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21 December 2013 17 Safar 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5920 Price: QR2 ON SATURDAY

The logo of Rabaa television channel. Uproot Egypt regime, says Islamic scholar DOHA: Noted Islamic scholar Dr Yusuf Al Qaradawi has called on all Egyptians, other Arabs and Muslims and free people of the world to stand up against what he says is a military coup in Egypt, and said they must together work to uproot the military regime in the country. “It is important for all the above people to stand up together and work to remove Egypt’s army rule,” said Al Qaradawi. He was speaking at the launch of ‘Rabaa’, a new Arabic TV channel, in Turkey yesterday. ‘Rabaa’ in Arabic means ‘four’, but it also stands for the place in Cairo by the name of Rabaa Al Adwiya where the Egyptian military, Dr Al Qaradawi said, massacred a large number of supporters of ousted presi- dent Mohammed Mursi. “What has happened in Rabaa Al Adwiya and Al Nahda Square were massacres,” the CULTURE Islamic scholar said. Pakistani women to play cricket in Qatar DUBAI: Pakistan’s women’s cricket team is to use the neutral venue of Qatar to host a tri-series with South Africa and Ireland, an official said yesterday. Pakistan Cricket Board interim chairman Najam Sethi said the first-ever triangular women’s one-day and Twenty20 tourna- CLASH ment will be held in Qatar from January 8 to 25 in Doha, making Pakistan the first country to introduce women’s cricket in this region. THE ISSUE Pakistan have been forced to play all its home cricket on neutral venues of United Arab Emirates since terrorist attacks on This is the time of the year festival where a host of foreign artistes were “Society is synonymous with an ever- the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in when the world slips into a to perform was shelved due to opposition from changing process. It isn’t something static,” March 2009 suspended all international the Qatari community. he said. “This is an era of globalisation and sports in the country. festive mood. And like every According to a famous Qatari sociologist, Doha is a global city.” year, this year too talk has Dr Ali Al Shawi Al Marri, however, that was “We were a traditional society some time GCHQ, NSA targeted begun in the Qatari community because it might have been way too much for ago. Yes. But with the changes taking place the Qatari society to digest. in our demography and culture, we are also charities, Germans about the nature of celebrations Commenting on a local social networking undergoing transformation.” that will unfold here over the site, a commentator said of the current festive “We now have a diverse culture, a rich cul- LONDON: British and American intel- next few days. season that many singers and musicians from tural mix among us, and that is a healthy situ- ligence agencies had a comprehensive list some Arab countries like Lebanon come here ation… Society resists change but it is after of surveillance targets that included the and introduce themselves to GCC audiences. all malleable.” EU’s competition commissioner, German f the social media is a barometer of the Another commentator said that it was “In the altered situation today, we must government buildings in Berlin and over- community’s feelings, there seems to be a alright for people to follow their traditions, accept such celebrations as for Christmas and seas, and the heads of institutions that perceptible change in the way people look but they shouldn’t be emulated. New Year.” provide humanitarian and financial help Iat Christmas and New Year revelries in “There are some people who travel overseas He said that in Arab countries like Syria, to Africa, top-secret documents reveal. the country. to celebrate Christmas and New Year,” said Iraq, Lebanon and Egypt, Muslims and The papers show GCHQ and America’s There is no trace of hostility in people’s yet another commentator. Christians actually celebrate these events National Security Agency (NSA) were comments. They are rather calling for the Al Shawi Al Marri went as far as conveying together. targeting organisations such as the United PAGEneed for moderation 6 in the celebrations and his greetings to people on the occasion. “Let Al Shawi Al Marri, who said he had lived in Nations Development Programme, the UN’s people not going overboard and offending me wish, through your daily, fellow Qataris the US for 12 years, hinted that the cultural children’s charity Unicef and Médecins du Qatari social and cultural sensibilities. a happy National Day and merry Christmas tolerance of the West was worth emulating. Monde, which provides doctors and medical Just a few weeks ago, a plan to hold a dance and happy New Year to everyone”. See also page 2 volunteers to conflict zones. THE PENINSULA & AGENCIES

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BY FAZEENA SALEEM held after a musical or theatrical performance or some other event, here is growing concern such as a wedding or a corporate in the Qatari commu- event. Guests are usually limited nity about the kind of to friends of the host. Tentertainment events “Recently we were invited to an that are organised by expatriates after event party. It was the first and the hospitality industry in the time I had heard of such a party, country, with young Qatari men and when we reached there, it and women terming some of the didn’t have a pleasing atmosphere events “culturally inappropriate”, for us. It is better they don’t invite and even “extremely offensive.” us to such events,” said a corpo- As year-end celebrations are rate worker. in the offing, the voicing of such He argued that invitees should concerns has increased. be informed about the nature of Some citizens suggest that they the event beforehand. should not be invited to events However, some expatriates that don’t conform to Qatari tra- say that certain celebrations are ditions and culture. Others say the unavoidable and they keep them relevant authorities should carry private, adding that they can’t be out a study to find out what sort held responsible for events organ- of events can be held in Qatar to ised by hotels, which mainly tar- fulfil the expectations of citizens get business. and residents alike while respect- “To my knowledge all my ing local culture and norms. friends keep their celebrations Many expatriates, on the other private. Some have celebrations hand, argue that their celebra- at home or within the residential tions and entertainment events compound. We do go for events are mostly private, and compa- organised at hotels and I’m sure nies that organise such events they follow all guidelines meant claim they try to strike a balance for such events,” said a western between respecting the country’s expatriate who didn’t want her culture and meeting the expecta- name in print. tions of expatriates. An Asian expatriate work- Qatari youth argue that the ing for a private company said, concerns about such events are “People look for entertainment not theirs alone. and hotels make business out “I think Qatar should avoid of their expectations. One can events that are extremely offen- choose to go for an event or not, sive. It’s not necessarily an expa- but the nature of the event is not triate versus Qatari thing. There decided by the guest.” are expatriates who could also “I believe certain things like find such events distasteful and costumes and even perform- against the fabric of this society, ances are taken into considera- and in turn there could be Qataris tion when an event is organised who are very liberal and welcome here. There was an international these events, although I believe ballet troupe here recently and they are not the majority,” said they even adjusted their costumes Nasser Al Naama, who is study- Call for respect as and wore less revealing clothes ing painting and printmaking. He than they usually wear,” he added. writes columns for online media Event managers are also con- and is also an entrepreneur. cerned about observing local He argues that Qatar is not norms and respecting the coun- against entertainment, but the try’s culture. country should not allow anything Once an event has been final- that could harm the country’s population grows ised and the event management traditions. companies have got confirma- “There is already a wide range tion about the artistes and the of events taking place. Qatar is venue, they seek approval from certainly not the sleepy backwa- the Ministry of Culture, Arts ter many purport it to be, but I and Heritage. The ‘Harazad’ divi- think there should be more events Citizens seek entertainment that does not offend sensibilities sion at the Ministry of Interior that are enjoyable and entertain- decides about the level of secu- ing for the youth. I personally rity required, depending on who like going to music concerts, but countries live in the country. is attending the event. I wouldn’t want the artists you Among the GCC states, the According to an event organ- see going to Dubai performing United Arab Emirates and Qatar iser, there are only a handful of here because it would be at the have the largest numbers of expa- event organisers in Qatar. If it’s expense of values, customs and triates relative to their local pop- a DJ event or something simi- religious sensibilities of the local ulation, according to a study. lar, the organisers have to give people. It could cause resentment A new population wave is hit- Qatar has a details like whether alcohol will and divisiveness between people ting Qatar’s shores as the coun- cosmopolitan be served, the age of those who here,” explained Al Naama. try embarks on an ambitious would attend the event, and the Some locals referred to a programme of infrastructure society and medium of invitation, to the recently cancelled dance event development. The infrastructure Ministry of Culture, Arts and following huge opposition from projects are projected to create there are people Heritage. the local community on social 120,000 jobs a year over the next “It’s an Islamic country and media websites. two years. from different the dress code has to comply with The show, named ‘Dance Although it has a large expa- their culture. This is important Festival’ was supposed to bring triate population and plans to cultures, but to any kind of event,” he added, performers and dancers from sev- develop tourism, Qatar has not they can’t force noting that recently they had eral countries to Qatar. opened up like Dubai. faced issues in getting visas for One commentator opposed to “I think this should be cele- us to do things artistes from countries like China the event said: “It is amazing peo- brated, because Qatar still main- and Russia, although the event ple are expecting it to rain here tains its cultural identity,” said we don’t want was a corporate party. when they are organising a danc- the Qatari professional who spoke Another prominent event ing festival on Ashura day.” on condition of anonymity. to. organiser, who has been working Another said: “What do they “We will soon hear about dif- here for several years, explained mean by dancing? Is it traditional, ferent events on New Year’s that the nature of tourism Qatar folk or simply dancing like in Eve. Hotels will announce all international relations. was seeking was different from nightclubs?” kind of offers. Many new things “I think, from a cultural per- other countries, and it was com- Referring to the event, a young could enter the country gradu- spective, that these events should pulsory to comply with the local Qatari professional said: “There ally with the growing expatriate be private, not public. Whoever culture. was a dance festival a few weeks population, yet it is necessary that is organising them can invite “I believe that Qatar is very ago that got cancelled due to oppo- everything comply with our tra- people who are interested. If it’s sensitive about its culture and sition from the local community.” ditions, culture and religion,” he an event inside a hotel, they can traditions. It would take a long “I don’t know much about this added. have a database of their guests time for people to accept change, event, but I guess if the major- Some celebrations and enter- and invite them. but it’s improving slowly. Things ity of Qataris voted against it tainment events are relatively “Qatar has a cosmopolitan soci- are not as they were three years and it offends their religious new to Qatar and have been ety and there are people from ago,” she said. sensibilities, then that should be introduced by expatriates and the different cultures, but they can’t “Qatar wants to thrive in tour- respected,” he said. hospitality industry. Halloween force us to do things we don’t ism but doesn’t want what they In Qatar’s population of over and year-end celebrations were the move by certain hotels to stop hotels did away with the masks want to,” he added. call ‘cheap tourism’. They want two million, expatriates pre- rare in the country until some people in Halloween costumes and at Halloween parties. Such Another new kind of celebra- people to come here for a purpose, dominate. Official figures suggest years ago. face masks from entering. moves are appreciated,” said tion for local youth is the “after not just to party,” she added. that people from more than 70 Some Qatari youth welcomed “I have heard that some Shabeb Al Rumaihi, a student of event party”, which is commonly THE PENINSULA Home DECEMBER 21, 2013 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 ON SATURDAY Artwork on grain of rice dedicated to Emir

The artwork on a grain of rice and (RIGHT) Iraqi calligrapher Hamid Al Saady at work. www.swiss-belhotel.com DOHA: Iraqi calligrapher Al Saady has inscribed on a rice which have featured on tel- exhibition of Arabic calligraphy Tel Hamid Al Saady has cre- grain of rice the verse “Tamim evision and in newspapers and in Doha. Among his prominent Fax ated a miniature artwork is bouquet of flowers and the magazines. The prolific artist works in the expo was the name dedicated to the Emir H H scent is Qatari.” has participated in many exhi- of the Father Emir H H Sheikh Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad The multi-awarded artist is bitions in various countries, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Al Thani on the occasion of known all over the Arab world including Qatar. written on a grain of rice. Tel Qatar National Day. for his calligraphic artworks on In 2009, he held his fifth THE PENINSULA Fax

Tel Youth Got Talent finals begin Fax

Tollfree at Run the World Festival Fax

50 competing in talent search; winners to be named tonight Tel DOHA: The much-awaited Fax finals of this year’s Youth Got Talent kicked off yesterday at the ongoing Run The World Tel Festival at Katara Beach. Fax Over 50 finalists are com- peting in the talent search, which is one of the highlights of the annual regional youth Tel festival organised by The Youth Fax Company (TYC) in partnership with Qatar Olympic and Sports www.doha.hilton.com Museum under Qatar Museums Authority. Tel +974 44233333 Yesterday, participants faced off in a spectacular display of Fax +974 44233000 talents in singing, dancing and musical instruments in front of a national celebrity panel of judges. The contest started with a three-day auditioned last month which saw over 120 participants. This was followed by a semi- final round two weeks ago at Virgin Megastore in Villaggio Tel mall, and finalists were chosen through public voting. Fax Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the talent search tonight. As TYC’s largest and most Tel anticipated event in the GCC, Fax all RTW 2013 programmes engage tens of thousands of par- One of the teams competing in the talent search yesterday. SHAIVAL DALAL ticipants in various activities. Visitors can engage in sports simulator that is now part of I hope many young people in Qatar, added: “There’s no doubt Tel on the beach, watch extreme the Interior Ministry’s ‘One Qatar will be able to experi- that there will be a lot of excite- Fax shows by leading athletes such Second!’ road safety campaign. ence our driving simulator and ment around the Williams pres- as Parkour and skateboarding, The mobile Williams simu- take away some vital road safety ence at RTWF 2013 from our enjoy musical performances and lator has been designed, engi- messages. side as organisers and thou- explore community, cultural and neered and produced by a team “As a company with a long sands of visitors we are expect- commercial booths in the RTW of engineers, many of whom history in motor racing, we ing this year. Tel Village. young graduates from Qatar’s understand the importance of “Having the Formula One Fax Meanwhile, Williams, one universities, at the Williams driver training and education. racing team on board for the of the world’s leading Formula Technology Centre Qatar in “There are far too many festival is an honour and huge One teams, is showcasing one Qatar Science & Technology young people injured on the promise for youth empower- of its Formula One cars, with Park. roads in Qatar and I hope ment and awareness, keeping Tel a special Qatar livery at the Damien Scott, General through partnerships such as in mind that one of the most festival. Manager of Williams Advanced this road safety messages are serious issues in Qatar is road Fax The company is also exhib- Engineering in Qatar, said: taken on board.” safety.” iting its latest driver training “Over the course of the festival Aya Abu Issa, CEO of TYC THE PENINSULA

Tel Fax Experts warn of diseases through pets DOHA: As domesticating animals has Dr Batool Khalifa, a psychologist at Qatar “Sometimes cats and dogs are needed to become a hobby in households, experts University, said some people have animals guard our homes. And dogs play an impor- have warned of its dangers to pet owners. as pets as a hobby but in some cases these tant role in our traditions such as the saluki While people obtain happiness and sol- animals help then fill the void in their lives competitions,” he said. Tel ace by taking care of pets, they can pass on such as those without children. They create problems, though, like noises Fax diseases in the absence of good hygiene and There are also people with high economic at night which disturb neighbours, he added. veterinary care. status who go over the top raising these “It depends on the economic situation Dr Ahmad Younis, a veterinarian, said animals for entertainment and sometimes of the family because to keep animals at there are diseases that can be transmitted for luxury, she said, adding there are people, home, you have to spend money. I have many Tel to human beings from animals such as dogs, who use gold chains, rings and expensive friends who are raising animals at home Fax cats and monkeys. jewellery on their pets. because they feel they can provide them Certain types of worms, viruses, protozoa, “This goes out of tradition and this is with their basic requirements,” said Abdul bacteria and skin parasites can be trans- because many people like to imitate what Nasser, a citizen. “But now people dress up www.renaissancedoha.com ferred to humans when pet owners don’t they see in Western films, how rich families their pets, use expensive gold chains. This take good care of the animals living with live,” she explained. is unnecessary luxury,” he said. Tel +974 44195000 them in their homes. Taking care of animals at home has “People used to raise animals for hunting Fax +974 44195100 “Also we are affecting behaviours of these advantages. One of these, she said, is chil- and to guard their homes, but now times animals when we keep them at home. dren learn how to be kind to animals and have changed. Raising animals has become “They become depressed and sometimes treat them well. not just a hobby but a business; people make die because the natural environment of Hamad Al Marri, a Qatari, said people good money by selling them and participat- these animals is not the home and they have who do not know how to take care of ani- ing in contests and festivals,” said Ahmed to move freely,” Dr Younis told the Arabic mals must not have them as pets because Abounain, another citizen. daily Al Watan. animals need special care. THE PENINSULA DECEMBER 21, 2013 ON SATURDAY 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Middle East Israel warned of Hezbollah revenge Those who killed commander Hassan Al Laqqis will not be safe anywhere in the world, says Nasrallah

BEIRUT: Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah vowed yesterday to avenge Israel for the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut earlier this month. Hassan Al Laqqis, who fought in Syria’s civil war for the Lebanese Shia militia, was shot dead out- side his home on December 4. A previously unknown group, Ahrar Al Sunna Baalbek bri- gade, claimed responsibility at the time of the attack, but Hezbollah quickly blamed Israel, with which it fought a 34-day war in 2006. “All the indicators and clues point to the Israeli enemy,” Nasrallah said, in his first public comments since the attack. “Our killer is known, our enemy is known, our adversary is known... When the facts point to Israel, we accuse it,” he said in televised remarks to supporters in southern Beirut. Israel has denied any role in the shooting and hinted that the motive may have been Hezbollah’s military support for Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in his Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah addressing supporters via a screen during an event to mark the killing of Hezbollah commander Hassan Al Laqqis in Beirut’s southern suburbs yesterday. war with mainly Sunni rebels. The two-and-a-half years civil war has polarised the Middle East of fighters to Syria, helping turn “The killers will be punished the steady flow of Lebanese But Nasrallah mocked critics Hezbollah is in Syria. Why is between Sunni powers, such as the tide in Assad’s favour this sooner or later and the blood of Sunnis joining anti-Assad rebels who he said blamed Lebanon’s the economic situation like this? Turkey and the Gulf Arab states year. But Nasrallah said that our martyrs — whether huge or have fuelled sectarian strife in woes — from sectarian tension Hezbollah is in Syria. who support the rebels, and would not prevent it from aveng- small — will not be wasted. Those Lebanon. to the flooding of a road during “Why did the tunnel on the air- Shia Iran and its Lebanese ally ing the killing of Laqqis. who killed will not be safe any- Car bombs killed dozens of winter storms — on Hezbollah’s port road become a lake? Because Hezbollah, who back Assad, whose “If the Israelis think that where in the world. Vengeance is people in Beirut in August and a intervention in Syria. Hezbollah is in Syria. This of Alawite faith is an offshoot of Shia Hezbollah is busy and that Israel coming.” twin suicide attack on the Iranian “Why isn’t there a government? course isn’t logical,” Nasrallah Islam. will not pay the price, I say to The open role of Hezbollah Embassy in the Lebanese capital Because Hezbollah entered Syria. said. Hezbollah has sent thousands them today, ‘you are wrong’ fighters in the Syrian war and killed 25 people last month. Why haven’t we held elections? REUTERS

UAE camel race Emirati, 68, diagnosed Intelligence chief with MERS in Dubai killed in Benghazi BENGHAZI: The head of mili- DUBAI: Dubai Health investigations for those in touch tary intelligence in the eastern Authority (DHA) has with the patient. Libyan city of Benghazi was shot announced that it had diag- The ministry said the first dead yesterday during a visit to nosed a new case of coronavi- laboratory confirmed the case of his family in nearby Derna, a rus (MERS-CoV), Emirates MERS-CoV announced by WHO security official said. News Agency (WAM) reported on September 20, 2012 and up to “Unknown assailants opened yesterday. September 17, 2013, WHO con- fire at Colonel Fethallah Al Gaziri, The authority said the 68-year- firmed 165 cases globally. head of Benghazi military intelli- old Emirati patient was admitted WHO also stressed that the gence, and killed him,” the official to hospital after showing symp- virus is not a concern for public said. toms of the SARS-like virus and health at the moment, and that He said the colonel, recently was now receiving care at the the current situation does not named to the post, was in Derna intensive care unit. He is also suf- require a travel ban to any coun- for the marriage of a niece. fering from diabetes and chronic try in the world, nor screenings His bullet-riddled body was kidney failure, the agency added. at different ports, nor any restric- taken to Derna hospital. DHA said it was coordinating tions on trade. In the wake of the 2011 revolt with the Ministry of Health and The ministry added that glo- which toppled dictator Muammar other health authorities and had bally detected cases continue to be Gaddafi, militants in lawless east- taken precautionary measures in very low compared to other types ern Libya have targeted security consistence with international of flu and assured the public that forces and foreigners, as well as recommendations and standards it was monitoring the situation judges, political activists and the set by World Health Organisation to ensure everyone’s health and media, killing more than 300 peo- (WHO), including epidemiological safety. QNA ple so far. AFP Jockeys compete in a purebred Arabian horse race on the sidelines of the Mazayin Dhafra Camel Festival in the desert, 150km west of Abu Dhabi, yesterday. Prosecutors begin charging Erdogan allies in graft scandal

ISTANBUL: Istanbul prosecu- The Hurriyet daily said 15 had considerable political and eco- tors yesterday began charging been released although there was nomic clout. some of the prime minister’s no official confirmation. Gulen, who lives in self- closest allies in a huge graft Since the scandal broke out, imposed exiled in Pennsylvania, scandal he has responded to Erdogan has sacked dozens of had an increasingly public feud with a spectacular purge of police officials, including the with Erdogan and his allies in the police. Istanbul police chief, for cooperat- moderately Islamist ruling AKP Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said ing with the investigation without party. he was battling “a state within a permission. The probe has also exposed bit- state” and described the corrup- The media said another 17 were ter fault lines in Erdogan’s tradi- tion probe, which comes ahead of fired yesterday, amid a widening tional power base and prompted crucial March polls, as a smear purge of the police command. calls from his own party and the operation. Erdogan’s critics accuse him opposition for the resignation of The crisis erupted on Tuesday of trying to protect his cronies the government. when police detained sons of three and the appointment of Selami “No one has the right to inter- ministers as part of a sweeping Altinok, a little-known governor vene in the judicial process,” investigation, one of the most with no police career, was seen wrote former culture minister brazen challenges to Erdogan’s as an attempt to shut down the Ertugrul Gunay on Twitter. 10-year rule. investigation. The European Union, which Eighty-nine people, includ- Altinok raised eyebrows when Turkey aspires to join, urged ing several Erdogan allies, were he landed in Istanbul on Thursday authorities to investigate graft detained in dawn raids, sparking in the premier’s private jet. allegations in an “impartial man- a crisis which rattled the stock Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader ner”. EU Affairs Minister Egemen market and sent the lira to an of main opposition Republican Bagis branded the probe a “dis- all-time low. People’s Party (CHP), called gusting conspiracy”. Media reports said prosecutors Erdogan a “dictator”. Among the suspects detained had begun handing out corruption “In this country, everything is are sons of Interior Minister indictments, with the first eight controlled by what comes out of Muammer Guler, Economy arrested and placed in pre-trial a dictator’s mouth... They want to Minister Zafer Caglayan and detention. drag the country into the dark- Environment Minister Erdogan They are suspected of offences, ness of 19th century,” he said. Bayraktar along with the AKP MP Omer Faruk Oz (right) tries to stop Republican People’s Party MP Musa Cam as he holds a banner during including accepting and facili- “Turkey needs clean politics chief executive of state-owned a debate on draft budget in parliament in Ankara yesterday. tating bribes for development and a clean society.” Halkbank, Suleyman Aslan, and projects and securing construc- Most observers have inter- construction tycoon Ali Agaoglu. tion permits for protected areas. preted the raids as a result of The influential Turkish that continues to weigh on the hope that the case is solved within In trading yesterday, the lira The remaining detainees were tensions between Erdogan’s gov- Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s economy. the framework of legal principles was at 2.094 against the dollar appearing in court after being ernment and Fethullah Gulen, Association (TUSIAD) voiced “Allegations of bribery and cor- without harming anyone’s per- compared to 2.071 on Thursday. interrogated by police. a Muslim cleric who wields concern over the investigation ruption are very worrisome. We sonal rights,” TUSIAD said. AFP DECEMBER 21, 2013 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 ON SATURDAY

Shaival Dalal

Run The World

he third edition of the annual Run The World festival being Theld at Katara Beach witnessed thousands of young people participating in various activities yesterday. Hosted by The Youth Company in partnership with Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum, this year’s festival has a bigger venue and an expanded programme focusing on a healthy and active lifestyle, cultural interaction and civic engagement among youth. Over 35,000 young people from all over the country and the region are expected to attend the three-day festival, which concludes today. Among the highlights of the event is a Youth Got Talent competition. DECEMBER 21, 2013 ON SATURDAY 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Views

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Saving the deal Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

HE preliminary agreement on Iran nuclear programme signed by the West and Tehran, which was widely hailed as a landmark deal, is facing some Tstrains. Iranian officials walked out of talks with the West last Friday due to an announcement by the US Treasury Reforms may see Algeria’s of actions against companies that have been violating US sanctions against Iran. The talks from which Iran walked out were not the negotiations about a final accord on the nuclear programme, which have not begun seriously, but on the ageing Bouteflika run again implementation of the primary agreement reached in Geneva in November. BY LAMINE CHIKHI generals, in charge, an FLN source allies hold a majority. Some opponents The Iranian action has created some skepticism about told Reuters, explaining the president’s are angry at the attempt to change the the seriousness of its leadership to abide by the terms of the IGHT months after Algerian thinking. A proposed a package of con- rules: “We are against amending the agreement, especially in US. Suddenly, previous statements of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stitutional reforms is being interpreted constitution before the 2014 presiden- US leaders were remembered. For example, President Obama Esuffered a debilitating stroke, as a signal of his intention to run again. tial election,” said Djilali Sofiane, leader had said earlier this month that he assessed the chance of his allies are promoting constitutional The details of the reform package have of a new party called Jil Jadid. “It will changes including a new vice presidency, not been fully disclosed, but Bouteflika’s pave the way for the president to get a reaching a final agreement on the Iran nuclear programmed which may let the ageing independence allies say it will contain clauses that fourth term.” as no more than 50-50. That’s indeed a lot of optimism, veteran run for a fourth term. limit the army’s role in politics. However, others may not complain considering the acrimony in US-Iran relations in the past few That would put off an answer to one Among the other changes, adding a too vociferously. Mohamed Ferrad, a decades, but the walking out made the negative fifty more of the enduring questions in North new post of vice president would allow senior member of an anti-Bouteflika plausible. And Secretary of State John Kerry told Congress that Africa: who will replace Bouteflika, 76, Bouteflika to run again despite his group that includes 14 opposition parties he came away from the preliminary negotiations with Tehran as leader of one of the principle allies health, and possibly make the question and political leaders, said the opposition of the West against Islamist militancy. of succession less cloudy. was not opposed to Bouteflika running “with serious questions about whether or not they are ready Bouteflika has ruled Algeria since “If Bouteflika is recovering from a for another term, although he should and willing to make some of the choices that have to be made.” 1999. He has been silent on whether he stroke and really wants to run for a publish his medical records first. Despite the hardening of Iranian stance and the US reaction, will seek a fourth term and rarely seen fourth term, he will definitely need a “What Bouteflika wants above all, it’s unlikely that Iran will do anything in public since returning from treat- vice president to back him and probably and what he shares with other deci- that will upend the progress made ment in France in July. Detailed ques- campaign on his behalf,” said Nouredine sion-makers even if they are opposed Despite doubts tions about the Boukrouh, a former Bouteflika minister. to his policies, is stability,” said Geoff so far. First of all, Iran has begun about Iran’s state of his health “The new constitution will include Porter, president of North African Risk to taste the fruits of a deal and have gone mostly the position of a vice president to allow Consulting. seriousness non-confrontational approach, unanswered. Bouteflika continue to rule, so that if his “Bouteflika has long complained that in pursuing a and secondly, despite the presence Eight months after In April he sug- condition deteriorates, the vice presi- he is a three-quarters president and he of hardliners, the government of gested it was time dent will do the job.” needs the office of the vice presidency final nuclear Rowhani seems to be committed to Bouteflika suffered for the old guard Eurasia Group analyst Riccardo in order to fully realize the potential of to move aside Fabiani agreed that without a the crea- the executive.” deal, Tehran is a negotiated solution to the nuclear a debilitating for new leaders: tion of a vice presidency, the president After the end of Algeria’s war, unlikely to do programme. The Tehran action could stroke, his allies “Our generation would probably be unable to run again, Bouteflika restored civilian rule in also be symbolic and to assuage public are promoting is over.” while his health “remains a wild card”. principle, but he has never succeeded anything that anger. It must be noted that there But Algeria’s It would not be the first time the in curbing the influence of generals, constitutional ruling FLN party Algerian constitution was rejigged especially the DRS military intelligence will wipe out is nothing surprising about the US action against companies that have changes which has nevertheless before an election to let Bouteflika run service and its powerful chief, General the progress touted him for again. In 2008, Algerian lawmakers Mohamed Mediene. been allegedly violating US sanctions may let the ageing weeks as their lifted presidential term limits, a meas- Bouteflika’s allies say that, by limit- made so far. against Iran. Though the United leader run for a official candidate, ure criticised by opposition parties as ing the army’s role in politics, the con- States and its allies agreed to some and his allies an attempt to keep Bouteflika in power. stitutional reforms would strengthen sanctions relief in Geneva as part of fourth term. have started He won a third five-year term in 2009. the president’s hand in a fourth term. the first deal, they made it clear that they would continue to outmaneuvering The new package of reforms is likely The constitutional changes have won rivals in negotia- to restore limits of two five-year terms the backing of other parties and pow- enforce measures constraining Iranian trade and banking. tions between FLN cadres and military for future presidents, although this erful unions, part of a push widely The US too seems to be in no mood to torpedo a hard-won elites who wield real power. Rivalry restriction would not apply to Bouteflika. interpreted as a sign he is considering deal. President Obama said yesterday now is not the time to between the military and civilians for Restoring term limits “would be a signal standing for another term. impose new sanctions on Tehran while it is set to negotiate over behind-the-scenes influence has been a that we are going in the right direc- Algerians expect the decision of a long-term nuclear deal with world powers. “There is no need central feature of Algerian political life tion, in the direction of democracy,” a whether he will run again and the name for new sanctions legislation, not yet,” Obama told a White since independence. During the 1990s, political leader who participated in talks of any vice presidential running mate the military seized power after Islamists with the government over constitutional will emerge from behind-the-scenes House news conference a day after a group of US senators were poised to win a presidential elec- changes told Reuters. deal-making by shadowy figures popu- introduced a bill to impose new punitive measures on Iran if it tion, leading to civil war. The proposed constitutional reform larly referred to as “Le Pouvoir” - “the breaks an interim nuclear deal reached last month in Geneva. Bouteflika may believe he still needs package is still with the president’s power” - consisting of FLN party lead- Both Washington and Tehran must realize that going back to a fourth term to guarantee politi- office. If he pushes it forward it would ers and security services bosses. their previous hostilities will have huge consequences• cal changes that leave civilians, not go to parliament, where the FLN and its REUTERS The other side Quote of A smart idea about smartphones the day HREE cheers for the young phone is not going to concentrate other types of wrecks that can be no smartphones and social media, who Saudis in Eastern Province fully on their driving. Indeed there is an less tragic. It is a common and actu- harrumph at this modern perversion of who have launched the “Don’t emerging argument that even hands- ally, still very curious experience, to see social values, would do well to pause Tbe a slave to your Smartphone” free and voice-activated cellphones groups of young men sitting together and realize that they are very probably campaign. They have not a chance of in automobiles represent a significant as friends but many, if not all of them, guilty of something rather similar. How succeeding of course. But someone danger. Plus, all mobiles have texting are looking down at the screens of their many times, when in company with needed to flag up the physical and abilities. cellphones, exchanging messages. As friends or relatives, has the telephone The US has to social dangers of these ubiquitous To tap out a text while driving a likely as not, they will be using some rung and been answered, even though understand that the devices. And hopefully their initiative motor vehicle, often at speed, is a social media site or other to keep in it is an impolite interruption to a pleas- will cause people to think more carefully lunacy all too-often seen, not just here touch with friends. Yet here they are ant social event? No one who has ever world has changed, about their smartphones and the in the Kingdom but around the world. sitting in the company of other friends, been in any sort of meeting when the times have changed degree to which they really are taking Therefore, in the strictest sense of the whom they are totally ignoring. The other party had taken a phone call, over their lives. word, smartphones are not exclusively extraordinary irony is that it seems especially a long call, has quite over- and India has The first thing to say is that the fig- responsible for the inattentive driving easier for friendships to be conducted come the feeling that this unscheduled changed. ure they give of 14,600 mobile phones and distractions that lead to automotive remotely over the Internet, rather than break diminishes the standing in which Kamal Nath being responsible for car wrecks needs smashes and deaths. face-to-face. they are held. Indian Parliamentary analysis. Anyone using any mobile The smartphone however causes Those who grew up without ARAB NEWS Affairs Minister DECEMBER 21, 2013 Views www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 ON SATURDAY Diplomat’s arrest stresses US-India ties The State Department continued to insist that the matter was ‘primarily a law enforcement issue’ as India retaliated against what it perceived to be the humiliating treatment of Khobragade.

BY CHANDRAHAS CHOUDHURY and the power enjoyed by individuals — not least that of Khobragade in devising ndia and the US have become a double contract, but also that of the embroiled in a rapidly escalating high-profile US Attorney Preet Bharara, diplomatic imbroglio that is remi- who initiated proceedings leading to the niscent of Cold War theatricals arrest. yet lacks even the perverse logic Some of these questions are: Couldn’t Iof those standoffs. The crisis was set the matter have been sorted out behind off by the sudden arrest and temporary closed doors, or did US authorities detention in New York on December want to make this an exemplary case? 11 of Devyani Khobragade, an Indian Either way, doesn’t Khobragade enjoy deputy consul general, on the charge of diplomatic immunity? (Apparently, on “visa fraud and false statements in con- one reading of the relevant law in the nection with household employee’s visa Vienna Convention, she doesn’t, as those application.” rules apply “only with respect to acts Her offense — a somewhat cynical one, performed in the exercise of consular to be sure, but almost certainly not lim- functions.”) ited to her alone — was to have brought Is equality before the law of all foreign to the US on an A-3 visa a maid from residents of the US the main point here, India (which requires the signing of a and if so, wouldn’t there have been ways Activists burn an effigy of the US to protest against the alleged mistreatment of New York-based Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade, contract between employer and employee of ensuring this without this unnecessary in Hyderabad on Wednesday. that guarantees the payment of at least stress on painstakingly established Indo- the US minimum wage), and then of American relations? India’s government retaliated against by others as a pointless display of tit- government’s concern about the harsh holding the household worker to a sepa- Indeed, would the US government have what it perceived to be the humiliating for-tat behaviour. At least one politician detention of one of its employees, have rate, private contract on a far smaller countenanced similar treatment of one treatment of Khobragade. asked if the principle of “no immunity also argued that it’s high time Indian wage, amounting to approximately $600 of its own diplomats in another country? It asked for details of salaries paid to before the law” shouldn’t work both ways, officials working abroad stop exporting a month. What was unusual in Khobragade’s all Indians employed at US consulates, requiring the arrest of any same-sex part- the country’s deeply entrenched culture Khobragade, 39, was arrested in pub- case was that the maid, Sangeeta and cancelled clearances for the import of ners of American diplomats in the wake of denying their often illiterate domestic lic shortly after she had dropped off her Richard, grew discontented, left her job food and liquor by US missions in India. of the Indian Supreme Court’s recent workers their rights. daughter at school in Manhattan. and sought action against her employer (This could be just the boost that India’s recriminalisation of homosexuality? Many think the government should She was handcuffed, taken into deten- in the US Khobragade responded by fil- stagnating wine industry needs.) There’s something to this, even though work to ensure the safe return not just tion, strip-searched and briefly held in ing a court case against Richard in India And at least one road in New Delhi it reveals that Indian law on the matter of of Khobragade (as it has vowed to do), a cell with other alleged felons before and having her special passport annulled. has become wider this week, after the gay rights has regressed from what might but also Sangeeta Richard, for whom it being released on a $250,000 bond and Is Khobragade herself guilty of an police somewhat petulantly removed a be expected of a maturing democracy. has issued an arrest warrant, and whose surrendering her passport. She faces a abuse of power both in New York and few security barricades placed outside Moral equivalence with respect to the testimony is currently the crucial missing maximum of 15 years in jail if convicted. in India, having members of Richard’s the US Embassy. No terrorist outfit has treatment of officials of foreign missions link in the case. The behaviour of all the parties family in India detained by the police taken up the invitation implied by this of two countries, though, can’t be used It seems that Khobragade’s troubles involved in this matter seems an unedify- after Richard suddenly left work in New voluntary concession of space, but plenty as a screen for the fact that a consent- with both nanny and state may have ing mixture of the petty and the perverse, York? And is the ignominious manner of of motorists have. ing same-gender partnership is a moral turned her into an unwitting agent for but l’affaire Khobragade also raises some Khobragade’s arrest standard procedure These gestures have been read by some arena vastly different from a contract the termination of what the journalist interesting questions about legal and dip- in the US? Indians (most prominently the hector- between employer and employee. Chidanand Rajghatta called “nanny serv- lomatic principles and their jurisdiction. Meanwhile, as the State Department ing and jingoistic TV anchorman Arnab Perhaps the most mature response ice for Indian diplomats,” at least in the And about power: both the power of continued to insist that the matter was Goswami) as a welcome sign that their to l’affaire Khobragade has come from West. WP-BLOOMBERG states over citizens of other countries, “primarily a law enforcement issue,” government is standing up to the US, and Indians who, while endorsing their Sudan conflict spreads across the border If America doesn’t want Many are praying that Obama, give him to Brazil President Kiir and BY NICOLE FROIO merica is a continent that is divided in three parts: Central, Machar rise above the North and South. Yet, when people say “America” it is imme- diately clear that they don’t mean the continent with 35 current challenges Aethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse countries, they mean the US of America. That might be where the aggressive envy many South Americans and put the country on have towards the US starts: why do we have to be “South Americans” and people from the US get to be just Americans, no explanatory the path to peace and prefix required? Brazil has been overwhelmingly influenced by American culture. We absorb the TV shows, the slang, the humour and even the dreams. I stability. know a lot of people who learned English by watching Friends, laugh- ing at Homer Simpson and listening to Britney Spears. It’s a second BY LUKA BIONG DENG culture that complements our own. That’s not a bad thing: Brazilians admire American pop culture, the importance that is given to music, outh Sudan came into being because of art and entertainment. In fact, a lot of us watch Family Guy instead South Sudan civilians who fled the violence wait outside UNMISS compound in Bor, capital of Jonglei the struggle of its people and the com- of national productions because the jokes are so much funnier than mitment of international community state, on Wednesday. any Brazilian comedy show. The US isn’t perfect, but there is a general Sto the peace agreement with Sudan. consensus that it is better than my home country in many fundamental Some analysts painted a bleak picture of the across the city. Various sources suggest that And other forces allied to Machar are said ways. It’s common to see families going to Florida to do their yearly world’s newest country and described it as a the forces of presidential guards who were not to be in control of garrisons north of Juba. clothes, make-up and electronic shopping in December. failed state before it was born on 9 July 2011. disarmed and sent to control the situation in Gadet, who lost many members of his family Of course, the US has a huge problem with the privacy invasion Some had an optimistic vision for this coun- Juba are mainly Dinka and from the Bahr El in the fighting, now poses a real threat to Kiir’s perpetrated by the NSA, as was revealed by this very publication. They try not only because of its enormous natural Ghazal region. Machar described these forces troops, as many SPLA soldiers are joining him. have spied on world leaders, including Brazil’s president. And while the resources but also because of the determina- in his press conference as the personal army Similar developments are likely in Unity US government attempts to dodge accountability, it was also revealed tion of its people. of President Kiir in the guise of presidential state and Upper Nile state where oil fields that Brazil’s government has also been spying on the US and other Now it appears, though, that the former guards. are based. countries’ leaders. So it seems like the Brazilian government is also group were correct and South Sudan may be Although the death toll is officially given These oil fields will be immediate targets as abusive in the name of “national security”. In terms of political impact, heading towards a catastrophe. as around 450, other sources put the figure a way of strangulating Juba economically, and it has definitely soured a usually smooth diplomatic relationship, but This month fighting erupted in the capital, at over 600, with over 1,000 wounded. And the fear is that this may lead to the conflict this hasn’t really changed the opinions of the masses. Juba, which is now developing into a civil war there have been quite appalling atrocities. One spreading across the region. The way the people are treated here, the constant misery we see in the that may engulf most parts of the country. person called after having seen a child crushed North of the border, Khartoum will be streets, the violence and the government continually spitting in our faces The conflict arose from a split within the to death by a tank. extremely worried about any action in the oil by stealing public money – and giving priority to unnecessary interna- Sudan people’s liberation movement (SPLM), Another person called to let me hear the fields and it may attempt to intervene mili- tional events – is more than many of us can bear. This is especially true the ruling political party. On December 6 gunfire near a neighbour, who was found dead tarily to protect them if Juba cannot. This when we are dominated and overwhelmed by the culture of a country a group headed by Dr Riek Machar, the the following morning. “The situation in Juba will certainly anger the people of the south, that, while again, is not perfect, is definitely much more successful than SPLM’s deputy chairman, accused President is turning into ethnic violence,” another per- particularly those in Juba. ours. The negligence our population suffers is the reason why the view Salva Kiir, the party’s leader, of dictatorship. son emailed me. However, there is still the chance that these of America as an “escape” is held predominantly by the middle to upper They planned a rally on December 14 but “Individuals are asked by armed men developments may prove an opening for dia- class: the lower income population isn’t exposed to American culture. the SPLM’s national liberation council was whether they are Dinka or Nuer. If the per- logue and reconciliation within the SPLM. They, too, deeply feel the leaders’ abuse of power, but it is the middle to rescheduled to take place on the same day. son asking is from the other tribe then the This may include the acceptance of the upper classes who have the resources needed to leave. After pleas by religious leaders for recon- one asked is subjected to physical abuse and new reality over the balance of forces, and the It is for these reasons that Brazilians have aggressive envy of ciliation within the SPLM, Machar’s group sometimes killed.” formation of a government of national unity America, and why more privileged Brazilians escape to the US, be it called off its rally; but the SPLM council pro- Now most members of Machar’s group have ahead of the next elections in 2015, with the via a yearly trip or permanent immigration. Though the problems of ceeded as planned, leaving Machar with no been arrested – with the exception of Machar release of all detainees. the US are clear, the opportunities are much more attractive than other option but to attend the opening session. himself and Taban Deng, the former governor As for now: instead of celebrating in our own country and our neighbours’. We know that despite our Feeling that Kiir’s speech failed to address the of Unity state – for their link to the alleged Christmas, the people of the south will be potential, we can’t get our act together – most of my extended family concerns they had raised, they walked out. failed coup d’etat. mourning for lost ones and the lives that have has escaped to first world countries, primarily to the US. The mistrust spread to Sudan people’s lib- However, their supporters claim there was been shattered. Although the trend of escaping to the US existed before Obama’s eration army (SPLA) soldiers, with those from no planned coup and say the arrests are due President Kiir has always spoken of his presidency, his leadership has convinced me and many others that our the Nuer ethnic group feeling particularly tar- to their criticism of the president. commitment to unity and reconciliation. people deserve greater respect from our leaders. The accountability and geted in the process of executing the order of However, the SPLA general Peter Yak Many are praying that both he and Machar pressure Obama is put under by the American people is remarkable disarming the presidential guards. Fighting Gadet, a Machar supporter, reacted to events can rise above the current challenges and put to us. So if you really don’t want Barack Obama to be your president began in this unit before spreading to the in Juba by capturing the entire Jonglei state, the country on the path to peace and stability. anymore, give him to us. We’ll take him. SPLA headquarters north of Juba and then around 100km north of the capital. THE GUARDIAN THE GUARDIAN DECEMBER 21, 2013 ON SATURDAY 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Middle East

UN appeals for No deal on end to siege of Palestinian camp

BEIRUT: The UN Relief and Iran’s role at Works Agency for Palestinian refugees yesterday called for the lifting of the Yarmouk camp in Damascus, saying thousands are trapped there and in dire Syria talks need of aid. The Syrian army has besieged the Yarmouk Palestinian camp for a year as battles rage inside Tehran is not yet ‘off the list’: Brahimi the sprawling suburb in southern Damascus almost daily between GENEVA: Negotiators failed is possible, but if it is not possible rebels and pro-regime fighters. yesterday to reach an agree- it is not the end of the world, that The violence has prompted the ment on whether Iran should they support this process, and exodus of tens of thousands of its be invited to Syria peace talks they will work with us,” he added. 170,000 residents, with 20,000 still in Switzerland next month, but Key Assad ally Russia has trapped inside the camp facing Tehran is not yet “off the list”, sought to have Iran at the table. hardship and hunger, UNRWA global peace envoy Lakhdar Moscow’s strong support of said. Brahimi said. Assad was highlighted Thursday “It has been one year since “On Iran, we haven’t agreed when it blocked a US-sponsored Yarmouk, the vast suburb of yet. It’s no secret that we in the UN Security Council statement Damascus that was home to the United Nations welcome the par- denouncing his government for largest Palestine refugee com- ticipation of Iran, but our part- its brutal offensive on the north- munity in Syria, was engulfed by ners in the United States are still ern city of Aleppo, where scores fighting,” said commissioner gen- not convinced that Iran’s partici- of civilians have been killed in eral Filippo Grandi. pation would be the right thing,” recent missile and “barrel bomb” People carrying their belongings walk at the border crossing of Bab Al Hawa, at the Syrian-Turkish, Idlib Governorate, “The situation has progressively Brahimi told reporters after talks attacks. yesterday. deteriorated: 20,000 remaining with US and Russian officials. Western nations have pushed Palestinians have been trapped “We have agreed that we will for Saudi Arabia to take part, and inside Yarmouk, and although be talking a little bit more to the Sunni kingdom is on the list of very alarming reports of hard- see if we can come to an agree- two dozen nations invited to the Iran and Russia helping Syrian ship and hunger have continued ment about this,” said the veteran talks, Brahimi said. to multiply, since September 2013 Algerian mediator, tasked by the Brahimi and senior US and we have been unable to enter United Nations and the Arab Russian officials met behind closed aid effort: European officials the area to deliver desperately League with brokering peace doors at the United Nations in needed relief supplies,” he said in talks. Geneva, then held broader talks a statement. With a Syria peace conference with fellow UN Security Council GENEVA: Iran and Russia to allow in more food and medi- are actually addressing things, I finally due to start in Switzerland permanent members Britain, have used their influence on cal assistance, especially to people am grateful for what they have CLERIC KILLED IN ARMY on January 22, there has been China and France. Syrian President Bashar Al in besieged areas. Saudi Arabia, already done. It’s not just Russia SHELLING persistent wrangling over a role He then sat down with envoys Assad’s government to get visas Qatar and other Gulf states with and Iran, but also Qatar and Syrian army shelling of a for key player Iran. from Syria’s neighbours Iraq, for UN aid workers and improve links to rebel forces were urged Kuwait.” He declined to give mosque in the central city of Besides lending direct support Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey -- access for convoys in Syria, but to smooth deliveries, officials said. details, citing confidentiality Homs killed a prominent cleric to Syrian President Bashar Al who are due to attend the talks, much remains to be done, senior “The important thing is to rules. Another European official yesterday, while rebels in Aleppo Assad, Iran is a leading backer and have taken in the bulk of the European officials said. US offi- put pressure on the parties to said of Iran and Russia: “They to the north made a fresh advance, of the Lebanese Shia militia 2.4 million refugees from a war cials were more cautious, say- the conflict to actually open up,” have sought to facilitate move- a monitoring group said. Hezbollah fighting alongside his that to date has claimed over ing that “all voices” taking part Claus Sorensen, director-general ment of aid convoys and help with “Two people were killed in forces. 126,000 lives. in secretive UN talks aimed of the European Union’s human- issues around visas. They have shelling by regime troops of the “Iran is not off the list for Beyond the Iran issue, all eyes at bringing food and medical itarian aid department ECHO, done some specific things and Raees mosque in the Waar neigh- the moment,” insisted Brahimi, are on the potential list of del- supplies to civilians in out-of- told Reuters in an interview after we would like them to do more bourhood” of Homs city, said the underlining that talks with egates from Syria’s warring sides. reach areas are critical. There the high-level meeting. because people are dying.” Syrian Observatory for Human Tehran had continued despite “The government has offi- was limited progress in recent Tehran and Moscow sent dele- The UN Security Council issued Rights. the deadlock and that he was con- cially informed us that they weeks, they said. gations to the talks, the second in a presidential statement on Oct. 2 The group’s director Rami vinced it could play a role even already have formed their delega- UN humanitarian chief a month. Neither Syrian officials calling for protection of civilians, Abdel Rahman said one of those without officially attending the tion,” Brahimi said, adding that Valerie Amos chaired a meeting nor rebels were invited. demilitarisation of schools and killed was Sufwan Mashraqa, a conference. “The Iranian authori- Damascus was set to make the in Geneva attended by some 20 Sorensen, asked about the role hospitals, and improved access Sunni Muslim cleric who was ties have told us ... that yes, they delegates public soon. states on Thursday to pressure of Syria’s allies Iran and Russia for aid workers. leading Friday prayers in the would like to come to Geneva if it AFP the government and opposition in the effort, told Reuters: “They REUTERS mosque. AFP Obama would veto Iran bill: Spokesman Nuclear talks extended BRUSSELS: Iran and six world powers have extended expert-level WASHINGTON: The White the president would veto it. of future sanctions will require The new legislation was intro- talks in Geneva on the implementation of a landmark deal obliging House warned yesterday that “It is very important to refrain Iran to cooperate and act in good duced as negotiations were set Tehran to curb its nuclear programme for at least one additional President Barack Obama would from taking an action that would faith,” said Menendez in a state- to resume Thursday in Geneva day, diplomats said yesterday. veto a bill threatening new potentially disrupt the opportu- ment introducing the legislation. between Iran and world powers A round of discussions on the deal started on Thursday in Geneva sanctions on Iran, because it nity here for a diplomatic resolu- It was not immediately clear if in the so-called P5+1: the United and was scheduled to last through Friday. could sink a final deal to stop tion of this challenge.” or when the bill could see a vote. States, China, Britain, France, The seven countries need to decide when the agreement goes into Tehran getting a nuclear bomb. Twenty-six US senators intro- Action this year is highly unlikely, Russia and Germany. effect and to work out technical aspects of how Iran will suspend its The legislation, backed by both duced new Iran sanctions legis- with the Senate set to recess this Kirk warned that “appeasing” most sensitive nuclear work. Democratic and Republican sena- lation earlier Thursday, despite week until early 2014. Iran would lead to war and said In return for nuclear concessions, Western governments will ease tors, would impose new sanctions an intense White House lobbying Senate Majority Leader Harry that any sanctions relief obtained some economic sanctions, but they have yet to agree how much on Tehran if it violated a six- campaign, which has included the Reid has indicated he is opposed by Iran would be converted imme- prior verification they will get to be assured that Iran is meeting its month interim nuclear agree- president himself and warnings to bringing such a bill to the floor diately to more nuclear compo- obligations. ment reached last month or if no that the alternative to diplomacy in January, saying he agreed with nents and financing for terrorism. Iran rejects Western fears that its nuclear work has any military final deal is reached. The White is a new war in the Middle East. the Obama administration’s call Republican Senator Lindsey intentions and says it needs nuclear power for electricity generation House appears alarmed that The Nuclear Weapon Free Iran to give the delicate negotiations Graham pledged that Congress and medical research. the move could undermine the Act was introduced by Senate a chance to work. would amass the two-thirds The November 24 agreement is meant to give the six powers - the Iranian negotiating team or offer Foreign Relations Committee Should the landmark interim majority needed to override the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - time to the Islamic republic an excuse to chairman Robert Menendez, fel- deal collapse, the proposed sanc- veto if Obama wielded it. negotiate a final settlement with Iran that could put an end to the dec- walk away from the negotiations. low Democratic Senator Chuck tions would require Iran to reduce He also argued that the threat ade-old standoff and ease worries over a new war in the Middle East. “This action is unnecessary,” Schumer and Republican Senator its oil production and would apply of new sanctions would strengthen White House spokesman Jay Mark Kirk. “Current sanctions new penalties to the Islamic Obama’s hand in diplomatic talks Carney said. “We don’t think it brought Iran to the negotiat- republic’s engineering, mining and with Iran rather than scupper the Concern over treatment of activist will be enacted. If it were enacted, ing table and a credible threat construction industries. process. AFP GENEVA: The United Nations’ human rights office raised con- cerns yesterday over the treatment of a Saudi activist punished for advocating a constitutional monarchy in the kingdom. “We are Farmer’s pride deeply concerned about the intimidation and sometimes prosecution of individuals in Saudi Arabia for exercising their right to freedom Iraq market of expression,” said Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. and cemetery A closed-door court hearing last week reportedly sentenced Omar Al Saeed to four years in prison and 300 lashes, and banned him from leaving the kingdom for a further four years after his release. bombs kill 11 “Charges against him included defaming the king, preparing, stor- KIRKUK, IRAQ: Two bomb- ing and transmitting material prejudicial to the public order, and ings in an Iraqi market and disseminating defamatory information on the Internet, apparently in another in a cemetery as people relation to a Tweet in which he reportedly advocated for a constitu- buried victims of the first blasts tional monarchy,” Shamdasani said. killed 11 people yesterday, police The 23-year-old was also charged with membership of an unregis- and a doctor said. tered organisation, she added. The first two attacks target- Shamdasani said that Al Saeed appeared to have been targeted ing a livestock market in Tuz because of his work on civil and political rights with the Saudi cam- Khurmatu, 175km north of paign group HASEM. Baghdad, killed eight people and wounded 25. As people gathered at a cem- Israeli forces kill Palestinian in Gaza etery to bury the victims of the market blasts, another bomb GAZA: Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian and wounded went off, killing three people and three others in three separate incidents of cross-border violence in wounding two. the Gaza Strip yesterday, Palestinian officials said. Militants in Iraq often attack The Israeli military, which has long said the area in Gaza along the places where crowds of people border fence is off limits, said it was looking into the reports. gather, including markets, cafes A 22-year-old Palestinian was shot dead by the fence near Beit and mosques, in an effort to cause Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. One source said the man was maximum casualties. there trying to catch birds. A number of funerals have also Three other Palestinians were also wounded by Israeli fire in the been attacked this year. A farmer holds up a freshly harvested tomato on a farm in Al Kharj, 77km south of Riyadh, yesterday. Hamas-controlled territory, medical officials said. AFP AGENCIES DECEMBER 21, 2013 Middle East www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 ON SATURDAY 20 civilians murdered at UN’s S Sudan base Kiir says ready to talk, rival wants him to quit; African mediators try to avert civil war

JUBA: Attackers slaughtered at least 20 civilians sheltering in a UN base in South Sudan in How the fighting began an attack in which two Indian peacekeepers died, the UN said JUBA: South Sudan is on the brink of civil war, with more than yesterday. 500 people reported killed in the capital Juba and fighting in the Some 2,000 armed ethnic Nuer volatile eastern state of Jonglei. youths stormed the UN base at Here is a timeline of the rapidly spiralling violence there this week. Akobo in Jonglei state where 36 ethnic Dinka civilians had sought SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15: refuge, a UN statement said. The UN Mission in South -Heavy fighting breaks out overnight in multiple army bases in Sudan (UNMISS) said in a the capital Juba, hours after furious disagreements at a meeting of statement that “at least 20 of the the ruling party. civilians who sought refuge inside the base were killed during the MONDAY, DECEMBER 16: attack.” The two Indian peacekeepers - President Salva Kiir says he has thwarted a coup attempt, were killed “defending the base blaming forces loyal to former vice-president Riek Machar, who against the assailants.” was dismissed with the rest of the government in July. A third peacekeeper was Kiir comes from the majority Dinka people and Machar from wounded in the chest and is now the Nuer. being treated in the capital Juba. - Shooting continues across the city despite government assur- “An estimated 2,000 armed ances they are in control. youths believed to be of Lou Nuer ethnicity surrounded the TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17: UNMISS base in Akobo and opened fire in the direction of - Firing and explosions continue and the situation remains tense, South Sudanese civilians of Dinka with troops patrolling key areas. ethnic origin who had sought ref- Residents of Juba arrive at the UN compound where they sought shelter. - The government says it has arrested 10 key figures including uge inside,” said UNMISS. former ministers in connection with the violence. Arrests orders “While trying to open nego- of President Salva Kiir and Nuer killed them, Mulet was quoted as radio he was ready to “negotiate are issued for others now on the run, including Machar. tiations with the assailants, supporters of former vice presi- telling the Security Council meet- his departure from power” and UNMISS peacekeepers stationed dent Riek Machar. ing. At least five plant employees said the army could force Kiir out WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18: inside the compound came under Mulet said there had been at were killed, according to UN unless he quit. sustained attack.” least 500 deaths in the capital sources in South Sudan. “We had a very produc- - While fighting in Juba calms, clashes spread to the eastern The attackers seized all of the Juba since the fighting started on A group of African foreign tive meeting with his excel- state of Jonglei, where rebels said to support Machar capture the weapons, ammunition and other Sunday and the United Nations ministers is in Juba and met with lency President Salva Kiir and regional capital, Bor. supplies in the base that was was still verifying the toll in the Salva Kiir yesterday. Mulet said we will continue consultations,” - Kiir says he wants to speak with Machar, who denies having eventually retaken by the South rest of the country, according to that the president had agreed to Ethiopian Foreign Minister tried to stage a coup. Sudan People’s Liberation Army diplomats at the closed meeting. “unconditional dialogue” with his Tedros Adhanom, who is lead- - A day after the United States order some embassy staff to evacu- (SPLA). The UN envoy to South He said there were more than opponent to end the crisis. ing the African delegation, told ate, sending aircraft to carry them, Britain and Norway follow suit. Sudan, Hilde Johnson, slammed 35,000 people in UN bases around Salva Kiir has accused Riek reporters before returning to - Clashes break out in the oil-producing state of Unity, with oil the attack as “a criminal act for the country, including 20,000 at Machar of staging an attempted talks. The team included minis- workers killed. which the responsible must be two compounds in Juba and 14,000 coup. The former vice president ters from Kenya, Uganda, Djibouti held accountable.” at another in Pibor in Jonglei has denied the charge, but his and Somali, and African Union THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19: There were 43 Indian peace- state. The UN mission is also whereabouts is unknown. and United Nations representa- keepers at the small UN base at sheltering civilians in Bentiu, the African mediators said they tives. It is the first peace initiative - Machar calls for Kiir to be overthrown and accuses him of the time of the attack. The 40 main town in the oil producing held “productive” talks yester- since clashes erupted. seeking to “incite inter-ethnic fighting.” Machar says he will only who were unhurt were taken to Unity state. day with South Sudan’s President “President Kiir has always said discuss the conditions of Kiir’s departure. a nearby SPLA camp. Mulet told of one attack on a Salva Kiir, trying to prevent an that he doesn’t want his peo- - Two Indian UN peacekeepers are killed in an attack on Edmond Mulet, assistant sec- Bentiu oil facility by Nuer youth. almost week-long conflict plung- ple to turn back again to war,” their base in Akobo, in the state of Jonglei. Another is badly retary general for UN peace- Witnesses said the youths ing the world’s newest nation into Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial wounded. keeping, told emergency Security ordered all employees to come a civil war along ethnic faultlines. Benjamin said. “That is why the - UN human rights chief Navi Pillay says civilians are being killed Council talks of mounting ethnic out of the facility, told all ethnic In a sign of the nervousness government has been negotiating based on their ethnicity, warnings echoed also by Human Rights clashes among Dinka followers Dinka to step forward and then among South Sudan’s neighbours, with a lot of militia groups.” Watch. Ugandan soldiers flew in to help The fighting worries neigh- - US President Barack Obama says that South Sudan stands at evacuate their citizens. Two anon- bouring states, who fear new the “precipice” of civil war and deploys 45 US soldiers to ensure the US deploys troops to protect ymous military sources said they instability in a volatile region. safety of US citizens. would also help secure the capi- It threatens the halting steps - Regional foreign ministers on an African Union-mandated mis- tal, which lies about 75km from towards the creation of a func- sion arrive to try to start talks. embassy, personnel Uganda’s border. Kiir, a member tioning state in a a country which WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama said yesterday of the Dinka ethnic group, has declared independence from - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20: the United States has deployed 45 military personnel to vola- accused his former vice presi- Sudan in 2011 after decades of tile South Sudan to protect the embassy and US government dent Riek Machar, a Nuer who war. - The UN sends four helicopters to evacuate personnel from the employees there. was sacked in July, of attempting “Some troops from (Uganda’s) base in Akobo. “Although equipped for combat, this force was deployed for the to seize power by force. Special Forces Command - I can - Soldiers from Uganda arrive in Juba to help ensure order there, purpose of protecting US citizens and property,” Obama said in a Fighting that began on Sunday estimate in hundreds - left for according the Uganda government’s press service. letter to Congress. “This force will remain in South Sudan until the in the capital Juba has swiftly Juba yesterday,” said a source - More than 34,000 people are listed as having sought refuge at security situation becomes such that it is no longer needed.” spread, fuelled by ethnic loyalties. in the Command, a unit led by UN bases in South Sudan, including 20,000 in Juba. AFP Kiir has said he is ready for President Yoweri Museveni’s son. AFP dialogue. Machar told French AGENCIES

Two Egyptian soldiers killed Pro-Sisi Al Azhar cleric faces students’ wrath CAIRO: A venerable centre of appears to see Al Azhar as a not stopped the ferment at Al in hunt for Islamic learning in Cairo has potential weak point for the gov- Azhar, whose campus lies near become a new battlefield in the ernment, which like most of its the military parade ground where militant leader Muslim Brotherhood’s struggle predecessors is determined to militants assassinated President to keep its battered cause alive ensure that Islamists do not use Anwar Sadat in 1981. CAIRO: Two Egyptian soldiers against Egypt’s army-backed religious institutions to rally sup- Students have spray-painted were shot dead yesterday try- rulers. port against their rule. buildings, blocked college entrances ing to arrest a leader of an Al When General Abdel Fattah Al Tayeb and Sisi remain allies, and staged strikes, prompting the Qaeda inspired group spear- Sisi appeared on television in July but pro-Brotherhood feeling university president to request heading an insurgency in the to tell Egyptians he had deposed among students and faculty at Al police intervention last month - Sinai, the military said. their first freely elected leader, Azhar, whose renown spans the fuelling the wrath of students and Elsewhere, police arrested 85 the grand imam of Al Azhar was Sunni Muslim world, has put the professors who say the campus is Islamist protesters as they dis- among those at his side. government on the defensive. a sacred space. persed rallies demanding the Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb, who Some professors who reinstatement of ousted president looked on as the army chief of HUB OF REBELLION silently sympathised with the Mohamed Morsi, the interior staff promised new elections, was Entrenching dissent at Brotherhood but never dared ministry said. The country is still falling in with Al Azhar’s decades- Al Azhar would enable the criticise Al Azhar’s leadership in reeling from near daily protests long practice of lending its pres- Brotherhood to deprive the gov- the past are now speaking out. as well as militant attacks in the tige to those in power. ernment of the Islamic creden- “In the end these students are Sinai peninsula following the mili- But Tayeb now faces a mael- tials with which the institution the responsibility of Sheikh Al tary’s overthrow of Mursi in July. strom of unrest at Al Azhar’s cloaked Egypt’s military rulers for Tayeb and he should protect them,” The two soldiers were killed main campus in Cairo, where six decades. said Reda Ahmed, 38, a professor as they came under fire during students are demanding the rein- Beyond the campus, the who was shot in the groin during an operation to arrest Shadi al- statement of President Mohamed authorities have tightened their an attack by security forces on Menei, reportedly the leader of Mursi, a Brotherhood leader. grip since Mursi’s ouster, violently Mursi supporters in July. Ansar Beit Al Maqdis, the mili- “We find it dishonourable to dispersing Brotherhood rallies, Despite the risks, more pro- tary spokesman said. have a grand imam who supports outlawing the Islamist movement fessors are quietly voicing sup- The group, inspired by Al a bloody military coup,” said and arresting its leaders. port for the students, giving the Qaeda, has claimed some of the Youssef Salahein, 21, an under- Rights groups say more than Brotherhood political ammunition deadliest attacks in an insurgency graduate in Islamic studies and 1,000 Mursi supporters have been it can’t seem to find outside the in Sinai that has killed dozens of English. “We are not going to stop killed in the worst internal vio- campus walls. “I can’t participate, soldiers and policemen. until he is out of Al Azhar and he lence in Egypt’s modern history. but I’m with them in my heart,” Three “terrorists” were killed is judged for his crimes alongside As in Mubarak’s era, the reli- said a professor who asked not to in the gunfight, said Colonel all the military leaders.” gious endowments ministry vets be named for fear of reprisals. Ahmed Ali in a statement, adding The anger on the once-tranquil sermons and has shut down some He estimated that 80 percent that helicopters were “currently campus contrasts with the pro- Supporters of ousted President Mohamed Mursi hold posters with photos small neighbourhood mosques of the faculty in his college were dealing with the targets.” Sisi mood elsewhere in Egypt, depicting Mursi and the ‘four-fingered salute’ during a protest in Cairo where independent imams lead pro-Brotherhood, but said most Based in the sparsely populated where the Brotherhood has failed yesterday. prayers. In November, a new feared arrest if they made their and desert north of the peninsula, to mobilise widespread support law banned protests at places of views public — Islamist-leaning which borders Gaza and Israel, via street protests. worship. professors say undercover state the militants have pressed their Instead its cadres, vilified as underground, after leading the the popular unrest that felled The pressure has prevented security agents attend and record attacks despite a massive army terrorists by the media and the movement to one electoral tri- President Hosni Mubarak in 2011. the Brotherhood from keeping their lectures. deployment. AFP state, are once again in jail or umph after another following Now the bloodied Brotherhood up mass street protests, but has REUTERS DECEMBER 21, 2013 ON SATURDAY 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com International

NSA spied Path cleared for on Israel, EU official and aid sending more groups: Report

WASHINGTON: US and British spy agencies eaves- Gitmo detainees dropped on an Israeli prime minister, energy firms, aid agen- cies and an EU official oversee- ing anti-trust cases, the New Obama nears Guantanamo closure York Times reported yesterday. In surveillance of more than WASHINGTON: The US that it was “not sustainable ... to 1,000 targets in more than Senate eased the way for keep over 100 individuals in a no- 60 countries between 2008 to President Barack Obama to man’s land in perpetuity.” 2011, the National Security speed up the transfer of prison- The administration then named Agency and Britain’s General ers from Guantanamo Bay to two special envoys to oversee the Communications Headquarters their home countries, a crucial effort, stepped up negotiations spied on the communications of step toward the long-delayed with other countries, including foreign leaders, including former closure of the military prison. Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Yemen, Israeli prime minister Ehud Under a bipartisan deal tucked and worked with Congress to Olmert, according to secret doc- inside a broader defence spend- craft a compromise deal. uments revealed by intelligence ing bill that received final con- Though lawmakers on both contractor Edward Snowden. The gressional approval, lawmakers sides of the aisle refused to budge vice-president of the European loosened some restrictions on on a ban on bringing Guantanamo Commission, Joaquin Almunia of Obama’s ability to send more of prisoners to the US mainland, Spain, who has authority over anti- Pedestrians pass a police cordon outside the Apollo Theatre in London, yesterday. the 158 remaining inmates home they gave ground on rules for trust issues, also appears on a list after years of detention without sending prisoners home. of surveillance targets, it said. trial at the US Naval Base in Human Rights First hailed Almunia has clashed with US Cuba. the vote as “a new founda- tech giant Google over how it Obama will still face tion for bringing the number of Checks on London theatres operates its search engine and major obstacles to shutting Guantanamo detainees down to when contacted by the Times, Guantanamo. But he will be in zero.” LONDON: Checks were car- to transport the wounded, many performances until January 4. Almunia said he was “strongly a better position than before to “We do not expect the admin- ried out on all London’s historic of them with head injuries. But other shows across the upset” by the revelations of take steps to reduce the detainee istration to close Guantanamo theatres yesterday after the Ambulance staff said they capital will continue as normal. eavesdropping. The NSA did not population at the facility, which tomorrow,” the group said. “It ceiling collapsed onto the audi- treated 76 patients, taking 58 to “Whilst this was a serious inci- confirm or deny the report but has long been the object of inter- will be a methodical process of ence at a packed show, injur- hospital, including a number of dent, London’s world renowned insisted it does not spy to assist national condemnation. whittling down the detainee ing 76 people including several children. Seven people had serious theatre land is open for busi- American corporations. “While the bill does not population as the administration children. but not life-threatening injuries. ness,” said London Mayor Boris “As we have previously said, we address all of the administra- negotiates appropriate security A sell-out crowd of 720 peo- A surveyor examined the thea- Johnson. do not use our foreign intelligence tion’s concerns, its provisions ... assurances from host nations.” ple was in the Apollo Theatre on tre overnight and said the roof was Plays and musicals are big capabilities to steal the trade secrets will provide the administration Among the earlier constraints Thursday night when 10 square secure but the local authority is business in London, enjoyed by of foreign companies on behalf of additional flexibility to trans- was that the U S defence secretary metres of ornate plaster and still investigating what happened. an estimated 32,000 people every — or give intelligence we collect to fer detainees abroad consist- had to “certify” that the country masonry fell from the ceiling, tak- Police have ruled out any criminal- night and attracting two million — US companies to enhance their ent with our national security where an inmate was being sent ing a section of the balcony with ity. “Each historic theatre is unique international visitors each year. international competitiveness or interests,” White House spokes- was not “facing a threat that is it and striking audience members and we have no reason to believe Christmas is a particularly increase their bottom line,” NSA man Jay Carney said earlier on likely to substantially affect its in the stalls below. this is other than an isolated inci- busy time, and the producers will spokeswoman Vanee Vines said. Thursday. ability to exercise control over An investigation is now under dent,” said Councillor Nickie Aiken anxiously be watching for any sign But she said intelligence agen- Obama repeatedly pledged to the individual.” This all but ruled way, with one line of inquiry likely of Westminster City Council. that the Apollo incident might cies seek “to understand economic close Guantanamo when he was out politically chaotic Yemen, to focus on a thunderstorm and “We have confirmed today with scare off visitors. systems and policies, and monitor campaigning for a first term and the home country of the largest heavy rain shortly before the the Society of London Theatre Witnesses recounted the ter- anomalous economic activities” after he took office in 2009. But group of Guantanamo detainees, incident. that all theatres’ safety checks ror when the ceiling fell from the that “are critical to providing pol- he blamed congressional resist- and raised questions about other Witnesses said they heard are up to date. Edwardian-era theatre, which icy-makers with the information ance for frustrating his efforts restive Middle Eastern states. creaking noises in the 112-year- “However as a precaution, all has three tiers of balconies, the they need to make informed deci- to empty the camp, which was Transfers were further banned old theatre in Soho but thought historic theatres are carrying out uppermost of which is said to be sions that are in the best interest opened by his predecessor, to countries that Washington had it was part of the performance of further safety checks.” the steepest in London. of our national security.” George W. Bush, to hold terror- designated “state sponsors of ter- “The Curious Incident of the Dog All historic theatres are Desmond Thomas, 18, part of a US and British eavesdroppers ism suspects rounded up over- rorism,” a category that made it in the Night-time”. required to have their roofs school party watching the show, also spied on several UN missions seas after the September 11, 2001, difficult to move Syrian inmates. Then debris and dust filled checked every three years, and said they heard noises before the in Geneva, including the United attacks. Prisoners also could not be sent the air, sending coughing, terri- industry figures stressed that accident. Nations Children’s Fund, the Renewing his commitment back to any country where pre- fied theatregoers—many of them visitors need not be concerned. “Maybe 10 minutes into the UN Institute for Disarmament to shutter the prison, Obama viously released Guantanamo families enjoying a pre-Christmas Nimax Theatres, which owns performance we heard a tap-tap Research, and a medical relief insisted earlier this year that detainees had returned to “ter- treat — fleeing for the exits. the Apollo, described the ceiling noise, we thought it was rain,” he agency, Medecins du Monde, keeping Guantanamo open hurt rorist activity.” Rescuers commandeered three collapse as a “shocking and upset- said. according to the report. America’s moral standing and REUTERS red London double-decker buses ting incident” and cancelled all AFP AFP

South Africa’s biggest union Militia attacks Muslim neighbourhoods in Bangui BANGUI: Christian militia France has deployed 1,600 “They tried to attack other Poland had already sent 50 airmen mission with equipment, training, cuts political attacked Muslim neighbour- troops under a UN mandate to parts of the city and even made to operate a C130 transport plane and logistical support. hoods in the capital of Central protect civilians and support an attempt to reach the centre of while Britain, Germany, Belgium, President Barack Obama, African Republic yesterday, as an African Union peacekeeping the town,” Guy-Simplice Kodegue, Spain and Holland were providing however, has stopped short of ties with ANC France appealed to European mission, following an escalation a spokesman for the interim gov- logistical support, he said. offering to send US troops or partners for assistance in quell- of the violence in early December ernment, said. “I am not asking that troops voicing strong public support JOHANNESBURG: South ing months of religious violence in which hundreds of people were At a summit in Brussels, come to take part in military for a possible UN peacekeeping Africa’s biggest union will not in its former colony. killed in Bangui. France’s President Francois actions,” Hollande said. “What mission. support the ruling ANC in elec- Waves of looting, rapes and A semblance of calm had Hollande appealed for help from we need is a presence for spe- Three Seleka fighters were shot tions next year, its general sec- massacres since the mostly returned to the ramshackle riv- European Union partners to cific missions such as protect- dead in central Bangui on Friday retary said yesterday, in a blow Muslim Seleka rebels seized erside capital in recent days but restore order in the nation of 4.6 ing the airport, helping security, after one pulled out a grenade at to President Jacob Zuma whose power in March have displaced fighting raged for several hours million people. medical and humanitarian a checkpoint when African Union political support with the work- more than 700,000 people in the in the Muslim neighbourhoods of He said EU foreign policy chief assistance.” peacekeepers tried to disarm ing class is fast eroding. poor, landlocked country and PK 5 and Fatima early yesterday Catherine Ashton would propose The United States has pledged them. A Congolese soldier was The 330,000-member National revived memories of the 1994 following attacks by Christian options for a joint European mis- up to $100 million to support injured in the firefight. Union of Metalworkers of South genocide in Rwanda. militias known as anti-balaka. sion, to be decided in late January. the African Union peacekeeping REUTERS Africa (NUMSA) also called on Zuma, who was booed at a memo- rial for anti-apartheid legend Nelson Mandela on December 10, to resign. The loss of the union’s support Released Putin critic is another sign that the broad labour alliance forged with the African National Congress (ANC) in the common struggle against arrives in Germany apartheid is falling apart. “NUMSA as an organisation will MOSCOW/BERLIN: Mikhail to host the Winter Olympics at neither endorse nor support the Khodorkovsky, the Russian oil Sochi in seven weeks time. ANC or any other political party tycoon jailed for a decade after The move, which Putin said on in 2014,” General Secretary Irvin criticising Vladimir Putin, was Thursday was prompted by the ill- Jim told a news conference at the freed by a presidential pardon ness of Khodorkovsky’s mother, also end of a meeting of its members. yesterday and immediately flew appeared to show that Putin is feeling NUMSA is the biggest block to Berlin where he hoped to be confident in his control of the coun- in the COSATU labour group- reunited with his family. try after facing down street protests ing, which is itself part of a for- Once Russia’s richest man, when he was re-elected last year. mal three-way governing alliance the 50-year-old looked pale and Within hours of being released with the ANC and South African thin but happy in a photograph from Penal Colony No. 7 at Communist Party (SACP). of him being greeted by German Segezha, deep in the sub-Arctic However, NUMSA has been well-wishers on the tarmac after forest near the Finnish border, increasingly at odds with all three landing on a private jet. Khodorkovsky was in the German over the last year, accusing them President Putin, who surprised capital and issued a statement of neglecting workers in favour of Russians and pleased the busi- confirming that he had sought a “neo-liberal” pro-business policies. ness community by announc- pardon from his nemesis for fam- Jim said that NUMSA officials ing Khodorkovsky’s pardon on ily reasons and had not admitted or workers could campaign for the Thursday, said he was acting out guilt on the fraud charges. ANC but would have to do this “in of “principles of humanity”. “I appealed to the Russian their own time and using their own A Russian government source president on November 12 with a resources.” “It is clear that the work- said freeing his best-known and request for a pardon in connec- ing class cannot any longer see the potentially most powerful critic tion with family circumstances,” ANC or the SACP as its class allies could deflect international com- he said. “The issue of an admis- in any meaningful sense,” he said. F ormer German Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher (right) greets Kremlin opponent Mikhail Khodorkovsky plaints about Putin’s human sion of guilt was not raised. REUTERS at the General Aviation Terminal in the south of the airport Berlin-Schoenefeld, Germany, yesterday. rights record as Russia prepares REUTERS DECEMBER 21, 2013 Philippines www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 ON SATURDAY

Macau cracks Four killed in down on fliers with ‘amulets’ MANILA: Rising numbers airport attack of Philippine visitors are being arrested and deported by Macau for carrying amu- Mayor, wife, grandson among victims lets and lucky charms made of bullets, the foreign depart- MANILA: Gunmen opened fire asked not to be named, said he ment said yesterday. outside Manila international was on duty about 10 metres (33 “The consulate has noticed airport yesterday, officials said, feet) away when the mayor and an increase in the number of killing four people including the his party were attacked. cases where Filipino nationals mayor of a town in the southern “I heard gunshots so I whipped were apprehended... in Macau Philippines, where political vio- out my pistol and ran to the area. SAR’s ports of entry because lence is endemic. But the gunman had fled. He had they had bullet amulets in their Terrified men and women an accomplice on a motorcy- checked in and carry-on lug- screamed and cried while a man, cle,” said the officer. People were gage,” it said in a statement. apparently fatally wounded, shocked and just stood there so I “These Filipinos underwent lay face down on the pavement could not shoot. detention and a trial and were outside the passenger terminal “We tried to chase them in a meted the penalty of deporta- Investigators work at the crime scene outside Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila yesterday. in a video clip uploaded to the police van but got caught up in tion and blacklisting,” it added local GMA television network’s the traffic,” he said, adding the without giving figures. website. gunman was wearing a police cap in Manila in 2010, provincial offi- Talumpa and his party were by a bystander, spilled luggage Although the Philippines is The dead included Mayor Ukol and a blue jacket. cials said. attacked as they stepped out of and trolleys lay scattered on the an overwhelmingly Catholic Talumpa of the southern town of Talumpa, an opposition leader The Philippines is infamous the passenger terminal shortly curb on both sides of the gunned nation, belief in amulets and Labangan, his wife, his 18-month- who was the town’s former vice for a brutal brand of democracy after getting off a flight from the down man. Two other people were good-luck charms is pervasive. old grandson and a male aide, mayor, had defeated in the May where politicians, particularly at southern Philippines, Manila air- shown crouching on the curb, Some Filipino males keep Justice Secretary Leila de Lima 2013 elections the incumbent local and provincial levels, are port general Angel Honrado told while the voices of screaming men amulets, including rocks, told reporters. “I understand that mayor who is a political ally of willing to bribe, intimidate or kill reporters. and women could be heard. bones, bullets or shell casings was the third attempt on the life President Benigno Aquino. to ensure they win. Four people were killed and A taxi cab and four vans, all suspended from key chains or of the mayor and this time the He had earlier survived a More than 60 people were four wounded, he added. their doors open, were stopped necklaces, in the belief they will culprits succeeded,” de Lima said. grenade attack that injured a killed in last May’s elections, Honrado said the authorities on the driveway, with the hazard keep them from harm or bring “It’s extremely deplorable that police bodyguard on the troubled when 18,000 posts from provincial did not know the identity of the lights of one van still blinking on them good luck. More than even the wife, grandson and a southern region of Mindanao in governor to town and city mayors gunmen nor the motive for the and off. “This is a very unfor- nine million Filipinos work staff (assistant) were also killed.” September last year, and also as well as city and town executive attack. In the footage obtained tunate incident at Terminal 3,” abroad, including in casinos An airport policeman, who escaped an assassination attempt councils were contested. by GMA, which it said was taken Honrado said. AFP in Macau or as maids in Hong Kong. AFP Rebel factions clash in south Army used drones in 25-day truce with rebels begins MAGUINDANAO: Two factions in the Moro Islamic MANILA: Philippine President She said the armed forces would November 8, the government said. Liberation Front (Milf) Zamboanga City crisis Benigno Aquino yesterday sus- “suspend all offensive military A major earthquake in October have been trading shots in pended military operations operations” from December 21 killed more than 220 people recurring encounters since MANILA: Government forces Misuari,” Bacus said yesterday. against leftist rebels for 25 days, until January 15 next year, while in the central islands of Bohol Wednesday at the border used drones to conduct spy- The drones, which were devel- giving them free passage to visit keeping “defensive readiness in and Cebu, while a three-week of Maguindanao’s adjoining ing operations against rogue oped by the Army last year, their homes and relatives, a top the protection of our people.” siege by Muslim gunmen on the towns of Rajah Buayan and elements of the Moro National complements the troops’ human aide said. This would give the Communist southern city of Zamboanga in Mamasapano. Liberation Front (MNLF) who intelligence and signals intelli- The aide, Teresita Deles, said Party of the Philippines and its September left at least 244 people The hostilities forced more figured in the Zamboanga crisis gence capability being used in sur- the unilateral move should give 4,000-member guerrilla force, the dead. About 10,000 houses were than a hundred Moro fami- last September. veillance and disaster response the “traumatised” nation res- New People’s Army, safe passage also torched, forcing more than lies to evacuate to safer areas, Army spokesman Capt Anthony efforts. Footages from drones help pite after a three-month spate to celebrate the Christian holi- 116,000 people to flee the fighting. according to local officials. Bacus said the unmanned aerial ground commanders make crucial of natural disasters and armed days with their families far from “In this season of faith, hope Rajah Buayan Mayor vehicle system (UAS) can provide decisions on important matters conflict left 8,300 people dead or harm, she added. The rebels ear- and solidarity, we bind ourselves Zamzamin Ampatuan, chair- real-time imagery intelligence like troop deployment. missing and more than four mil- lier declared a 48-hour Christmas together as a people for the long- man of the municipal peace and video feed from an area with The unmanned aerial vehicles lion homeless. truce from December 24 as well term effort to rebuild in our disas- and order council, said the hos- a range of three to seven kilome- were among the items displayed “In a matter of three months, as another 48-hour ceasefire from ter areas and reconstruct the lives, tilities between the two groups, tres. He said the range could be in the Army booth that was set up our people have faced major trag- New Year’s Eve. livelihoods and property of the sur- which both belong to the extended to up to 50 kilometres. in Camp Aguinaldo for the mili- edies that have left our nation They said the truce would vivors,” Deles said. The ceasefire Milf’s 105th Base Command, “The UAS had been instru- tary’s 78th anniversary. deeply traumatised,” said Deles, extend until mid-January in areas covers only the Maoist rebels. was sparked by the murder mental in the successful conduct Each drone is equipped with a who advises Aquino on peace devastated by Super Typhoon The government is already of a guerrilla by another rebel of operations against the rogue 12 mega pixel camera and weighs negotiations with Maoist insur- Haiyan last month. observing a ceasefire and holding from the other side. Ampatuan MNLF rebels in Zamboanga about 2.1 kilogrammes. It has a gents as well as Muslim rebels. Haiyan killed 6,100 people and peace talks with the Moro Islamic said ranking leaders of the City last September that led to wing span of 178 centimetres and “This year, a Christmas cease- left nearly 2,000 others missing Liberation Front, the country’s Milf’s 105th and 106th Base the surrender and arrest of sev- an altitude of 1,000 feet. fire gains added urgency with the and 4.4 million homeless across largest Muslim rebel group. Commands are now trying to eral MNLF fighters under Nur THE PHILIPPINE STAR call for healing and rebuilding.” the central Philippine islands on AFP resolve the conflict amicably. Bread sold with poppy seeds BAGUIO CITY: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) yesterday said that some shops in the country’s City of Pines may be serving breads and pas- tries laced with poppy seeds. Director Gil Castro of the PDEA-Cordillera regional office, declined to provide more details on the matter so as not to compromise their opera- tions. He just warned the pub- lic against poppy seeds and its by-products. The PDEA and the Department of Health Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 21, 2011, issued a memorandum order- ing all establishments “to immediately stop the impor- tation, sale, trading, adminis- tration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation A 15-year-old survivor of Typhoon Haiyan decorates a Christmas tree along a main street in Magallanes of poppy seeds and products town in Tacloban City, central Philippines, yesterday. containing poppy seeds.” 4.5 quake jolts Manila, Luzon Haiyan to hit coconut oil exports MANILA: A magnitude of MANILA: Global coconut oil “The effect of (Haiyan) will rising are expected to increase 4.5 earthquake shook parts supplies will likely fall next be seen next year, especially further as a result. of Luzon, including Metro year, an industry official said in terms of exports of coconut But she said that while Manila, Wednesday night but yesterday, after the killer oil,” she said but did not say by there was widespread damage left no damage or casualties. typhoon that struck leading how much supplies would be trees that were not uprooted The Philippine Institute of exporter the Philippines last affected. or whose crown of leaves were Volcanology and Seismology month destroyed millions Haiyan left almost 8,000 peo- not cut off can still recover and (Phivolcs) said the tremor of trees used to produce the ple dead or missing, displaced resume fruiting within three or occurred at 10.46pm with its commodity. millions and destroyed crops four years. epicentre traced some four The Philippines provides and businesses when it swept The Philippine Coconut kilometres southwest of San more than 40 percent of the through the central islands of Authority (PCA) declined to Quintin town in Pangasinan. world’s coconut oil and the the Philippines on November 8. comment on the prospects for The quake was reportedly areas hit by Super Typhoon Agustin said supplies of coco- the country’s coconut exports felt at Intensity 3 in the cities Haiyan account for 10-15 per- nut oil -- a key ingredient in but spokesmen noted that the of Caloocan and Mandaluyong, cent of the country’s output, cosmetics, soap and fuel, as well damaged trees accounted for and in Dagupan, Baguio, and said Yvonne Agustin, executive as health drinks -- will depend less than one percent of the Binalonan town in Pangasinan. director of the industry group on the extent of the damage to country’s estimated total of AGENCIES United Coconut Association of the Philippine trees. She added about 340 million trees. the Philippines (UCAP). that prices, which were already AFP DECEMBER 21 2013 ON SATURDAY 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Asia US slams China for ‘irresponsible’ behaviour Hagel warns against escalation of tensions

WASHINGTON: China’s They said the US ship was issues as the occur,” he said. behaviour in a narrowly averted forced to take evasive action to General Martin Dempsey, naval collision in the South avoid collision. chairman of the US military’s China Sea was “unhelpful” and Asked about Hagel’s comments, Joint Chiefs of Staff, told report- “irresponsible,” US Defence Chinese Foreign Ministry spokes- ers there had been no changes Secretary Chuck Hagel said woman Hua Chunying said: “For to rules of engagement given to on Thursday, warning against the US and Chinese militaries forces in that region in order to incidents that could escalate to maintain a healthy and stable prevent run-ins with China. US-Chinese tension. relationship that is beneficial to “What we do constantly though “That action by the Chinese, both countries, both sides must is we remain alert for changes in cutting their ship 100 yards out do their best to meet each other the environment,” Dempsey said. in front of the (USS) Cowpens, half-way”. “There are times that are more was not a responsible action. It The near collision came after sensitive than others and we’re was unhelpful; it was irresponsi- Beijing’s declaration of an air in a heightened period of sensi- ble,” Hagel told reporters at the defence identification zone fur- tivity. And you can count on our Pentagon. ther north, in the East China Sea, mariners and airmen to be aware China on Wednesday acknowl- ratcheted up tension and drew of that.” edged an encounter in early criticism from Washington, Tokyo “This is about China’s naval December between a Chinese and Seoul. Experts have called capabilities but it has a definite naval vessel and the US warship the incident the most serious political edge, too,” said Ross in the South China Sea. US-Chinese maritime encounter Babbage, a former Australian China said its ship was con- since 2009. government strategic analyst and ducting “normal patrols” when Hagel said that such “incendi- founder of the Kokoda Foundation China’s first aircraft carrier, renovated from an old aircraft carrier Beijing had bought from Ukraine in 1998, docked it encountered the US missile ary” incidents had the potential think-tank in Canberra. at Dalian Port, in Liaoning province, yesterday. cruiser, and its official news to cause a “miscalculation.” “We “China is demonstrating its agency accused the US of delib- need to work towards putting in major power status to the region we are still here and we are still “warned” by the carrier task The Chinese drills, described erate provocative behaviour. But place some kind of a mechanism by sending its carrier into the the biggest player’.” force, adding the US vessel by its navy as “scientific research, US officials depicted the event in Asia-Pacific and with China... South China Sea... and the US is China’s official Xinhua news was “intentionally” putting the tests and military drills”, end on differently. to be able to defuse some of these signalling in return: ‘Remember agency said the Cowpens was Liaoning under surveillance. January 3. AGENCIES

Dalai Lama’s Japan’s next defence budget Norway visit Thai protesters resume march irks China sees biggest rise in 18 years BANGKOK: Anti-government demanded by the protesters. government said it will help protesters resumed marches in “Once the government has ensure that elections take place BEIJING/OSLO: China’s TOKYO: Japan’s defence budget Taro Aso. That would be the big- Bangkok yesterday, trying to resigned, I would like to have smoothly,” said commission mem- Foreign Ministry expressed will grow 2.2 percent in the next gest percentage rise in 18 years energise supporters in the cen- other people who are neutral take ber Teerawat Terarotwit. anger yesterday at plans fiscal year from April, Defence and mark the second consecutive tre of the Thai capital before a charge,” said protester Siriroj The commission had earlier by the Dalai Lama to visit Minister Itsunori Onodera said year of growth. planned mass rally at the week- Oh-Prechacharn as marchers pre- expressed concern over the pos- Norway, a country with which yesterday, posting the biggest The Defence Ministry has said, end to put pressure on Prime pared to leave the main rally site at sibility of unrest at the polls and China already has strained rise in nearly two decades. however, much of the budget Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Bangkok’s Democracy Monument. said it could delay them if all par- ties following the awarding of The budget increase comes as growth next year will be linked to to step down. The National Security Council ties agreed. the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize to tension between Japan and China higher cost of equipment imports Yingluck called a snap elec- said there were about 3,000 people The protesters want to eradi- prominent Chinese dissident simmers over tiny islands they due to a weaker yen, and the end tion last week when the protests at yesterday’s march, about half cate the influence on Thai poli- Liu Xiaobo. “China resolutely both claim. Japan’s defence spend- in March of temporary pay cuts reached their height. She remains the size of the crowd when the tics of former premier Thaksin opposes any country receiv- ing next year comes in at 4.78trn for government workers aimed to caretaker premier until the latest round of marches kicked Shinawatra, Yingluck’s older ing the Dalai Lama. China yen ($45.86bn), up 2.2 percent on help finance reconstruction after February 2 vote but has refused off on Thursday. brother, who is seen as the power resolutely opposes any form the year, Onodera told reporters a 2011 earthquake and tsunami. to push back the date to allow the “We are ready to hold elec- behind her government from his of official meetings with the after meeting Finance Minister REUTERS drawing-up of political reforms tions on February 2... today the base in Dubai. REUTERS Dalai Lama by government officials of other countries,” ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a daily news briefing. China probes official Japan, China to fix frosty ties for discipline violation TOKYO: Japan’s foreign minister and the Chinese HONG KONG: A top official in district on the southern fringes envoy to Tokyo met yes- China’s prosperous Guangdong of Guangzhou, the Xinhua news terday in a rare courtesy province is being investigated agency said. call described as “friendly”, for “serious discipline viola- If the investigation is over sus- with the two Asian giants tions”, which is often a euphe- pected corruption, Cao would be looking to mend frosty ties. mism for corruption, state one of the most senior officials in Foreign Minister Fumio media said yesterday. Guangdong to be caught up in a Kishida, whose department The official, Cao Jianliao, is campaign against graft since Hu has repeatedly summoned vice mayor of Guangzhou, the Chunhua, a high-flying official Ambassador Cheng Yonghua provincial capital of Guangdong, tipped as a future national leader, in recent months, declined and Communist Party chief became the province’s party chief to detail what the two dis- of Zengcheng, a built-up last December. REUTERS cussed beyond saying they had “meaningful exchanges” based on their “mutually ben- Protesters beaten up eficial relationship.” 53 workers deported SINGAPORE: Singapore said it had deported 53 South Asian workers allegedly involved in the city-state’s first riot in four decades, while four awaited repatria- tion yesterday. Officials on Tuesday had said they were deporting 52 Indians and one Bangladeshi and pursuing criminal charges against 28 for their role in the December 8 rampage. The rare riot left 39 persons, including police Police baton-charge social activists and bloggers during a protest outside officers, injured and 25 vehi- the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka on Thursday. Activists protested cles damaged or burnt. Pakistan’s reaction over the execution of top Islamist Abdul Qader Molla. AGENCIES N Korea warns of ‘merciless’ strike on South

SEOUL: North Korea has Korean conservative groups execution of Jang Song Thaek, a threatened a “merciless” strike burned effigies of young North high-level official who was the against the South after activists Korean leader Kim Jong Un, his uncle and former political men- burned effigies of the ruling Kim late father and grandfather. tor of Kim Jong Un. dynasty on the anniversary of The North said the rallies had Seoul and Washington have the death of former leader Kim insulted the “highest dignity” of warned of possible provocative Jong Il, officials said yesterday. its leadership, and threatened acts by the nuclear-armed North. The warning was contained to take “merciless” retaliatory North Korea has a long history in a message sent Thursday by acts without prior warning, the of bellicose rhetoric, regularly the secretariat of the National defence ministry said. threatening strikes against South Defence Commission, the North’s “We’ve sent a reply vowing to Korea. highest military body, through react sternly to any provocations Tensions between the two a military hotline, the South’s by North Korea,” ministry spokes- Koreas appeared to cool after defence ministry said. man Kim Min Seok told reporters. February, when the North carried In rallies on Tuesday to mark The North’s threat comes at a out its third underground nuclear the second anniversary of the time of growing concern over the test in defiance of UN Security death of Kim Jong Il, South regime’s stability after last week’s Council resolutions. AFP DECEMBER 21, 2013 Pakistan/Afghanistan www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 ON SATURDAY US to stop aid if Nato Polio vaccine supplies disrupted New bill includes extension of counter-terrorism funds

ISLAMABAD: A proposed Pakistan during which he was counter-terrorism activities new law that has the White reported to have warned of the for one year with certain modi- House’s approval seeks to fis- mood in the US Congress souring fications. In a section titled cally squeeze Pakistan if inter- on Pakistan. ‘Limitation on amounts available’, ruptions to the US/Nato ground The bill, already approved by it reduces the amount available supply route through Pakistan the House of Representatives, for reimbursing Pakistan from continue. includes a one-year extension for $1.65bn in 2013 to $1.5bn in 2014. In addition, the US National reimbursing Pakistan for sup- It also says that no amounts Defence Authorisation Bill of 2014 porting the US-led war against authorised to be appropriated by seeks a certification from the US terrorists. this bill, and no amounts author- defence secretary that Pakistan In a statement issued yester- ised to be appropriated for fiscal is taking demonstrable actions day, the White House noted that years before 2014 that remain against Al Qaeda and other ‘the bill will support (US) capac- available for obligation, may be militant groups active along the ity building efforts with foreign used for reimbursing Pakistan, Pakistan-Afghan border. military forces, and support con- until the US secretary of defence The development comes on tingency or stability operations.’ certifies to the congressional the heels of Defence Secretary The bill includes a section defence committees. Imran Khan (left), head of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf ruling militancy-hit Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, administers Chuck Hagel’s recent visit to which extends funding Pakistan’s INTERNEWS polio drops on a child in Nowshera on Wednesday. The Pakistani Taliban have threatened Khan for supporting the UN-funded vaccination campaign.

Moderate earthquake Sharif cabinet finalises five-year plan 14 students ISLAMABAD: Pakistan was termed as ‘Hindu growth rate’ in path. Pakistan is faced with eleven hurt as van hits southern Pakistan being run without any concrete the economic literature of that deficits which are hampering the KARACHI: A 5.6-magnitude more than 73,000 people and plan, and the situation has wors- time. “Today, we have been rel- economic growth, and energy defi- earthquake hit south Pakistan left about 3.5 million homeless, ened so much that banks refuse egated to the Hindu growth rate cit is on the top of the list. overturns early yesterday, seismologists mainly in Pakistan-controlled to offer even $50,000 business of 2 to 3pc, whereas India has Other deficit areas are: fiscal, PESHAWAR: At least 14 said. Kashmir and parts of Khyber loan without a viable five-year jumped into our footsteps with 6 saving and investment, current children were injured when The quake struck at 00.28am Pakhtunkhwa. business plan, said Minister to 7pc growth rate.” account, infrastructure, housing, their school van overturned local time (1928GMT) at the A 7.7-magnitude earth- for Planning, Development and “Unfortunately, the country human and social development, in Peshawar yesterday morn- relatively shallow depth of five quake devastated several areas, Reforms Senator Ahsan Iqbal was being run in the last one and productivity, competitiveness, gov- ing. Police said the school van, kilometres (three miles), 32 kil- including Awaran in southwest- yesterday. a half decade without integrated ernance, and confidence, he added. carrying about 20 children, ometres west of Warah in Sindh ern Baluchistan province, in Speaking at the annual general and sound economic planning,” To make up the energy deficit, was on its way when it turned province, the US Geological September. meeting of Pakistan Institute of he said. he said, we have to reconfigure the turtle near a bridge on Ring Survey (USGS) said. It killed at least 376 people Development Economics, Iqbal The planning minister said that energy mix, with 70pc in favour of Road in Peshawar, Dawn In an initial assessment, the and left some 100,000 others said that until 1990s, Pakistan the present government was in thermal generation as compared news reported. The injured USGS said there was a low like- homeless. was progressing with an average the process of finalising mid-term to 30pc in the past. children were shifted to local lihood of casualties and damage. Huge 7.9 magnitude earth- growth rate of 5.5 percent whereas and long-term planning - five-year He opined that the energy mix hospital. Later, they were dis- Pakistan was hit by a quake hit near Iran-Pakistan India was reeling with a growth plan and Vision 2025 - to put the has contributed a great deal to our charged after being provided 7.6-magnitude earthquake on border on 16th April 2013. rate of 2 to 3 percent which was country on a sustainable economic economic woes. INTERNEWS with medical treatment. October 8, 2005 that killed AFP Police arrested the van driver and started investigation. Three killed Musharraf lawyers complain to UN over ‘show trial’ in Karachi KARACHI: Three peo- LONDON: Lawyers for government of current Prime hearing would be a “stage-man- and was placed under house then you judge it, there is a con- ple were killed in separate Pakistan’s former president Minister Nawaz Sharif in a blood- aged show trial” with the judges arrest. The treason accusation flict of interest because you have incidents in the city yes- Pervez Musharraf said yester- less coup in 1999 and ruled until picked by political opponents who relates to his decision in 2007 to an interest in getting retribution.” terday. Police official Baldia day a treason charge against 2008. His lawyers claim Sharif are in power. “What we have here impose emergency rule shortly The legal team has written to Irfanullah Marwat said that him was politically motivated is using the treason case to get is a case that has started with before the Supreme Court was UN human rights chief Navi Pillay unidentified men slit the and he would face a “show trial”, revenge. the hand-picking of judges by the due to decide on the legality of his and UN special rapporteurs, call- throat of a 35-year-old woman urging the UN to intervene. The 70-year-old ex-commando, politicians -- or a politician, the re-election as president a month ing for the international body to in Ittehad Colony of Baldia They also called on the US, due to appear before a special prime minister -- in defiance of earlier, while he was army chief. “urgently intervene and ensure Town. The body was dumped Britain and Saudi Arabia to court on December 24, is the any person’s right to a trial that Kay said the judges would be that the former president is not in a nearby garbage bin. The denounce Musharraf’s trial to first former military dictator in is fair,” Kay said. The trial is an unable to act impartially, par- subjected to politically motivated victim was not yet identi- “repay their debt” for his support Pakistan’s history to face trial for “egregious example of political ticularly since one of them, Faisal charges”. Barrister Toby Cadman fied. The body was shifted to the US-led “war on terror” in treason. interference.” Arab, was sacked by Musharraf’s called on Musharraf’s allies in the to Civil Hospital Karachi for the wake of the 9/11 attacks. His barrister Steven Kay told Musharraf returned to Pakistan government. “If you’ve been “war on terror” to support him. medico-legal formalities. In Musharraf overthrew the a press conference in London the from self-imposed exile in March affected by what took place and AGENCIES another incident, the body of an unidentified man was found from a house in Sector Poverty 5-C area of New Karachi. The man was strangulated to No promotions death, hanging from a ceil- Troops pound militant ing fan. The body was shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital unless officials for an autopsy. Separately, a person was found dead after medically fit hideouts as toll hits 40 consuming excessive drugs in Nazimabad No 7. The iden- ISLAMABAD: For the first MIRANSHAH: Pakistani The death toll from the clashes tity of victim was not yet time thousands of civil bureau- troops pounded suspected mili- rose to at least 40 yesterday as ascertained. The body was crats from Grade 17-20 would tant hideouts in a lawless tribal four more bodies were recovered shifted to morgue after police not be able to move into next district for a third day yester- from the debris of two hotels that formalities. grade without submission of day, as the death toll rose to 40 came under heavy fire after flee- medical fitness certificate, and local residents claimed the ing militants used them to take EC issues code sources said yesterday. operation had left a number of refuge. Sources said the Establishment civilians dead. The military says all of those of conduct Division issued a circular on Clashes between security forces killed in the operation were December 2, 2013 to the chief sec- and militants have been rocking Taliban militants, but locals said LAHORE: The Election retaries of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber- North Waziristan district, on the many of those who died in the Commission Punjab has Pakhtunkhawa, Balochistan, Afghan border, since Wednesday hotels were drivers forced to stay issued a code of conduct for Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and evening when a suicide bombing there by a curfew imposed on the candidates participating Kashmir and federal secretaries killed five soldiers at a checkpoint Tuesday. in the coming local bodies saying that no officer would be eli- in the town of Mir Ali. Nazir Khan Wazir, the mem- elections in the province and gible to attend promotion course Militants attacked security ber of parliament for the area, has also imposed a restriction if “he/she fails to submit fitness forces on Wednesday as they said most of those killed and on the campaign budget, Geo certificates from a recognised returned after rescuing soldiers wounded were not militants. News reported yesterday. medical facility within 10 days of wounded in the bombing, prompt- Wazir appealed to the government The Election Commissioner of his/her selection for the course.” ing the military respond with to stop the bombardment to allow Punjab Mehboob Anwar told The policy takes effect on mortars, artillery and helicopter locals to bury their dead and take Geo News that the process of January 1, 2014, an official said. An Afghan girl looks on as she walks home at a refugee camp on the gunships in a search operation to the wounded to hospital. local bodies polls has kicked INTERNEWS outskirts of Kabul yesterday. Some nine million Afghans, or 36 percent of catch the insurgents. AFP off throughout the province the population, are living in ‘absolute poverty’ while another 37 percent and that the EC will con- are barely above the poverty line. tinue to receive nomination papers from December 22 to 27. The Election Commission has fixed the security fees India begins training Afghan commandos ahead of Nato withdrawal from Rs2,000 to Rs20,000 for the candidates while the total NEW DELHI: India is training held joint exercises with Indian Afghanistan’s wish-list of heavy and counter terrorism operations, out operations with minimum budget for campaigning will a group of Afghan special forces commandos. weapons for fear of provoking with special emphasis on opera- civilian casualties and of other so- not exceed Rs200,000. Display in the deserts of Rajasthan, Afghanistan has been press- Pakistan, as well as armed groups tions in built-up areas and rural called collateral damage, another of arms and firing gun shots army officials said yesterday, ing India for military equipment in Afghanistan. But on training, areas in a realistic environment,” Indian army officer said. will not be allowed during the deepening its involvement with including helicopters, tanks and it has begun to play a bigger role Colonel SD Goswami, a defence India, which has built close campaigning process, as per Afghanistan as its military field guns as well as greater as Afghan forces prepare to go it spokesman said. ties with Karzai’s administration the code of conduct released prepares to secure the country involvement in the training of alone. Nearly 60 members of the The Afghan special forces, and has invested $2bn in aid and by the ECP. Moreover, any after Nato’s withdrawal in 2014. Afghan forces as foreign troops Afghan special forces began train- which the United States helped reconstruction, is concerned that candidate can face disquali- Afghan military officers have withdraw, leaving the Afghan ing with the Indian army’s 10 Para set up, are expected to be the an unstable Afghanistan would fication if found violating the been attending courses in India military to deal with a resilient brigade early this month. spearhead of the fight against become a haven for Pakistan- code of conduct. for years, but this is the first time Taliban insurgency. “The focus of the training is the Taliban. The training in backed militant groups. INTERNEWS members of its special forces have India has stalled on on conduct of counter insurgency Rajasthan is focused on carrying REUTERS DECEMBER 21, 2013 ON SATURDAY 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com India No dropping of charges against diplomat Pizza outlet attacked as protesters call for ban on US goods; India, US fail to cool diplomatic row

WASHINGTON/NEW immunity “is not retroactive.” against Khobragade were a differ- DELHI: India and US seemed The State Department had ent matter, Harf said adding “We to be back to square one in prob- “not yet received an official take law enforcement seriuously.” ably their worst diplomatic spat request through proper chan- The incident and the protests over the arrest of an Indian dip- nels for re-accreditation,” she in India, Harf said, were “cer- lomat with Washington reject- said. But if and when a person’s tainly not indicative of our broad ing a key demand to drop the “immunity changes because of a and deep and vital bilateral rela- charges against her and say- different diplomatic status, that tionship. That’s what we’ve said ing “we take law enforcement immunity would start on the date from the beginning. This is an seriously”. it’s conferred,” isolated episode.” Even as it described the rela- Asked if the US had received Kerry “certainly expressed tionship with India as “incred- any request that Khobragade regret that things weren’t done ibly important” the US made may be allowed to leave New York differently at times, but what clear that it has no plans to drop for India, Harf said she was not we’re focused on and why the the charges of visa fraud against aware of such a request. Secretary and everyone else is so Devyani Khobragade, India’s dep- “But what we’re focused on focused on this, is an incredibly uty consul general in New York, right now is working to move the important relationship. That has to deescalate the situation. relationship forward,” she said in no way changed,” she said. Any suggestion that the State noting that US Under Secretary “We have a broad and deep Department would be putting for Political Affairs Wendy relationship,” Harf said. “We pressure on New York’s US Sherman had made another work together on a host of issues, Attorney Preet Bharara to drop call to Indian Foreign Secretary whether it’s economic issues, the charges “is not true,” State Sujatha Singh. “They had a good trade, Afghanistan, other issues, Department spokesperson Marie conversation. And also, there’s a and that is only going to continue Harf told reporters when asked process, right, in place right now to increase.” about such a possibility. through the judicial system, a “This incident is not something It was not for the State legal process that we also would that should define that, certainly, Department “to support or not like to see play out.” or that should negatively impact support” Khobragade’s prosecu- “And we’ll continue having con- that,” she said. tion, she said. “That’s a decision versations with the Indian gov- Meanwhile, protesters ran- for law enforcement and the judi- ernment, certainly, as this process sacked a Dominos Pizza outlet An employee enters the Dominos Pizza outlet after it was ransacked by the activists of Republican Party of India cial process to make.” moves forward.” in a Mumbai suburb yesterday, (RPI) in a Mumbai suburb, yesterday. “We certainly take these types But Secretary of State John demanding a ban on US goods as of allegations very seriously Kerry had not spoken with Indian officials from the two countries Devyani Khobragade for visa to media organisations showing legitimate expectation, that if though,” Harf said. “So certainly, External Affairs Minister Salman struggled to defuse a row over the fraud and under-payment of her a broken glass door. “The fact is they have erred, and they have there’s no discussion like that Khurshid and had had “no plans” arrest of an Indian diplomat in housekeeper. that (the) American authorities erred grievously in this mat- going on. We just want the proc- to do so following his call to New York. Police in Mumbai said they have behaved atrociously with an ter, they should come forth and ess to move forward.” the National Security Advisor Police and the Indian fran- were stepping up patrolling Indian diplomat. And obviously, apologise.” Khobragade has been trans- Shivshankar Menon to express chise of the US chain said no- of major US outlets includ- America has to make good for Protesters also gathered at the ferred to India’s Permanent his “regret” over the situation. one was hurt in the attack, ing McDonald’s after workers its actions,” said Manish Tiwari, US consulate in Hyderabad for a Mission at the UN in New York, The expression of “regret” was which came amid unrelenting of the small Republican Party minister for information and second day yesterday, shouting in a bid to provide her fuller dip- over the way the whole matter rage in India over the arrest of India attacked the Dominos broadcasting. slogans, local media said. lomatic immunity. But Harf said was handled. But the charges and subsequent strip-search of store. The group sent pictures “So therefore, I think it is a AGENCIES

Two Indian Govt presses Supreme Court to drop gay sex ban peacekeepers NEW DELHI: The Indian review petition, which also sought added. The review petition said legitimacy of its purpose and its High Court is unsustainable,” it government yesterday moved the hearing be held in open court. that the apex court had earlier need”. said, ruling on a batch of peti- the Supreme Court seeking The petition further said that held that “a statute, which was Law Minister Kapil Sibal had tions challenging the high court killed in South the review of its December 11 the “Section 377 which criminal- justified when enacted, could, yesterday said a review petition verdict. verdict holding that the homo- izes the intercourse ‘against the with the passage of time, become has been filed, adding he hoped The July 2, 2009 verdict had Sudan: UN sexual relationships were an order of nature’ is a reflection of arbitrary and unreasonable”. “the right to personal choices is held that “Section 377 IPC, inso- offence under the country’s outdated sodomy laws of United This was a reference to a part preserved”. far it criminalises consensual UNITED NATIONS: The penal code. Kingdom which were trans- of the December 11 judgment The apex court had set aside the sexual acts of adults in private, is United Nations said yester- “Section 377 IPC (Indian Penal planted into India in 1860”. where the apex court had ruled 2009 Delhi High Court order hold- violative of Articles 21, 14 and 15 day that two Indian peace- Code), insofar it criminalises con- “They do not have any legal that courts were not “empowered ing Article 377 unconstitutional. of the constitution, but said the keepers were killed and one sensual sexual acts in private, falls sanctity and in any case are to strike down a law merely by “We hold that Section 377 does provision will continue to govern badly wounded when attackers foul of the principles of equality unlawful in view of the consti- virtue of its falling into disuse not suffer from vice of unconsti- “non-consensual penile non-vagi- stormed a base in South Sudan and liberty enshrined in our con- tutional mandate of articles 14, or the perception of the society tutionality and declaration made nal sex and penile non-vaginal sex on Thursday. stitution,” said the government’s 15 and 21 of the constitution,” it having changed as regards the by the division bench of Delhi involving minors”. IANS Confirmation of the deaths came just ahead of UN Security Council emergency talks on the crisis in South Sudan, where troops loyal to President Salva Kiir are battling soldiers who fol- Five cops gangrape teenager low former vice president Riek First home-built fighter jet Machar. “We can confirm that NEW DELHI: Five policemen have been arrested for allegedly two UNMISS Indian battalion gangraping a teenage schoolgirl in northern India, police said yes- troops were killed in action,” said terday. The alleged sexual assault is the latest in a string of attacks passes operational clearance a statement by the UN Mission in reported in India since the fatal gang-rape of a student in Delhi South Sudan (UNMISS) on the a year ago shocked the nation and resulted in lawmakers passing attack at Akobo in Jonglei state. tougher penalties for crimes against women. BANGALORE: Thirty years saw Defence Minister A.K. “Last few years, I myself had On Thursday, India’s UN The policemen in the city of Chandigarh were taken into custody after it was conceived, India’s Antony handing over the “service my share of criticism. Ultimately, ambassador had said three peace- after the 16-year-old told her younger sister about the alleged assaults. indigenous light combat aircraft release documents” to IAF chief India will succeed ... that was the keepers were killed. “All five accused policemen have been arrested and further investiga- Tejas — the lightest military jet N A K Browne following initial determination,” he said. The UN said a third Indian tions are being carried out,” police superintendent Sukhchain Singh in its class — yesterday got ini- operational clearance (IOC-II) Air Chief Marshal Browne peacekeeper had been taken Gill said. The victim was allegedly attacked by one of the policeman tial operational clearance, pav- given by the Centre for Military said the day marked “a historic to another base at Malakal in who was investigating a complaint she had lodged about domestic abuse ing the way for its induction Airworthiness and Certification, milestone” and India had joined a Jonglei. At the time of the attack, by her alcoholic father, Gill said. into the Indian Air Force (IAF). an establishment of the Defence select group of nations to design 43 Indian peacekeepers, six UN Later, the accused raped her at gunpoint along with four fellow Tejas can fly at a speed of more Research and Development and produce their own state-of- police advisers and two UN civil- policemen, police alleged. Under the recently strengthened rape laws, than 1,350 km per hour and can be Organisation (DRDO). Antony the art fighter aircraft. ian staffers were present at the the accused could face life in prison if found guilty. compared to some of the world’s described it as “a great day for the The LCA will now be called Tejas base. About 30 South Sudanese best fighter aircraft — the Mirage whole nation” and “a momentous Mark I. It will be called Tejas Mark had sought shelter from the tur- 2000, F-16 and Gripen fighter jets. occasion”. II after final operational clear- moil plaguing areas of Akobo Tibetan monk burns himself to death It is expected to cost about The minister, however, ance (FOC) slated for end of 2014. County, the Mission said in a `2bn per aircraft initially, with acknowledged that the project Before FOC, the “fourth genera- statement. DHARAMSALA: A Tibetan monk immolated himself at Amchok the cost coming down as pro- had gone through periods of “frus- tion fighter plane” is to be equipped “UNMISS condemns in the town in Sangchu county in Tibet calling for unity among Tibetans duction increases. The ceremony tration” and “setbacks” and said with mid-air refuelling ability, a strongest terms the violence that and the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet. at the Hindustan Aeronautics questions were raised about con- more powerful engine and new occurred in Akobo and continues According to information received by the Tibetan Centre for Human Limited (HAL) complex here tinuance of the “wasteful project”. missiles. IANS in other parts of the country,” said Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), Tsultrim Gyatso, about 41, set him- the statement. self on fire at around 2.30 p.m. Thursday and died soon after. “We call on all parties to the He was a monk at Amchok Monastery. He died instantly and soon crisis to refrain from further vio- local Tibetans and monks took his charred body to his monastery. lence and seek a peaceful resolu- Sources told TCHRD that over 400 monks gathered to recite prayers tion to the crisis,” it added. and conduct rituals at the deceased’s residence at the monastery. External affairs ministry In his last note, Tsultrim Gyatso wrote that the reasons for his spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin self-immolation protest are to call for the return of the Dalai Lama to tweeted: “Bad news from Tibet, release of the 11th Panchen Lama Gedun Choekyi Nyima, and UN Mission in South Sudan for the welfare of the six million Tibetans. (UNMISS). 2 Indian peacekeep- Since March 2011, over 120 people have died in self-immolation pro- ers lose their lives at Akobo in tests in Tibet, according to Free Tibet, a non-profit, non-governmental Jonglei State. RIP” organisation. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was “appalled” Pakistani troops violate ceasefire in Jammu to learn of the attack on the UNMISS base in Akobo and JAMMU: After almost two months of peace along the LoC, demanded that the government Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire Friday, targeting an Indian and opposition forces respect the army posts in Jammu district and sparking off an exchange of fire rights of civilians and ensure their for about 25 minutes, a defence official said. safety and security. This was the second ceasefire violation in the 24 hours since Thursday In Geneva, UN High and four days before the meeting of the Directors General of Military Commissioner for Human Rights Operations (DGMOs) of the two neighbours to discuss ways to prevent Navi Pillay said an estimated ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and 20,000 people, mainly women and Kashmir. “Pakistani troops opened unprovoked fire on the Gigriyal post children, are still camped at UN of the army in Akhnoor sector of the LoC last afternoon,” a defence An HAL Tejas multirole light combat aircraft takes off for the initial operational clearance for induction into the premises in Juba. spokesman said. IANS Indian Air Force, in Bangalore yesterday. AGENCIES DECEMBER 21, 2013 Business www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 ON SATURDAY

Gazprom begins Boeing production target production from Arctic oilfield Project decade behind schedule

MOSCOW: Russia’s The activists issued a statement first Arctic offshore field on Friday, saying, the launch of Prirazlomnoye, where production is “a dark day for the Greenpeace activists were Arctic”. arrested in September after a “Gazprom is the first com- high seas clash with Russian pany on Earth to pump oil from authorities, has started pro- beneath icy Arctic waters and duction of oil, energy company yet its safety record on land is Gazprom said yesterday. appalling. It is impossible to trust The project is almost a decade them to drill safely in one of the behind its initial schedule and most fragile and beautiful regions is one of the most controversial on Earth,” Greenpeace said in a energy projects, seen as danger- statement. ous for the environment by the Gazprom has said it has taken greens, who say that the drilling all necessary measures to prevent and storage platform is three dec- any incidents. ades old. Russia detained 30 Greenpeace “We became the pioneers of activists protesting against Arctic Russia’s Arctic development,” drilling at the Prirazlomnaya plat- Gazprom’s Chief Executive Officer form in September. The protest- Alexei Miller said in a statement. ers faced jail sentences of up to President Vladimir Putin has seven years although Putin later A 787 Dreamliner being built is pictured at South Carolina Boeing final assembly building in North Charleston, South Carolina, yesterday. Boeing said Russia’s Arctic offshore announced an amnesty, which Co is close to hitting its production target of building 10 of its high-tech 787 Dreamliner jets a month, a top Boeing executive said. riches are of a strategic impor- covers the activists. tance for the country, which The Arctic region is seen as now is pumping an average of an important source of potential 10.6 million barrels of oil per growth for Russia, the world’s day (bpd), close to its current largest oil producer, in the next BAE shares fall as UAE halts fighter talks capacity. decade, with global oil majors However, start of production including ExxonMobil , Eni or had long been delayed due to vari- Statoil clinching deals to enter LONDON: BAE Systems faced which BAE had said could be a upset in the global fighter mar- 420.7 pence at 1008 GMT, below ous challenges, including ageing the Russian Arctic.. investor worries over its growth “major game-changer”. ket in as many days after Brazil their level when the aerospace equipment and a change in share- Production from these projects prospects after the United Arab However, BAE said in a state- rejected offers from the United industry gathered for the Dubai holders structure. Difficulties is not seen before late 2020s. Emirates pulled out of talks to ment it had not factored the con- States and France and opted for Airshow amid expectations of a obtaining official clearances and Gazprom Neft had expected ini- buy 60 Eurofighter Typhoon tract into its business plans. Sweden’s smaller but cheaper Typhoon deal in November. technical problems also hampered tial production at Prirazlomnoye combat jets, in a blow to the UK Shares in Europe’s biggest Gripen fighter. Thinly-traded shares in Rafale the project. at 12,000 barrels per day in 2014 government which had pushed defence firm fell 4.8 percent on Investec analyst Chris Dyett manufacturer Dassault Aviation Russia, the world’s second- with a plateau of 120,000 bpd in hard to land the $9.8bn deal. Friday, making BAE the biggest said the UAE deal had been rose over two percent. The com- biggest oil exporter, is vying with 2021. The decision could boost the faller in Britain’s blue-chip FTSE one of the largest available to pany did not respond to requests Canada, Denmark, Norway and Oil will be extracted from the prospects of French company 100 index. The announcement BAE, which negotiates in the for comment. the United States for control of deposit, where winter tempera- Dassault Aviation, which sells came after the market close on Middle East on behalf of other Dassault had been seen as the the oil, gas and precious metals tures often plunge below minus the rival Rafale plane, although Thursday, when they had finished Eurofighter consortium partners leading contender to win the UAE that would become more accessi- 50 degrees Celsius (minus 58 that company has also suffered up 1.8 percent. EADS and Italy’s Finmeccanica. contract until it was publicly ble if global warming shrinks the Fahrenheit), and then pumped setbacks in a long-running and Fighter jet exports to regions “It’s going to be difficult for this criticized by Abu Dhabi over the Arctic ice cap. to tankers bound for Europe. unpredictable UAE fighter such as the Middle East have company to grow,” he said when Rafale aircraft’s price two years Greenpeace has said that oil Gazprom Neft sees overall contest. become increasingly important to asked about the impact on BAE ago. production in the pristine region investments into the project at The Eurofighter snub punc- defence contractors such as BAE of the UAE decision. “It’s difficult to see how it risks spills similar to the Mexican around 200 bn roubles ($6bn), tures Britain’s hopes of a deal which are facing declining mili- Analysts at JP Morgan can be bad news for Dassault, Gulf disaster at BP’s platform of which half had already been underpinning thousands of jobs tary spending from their biggest Cazenove called it a major set- although it is not clear whether in 2010, saying that some of spent with the bulk account- after Prime Minister David customers in the United States back for BAE Systems, noting the this is a halt of the whole process Prirazlomnaya platform’s parts ing for a special ice-prove Cameron travelled to the UAE and Europe. contract could have been worth or just for Typhoon,” UBS analyst were used at another offshore platform. last month to lobby for the The UAE’s decision to aban- around 45 pence per BAE share. Charles Armitage said. project some 30 years ago. REUTERS Eurofighter Typhoon contract, don the talks was the second BAE shares were trading at REUTERS

US-China trade pact Spain reviews BoJ stands pat power auctions British economy in on easing, after threat of cautious recovery claims moderate price rise LONDON: Britain is cement- Offsetting these losses has been recovery ing its economic growth recov- a pick-up in jobs created by the MADRID: Spain is looking ery, official data revealed private sector. TOKYO: The Bank of Japan for a new way to set electricity yesterday, as the government’s “Markedly rising employment yesterday held off announcing prices after a double-digit spike deficit-reduction programme and a robust housing market will any fresh measures to stimulate at a wholesale auction threat- won support from the Standard likely underpin consumer spend- the economy, offering the upbeat ened a painful rise in household and Poor’s ratings agency. ing over the coming months,” view that it was “recovering bills, the prime minister said on But analysts voiced doubts Howard Archer, chief European moderately” while efforts to Friday, a move that could hit surrounding the duration of & UK economist at consult- stoke inflation were taking hold. the country’s utilities. the recovery as separate figures ants IHS Global Insight, said The decision comes days after Spain’s competition watchdog revealed a widening of the coun- yesterday. the bank’s closely watched Tankan CNMC had previously annulled try’s public deficit, adding to mar- Archer also noted however that quarterly survey showed business the results of a quarterly auction ket concerns over Europe-wide “if the recovery is to be sustained confidence has soared to a six- of wholesale electricity, in which growth. at a healthy pace, it really does year high, underscoring growing prices logged a big jump that The Office for National need a marked, extended pick up optimism among Japanese firms. could have translated into a 10.5 Statistics said British gross in business investment and for However, analysts said the percent rise in power bills. domestic product (GDP) grew by exports to improve markedly”. bank would likely have to widen Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy 0.8 percent in the third quarter, Gross domestic product grew its monetary easing measures if it said the government was working confirming previous estimates, by an upwardly-revised 1.9 per- is going to win its battle against on a replacement for the method while the data came at the end of a cent in the third quarter or deflation as a sales tax hike is due by which Thursday’s auction week in which Britain announced three months up to the end of to come into effect in April. set price changes and hoped to a larger-than-expected drop to September, compared with out- There had been speculation of an resolve the matter before the unemployment. put a year earlier, the ONS added expansion of the asset-purchasing year-end. Also on Friday, the ONS said on Friday. The prior estimate had programme after figures last week “The price hike that would the government’s public sec- stood at 1.5 percent. showed a sharp slowdown in July- have resulted from the auction tor net borrowing requirement, At 0.8 percent, the quarter-on- September growth, which raised was excessive and totally unjus- excluding taxpayers’ money used quarter rate marked the fastest concerns about the strength of the tified,” Rajoy told reporters in to rescue banks, rose to £16.5bn pace for more than three years. world’s third-largest economy. Brussels after a two-day meeting ($27bn) in November compared The government welcomed the “Japan’s economy has been of European leaders. with £15.6bn a year earlier. figures. recovering moderately,” the BoJ A source with knowledge of the Ahead of the data, Standard “Today’s data show that the said in a statement, adding that matter said Industry Minister and Poor’s confirmed its top ‘AAA’ recovery has been stronger than “inflation expectations appear Jose Manuel Soria would present China’s Vice-Premier Wang Yang (right) with US Secretary of Commerce credit rating for Britain, noting previously thought and that the to be rising on the whole”. “The urgent measures on December 27, Penny Pritzker after Chinese and US officials signed agreements dur- the government’s commitment to government’s long term economic year-on-year rate of increase in the last weekly cabinet meeting ing the 24th China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade at reducing its budget deficit even if plan is working,” a Treasury the CPI (consumer price index) of the year. Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, yesterday. the deep austerity measures con- spokesperson said. is likely to rise for the time being.” REUTERS tinue to slash public sector jobs. AFP AFP DECEMBER 21, 2013 ON SATURDAY 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Business

Telecom Italia-Telefonica dispute Cyprus House S&P pushes approves first post-bailout EU debt budget NICOSIA: The Cyprus parlia- ment has approved the island’s first post-bailout budget provid- ing deep spending cuts in 2014 rating down of about 10 percent to ensure international bailout targets are met. Brussels slams agency’s decision The late Thursday majority vote — 30 for, 20 against and four BRUSSELS: The Standard merit” as the bloc’s budget ben- abstentions — came after a two- and Poor’s ratings agency down- efits from a special treaty status day debate. graded the European Union’s and runs neither a deficit nor Around ¤626m has been shaved credit-worthiness by one notch debt. Member states are also off the budget compared to 2013. yesterday, blaming threats to bound to “always balance the EU Net expenditure, minus interest cohesion including Britain’s role budget”, EU Economic Affairs payments, will reach ¤5.59bn next in curtailing budgets and hold- Commissioner Olli Rehn said. year compared with 6.22 billion ing a membership referendum. “The Commission disagrees provided for in the 2013 budget. But Brussels angrily slapped with S&P that member state obli- In return for a ¤10bn bailout down the agency’s decision to gations to the budget in a stress Cables of optical fibre of Telecom Italia at a telephone exchange in Rome, yesterday. Prime Minister Enrico ($13bn), international creditors slash its long-term debt rating scenario are questionable. Letta pledged to protect investment in Italy’s telecommunications network but said the government took no demanded the winding up of the from “AAA” to “AA+”, saying the All member states have always side in a dispute over the role of Telecom Italia’s main shareholder, Spanish group Telefonica. country’s second largest bank grounds cited were “questionable”. and also throughout the financial Laiki and a “haircut” on depos- S&P made the announcement crisis provided their expected its above ¤100,000 in its largest just as EU leaders were holding contributions to the budget in full lender, Bank of Cyprus. a summit marking a big politi- and in time,” he said. The unprecedented eurozone cal step forward with an agree- Since the S&P put a negative Iraq oil exports slip in December “haircut” on deposits forced the ment on a banking union intended outlook on the EU in January government to close all the island’s eventually to ring-fence failing 2012, it has downgraded ratings banks for nearly two weeks in banks from bringing down an for a number of members and in LONDON: Iraq’s oil exports throughout the year, rather than and more delays,” said a trader March and impose draconian con- entire economy as happened in November cut the “AAA” of the have fallen so far in December, an acceleration,” said Samuel of Iraqi crude, referring to cargo trols when they reopened. Ireland. Netherlands, leaving just six EU capping what has been a disap- Ciszuk, analyst at the Swedish export dates being pushed back. Ruling Disy called the bailout The ensuing crisis forced the countries with top ratings. pointing year and highlighting Energy Agency. Exports from Iraq’s Shipments of Kirkuk crude adjustment programme a “one-way bloc to step in with billions in This meant that since 2007, challenges it faces in 2014 in southern terminals have averaged from northern Iraq remain below street”, and said positive results funds to bail out entire econo- the overall contribution of AAA- achieving significant production 2.01 million barrels per day (bpd) their potential, constrained by were beginning to show, with the mies, putting national budgets rated countries to EU revenues growth. so far in December, according to bomb attacks on the pipeline to economy not shrinking as fast as under constraints and expos- had nearly halved to 31.6 percent. The drop in exports this month shipping data tracked by Reuters, Turkey and a dispute with the first feared.= International lenders ing an endemic debt problem in The agency said that the EU shows Iraq has yet to overcome down slightly from November’s Kurdistan Regional Government expect the economy to contract at some countries such as France had made outstanding loans of infrastructure constraints and average of 2.07 million bpd. (KRG) over oil and land rights. around 7.7 percent from an initial and Italy. ¤56bn ($76bn), and the average security issues that slowed output Iraq exports most of its oil from So far in December, Kirkuk estimate of 8.7 percent. Explaining its decision, the life of the loans was likely to rise growth in 2013, supporting global the south, where work to expand shipments have averaged about Opposition Akel, which voted agency said: “In our view, EU from 12.5 years to 19.5 years, with prices, and threaten to dampen port capacity has, temporarily, 270,000 bpd, industry sources against the budget, said govern- budgetary negotiations have Ireland and Portugal accounting plans for a sizeable expansion curbed shipments. In addition, said, about 30,000 bpd less than in ments austerity policies were not become more contentious signal- for 80 percent of the total. next year. bad weather in December has November. This would bring total creating jobs but making more ing what we consider to be rising S&P warned that the financial “Some new capacity looks likely disrupted southern loadings, say exports to 2.28 million bpd, down people poorer as benefits and pen- risks to the support of the EU guarantees and budgetary contri- in 2014, but it is more realistic to shipping sources. from November’s 2.38 million bpd. sions are slashed. from some member states.” butions were “joint and several expect a lower growth from Iraq “It’s very low - there are delays REUTERS AFP “The downgrade reflects our obligations of EU members”. view of the overall weaker cred- It said that “we believe, how- itworthiness of the EU’s member ever, that the willingness of the states. We believe the financial remaining ‘AAA’ rated sovereigns profile of the EU has deterio- to fulfill this joint and several rated, and that cohesion among pledge might be tested should BlackBerry loss widens, reorganising manufacturing EU members has lessened.” some other members be unwill- Brussels disputed S&P’s action, ing to provide the funds on a pro- saying the EU’s credit-worthiness rata basis.” OTTAWA: BlackBerry said in the previous quarter, as smart- devices and help manage inventory to focus software and services. should be assessed on its “own AFP yesterday it fell deeper into the phone sales slumped by half. — an area where BlackBerry has It has made repeated public red in the past quarter as the The company also unveiled struggled. Taiwan-based Foxconn pleas this past year for customers struggling smartphone maker a five-year partnership with is also a main supplier of one of to stick with it amid forecasts of QATARI MARKET unveiled a new manufacturing Foxconn, described as “the world’s BlackBerry’s chief rivals — Apple. its pending demise. The Waterloo, Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid Price Yield Moodys S&P partnership and a revamped largest manufacturer of electronic The new partnership, according Ontario, firm attributed the extent organisational structure. products and components,” tar- to BlackBerry, demonstrates its of its quarterly loss to a $4.6bn Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 101.38 0.43 % Aa2 AA The Canadian firm reported a geted at emerging countries. long-term commitment to selling charge for an inventory write- Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 104.88 1.50 % Aa2 AA massive $4.4bn loss in its third Foxconn will jointly develop and smartphones, after speculation down and other one-time costs. Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 119.38 2.61 % Aa2 AA quarter, four times higher than manufacture a number of new that it might abandon device sales AFP Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 112.25 3.03 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 106.25 3.60 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 153.50 4.96 % Aa2 AA Trading tax hurts bid Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 114.13 5.38 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 105.25 5.38 % Aa2 AA Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 104.00 0.96 % Aa2 AA to keep Euronext Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 109.88 3.32 % Aa2 AA Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 103.63 0.94 % A1 A- Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 103.88 2.15 % A1 A- in French hands QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.13 1.52 % NR NR QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.63 1.19 % Aa3 A+ PARIS: France’s unloved financial transaction tax is ham- QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 103.75 2.15 % Aa3 A+ pering its efforts to persuade local institutions to buy stakes in Paris stock exchange operator Euronext and keep it under Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.00 2.21 % A2 A- French influence after its expected spin-off next year. Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.25 1.47 % A2 A Battling to halt a long-term drift of business away from Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 123.00 3.25 % A2 A Paris to rival financial centres such as London and Frankfurt, Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 105.63 3.84 % A2 A President Francois Hollande’s government is urging local market Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 100.13 4.98 % A2 A players to signal their interest in Euronext, which also runs the Amsterdam, Brussels and Lisbon bourses. Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 103.50 0.91 % Aa3 A But while Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici said last week he Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 106.88 3.22 % Aa3 A was confident negotiations would result in a deal, others do not Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 107.75 3.98 % Aa3 A share his optimism. “If Paris’s political and business communities SOVEREIGNS do nothing, then, even with an IPO, a takeover of Euronext by one of the three big contenders is unavoidable,” Gerard Rameix, Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid Price Yield Moodys S&P president of French market regulator AMF said, citing US-based Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 101.50 0.30 % Aa2 AA Nasdaq OMX, Germany’s Deutsche Boerse and the London Stock Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 122.13 2.29 % Aa2 AA Exchange (LSE) as potential predators. Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 108.38 1.89 % NR NR Nasdaq, LSE and Deutsche Boerse declined to comment. Earlier this year Nasdaq OMX Chief Executive Robert Greifeld Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 106.50 2.86 % NR NR had said the company would consider a bid for Euronext if the Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 119.50 4.40 % NR NR opportunity arose. Atlanta-based IntercontinentalExchange Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 111.50 4.77 % NR NR Inc, which owns a network of exchanges and clearing houses, Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 103.50 0.72 % Aa2 AA has made clear that it plans to spin off Euronext following this Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 113.38 3.31 % NR BBB year’s $10-billion-plus merger with NYSE Euronext. Once based in Paris and Amsterdam, Euronext saw decision- Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 103.25 4.89 % NR BBB making shift from the French capital to New York in 2006 when Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 95.50 6.63 % Caa1 B- it was bought by NYSE, a move that had already prompted some Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 101.75 4.20 % NR BBB- market participants to leave Paris for London and elsewhere.

*Periodic Distribution Amount French banks, such as Societe Generale, Credit Agricole and IMPORTANT NOTE: BNP Paribas SA, as well as insurer AXA have been approached Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which to take a stake in Euronext, whose IPO is expected to be worth is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services between ¤1bn and ¤1.5bn ($1.4-2.1bn) Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole and Axa declined to comment. data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising Officials from Societe Generale were not immediately available out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not to comment. The chief executive of Axa, Henri de Castries, told take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant Reuters in April that he was not interested in buying Euronext. liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not Euronext Chief Executive Dominique Cerutti told Les Echos a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and newspaper recently that ICE wanted to put together a stable core consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. group of shareholders and hold onto a 25 percent equity interest alongside other shareholders - for example banks. But sources close to the discussions say negotiations are prov- ing difficult because of anger among France’s financial sector players over a domestic tax on financial transactions introduced last year, and the prospect that euro zone will also impose one. REUTERS DECEMBER 21, 2013 Business Views www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17 ON SATURDAY

Outer space: The final Taper, defined by market BY JAMES SAFT all done with large-scale asset purchases by a gear and the Fed carries on tightening the end of next year. while promising low rates for longer, who frontier for capitalism oming months will answer deci- Zero interest rates are one thing, but and what suffers? sively a question the Federal market rates are quite another, and as the First, housing. Mortgage rates will rise, BY RICHARD SEYMOUR Reserve insists is already settled: Fed decreases purchases, longer-term rates especially given the hit to Fed mortgage Cis a tapering a tightening? are likely to rise. bond buying. uch is the state of advanced capitalism: we can’t pay our Score one for the Fed today: it cut pur- Investors who get cash from the Fed for That will hurt the minority of actual bills, but China’s on the moon. In fairness, the Chinese chases of bonds to a monthly $75bn from their bonds become more willing to take owner/occupiers who are in a position to government is doing humanity a favour. $85bn, but paired the move with a con- risk. move financially. S The race to populate space has been staggeringly slow, fection of sweeteners which touched off a As the Fed buys fewer bonds and gives Higher long-term rates will raise the and the idea that someone would finally think to scan below the startling rally in equities and only a small out less cash, that risk-taking preference returns investors expect from housing, moon’s surface for precious minerals is rather moving. For so increase in long-term interest rates. will diminish. That is a tightening and that undermining the bid single-family houses long, the moon had appeared to us as merely a dull, lifeless wodge “Tapering is not meant to be a tighten- tightening will have consequences. have had from financial investors. I’d look of dust. To think of it as being radiantly packed with precious ing,” Bernanke said after the Federal Open That, in fact, is exactly what happened closely at housing next year as mortgage minerals is actually quite romantic. One can imagine poems being Market Committee announced the move. last summer, throwing a scare into risk rates go up. written about it. “The Federal Reserve means to keep the markets, particularly emerging markets, Second, bond markets. Public bond mar- It gets better. Apparently, the substance sought is helium-3, an level of stimulus more or less the same.” and ultimately leading to the famed non- kets are undeniably loose, with a huge ero- isotope of the element that could potentially replace oil and gas To judge by the reaction of the stock taper of September. sion of terms and conditions also underway as our energy generators. Not only is the moon redeemed, but market – with the Dow Jones Industrial Some things have changed between in private lending markets. That has kept the earth is saved. It takes a lot to make this cynic weep, but I’m Average closing up 292 points – the moves September and now. weak businesses alive and helped to under- seriously waxing lachrymose now. the Fed announced must qualify as a The fiscal drag on growth looks less pin returns from related markets like The question is, why haven’t the moon’s resources been thor- loosening. frightening next year, employment is firm- equities. oughly plundered by now? Why hasn’t it provided us with the That may be because in addition to shav- ing and manufacturing, by and large, is The taper spells an end to that, one way energy necessary to colonise the rest of space? I’ll tell you why: ing $5bn per month off of the amount it doing well. or another. Investors will have less cash on it’s because capitalism is weak and timid. buys of both Treasuries and mortgage All of those factors, however, are vulner- hand, marginally, and will be less willing to In principle, it shouldn’t be this way. Capitalism, said Rosa bonds, the Fed hardened forward guidance able to a rise in long-term rates. invest in a Payment in Kind note or junk Luxemburg, always needs a periphery. There needs to be a non- to indicate that rates could remain near The economy can withstand that tighten- bond. capitalist outside to appropriate – new land, new resources, to pro- zero “well beyond” the time unemployment ing only if business investment kicks in and Again, if this happens while growth and vide profitable investment opportunities. Whether it takes the form drops below 6.5 percent. businesses start to invest in earnest, driving investment take off, it will be fine. Some of colonisation, privatising public goods, turfing peasants off their That depends, in part, on inflation contin- wage growth and employment. weak companies will fail, but many will lands or creating “intellectual property”, there is a need to accu- uing to run below the Fed’s 2 percent target. Gently higher long-term rates combined improve in credit quality. mulate beyond the existing realm of capitalist property relations. That’s quite a nice little bonus, consider- with more business investment would be If it happens with growth still weak and The effects of this are complex. On the one hand, such produc- ing that the Fed’s own forecasts don’t see positive, indicating a return to healthy investment low, an ugly cycle of tougher tion places a tremendous burden on the planet and risks making much danger of inflation going above 2 per- growth. credit conditions, tough business conditions large parts of it uninhabitable and extinguishing a great deal of cent for several years. It would also drive inflation a bit higher, and more failures will ensue. life. Further, this production both exploits workers and becomes Traders are betting that the first rise in perhaps allowing the Fed to gracefully exit Let’s wait a couple of months before we imbricated with all manner of brutality – consider the relationship interest rates isn’t until July of 2015. zero rates earlier than planned. judge the taper’s impact and what exactly between coltan production and war in the Congo. On the other Bernanke also indicated that, if things roll Based on the track record in recent years, constitutes a tightening. Janet Yellen may hand, well: tablets, smartphones, DVD players, advanced naughty along as he expects, they’d do about a $10bn none of this is assured. have a tough first year as chair in store. toys that do something other than just buzz, an abundance of stuff decrease per meeting, implying that we’ll be So, if the economy does not kick it up REUTERS that makes life easier and more interesting. The problem with capitalism, though, is that it’s actually stag- geringly timid in some respects. For all that the Communist Manifesto breathlessly extolled the revolutionary spirit of capital – “constant revolutionising of production, uninterrupted distur- bance of all social conditions … all that is solid melts into air” – businesses are really quite conservative. This is why, as Mariana Mazzucato points out, it falls to states to undertake the risky investments that pay off in the technology that makes, for example, iPhones possible. Of course, capitalist states do a great deal else to overcome the inertia of the system, from war to violent enclosures. It doesn’t do to idealise the state. The point here is that, if it were left to private sector enterprise, we would never have seen a human foot touch down on the moon’s surface. Of course, under capitalism the state’s ability to explore the unknown is limited by its priority of making things work for busi- ness, or developing a greater war machine. States don’t need an immediate return on investment, but if they’re to justify taxing profits, they need to demonstrate some sort of plausible return. Hence, there’s always more money for military arsenals than spaceships. We could be holidaying on Mars, but some people would rather bomb Afghanistan. Put that on a placard. However, as Leigh Phillips explains, even the limited exploration of space thus far has produced unexpected bounties for the Earth- bound: cooling suits used by nuclear reactor technicians, dialysis technology, running shoes, water purification, housing insulation, food preservation, fire retardants and so on. And even if it didn’t provide all these spin-offs, human curiosity is an end in itself. So what if we don’t find the aliens who have been kidnapping drunk rednecks and plumbing their lower intestines? We’ll find precious mineral ore on an asteroid, and that’s more than enough. So, this is what we need. First, international socialism. And to paraphrase Lenin, socialism = soviet power + interstellar travel. Don’t ask me how we get that, we just need it as a precondition for everything else. Second, an international space exploration programme, funded with the express purpose of adding to the sum of stuff and human knowledge. Third, a popular space tour- ism programme. We have to be careful with this. The last thing anyone wants to see is a conga line of pot-bellied fortysomethings drinking Red Stripe on Jupiter. But hopefully socialism will elevate the culture. Finally, a publicly funded cryogenics programme now for everyone who wants to live to see this day. Is that really too much to ask? THE GUARDIAN Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Europe’s half-hearted attempt to protect its banks

BY JOHN O’DONNELL disappointed by the result. creditors. Some officials fear “The state of Pennsylvania does Instead, it and others hope materialised. “It’s a very German “It’s really a farce,” said one missing elements in the scheme not have to issue bank guarantees. the deal can be toughened up in deal,” said one official, who urope’s efforts to form a senior official involved, who asked could restrain the European That’s done by federal agencies,” negotiations with the European attended the negotiations. “There united front behind euro not to be named. Central Bank from revealing said Ahearne. Parliament. is not much there for the others.” zone banks are reaching “We’re patting other on the the true extent of banks’ prob- “That’s true banking union.” Sharon Bowles, an influential Germany’s finance minis- Ea climax, but many fear shoulder and congratulating each lems in health checks next year lawmaker who will play a key role ter trumpeted the agreement they will fail to restore confidence other, but really what has been if this would overburden weak GERMAN DEAL in these negotiations said the sys- as a route to impose losses on and prove flimsy should another achieved is a far cry from what countries with a costly bill for Compounding this problem, tem proposed was too political. investors. crisis strike. was needed.” their repair. the procedure that will be used “We don’t trust the countries on One ally, Dutch Finance After more than a year of After the agreement among For Alan Ahearne, an econo- to shut a bank in the eurozone this,” she said. Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, was talks, ministers from across the countries, talks now begin with mist who advised the Irish gov- will be heavily politicised, involv- But it seems unlikely that they even more forthright. European Union agreed early on the European Parliament to final- ernment when it was sunk by its ing as many as all 18 countries in will be able to persuade Germany, “Everyone is always very Thursday a scheme to close fail- ise the law. banking collapse in 2010, the deal the currency bloc, each fighting to which continues to stand firm interested in the backstop. I’m ing banks, but the process will be With no immediate banking does not amount to much. protect its own interests. against the use of eurozone interested in pre-stops,” he said. complex and politicised. crisis in sight, the new structure “The sovereign is still the back- This process, described as money to back a scheme for tack- “Banks... can take the first blow. They also stopped short of an is likely to go untested for now, stop for its own banking system,” “laughable” by one economist, ling troubled banks, to soften its The second blow will have to be ambitious plan for eurozone coun- but it could buckle if one were to he said. “That’s not a proper will also involve officials from the position. carried by the investors, share- tries to help each other in tack- happen. banking union. That means that European Commission as well as Throughout negotiations Berlin holders, bondholders in the banks. ling problem lenders. Furthermore, promises to funding costs for banks in periph- a new agency tasked with closing has determined much of the And the third blow ... will be car- An agency and fund to wind pool eurozone resources to deal eral countries remain high and banks. agenda. ried by the fund, but the fund is down bad banks, working in tan- with bad banks are so distant - sovereign borrowing costs will Although ministers agreed a It succeeded in winning an also paid by the sector itself.” dem with the European Central only after 10 years if at all - that remain high.” fast-track procedure, even law- early introduction of EU rules But Sven Giegold, a German Bank as the new watchdog, is an they will do little to shore up What has been achieved in yers in the room were perplexed that allow the imposition of losses member of the European important step towards banking confidence. Europe is a pale shadow of the by how it should work. from early 2016 on the bondhold- Parliament, said Germany’s dis- union, but the loose ends could In the meantime, banks will United States, where the federal The European Central Bank, ers and even large depositors mantling of much of the deal may lead to the complete unravelling pay into a fund that will grow to government can transfer funds whose representative in the meet- of failing banks, as happened in come back to haunt it. of the project. €55bn ($75bn), but only by around to help weaker states. Strong ing Vitor Constancio was highly Cyprus. “I find it shocking that one Although hailed as a “historic” 2026, and that amount would have countries in the eurozone such critical throughout negotiations, Yet the quid pro quo that many country is able to push through so moment by France’s Finance been entirely eaten up by the Irish as Germany do not send aid to is not satisfied. of its peers expected, namely that much,” he said. “When one coun- Minister Pierre Moscovici, many banking bailout alone. weaker states such as Portugal or But there is little the ECB, Germany would sanction pan- try has too much power, this can who emerged from the meet- New rules would, however, push Greece. Instead, they lend them which wants to stay outside the eurozone backing for a fund to backfire.” ing into the Brussels rain were more of the burden onto bank money. political wrangle, can do. cover the clean-up costs, never REUTERS DECEMBER 21, 2013 ON SATURDAY 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Classifieds

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Arab Karate Championship

Ghavidel Qassim (left) from Qatar in action against Saudi Arabia’s Al Khathami Fahad during the Senior Male Kumite Individual- 67kg category match at the Arab Karate Championship at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: Ahmed Elham from Yemen and Lebanon’s Daher Rebecca in action in the Senior Female Kumite Individual-55kg category. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Lebanon, UAE, Yemen and Palestine, besides hosts Qatar are taking part in the championship.

PICTURES BY: KAMMUTTY VP Fourth round of Losail MX Championship to be held today Female rider Handal to make her debut in the event

DOHA: The fourth and penultimate A) Female rider Sara Handal of round of Losail MX Championship A will take place today at the Losail Honduras, poses for a picture MX track. ahead of the fourth round of the In the MX1 category, the leader is Losail MX Championship today. Kuwaiti rider Moaath Al Ansari with B) Handal in action. C) Kuwait’s 117 points. Abdullah Al Shatti in action in this Abdullah Al Shatti also from Kuwait file photo. Al Shatti is leading the is leading the MX2 category with 140 MX2 category with 140 points. points. He has stepped on the podium in all the races, with four victories. Free practice will start at 9:55am while the qualifying session will be at B 11.00am. Race 1 for both categories is scheduled to start at 12:45pm and Race 2 will begin at 15:05pm Two Iranian riders, Ali Parvaresh and Amir Sabetifar will be among the entrants for today’s event. Female rider from Honduras, Sara Handal will join the championship for the first time. The two Iranians and Handal will be in the MX2 category. Handal joined the last Motocross Track Day and she is very happy to take part in the championship. International Circuit (LIC), Nasser C She said: “I am very excited to par- Khalifa Al Attiyah is delighted to see ticipate in this round and my main that more competitors from outside goal is to finish both races as this track are taking part in the event and happy is very technical so it will be a very to see that the number of entrants is demanding race.” higher than in previous rounds. She added: “I am used to compet- Al Attiyah said: “We hope that ing with riders of the same category, more riders will come for the coming so here, riding with both categories rounds and not only from the Middle together, it will be very challenging East region. From Qatar Motor and for me.” Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) we The final round of the season will are always supporting women in mot- be held on February 27 as a support orsport and it has always been in our race for the opening round of the 2014 agendas.” FIM Motocross World Championship. For the fans, the pit lane terrace will Qatar Motor and Motorcycle be open with free access to watch the Federation (QMMF) and Losail riders in action. THE PENINSULA

NHL Results Thunder remain unbeaten at home Buffalo 4 Boston 2 Toronto 2 Phoenix 1 OKLAHOMA CITY: Kevin Durant scored 32 Philadelphia 5 Columbus 4 points and Russell Westbrook added 20 yesterday Pittsburgh 5 Minnesota 2 as Oklahoma City beat Chicago 107-95 to remain Florida 4 Ottawa 2 the only NBA team with a perfect home record this Detroit 3 Calgary 2 season. Tampa Bay 4 Nashville 2 The Thunder have won all 13 of their home games so far this campaign. St Louis 5 Montreal 1 With their eighth straight victory, and their 16th Dallas 4 Vancouver 1 in 17 games, they improved to 21-4 overall, the best Colorado 4 Edmonton 2 record in the NBA. Los Angeles 4 San Jose 1 Joakim Noah had 23 points and 12 rebounds for the injury-depleted Bulls, who dropped their fourth straight decision. Royal Trophy Scores: Taj Gibson scored 16 points and DJ Augustin added 15 for the Bulls, who were without Luol Deng and Kirk Asia 3 Europe 1 Hinrich and saw Jimmy Butler depart early with a GUANGZHOU: First day scores yesterday in right ankle injury. the seventh Royal Trophy between Asia and British forward Deng sat out with a sore Achilles Europe at the Dragon Lake Golf Club: tendon that had seen him miss four other games this month. Foursomes Guard Hinrich missed his fourth straight game with a back injury. Thongchai Jaidee/Kiradech Aphibarnrat The Bulls are now 3-11 since losing former (Asia) bt Stephen Gallacher/Paul Lawrie NBA Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose (Europe) 5 and 3 to a knee injury that required surgery last month. AFP Ryo Ishikawa/Hiroyuki Fujita (Asia) bt Nicolas Colsaerts/Bernd Wiesberger (Europe) 3 and 2

NHL Results KT Kim/HS Kim (Asia) bt Alvaro Quiros/ Thorbjorn Olesen (Europe) 4 and 2 Chicago Bulls’ shooting guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball in Oklahoma City 107 Chicago 95 front of Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) during the second Liang Wenchong/Wu Ashun (Asia) lost to quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena at Oklahoma City, USA, yesterday. San Antonio 104 Golden State 102 David Howell/Marc Warren (Europe) 2 and 1 DECEMBER 21, 2013 Sport www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21 ON SATURDAY Suarez signs long-term Double points could be scrapped, says deal with Liverpool Montezemolo

ROME: Formula One’s decision to award double points at the last The prolific Uruguayan striker ‘proud’ to pen new contract race of the season could be scrapped after next year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, if not before, according to Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo. LONDON: Luis Suarez has The Italian told reporters attending a Christmas lunch at the commited his future to Liverpool Fiorano test track that he was no fan of the controversial rule change by signing a new long-term that has got fans up in arms and been branded ‘absurd’ by Red Bull’s contract, the club confirmed world champion Sebastian Vettel. yesterday. “I am not enthusiastic about it, because for me it looks too artificial. It was not immediately clear We will see,” he declared. how long the deal was for, but Asked whether the decision might be reversed before the start of Suarez told the club website: “I the season in March, the Italian shrugged: “This I don’t know. I will am delighted to have agreed a new Liverpool’s Luis not be surprised if after one year they will change it.” deal with Liverpool and have my Suarez celebrates Montezemolo said Ferrari had not vetoed the measure when it came future secured for the long term.” after scoring to a vote because they felt it was not an important enough issue to Suarez, 26, has been in impres- a goal against warrant such action. However, it would be discussed further. sive form after a turbulent sum- Tottenham Hotspur “I think the best way to find out may be to do one year as a test,” mer in which he suggested the at White Hart Lane he said. “I personally have some doubts. I told this to (FIA president club had reneged on an agreement in London, in this Jean) Todt and I told this to (commercial supremo) Bernie (Ecclestone) to sell him if they failed to qualify privately. December 15 file for the Champions League. “Anyway, we had unanimous agreement to do it. We will look at photo. It had been expected that talks it but in the future we need to have far more involvement of the would continue throughout the teams, the tifosi (fans), media, all the stakeholders of Formula season and that the Uruguayan One.” would want to wait and see Team principal Stefano Domenicali, who also attended the lunch, whether the Reds secured a indicated the double points decision was far from definite. Champions League place for next “I think, considering what is the situation, it would be not wrong season, but the club confirmed he to reconsider it,” he said. “That means you are listening to all the had signed a new deal. interested parties.” Suarez told the official website Montezemolo cited the example of qualifying, which had an unpopu- www.liverpoolfc.tv: “Without doubt lar and short-lived phase of each driver performing a solo lap against the backing I have received from great players and the team is years old, his best years are still pace that impresses one of the the clock, as an example of the sport getting it wrong and having to the Liverpool fans has influenced growing and improving all the ahead of him and we now know best players in world football. backtrack. my decision. I am so proud to rep- time. I believe I can achieve the we’ll be seeing him reach that “The club has made major The governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) announced resent them and go out to do my ambitions of winning trophies potential in a Liverpool shirt.” strides forward in recent years this month that double points would be awarded at the final round best for them every time I pull on and playing at the very highest Liverpool had to fend off inter- and we are all committed to deliv- of the season from next year in an attempt to keep the title battle the shirt.” level with Liverpool. My aim is est from Arsenal in the summer, ering the success our supporters undecided to the end. Liverpool did not specify the to help get us there as quickly as who had a bid of £40,000,001 want and deserve.” Red Bull and Vettel have won the last four drivers and constructors’ length of Suarez’s new deal but it possible.” rejected, but their determina- Liverpool chairman Tom championships, with the dominant 26-year-old German this year tak- is expected to make the 26-year- Liverpool manager Brendan tion to keep Suarez has paid Werner added: “This demon- ing a record nine wins in a row in a single season. old striker the best-paid player in Rodgers said: “This is fantastic off with the Reds now second strates our commitment, as an The FIA said the double points decision was unanimously approved the club’s history. news for everyone associated with in the Premier League with the ownership group, to building a at a meeting of its Formula One commission and the newly formed F1 Suarez’s spell at Anfield has the club; the team, the owners and Uruguayan the leading scorer in team that competes at the highest Strategy Group, which includes Ferrari. often been a controversial one most importantly the supporters. the top flight with 17 goals. level both in the Barclays Premier The Italian glamour team,, the oldest and most successful in the after he was handed two long- “Luis is a world-class talent The club’s principal owner John League and in Europe. sport, have a right to veto changes but Montezemolo was clear about term bans, one for racially abus- and securing his services is cru- W Henry said: “We are commit- “Our primary motive is to do when he felt it should be used. ing Manchester United’s Patrice cial for what we are trying to ted to working hard to keep our what is best for Liverpool Football “I don’t want that Ferrari puts a veto for something that is not so Evra and last season for biting achieve here. best players and this is an indica- Club and today’s news is another essential to Formula One,” he said. “I would put a veto if they asked Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic. “What’s most important and tion that we are moving in the significant step forward on this me to do a four cylinder engine, because I don’t do motorcycles. Suarez added: “We have some most exciting is that, at just 26 right direction and moving at a journey.” AFP “I would put a veto if they decided... that now the drivers are obliged to drive with one hand because they get tired and it’s more interesting Cole won’t start against Messi slams Morocco’s for the race.” REUTERS Barcelona Casablanca Nadal, Williams Arsenal, says Mourinho Vice-President eye Cup upset LONDON: Ashley Cole will not start Chelsea’s crucial Premier League clash with leaders Arsenal, manager Jose Mourinho said over contract against Bayern win French awards yesterday, confirming the England international is no longer first- choice left back at Stamford Bridge. MARRAKECH, Morocco: PARIS: Tennis champions Rafael Nadal (pictured right) and Cole, who has been out of favour in recent weeks, raised eyebrows by comments Moroccan minnows Raja Serena Williams (pictured left) have been attending his former club Arsenal’s Christmas party just days before Casablanca are hoping to cap named as sportsman and sportswoman of the the sides were due to meet at the Emirates Stadium. MADRID: Barcelona for- their dream run to today’s Club year by French sports daily L’Equipe. Mourinho played that down, but he gave Cole three day’s notice that ward Lionel Messi (pictured) World Cup final by toppling Nadal returned from seven months on he will not be starting on Monday, with Spaniard Cesar Azpilicueta has hit out at Javier Faus European champions Bayern the injury sidelines to win the French Open, continuing in his position. over comments the club Vice- Munich. US Open and five Masters Series titles as he “Cesar Azpilicueta is fit,” Mourinho told reporters. “I play Ivanovic President made question- “The dream is far from over yet returned to the world number one spot. right back, Azpilicueta left back. From the beginning Ashley Cole is ing the need to improve the and we’ll be giving it all we have Williams produced one of the finest years of not playing.” Argentine World Player of the against Bayern, right up to the her career at 32, winning her second French Azpilicueta has started Chelsea’s last six Premier League matches, Year’s contract. final whistle,” said Raja forward Open as well as the US Open to take her haul with Cole consigned to the bench. In unusually strong language Mouhssine Iajour. of Grand Slam titles to 17. He did start against Sunderland in the League Cup on Tuesday, for the mild-mannered 26-year- “We never give up. This team Nadal said that while he was delighted to but Chelsea’s 2-1 extra-time defeat will have done little to boost his old, Messi told Catalan radio has got so much mental strength have won the newspa- chances of a return. broadcaster RAC1 Faus knew to draw on.” per’s award for the sec- “I have an opinion I keep for myself,” Mourinho said about Cole’s “nothing about Iajour scored the opening ond time in his career, social life. “It was a free day for them, I am not a father, I am a man- football” and goal in Wednesday’s shock 3-1 he would personally ager. I cannot control what they do when they are not with me. I don’t denied demand- semi-final win over Brazil’s have voted for Formula want to comment.” AFP ing improved Atletico Mineiro as Raja booked One world champion terms to the their place in the Marrakech Sebastian Vettel. deal he signed final. On the national scale, in February The Moroccan champions -- L’Equipe chose Wimbledon winner Marion Your TV guide for that ties him who only qualified by being hosts Bartoli as its sportswoman of the year with to the Spanish -- have won all three matches the men’s award going to basketball star Tony live matches today champions until on their run to the final, beat- Parker, who led France to the European title. June 2018. ing Auckland City 2-1 in a play- AFP Faus, who off, then Mexico’s CF Monterrey Event Competition Time Channel oversees economic affairs at by the same margin in the Liverpool vs Cardiff Barclays Premier League 15:00 HD6 Barca, told RAC1 this month he quarter-finals. did not understand why Messi They saved the biggest sur- QPR vs Leicester English Championship 15:15 HD4 Djokovic call even surprised would need a better contract prise for Ronaldinho’s Mineiro Celtic vs Hearts Scottish Premier League 15:15 +3 given that he had only recently when they floored the Brazilians me, says Becker Al Rayyan vs Al Sadd Qatar Stars Cup 18:00 1 agreed a new one. to become only the second African “Mr. Faus is a person who side to reach the Club World Cup LONDON: Boris Becker said Novak Djokovic approached him to Al Gharafa vs Eljaish Qatar Stars Cup 18:00 Global knows nothing about football final. become his head coach the day the Serb lost the world No.1 ranking Villareal vs Sevilla La Liga 18:00 HD2 and he wants to run Barcelona Their run comes after a to Spaniard Rafa Nadal in October this year. as if it were a company and it remarkable few weeks for the Djokovic’s announcement this week that the German six-times Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Ahli Qatar Stars Cup 18:00 +2 is not,” Messi said from Buenos Moroccans, who saw coach Grand Slam champion was to become his coach was greeted with Al Arabi vs Muaither Qatar Stars Cup 18:00 +1 Aires, where he is continuing Mohamed Fakhir depart days surprise and Becker himself said it had been unexpected. Man United vs West Ham Barclays Premier League 18:00 HD6 his recovery from a hamstring before the tournament started “I was approached by Novak and his manager while he was playing injury. after a run of defeats. in Beijing,” London-based Becker told BBC Sport yesterday. “He decided St Etienne vs Nantes Ligue 1 18:30 HD5 “Barcelona is one of the big- In all of their three matches, he needed somebody in his corner that had been there and done it. Betis vs Almeria La Liga 20:00 +4 gest clubs in the world and Raja have opened the scoring, “I was surprised - I didn’t expect the phone call. I was very honoured.” deserves to be represented by only for the opposition to equal- Marian Vajda, who has been 26-year-old Djokovic’s coach for each Livorno vs Udinese Serie A 20:00 HD3 the best managers as well,” he ise before Casablanca dug deep to of his six Grand Slam titles, will continue as part of the team but Barcelona B vs Sporting Spanish League 2nd Div 20:00 +1 added. “And apart from that, I make the next round. Becker is set to assume head coach responsibilities at the forthcoming Millwall vs Middlesbrough English Championship 20:30 +3 remind you that neither I nor “We’ve been on a high even Australian Open which starts on January 13. anyone in my circle has ever though we haven’t been consid- It will be Becker’s first foray into coaching a top-level player and he Atletico vs Levante La Liga 21:30 HD2 asked for either an increase (in ered favourites, and we’ve never said he would put 100 percent into it. Reims vs Ajaccio Ligue 1 22:00 +4 salary) or a contract renewal. stopped believing in our chances,” “This isn’t a half-hearted job, it wouldn’t be right for him or for And he (Faus) knows that very said midfielder Chemseddine me,” Becker said. “You’re in it to win it. You either go at it fully or you Cagliari vs Napoli Serie A 22:00 HD3 well.” Chtibi. don’t - either I commit myself or I don’t commit myself.” Toulouse vs Guingamp Ligue 1 22:00 +1 The spat is unlikely to have Now only Bayern stand in the Becker joins another former world No.1 and multiple Grand Slam Bastia vs Montpellier Ligue 1 22:00 HD5 any lasting repercussions, way of Raja lifting the Club World winner Ivan Lendl in the coaching circle after the Czech-born American particularly as the player has Cup, but the European champions teamed up with Andy Murray at the start of 2012 and has since guided Bayern Munich vs Raja FIFA Club World Cup 22:30 +3 denied wanting more money. have no intention of letting a fifth the British player to two major titles. “When Ivan was appointed, I Sporting vs Nacional Portuguese League 23:15 HD1 REUTERS major title in 2013 slip from their thought about what took some of these guys so long to talk about some grasp. AFP of these all-time greats (as coaches),” said Becker. AFP DECEMBER 21, 2013 ON SATURDAY 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Sport

Farbrace Pujara and Kohli frustrate named Sri Lanka coach COLOMBO: Englishman Paul Farbrace, who was wounded in the infamous 2009 shoot- ing attack on the Sri Lankan South Africa on day three team bus, was appointed the head coach of the national side yesterday. Pujara scores his sixth century as India lead by 320 in Johannesburg The 46-year-old, who has been recently coaching his former English county side Yorkshire, is JOHANNESBURG: pitch which for the most part has Smith was forced to juggle an replacing South African Graham Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat been difficult for batsmen. attack in which spin bowlers Ford who had already announced Kohli batted India into a posi- But as the South African bowl- Imran Tahir and JP Duminy were plans to stand down after an tion of dominance on the third ers wilted the batsmen were able ineffective, even turning to wick- ongoing series against Pakistan. day of the first Test against to score freely, adding 175 in 38 etkeeper AB de Villiers for one “SLC wishes to thank Yorkshire South Africa at the Wanderers overs between tea and the close. over before tea. Cricket Club for being generous Stadium yesterday. South Africa were without Pujara was cautious at the start enough to release Farbrace for Pujara hit his sixth century in Morne Morkel for most of the of his innings, taking 127 balls to duty in Sri Lanka,” Sri Lanka only his 16th Test as India piled innings after the tall fast bowler reach his fifty but he then blos- Cricket said in a statement. up 284 for two in their second suffered a strained right ankle somed, needing only another 41 “The commencement of his innings, an overall lead of 320, while fielding. The injury is likely deliveries to reach his century. By contract will be in effect from 1st against a depleted South African to keep Morkel out of the second the close he had faced 221 balls January 2014 for a period of two bowling attack. and final Test starting in Durban and hit 18 boundaries. years,” the board added. The foundation was laid by on December 26. Kohli, who made 119 in the first There was no immediate com- Pujara and Murali Vijay (39) In Morkel’s absence, the Indian innings, was content to play a sec- ment from Farbrace, but he told during a watchful second wicket batsmen were able to blunt the ondary role and his 77 was scored website ESPNcricinfo two months stand of 70. threat of Dale Steyn and Vernon off 132 balls with eight fours. ago that he was flattered to have Pujara (135 not out) and first Philander, batting with discipline South Africa’s only successes been approached for the Sri innings century-maker Kohli (77 and leaving most deliveries out- came from Philander and Jacques Lanka coaching job. not out) shared an unbeaten third side the off stump. Kallis, who dismissed Shikhar “It’s nice to know people think wicket partnership of 191 on a South African captain Graeme Dhawan and Vijay respectively. I did a good enough job the last Philander claimed his 100th time I was there,” he said. Scoreboard Test wicket in his 19th Test when Farbrace, a former assist- he had Dhawan caught at second ant coach to the Sri Lankan India (I innings): ...... 280 5-145, 6-146, 7-226, 8-237, 9-239 slip for 15. team under Trevor Bayliss, was South Africa (I innings): Bowling: Zaheer Khan 26.3-6-88-4 (1w), Mo- He reached the 100 wicket wounded along with seven Sri G Smith lbw b Zaheer Khan ...... 68 hammed Shami 18-3-48-2, I Sharma 25-5-79-4 mark faster than any other South Lankan players in March 2009 A Petersen lbw b I Sharma ...... 21 (3nb), Ashwin 6-0-25-0 African. when a dozen gunmen opened fire H Amla b I Sharma ...... 36 India (II innings): India’s imposing second innings on their bus in Lahore, Pakistan. J Kallis lbw b I Sharma ...... 0 S Dhawan c Kallis b Philander ...... 15 came after Zaheer Khan and He left his post soon after the A de Villiers lbw b Mohammed Shami ...... 13 M Vijay c De Villiers b Kallis ...... 39 Ishant Sharma finished with four attack, in which he was struck by J Duminy c Vijay b Mohammed Shami ...... 2 C Pujara (batting) ...... 135 wickets apiece as South Africa a piece of shrapnel in his right F du Plessis c Dhoni b Zaheer Khan ...... 20 V Kohli (batting) ...... 77 were bowled out for 244, giving arm. V Philander c Ashwin b Zaheer Khan ...... 59 Extras (B5, LB5, W8) ...... 18 India a first innings lead of 36. His first assignment will be at D Steyn c R Sharma b I Sharma ...... 10 Total (2 wkts, 78 overs) ...... 284 South Africa made a confident the Asia Cup in Bangladesh in M Morkel b Zaheer Khan ...... 7 Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-93 start to the day after resuming on February. Imran Tahir (not out) ...... 0 Bowling: Steyn 21-4-64-0 (2w), Philander 18-5- 213 for six, with Philander punch- India’s batsman Cheteshwar Pujara raises his bat to celebrate his He will then coach the team Extras (LB4, NB3, W1) ...... 8 53-1 (1w), Morkel 2-1-4-0, Kallis 14-4-51-1, Im- ing two short-pitched deliveries hundred on day three of their Test match against South Africa in at the next World Twenty20, Total (75.3 overs) ...... 244 ran Tahir 11-0-55-0, De Villiers 1-0-5-0 (1w), from Ishant Sharma through the Johannesburg, yesterday. Virat Kohli (right) is also seen. which is also due to be held in Fall of wickets: 1-37, 2-130, 3-130, 4-130 (, Duminy 11-0-42-0 covers for four. AFP Bangladesh in March. AFP Chanderpaul Scoreboard Sri Lanka hold nerve to West Indies (I innings): Bowling: Boult 26-2-84-1 (w1), Southee 28- K Brathwaite c Williamson b Southee ...... 45 3-79-4, Wagner 21-4-67-1, Anderson 19-3- passes Border K Powell c Watling b Wagner ...... 26 47-3, Williamson 5-0-17-0, Sodhi 17.2-0-65-1 K Edwards c Watling b Southee ...... 6 New Zealand (I innings): on all-time M Samuels c Williamson b Anderson ...... 0 P Fulton c Sammy b Narine ...... 11 beat Pakistan, level series S Chanderpaul (not out) ...... 122 H Rutherford c & b Sammy ...... 10 Test runs list N Deonarine lbw Anderson ...... 2 K Williamson lbw Narine ...... 58 D Ramdin c Watling b Anderson ...... 107 R Taylor (batting) ...... 56 DUBAI: Sri Lanka’s late order D Sammy c Watling b Southee ...... 3 B McCullum (batting) ...... 11 batsmen held their nerve to HAMILTON, New S Narine b Boult ...... 2 Extras (B6, LB2 NB 2) ...... 10 beat Pakistan by two wickets Zealand: Veteran West V Permaul c Fulton b Southee ...... 20 Total (3 wickets; 64 overs) ...... 156 and level the series in a match Indies batsman Shivnarine T Best c Watling b Sodhi ...... 25 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-43, 3-138 in which fortunes swung from Chanderpaul was hailed Extras (LB6, B2, W1) ...... 9 To bat: B Watling, C Anderson, I Sodhi, T one side to another in Dubai “a legend” yesterday after Total: (all out wickets; 116.2 overs) .... 367 Southee, N Wagner, T Boult yesterday. overtaking Australian Allan Fall of wickets: 1-41, 2-77, 3-78, 4-82, 5-86, Bowling: Best 9-1-29-0 (1nb), Sammy 10-5-17- Set 285 to chase, Sri Lanka Border as the sixth highest 6-286, 7-296, 8-307, 9-332, 10-367 1 (1nb), Permaul 23-4-59-0, Narine 22-9-43-2 needed 16 off the last two overs all-time run scorer in Test and four off the final, as number cricket. 10 batsman Sachitra Senanayake His 122 not out in the third drove Shahid Afridi for boundary Test against New Zealand was Chanderpaul to seal a tense win for his team also his 29th century and his with two balls to spare. 17th unbeaten, putting him one ton gives West The win levelled the five-match ahead of Indian great Sachin series at 1-1 after Pakistan won Tendulkar as the batsman Indies the edge the first match by 11 runs in with the most unbeaten Test Sharjah on Wednesday. hundreds. Ahmed Shehzad smashed a Chanderpaul now has 11,199 HAMILTON, New Zealand: career best 124 off 140 balls for runs from his 153 Tests. Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s his fourth one-day century as Border scored 11,174 runs record 17th unbeaten Test cen- Pakistan posted a challenging from 156 Tests before he tury and a master-class from a 284-4 in 50 overs after being sent retired in March 1994, the patched-up spin attack gave the in to bat. same month the 39-year-old West Indies the edge over New Sri Lanka needed 44 off the Chanderpaul made his debut. Zealand as they chased a series- last six overs as Angelo Mathews As the West Indies and levelling win yesterday. (47) and Dimuth Karunaratne (16 New Zealand players saluted Chanderpaul’s 122 not out, not out) held their nerves during Chanderpaul -- Denesh overtaking Sachin Tendulkar’s a match-turning 44-run stand for Ramdin described him as “a record and putting him sixth on the eighth wicket. Sri Lanka had legend” and Kane Williamson the all-time scorers’ list, left the set themselves up nicely at 159-2 said “he’s class you can learn a tourists at 367 all out before New with Kumar Sangakkara (58) and lot from” -- Chanderpaul pre- Zealand finished day two of the Dinesh Chandimal (44) before ferred to acknowledge Border. third Test on 156-3. Mathews came into his own. “AB is a great man and Ross Taylor, seeking his third When on 29, Sangakkara com- scored a lot of runs against us century in as many Tests, was on pleted 12,000 one-day runs in his Sri Lanka’s batsman Kumar Sangakkara (right) plays a shot during their in the past and we have a lot of 56 and Brendon McCullum was on 359th match. He is the fourth second One-Day International match against Pakistan in Dubai, yesterday. fast bowlers. I’m happy to get 11 after New Zealand lost open- batsmen to score 12,000 or more up there. Those are great guys ers Hamish Rutherford and Peter runs in the one-day chart led by up there,” he said. Fulton cheaply. now retired Sachin Tendulkar of The fifth highest scorer in Taylor stood in a 95-run part- India (18,426 in 463 matches). Scoreboard Test cricket is Chanderpaul’s nership with Kane Williamson Shivnarine Chanderpaul of Sangakkara reached his 82nd PAKISTAN T Dilshan run out ...... 40 West Indies compatriot Brian (58), the second victim for Sunil the West Indies celebrates his half-century off 54 balls but eight Sharjeel Khan lbw b Malinga ...... 7 K Sangakkara b Ajmal ...... 58 Lara who amassed 11,953, Narine who was called into the century during day two of the runs later played Ajmal onto his Ahmed Shehzad lbw b Kulasekara ...... 124 D Chandimal b Junaid ...... 44 while the list is headed by the side after Shane Shillingford’s ban third Test match against New stumps. In all he hit four bounda- recently retired Tendulkar for an illegal action. Mohammad Hafeez run out ...... 32 T Perera b Junaid ...... 5 Zealand at the Seddon Park in ries and a six off 67 balls. with a colossal 15,921 from 200 The many variations in the Sohaib Maqsood c Chandimal b Prasanna ...... 18 A Mathews c Shehzad b Afridi ...... 47 Hamilton, yesterday. Sri Lanka were off to a swift Misbah-ul-Haq (not out) ...... 59 N Kulasekara st Akmal b Afridi ...... 32 matches. twin spin assault of Narine and 48-run start by Tillakaratne Shahid Afridi (not out) ...... 30 S Prasanna b Junaid ...... 6 The other players in front Veerasammy Permaul caused Dilshan (40) and Kusal Perera Extras: (LB3, NB1, W10) ...... 14 D Karunaratne (not out) ...... 16 of Chanderpaul are Australia’s multiple problems for the New with a change of game plan as a (16) before both fell run out to Total: (for four wickets; 50 overs) ...... 284 S Senanayke (not out) ...... 6 Ricky Ponting (13,378), India’s Zealand batsmen, who struggled batting unit to face a lot spin on a leave Sri Lanka 65-2. Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-84, 3-128, 4-233 Bowl- Extras: (LB9, NB2, W6) ...... 17 Rahul Dravid (13,288), and to read the turning ball. wicket that’s very much conducive With the ball hard to grip ing: Kulasekara 10-0-56-1 (6w), Malinga 10-0- Total: (for eight wkts; 49.4 overs) ...... 287 South African Jacques Kallis Williamson, playing on his to spin bowling.” for the spinners as dew fell, 78-1 (1nb, 1w), Thisara 2.4-0-19-0, Mathews Fall of wickets: 1-49, 2-65, 3-159, 4-168, (13,140). home wicket, said the spin was The quirky style of Narine Sangakkara and Chandimal 3.4-0-17-0 (2w), Prasanna 10-0-45-1 (1w), 5-173, 6-230, 7-237, 8-281 “I’m just trying to take each not expected when New Zealand was particularly troublesome, he added 94 for the third wicket. Senanayake 10-0-42-0, Karunaratne 1.4-0-11-0, Bowling: Hafeez 8-0-39-0, Tanvir 9-0-58-0 (1nb, game as it comes along and won the toss. added. Nuwan Kulasekara chipped in Dilshan 2-0-13-0 1w), Ajmal 10-0-44-1 (1w), Bhatti 7-2-39-0 (2w), trying to do as well as I can,” “Hence why we bowled first. “He’s very tough to pick. You with a 33-ball 32 with two sixes SRI LANKA Junaid 10-0-52-3, Afridi 5.4-0-46-2 (1w) Chanderpaul said after the I’ve never seen it spin like that can see it at times but he bowls and three fours to up the scoring K Perera run out ...... 16 Result: Sri Lanka won by two wickets match. AFP but that’s the card we’ve been at such a pace it’s very hard to in the final over. AFP dealt and we’ve needed to turn up adjust your shot.” AFP DECEMBER 21, 2013 Break Time www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 ON SATURDAY

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HYPER C RSO S W O RD

1234 5678910111213 4 Moola 33 Bridge 5 Gifted person? designer’s 14 15 6 Creta, e.g. concern 7 Beach house? 34 E-mail, e.g.: 16 17 Abbr. 8 Apply 35 Mountain 18 19 20 9 Quaker offering 36 “Look ___ now” 10 Keep in order? 21 22 23 24 25 37 Bill ___ Climate 11 “Mrs.” in a Paul Lab (Oakland Gallico novel 26 27 28 science exhibit) title 43 Cooler, in the 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 12 City called ’hood “Knightsbridge 38 of the North” 44 Violet relative 13 Auto 45 Like Mork Yesterday’s answer 39 suggestion? 47 Puts soft rock How to play Hyper Sudoku: on? 40 15 “Judgment at A Hyper Sudoku Puzzle is solved by filling the numbers from 1 to 9 into the blank cells. A Hyper Nuremberg” 48 Black Bears’ Sudoku has unlike Sudoku 13 regions (four regions overlap with the nine standard regions). In all Oscar nominee home regions the numbers from 1 to 9 can appear only once. Otherwise, a Hyper Sudoku is solved like 41 42 a normal Sudoku. 19 Like some 49 Lord of the 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 outboard motors ring? 24 Getting in gear 50 They get nuts How to play Kakuro: 52 53 54 55 56 The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any 26 Noted Titanic 51 Grip improver size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells 57 58 59 couple 53 Characteristic like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, 28 Nintendo’s ___ dictator some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some 60 61 cells will contain two numbers. Mansion 55 Electric flux However, in a crossword the numbers reference 29 Delivery people? symbols 62 63 clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! 30 “How now! 56 Throw for a loop They denote the total of the digits in the row or ___?”: Hamlet 58 Cyclones’ sch. column referenced by the number. ACROSS 41 Hill person: Abbr. Within each 31 Delhi cheese? collection of cells 1 B.M.O.C., typically 42 Pros in power: Abbr. 32 It may be on the - called a run - any 5 Aids in keeping up with the daily 43 Texting qualifier house of the numbers 1 grind? 46 W. Coast setting, more often than to 9 may be used but, like sudoku, 14 Biblical figure believed to be not each number may buried near Basra 48 Now, in Italy DROUGHT BED GAB only be used once. 15 Yucca named by Mormon settlers 49 “Live at the Apollo” airer WE L LNOW EDUARDO 16 Handel work featuring David Yesterday’s 52 Key name ADDUP TO E Y EWE AR answer 17 Poorly educated 54 All-day sucker? RA I L AHAB TEAMO 18 Pleasant surprise for a buyer 57 He played Casey Kelso on “That FLEA SIREE ESAU 20 Cretan peak ’70s Show” SESTO TOAD K ING Baby Blues By Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman 21 Have chops, say 59 Linchpin locale ERR URGE ECH 22 Its purpose is in sight 60 Fading out TPS FOUNDED RES 23 Papuan port 61 Sixth in a series HOP FUND SAM 25 Phishing string: Abbr. 62 “Tin Cup” co-star OLAF G I TS MASSE 26 Lee in Hollywood 63 Aforetime RAMA HOHOS T A L L 27 One of Steinbeck’s twins 29 Coiner of the phrase “global DOWN ORB I T NEWT TRO I village” 1 General Reno for whom Reno, USOTOUR HASHOUT 38 Group that might perform Nev., is named GETHOME ARRANGE 16-Across 2 1994 Emmy winner for “Dvorák in HAS LAP TROUGHS 39 Indians may participate in it Prague” ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE 40 Frequent American flier? 3 Oil vessel DECEMBER 21, 2013 ON SATURDAY 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Morning Break

PRAYER TIME Paris zoo

Fajr (Dawn) 4:53 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:15 Zuhr (Noon) 11:32 Asr (Afternoon) 2:29 Maghrib (Sunset) 4:50 Isha (Night) 6:20

WEATHER

Today Sunday Weather Monday Conditions: Clear Clear Chance of rain Slight dust to blowing dust High: 21° High: 21° High: 21° with some Low: 14° Low: 14° Low: 15° clouds and cold by night.

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA

SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND Giraffes gather at the Paris Zoological Park in the Bois de Vincennes in the east of Paris. Inaugurated in 1934, the Paris Zoo will reopen in April 2014 06:15 16:50 07:30 & 18:45 15:00 & 00:00 15-25/35 KT after being closed for four years for renovation, transforming the zoo with new quarters for animals and greater information for visitors about the animals and their environment. THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

MUSCAT 23/18 Partly cloudy 23/18 Partly cloudy KUWAIT 17/07 Clear 15/07 Clear BAHRAIN 19/09 Clear 19/08 Partly cloudy Potter stage show coming SANAA 23/06 Partly cloudy 22/06 Clear LONDON: Harry Potter London’s West End theatres — in 1997, sees the orphaned Harry Casual Vacancy”, won mixed RIYADH 19/08 Clear 18/06 Clear author JK Rowling is to co-pro- and Colin Callender. find out he has magical powers. reviews when it was published DUBAI 25/18 Partly cloudy 23/17 Chance of rain duce a British stage show about “Over the years I have received He sets off to the wizarding last year. BAGHDAD 14/03 Clear 15/04 Clear the boy wizard’s early years liv- countless approaches about turn- school Hogwarts, freeing him But in July she was unmasked ing with his cruel non-magical ing Harry Potter into a theatrical from his miserable life with as the real author of a critically THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW aunt and uncle, she announced production,” said Rowling on her his aunt and uncle, Vernon and acclaimed detective novel, “The HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER on Friday. website. Petunia Dursley, and their bully- Cuckoo’s Calling”, which she had Rowling said she would work “But Sonia and Colin’s vision ing son Dudley. published under the pen name ATHENS 13/09 Clear 14/08 Clear with the writer on the new play, was the only one that really made Rowling said she had not yet Robert Galbraith. WASHINGTON 19/15 Partly cloudy 23/14 Chance of storm charting Harry’s lonely childhood sense to me, and which had the chosen a writer or director for The new spin-off film series will SYDNEY 26/19 Partly cloudy 34/22 Partly cloudy when he was forced to sleep in sensitivity, intensity and intimacy the play. feature magical zoologist Newt a cupboard under the stairs, but I thought appropriate for bringing The author finished Harry’s Scamander, the author of Harry’s LONDON 11/06 Rain 08/03 Chance of rain would not script it herself. Harry’s story to the stage.” wizarding adventures in 2007, but textbook “Fantastic Beasts and PARIS 11/08 Cloudy 15/07 Chance of rain She will start the project early Rowling has sold more than 450 has since kept busy by writing Where To Find Them”. ISTANBUL 09/04 Clear 09/03 Partly cloudy next year, working with produc- million copies of the Harry Potter two novels for adults and start- Announced in July, it will see MANILA 32/24 Partly cloudy 31/24 Partly cloudy ers Sonia Friedman — who has books, which were also made into ing work on a new Potter spin-off Rowling make her screen-writing DHAKA 24/17 Partly cloudy 25/16 Clear brought a string of hit shows a blockbuster film series. film series. debut. DELHI 20/11 Partly cloudy 19/11 Clear to New York’s Broadway and The first Potter novel, published Her first novel for adults, “The AFP ISLAMABAD 17/06 Partly cloudy 16/03 Partly cloudy Researcher Anglicans accept cricket Small countries in Oscar shortlist builds device to LOS ANGELES: Films from made the list, taking a step Hunt starring Mads Mikkelsen transmit force Cambodia, Palestine, and closer to becoming the coun- also made the list a week after challenge from Vatican Bosnia and Herzegovina made try’s first film to score an Oscar both films picked up Golden Globe the shortlist of candidates nomination. award nominations for best for- TOKYO: A Japanese VATICAN CITY: The Church of England yesterday formally took vying for the best foreign lan- Director Hany Abu-Assad, eign language film. researcher yesterday unveiled up the Vatican’s challenge to settle scores on the cricket pitch nearly guage film Oscar nomination, whose 2005 film Paradise Now Belgian Flemish-language an invention that instantly 500 years after the two Churches split. the Academy Awards organizer earned Palestine’s only Oscar for- drama The Broken Circle and wirelessly transmits Last October, the Vatican formed the St. Peter’s Cricket Club, a said on Friday. eign-language nomination, made Breakdown, German thriller Two force between two devices, league composed of teams of priests and seminarians from Catholic The Academy of Motion Picture the list with thriller Omar. Lives and Hungarian drama The in a development that could colleges and seminaries in Rome. Arts and Sciences winnowed Bosnia and Herzegovina, which Notebook also made the shortlist. allow physical therapists to The best players will form a Vatican team, called the “Vatican down 76 foreign films to nine in won the Oscar statuette in 2002 Acclaimed Hong Kong direc- treat patients remotely. XI,” and challenged the Church of England to form its own team of the first phase of the nomination for No Man’s Land in the only tor Wong Kar Wai’s ode to Kung Kouhei Ohnishi said his Anglican priests and seminarians to play in London at Lord’s, the process. The five nominees for the instance it earned a nomina- Fu, The Grandmaster, made the “force transceiver” permits home of cricket. Oscar award will be announced on tion, made the shortlist with the list. The art house director, con- two-way communication of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the 80 million strong January 16. drama An Episode in the Life of an sidered one of the world’s top the amount of pressure being worldwide Anglican communion, accepted through his representative Cambodia’s French-language Iron Picker. filmmakers and best-known for applied and the resistance it is to the Vatican, Archbishop David Moxon. documentary The Missing Picture, Drama The Great Beauty from dramas Chungking Express and In encountering in real time. Moxon said plans were for the match to be held at Lord’s in which uses clay figurines to tell Italy, which has won a record 13 the Mood for Love, has never had If applied to a robot, for September after the Anglican side puts together a similar team of the story of the bloody reign of best foreign picture Oscars as a a film nominated for an Oscar. example, it would mean a amateurs from Lambeth Palace, the residence of the Archbishop of the Khmer Rouge government, country, and Danish drama The REUTERS skilled operator could use the Canterbury, and nearby theological schools. device to remotely carry out Father Eamonn O’Higgins, a priest who is organising the Vatican complex work in areas where side, gave Moxon the ball that will be used in the match. it was not safe for people to be Moxon took a dig at Australia, who thrashed England 3-0 to win — for example because of high back the Ashes trophy earlier this week. temperatures or radiation. “He (the Archbishop of Canterbury) also wanted me to say quite Celebrity chef “For physical therapy, the emphatically that in receiving this challenge he has actually forgiven feeling and movement of thera- the Australian cricket team,” Moxon said. Lawson’s staff pists must be transferred with- The Vatican team will be made up of seminarians and priests in Rome out any delay,” Ohnishi told from countries with a cricket tradition — India, Pakistan, Australia, cleared of fraud reports. England, Bangladesh and New Zealand. “The therapist will also Asked if a combination of sports diplomacy and inter-religious dia- LONDON: Two former assist- be able to feel how well the logue could help improve relations between the two Churches, which ants of celebrity chef Nigella patient’s limbs are moving, for split in 1534 when King Henry VIII broke with Rome, Moxon said: Lawson were acquitted of example, which is a key piece of “It will introduce a conversation piece all over the world whenever defrauding her and her art information”. Catholics and Anglicans get together,” he said. dealer ex-husband yesterday. The technology should help “I think it can only do good and increase the bonds of affection we Sisters Francesca and reduce the burden on medical have for each other.” Elisabetta Grillo were cleared of care providers while increas- The Vatican side will be coached by Brother KM Joseph, an Indian defrauding Lawson and Charles ing convenience for patients, who trained a number of future test players while they were at schools Saatchi of £685,000 ($1.12m), said Ohnishi, a system design run by his religious order in India. having argued in court there engineering professor at Keio The Vatican team will wear the official colours of the tiny city-state had been an understanding they University. — yellow and white — and their jackets will have the seal of the papacy, could spend at will on credit The technology could also two crossed keys. cards if they kept quiet about amplify or diminish the force By all accounts Pope Francis is not much of a cricket man. He still the chef’s drug taking. Elisabetta Grillo is escorted out of Isleworth Crown Court in west London being applied, the professor supports the San Lorenzo football club of his native Buenos Aires, Lawson, 53, said she was “disap- yesterday. said. who came to Rome this week to give him the league trophy they won pointed but unsurprised” by the “We could apply this tech- last Sunday. acquittal and said she was “mali- nology to do construction “But I think this is something that goes in line with one of the objec- ciously vilified” in the trial that photographed clasping his wife’s towards the end of her 10-year work that could not be done by tives of Pope Francis, which is to reach out and not stay within our had provided a stage for a sus- throat at a restaurant in London’s marriage to Saatchi and had humans,” he said. own security zone,” said O’Higgins. tained campaign to destroy her Mayfair. taken cocaine several times, but The system uses high-speed The idea for a Catholic cricket club was the brainchild of John reputation. “My clients are naturally not regularly. wireless communication many McCarthy, Australia’s ambassador to the “Over the three week trial, the relieved at the verdict of the The Italian sisters alleged that times faster than the presently- Vatican. He wanted to see something similar jury was faced with a ridiculous jury,” the Grillos’ lawyer Richard Lawson used cocaine, cannabis available wifi used for domes- to the Clericus Cup, a soccer tournament sideshow of false allegations about Cannon said outside court. “This and prescription pills daily for tic Internet connections, along among the religious colleges and seminar- drug use which made focus on the has been a long, hard fight, played over a decade. with high-speed computing ies of Rome. actual criminal trial impossible,” out in the gaze of the world’s London’s Metropolitan police capacity. When a reporter suggested that, given the Lawson said in a statement issued media.” said yesterday they would Ohnishi said the device could historical baggage both Churches are carry- by her publicist. A well-known TV star and not investigate allegations of in the future be used to pre- ing, the umpire should perhaps be a Muslim, The trial produced sensational author in Britain and the United Lawson’s drug use but would re- serve the techniques of skilled a Jew or even a atheist, Moxon laughed and accounts of the high society States, Lawson told London’s assess their decision if new evi- craftsmen. said: “As long as he is fair.” marriage which fell apart ear- Isleworth Crown Court she dence came to light. AFP REUTERS lier this year after Saatchi was smoked cannabis occasionally REUTERS