conversely, the Bank of England ing problem in the Arab world, as economic growth is slowing. is expected to begin tighten- well as one of the most urgent and pact with CNOOC, Saudi Aramco “There are clear downside risks ing policy next year and after a critical challenges that the region to various areas of the world econ- survey showed its services sector faces. At Silatech, we believe that JAKARTA: Indonesia expects Ahmad Bambang, Pertamina’s venture would give Indonesia omy including the eurozone and expanded more than expected last long-term solutions to youth unem- to sign agreements with China’s new director of refining, trading a discount on crude purchases, to some extent China,” said Philip month, recently revised forecasts ployment and job creation are CNOOC Ltd, Saudi Aramco and and marketing, told reporters at Bambang said, adding that this Shaw, chief economist at Investec. for a later hike may be brought strengthened by the engagement two other oil companies next a company event on Wednesday. would take time. Indonesia’s state “The eurozone numbers do indi- back in. of young people themselves in solv- week covering direct oil sales “We will select whoever will energy firm needs up to $25bn in cate the economy is moving for- China’s official non-manufactur- ing the challenges that affect them and refinery investments in bring the maximum benefit to investment to double the crude wards but at a snail’s pace, (and) ing PMI rose to 53.9 in November directly. Shape Mena is an excellent Southeast Asia’s largest econ- Pertamina and the state.” intake of at least four of its exist- the pressure remains on the ECB.” from 53.8 while a separate services forum for youth engagement, and omy, a senior Pertamina official Indonesia in October broke ing refineries, to raise its total Markit’s final November PMI published by HSBC/Markit we support it fully.” said. off talks on building two new capacity to 1.6 million bpd by Composite Purchasing Managers’ inched up to 53.0 last month from Silatech is a Doha-based social President Joko Widodo, who refineries with Saudi Aramco 2025, Bambang said. Index (PMI), based on surveys of October’s 52.9, as new orders rose initiative focused on improving took office six weeks ago, is look- and Kuwait Petroleum due to Pertamina is also considering thousands of companies across the at their quickest pace in 2-1/2 employment and entrepreneur- ing to modernise the country’s disagreements over tax issues. building two or three new refiner- euro area and seen as a good indi- years. But the surveys painted a ship opportunities for young peo- refineries and build new ones as “Previously, there were problems ies, each with a capacity of around cator of growth, sank to 51.1 from mixed picture of the labour mar- ple throughout the Arab world. part of sweeping energy reforms with tax holidays, tax incentives 300,000 bpd. October’s 52.1. ket, which Chinese leaders say is Hira Ahmed, Doha Hub Curator, to squeeze out widespread corrup- and uncertainty over permits,” Indonesia, which is expected November was the 17th month a crucial consideration when set- commented on the importance tion and meet ballooning energy Bambang said. “We are assur- to be the world’s largest gasoline the index has been above the 50 ting policy. of the event to the Doha Global demands. ing them we can go (forward). importer by 2018, is rushing to level that separates growth from Along with the news, that Shapers, saying “This is the first Pertamina is in talks with Now we are offering partnership, build the necessary infrastructure contraction, but the new business prompted some economists to pre- time in which Doha has hosted CNOOC, Saudi Aramco, including in marketing, not just in to meet this demand, but has not index fell below that mark for the dict China would cut interest rates the Shape Mena conference, and Thailand’s PTT Pcl and a developing the refineries.” built a new refinery since 1994. first time since the middle of last again in coming months after doing we are honored to welcome such Japanese oil company to form Pertamina is hoping to form The government hopes its plan year, suggesting a further down- so unexpectedly on November 21. an exciting and inspiring group of joint ventures that would not a similar joint venture with to increase storage and refining turn in December. “Things have gotten worse rather young leaders from throughout the only guarantee crude supplies to Angola’s Sonangol, and expects to capacity will allow Indonesia to “The region is on course to see than better,” said Louis Kuijs, an Arab world to share perspectives Indonesia’s refineries, but also finalise an initial deal to provide shift away from gasoline and a mere 0.1 percent GDP growth in economist at RBS in Hong Kong, and generate new ideas. Since this help fund major upgrades. Indonesia with 100,000 barrels per diesel on the opaque spot mar- the final quarter of the year, with adding that any bottoming out in is a wholly youth-led event, we are “We are looking for partners day (bpd) of crude next month. ket, and allow it to enter stable a strong likelihood of the near- China’s sagging housing market is addressing a topic which is of vital to develop refineries and that According to an agreement long-term supply contracts with stagnation turning to renewed unlikely to lead to a solid rebound importance to our generation.” can guarantee security of supply,” signed in November, the joint foreign producers. REUTERS contraction in the new year unless next year. REUTERS THE PENINSULA

Brazilian oil giant corruption probe Doha Bank closes KD25m deal with Kharafi National

DOHA: Doha Bank has successfully closed a project finance deal of KD25m with Kharafi National of Kuwait. Kharafi National is a Kuwait based leading Infrastructure Project Developer in water, wastewater treatment and reclamation, district cooling, solid waste management and enhanced oil recovery as well as a lead- ing Contractor and Facilities Management Service Provider to the petroleum, chemicals, power, water and commercial sectors in the Middle East and Africa. As developers of infrastructure, it’s engaged in projects on a BOT, BOO or PPP basis. THE PENINSULA Barwa Bank wins IFM award DOHA: Barwa Bank, one of Qatar’s leading Shari’ah-compliant banking service providers, has been recognised as “Fastest Growing Bank in Qatar 2014” by IFM during a ceremony held in London recently, according to a press statement released yesterday. The IFM Awards set the benchmark for successful banking and finan- cial institutions around the world. Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Neama, Head of Branch Operations, accepted the award on behalf of the Bank at the ceremony. “It is a testament to our highly-successful strategy that combines both innovation and customer service to Former directors of Brazil’s state-run Petrobras oil company react during a confrontation session, in a congressional committee that is investigating lead us to become one of the region’s leading Shari’ah-complaint allegations of corruption at Petroleo Brasileiro SA, in Brasilia. financial institutions,” said the statement. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Britain misses deficit Volkswagen to bring new target in pre-poll budget Touareg to Economy now forecast to grow by 3 percent this year Qatar soon

LONDON: Britain’s Finance unemployment, falling inflation polls in May, Osborne was careful DOHA: Volkswagen Qatar Minister George Osborne and a deficit which is half what to tone down the austerity meas- announced the new Touareg unveiled his last major budget we inherited,” Osborne told parlia- ures that have dominated previ- will arrive in the showroom this update before next year’s gen- ment. “We inherited an economy ous budgets although he cautioned December, the company said in eral election, admitting a key in crisis... I present a forecast that his was not “a net give away”. a statement yesterday. deficit-cutting target had been that shows the UK is the fastest Instead he unveiled extra Unveiled at the SUV world missed but revising up economic growing of any major advanced spending on infrastructure — premiere in Beijing earlier this growth forecasts. economy,” he added. mainly road-building and flood year, the new Touareg, has been Osborne said the economy was With employment rising but defences — as well as a package to redesigned to offer customers new now forecast to grow by 3 percent many new jobs lower paid, the support British exports to emerg- front and rear designs, new tech- this year compared with a previ- government has seen tax receipts ing markets in Asia, Africa and nical features and a wide range of ous prediction of 2.7 percent, and shrink, hindering its bid to reduce South America and an overhaul colours and interiors. also revised up the estimate for the country’s budget deficit fur- of property taxes. The Touareg is one of the 2015 to 2.4 percent from 2.3 per- ther. Osborne’s Conservatives had While warning of “very sub- world‘s most successful pre- cent. But he admitted that the def- promised to bring the public defi- stantial savings” needed in pub- mium-class SUVs. Within a dec- icit, though falling, “remains too cit to an end by the time of the lic spending, he promised £2bn ade, Volkswagen has sold around high” at a forecast £91.3bn in the election in 2015. He said the deficit in extra money for the National 720,000 units of the high-class year to March 2015, higher than a was forecast to fall to 4 percent Health Service — a key battle- sport utility vehicle; last year previous estimate of £86.4bn ear- next year, before moving into a ground in the 2015 polls. alone over 70,000 drivers chose lier this year. surplus of 0.2 percent in 2018-19. He also said the government a new Touareg, which combines That represents 5 percent of He added that the government’s would legislate to allow Northern the best of passenger car comforts gross domestic product, com- achievements were significant Ireland to set its own corporation and off-road worlds in one model. pared with 10.2 percent when particularly considering that “the tax, a key demand in the province The 2015-generation can be the coalition government came warning lights are flashing over which said it has been penalised identified by the new front and to power in 2010. “Today against the global economy” including a because of the far lower rate of Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne (left) and Chief rear designs and by its new col- a difficult global backdrop I can stagnating eurozone. 12.5 percent in the neighbouring Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander leave the Treasury to present ours. In terms of technology, all report higher growth, falling With Britons headed for the Republic of Ireland. AFP the Autumn Statement to Parliament in London yesterday. V6 and V8 models now come equipped with an automatic post-collision braking system (helps prevent a secondary col- lision in case of an accident), bi- xenon headlights and a coasting function. Takata investigated defective air bags even in 2003 Yan Lassade, Managing Director of Volkswagen Qatar DETROIT: As early as 2003, are now linked to five deaths, two committee hearing last month that The January 2004 investigation, that the cause was an overloaded said, “The new Touareg enjoys a Takata Corp ran an investiga- people directly involved in Takata’s the company did not begin to look into issues with driver-side air bag inflator,” Takata said in an email refreshed exterior in addition to tion into an air bag inflator that investigation said. into inflator defects until May 2005 inflators made at a now-shuttered to Reuters. “We believe that all exciting new technical additions ruptured in a BMW vehicle, The disclosure that Takata was when it learned of a 2004 accident plant in LaGrange, Georgia, was testing concerning the 2003 event such as the Start-Stop 1.6 with but concluded the problem was looking into problems with its air involving a Honda Accord. prompted by a 2003 incident of a occurred in 2003 at Takata’s neutral when rolling.” an anomaly, the company said, bag inflators earlier than previ- Two former Takata employees ruptured inflator in a BMW, one of LaGrange, Georgia, facility – not The front-end design of the ahead of a second US congres- ously disclosed could open the provided with details of internal the former employees said. in Michigan.” Touareg was completely re- sional hearing on dangerous air company to more intense scrutiny investigations of ruptured infla- Responding to a query from Takata did not explain what it developed. Especially distinctive bags it supplied. from US lawmakers, regulators tors: one in January 2004 at a Reuters, Takata confirmed the meant by an “overloaded infla- are the headlights which are now In addition, technicians and prosecutors in an ongoing Takata laboratory in Armada, 2003 BMW incident, which it said tor.” The company has identified larger; moreover, bi-xenon head- employed by the Japanese auto criminal investigation into a series Michigan, and one in June 2004 took place in Switzerland and was problems in handling the explosive lights as standard and the newly parts supplier in Michigan tested of recalls that now targets more at a test facility in Auburn Hills, “unrelated” to the 2004 Honda propellant packed into inflators designed LED daytime running inflators for potential defects in than 16 million vehicles world- Michigan. The second technical incident. “Takata and BMW thor- as the reason that some inflators lights, available from the SEL 2004, over a year before Takata has wide. Hiroshi Shimizu, Takata’s investigation was first reported oughly investigated that event exploded in accidents with danger- package onwards. said it first learned of defects that chief quality officer, told a Senate by The New York Times. together in 2003 and concluded ous force. REUTERS THE PENINSULA Kazakh central bank sees no pressure to devalue tenge after rouble rout

LONDON: Kazakhstan is and Azerbaijan — memories lin- former Soviet economies. Russia under no pressure to devalue ger of 2008, when Russia’s eco- is its largest trade partner, and the tenge despite a large drop in nomic slump triggered recession, the falling rouble makes Kazakh value by neighbouring Russia’s housing crashes and mini bank- exports more expensive in the rouble and in global oil prices, ing crises. Galieva said the tenge Russian market. The central bank the Kazakh deputy central bank rate depends on the price of has cut its growth forecasts twice governor said. Kazakhstan’s exports of oil, met- already this year. Asked whether there was als and grain, but that it could Nevertheless, Kazakhstan’s pressure to devalue the cur- weather falling commodity prices. gold and forex reserves rose to rency for a second time this year, Global commodity prices have $28.6bn in November, central Dina Galieva said: “I don’t think dropped over the past six months, bank data showed, and Galieva it exists.” The oil-rich Central particularly oil, which has fallen said she didn’t see growth esti- Asian nation devalued the tenge by almost 40 percent since June. mates being cut again in the by 19 percent in February to ease “With oil, the current price is near future. She also said a new pressure on its economy. With a acceptable for us so we don’t expect policy to reduce the proportion of near 40 percent drop in the rouble the tenge to go down,” she said. bad loans on banks’ books would since June badly hurting compet- Galieva’s comments, made at begin to yield results soon, and itiveness, currency markets are a Russian banking conference in the number would come down to betting on another 10 percent cut London, echo central bank gov- 10 percent by 2018 or 2019. in the next three months. ernor Kairat Kelimbetov’s state- Kazakhstan has created a fund Across the Commonwealth ment last month that there were to take bad loans from banks and of Independent States — oil- no plans to devalue the currency has said it will sack the managers rich Kazakhstan and not-so- in the next three years. But the of banks that do not hit targets rich Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, rouble’s decline is raising pres- set to reduce the problems. Uzbekistan, Belarus, Armenia sure on the second-largest of the REUTERS

People walk along a street past a board showing currency exchange rates in Moscow yesterday. The rouble rallied in volatile trading with traders saying that Russia’s central bank was again stepping into the market to try to halt the currency’s slide. At 1040 GMT, the rouble was up 0.5 percent at 53.60 against the dollar and up 0.8 percent at 66.12 against the euro. THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Most carmakers Lufthansa braces for next strike see higher As board debates new budget carrier plan, union calls for tenth walkout this year today US sales in

BERLIN: Lufthansa’s board incomprehensible,” Lufthansa and Gulf operators including Spohr vowing to remain strong collective labour agreement at November meets yesterday to approve said in response to the union Emirates, Etihad and Qatar despite pilot resistance. Lufthansa and Germanwings. expansion of its budget flights announcement late on Tuesday. Airways on lucrative long-haul Like their peers at Air France, Spohr has said this will not NEW YORK: US auto giants against the backdrop of deterio- However, this year’s $198m routes. Hence the company’s the pilots believe the plans could hold back Lufthansa, adding that General Motors and Chrysler rating relations with pilots who hit to operating profit as a direct determination to push ahead result in lower pay and worse con- it could seek pilots from else- rode lower oil prices and are now planning their tenth result of the dispute over pro- with expansion of regional air- ditions. “We have done this for the where within the Group, which aggressive holiday promotions strike this year. posed changes to an early retire- line Eurowings into a no-frills sake of the long-term future of also includes Austrian Airlines to higher November sales, while With the dust barely set- ment scheme is only the tip of the platform alongside its existing the company. Lufthansa cannot and Swiss. However, labour rep- Ford Motor reported another tled after this week’s two-day Lufthansa iceberg and highlights budget carrier Germanwings. It remain competitive with struc- resentatives are likely to back the decline. The industry as a whole walkout that forced Lufthansa the difficulty facing traditional is also planning a separate low- tures established decades ago,” plans for a new low-cost, long- sold 1.3 million vehicles in the to cancel half its flights, affect- airlines aiming to cut costs to cost brand for long-haul flights. Spohr said at the company’s haul brand at the board meeting. US in November, about 4.6 per- ing 150,000 passengers, pilots’ counter the threat to their suri- Lufthansa, which traditionally third-quarter results in October. Today’s strike will run from cent more than in the year-ago union Vereinigung Cockpit vival from leaner rivals. targets mainly business custom- The company has reached an 0200 GMT to 2259 GMT, affecting period, according to industry called another strike for today. Lufthansa is battling to remain ers, wants to chase faster mar- deal with cabin crew on cutting both long-haul and cargo flights, specialist AutoData. “That the pilots have already competitive in the face of the ket growth by boosting low-cost costs on some Lufthansa-branded and Lufthansa said it is working GM, the largest US automaker, announced the next strike while relentless march of budget carri- services to price-sensitive tour- flights to tourist destinations, but at top speed to revise flight plans. sold 225,818 cars in November, up one is still ongoing is completely ers such as Ryanair and easyJet ists, with Chief Executive Carsten not with the pilots covered by a REUTERS six percent from a year ago behind strong results for GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Tahoe trucks, as well as for some sedans. IMF chief in Peru “The buzz around Black Friday helped drive strong showroom traffic but there was a lot more Greece rejects EU/IMF at work in the market,” said Kurt McNeil, US vice president for sales at GM. “More people have demands for tax rises jobs and job security, their wages are starting to increase, house- hold wealth is growing and low ATHENS: Greece has rejected its If the government’s estimates for pump prices look like they’re here international lenders’ demands for a balanced 2015 budget were wrong, to stay through 2015.” tax rises and income cuts next year, Greece would take extra measures Chrysler, a unit of Fiat Prime Minister Antonis Samaras within the year, Samaras said, adding Chrysler, sold 170,839 cars, up 20 said, arguing such measures would that political uncertainty was weigh- percent from November 2013. The be disastrous for the country which ing on the negotiations and was the company reported gains for larger has emerged from a deep economic country’s biggest problem. vehicles, like the Ram Truck, as recession. Greece could face early elections well as for some sedan models. Talks with European Union and next year, depending on the outcome Sales at GM and Chrysler International Monetary Fund (EU/ of a separate vote to elect a president. exceeded projections from online IMF) inspectors have dragged on for The latest opinion poll by the Pulse site Edmunds.com. weeks without agreement on next agency showed the main opposition, Japanese automaker Toyota year’s budget, leaving Athens short the radical leftist Syriza party, would reported a three percent gain in of time to wrap up its final bailout win with 29.5 percent of the vote if US sales to 183,346, also exceeding review by a December 8 deadline and national elections were held now. the Edmunds estimate. But Ford pave the way for an early exit from Speaking at the same confer- saw sales decline for the third the bailout by the end of the year. ence earlier on the day, Syriza straight month, this time by two “Greece has done a lot already,” leader Alexis Tsipras promised that percent to 187,000 vehicles. Samaras said during an economic if elected, he would swiftly scrap Ford said the drop was conference. the country’s European Union and expected as it readies inventories “As we are negotiating our final International Monetary Fund bailout for a number of major launches, review, several conditions have been without waiting for the outcome of International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde (left) talks to Peru’s President Ollanta including of its revamped, alumi- set including tax rises and income talks with lenders. Humala in Lima. The IMF chief thanked Peru for its support ahead of assuming hosting duties for the num F-150 pickup. AFP cuts but we have rejected them,” he “We will replace the bailout with 2015 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF in October next year. said, adding that the government (Syriza’s) program from the initial had accepted some other measures days of our government, before and instead, without providing details. regardless of the outcome of the A rise in the value-added tax rate negotiation,” Tsipras said. for hotels and pension reforms are “This programme aimed at heal- US financial sector risks on the rise: Treasury among the measures which are being ing our wounds and restarting the discussed with lenders, government economy will be implemented irre- officials have said. spective of, and beyond, the process WASHINGTON: Low interest rates are “We see material evidence of excessive less than before the 2008 crisis, which The finance ministry acknowl- of tough negotiations, which we know feeding a surge in excessive risk-taking in risk-taking during the extended period of plunged the country into a deep recession. edged on Tuesday that lenders had won’t be easy.” more murky corners of the finance indus- low interest rates and low volatility,” the “Compared with the period just before the been demanding additional measures Syriza’s plan to reverse austerity try and leaving markets increasingly on OFR’s annual report to Congress said. financial crisis, threats to financial stabil- in the belief that Greece would fall cuts includes hiking the minimum edge, the US Treasury said Tuesday. The report said that markets are more ity are moderate. But that relatively benign short of its budget target next year. wage and reinstating Christmas pen- With investors pushing ever-harder for shaky as the Federal Reserve moves closer backdrop is no cause for complacency,” said It said Athens disagreed with the sion bonuses. better returns through increased lever- to tightening monetary policy, with the OFR director Richard Berner. assumption of a shortfall. REUTERS aging, a new report from the Treasury’s potential outcome being a greater risk of But the OFR report expressed concerns Office of Financial Research said money asset fire sales and runs in short-term fund- that investors generally are taking for is increasingly flowing into areas with less ing markets. granted low interest rates and high market oversight, raising the dangers to financial Moreover, it said, “We are concerned that liquidity, two hallmarks of the Fed’s post- stability. financial activity is migrating toward areas crisis easy-money policy. The still-unexplained, historically pre- of the financial system where threats are “Investors may have become too sanguine cipitous swing in the bond market on one more difficult to assess because informa- about the availability of market liquidity -- day in October demonstrated the rising dan- tion is not available, and that activity may the ability to transact in size without having gers, which are not being taken seriously by be consequential.” a significant impact on price -- during both investors, according to the report. The dangers in the system remain far good times and bad,” it said. AFP

Ukraine banks axe services in pro-Russian regions

MOSCOW: Ukraine’s government taking over the east. This leaves the has begun cutting off payments rebel authorities unsure where to and banking services to areas of turn for the cash to dole out benefits, the country under the control of pensions and other payments. pro-Russian rebels, in a further “What this means in reality is sign that Kiev has given up trying the confiscation of the pensions and to control the territory. benefits of our veterans, pension- There has been a problem with ers, disabled people and mothers ready cash in the region for months, … It is an attempt to end civilised but Kiev’s decision to sever bank- life in the Donbass region,” said the ing services to the region mean even Donetsk People’s Republic in an offi- credit cards will no longer work. cial statement. “We think there are Journalists reported seeing long no legal reasons not to pay money queues of people outside banks from the budget to people based in in Donetsk attempting to with- the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s draw their money. The majority of republics. People living on our terri- businesses said their credit-card tories have the same rights as other machines were no longer working, citizens of Ukraine.” after Ukraine’s central bank ordered Previously, the Donetsk authorities all banks to cease operations in the have proclaimed their territory an east. Ukraine’s government has also independent state and said they no said it will stop funding social serv- longer wanted anything to do with ices such as schools and hospitals in Kiev. Ukraine has been setting up areas it does not control. makeshift border posts along the line Winter in the major city of of control, a further sign that Kiev Donetsk and other parts of the east has realised it cannot win back the under separatist control is likely to be territory militarily. harsh for those who have remained, Representatives of Russia, Ukraine as industry has ground to a halt, and the separatists signed a ceasefire military confrontation continues agreement in Minsk in September, New Ukrainian Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko stands and supplies of food and energy are but sporadic fighting has continued before deputies during a session of parliament in Kiev. unreliable. and none of the sides have taken Parliament approved a new government that includes foreign The separatist authorities have a the agreements seriously. Philip technocrats in key financial roles. Jaresko is a US citizen and dilemma: they have declared inde- Breedlove, Nato’s top military com- chief executive of private equity group Horizon Capital. She pendence from Ukraine, but unlike mander, said on Wednesday that has worked in Ukraine for more than 20 years after holding with the Crimea peninsula, Russia Russian forces were still operating in various economic positions in the US State Department. has shown little appetite for formally eastern Ukraine. THE GUARDIAN THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Russian squeeze threatens long-term growth prospects Low oil price a boon

BY JASON BUSH

s Russia grapples with the impact of plunging energy for many economies prices and a contracting economy on its government finances, painful cuts in state spending have become BY DEBBIE CARLSON Aunavoidable. But rather than touch sizeable defence and Brent crude oil by $16 a barrel Opec countries as a whole could oil prices increases world growth social expenditures backed by President Vladimir Putin, the axe to $85. Other forecasts are lower. lose $200bn in revenue if Brent by 0.2 percent. is most likely to fall on infrastructure projects that are important he Organisation of Citi Research estimated an aver- prices stay at $80, which is about In the US, for instance, the for reviving long-term economic growth, analysts say. Petroleum Exporting age 2015 price of $72 for WTI $600 per capita annually, Citi said. lower oil prices may spur growth The 30 percent slide in oil prices has blown a huge hole in state Countries (Opec), the and $80 for ICE Brent. Natixis’s At least for the rest of 2014 by boosting discretionary spending finances, forcing Finance Minister Anton Siluanov to admit last largest crude-oil cartel Deshpande said their average 2015 and for the first half of 2015, by Americans. Don’t tell that to month that revenues, half of which come from energy taxes, could in the world, wanted Brent forecast is around $74, with prices are likely to be weaker Europe and Japan. Weaker energy fall about a trillion roubles ($18.8bn) next year. The central bank Tothers to feel its pain as oil prices WTI around $69. as production will overshoot the prices will be another demon to spent $700m to help the rouble on Monday, even though the cur- collapsed. “Opec wanted … to cut These prices have real-world expected demand. The picture fight in their attempts to keep rency was last month allowed to float freely. The finance ministry off production … and they wanted effects on world economies. may be clearer in the second half away deflation. denied it would impose capital controls despite the rouble hitting other non-Opec [countries], espe- Everyone in the sector is smart- of the year as production growth It’s likely that companies that new lows against the dollar. cially in the US and Canada, to ing. Deshpande said because of in the US shale oil fields taper supply shale oil – obtained by The economy drive has started at the top: Putin has already feel the pinch they are feeling,” how Saudi Arabia uses its oil well off and output elsewhere slows fracking – and crude oil will slow ordered a freeze on Kremlin officials’ salaries next year. But fearful says Abhishek Deshpande, lead oil to support its entire economy, the later in 2015. In essence, Opec down operations. David Pursell, of provoking unrest, or looking weak internationally, the Russian analyst at Natixis. But in its rush country’s budget calls for $90 a has declared open season. Opec’s managing director at Tudor, leader seems reluctant to cut the very areas of spending which to influence others, Opec ended up barrel to break even, despite that decision may cause some of the Pickering, Holt & Co, an energy many analysts say are the most obvious candidates for fat-trimming. hurting everyone in the process — the cost of production is closer to US shale-oil producers to look for investment and merchant banking “Some priorities won’t suffer, with a high probability — in my including itself. $30. Other Opec members have ways to save on costs, and other firm, said an average price of $70 view it is social expenditures ... and also defence expenditures, given Low oil prices, pushed down even higher budgetary breakevens. non-Opec producers may try to WTI will mean no further expan- the political situation,” said Yulia Tsepleava, chief economist at further by Opec’s meeting last Saudi Arabia is sitting on a find ways to lower their produc- sion of US shale oil. Sberbank. “Investments will probably suffer more than we expected week, have impacted world econo- “war chest” of money it stock- tion costs. The low prices mean it will previously. This is a big point,” she added. mies, energy stocks, and several piled when prices were high, Here are the consequences: be harder for firms to raise cash Putin has already had a taste of discontent. Reforms to the currencies. From the fate of the Deshpande said. Citi analysts said countries like Venezuela and either through debt financing or healthcare system, facing a 21 percent cut in federal spending under Russian rouble to Venezuelan defi- Saudi Arabia has about $800bn in Nigeria, which are already facing by issuing new shares of stock. existing plans, sent thousands of health workers into the streets cits to American mutual funds full cash reserves. Venezuela, on the social unrest, may see even more Don’t get used to cheap oil for- to protest against job losses. of Exxon or Chevron stock, Opec’s other hand, is a prime example of domestic trouble. They didn’t have ever, Pursell said. There might be But he seems committed to protecting defence spending — now decision was the shot heard round a country squandering its riches. the fiscal or investment discipline a supply glut now, but when glo- seen as a priority given Russia’s confrontation with the West over the world for troubled commodi- Citi said for every $10 drop in to invest in their industry or save bal growth increases, it will sponge Ukraine — and protecting public sector wages, promises he made ties. Standard Chartered analysts oil prices Venezuela loses about for a rainy day when they were up the excess. “The only scenario to get re-elected in 2012. expect a “chaotic” quarter ahead, $7.5bn in revenues. “Already weak flush with cash. where the US can’t grow and oil Russia has some room for manoeuvre. It has $90bn in a budget saying Opec’s decision to keep the fiscally, this should call for reduc- For the rest of the world econ- stays at these levels is if global reserve fund, some 5 percent of GDP, that can cover shortfalls for production target unchanged is ing energy subsidies. But domestic omy, low oil prices are a boon. demand is in tatters for the next a couple of years. The budget is also cushioned by a 40 percent “extremely negative for oil prices politics including the 2015 election They can help global gross domes- two to three years. And we don’t fall in the rouble against the dollar that boosts oil tax revenues, for 2015”. The bank slashed its makes this nearly impossible,” tic product growth. The IMF esti- believe that will happen,” he said. which may explain the authorities’ relatively passive reaction to 2015 average price forecast for they said. mates that each $10 a barrel fall in THE GUARDIAN the rouble’s slide. But changes must be made. Parliament approved the three-year budget just two weeks ago which assumed an oil price of $100 per barrel in 2015-17. Now, Russia expects the oil price to average $80 next year, and the economy to contract by 0.8 percent, reflecting the impact of Western sanctions imposed over the Ukraine crisis as well as the lower oil price. The current price is around $70. In their discussions of cutbacks, officials have been largely silent on a 30 percent boost in defence spending next year. Defence will swallow up 4.2 percent of Russia’s gross domestic product, a higher share than in the United States and more than double the European average. “Here (with defence spending) undoubtedly one ought to reconsider priorities,” said Igor Nikolaev, director of strategic analysis at FBK, a Moscow audit and consulting firm. “But con- sidering how the political situation is seen by the authorities, one can’t hope for this.” When it comes to spending on social items, the room for manoeu- vre is limited. With his eyes on re-election in 2018, Putin has insisted that election promises to boost public sector workers’ pay be honoured. Analysts say the brunt of budget cuts is instead likely to be borne by long-term economic development programmes, some of which are still largely on paper and easier to shelve. “Traditionally, in difficult situations, we cut investments — it’s roads, transport infrastructure — which one doesn’t want to do because these invest- ments can have a multiplier effect (on the economy),” said Nikolaev. Russia had been planning to spend tens of billions of dollars on infrastructure over the coming years to compensate for years of underinvestment. Projects linked to the 2018 soccer World Cup alone have been costed at 664bn roubles ($12.6bn), half to come from the federal budget. Russia has dozens of so-called Targeted Federal Programs, multi- year plans covering everything from regional development to space exploration as well as transport projects, and costing close to 1 trillion roubles each year. The government commission set up to study cutbacks has focused on these programs, criticizing several for poor efficiency. For exam- ple, a 5 trillion rouble program to develop transport links in 2010-15 failed either to join up the country, or to boost business, it concluded. But while Russia has plenty of room for efficiency gains, econo- mists fear cutbacks will exacerbate the structural bottlenecks behind Russia’s economic malaise, weighing on long-term growth even after the present financial shocks pass. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Relevance of Opec will continue as ever BY JOHN KEMP Opec’s death has been much exag- many cartel-like features. But Opec the North Sea, Alaska, the Gulf of alternative supplies (1986). appears to have outlived its origi- gerated”. A third of a century later, has never agreed on investment and Mexico, the Soviet Union and China. It is worth noting the organisa- nal purpose. But if it did not exist, he Organisation of the the organisation is still going. Opec future production. Most members, In the 2010s, it has come from US tion has been more successful in most member countries would still Petroleum Exporting has always had fierce foes eager to including Saudi Arabia, Iran and shale formations. responding to periods of demand want to discuss oil market issues Countries (Opec) last forecast its demise, especially in Iraq treat information about explo- Opec has never had much suc- weakness (which are generally with one another. If Opec did not Tweek made no change to the United States, where there are ration, reserves and investment as cess persuading non-members to thought to be temporary) than sup- exist, it would be necessary to invent its production target despite a 40 still memories about the Arab oil state secrets and refuse to disclose restrain their output to ensure ply growth (which poses a longer- another organisation much like it. percent slide in oil prices over just embargo, gasoline lines and soaring them to one another let alone out- higher prices and better revenues term structural challenge of how to Crucially, Opec provides a frame- five months, causing some commen- fuel prices in the 1970s. Bitter recol- siders. Even on production, Opec for all members and non-members split declining market share). work in which countries dependent tators to pronounce the cartel irrel- lections of the oil crisis merge with has only tried to reach agreement alike. It has not been for want of There is no question that the on oil for exports and government evant. If Opec cannot act to defend Watergate, defeat in Vietnam, the intermittently. trying. In the mid-1980s, Saudi shale revolution has tipped the bal- revenues can exchange views and the prices and revenues of its mem- Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and If Opec has tried at times to Arabia lobbied Britain and Norway ance of power in the oil market by discuss common problems. ber countries, does the organisation the Iranian hostage crisis to make behave like a cartel, it has never to limit output from the North opening up vast new resources (just Opec has become a part of the still serve any purpose? the 1970s the most humiliating dec- been able to control anything like Sea and maintain prices, but was as the North Sea did in the 1980s). “international furniture”. It facili- There is an assumption among ade in US history. the whole market. Opec’s share of rebuffed (though not before Mrs But Opec is as relevant today tates dialogue, helps educate offi- some commentators that Opec is Little wonder, then, that some global oil production peaked at 51 Thatcher’s famously free-market as it has ever been throughout its cials and ministers from some of only relevant and working if minis- hawkish US commentators, eager percent in 1973 (which coincided government had flirted with price 54-year history. That is to say, it is the less-advanced members, collects ters can reach a production agree- to ensure it never happens again, with the height of its power). For fixing in a series of secret meetings). far less powerful than its enemies statistics, provides useful analysis ment in response to shifts in prices, have developed a narrative in which most of the last four decades, how- In the 2010s, there is simply no and detractors fear but it is far from of market trends, and provides a and that strong disagreement is a home grown shale has finally ended ever, the organisation has accounted question of reaching an agreement being irrelevant. counterpoint to the perspective of sign of dysfunction. But the record the embarrassing dependence on for 40 percent or less of global out- with US shale producers because it Opec members still hold a large the International Energy Agency, suggests that ambitious production- foreign oil and ended Opec’s domi- put. Opec’s problem has always been would be prohibited by antitrust law. chunk of the world’s known oil which represents the interests of cutting agreements are rare, rather nance of the market. But is it true? its inability to restrain production Opec has only coordinated its reserves so their ability and willing- consuming countries. than the norm, and that a robust Has Opec finally become irrelevant by non-members. Sustained price members’ production policies suc- ness to produce them will continue And from time to time, when exchange of views is typical. almost exactly four decades after it rises have generally brought a boom cessfully on three occasions: 1986, to have a big impact on prices. the circumstances are right, it is a There is nothing new about pre- burst into the popular imagination in non-Opec exploration and pro- 1998 and 2008. In each case, the Like a host of other interna- forum in which to allocate produc- dicting the end of Opec. Following during the first oil shock in 1973? duction, reducing the organisation’s organisation’s members agreed to tional bodies, including the North tion cuts. It has served that purpose one particularly acrimonious meet- Opec members object to the market share. cut output in response to a plunge in Atlantic Treaty Organisation and in the past, and may do so again in ing in 1981, the Kuwaiti oil minister organisation being labelled a “car- In the 1970s and 1980s, the surge prices caused by soft demand (1986, the International Monetary Fund, future — just not right now. told waiting journalists: “News of tel” but there is no doubt Opec has in non-Opec supplies came from 1998 and 2008) and strong growth in Opec as an institution sometimes REUTERS THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 12,612.33 1.13 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 18,811.17 1.13 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,281.13 0.53 % RATE QE All Share Index 3,224.32 1.01 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,212.66 1.93 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5301.234 41.2 0.78 5672.3 5072.7 QE All Share Industrials 4,173.64 0.60 % QR141.2538 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 2,301.82 0.75 % Cac 40 Index/D 4383.47 -4.83 -0.11 4598.65 3789.11 QE All Share Real Estate 2,512.35 0.02 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.6744 QR 5.7538 QE All Share Insurance 3,791.14 0.09 % Dj Indu Average 17879.55 102.75 0.58 17897.1 15340.69 QR 1.9306 Euro ...... QR 4.4638 QR 4.5266 QE All Share Telecoms 1,416.33 0.48 % CA$ ...... QR 3.1697 QR 3.2318 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 7,237.61 0.60 % Hang Seng Inde/D 23428.62 -225.68 -0.95 25362.98 21137.61 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.7098 QR 3.7626 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 5119.34 19.7 0.39 5195.97 4275.26 Yen ...... QR 0.0302 QR 0.0308 Aus$ ...... QR 3.0421 QR 3.1030 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 31872.73 192.01 0.61 32224.79 25273.11 CRUDE OIL 03-12-2014 02-12-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0584 QR 0.0595 Index 12,612.33 12,756.98 Nikkei 225 Index 17720.43 57.21 0.32 17687.7 13885.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0355 QR 0.0362 Change 144.65 98.58 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0809 QR 0.0825 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2075.76 1737.92 % 1.13 0.77 $ 70.80 SL Re ...... QR 0.0275 QR 0.0281 YTD% 21.51 22.90 Straits Times/D 3303.39 -18.93 -0.57 3387.84 2953.01 Taka ...... QR 0.0466 QR 0.0477 Volume 10,566,340 12,800,616 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0365 QR 0.0372 Value (QAR) 882,119,963.74 716,488,405.49 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3229 QR 0.3294 Trades 6,699 7,318 $ 67.71 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01 Up 12 | Down 24 | Unchanged 05

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 03-12-2014

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED A C C-A/D 1476.4 -3.9 12338 Colgate-A/D 1915.45 7.8 85404 Hind Org Chem-/D 21.7 1.1 24214 Kilburnengg-T/D 47.5 0.2 19370 Rallis India-A/D 216.5 2.15 30922 Land Secs Grou/D 1195.825 -1 311424 Aban Offs-A/D 543.7 1.5 289518 Container Cor-/D 1349.15 23.85 10598 Hind Unilever-/D 817.3 12.5 65991 Kinetic Eng-B/D 49 0.85 11386 Reliance Indus/D 517.9 7.25 88636 Legal & Genera/D 247.8 1.3 3095742 Ador Welding-B/D 214.75 -1.85 4253 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 153 9.1 14821 Hind.Petrol-A/D 579.1 -12 158154 Kopran-B/D 58.75 0.25 126062 Ruchi Soya-B/D 37.25 0.15 32854 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 80.925 0.52 40044011 Aegis Logis-B/D 461.4 9.2 9899 Dcm Financia-B/D 1.26 -0.19 7828 Hindalco-A/D 168.85 -2.55 543231 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 493 11.55 11294 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 620.8 17.75 31740 Marks & Sp./D 491.9 0.1 1326722 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 411.05 7.65 100620 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 123.75 0.3 4259 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1104.2 -20.55 81593 Lloyd Metal-B/D 10.95 1.3 14202 Saur.Cem-B/D 46.25 -0.75 49714 Next/D 6810 -15 210479 Alembic-B/D 44.2 1.1 143519 Dhampur Sugar-/D 45.35 -0.95 37153 I F C I-A/D 39.5 -0.25 1647739 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 13.35 0.02 66814 Thirumalai-B/D 99.75 1 7670 Pearson/D 1224 -1 515697 Alok Indus-A/D 10.85 0.55 2655054 Dr. Reddy-A/D 3505.7 -87.2 18660 Idbi-A/D 73.25 -0.2 877311 Lumax Ind-B/D 443.7 18.5 53047 Thirumalai-B/D 99.75 1 7670 Prudential/D 1539 -13.5 1144409 Apollo Tyre-A/D 238.45 3.3 313961 E I H-B/D 129.45 4.5 203103 Ifb Agro-B/D 434.9 26.1 14463 Lupin-A/D 1468.95 -8.9 18775 Timexgroup-T/D 14.9 -0.55 54016 Rank Group/D 164 0 430 Asahi I Glass-/D 123.05 2.05 41546 E.I.D Parry-A/D 212.05 -0.05 16469 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 516.1 20.2 41954 Lupin-A/D 1468.95 -8.9 18775 Tinplate-B/D 68.8 1.5 73151 Rentokil Initi/D 114.9 -1.5 390664 Ashok Leyland-/D 55 0.2 13630831 Eicher Motor-A/D 15375 1025.1 11872 India Cement-A/D 92.8 -1.3 194848 Lyka Labs-T/D 27.95 1.3 29734 Ucal Fuel-B/D 139.25 3.7 48684 Rolls Royce Pl/D 868 10.5 1062524 Ballarpur In-B/D 16.6 0.05 227921 Electrosteel-B/D 21.65 0.55 225644 India Glycol-B/D 117.85 2.35 25175 Mah.Seamless-B/D 275.35 -8.35 24245 Ucal Fuel-B/D 139.25 3.7 48684 Rsa Insrance G/D 456.7115 -0.9 633804 Bata India-A/D 1311.2 40.85 17634 Emco-B/D 41.65 1.15 259611 Indian Hotel-A/D 122.25 5.05 534673 Mangalam Cem-B/D 309 -0.05 8750 Ultramarine-B/D 75.7 2.4 9311 Sainsbury(J)/D 240.7 -0.5 3743820 Beml Ltd-A/D 789.45 46.15 265277 Escorts Fin-B/D 7.71 -0.4 124831 Indo-Tcount-T/D 339.85 10.8 90767 Maral Overs-B/D 21.6 1 19200 Unitech P -A/D 18.7 0.05 5787648 Schroders/D 2718 11 93457 Bh Electronic-/D 2630.3 117.4 63401 Escorts-A/D 133.65 -0.1 688626 Indusind-A/D 774.05 12.3 387178 Mastek-B/D 272.95 2.25 23858 Univcable-T/D 51.25 0.45 7235 Severn Trent/D 2030 -13 102883 Bharat Bijle-B/D 653 14.9 14077 Essar Oil-T/D 115.2 19.2 1443478 J.B.Chemical-B/D 214.45 -1.7 18698 Max India L-A/D 400 25.9 203010 Smith&Nephew/D 1103 13 417854 Bhartiya Int-B/D 410 -1.85 11348 Eveready Indu-/D 189.35 5.15 346653 Jagson Phar-B/D 45.05 6.7 417202 Mrpl-A/D 54.25 0.25 102250 LONDON Smiths Group/D 1133 -11 380761 Bhel-A/D 278.3 6.8 651929 F D C-B/D 146.55 0.85 17909 Jamnaauto-B/D 142.4 2.75 4168 Nahar Spg.-B/D 114.2 16.4 247089 Standrd Chart /D 951.6 11.3 2148783 Bom.Burmah-B/D 502.75 45.7 287045 Federal Bank-A/D 149.65 3.15 262001 Jbf Indu-B/D 236.8 1.85 491125 Nation Alum -A/D 58.55 0.55 408344 Tate & Lyle/D 593 -4 507414 Bombay Dyeing-/D 70.75 0.8 784459 Ferro Alloys-B/D 7.05 0.06 27482 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.63 0.01 26782 Navneet Edu-B/D 96.6 0.05 9473 3I Group/D 449.332 7.5 935322 Tesco/D 188.188 0.7 7650255 Canfin Homes-B/D 496.6 7.15 4869 Finolex-A/D 289.15 0 14238 Jct Ltd-B/D 4.08 0.05 216622 Nepc India-T/D 2.63 0.03 21193 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3210 17 126658 Tomkins/D 0 0 0 Caprihans-B/D 88.85 -0.1 61834 Gail-A/D 471.65 6.3 83013 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 4.52 0.21 43166 Nrb Bearings-B/D 124.95 -1.55 18663 Barclays/D 244.2 -1.15 7956460 Unilever/D 2687 -18 636955 Cast.Bo/D 523.1 17.9 103383 Gammon India-T/D 31.55 2.3 196961 Jik Indust-B/D 1.22 -0.01 13410 O N G C-A/D 371.9 10.75 901431 Bg Group/D 923.9 -11.6 5224711 United Util Gr/D 899.82 0.5 825423 Century Enka-B/D 158.65 1.85 7420 Garden P -B/D 33 0.2 6755 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 649.05 10.7 180846 Oil Country-B/D 41.7 0.7 18923 Bp/D 431.25 -2.6 10564575 Vodafone Group/D 226.95 -3 26920939 Century Text-A/D 553.1 1.6 115107 Godfrey Phil-B/D 593.8 -3.95 5523 Jmc Projects-T/D 165.85 5.95 14186 Orchid Chem-B/D 72.05 1.55 230439 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3769.5 16.5 909028 Whitbread/D 4609 -21 132239 Chambal Fert-B/D 66.2 0.05 67959 Goodricke-B/D 168.65 0.15 16909 Kabra Extr-B/D 79.55 0.75 12676 Orient Hotel-T/D 26.2 1.2 75642 Bt Group/D 413.5 -4.4 4152961 Chowgule St-T/D 19.75 0.4 11165 Goodyear I -B/D 668.55 9.1 20975 Kajaria Cer-A/D 594.2 0 4549 Orient.Carb.-T/D 381.9 11.1 4706 Centrica/D 284.7 -0.4 2345043 Cimmco-B/D 63.25 -0.6 15831 Hcl Infosys-B/D 67.05 2.5 554973 Kalpat Power-B/D 182.95 7.1 48724 Orient.Carb.-T/D 381.9 11.1 4706 Gkn/D 345.6 0.2 1292561 Cipla-A/D 641.6 2 1327282 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 20.7 1.3 4011367 Kalyani Stel-T/D 162.2 7.5 92542 Patspin India-/D 9 0.01 4750 Hsbc Holdings/D 633 -2.7 4310439 City Union Bk-/D 93.45 1.75 73312 Himat Seide-B/D 94.25 1.2 80254 Kanoria Chem-B/D 39.4 -0.9 15035 Radico Khait-B/D 87.25 4.15 145553 Imperial Tobac/D 2938 15 381644 Cmc Ltd-A/D 2042.65 10.2 18531 Hind Motors-T/D 8.25 0.16 121226 Kg Denim-B/D 15.7 -0.25 34422 Rallis India-A/D 216.5 2.15 30922 Kingfisher/D 316.7 -1.6 2193433 THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Canadiens great Jean Presidential hopeful Beliveau dies at 83

MONTREAL: Jean Beliveau honorary captain for Canada’s (pictured), a Hall of Fame 2010 men’s Olympic ice hockey ice hockey player who won 10 team, was inducted into the Stanley Cup championships Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972 after Coe pledges revamp with the National Hockey a career where he amassed 1,219 League’s Montreal Canadiens, points in 1,125 games. has died. He was 83. The Hockey Hall of Fame IAAF candidate proposes calendar rethink in manifesto “Like millions of hockey fans waived its usual three-year wait- who followed the life and the ing period so it could induct career of Jean Beliveau, the Beliveau sooner. LONDON: Double Olympic to Asia and back again. “A har- Canadiens today mourn the pass- Beliveau twice won the Hart champion Sebastian Coe monised calendar is the key to ing of a man whose contribution Trophy, presented to the NHL’s unveiled the manifesto behind promotion, marketing, the ath- to the development of our sport most valuable player, won the his campaign to become head of letes and Member Federation and our society was unmeas- Art Ross Trophy once as the top world athletics yesterday, pledg- development, and we must urable,” Canadiens president scorer during the regular season ing a calendar and prize money address this.” Geoff Molson said and won the Conn revamp and innovative competi- He said the presentation of in a statement early Smythe Trophy once tions to bring back fans. events in the stadiums and on yesterday. as the MVP of the Launching his bid to become television should change to make “Jean Beliveau was playoffs. president of the International them more attractive, while also a great leader, a gen- In 2009, he received Association of Athletics integrating athletics competitions tleman and arguably the NHL’s Lifetime Federations (IAAF), the man into inner cities to increase their the greatest ambas- Achievement Award. who successfully delivered the reach beyond the stadium. sador our game has Beliveau is survived London 2012 Olympic Games said “We need to be more innova- ever known.” by his wife Elise, athletes should also enjoy greater tive in how we project and present Beliveau spent his their daughter and commercial opportunities, with our sport to the world, both in 20-year career with two granddaughters. an overhaul of the prize money venue and on screen, give serious Montreal, includ- “No record book structure. consideration to an ‘IAAF Street ing 10 as the team’s can capture, no “The proposals that I am Athletics’ circuit to help reach captain, and was also image can depict, no unveiling today are designed to new audiences,” said Coe, who part of the franchise’s unprec- statue can convey the grandeur increase the reach and appeal of won the 1500 metres titles at the edented run of five-straight of the remarkable Jean Beliveau, athletics in a world that is rapidly 1980 and 1984 Olympics during Stanley Cup championships from whose elegance and skill on the changing,” Coe said at the launch a golden period for the sport in 1956 to 1960. ice earned the admiration of the event in central London. Britain. When he retired after the hockey world while his humil- “It is essential that we take a He said prize money struc- 1970-71 season he was the team’s ity and humanity away from the long hard look at the ‘product’ of tures were dated and should also all-time leader in nearly every rink earned the love of fans eve- athletics if we aim to attract more change for the benefit of athletes. offensive category. Beliveau is rywhere,” NHL Commissioner young people into our sport and Coe, an IAAF vice president considered one of the greatest Gary Bettman said in a statement drive increased participation and since 2007, is so far the only players in the team’s rich history yesterday. REUTERS income.” candidate to succeed Senegalese and remains second on its all- Coe said the athletics calendar Lamine Diack next year, but is time scoring list. NHL Results urgently needed to be redrawn to likely to face opposition from The Canadiens retired Los Angeles 2 Boston 0 make it more exciting. Ukrainian former pole vault Beliveau’s jersey the season “To many within and outside champion Sergey Bubka, a fellow after he retired, ensuring no Buffalo 2 Tampa Bay 1 our sport, our calendar seems dis- vice-president. other Montreal player wears the Toronto 5 Dallas 3 jointed, lacks a narrative and the “I want this election campaign number four. Detroit 3 Florida 4 essential glue to build excitement to open up the discussion, to He suffered from a number San Jose 2 Philadelphia 1 and a loyal and passionate follow- encourage voices to be heard,” he of health issues in recent years, Calgary 5 Arizona 2 ing,” he said. said. including throat cancer, which he NY Islanders 3 Ottawa 2 “Many fans don’t know when “Yes there are challenges but I eventually recovered from, and a Britain’s Lord Sebastian Coe arrives to address a press conference Pittsburgh 1 New Jersey 0 the athletics season starts, when also know there is the spirit, will number of heart-related problems to discuss his bid to become the next President of the International Washington 3 Vancouver 4 it ends, why it seems to bounce and the talent within our sport to Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in central London yesterday. and strokes. around from the USA to Europe meet them.” REUTERS Beliveau, who was named the Carolina 2 Nashville 1 Durant scores 27 in return Over 70 attendees at Josoor but Oklahoma City still lose Institute’s latest course

NEW ORLEANS: Oklahoma DOHA: More than 70 people City star Kevin Durant, side- yesterday attended the open- lined since October after sur- ing day of a two-day educational gery to repair a broken right training course on media and foot, scored 27 points in his journalism, organised by the NBA season debut Tuesday, a Josoor Institute. loss at New Orleans. This marks the latest in a suc- Last season’s NBA Most cessful series of events designed Valuable Player suffered a bro- to equip sports practitioners and ken bone at the base of the professionals within Qatar and small toe during a pre-season the Middle East and North Africa exhibition game and in his (MENA) region with the neces- absence the Thunder struggled sary skills and management capa- to a 5-12 start. bilities to deliver major sporting Adding to Oklahoma City’s woes tournaments successfully. was the injury absence of black- The introductory course court star Russell Westbrook, titled, Media and Journalism: who only returned to the Thunder Best Practice for Major Events, lineup last Friday. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (left) is fouled by Luke Babbitt of features several workshop ses- Speakers and delegates from But not even the potent pairing sions to provide journalists and the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of a NBA game at Qatar and the region who together was enough against New media professionals from Qatar the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Tuesday. participated in the Josoor Orleans as Tyreke Evans scored and the region with practical, a game-high 30 points, Anthony Davis added 25 points and 10 Reggie Jackson added 17. Durant, tangible advice and guidance on Institute’s course, titled rebounds and Ryan Anderson the reigning NBA scoring cham- successfully planning and organ- Media and Journalism: Best came off the bench to score 23 pion, took his first career MVP ising print, broadcast, digital and Practice for Major Events, NBA Results yesterday. RIGHT: The Supreme Golden State 98 Orlando 97 points for the Pelicans. award last season by averaging social media activities at sporting Durant played 30 minutes, the 32 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 events. Committee for Delivery and Atlanta 109 Boston 105 maximum he was going to be assists a game. Qatar is hosting an unprec- Legacy’s Executive Director of Detroit 96 LA Lakers 106 allowed into the game as a pre- He became only the fourth edented number of major events Communications and Marketing, New York 93 Brooklyn 98 cautionary move, and hit 9-of-18 player in NBA history to win four in the coming years. Between now Nasser Al Khater, delivers the Sacramento 109 Toronto 117 shots from the field and 6-of-7 scoring titles in five years, joining and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, opening remarks ahead of the Denver 103 Portland 105 from the free throw line. He Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, the country will play host to start of the course at the Josoor Phoenix 116 Indiana 99 grabbed three rebounds, passed Wilt Chamberlain and George tournaments in sports as varied Institute in Doha yesterday. off two assists and gave away five Gervin. as swimming, handball, athletics, Chicago 129 Dallas 132 turnovers. The Thunder had won two amateur boxing, road cycling and One of the speakers at the media that have covered some of New Orleans 112 Oklahoma City 104 Westbrook added 21 points games in a row after a six-game gymnastics. The Josoor Institute course, Abdulla Al Mulla, the world’s biggest sporting events Cleveland 111 Milwaukee 108 for the Thunder while reserve losing streak. REUTERS is playing an important role in Executive Director of Operations in recent years. These include ensuring their success through Research and Development at practical case studies from media educating, empowering and Qatar Foundation, said: “Qatar organisations on their handling of supporting talented sports and is preparing to host several key major events including the 2014 events practitioners and build- large-scale events over the next FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 and ing outstanding and sustainable few years. These present a unique the Sochi Winter Olympic Games. Peterson appeal hearing opens sports and events industries in opportunity to energise our young Commenting on the course, Qatar and throughout the MENA people and create abundant new Mushtaq Al Waeli, Acting NEW YORK: Minnesota reduced charge to avoid jail time at a US Congressional hearing on region. opportunities for social, human Executive Director for the Josoor Vikings running back Adrian in the severe spanking of his four- domestic violence. This latest course from the and economic development. But Institute, said: “This latest course Peterson spoke Tuesday at the year-old son. But a tape of his conversation Josoor Institute will equip jour- fulfilling our potential requires and the quality and calibre of start of his National Football The league said Peterson’s plea with Peterson was submitted by nalists, media professionals as the right training and develop- speakers clearly highlight our League suspension appeal hear- — for smacking his son’s rear with the NFL Players Association was well as providers of services to ment, the transfer of knowledge ambition to support the transfer ing, which lasted more than a twig so hard that it created cuts, submitted to the hearing as evi- the media with a clear under- and expertise from international of knowledge from the very best three hours before adjourning welts and bruises — was a viola- dence, ESPN reported. standing of the media environ- professionals to our region, international talent and expertise. until tomorrow. tion of its personal conduct policy. The union appealed the league ment around a major event and as well as the creation of new Through inviting them to share Peterson spoke for about 10 Peterson said that he spoke ban, saying officials acted improp- how best to organise, manage and sports, tourism, hospitality and the wisdom of their insights, and minutes but the 29-year-old with Troy Vincent, the NFL erly based upon the league’s col- operate during such occasions. events enterprises. Through the experience, such interactions rusher did not testify as a wit- executive vice president of foot- lective bargaining agreement with Speakers from some of the most work of the Josoor Institute we create the ideal conditions for ness before arbitrator Harold ball operations, and was told that the NFLPA. highly respected international can revolutionise the sports and the successful delivery not only Henderson, according to the he would receive a ban only for NFL commissioner Roger media organisations including events industries of the Middle of sporting events here in Qatar, league’s website. the games he had already missed Goodell to preside over the mat- AFP, BBC Sport, beIN Sports and East and North Africa.” but around the MENA region and Peterson was suspended on if he met with NFL officials. ter at the union’s request. A deci- Getty Images have joined a cast of Workshop sessions over the two gives us the very best opportuni- November 18 for at least the Vincent, who is set to tes- sion on the appeal is expected national and regional media and days will cover a broad range of ties to harness the energy and the remainder of the NFL season tify Thursday, was unavailable within a week of the conclusion public relations experts to share topics including first-hand per- passion of the whole region.” after pleading no contest to a Tuesday because he was appearing of the hearing. AFP their insight and expertise. spectives and testimonials from THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Emotional farewell for Hughes Cricketing greats join heartbroken parents, shattered Australian team at funeral

MACKSVILLE: Cricketing greats bid an emotional farewell to Phillip Hughes at a funeral Australian cricket service in his home town yes- team captain terday, as Australia stopped to Michael Clarke (left) remember the batsman whose is comforted as death from a freak injury sent he cries with other shockwaves through the sport. A lone cricket bat rested mourners as the against the coffin at a packed casket containing service in his former high school Australian cricketer hall in Macksville on the New Phillip Hughes is South Wales coast in front of driven away after his his heartbroken parents, fam- funeral service in the ily and friends and a shattered town of Macksville, Australian Test team. located north of “Taken from the game, his fam- Sydney yesterday. ily and loved ones at the age of RIGHT: Gregory just 25, left a mark on our game Hughes carries the that needs no embellishment,” coffin of his son tearful captain Michael Clarke Phillip Hughes during told the funeral. “I don’t know the funeral service. about you but I keep looking for him.” Hughes, who had played 26 Tests and was on the cusp of a recall, died from bleeding on the get through to tea,” he added. executive James Sutherland said brain last Thursday after being Clarke said the tributes offered over the past week the nation and hit on the base of the skull by a from sports stars and fans across the sporting world had reeled in rising ball at the Sydney Cricket the globe had sustained him, shock. Pakistan, NZ dedicate Ground during a domestic match. from a little girl holding a can- “Yet even within that profound His tragic death stunned dle in tribute, to masters of the sense of loss the spirit of cricket Australia, where cricket is con- game such as Sachin Tendulkar has shone through the darkness,” sidered the national game, and expressing sorrow. he told the gathering. prompted a rescheduling of the “This is what makes our game Hughes’ parents Greg and T20 trophy to Hughes upcoming India Test series, while the greatest game in the world. Virginia and siblings invited fans around the world placed bats We must dig in and get through the whole town to the service at DUBAI: Pakistan and New return of paceman Umar Gul, wasn’t auspicious as Pakistan outside their front doors as a to tea. And we must play on,” he Macksville High School, where Zealand dedicated the trophy who has not played international lost the only Twenty20 against mark of respect. added. “So rest in peace my little about 1,000 crammed into the hall for their two Twenty20 matches cricket since April due to a knee Australia in Dubai in October by Clarke said he walked to the brother. I will see you out in the and hundreds more watched on in the Dubai starting today in problem. six wickets. middle of the SCG on Thursday middle.” screens in overflow areas. memory of Australian batsman Gul is the second highest Afridi said Pakistan will not night: “Those same blades of grass In Hughes’ small hometown of The funeral was a huge event Phillip Hughes who died last wicket-taker in Twenty20 with 80 underestimate New Zealand who beneath my feet where he and I Macksville, on Australia’s east in Macksville, with shops closing week. in 56 games, five behind Ajmal’s are without their dashing skipper and so many of his mates here coast, tributes to the opening and residents in mourning. Just Hughes died last Thursday, two 85. Brendon McCullum who, along today have built partnerships, batsman hung in shop windows, outside town, one business cre- days after being hit by a bouncer He famously took 5-6 in a with pacemen Tim Southee and taken chances and lived out the while ribbons in the green and ated a huge tribute using three in a first class match in Sydney, World Twenty20 group match Trent Boult, have returned to dreams we painted in our heads as gold colours of the Australian Test cherry pickers as cricket stumps leaving the cricketing world to against New Zealand at The Oval New Zealand to prepare for the boys. I stood there at the wicket, I team adorned telephone poles. and putting Hughes’ Test number mourn his death. when Pakistan won the title in upcoming home series against Sri knelt down and touched the grass, Macksville itself, with a popula- 408 across them. Hughes’s funeral was held early 2009. Lanka. I swear he was with me... Telling tion of just 2,500, welcomed greats At Hughes’s old primary school, yesterday, as Pakistan and New Pakistan will hope their pace New Zealand are a dangerous me we just needed to dig in and such as Shane Warne, Brian Lara, St Patrick’s, dozens of bats lined Zealand prepare for the shortest attack, which also includes limited over side and we will not Glenn McGrath, Virat Kohli and the front fence, many bearing format of the game after drawing the lanky 7ft, 1 inch (2.1m) underestimate them,” said Afridi. Hughes’ first Test skipper Ricky messages remembering the hugely a preceding Test series 1-1. Mohammad Irfan supplement the “We have to be at out best to beat Ponting. popular opener who was not out Pakistan’s Twenty20 captain bowling attack which has spin- them.” Sean Abbott, the young man on 63 when he was struck. Shahid Afridi said Hughes’s ners in Raza Hasan and Shahid McCullum smashed a brilliant who bowled the fast ball which As a summer storm threat- tragic death has left the cricket- Afridi. 202 to help New Zealand win the struck Hughes, also attended ened after a hot day, hundreds ing world in a shock. Pakistan had a miserable World third and final Test in Sharjah on supported by his parents, as did walked along the street behind “Hughes died very young and Twenty20 in Bangladesh where Sunday in the series-levelling win. Prime Minister Tony Abbott. the hearse carrying Hughes’s his tragic death has left everyone they failed to reach the last four Kane Williamson, who has led PM Abbott said there had been coffin, some nodding their heads, shocked,” said Afridi yesterday. for the first time in five editions New Zealand in three one-day profound grief, in part because to others applauding, out of respect “We are thankful to the sponsors of the tournament. matches and two Twenty20s will “be felled by a hard but fair ball for the cricketer. who have decided to dedicate the That prompted captain lead the Black Caps while Ross in the centre of the SCG at your Hughes died after his vertebral trophy in memory of Hughes as Mohammad Hafeez to step down, Taylor, fast bowler Adam Milne most exuberant, it just doesn’t artery split when hit by the ball, a mark of respect,” said Afridi giving the responsibility to all- and batting all-rounder Anton seem right or natural”. leading to massive bleeding in his yesterday. rounder Afridi for a second stint. Devcich return to the squad. Cricket Australia chief brain. REUTERS Pakistan are boosted by the But Afridi’s return as captain AFP Al Bashtoon wins Al Britha Cup in thrilling fashion

DOHA: Julian Smart-trained - ridden by Gary Carter and Al Bashtoon yesterday pro- Defendant - who had Mullen in duced a late surge to win the Al the saddle. LEFT: Action Britha Cup at Qatar Racing and It was Bentley’s second win of from the Al Equestrian Club (QREC) giving the day after the Briton sealed Britha Cup at jockey Richard Mullen his sixth victory in race six. Qatar Racing victory this season. Bentley powered Barzan to and Equestrian Trailing second-placed secure the first prize worth Club in Doha Maazouz and Saint De Faust for QR28,500 in the 1800m race. most part of the race, Al Bashtoon Napinda, ridden by T O’Shea, yesterday. produced a late burst of aggres- finished second while Inis Airc BELOW sion in the 1800m dirt race to seal - with S Golam in the saddle - (left): Jockey his win in a time of 2:05.69. ended in third spot, some five Richard Mullen Earlier Harry Bentley rode lengths behind Bentley. receives the Upholland in fine style to seal win Meanwhile today, Dubday will trophy after in race seven at QREC, finishing be seeking glory in the Group 2 winning the Al with a time of 1:55.80. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Britha Cup on Trained by Jassim Al Ghazali, Al Thani Trophy. The race, worth Al Bashtoon Bentley powered Upholland to an QR1m, will be run over 2000m. who was impressive win ahead of Crafted THE PENINSULA trained by Julian Smart Results THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP RATED 0 - 60 (below, right). L/B P/A MAIDEN PLATE 1200M PICS: JUHAIM 1,100M Running Time: 1:13:49 Running Time: 1:12:30 Afortunado, S. Ibido, Gary Carter; Polish Crown, Jallad, H Aashoor, Alberto Sanna; Al Waab, Mohammed Hamad Al Attiya, Gerald Avranche; Mohammed Jassim Ghazali, Harry Bentley; Safonic Sound, M. Hussain, Marco Monteriso. Saif Brooq, Abdulaziz Hamad Al Marri, Marco THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP RATED 0 - 60 Monteriso. 1800M THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE Running Time: 1:57:38 1,200M Running Time: 1:12:76 Barzan, Jassim Al Ghazali, Harry Bentley; Napinda, M. Hussain, T. O’Shea; Inis Airc, Katja, Jassim Al Ghazali J.P Guillambert; Urban Ahmed Kobeissi, S. Golam. Dreamer, Jassim Al Ghazali, Harry Bentley; Ballroom Blitz, M. Khalid Y. Al Hajri. THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP RATED 60 - 80 P/A HANDICAP RATED 70 - 100 1800M 1200M Running Time: 1:55:80 Running Time: 1:18:45 Upholland, Jassim Al Ghazali, Harry Bentley; AJS Qahir, M. Al Yaqout, Gerald Avranche; Crafted, I. Al Malki, Gary Carter; Defendant, M. TM Reagan Bret, Ahmed Kobeissi, S. Golam; Hussain, R. Mullen. Tuyoorna, Jassim Al Ghazali, Harry Bentley. AL BRITHA CUP THOROUGHBRED GRADUATION PLATE 1,100M 1800M Running Time: 1:04:65 Running Time: 2:05:69 Bern Me Baby, Z. Mohsen, Marvin Suerland; Al Bashtoon, J. Smart, R Mullen; Maazouz, Mister Ryan, Debbie Mountain, S. Golam; Marti’s Majid Safedeen, Alberto Sanna; Saint De Faust, Girl, Z. Mohsen, Marco Monteriso. Bustawi Ismail, Almotasem Al Balushi. THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 FIFA, Q22 officials hold key meetings DOHA: World governing body design of a new 40,000-seater which arises with a compact FIFA would be satisfied with Education City Stadium that is tournament. Delia Fischer, the availability of eight stadi- expected to be completed in 2018. FIFA’s Head of Media, dismissed ums for the 2022 World Cup, Nasser Al Khater, Executive the notion of negative media visiting football officials said Director, Communications and campaign against Qatar, saying yesterday. Marketing, SC, said he has had ‘it was completely normal’. “It (the final tally) is not con- detailed discussions with the She said FIFA World Cups firmed yet but FIFA will wait FIFA delegation. in South Africa in 2010 and in for the report from a feasibil- He said the officials are in Brazil this year also received ity study on how many stadi- Doha to ensure all FIFA require- ‘negative press’. ums Qatar should have,” Jurgen ments are met in relation to the “What’s important now is to Muller, Head of 2018/2022 FIFA 2022 FIFA World Cup, particu- concentrate on the delivery of the World Cups, said yesterday dur- larly with a view to this tour- tournament,” she said. ing a roundtable meeting with nament being different to any Fischer explained how the local media. previous World Cup. local organisers would co-operate “We need to study what’s pos- “The main reason for this is to with FIFA and other public and sible. (The) minimum (require- ensure the safest and most suc- private stakeholders to find sus- ment) is eight stadiums. That cessful tournament possible for tainability solutions in relation to will be provided by Supreme players, fans, media and stake- the 2022 World Cup. Committee for Delivery and holders,” Al Khater said. Fischer said the FIFA delega- Legacy and submitted to the He said feasibility studies tion ‘was impressed by the rapid FIFA Executive Committee,” he are currently being carried out progress in Qatar over the last added. regarding the matter of eight few years.’ According to Muller, the final stadiums but the final number “World Cup is an opportunity decision on the number of stadi- will be confirmed next year. for people to meet and exchange Nasser Al Khater, Executive Director, Communications and Marketing, Supreme Committee for Delivery and ums to be used at the 2022 World Muller said the recognition different cultural ideals. It will Legacy (SC), is seen with Sakis Batsilas, SC’s Executive Director, Sports and Business Development, Jurgen Cup will be made next year in that there must be extensive be a good opportunity for East to Muller, Head of 2018/2022 FIFA World Cups, Delia Fischer, Head of Media, and Ruediger Mueller, FIFA World Qatar. planning to find the best solu- meet West,” Muller said. Cup Content and Multimedia Group Leader, in Doha yesterday. PIC: KAMMUTTY V P On Tuesday, Qatar unveiled tion of overcoming any challenge THE PENINSULA QSL: Al Sadd face stern test Rooney could rewrite EPL against El Jaish in round 12

DOHA: Defending champions Al Sadd face another tough history, says star Shearer game in round 12 as they wel- come El Jaish to the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium at 6:30pm The Newcastle United legend all praise for current England captain tomorrow. The Wolves are currently lead- ing the league with 29 points and BY RIZWAN REHMAT have a 3-point advantage over second-placed Lekhwiya. DOHA: Former England cap- The Wolves showed last week tain Alan Shearer feels striker why they are a top outfit after Wayne Rooney could overtake coming back from a two-goal defi- the Newcastle United legend as Former England cit to win 3-2 and secure all three the leading goal-scorer in the skipper and striker points against Al Gharafa. English Premier League (EPL). Alan Shearer is seen El Jaish moved above the Speaking at a charity dinner with a BeIN Sports’ Cheetahs after a spirited 10 man organised by Guardian Wealth display against QSL new boys Al anchor Richard Keys Management (GWM) at Grand Shamal, winning 2-1. and Andy Gray at Hyatt Hotel in Doha, Shearer El Jaish will be looking to break said Rooney needed to stay fit to Grand Hyatt Hotel in the dominance of Al Sadd, who become the highest goal-scorer Doha. Shearer regaled until now haven’t lost a single in EPL. the audience with game in the Qatar Stars League. Shearer, who 260 scored goals stories from his life in Last season, El Jaish got the for Blackburn and Newcastle and around football upper hand beating the Wolves United, said: “Rooney is one of our during what was a on both occasions: in the first half top players. I think if there is one charity dinner. The of the season they won by a single guy who could go on and break money raised will be goal in a tight affair. my record, it could be him. He donated to a number Then in the second half of the will definitely break the England of chosen charities season in round 16 the Soldiers record but if he stays fit for the including the Qatar won 2-1 away to secure the brag- next 4-5 years, he could take my Cancer society and ging rights for the campaign. record.” QAWS, organisers El Jaish will be looking to main- But Shearer added: “But I hope said. tain their place back in third he doesn’t (laughs).” spot and key players to look out A question and answer ses- for in this clash for the Soldiers sion with Shearer: include the indomitable Tunisian Question: Which modern-day Mohammed Methnani, Brazilian player you would like to form a playmaker Romarinho and partnership with? the new Korean forward Keun Shearer: (Wayne) Rooney, Ho-Lee. without a doubt. I am not sure scorer in EPL history. Who the street is Al Inshirah Street). Al Sadd might still be miss- I would welcome the idea of could break your record? Question: What about ing their star signing Muriqui playing with Cristiano Ronaldo Shearer: Rooney is one of our Newcastle United? but forwardHassan Al Haydoos because he never ever passes it top players. Without a doubt he Shearer: Well, we are where has done well playing in a more to you (laughs). He always shoots. must be the first name on any we are and we are never going advanced position this season and Rooney has everything. If you manager’s team list. I think if to finish in the top-10. So you the Wolves as a team are contrib- want to have a scrap with him, he there is one guy who could go on can’t expect to challenge (the uting a lot of goals. will fight with you. He can score and break my record, it could be Newcastle’s top teams) if you are going to Nadir Belhadj and Tabata, as all types of goals. him. He will definitely break the Alan Shearer sell your best players. What will always, will be key to the Wolves Question: Do you look back England record but if he stays fit celebrates happen is one day we might be who are also currently missing in thing you could have achieved for the next 4-5 years, he could scoring relegated again. It has happened Khalfan Ibrahim Khalfan with a more with Man United? take my record. But I hope he against before. We finished 10th or 12th knee injury. Shearer: I don’t know. Would doesn’t (laughs). Mallorca because that’s where we are at Mohammed Muntari is the top have I been any happier? I am Question: Who was your during their football. This club is lucky that scorer for the Army side with 6 not sure. As I said I have lived most difficult opponent? UEFA Cup it has 50,000 or 52,000 faithful goals scored and new signing my dream. I have been one hell of Shearer: Tony Adams without fourth round, followers. Romarinho is second with 4 goals a lucky guy. I would have played a doubt. I think we haven’t got Question: Who was the most to his name. first leg football anyway. It is just that I guys like him. He loved defending. over-rated player in your time? For Al Sadd, Haydoos and match at St got paid to do it. I am a lucky guy. He was great at it. We would go Shearer: Good question ... Khalfan are joint top scorers with I am getting paid to watch football at each other but shake hands at James Park (pauses). One of my favourite five goals apiece. now (laughs). I must have done the end of the game. But that was in Newcastle, teams were Leeds United and I El Jaish will have a tough something right. As I said earlier a good thing. There was respect. in this March was devastated when they were task on their hands as they face that if I had to make the choices He was a good battler. 11, 2004, file relegated (laughs). Al Sadd who are one of the top (on my career) I would have made Question: What was it like photo. Question: What role would attacking teams in the league the exact same decisions. playing Euro 96? you like to play for Qatar 2022 with a joint top goal difference of Question: Is there any time Answer: I think Euro 96 was bearing in mind they have won + 17 goals which they currently that you ever thought you the best ever experience I had, the Gulf Cup? share with Lekhwiya. retired too early from inter- to be honest. There were games Shearer: First of all I haven’t THE PENINSULA national football? against Holland, Scotland, Spain been asked to play any role for Shearer: Yeah. It goes back and then Germany when we got Qatar 2022. So the offer is open. to what I said earlier. I always beaten in the semifinals on pen- I was part of the England del- QSL Fixtures wanted to go at the top but I had alties. Being the captain, it was between now and the event, you Question: You did have a egation (in 2010). We went there Today three career threatening injuries the biggest thing that I could ever will start the first match against problem with Craig Bellamy, with (Prime Minister) David 4:00pm Al Ahli vs at Grand Hamad that slowed me down. I ruptured experience. I was a strong little Switzerland. I grew an inch or two didn’t you? Camareon and David Beckham. 4:00pm Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Gharafa at Jassim ankle in 1992. It was an injury lad. It was never my dream to because of the confidence that he Shearer: I never had a prob- And we were convinced that Bin Hamad which sort of finished you. I did play for England never ever did showed in me. He had belief in lem with Bellamy, He had a prob- we would win. When it was 6:30pm Al Wakrah vs Al Khor at Al Wakrah my tendon in my left knee and I think I would captain England me. I always said judge me when it lem with me (laughs). He thought announced that when Russia got Stadium that took a yard (of pace) off me. for five years was just experience. mattered. Thankfully I managed he was better than he was. And 2018 and Qatar the 2022 World 4:00pm Al Sailiya vs Al Arabiat Lekhwiya You know your body more than In the year 1996, I worked with to score in the first game and go I told him what he was and he Cup, we were amazed. I have to Stadium anyone else and I knew that I the best ever manager - Terry on to finish the tournament as the didn’t like that (laughs). say the only issue is whether it 4:00pm Qatar SC vs Umm Salal at Suhaim Bin couldn’t keep up the standards Venables. I hadn’t scored for two top-scorer. But yeah we should Question: There is a street (the World Cup) could be played Hamad Stadium that I wanted to for England and or three years for England and have won it. We would have won named after you in Oman. Did in June and July. I have been com- Newcastle. I was the captain of the whole of the country was it if we were any good at penal- you know about that? ing here for 6-7 years and I am Tomorrow England and I retired a month asking why I was going to start ties (laughs). It was a given that Shearer: Yes, someone sent me pretty certain it would be mag- 6:30pm Al Shamal vs Al Shahania at Al Shamal before I was 30. I had to do it. the tournament. Terry pulled me it if we had won the semifinal, we a picture about it. Alan Shearer nificent whenever they do it. 6:30pm Al Sadd vs El Jaish at Jassim Bin Question: You’re the highest aside. He said whatever happens would have won the tournament. Street, yeah. (The actual name of THE PENINSULA Hamad Stadium THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Double delight for Garcia in Doha Spaniard smashes two world records as FINA worlds kick off; Le Clos also grabs gold

BY FAWAD HUSSAIN FINA Swimming DOHA: Dreams do come true! And this is exactly what hap- World pened when Spain’s Mireia Belmonte Garcia smashed two world records on her way Championships to win a brace of gold med- als on the opening day of the Results 12th FINA World Swimming Finals Results Championships that kicked off Men’s 200M Freestyle in style at the Hamad Aquatic Centre in Doha, yesterday. Chad Le Clos (South Africa) 1:41:45 Garcia, the double silver medal- Danila Izotov (Russia) 1:41:67 ist in the London Olympics in Ryan Lochte (USA) 1:42:09 2012, first broke the five-year old world record in women’s 200m Women’s 200M Butterfly butterfly when she completed Mireia Garcia Belmonte (Spain) 1:59:61 the victory in just one minute 59.61 seconds, overcoming China’s Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 2:01.12 Zige Liu’s feat of two minutes 78 Franziska Hentke (Germany) 2:03. 89 seconds that was set in Berlin in Women’s 400M Individual Medley Final November 2009. Gold medallist Chad Le Clos of South Africa, silver medallist Danila Motivated by the emphatic Izotov (left) of Russia and bronze medallist Ryan Lochte of USA clutch Mireia Belmonte Garcia (Spain) 4:19.86 200m butterfly win, Garcia who their medals on the podium after the men’s 200m freestyle event at the Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 4:22.94 celebrated her 24th birthday last Hamad Aquatic Centre in Doha yesterday. Hannah Miley (Great Britain) 4:24.74 month, raced to victory in the women’s 400m individual medley Men’s 4x100M Freestyle finals in only four minutes 19.86 France: (Clement Mognon, Fabien Gilot, seconds, surpassing Hungary’s Florent Manaudou, Mehdy Metella) 3:03.18 Katinka Hosszu’s last year’s Russian: (Vladimir Morozov, Sergi Fesikov, record of four minutes 20.85 Danila Izotov, Mikhail Polishchuk) 3:04.18 seconds. “It’s unbelievable, it’s like a United States: (Jimmy Feigen, Matt Grevers, dream for me,” the jubilant Garcia Ryan Lochte, Tom Shields) 3:05.58 said after earning two gold medals Women’s 4x200M Freestyle on the opening day. Netherlands: “I was not expecting such a Inge Dekker, Femke Heemskerk, Ranomi Kromowidjojo, Sharon Van Rouwendaal) performance from myself as I was 7:32.85 nervous when I woke up in the morning. It’s just an amazing per- China: (Qiu Yuhan, Cao Yue, Gui Junjun, Shen formance,” added the Barcelona- Duo), 7:37.02 born swimmer. “Win in the first Australia: Leah Neale, Madi Wilson, Brianna race motivated and helped me Throssell, Kylie Palmerjhf (7:38.59) claim the second race which was a tougher one.” Semi-finals Results On her way to glory, Garcia Entertainers perform during the opening ceremony of the 12th FINA Women’s 50M Breaststroke outsmarted ‘The Iron Lady’ — World Swimming Championships at the Hamad Aquatic Centre in Doha Ruta Meilutyte (Lithuania) 28.81 Hosszu — who was expected to yesterday. steal the show like her perform- Alia Atkinson (Jamaica) 28.99 ance in last August’s FINA World 400m individual medley final. the previous record of seven min- Moniek Nijhuis (Netherlands) 29.69 Cup in Doha, when she swept the In the only individual event for utes 35.94 seconds set by China Men’s 100M Backstroke majority of medals. men on the opening day, 22-year in Dubai, four years ago. China But, Hosszu was confined to sil- old Chad Le Clos of South Africa and Australia claimed silver and Mitchell James Larkin (Australia) 49.62 ver medals in both the competi- claimed the gold medal by win- bronze medals respectively. Guilherme Guido (Brazil) 50.12 tions and it was sheer hard work ning the men’s 200m freestyle Gold medals for men’s 4x100m Ryosuke Irie (Japan) 50.16 that led Garcia to break record final in one minute 41.45 seconds. freestyle went to France with after record. Danila Izotov of Russia (1:41.67) a time of three minute 3:03.18, Men’s 100M Breaststroke “I prepared a lot for this sea- earned silver while seasoned Ryan a new championship record. Adam Peaty (Great Britain) 56.43 son. I would like to thank my Lochte of USA claimed bronze Clement Mognon, Fabien Gilot, Kirill Prigoda (Russia) 56.93 coach [Fred] for helping me out,” medal by finishing the job in one Florent Manaudou and Mehdy said the swimmer while hoping to minute 42.9 seconds. Metella bettered record of their Yasuhiro Koseki (Japan) 57.06 repeat the show in 2016 Olympics Meanwhile, the Netherlands’ own team-mates, set four years Women’s 100M Backstroke in Rio. “With just 18 months left, women took opening day’s hon- ago in Dubai. Russian and France these world records are a perfect our of teams events when they won silver and bronze medals Daryana Zevina (Ukraine) 56.23 launch pad and a huge motivation created a new world record in respectively. Emily Seebohm (Australia) 56.32 for my Olympics preparations 4x200m freestyle and won gold Apart from the finals, five Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 56.65 which is my main goal.” medal with a top finish in seven semi-finals of various events were Men’s 100 Butterfly Spain’s Mireia Belmonte Garcia celebrates after breaking the world record Franziska Hentke of Germany minutes 32.85 seconds. also competed on the first day of in the women’s 200m butterfly during the 12th FINA World Swimming claimed bronze in the women’s The quartet, including Inge the championship, which kicked Chad Le Clos (South Africa) 49.25 200m butterfly while Hannah Dekker, Femke Heemskerk, off with a simple but impressive Championships at the Hamad Aquatic Centre in Doha yesterday. Tommaso D’Orsogna (Australia) 49.65 PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT Miley of Great Britain finished Ranomi Kromowidjojo and opening ceremony. with a similar fate in the women’s Sharon Van Rouwendaal, broke THE PENINSULA Tom Shields (USA) 49.91

Tiger looks to QBF Men’s League Kramnik in race to win Qatar his youth for Masters Open 2014 in Doha swing answers ORLANDO: Tiger Woods DOHA: Former World pronounced himself fit for a Champion Vladimir Kramnik return to competitive golf while picked up his seventh succes- acknowledging the ravages of sive win in the Qatar Masters age on Tuesday as he prepared Open 2014 to emerge as the sole to tee it up for the first time in leader here yesterday. nearly four months at the Hero The Russian who lost his first World Challenge tournament. round match now is half a point Having not played since the ahead of Yu Yangi and needs only PGA Championship in August, a draw in today’s last round match the 38-year-old American returns against Yangi to annexe the title. to action today near his Florida Kramnik has 7 points while his home at the at Isleworth Golf and opponent today from China has Country Club in a tournament 6.5 points. Top seed Anish Giri benefiting his foundation. of Netherlands, who started with “I’m older,” Woods said on a flourish winning six matches on Tuesday. “Father Time is unde- the trot, lost his match yesterday feated. We all eventually are los- to Yangi and is in third spot along ing some of the things we are able with two others, with six points. to do when we were younger.” The tournament is being con- This was no capitulation, just ducted according to the Swiss an acknowledgement from Woods System of nine rounds and if nec- that he needed to try another way, essary a play-off. The total prize and returns having switched to money is $110,000. The first place consultant Chris Como from winner will get $25,000. swing coach Sean Foley. THE PENINSULA Vladimir Kramnik (left) Woods said his aging body of Russia in action in would not allow him to fire from Qatar Masters Open 2014 the eighth round match positions Foley wanted to put into Standings after eighth round: Vladimir of the Qatar Masters his swing. Fans and fellow golfers Kramnik (7), Yangyi Yu (6.5), Anish Giri Open 2014 at the Hotel will get their first look at Woods’ (6), Zahar (6), Vladimir Akopian (6), Salem Crowne Plaza in Doha revamped swing today. Saleh (5.5), Mikhailo (5.5) Andrei (5.5) yesterday. The last “We looked at a lot of video from when I was a junior and in Maxime (5.5) round of the tournament amateur golf,” said Woods about will take place today Key eighth round results: Yangyi Yu bt time spent with Como. “It was Anish Giri 1-0, Valdimir Kramnik bt Salem from 12 noon. RIGHT: quite interesting to see where Al Rayyan’s Salim Abdulla Malek (left) attempts to outrun Mohammed Saleh 1-0, Vachier-Lagrave drew with Action from anther my swing was then and how much Shankland, Tomashevsky drew with Volokitin, eighth round match. Baker from El Jaish during a QBF Men’s League match at Al Gharafa force I could generate with a very Stadium in Doha on Tuesday. PICTURE: BAHER AMIN Adhiban drew Xiangzhi (0.5 pts each) skinny frame.” AFP THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

2015 Formula One Grand Prix Calendar March 15: Australia (Melbourne) 29: Malaysia (Sepang) April 12: China (Shanghai) 19: Bahraïn (Sakhir) May 3: South Korea (to be confirmed) 10: Spain (Barcelona) 24: Monaco H H Sheikh Abdullah bin June Khalifa Al Thani, Special 7: Canada (Montreal) Adviser to H H the Emir, Sheikh 21: Austria (Red Bull Ring, Spielberg) Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, July with FIA President Jean Todt 5: Great Britain (Silverstone) (left) and FIA Vice-president 19: Germany (Nürburgring) Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah 26: Hungary (Budapest) (right) at the St Regis Doha August yesterday. TOP: Officials 23: Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps) attend a meeting during the September third day of FIA’s annual 6: Italy (Monza) General Assembly yesterday. 20: Singapore (Marina Bay) RIGHT: QMMF President and 27: Japan (Suzuka) FIA Vice-president Nasser bin October Khalifa Al Attiyah (right) speaks 11: Russia (Sochi) to FIA President Jean Todt in 25: United States (Austin) between one of the meetings November yesterday. 1: Mexico (Mexico City) 15: Brazil (Sao Paulo) 29: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) F1: Record 21-race calendar for 2015 Double points for final race scrapped, South Korean GP reinstated, late start to season

DOHA: South Korea’s Formula however. The season will start in champion Lewis Hamilton in One Grand Prix has been rein- Australia on March 15. Mexico danger of losing out to Mercedes stated provisionally on a record will also return to the calendar team mate Nico Rosberg despite ME Rally agenda announced 21-race calendar for 2015 after a 23-year absence, with a winning 10 races compared to the while double points have been race scheduled for November 1 in German’s five. DOHA: The agenda for next Federation President (QMMF) Loeb and Petter Solberg, have scrapped for the final round in Mexico City. A plan to introduced standing year’s Middle East Rally and FIA Vice-president Nasser confirmed their participation in Abu Dhabi, the sport’s govern- China becomes the third race of re-starts after the introduction Championship was approved bin Khalifa Al Attiyah thanked the event. ing body said yesterday. the season on April 12, taking the of a safety car was also jetti- yesterday on the third day of Sheikh Abdullah for his visit. Al Attiyah also thanked H The International Automobile slot initially assigned to Bahrain soned after teams raised safety FIA’s annual General Assembly FIA’s annual General Assembly E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Federation (FIA) listed the on a previous draft calendar. concerns. being held at the St Regis Doha. is the most important meeting in Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for Korean race as the fifth round Bahrain is now pushed back to However a ‘virtual safety car’ The championships spans eight motor sports. her efforts as the head of Qatar of the season on May 3, with the April 19. system was agreed. host nations — Qatar, Kuwait, Today, the newly-added Prize- Museums Council as she offered Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona Changes to the sporting regu- “It will normally be used when Oman, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, giving Challenge will be held at guests a chance to see the cul- scheduled for the following lations included the decision to double waved yellow flags are Cyprus and Dubai. the karting track of the Prize- tural, literal and historical aspects weekend. abandon the controversial experi- needed on any section of track H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Giving Village. FIA champions of the Gulf nation. The tight turnaround, and ment with double points intro- and competitors or officials may Khalifa Al Thani, Special Adviser and guests will take part in the “We as a federation appreciate teams’ previous reluctance to have duced this year. be in danger, but the circum- to H H the Emir, Sheikh Tamim fun and exciting competition her efforts and look forward to more than 20 races, immediately The format was unpopular with stances are not such as to war- bin Hamad Al Thani, also met FIA where fans are invited. have a fruitful cooperation in the raised doubts about the likelihood fans and risked making a mock- rant use of the safety car itself,” President Jean Todt yesterday. More than 30 drivers, includ- future,” Al Attiyah said. of the Korean race happening ery of the season, with eventual the FIA said. REUTERS Qatar Motor and Motorcycle ing Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastien THE PENINSULA Gerrard helps Liverpool triumph, United win

LONDON: Steven Gerrard’s Liverpool captain Gerrard, 34, Manchester United, who were with 10 points from 14 games. future at Liverpool may be in left out of the starting lineup on Liverpool’s Steven without injured skipper Wayne While Chelsea play Spurs at doubt but the captain turned Saturday, was back in the team at Gerrard celebrates Rooney, gave manager Louis van Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, back the clock to score in a 3-1 Leicester where he rifled home a after scoring a goal Gaal some encouragement with second-placed Manchester victory at bottom side Leicester poor clearance from captain Wes against Leicester their win at Old Trafford. City are at Sunderland and City in the Premier League on Morgan to turn the balance of the City FC during an “I am very happy we held Southampton, who are third, Tuesday. match the Merseysiders’ way in English Premier the result till the end,” said the visit Arsenal where they won 2-1 Manchester United maintained the 54th minute. Dutchman. “I am very happy with in the Capital One (League) Cup League match at the their recent improvement with a They had fallen behind when the result, that’s the fourth vic- in September. REUTERS King Power Stadium fourth successive league win, beat- Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet tory in the row and tomorrow we ing Stoke City 2-1 at Old Trafford conceded an own goal after 22 in Leicester on have our Christmas party.” with a Marouane Fellaini header minutes before a 26th minute Tuesday night. In the bottom half of the table, English Premier and Juan Mata free kick either Adam Lallana equaliser for the Aston Villa earned three points side of a Steven Nzonzi goal for visitors. for the first time since September League Results Stoke. Leicester were reduced to 10 with a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace David de Gea guaranteed that men when Morgan, who scored where Christian Benteke’s goal Tuesday’s Results United held on to the points with an own goal against QPR on ended a run of nine games with- Burnley 1 (Boyd 34) Newcastle United 1 two superb saves late in the game. Saturday, was sent off for a foul out a victory for Paul Lambert’s (Cisse 48) United stay fourth but now on Rickie Lambert after 63 min- side. Crystal Palace 0 Aston Villa 1 (Benteke 32) have 25 points, eight behind lead- utes and they conceded a third Queens Park Rangers crashed Leicester City 1 (Mignolet 22-og) Liverpool 3 ers Chelsea, who host Tottenham when Jordan Henderson scored to a seventh successive away (Lallana 26, Gerrard 54, Henderson 83) Hotspur on Wednesday, while after 83 minutes. said. “When you rest players peo- “There is nothing to say, when league defeat and slipped to one Manchester United 2 (Fellaini 21, Mata 59) Liverpool have climbed to eighth Liverpool manager Brendan ple ask why, when you play them there is the fans know I will come off the bottom when they were Stoke City 1 (Nzonzi 39) place with 20 points. Rodgers confirmed on Monday you are asked why aren’t you out and say it. It was a great team beaten 2-0 at Swansea City. Swansea City 2 (Ki 78, Routledge 83) Queens West Ham United remain fifth, that Gerrard, who made his debut resting them? The energy from performance, the headlines should Burnley climbed out of the rel- Park Rangers 0 a point behind United, after a 2-1 for the club 16 years ago last being rested at the weekend gave be about that not me. egation zone when they stretched win at West Bromwich Albion, weekend, had been offered a new him the energy to play tonight” “I am happy with the goal, even their unbeaten run to four West Bromwich Albion 1 (Dawson 10) West who have now lost their last contract and was full of praise for he said. more pleased with the win. We matches with a 1-1 draw at home Ham United 2 (Nolan 35, Tomkins 45+3) four matches. James Tomkins him after the three points were Gerrard declined to answer are on the way up. We are a lot to mid-table Newcastle United. Yesterday’s Matches (1945 GMT) headed the winner for the in-form secured. questions about the contract harder to beat. Come the end of Burnley have 12 points above Arsenal vs Southampton, Chelsea vs Hammers in first half stoppage “He was rested at the weekend renewal but said: “I will decide the season we will be fighting for Hull City and QPR on 11, with Tottenham Hotspur, Everton vs Hull City, time. with tonight in mind,” Rodgers when I am ready. fourth.” Leicester propping up the table Sunderland vs Manchester City Marseille penalised by ex-striker Ayew

PARIS: Lorient’s Ghana inter- in the 24th minute. In the 71st mark when he introduced Michy Also on Tuesday, Toulouse national Jordan Ayew scored a minute, he struck the ball at a vir- Batshuayi for Abdelaziz Barrada saw off hosts Nantes 2-1, while penalty to cancel out Dimitri tually empty Lorient goalmouth, failed to pay off. Dimitar Berbatov was on the Payet’s opener and salvage a 1-1 only for his shot to be aimed Marseille finished the last 20 scoresheet as Monaco shrugged draw against his former club at Vincent Le Goff — the only minutes the stronger side, sens- off being reduced to 10 men Marseille on Tuesday. defender guarding the goalline. ing Lorient were flagging. Lorient to beat Lens 2-0. PSG had the The stalemate left titlechas- Marseille were struggling to captain Wesley Lautoa made a chance to take over at the Ligue ers Marseille two points clear of create much real danger, aside game-saving goalline tackle to 1 summit yesterday with success champions Paris Saint-Germain from in the 32nd minute when deny Batshuayi with 10 minutes at Lille. REUTERS who were scheduled to face Lille Payet out-foxed Lorient keeper remaining. yesterday. Benjamin Lecomte to put the Marseille, according to Bielsa, Ligue 1 Results In an attempt to end a run of south coast visitors in the lead. deserved to have come away with Tuesday’s Matches three successive defeats on the Marseille’s lead lasted a mat- all three points. Lorient 1 (J. Ayew 37-pen) Marseille 1 (Payet road Marseille coach Marcelo ter of minutes, with Lorient level- “The difference between the 32) Bielsa opted for a five-man ling via Marseille’s former striker two sides wasn’t reflected in the defence. Ayew’s penalty awarded after result, so there’s a sense of dissat- Nantes 1 (Veretout 64-pen) Toulouse 2 (Sylla Lorient’s striker Jordan Ayew (right) vies for the ball with Marseille’s 24, Braithwaite 85) defender Rod Fanni during a Ligue 1 match at the Moustoir Stadium in Up front, Andre-Pierre Gignac keeper Steve Mandanda’s late isfaction,” said the Argentinian. Monaco 2 (Berbatov 64-pen, Ferreira- Lorient on Tuesday night. had an off night, missing all his challenge on Benjamin Jeannot. “We had enough opportunities chances, including a lob attempt Bielsa’s gamble after the hour but lacked efficiency,” he added. Carrasco 90+3) Lens 0 Thursday 4 December 2014 12 Safar 1436 Volume 19 Number 6269 Sport Price: QR2 Most Popular Bangladeshi Newspaper Emotional Doha meet farewell for approves F1 PROTHOM ALO WEEKLY Published every Thursday Hughes 2015 calendar Available in all leading stores in Qatar       Tel: 4465 0600 Email: [email protected] Sport | 24 Sport | 27

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Djokovic, Nadal to start 2015 in Doha DOHA: World number one entry list include Latvian Ernests Event sponsors ExxonMobil Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2015 Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Gulbis who was a semi-finalist at are pleased with the strength of (Top ranked players who will take part in the defending champion Rafael the French Open this year as well the tournament. ATP Tour event in Doha from January 5 to 10) Nadal of Spain will kick- as Richard Gasquet, a member of “Thanks to the efforts of the Ranking Players (country) off their new season at next the French Davis Cup team who Qatar Tennis Federation, the 1 Novak Djokovic (SRB) month’s Qatar ExxonMobil played in the recent final and a Qatar ExxonMobil Open contin- 3 Rafael Nadal (ESP) Open, Qatar Tennis Federation 2013 winner of the ExxonMobil ues to attract big names in the 7 Tomas Berdych (CZE) 10 David Ferrer (ESP) (QTF) announced yesterday. Open. world of tennis,” said Alistair 13 Ernests Gulbis (LAT) Seven-time Grand Slam cham- The cut off for the tourna- Routledge, Vice President and 24 Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) pion Djokovic will be making his ment direct entrants is Spaniard Joint Venture Interest Manager 26 Richard Gasquet (FRA) maiden appearance at the season- Nicolas Almagro ranked 71, a for ExxonMobil Qatar Inc. 27 Ivo Karlovic (CRO) opener set to take place between former top ten ranked player “We are thrilled to have such 28 Leonardo Mayer (ARG) January 5 to 10. and three-time Roland Garros a star-studded list of players this 31 Lukas Rosol (CZE) Djokovic has had a stellar year quarter-finalist. year, and look forward to seeing 33 Fernando Verdasco (ESP) on the ATP Tour in 2014 winning Qatar ExxonMobil Open Novak Djokovic them perform on the court next 39 Dominic Thiem (AUT) seven titles including Wimbledon Rafael Nadal Tournament Director, Karim month.” 40 Benjamin Becker (GER) where he defeated Roger Federer Alami said it is one of the best The tournament is held at 41 Pablo Andujar (ESP) in five sets in the final. Ferrer of Spain who is ranked tournaments ever with plenty of defending champion, returning is the Khalifa International Tennis 45 Andreas Seppi (ITA) Nadal will be back in Doha for 10th. Berdych won his second talent on display. fantastic especially as we are the and Squash Complex with tick- 48 Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) the seventh time, having won the ATP World Tour doubles title by “We have four players in the first tournament on his return ets available from today at City 49 Denis Istomin (UZB) event last year, making the final partnering Jan Hajek to success top 10. It’s a great draw for the from injury. Center, Landmark, Lagoona, 55 Simone Bolelli (ITA) in 2010, the semi-finals in 2012- in the final at Doha in 2014. first week of the year; it’s a very “There is so much depth Villaggio, on-site at the Khalifa 58 Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR) 59 Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) 13 and the quarter-finals in 2009 Ferrer became the first player important week ahead of the throughout the player list, Tomas International Tennis and Squash 62 Juan Monaco (ARG) and 2005. to win three straight Buenos Australian Open. Berdych, David Ferrer, Ernests Complex and from www.qatarten- 64 Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) The Qatar ExxonMobil Open Aires titles, additionally he won “It’s great to have Novak Gulbis, Fernando Verdasco a nis.org, organisers said. 67 Teymuraz Gabashvili (RUS) has four players ranked in the top the title at Vienna and made the Djokovic the world No.1 here for former top eight player and The Qatar leg is the first tour- 69 Dusan Lajovic (SRB) 10 with the addition of regular finals at the Cincinnati Masters the first time. I’m sure he’ll bring former champion Richard nament on the ATP World Tour 71 Nicolas Almagro (ESP) visitors Tomas Berdych (Czech and Hamburg out lots of Serbian fans. Gasquet, it is going to be a great calendar for the 2015 season. Venue: Khalifa International Tennis and Republic) ranked No.7 and David Other players of note in the “To have Rafael Nadal, our event,” he said. THE PENINSULA Squash Complex Ali inspires Double delight as El Jaish and England win over Sri Lanka

HAMBANTOTA, Sri Lanka: Opener Moeen Ali hit a daz- Lekhwiya reach semi-finals zling 58 off 40 balls to inspire England to a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the rain- Asian Clubs League Championship: Al Kuwait Club book last four berth affected third one-day inter- national in Hambantota yesterday. DOHA: Defending champions The tourists, chasing a revised El Jaish and Lekhwiya - both of 17th Asian Duckworth-Lewis target of 236 in Qatar - stormed into the semi- 35 overs, cruised home with eight finals of the 17th Asian Clubs Clubs League balls to spare to record their first League Championship after win in the seven-match series. registering their third succes- Championship Kumar Sangakkara became sive wins here yesterday. Action from the 17th 17th Asian Club League Championship only the fourth batsman in his- Group A leaders Lekhwiya con- Asian Clubs League Yesterday’s Results tory to surpass 13,000 one-day tinued their march defeating Al runs as Sri Lanka scored 242-8 Championship match Group A: Lekhwiya Club (QAT) bt Al Qurain Qurain Sporting Club of Kuwait, in a game reduced to 35 overs-a- between Lekhwiya Club (KUW) 27-21 securing their third victory in as side when heavy rain interrupted Club of Qatar and Al Group A: Samenalhojaj (IRI) bt Al Gharafa many encounter at Ali bin Hamad Qurain Club of Kuwait play after just two overs. Al-Attiyah Arena at Al Sadd here Club (QAT) 26-23 The 37-year-old left-hander at Ali bin Hamad yesterday. Group B: Al Kuwait Club (KUW) bt reached the landmark when he Al-Attiyah Arena in Led by a sheer unstoppable Manyazium Ferdows Club (IRI) 35-25 took a single off Chris Woakes to shooter Bagaric with seven goals Al Sadd yesterday. Group B: El Jaish Club (QAT) bt Ahli Sidab move to 13 and celebrated by top- the Kuwaiti only managed to level Lekhwiya won 27-21. Club (OMA) 37-19 scoring with 63 in the innings. the game for ten minutes in the BOTTOM: Action from Today’s fixtures AFP the Group B match middle of first half, when they Group A: Al Qurain Sporting Club (KUW) vs between El Jaish Qatar switched to their infamous man- Al Salt Club (JOR), 1.00pm Scoreboard marking defense. and Ahli Sidab Club of Group B: Ahli Sidab Club (OMA) vs Al Khalij For ten minutes no goal was Oman. El Jaish won Club (KSA), 3.00pm SRI LANKA scored at all, a curiosity for 37-19. T Dilshan c Buttler b Finn ...... 23 handball. Group A: Lekhwiya Club (QAT) vs Al Gharafa Club (QAT), 5.00pm K Perera c Morgan b Woakes ...... 0 But after that Lekhwiya K Sangakkara c Ali b Jordan ...... 63 Group B: El Jaish Club (QAT) vs Al Kuwait regained full control of the game T Kandamby c Jordan b Woakes ...... 0 Club (KUW), 7.30pm and marched to a 27-21 victory. A Mathews c Buttler b Jordan ...... 37 “Our seven-goal victory is a Venue: Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Sports L Thirimanne (not out) ...... 62 great result. The team spirit was Hall Al Sadd J Mendis c Finn b Root ...... 12 fantastic. In defence we fought T Perera c Ali b Woakes ...... 8 bravely for the whole 60 minutes. beat Group B bottom-placed team 8 very important of his 10 goals D Prasad st Buttler b Bopara ...... 21 We made a couple of mistakes, Ahli Sadab 37-19. in Samenalhojaj’s hunt for the R Herath (not out) ...... 2 especially against their tricky The defending champions were equaliser. Extras (LB-4, W-10) ...... 14 defence systems, but did all right always in control of the game Four minutes before the end Total (for 8 wkts in 35 overs) ...... 242 in the end. It was our target from and were never threatened by the equaliser was there, and in Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-30, 3-31, 4-118, the beginning to finish first in the the Omani team, which is still in the hectic finishing minutes the 5-150, 6-175, 7-202, 8-233. group. Today before the match search for their first points in the Iranians secured their 26-23 vic- Bowling: Finn 7-0-42-1; Woakes 7-0-41-3 we knew, that we could win the tournament. tory over the local side. (w1); Ali 7-0-36-0 (w3); Jordan 7-0-46-2 group with a victory, which we The third Qatari club in action With Lekhwiya having already (w2); Bopara 3-0-24-1 (w2); Stokes 2-0-28- did, perfect,” said Frantisek Sulc yesterday Al Gharafa was not so qualified from Group A the 0 (w1); Root 2-0-21-1 (w1). of Lekhwiya. lucky losing to Samenalhojaj of semi-final qualification race is ENGLAND The semi-final stage will be a Iran 26-23. now between Al Gharafa and Al A Cook c Sangakkara b Prasad ...... 34 completely different affair from The day’s first game needed Qurain. M Ali (run out-Herath, Sangakkara) ...... 58 the preliminary group stage a long warm-up phase with Al Gharafa, who has a 1-1-1 A Hales c A Mendis b Mathews ...... 27 matches Sulc said. mistakes on both sides to then record can still qualify for the J Root (not out) ...... 48 “Now it is like a whole new become one of the most exciting semi-finals, if they win their last R Bopara c Sangakkara b Herath ...... 6 tournament starting for us. We ones of the tournament so far. match today against already qual- E Morgan c T Perera b Mathews ...... 1 only have two more games, and After a 10-9 half time score Al ified Lekhwiya. J Buttler (not out) ...... 55 everything is possible - a great Gharafa put themselves in a com- A positive result for Al Gharafa Extras (LB-1, NB-1, W-5) ...... 7 feeling.” fortable seven-goal lead within will see Al Qurain losing the semi- Total (for 5 wkts in 33.4 overs) ...... 236 With yesterday’s two points only seven minutes. final race to the local club. Fall of wickets: 1-84, 2-103, 3-144, 4-151, Lekhwiya secured first place in The game seemed decided Joining the two local clubs in 5-152. the group, and will meet second when Iranians Samenalhojaj – the semi-finals was Al Kuwait Bowling: A Mathews 7-0-34-2; T Dilshan placed team from Group B in the powered by a red card against Club. The Kuwaiti club defeated 4-0-31-0; T Perera 3-0-18-0 (w-1); A Mendis first semi-final on Saturday. their opponents – all of a sudden Manyazium Ferdows Club 35-25 5.4-0-53-0 (w-1); J Mendis 2-0-9-0; D A second Qatari club El Jaish geared up. Iranian right winger to become the first team to qualify Prasad 6-0-49-1 (nb-1, w-2); R Herath 6-0- secured a first place and a semi- Masaeli rose to become man of from Group B. 41-1(w-1). final berth after they comfortably the game as he managed to score THE PENINSULA