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MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 • 18 Rajab 1437 • Volume 21 • Number 6777 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Ministry recalls Kahramaa to send IKEA Lattjo Bat cape consumption data QNA to customers DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collabora- tion with Hamad and Mohamed Al Futtaim Company-IKEA, has by sending monthly consumption data announced the recall of IKEA to Qatari and expatriate customers children’s costume, the Lattjo Bat Prime Minister through text messages. cape, over the risk of strangulation attends fourth The initiative was announced at or injuries to the neck. Tarsheed anniversary the fourth anniversary of the ongoing IKEA has urged customers National Programme for Conserva- who have the cape to immedi- where new tion and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed) ately remove it and bring it to the awareness initiative at the Doha Sheraton. The event was compaany’s store for a full refund. attended by Prime Minister and Inte- The ministry said the recall is on consumption of rior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin part of its efforts to protect con- water and electricity Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minis- sumers and ensure suppliers follow ter of Energy and Industry H E Dr up on defects and recall defective launched. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada and items. The ministry said it will coor- several other dignitaries. dinate with the supplier to ensure Addressing the ceremony, Kah- Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani presenting a trophy the recall and communicate with By Sanaullah Ataullah ramaa President Eng Essa bin Hilal to Eng Abdullah Hassan Al Mehshadi, CEO, Msheireb Properties, during the fourth annual celebration of customers to ensure necessary pro- The Peninsula Al Kuwari said: “Today we are National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed), at Sheraton Doha, yesterday. cedures have been taken. It urged announcing the launch of a new customers to report any violations initiative to raise awareness among to its Consumer Protection and DOHA: Qatar General Electricity and citizens and expatriates by directly and real estate property.” The Prime “Tarsheed has achieved positive support this programme collectively Anti-Commercial Fraud Depart- Water Corporation (Kahramaa) yester- contacting them to inform about Minister in his speech lauded the results by reducing per capita elec- for the achievement of the targeted ment through the call centre: 16001; day launched a new initiative to raise their monthly consumption (of water role of Tarsheed in reducing con- tricity and water consumption by 14 goals”, said the Prime Minister. email: [email protected]; Twitter: @ public awareness about rationalisation and electricity) and the suitable con- sumption of electricity and water percent and 17 percent, respectively, MEC_Qatar; Instagram: MEC_Qatar; of water and electricity consumption sumption limits for each building in the country in a remarkable way. and this motivates us to continue to → Continued on page 6 and the ministry’s mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar Al Meera offers 1,437 items at cost price until Ramadan-end Syria safe zone not practical: Obama

The Peninsula for the forthcoming holy month of with its local suppliers, is preparing to of “Tamween” (subsidised items) for during the holy month of Ramadan. LONDON: US President Barack Ramadan. provide offers on a larger number of Qatari citizens at 31 branches of the And this year, we wanted the offer to Obama has said the issue of cre- The offer, to be available in a few consumer products — around 850 items company across the country. have a different taste, as we are pleased ating a safe zone inside Syria was days will continue until the end of the — in addition to approximately 300 Dr Mohammed Nasser Al Qahtani, to allocate 1437 products at cost price, not an “ideological” matter but an DOHA: Al Meera Consumer Goods holy month at all Al Meera branches deals on household and kitchenware Deputy Chief Executive Officer of in honor of the year 1437 AH.” issue of “practicality”. Company is offering 1,437 items at across the country, the company said items. The company is also work- Al Meera said: “We are keen to pro- cost price as part of its special offers yesterday. Al Meera, in coordination ing to provide adequate quantities vide the consumer with the best offers → Continued on page 6 → See also page 9

HOME MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 03 More efficient polio vaccine soon

‘Closing the immunisation gap’. This Bivalent OPV is the second year with a similar aim with six goals and among that we (bOPV) meets WHO have achieved a lot. We managed to requirements and eradicate Poliomyelitis – polio, we had the last case of polio in 1990,” targets the wild polio said Dr Al Rumaihi. “We have also strains types 1 and 3. eradicated tetanus. The only remain- ing disease is measles, we have a few cases and are planning to conduct a national immunisation campaign in By Fazeena Saleem October for children from one to 13 The Peninsula years,” he added. The ministry also has a vacci- nation campaign for the high-risk FROM LEFT: Dr Khalid Alyafei, Emergency Physician and Programme group of elderly, healthcare workers Some of the participants at the event. DOHA: The Ministry of Public Health Director, Paediatric Emergency, HMC; Dr Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi, Director, and people with chronic diseases and will introduce a more efficient version Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control Department, people travelling to countries with a of the Poliomyelitis — polio vaccine — Ministry of Public Health; and Dr Samya Ahmed Al Abdulla, Regional risk of certain communicable dis- from Saturday to meet World Health Director, PHCC, at the press conference yesterday. eases are also given vaccinations. QC campaign highlights Organisation’s (WHO) requirements, Pic: Abdul B / The Peninsula Around 500,000 vaccines are officials said yesterday. given to people a year across all Between April 17 and May 1, some health centres, according to Dr Samya 155 countries around the world will critical component of the Polio Erad- the switch to make the transition Ahmed Al Abdulla, Regional Direc- Al Aqsa Mosque and stop using the trivalent oral polio vac- ication and Endgame Strategic Plan smooth,” he added. World Immuni- tor, Primary Health Care Corporation cine (tOPV), which targets all three 2013-2018 under WHO. “Regarding sation Week 2016 being held between (PHCC). We know that probably Qatar strains of wild poliovirus and replace Poliomyelitis — polio, Qatar is com- April 24 and 30 is focusing on ‘Closing is one of the best in vaccines cover- its Islamic heritage it with bivalent OPV (bOPV), which mitted to all WHO recommendations; the immunisation gap — Immunisa- age and average vaccination is almost targets the remaining two wild polio we will switch plan from oral switch tion for all throughout life.’ 95 percent. At Well Baby Clinic, we strains, types 1 and 3. from trivalent OPV to bivalent OPV, During the week, a renewed receive almost 50 babies every day Qatar has been polio-free for 26 vaccine on April 30,” said Dr Hamad global, regional and national level between the age of one month and The Peninsula under the theme ‘For the Destination years since 1990. The vaccine tran- Eid Al Rumaihi, Director, Health Pro- effort is taken to accelerate action five years. of All Prophets’. sition, referred to as the global Oral tection and Communicable Disease to increase awareness and demand “We also have other vaccinations Palestinian Land Day is cele- Polio Vaccine (OPV) ‘switch,’ is possi- Control Department at the ministry. for immunisation by communities, for high-risk population; we have brated in Palestine on March 30 ble because the type 2 wild poliovirus “Staff at all health centres and improve vaccination delivery adolescent vaccinations and travel DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) for Com- every year, since 1976 when the has been eradicated. The switch is a are trained and educated about services. “The theme for this year is vaccines,” she added. munity Development Centre held occupation authorities confiscated a campaign entitled ‘Al Aqsa: The thousands of donums of Palestinian Heart of the World’ to introduce the property in areas where Palestini- history of Al Aqsa Mosque and its ans were a majority. Islamic heritage. About the campaign and work- Qatar elected chair of UN population session About 85 women participated in shops, Abu Watfa said, “Such lectures the campaign. and workshops are important for The centre’s administration educating the Muslim generations. QNA the a high-level delegation from the Salem Al Nabit as saying that Qatar evidence base as part of implementing organised educational lectures They can offer proof and evidence Ministry of Development Planning and attaches great importance to the pop- recommendations of the international for different groups of he society, from history to show that Al Aqsa Statistics. ulation issue and its relationship to the conference on population and develop- especially the Asian and foreign Mosque is the Land of Muslims.” The ministry took part in the ses- development process. He referred to ment held in Cairo in 1994, he said. The communities, which are not well- Some women expressed happi- DOHA: Qatar has been elected Chair sion which dealt with the issue of efforts being exerted to launch youth ministry has orientations to modern- informed about the mosque, its ness for attending the lecture and of the 50th session of the United strengthening the population base capacities and investment in human ise the statistical system to support the religious importance and great hoped more educational lectures Nations Commission on Population for 2030 Sustainable Development development, which constitute one 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda history. would be held in the future. and Development to represent the Agenda, as a major theme for dis- of the most pillars of Qatar National in collaboration with its partners and The first lecture was delivered They also stressed the impor- Asian Group. cussion and debate, according to a Vision 2030. stakeholders, enhance data collec- by Maha Abu Watfa, entitled ‘Bless- tance of choosing topics that meet Qatar was elected at the conclusion statement issued by the ministry yes- Qatar has achieved many goals tion systems to meet its international ings of a Land’. the interests and issues of the Islamic of the 49th Commission on Population terday. The statement quoted Minister in the UN Secretary General’s report obligations and achieve the integra- Coinciding with Palestinian Land and Arab nation and raise awareness and Development at UN headquarters of Development Planning and Sta- about the innovative programmes and tion of population issues in the second Day, the campaign was inaugurated about the most important incidents. in New York, with the participation of tistics H E Dr Saleh bin Mohammed innovations to enhance population’s national development strategy. 04 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 HOME

Qatar to mark QRCS covers treatment of 913 Palestinians World Intellectual Property Day total cost of $328,330 under the fund, coordinating with PRCS and the hos- which was established in 1976 as a pital in implementation, preparation The medical project, non-profit charity seeking to serve of documents and tender procedures The Peninsula & QNA in collaboration needy families, orphans, injured and awarding. with Poor Patients people, those with disabilities and Upon the delivery of the device, students by providing medical serv- all its components will be tested for Fund, helped poor ices lacked in Hebron and other West functionality before actual operation. DOHA: The Ministry of Economy Palestinians in the Bank governorates. The department is one of the bus- and Economy will hold a two- QRCS also procured a lithotripter iest in the West Bank. day ceremony entitled ‘Creativity West Bank at a cost of for the Urological & Kidney Depart- It has a relatively old lithotripter Beyond Borders’ from tomorrow to $328,330 last year. ment of the hospital. The device donated by QRCS, but it is overused mark World Intellectual Property cost $460,000, co-funded by QRCS, due to the huge number of kidney and Day, which aims at enhancing the Kuwait’s Arab Fund for Economic and ureter patients in Hebron, compared protection of intellectual property Social Development and the hospital. to other areas. rights and promoting its adoption The Peninsula The project helps support a vital So far, the device has treated on a large scale. department of the hospital by secur- 2,880 patients. Knowing that lithot- Celebrations will feature a ing advanced services, saving a lot of ripsy can be repeated one to three seminar tomorrow at the Marriott effort and time for doctors, avoiding times for the same case, the actual Marquis Hotel with the participa- DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent Soci- the need for costly and complicated number of lithotripsies may be triple tion of Qatar Scientific Club, Qatar ety (QRCS) is conducting a medical traditional surgeries and reduc- the number of patients. University, Qatar Foundation for project for poor patients in Palestine, ing the rates of travelling abroad for Established in 1976, the hospital Education, Science and Commu- in cooperation with the Poor Patients treatment. is the largest medical facility in the nity Development, innovators, Fund, the Palestinian Red Crescent Various segments of society are West Bank. The lithotripter is procured by Qatar Red Crescent Society for Urological experts and those interested in the Society (PRCS) and Al Ahli Hospital, targeted, especially those in need It is a non-governmental non- & Kidney Department at Al Ahli Hospital, in cooperation with Kuwait’s field of intellectual property rights. Hebron in the West Bank to improve of such a critical treatment. Every profit organisation which aims at Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and the hospital. The ministry will also organise healthcare services in Hebron and year, the department receives 1,850 enhancing medical services in Hebron a two-day exhibition at Landmark Palestine at large. patients and performs 550 kidney and beyond. Mall to familiarise the public with Last year, QRCS provided treat- stone surgeries. The hospital has 200 beds attain the full capacity of 304 beds. administrative personnel and receives various aspects of intellectual ment for 913 poor Palestinians, at a QRCS office in the West Bank is with expansions are in progress to It has 540 medical, assistant and more than 150,000 patients a year. property rights. It has invited the public to attend the exhibition and the celebrations to increase their knowledge about the importance Workers gain basic of intellectual property rights. The annual day has been cel- ebrated since 2000 to spread awareness about the concept of language skills at intellectual property rights pro- tection among copyright holders and those interested in innovative, artistic or literary areas of intellec- ROTA programme tual property rights, encouraging and enabling them to protect their inventions. The Peninsula ROTA, highlighted the importance of unlocking human potential to develop cohesive communities built on solid Ministry in deal foundations, such initiatives which DOHA: Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) put significant importance on the with LinkedIn recently held its adult literacy pro- development of society. gramme at Hamad Bin Khalifa She said the adult literacy pro- DOHA: The Ministry of Economy University Student Centre in Educa- gramme has proven to be an effective and Commerce yesterday signed tion City. The programme aimed at way to support low-income workers. a strategic partnership agreement helping participants improve their It enables them to better communi- with LinkedIn, the largest profes- language skills as a means of enhanc- cate within their communities, while sional network in the world, to ing their ability to achieve personal equipping them with new teaching strengthen its position as a leader goals, improve life opportunities and skills. It also an opportunity for volun- in attracting qualified profes- develop communication skills. teers to give back to the community. sionals in Qatar, supporting its More than 290 volunteers helped Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, a ROTA vol- efforts to communicate with the Participants at Reach Out To Asia’s (ROTA) adult literacy programme. low-income workers acquire basic unteer and student at Carnegie Mellon ministry’s staff and enhancing its English and Arabic language skills, University Qatar, said the experience corporate identity. which will assist them to better com- gained during the programme was Douglas Njihia, a participant, said, my social life.” Certificates of appre- programme. RAEL was introduced Under the agreement, the min- municate in their daily lives and help beneficial. “I learned a great deal “I was happy to enrol in this beneficial ciation were awarded to trainers and in 2009. It was created primarily to istry will benefit from specialised achieve their goals. about how education facilitates suc- programme, which provided me with trainees in recognition of their con- develop English literacy and language workshops to be provided by Rasmeya Hassan Al Jamali, Com- cess and improves human lives while, basic language skills. It has had a pos- tributions to the 2015-2016 edition of capabilities of low-income workers in LinkedIn for its employees and munity Development Specialist, conversely, I realised the personal itive impact on my life, enabling me ROTA’s Adult English Literacy (RAEL) the country. The Arabic version was affiliates and solutions offered by National Programmes Department, importance of giving back,” he said. to communicate better at work and in and Adult Arabic Literacy (RAAL) launched in 2013. LinkedIn in attracting qualified staff in all sectors and helping employees create and develop professional pages on the Linke- Over 10 tonnes of local fresh species sold dIn website. Tariq Abdul Aziz Al Sada, during Fish Festival at Al Mazrouah Yard Director, Public Relations and Communications at the ministry, said the agreement will provide an opportunity for the ministry The Peninsula to gain access to the best profes- sional competencies, refine skills of their employees and introduce them to the importance of voca- DOHA: More than 10 tonnes of tional development and career fresh fish from Qatari waters planning. were offered for sale during a Rajai Al Khadeem, Head of three-day Fish Festival which Public Sector, LinkedIn MENA, has concluded at Al Mazrouah hoped the deal would contribute Yard in Umm Salal. to supporting the ministry’s devel- The festival aimed at pro- opment plans at the professional moting local fish and was level and provide its employees organised by the Fish Resources with the opportunity to join the Department at the Ministry of network site and communicate Municipality and Environment. with each other through it, which The catch was offered represents an added value for One of the stalls during the festival. at attractive prices ranging LinkedIn services between QR7 to QR36 for popu- The deal also opens up new lar varieties. Al Shaari was sold Qatar’s annual fish pro- The peak fish production prospects for individuals to share at QR7-QR8, Hamour QR20- duction is between 12,000 and period is April-May. The festival their experiences in Arabic with QR30 and Al Kanad (kingfish) 14,000 tonnes which meets some was first of its kind and simi- their counterparts in all countries QR30-QR36), and up to 50 per- 80 percent of local demand, lar events are expected at other of the world, communicate with cent discounts were offered on and the remaining 20 percent winter vegetable markets in Al professionals in the world in gen- some species. demand is met through imports. Khor-Thakira and Al Wakrah. eral and the region in particular. Nojoom members can buy points directly

The Peninsula The new service has been opportunity to purchase points to should scratch the back of the designed as the company push to top up their accounts or gift to voucher card to reveal the code offer the most accessible top-up loved ones.” and send it via SMS to ‘127’. Points options for Nojoom members. Currently members can earn will be instantly credited to a DOHA: Ooredoo has announced Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, points by using any Ooredoo serv- member’s account. that members of its multi-award Director Community & Public ice, using a QNB Nojoom credit Every Ooredoo customer with winning loyalty programme Relations, Ooredoo, said: “Nojoom card, convert their banking points a Qatar ID can enrol into Nojoom Nojoom will now be able to buy has become part of daily life for to Nojoom, or spending at any of and redemptions can be made Nojoom Points on the go in the our members as they use points Nojoom’s 20 earn partners. following Nojoom’s redemption form of scratch cards. for purchases across Qatar. We are Using the scratch cards, mem- channels by logging into their The card is a new initiative for seeing a growing trend in mem- bers will be able to instantly top up account at www.ooredoo.qa/ the programme, and members will bers using our earning partners their Nojoom balance to redeem nojoom or by downloading the be able to purchase 1,000 points and, thanks to the new cards, we for higher rewards, or gift to their Ooredoo App. For details about directly at all Starlink and Jumbo are further enhancing our mem- loved ones to enjoy. Nojoom Scratch Cards from Oore- Electronic locations for QR70. ber experience by giving them the To top up points, members doo visit www.ooredoo.qa/nojoom. HOME MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 05 ISESCO Chair in Alliance of Civilisations set up at QU

Experts taking part in a panel discussion on ‘The Role of Libraries in Unleashing Potential’ at the opening of the 48th Metropolitan Libraries (MetLib) Conference at Qatar National Convention Centre yesterday. Qatar University (QU) and the Innovation tops meet agenda Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation sign By Raynald C Rivera The forum, she said, “presents an Koolhaas, who designed QNL’s iconic The Peninsula opportunity for the region’s informa- building, cited QNL as a departure deal to set up ISESCO tion service industry and its progress from the traditional concept of a Chair at College of towards nurturing innovation and library where books are stored in creativity. It serves as a platform for shelves to a contemporary one as an Shariah and Islamic DOHA: Promoting innovation in public and metropolitan libraries amphitheatre of knowledge, from a Studies. Qatar University President Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham (right) and library services and enhancing from around the world to exchange university to a national library for the ISESCO Director-General and FUIW Secretary-General Dr Abdulaziz community learning were among ideas, share knowledge and address whole society. Othman Altwaijri signing the agreement. the subjects stressed at the opening key challenges facing the industry.” Koolhaas was speaking at a of the 48th Metropolitan Librar- Engineer Saadi Al Said, Direc- panel discussion on the role of The Peninsula ies (MetLib) Conference yesterday tor, Administration and Planningat, libraries in unleashing potential. It World (FUIW). Both institutions will Unesco director-general’s post; CSIS at Qatar National Convention Cen- QNL, said: “QNL hosting MetLib 2016 also featured Dr Hend Al Muftah, collaborate on developing studies and Dean Dr Yousuf Mahmoud Al Sid- tre (QNCC). Qatar is an indication of Qatar and Vice-President, Administration and databases in areas of the alliance of diqi and other officials from both Hosted by Qatar National Library the wider region’s desire and ability Finance, Doha Institute for Graduate DOHA: Qatar University (QU) and civilizations specialisation; provide organisations. (QNL), the forum being held in the to become a key contributor to the Studies, and Chairperson, Establish- the Islamic Educational, Scientific scholarships for graduate students Dr Al Derham said, “The estab- Middle East and North Africa region global information services industry. ment Committee for the Library and and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) involved in research activities, and lishment of the Chair aligns with for the first time, highlights the evolv- MetLib 2016 Qatar is aligned with the Information Association of Qatar; established an ISESCO Chair in Alli- awards of appreciation for distin- QU’s efforts to fulfil the goals of ing function and the important role of country’s commitment to develop a Dr Siobhan Reardon, President and ance of Civilisations at QU College of guished research projects. Qatar National Vision 2030 and the the library and the information serv- state-of-the-art library sector that Director, Free Library of Philadel- Shariah and Islamic Studies (CSIS). They will also cooperate in joint country’s plan for the Alliance of ices sector. offers innovative services to the local phia; Dr Theo Kemperman, Director An agreement was signed yes- seminars, workshops, conferences Civilisations 2014-2016, and serves “The library and information population.” and Board Chair, Rotterdam Public terday, under which QU will provide and training sessions on dialogue to implement a course on Alliance of services industry is undergoing tre- Corrado Di Tillo, Standing Com- Library, the Netherlands; and Di Tillo. administrative, financial and techni- among different cultures and religions Civilisations in QU academic curric- mendous change, and with change mittee Chair, Metropolitan Libraries They shared innovative programmes cal support and facilities and services and related issues. The agreement ulum.” Dr Altwaijri said, “The Chair comes opportunities. Libraries should Section, International Federation of and best practices of libraries in their for implementation of programmes. was signed by QU President Dr Has- which will contribute to shaping the start providing professional develop- Library Associations (IFLA), praised countries to promote community ISESCO will fund the Chair’s san Rashid Al Derham and ISESCO future generation of graduates who ment opportunities for their staff to QNL for demonstrating “an excep- engagement and learning in vari- annual activities, develop executive Director-General and FUIW Secre- are equipped with the mindset and fully unlock their potential towards tional delivery of information ous sectors of society. The five-day plans and specialised programmes tary-General Dr Abdulaziz Othman tools to advance interfaith dialogue, better serving and developing their services” and said “it is on its way to event also provides delegates tours and engage research and scientific Altwaijri. Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al build a closer alliance between cul- communities,” Dr Claudia Lux, Project becoming a knowledge hub in Qatar to local libraries and institutions to organisations such as the Federa- Kawari, Cultural Adviser at the Emiri tures and civilisations and address all Director, QNL, said as she opened the and the region”. learn more about the progress Qatar’s tion of the Universities of the Islamic Diwan and Qatar’s candidate for the aspects of extremism.” conference. World-renowned architect Rem information services sector has made. Katara to host seventh session of Qatar Strategy Execution Community tomorrow

The Peninsula ‘Strategy Execution in a Time of Constraints’ strategy implementation to ensure opportuni- field pertinent to their business environment. of workshops for institutions and agencies will discuss response to business challenges ties are captured, and data analytics to support Katara General Manager Dr Khalid operating in the field of strategy execution in implementation of strategic plans in light informed decisions. bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said Cultural Village in the country. DOHA: Katara, in collaboration with its stra- of the current situation. QSEC is creating an important opportunity Foundation-Katara, in collaboration with the QSEC was founded in 2012 under the tegic partner Palladium Group, will host the Palladium Global Practice will present its to bring together senior officials, executives Group, is keen to continue organising the event patronage of Dr Robert Kaplan and Dr David seventh session of the Qatar Strategy Execu- methodology and experience in using innova- and professionals of strategy and perform- regularly to expand successful experiences to Norton, recognised worldwide for their con- tion Community (QSEC) tomorrow. The session tion in a systematic and integrated way with ance to discuss and adopt best practices in the learn, practice and support the establishment tribution to strategy management. 06 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 HOME Made-in-Pakistan fair in November Qatar donates $10m urgent aid to Iraq Minister approves the Qatar-Pakistan QNA deteriorating humanitarian situa- Business Forum plan tion in Iraq. to host exhibition The statement said an agreement was signed yesterday between Qatar during a visit to Doha. DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Development Fund (QDF) and Qatar Hamad Al Thani has instructed the Red Crescent Society (QRCS) to carry provision of $10m for the brotherly out emergency relief for the bene- Iraqi people due to the circum- fit of the people of the besieged City By Sanaullah Ataullah stances experienced by them and of Fallujah, in coordination with The Peninsula the blockade many Iraqi cities are international organisations and UN suffering. agencies. In a statement yesterday, the The Qatari assistance to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry stressed that the people includes food, healthcare and DOHA: Qatar-Pakistan Business humanitarian assistance stems other sectors. Forum (QPBF) plans to hold a big from Qatar’s keenness to stand ORCS has since started draw- exhibition in November to promote with the Iraqi people and alleviate ing up an urgent intervention plan Pakistani products in Qatar. their suffering and in completion of to execute relief projects covering Products, including food, textiles the role being played in the emer- various areas of Anbar province in (cloths and garments), leather wear gency response to cope with the the country. and furniture, among others, will be showcased in the Made-in-Pakistan trade fair. The proposal was made in a meeting of QBPF representatives with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Com- Umrah vaccinations urged merce Khurram Dastgir Khan who Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan addressing a community gathering at was in Doha on a visit. Sapphire Plaza Hotel in Frij Bin Mahmoud. Pic: Abdul B / The Peninsula The Peninsula The vaccines are available at The minister was on a private all health centres. visit at the invitation of local firm Dr Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi, Dania Group. “The proposal has been other local authorities and those in The banquette was attended by thanks to Qatar-Pakistan energy deal. Director, Health Protection & approved initially by the minister,” Pakistan,” he added. Pakistan embassy officials, commu- The deal enabled Pakistan to DOHA: The Ministry of Pub- Communicable Disease Con- said Shahzad Ahmad Mughal, CEO “It was agreed to hold the exhi- nity representatives, businessmen establish a gas terminal to meet the lic Health has asked all pilgrims trol Department at the ministry, and Partner of the group. bition in November but the date and and other dignitaries. Addressing the needs of the local market, he added. going for Umrah to take the said yesterday that vaccinations “The minister has appreciated the venue are yet to be finalised,” Mughal gathering, Khan said that Pakistan Without a terminal it was impos- required vaccines before the for Umrah are the same as used move and gave a go-ahead. Legal pro- told The Peninsula on the sidelines of will have enough gas and electric- sible to cover gas requirements of the travel. for Haj. cedures are to be completed such as a banquette hosted by the Group in ity to overcome outages and energy industrial and domestic sectors, Khan approvals from Qatar Chamber and the minister’s honour. shortages within next two years, added.

Qatar takes part in ‘Expo 2016 Antalya’ Al Meera to back Ramadan projects of charities

Continued from page 1 The Peninsula Al Khayarin Group Contracting and Trading and Al Muftah Contracting Company to build Al Meera said it will support Ramadan six new stores with a total contract value of projects and programmes carried out by over QR238.73m. DOHA: Qatar is taking part in associations and charitable organisations Al Muftah Contracting Company will han- ‘Expo 2016 Antalya’ in the city of in the country, such as Eid Charity, Qatar dle executive works at Al Meera branches in Antalya, southwest of Turkey. Charity, and Qatar Red Crescent, according Rawdat Aba El Heran, Azghawa, Leabaib and Qatar’s pavilion ‘Qatar Desert to available resources. Umm Qarn. Al Khayarin Group Contracting Rose’ is designed to simulate Al Meera will coordinate with the Min- and Trading will work on establishing two Qatari environment represented istry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs for new Al Meera stores in Al Khor and Saileya, by sand dunes. distribution of water and paper tissues dur- on a land area of 15,000sqm each. The exhibition is being held ing ‘Tarawih’ Prayers at major mosques in Al Meera has also signed a memorandum on an area of about 1,100sqm. The the country during the holy month. of understanding for operation and manage- Qatari pavilion is about 650sqm. Within days, it will announce Ramadan ment of two shopping centres, in Fox Hills The main hall includes her- campaigns and special offers, with its part- North and North Residential Villas districts itage corner displaying Qatari ners such as Ooredoo and Qatar National in Lusail City. traditional crafts, and a hall for Bank (QNB). Its expansion plans also include the open- children’s activities. The company said it is working on ing of new branches at Qatar Foundation. Expo 2016 Antalya is one of completion of its plan to establish 14 new Negotiations are under way to sign contracts the most important economic and branches in various regions of the country, for the operation of two spaces at student tourist events in the world. in addition to five shopping centres in North housings (around 80sqm each), and a space This year’s theme of the expo Sailiya (Al Miarad), Leabaib 2, Al Wakrah at Students Centre in Education City (about is ‘Flowers and Children’ and is (West), Umm Salal Ali, and Bu Sidra, which 150sqm). The company is also negotiating expected to continue for 191 days. are expected to be opened in the next three with Doha Institute For Graduate Studies to The expo is open daily from 10am months. operate a supermarket to serve the institute’s One of the branches of Al Meera Consumer Goods Company. to 2am. The company has signed contracts with students. Energy ‘conservation responsibility of all people’

Continued from page 1 National Vision 2030. in competitions organized by its Grand Hyatt Doha won the Qatar being a country with Conservation and Energy Effi- Green Hospitality competition The Premier called on citizens one of the highest consump- ciency department. held in partnership with Amlak and expatriates to cooperate in tion of water and electricity, The Ministry of Endowments International. Winners in the rationalisation of electricity and there is a pressing need for rais- and Islamic Affairs was selected Best renewable energy initiative water consumption. “Energy con- ing awareness and education on as the best government entity in competition were: Organisations servation is a religious, national rationalisation, he added. applying conservation and effi- category (First place): Qatar Foun- and moral responsibility of all The fourth anniversary cele- ciency standards. dation’s Project of producing 500 people in this country. There is no bration was held under the theme The best conserving buildings MW of solar energy at Education alternative to preserving natural ‘Tomorrow starts Today’ in part- were: Students’ Residential build- City; (second place): Iberdrola resources for us and for the com- nership with Aamal and Doha ing of Qatar Foundation-Hamad Company – Initiative for Green ing generations,” he said. Cables. Senior officials from gov- Bin Khalifa University (govern- Schools; and Green Gulf Com- Awareness drives will be held ernment and private sectors, mental sector); Qatar Academy pany; (People category): Farm of to educate citizens and expatriates environment champions, school- School of Msheireb Properties Khalid Al Mutawaa; and Engineer to play active roles to make Tar- children and others were present. (companies); Al Gassar Residen- Ahmed Ghareeb Al Malki. Sara sheed a success, he added. Tarsheed has made saving of tial compound of Alfardan Group Abdulla Al Mutawwa, HBKU, won Dr Al Sada said the ministry about QR800m until 2015, reduc- (residential sector); Qatar Shell the Apps Champ Competition. All has adopted planning and contin- ing carbon dioxide emissions and (commercial sector), the Minis- sectors and entities which contrib- uous management of resources to consumption of gases. try of Culture and Sports-Al Ahli uted to implementation of projects meet the expectations of the devel- Kahramaa felicitated the win- Sports Club (sports sector), and run under Tarsheed were also opment plan envisaged in Qatar ners (individuals and corporates) Crown Plaza Doha (tourism sector). felicitated. Crowne Plaza appoints General Manager

The Peninsula general manager for Crowne Plaza Marcus joined the InterConti- Abu Dhabi, Marcus led the team nental Hotels Group (IHG) in 2011 in the hotel growth in all sectors, as executive assistant manager putting the Crowne Plaza Abu handling the rooms division at DOHA: Marcus Sutton (pictured) Dhabi at the forefront of the coun- the Crowne Plaza, InterContinental has been appointed as General try’s hospitality industry. and InterContinental Residences Manager of the 378-room Crowne Prior to that, he was hotels Suites Dubai Festival City. Plaza Doha – The Business Park manager for Crowne Plaza Dubai Originally from Australia, Mar- effective this month. Festival City and InterContinental cus went to Macquarie University He brings with him a close to 17 Dubai Festival City. and the International College of years of experience in the hospi- During his stint, both hotels Management in Sydney, Australia, children and enjoys outdoor sports, tality industry working in London, were ranked No. 1 for their brands and Institut Hotelier Cesar Ritz in including kite surfing, running Abu Dhabi, Jordan and Dubai. in the IMEA region for overall guest Le Bouveret, Switzerland. and competitive stand-up paddle In his most recent role as the experience. He is married with two boarding and travelling.

08 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 MIDDLE EAST

Military freezes civilians’ return Prospects for peace ‘dim’ in Yemen to Ramadi over mine deaths Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi as Yemen’s legitimate president and calls on the Houthis still refused Houthis to hand over cities they cap- Reuters to hand over tured and lay down their arms. Earlier rounds of UN-backed weapons seized peace talks in June and Decem- earlier from the ber of last year failed to resolve the BAGHDAD: Iraq’s military called government. conflict, in which more than 6,400 for civilians displaced from Ram- people — half of them civilians — adi to stop returning home after have been killed. dozens of them were killed by Yemen has been racked by vio- Islamic State (IS) mines planted Anatolia lence since September of 2014, when in the western city’s streets and the Houthis and allied forces loyal buildings, officials said yesterday. to former President Ali Abdullah Tens of thousands of residents Saleh overran capital Sana’a and have moved back to the Anbar pro- SANA’A: There is little hope for find- other parts of the country, forcing vincial capital in the past two ing a political solution to Yemen’s Hadi and his government to tempo- months, mostly from camps east of ongoing conflict at UN-brokered rarily flee to Riyadh. the city where they took refuge prior talks in Kuwait at which representa- In March of last year, Saudi Ara- to the army’s advance late last year. tives of both the Yemeni government bia and its Arab allies — which accuse A shortage of experts trained and the Shia Houthi group are tak- the Houthis of serving as proxies for in dismantling explosives has ing part, say analysts. Shia Iran — launched a massive air slowed efforts to restore security in Talks entered a fourth day yes- campaign in Yemen aimed at revers- Ramadi, but that has not stopped terday with government and Houthi ing Houthi military gains and restoring people from responding to calls rebel delegations still far from Hadi’s pro-Saudi government. Since from local religious and govern- People inspect damage at a site hit by air strikes in the Al Qaeda-held port of Mukalla city in southern reaching an agreement to end 13 then, pro-Hadi forces — backed by a ment leaders to go back home. months of war. Saudi-led military coalition — have Yemen, yesterday. A spokesman for the Anbar gov- The delegations resumed “talks managed to retake large swathes ernor’s office, which is overseeing and started the plenary session,” of territory from the Houthis in the much of the effort to restore Ramadi, Charbel Raji, spokesman for the UN country’s south. confirmed the military had issued envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, So far, however, they have been the directive because “they felt the said without providing further unable to dislodge Houthi militants Yemeni and UAE troops retake need to stop the return to ensure that details. Sources close to the talks from capital Sana’a and other key the areas are safe”. said on Saturday that the two sides areas. Khashafa believes the demand He said it was not clear when had failed to reach an understand- that the Houthis surrender their weap- people would again be allowed to ing on the need to firm up a fragile ons constitutes a main stumbling block key Al Qaeda-held Mukalla city return to Ramadi and declined to ceasefire in place since April 11. at the talks in Kuwait. He added, how- comment on what would happen Ould Cheikh Ahmed acknowl- ever, that the Shia group might be to the residents who had already edged the negotiations were difficult persuaded to surrender a small por- Reuters Losing Mukalla would take away north of Mukalla, to prepare to move moved back. Ramadi’s mayor said but expressed hopes for progress. tion of its arsenal. the AQAP’s main source of revenue, in, they added. he expected the freeze to last for “Prospects for peace in Yemen “Any compromise reached in which has enabled it to thrive for Sunday’s air strikes on al Qaeda only one or two days while the appear dim,” Yemeni journalist Amgad Kuwait will be tenuous as long as the over a year, but the alliance offen- in Mukalla were carried out in coor- authorities investigated whether Khashafa said yesterday, noting that the Houthis insist on using their weap- ADEN/KUWAIT:Yemeni and Emir- sive appeared too strong for it to dination with a ground offensive in the city was being properly cleared Houthis still refused to hand over weap- ons against the state,” he asserted. ati troops advanced into the southern withstand. militant-controlled territory further of explosives. ons seized earlier from the government. Political analyst Yassin Al port city of Mukalla yesterday, offi- “The liberation of Mukalla from west, a Yemeni military official said. The military’s joint operations “The Houthis can’t give up their weap- Tamimi, for his part, voiced a sim- cials and residents said, entering a the hands of the al Qaeda terrorist The push is being led by the command, which issued the order, ons because their ideology is one of ilar opinion. “The path to peace stronghold of Al Qaeda’s Yemeni wing organisation has begun,” local gov- United Arab Emirates, which has did not immediately respond to expansionism and force.” is fraught with difficulties, as the for the first time in over a year of war. ernor Ahmed Saeed bin Breik said in been training and arming local requests for comment. Official sta- Last week, government and Houthis and Saleh both still believe Fighter jets from the mostly a statement. recruits for months, according to tistics indicate that 49 people have Houthi representatives began they have considerable military Gulf Arab alliance pounded the city “Al Qaeda fighters are depart- southern Yemeni tribal and politi- been killed and 79 others wounded a fresh round of UN-sponsored force at their disposal,” Al Tamimi yesterday and killed 30 militants, ing,” said one resident who reported cal sources. in Ramadi since the beginning of talks in Kuwait in hopes of ending said. He described the ongoing talks residents said, as the military coali- that coalition armoured vehicles and The UAE is part of a mostly Gulf February, but the United Nations the roughly year-and-a-half-long in Kuwait as a “face-off” between tion ramped up an offensive to wrest armed forces had entered the city. Arab coalition that intervened in has said those figures are “almost conflict, which has led to a major the two warring camps. swathes of southern Yemen from Local officials said clerics and Yemen’s civil war in March last year certainly an underestimation”. humanitarian crisis and displaced “The prospects for hammering Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula tribesmen had negotiated with the to support the internationally recog- De-mining is seen as a criti- some 2.5 million Yemenis. out a political compromise appear (AQAP). militants to get them to leave Muka- nised government after it was forced cal first step in returning civilians UN spokesman Stephane Dujar- dim,” the analyst said. “War will Mukalla has been the centre of a lla peacefully and residents said their into exile by the armed Houthi group, to Ramadi, which a UN team said ric said the talks would focus on therefore remain an option… unless rich mini-state that al Qaeda built up fighters were withdrawing westward an ally of Iran. last month suffers from destruc- implementation of UN Security the position of international stake- over the past year as it took control to neighbouring Shabwa province. Yesterday’s air strikes come as tion worse than anywhere else in Council Resolution 2216. holders changes in regards to of an almost 600km band of Arabian Dozens of armoured vehicles Yemen’s government meets with Iraq after months of fighting that Adopted by the UNSC in April of reaching a compromise and ending Sea coastline and pocketed customs and hundreds of troops gathered the Houthis in Kuwait to try to find saw IS bomb attacks and devas- last year, the resolution recognizes the conflict,” he added. revenues from the port. in Ramah, around 70 km (44 miles) a solution to the conflict. tating US-led coalition air strikes.

One dead and 26 injured as rockets Sisi urges people to defend state ahead of protests hit Turkish town AP Egyptian people this is the responsi- large-scale counter-demonstrations against Mubarak. Since Friday, secu- citizens to ignore calls to create chaos bility of all of us, for us to protect this that could turn violent, in addition to rity troops have been out in force, with and drive a wedge between the peo- Reuters security and stability.” a potentially harsh police crackdown armored personnel carriers stationed at ple and police. The protests earlier this Earlier this month, thousands — especially if the demonstrators key traffic areas, while security agents month were pegged to anger over Al CAIRO: Egypt’s president urged marched against Al Sissi’s policies in attempt to reach the heavily policed have rounded up dozens of activists, Sissi’s decision to transfer sovereignty of citizens to defend the state and its the largest demonstrations since he Tahrir Square. journalists, and lawyers from their the two islands to Saudi Arabia in a deal KILIS, TURKEY: Rockets pounded institutions from the “forces of evil” assumed office in 2014. The protests Protests are essentially banned homes and cafes in downtown Cairo. concluded in secret and announced the Turkish town of Kilis near the yesterday, a day before planned featured slogans such as “leave,” and in Egypt under laws passed after el- Two Interior Ministry spokesmen did during a visit by the Custodian of the Syrian borderyesterday, killing one demonstrations against his policies, “down with the regime,” used in the Sissi led the military overthrow of his not respond to repeated telephone calls Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin person and injuring 26, a day after including the transfer of two Red Sea 2011 uprising that toppled longtime elected but divisive Islamist predeces- seeking comment. Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia. the government promised to pro- islands to Saudi Arabia. leader Hosni Mubarak. sor, Mohammed Mursi, in 2013. Also yesterday, Interior Minis- Many infuriated Egyptians tect the area from repeated attacks In a widely televised speech, The protesters, including politi- A petition titled “Egypt is not for ter Magdy Abdel Ghaffar met with accused the government of trad- by Islamic State (IS) militants. Abdel Fattah Al Sissi insisted on the cians and activists, called for more sale,” which calls for a reversal of the officials to review preparations to ing land for aid and investment from Two rockets struck houses in need for stability in the Arab world’s demonstrations today, a national decision on the islands and supports confront any attempts to “break the the oil-rich kingdom. The govern- a poor neighbourhood near the most populous country, saying that holiday that commemorates the with- the protests, was signed by more than law,” the ministry said in a statement. ment insists the two islands, Tiran town centre in the morning. Six- attempts to degrade it “won’t be suc- drawal of the last Israeli troops from 300 Egyptian novelists, lawyers and It quoted Abdel Ghaffar as saying that and Sanafir, always belonged to teen people were injured and cessful” if Egypt stands united. the Sinai Peninsula in 1982 under the activists, and several calls have been the security apparatus would be ready Saudi Arabia but were placed under Turkish soldiers near the border “We must protect these institu- Camp David peace agreement. made on social media for Monday’s to address any action that could dis- Egyptian protection in 1950 because returned fire into Syria, security tions because these mean the state,” Al Sissi’s comments demonstrations to converge on Tahrir turb public security with “the utmost Riyadh feared they would be attacked sources said. he said. “I am reiterating to the raise the possibility of Square, epicenter of the 2011 revolt firmness and decisiveness,” urging by Israel. Later in the day, one person was killed and 10 more injured when two more rockets crashed into a mosque, Hurriyet Daily News MEC Mena named Media Agency of the Year reported. The mosque was 100 US demands South Sudan metres from the governor’s office, where Deputy Prime Minister Yal- allow rebel chief’s return cin Akdogan was holding talks at DOHA: MEC Mena was named Media the time. Agency of the Year at the Festival of “I am calling for our citizens Media awards in Dubai last night. AFP to be calm,” Akdogan told a news The awards celebrate the very best conference in Kilis. “All meas- in media thinking and communica- ures will be taken in this regard. tions across the Middle East. WASHINGTON: The United States blamed South Sudan’s government yes- Unfortunately there is no author- MEC also won Campaign of the terday for the latest hold-up in efforts to end its civil war, but warned both ity across our border.” Year for MAGGI Diaries, a compre- sides the world will not tolerate backsliding. Akdogan said measures would hensive content case that documents Rebel leader Riek Machar had been due to fly to Juba from Ethiopia on be announced after a cabinet four housewives’ cultural and culi- Saturday to join a transitional government, but President Salva Kiir’s gov- meeting on Monday. nary journey as an inspiration to ernment blocked his flight. Police later used water can- women throughout the region. Other He is now due to return on Monday, but US special envoy to South Sudan non to disperse residents who were wins included 3 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 MEC Mena staff with the award. Donald Booth said repeated delays had called into question both parties’ protesting what they said was the Bronze Awards, making MEC the most commitment to the agreement. government’s lack of action over awarded media agency of the night. “This marks the third time this week that plans for Machar to return ... the attacks, Dogan new agency “This accolade is a testament to Alastair Aird, MEC global COO measurably improving a brand’s per- have been frustrated by one side or the other,” the senior diplomat said in reported. the amazing work our team in MENA and head of MEC’s newly launched formance.This thinking is the root Washington. “Machar frustrated the first two attempts by a last minute insist- Some of the residents called on delivers for clients,” said Mohan Nam- content offer MEC Wavemaker, com- of the MENA team’s success. And I ence on bringing additional security forces and additional heavy weapons the local governor to resign, while biar, CEO of MEC Mena. “Producing mented, “This is just fabulous news couldn’t be any prouder.” — RPGs — with him,” he said. others shouted slogan against the excellent results is our motivation and and a huge endorsement for the MEC Rainer Mueller, Communication “Then yesterday it was the government that closed the airport,” he added. government. this recognition will further strengthen Wavemaker team in the Middle East. and Marketing Services Director, “The implementation of the peace agreement requires the formation of “My son wakes up with night- our commitment to delivering and These wins are proof positive that our Nestlé Middle East,added: “We are all the transitional government -- and that requires the return of Riek Machar mares ... We aren’t safe here. We driving our clients’ businesses and approach to creating content is the very proud of you and we feel priv- to Juba.” Booth warned that the United Nations Security Council is due to are afraid to stay in our houses,” brands forward.I am over the moon right one; it’s specifically designed ileged to work with the best media meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis and that both sides could face addi- Ayse, a 46-year-old woman, said. for all the team across the region.” to make change happen – and agency team of the year”. tional international sanctions. MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 09

Sending troops Israel frees youngest Palestinian girl to Syria would be AFP & Agencies

HEBRON: Israel freed 12-year-old Palestinian Dima Al Wawi from prison yesterday, more than mistake: Obama two months after jailing her for an attempted stab- bing attack, and she was warmly welcomed back in her West Bank town. Wawi was handed over to Palestinian author- United States, or Great Britain, or ities at Tulkarem crossing point into the northern “It would be a a combination of Western states to West Bank, a photographer said. send in ground troops and overthrow She then travelled to her family home near mistake for the the Assad regime. Hebron in the south of the territory, where she United States, or “But I do believe that we can was greeted by the city’s governor and dozens of Great Britain, or apply international pressure to all well-wishers with hugs, tears, songs, flags and the parties, including Russia and speeches. a combination of Iran, who, essentially, are propping She was arrested, wearing her school uni- Western states to up Assad, as well as those moder- form, on February 9 at the entrance to a Jewish ate oppositions that exist and may settlement in the occupied West Bank and found send in ground be fighting inside of Syria, to sit to be carrying a knife. troops and down at the table and try to broker A wave of Palestinian knife, gun or car-ram- a transition. ming attacks has left 28 Israelis dead since last overthrow the “Now, that’s difficult, and in the October, with 201 Palestinians killed over the Assad regime”, US interim, we continue to strike ISIL same period, most of them while carrying out BBC. targets in places like Raqqa, and to attacks. President told try to isolate those portions of the Under a plea bargain with Israeli military country, and lock down those por- prosecutors, Wawi pleaded guilty to attempted tions of the country that are sending murder and possession of a knife and was sen- foreign fighters into Europe.” tenced to four months in an Israeli prison and a Released Palestinian prisoner Dima Al Wawi hugs her mother following her release from AFP At least 30 civilians were killed further six-week suspended sentence. an Israeli jail near the West Bank city of Tulkarem, yesterday. Saturday in fighting in areas across “She is the youngest Palestinian girl ever Syria, threatening an eight-week- imprisoned,” her lawyer Tariq Barghouth posted old truce as peace talks in Geneva on Facebook. are convicted of throwing stones. In addition to a This year’s report is due to be issued in the LONDON: US President Barack remain stalled. Barghouth said Wawi’s defence team had jail sentence, each is given a suspended sentence, coming weeks by the office of the UN Secretary- Obama warned yesterday that it The truce, brokered by Russia asked the military court for her early release usually of several years, that is activated if they General, Ban Ki-moon. Israel ratified the UN would be a “mistake” to send West- and the United States, had raised and it agreed. are rearrested. About 90 percent also receive a Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991. But ern troops into Syria to overthrow hopes that United Nations-backed According to Israeli military law, minors from fine. a 2013 report by Unicef, the UN children’s agency, the regime of President Bashar Al talks in Geneva this month will help age 12 can be charged, uniquely in the world Defence for Children International - Pales- concluded that abuses of Palestinian minors in Assad. In an interview with the BBC, resolve the five-year conflict. according to United Nations children’s agency tine (DCIP), a group monitoring Israeli violations military detention were “widespread, system- he said the United States would con- “There’s going to be a military Unicef. of Palestinian children’s rights, said that 440 atic and institutionalised”. tinue strikes against the Islamic State component to this, to ensure that... Israel is currently holding about 450 Pales- children currently in military detention are the A year earlier, Israel was harshly criticised in (IS) group while continuing efforts to we’re also engaging in the coun- tinian minors, around 100 of whom are under 16. highest total since the Israeli army started issu- a report by a British government-backed delega- broker a transition deal between the ter-terrorism activities that are This month, a military court sentenced a ing figures in 2008 - and more than double the tion of lawyers. Catherine Weibel, a spokeswoman Assad regime and his moderate Syr- necessary,” Obama said. 13-year-old girl from Beit Fajjar, near Hebron, to number detained this time last year. for Unicef in Jerusalem, told Al Jazeera the agency ian opponents. “But in order for us to solve the four and a half months detention after she alleg- The new report is likely to embarrass Israel was in a “continuing dialogue” with the Israeli “Syria has been a heart-breaking long-term problems in Syria, a mil- edly approached a military checkpoint holding after it only narrowly avoided inclusion last year army in an effort to improve the military deten- situation of enormous complexity, itary solution alone — and certainly a knife. in a United Nations “shame list” of serious vio- tion procedure for children. and I don’t think there are any sim- us deploying ground troops — is not The dramatic increase in arrests has coin- lators of children’s rights. UN agencies had been Israel is the only country in the world, ple solutions,” Obama said during going to bring that about.” cided with a surge of attacks and protests by especially disturbed by the 500 children killed according to DCIP, that “systematically prose- his visit to London which ended More than 270,000 people have Palestinians in the occupied territories since last and thousands wounded in Israel’s 2014 attack cutes between 500 and 700 children in military yesterday. been killed since Syria’s conflict October. Most Palestinian children in detention on Gaza, Operation Protective Edge. courts each year”. “It would be a mistake for the broke out in 2011. 26 dead as fighting rages in Aleppo

AP residential areas, Sana reported. The The UN’s Special Envoy to Syria Britain-based Syrian Observatory for last week called on the two super- Human Rights said two young sib- powers to salvage the truce before lings were among the dead. it totally collapses. DAMASCUS: Air strikes and shell- Air strikes on the opposition The Al Qaeda branch in Syria, ing pounded Aleppo for the third side of the city killed 16, includ- the Nusra Front, and its more pow- straight day yesterday, killing two ing a mother and her daughter, the erful rival, the Islamic State group, young siblings and at least 24 oth- Observatory said. The activist-run are not included in the cease-fire. ers in Syria’s largest city and former Local Coordination Committees The Nusra Front is deeply rooted in commercial capital. network blamed the strikes on the the areas in northern Syria control- The northern city has been bit- government. led by opposition forces, complicating terly contested between insurgents The Aleppo Conquest rebel the oversight of the truce. and government forces since 2012. coalition on Saturday threat- UN-mediated talks in Geneva Opposition groups control the east- ened to dissolve a nearly have also been bogged down by the ern part of the city but have come two-month-old cease-fire with violence, with the Saudi-backed under intense strain as the govern- the government if pro-government opposition delegation suspending its ment has choked off all routes to the forces continued to strike civilians formal participation last week. The area except a narrow and perilous in opposition areas. government delegation is nonetheless passage to the northwest. The US and Russia-brokered set to meet with UN envoy Staffan De At least 10 people were killed by cease-fire is still technically in Mistura today. rebel shelling on government-held place, but may have completely Opposition groups have said areas in the city, according to activ- unraveled on the ground — with reports of a new government offen- ists and Syria’s state news agency, violence returning to most of the sive on the opposition-held side of Sana. Rockets struck schools and contested areas of the country. Aleppo would wreck the peace talks.

Zuma in Iran, praises 1979 revolution

AFP

TEHRAN: South Africa’s embat- tled President Jacob Zuma praised Iran’s 1979 revolution yesterday at the start of a three-day state visit which he said could “dramatically expand trade” with the Islamic republic. The overthrow of a US-backed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with South African Shah was a source of encourage- ment as black South Africans fought President Jacob Zuma and Iranian President Hassan Rowhani in against apartheid, Zuma said at a Tehran, yesterday. press conference with President Hassan Rowhani, before later meet- Mandela was elected as its first agreements ranging from energy ing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s black president. development to business insurance, supreme leader. Mandela, who served one term Zuma said the nuclear deal was an With international sanctions before voluntarily standing down in opportunity to deepen commercial against Iran now lifted under its 1999, visited Tehran before his elec- links. nuclear deal with world powers, tion and soon after leaving office. “The challenge is to dramatically business activity is likely to increase. “South Africans were inspired by expand trade volumes,” he added. “Iran occupies a special place the 1979 revolution, which showed Rowhani, whose government in in our struggle against apartheid,” that emancipation is possible, what- January implemented last summer’s Zuma said, noting how Tehran ever the odds,” said Zuma, the first nuclear deal with Britain, China, cut ties with South Africa when it serving South African president to France, Russia and the United States was under white rule, only resum- visit since. plus Germany, paid tribute to Man- ing relations in 1994 after Nelson Having signed eight cooperation dela, who died aged 95 in 2013. 10 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel address a press conference after their bilateral talks at the EDITORIAL Herrenhausen Palace in Hanover, yesterday. Obama is in Germany on the last leg of his tour of Europe and the Gulf. Tackling militancy

he killing of a university professor in Bangladesh on Saturday by Islamist militants marks another low in the attack on free thinking in a country which is known for its liberal and secular values. Rezaul Extremist by proxy Karim Siddique, 58, was hacked to death by machete- Twielding assailants as he walked to a bus station from his home in the country’s northwestern city of Rajshahi, where he taught at a public university. The Islamic State (IS) group has figures in the Muslim commu- Sadiq Khan has been at pains to nity have been similarly branded play down his faith on the cam- claimed responsibility for the murder, accusing the professor extremists by dint of perfectly legal It is time for all paign trail, whatever his critics may of propagating atheism. But family members and friends of the ethical and political views. Equally, voters of good say. As a Muslim former govern- professor deny this charge, saying he was only involved in cultural we have been maligned by the conscience to ment minister and human rights programmes, including music, and set up a music school at media because we once stood near lawyer, he has sought to express Bagmara, a former bastion of the outlawed Jamayetul Mujahideen someone, who may have talked call out the UK solidarity with other faith groups Bangladesh (JMB). with someone, who once ordered Government on even whilst feeling the need to polit- a kebab next to someone whose ically play down his own. The murder is a continuation of the policy of elimination being brother once sat in the same traf- its willingness to He has tried to appease the practised by the Islamist extremists. Siddique was the fourth fic jam next to a car, driven by a delve into some influential Jewish vote in North professor from Rajshahi University to man who may have once said the London, saying, “As a Muslim Lon- have been murdered. In February, a word ‘Hamas’ without following top hat of Muslims doner, I want to be the best Mayor The murder court handed down life sentences to it with the word ‘terrorist’. names, drawing that Jewish Londoners have ever of another two militants for the murder of another By Lauren Booth Writing off someone’s entire them out one and had”, pledging to fight anti-semitism professor, Mohammad Yunus. These political career and moral belief wherever it arises. To be unable to professor system like this, is as logical as say- a time and putting express pride in your own faith and murders have caught international by Islamist ing that David Cameron is secretly their welfare at community in public in order to win attention and caused outrage at home dating Vladimir Putin and that they the votes of other electors does not militants in and abroad, with human rights groups are having a love child together, risk, in order to bode well for London or UK social Bangladesh calling for urgent action. Bangladeshis he UK local elections because (after all) they have spent win votes. Downing cohesion. It says a lot about the state has caused are equally angry and upset at these have descended into a so much time alone. It is that petty. Street has sown the of our government at this time. killings. ugly slug fest, spewing up It is that childish. It is that spuri- No favourite of many in the outrage at base prejudices currently ous. Moreover it is objectionable Muslim community for his lack of Atheism and anti-Islamic teachings seeds of suspicion Tsimmering beneath the surface of and more potentially dangerous. support for the widely liked new home and and opinions are not tolerated in Islamic British politics and society. The I have stood on fundraising in our community Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (a abroad. or Muslim countries, where a huge Prime Minister waded into bitter platforms for orphans and impov- which, well into strong voice for Palestinian justice), majority of people practise their faith. London mayoral elections, with erished families, alongside Mr the political future, Khan’s fortunes may have turned Atheists and non-religious people living an outburst on 19 April in which Ghani on several occasions. He around in the Muslim community as in such societies have a duty to refrain from propagating ideas he attempted to brand the Muslim holds an MA in Islamic Studies from will yield distrust a result of the current ugly debacle. that will hurt religious sentiments. At the same time, it’s the duty Labour candidate, Sadiq Khan, as the University of London (SOAS). and dislike for The Tories are haemorrhag- somehow sympathetic to Daesh (IS), He is an Imam, a well-loved TV ing Muslim support. of the governments to define the freedom given to its citizens, due to his vague acquaintance with Presenter and Teacher. His words their Conservative Meanwhile, Mr Ghani, says he as guaranteed in their constitutions and as demanded by the a certain other Muslim. The effort are moving and educate away from councillors and MPs. has feels ‘betrayed’ and ‘disheart- requirements of a modern society. Violators must be punished was strained to begin with, hinged hatred and towards cohesion, care ened.’ He had been considering according to the law and letting extremists take revenge on non- upon the MP having stood beside and inter community calm. voting for Goldsmith and the believers will only lead to anarchy and destabilize the society, a certain Sheikh at public events. So why has his name been conservative party. He had, by while tarnishing the image of the country. Bangladesh is officially The PM’s advisors were throw- thrown about the gutter of this invitation, attended a Conserva- ing mud at a wall to see if it could election campaign, to be devoured self-shaming has been reached. tive Muslim Forum event which secular where people of all faiths and sectarian affiliations stick- neither a rare, nor the worst, by the media and security agencies, Mr Sulaiman Ghani is a hugely sought to encourage more Mus- co-exist peacefully. tactic in politics, especially when like so much fly blown meat? Who is popular, well liked and educated lims to become party councillors. The police have made arrests after the professor’s killing and your party may be on the brink of advising Goldsmith and Cameron? speaker who has actively cam- It is time for all voters of good are investigating the case. The government of Prime Minister a thrashing. In the current atmos- How do names like Ghani’s come paigned against Daesh (IS). His conscience to call out the UK Gov- Sheikh Hasina is sincerely trying to eliminate extremism from phere of Islamophobia, it was a fair to be so dangerously put forward Facebook page currently features ernment on its willingness to delve the country but faces several challenges. The rise of extremism political bet that it would succeed. for the delectation of international his comments on the pain he felt into some top hat of Muslims names, in every country is a corollary of the global growth of the Islamic groups who actually propagate when conservative mayoral can- drawing them out one and a time hate, not to mention the global didate Zac Goldsmith called him and putting their welfare at risk, in State. But that doesn’t make this challenge unmanageable but just The PM’s advisers security agencies? ‘one of the most repellent figures order to win votes. Downing Street tough, requiring the deployment of all resources at the disposal of It is time to consider the fol- in this country’. Mr Ghani writes, has sown the seeds of suspicion in the state. The government in Dhaka is quite capable of addressing were throwing lowing; do our top political figures “I am appalled by his preposter- our community which, well into the this threat. mud at a wall feel the Muslim community has ous statement. Politics is a dirty political future, will yield distrust to see if it could such a low social standing that it game. Get me out of here.” and dislike for their Conservative is now safe to simply select some By the way, Conservative poster councillors and MP’s. stick- neither a random Muslim-sounding name, boy, Zak Goldsmith, has appeared The Prime Minister must rare, nor the worst, throw it down to be trampled upon, in photographs with Mr Ghani in the retract his comments about Mr on the presumption that no one will past. Which by the government’s Ghani immediately. As he slurred tactic in politics, know of the named person, nor care own logic makes them bff’s who him in full international view, he Quote of the day especially when enough to react? Did the Cameron share identical ideologies. Gold- must now apologise as publicly. MP your party may be and Goldsmith camp bank on Mus- smith is also pally with his former Sadiq Khan has already issued a Syria has been a heart- lim self-censorship to protect them brother in law, Imran Khan- a Paki- furious response saying: “The Tories breaking situation of on the brink of a from political blow back if Mr Ghani stani former cricketer and politician are running a nasty, dog-whistling was wrongly implicated as an IS who has, in his work as opposition campaign that is designed to divide enormous complexity, and thrashing. In the supporter? Self-censorship occurs leader, negotiated with the Taliban London’s communities.”I’m disap- I don’t think there are any current atmosphere when a community under pressure many times. This then makes Zak pointed that the Prime Minister simple solutions. of Islamophobia, it from all sides, like ours, reads that Goldsmith surely a graver threat (by has today joined in.”Disappointed a known Muslim figure has been proxy) to UK security than MP Sadiq maybe. Surprised? Few of us are. was a fair political linked to non-violent extremism. Khan.It is a game of six degrees Previously published in the bet that it would In fear of being peripherally like- to Kevin Haram Bacon. I could go Huffington Post Barack Obama wise branded, the community has on. I won’t. succeed. in the past distanced itself from that At the end of the day, the The writer is a journalist, broad- US President person, organisation or group (see government’s toxic attempt at mud- caster and media consultant: ‘kebab’ comment above). slinging has back fired. Aware of the www.laurenbooth.org , Twitter:@ Many of us who are public But a tipping point of forced risks of Islamifying his campaign, LaurenBoothUK

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected] ADVERTISING TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] OPINION MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 11 A call to improve maternity leave for Qatar’s working women

By Shaikha Al Mudahka

dequate maternity leave is a pillar of women’s self-determination, social efficacy and productivity. For women to be able to choose to Atake maternity leave, to conduct effective early years parenting, whilst also main- taining their role in working environments, is imperative for women, families and the wider community. Indeed, The International Labour Organization recommends that states should offer women at least 14 weeks maternity leave and The World Health Organization recommends that women breastfeed for the first 6 months of the child’s life. These ideals are not yet being offered to working women in Qatar, in the normal state maternity package. Qatar is by far the richest country in the world, with a GDP in excess of $140 thousand dollars per capita, and it should therefore be able to invest money in the early welfare of children. Due to the pace of change in the way of life of Qataris, the maternity leave provision is still rather lim- ited, with a lot of room for improvement. Women are at the moment only entitled to 15 days leave preceding the birth, and a further 35 days subsequently. This can only be extended if there is a post pregnancy health problem and it is only available to women who have been with their employ- ers for at least one year. Qatar could learn from other coun- tries, even those in the Middle East, who make greater efforts to keep their pro- fessional female employees in their jobs. Western Europe offers an average of 40 weeks maternity leave. Sweden is consid- ered one of the most generous, with women being able to enjoy up to 16 months on 80% offer women ample familial support, which themselves breastfeeding lowers the risk economic impact, but if for no other rea- overall, child birth and effective early years pay. As one of the world’s most expansive would be especially welcome to those whose of cancers, diabetes and heart disease. son, the health and wellbeing of babies care are imperative to societies in the long economies, Qatar is very well placed to husbands are on lower incomes. A study conducted by Kings College and mothers should be reason enough to term. Added to which, having women in Qatari consultant Dr Ahmad Al Ham- London demonstrated the possibility that extend its availability. the workplace is paramount to perpetu- madi - head of the General Paediatrics the more generous maternity leave was, the Around the world, discomfort often ating a buoyant and creative economy. Section at Hamad Medical Corporation - greater the long term mental health bene- occurs when discussing social changes that We have to be flexible with women; give has called for policy improvements. He has fits to the mothers. As researcher Avendano smack of women’s liberation or empower- them the resources to be able to enjoy moth- Ideally, social support for maternity argued for an increase to at least 6 months says, “The very significant message of this ment. There can be an anxiety that policies erhood whilst also enjoying employment leave should, in and of itself, be paid maternity leave (but ideally a year), in paper is that there is a potential for mater- that benefit women and children will have and careers. Having to choose to forego order to give women more time to breast- nity leave benefit programs to have a real a negative impact on men and society, how- becoming a parent or leaving your job, considered important for women’s feed, making the case that breastfeeding long-term effect on the mental health of ever time and time again research shows should not be a Sword of Damocles that choice, autonomy and their improves the health of the baby and has a women and that the effects of maternity such anxieties to be without basis. Indeed, hangs above your head. Going through positive impact on the economy. leave benefits are not only short-lived ... providing maternity leave for women offers pregnancy, labour and being a carer of continued presence in the work Ideally, social support for maternity they are likely to extend for many decades.” them the choice to take the time out to bond a child is hard but rewarding work, and place. However, there are a great leave should, in and of itself, be considered There is also a strong argument that with their babies, whilst feeling assured Qatari businesses and society should rec- many added benefits to maternity important for women’s choice, autonomy women should be able to begin their leave that their work place positions are secure. ognise the need to repay it with flexibility and their continued presence in the work from at least a month before the due date Having that choice has been overwhelm- and understanding. It is the very least it leave that should be taken into place. However, there are a great many - not the 15 days allotted in Qatar - as it ingly demonstrated to be of positive social can do. consideration. added benefits to maternity leave that should reduces the risk of women having to undergo benefit. Qatar has been polled as one of the be taken into consideration. Specifically a caesarean. Such operations are associ- better places in the region for women to in relation to the benefits of breastfeeding, ated with medical complications and longer live, at 5th according to one study. Better The writer is the Marketing and Communi- studies have suggested that children who hospital stays for women; indeed, a false maternity provisions could only add pos- cation Manager for Al Rayyan Hospitality. are breastfed have a lower risk of infec- form of economy. The scientific case has itively to this improving status. She works full time for the company, She tion, asthma, infant death and obesity in been well made; as Dr Al Hammadi sug- Having children is not a luxury. is a wife and a mother to an adorable child later life, added to which, there is some gested, poor maternity leave provisions Though individual women have a choice named Rashid which recently turned one data that suggests that for the mothers have a long term, detrimental social and as to whether or not to become mothers, year old. The Lebanese civil war and the road not taken

their views known on the occasion of view of Lebanon. Even those youths abysmal sanitation situation took sectarian tribal realities and thus failed the war anniversary -- even though or factions who see themselves out- to the streets, initially demanding a to address them properly. many of them were born after the side Lebanon’s usual sectarian, tribal solution to the crisis in a modern and Simply condemning the war -- conflict ended in 1990. dichotomy can fall prey to the vicious transparent manner. and the people who fought in it -- is While many of these comments circle of rhetoric, which ranges from However, a lack of clear planning insufficient on its own to create a new and posts condemn war and violence, total rejection of the current political and infighting -- coupled with the movement. Looking at Lebanon’s cur- the crux of their arguments never- establishment to an utterly nihilist craftiness of the ruling junta -- ulti- rent predicament -- a failed state, a theless tends to adopt the same logic approach. While these individuals mately turned this movement into a highly polarized sectarian standoff used by the warring factions through- and groups are allowed to strive to semi-anarchist phenomenon that only and a raging civil war across the bor- out the conflict. meet their own goals in any way they empowered the ruling elite. der in Syria -- one ought to take the Forty-one years have elapsed deem fit, their detachment from the Perhaps the cardinal sin(s) that aforementioned experiences into con- By Makram Rabah since the start of the war. Much of country’s current realities ultimately these factions committed was to sideration to avoid a further descent Anatolia what Lebanese youth know about helps empower the sectarian system believe that the Lebanese masses into chaos. Social media outlets the conflict comes from the stories that they themselves say they want would abandon their traditional lead- Lebanese youth, like their prede- they hear from their elders or through to destroy. ers and follow a young faction that cessors in the 1970s, are now growing are allowing a new n mid-April of every year, the online media -- and much of it is the As it stands, the Lebanese parlia- aimed to destroy a primordial system, up in a world in which a sense of anar- generation to make Lebanese people recall their dev- creation of the warring parties them- ment has failed to elect a president which -- despite its many shortcom- chy and absurdity prevail. This, in Iastating 15-year-long civil war selves, or a rehashed version intended of the republic since May 2014. Ever ings -- caters to their petty clientelistic addition to other factors, could -- their views known (which began on April 13, 1975) with to serve contemporary aims. Some since, the government of Prime Min- demands. in one way or another -- help start on the occasion of mixed feelings and calls for unity and of these youths see war-era footage ister Tammam Salam has attempted In this respect, it is interesting to the kind of cycle of violence that solidarity. and songs from the time as a reminder to maintain respect for an almost observe that the same failed meth- destroyed Lebanon as a poster-child the war anniversary Events organized to mark the anni- of a former glory that they yearn to imploding Lebanese state, but has ods employed by these independent for coexistence. -- even though versary by various civil society groups relive or which provides them with failed miserably. activists to protest the garbage cri- It would be mutually beneficial for many of them were range from celebrity lineups that cut purpose in life. One of the government’s most sis were also employed for the past all Lebanese -- including those who across sectarian lines -- which blame This purpose can be of a personal spectacular failures was its inabil- 26 years -- since the war officially claim to be from outside the sectarian born after the the war on corrupt sectarian leaders nature, such as mere self-promotion ity to manage the simple task of waste ended -- in an effort to nurture a new system -- to learn from previous expe- conflict ended in -- to op-eds and newspaper feature or a lust for power (of the kind only management, leaving the entire coun- liberal, secular political movement. rience and abandon their dreams of a stories like the one you are reading. an AK-47 can provide), or it can serve try swimming in garbage. This movement, righteous as it seems, radical revolution and instead employ 1990. Now, social media outlets are a larger, existential purpose related Consequently, a grassroots move- was not able to muster enough sup- a sober, gradualist approach to Leb- allowing a new generation to make to the defence or reform of their own ment that sought to resolve the port because it refused to recognize anon’s political challenges.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 12 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 ASIA / PHILIPPINES Rebels release Naval blockade Philippine of Malaysia hurts Filipinos MANILA: The Malay- captives’ video sian government has imposed a naval blockade to prevent attacks in the one of the officers says in the video . southern Philippines after “I am appealing for my family to the US state department Five clips received not worry, to my children, Baby, Didi, issued a travel warning via email show the Leonard, don’t worry for I am doing urging Americans to avoid fine here. I am safe. They treat us the area due to threat of officers assuring their well. They treat us as human beings.” attacks, kidnapping and families not to worry, The NPA released the video mes- insurgency. sages of the five “Prisoners of War” But for some famil- saying they are safe who they said have been under the lies in the Philippines, and being treated custody of the 1st Pulang Bagani Bat- the blockade is having a well by the New talion-NPA since April 16, 2016. devastating effect. Abdul- In a message accompanying the hamil, a resident of the People’s Army (NPA), clips, NPA spokesperson Rigoberto F. southern Philippine region Sanchez said that the army’s “obsti- of Tawi-tawi, wanted to the armed wing of Filipino presidential candidate, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, gesturing during an election campaign nate and aggressive stance” was take his son to the hospi- rally at Quezon City in the Philippines, yesterday. the Communist Party posing “grave and major risks in the tal. Reaching the nearest of the Philippines lives of the” POWs. hospital, which is located In the attached transcript and in Malaysia, would require (CPP). video, the five appeal for the ces- them to get on a boat and sation of the military and police Duterte widens lead in opinion poll cross the Sulu Sea. But operations in Davao City’s south- that is not possible due to ern Paquibato district. the naval blockade. Anatolia Sanchez claimed that the men had almost died in April 18 army Reuters 4,000 people polled from April 12-17. and raped during a 1989 prison riot. bombing, airstrike, and ground Duterte’s image as a gun-toting A video clip of the comment sur- China pledges operations. provincial hard man who tack- faced online last weekend and caused PHILIPPINES: Communist rebels The NPA spokesperson called les crime by petrifying would-be an uproar. He initially refused to say to boost ties yesterday released video of five Phil- on the next Philippines president MANILA: An outspoken mayor run- offenders is endearing him to many sorry but later apologised, insisting ippines police officers they claim to to push for the resumption of peace ning for the Philippine presidency on Filipinos. The former prosecutor has he was not joking but was sim- with Cambodia have captured last week in troubled negotiations between the National promises of a crackdown on crime promised to end drugs, crime and ply expressing anger using “gutter southern Mindanao island. Democratic Front, the CPP’s political and drugs has increased his lead in graft within six months if elected and language”. PHNOM PENH: Chinese Five clips received via email front, and the government to expe- an opinion poll released yesterday, has voiced support for vigilantism It was unclear whether the rape Foreign Minister Wang show the officers assuring their fam- dite their early release. just two weeks away from the elec- and extra-judicial killing of crimi- comment had impacted views of Yi has pledged that his ilies not to worry, saying they are The Philippines goes to the tion. nals in Davao City, where he is mayor. the respondents as news about it country will strengthen safe and being treated well by the polls May 9, with incumbent Presi- Rodrigo Duterte was the number His rating will be a big boost to emerged on and around the final day economic ties with Cam- New People’s Army (NPA), the armed dent Benigno Aquino III barred from one choice of 34 percent of Filipinos his campaign as it comes just a few the survey was taken. bodia and provide wing of the Communist Party of the seeking re-election Sanchez added in the Pulse Asia survey, gaining by hours ahead of Sunday’s final tele- It showed Vice President Jejomar assistance to its tourism Philippines (CPP). there is no truth to a police claim two percentage points from last week vised debate between the candidates. Binay slipping one point to 19 percent and education systems. “I am Police Chief Inspector that the prisoners were being kept and widening the gap from his clos- It follows a tricky week for and Manuel Roxas, who is backed by Wang met his Cam- Leonardo Valdesco Tarungoy, with in “makeshift animal cages,” say- est rival Senator Grace Poe. Duterte, who has been trying to outgoing President Benigno Aquino, bodian counterpart Prak badge number 1017802, Station ing that they are non-combatants Poe, the adopted daughter of manage the fallout from controver- staying at 18 percent. About 54 mil- Sokhon in Phnom Penh on Commander under Police Station 7 who are victims of a criminal act of movie stars, slipped from 25 per- sial remarks he made at a rally about lion Filipinos are eligible to vote in Friday during his two-day of Paquibato, Malabog, Davao City,” abduction. cent to 22 percent support among the an Australian missionary murdered the May 9 elections. visit to the country. Wang said at a news conference that the two ministers exchanged views on islands in the Sea row: China reaches consensus with Brunei, Cambodia & Laos South China Sea. He praised Cambodia for its stance on the issue. Reuters Malaysia and Brunei - have rival was not a China-Asean dispute and international tension over the dis- multilateral forum, but other claim- China has reclaimed claims to parts of the South China it “should not affect China-Asean puted waters. Land reclamation and ant countries, such as the Philippines, some small islands and Sea with China, which says virtually relations”, the ministry said in a state- escalating activity has increased have sought to raise the issue at Asean reefs in the region and the entire sea belongs to it. China is ment, referring to their agreement. tension and could undermine peace, summits. has built airfields and port BEIJING: China has agreed with the biggest trade partner of many China’s maritime claims are security and stability in the region, The dispute has been divisive for facilities. Brunei, Cambodia and Laos that the Asean nations. China’s Foreign Min- Asean’s most contentious issue, as Asean said in a statement at that time. Asean. Vietnam, the Philip- South China Sea territorial dispute ister Wang Yi spoke to reporters in its members struggle to balance The United States has criticized Cambodia, a close Chinese ally, pines and other parties should not affect relations between the Lao capital, Vientiane, on Satur- mutual support with their grow- China’s building of artificial islands was accused of driving a wedge in have claims to the islands. China and the Association of South day and was quoted by his ministry ing economic relations with China. and facilities in the sea and has sailed the bloc in 2012 when its refusal to Cambodia has sided with East Asian National (Asean), China’s as saying China had reached “an The grouping, which also includes warships close to disputed terri- be drawn on China’s actions in the sea China at international con- Foreign Ministry said yesterday. important consensus” with Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and tory to assert the right to freedom of resulted in a customary communique ferences on the territorial Four members of the 10-mem- Cambodia and Laos. Myanmar, expressed in February navigation. China seeks to keep the at the end of an Asean summit not disputes. ber Asean - the Philippines, Vietnam, The South China Sea problem its serious concern about growing South China Sea off of the agenda at being issued for the first time. Bangladesh workers demand justice on disaster anniversary

AFP convicted over the disaster, which charged. “Rana must be hanged!” ocurred after thousands of textile workers shouted, referring to arrested workers were forced to enter the building owner Sohel Rana who was building to start their shifts despite politically influential in Bangladesh. BANGLADESH: Thousands of cracks appearing in its pillars one day Others who gathered at the dis- Bangladeshi garment workers before. Workers also staged protests aster site, which has been turned into demanded justice on the anni- in Dhaka on Sunday and outside a a small lake and was Sunday full of versary yesterday of one of the state graveyard where hundreds of hyacinth flowers, called for improved world’s worst industrial disas- unidentified victims have been bur- safety at Bangladesh’s 4,500 garment ters, the collapse of the Rana Plaza ied, to demand swift trials for those factories. factory complex that claimed over 1,100 lives. Survivors of the disaster, many Bangladeshi students protest in Rajshahi, a day after unidentified attackers hacked to death a university of whom lost limbs when the nine- professor, yesterday. storey building came crashing down three years ago, laid flow- ers at the site and wept as they remembered the dead. Student arrested over professor’s murder Relatives of those killed, including some whose bodies were never found, recited verses of the Koran and prayed after gathering AFP home. The student from Rajshahi his alleged role in the attack. Sid- from early morning at Savar just University where Siddique taught was dique was the fourth professor from outside Dhaka. arrested early yesterday for question- Rajshahi University to be killed by “Three years have passed and ing, although the hunt was still on for suspected Islamists in recent years. still we don’t see any justice. No DHAKA: Bangladesh police arrested other suspects, said the city’s deputy Five secular bloggers and a pub- one has been held to account for an Islamist student yesterday over the police commissioner Nahidul Islam. lisher have also been murdered, as one of history’s worst man-made hacking to death of a professor one He said the unidentified student well as members of minority groups disasters,” union leader Abul Hos- day earlier, the latest such killing of public administration is a member and foreigners, as Bangladesh reels sain said as he led the protest. claimed by the Islamic State group. of Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student from rising Islamist violence. Police have arrested and Attackers wielding machetes wing of Bangladesh’s largest Islamist Bangladesh’s counter-terror- charged the owner of the building almost beheaded English professor opposition party the Jamaat-e-Islami. ism chief Monirul Islam yesterday with murder, along with 40 others Rezaul Karim Siddique on Saturday “We have detained a 21-year-old rejected the Islamic State’s claim of -- including factory officials and A relative of a victim of the Rana Plaza building collapse mourns on the in the northwestern city of Rajshahi. Rajshahi University student who is a responsibility for the latest killing, government inspectors who cer- The 58-year-old was murdered as he Shibir member as a suspect over the telling reporters that “in reality, the tified the flimsy complex as safe. third anniversary of the disaster at the site where the building once walked to the bus station from his murder,” Islam said, without detailing IS does not exist in Bangladesh”. But no one has yet been stood in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka, yesterday. ASIA / AFRICA MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 13 North Korea to halt N-tests if US stops drills

AP also cease our nuclear tests,” he said expression of this stop the military added, “new opportunities may York, where they are attending a UN in his first interview yesterday with a exercises, war exercises, in the Korean arise for the two countries and for meeting on sustainable development. It is really crucial for Western news organization. Peninsula. Then we will respond like- the whole entire world as well.” The US noted “launches using ballistic the United States to Ri held firm to Pyongyang’s long- wise.” DPRK is an abbreviation for Ri’s comments to the AP came just missile technology are a clear viola- NEW YORK: North Korea is ready standing position that the US drove North Korea’s official name, the Dem- hours after North Korea test-fired a tion of multiple UN Security Council withdraw its hostile to halt its nuclear tests if the United his country to develop nuclear weap- ocratic People’s Republic of Korea. ballistic missile from a submarine in resolutions.” policy against North States suspends its annual military ons as an act of self-defence. At the Ri, who spoke calmly and in its latest show of defiance as the US- It is extremely rare for top North exercises with South Korea, the North same time, he suggested that sus- measured words, a contrast to the South Korea exercises wind down. He Korean officials to give interviews to Korea and as an Korean foreign minister said in an pending the military exercises with often bombastic verbiage used by referred to the launch in the context foreign media, and particularly with expression of this interview in which he also warned Seoul could open the door to talks and the North’s media, claimed the North’s of current tensions caused by the mil- Western news organizations. that his country won’t be cowed by reduced tensions. proposal was “very logical.” itary exercises. Ri’s proposal, which he said he stop the military international sanctions. “If we continue on this path of He granted the interview in the “The escalation of this military hoped US policymakers would heed, exercises, war Foreign Minister Ri Su Yong confrontation, this will lead to very country’s diplomatic mission to the exercise level has reached its top level. may well fall on deaf ears. North exercises, in the defended the country’s right to main- catastrophic results, not only for the United Nations. He spoke beneath And I think it’s not bad — as the other Korea, which sees the US-South tain a nuclear deterrent, and for those two countries but for the whole entire portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jung side is going for the climax — why not Korean exercises as a rehearsal for Korean Peninsula. waiting for the North’s regime to col- world as well,” he said, speaking in Il, North Korea’s two previous leaders us, too, to that level as well?” invasion, has floated similar propos- Then we will respond lapse, he had this to say: Don’t hold Korean through an interpreter. “It is — the grandfather and father of cur- The US State Department said that als to Washington in the past, but the your breath. really crucial for the United States rent leader Kim Jong Un. in response to Saturday’s launch, it US has insisted the North give up its likewise: Minister “Stop the nuclear war exercises in government to withdraw its hostile If the exercises are halted “for was limiting the travel of Ri and his nuclear weapons program first before the Korean Peninsula, then we should policy against the DPRK and as an some period, for some years,” he delegation to UN functions in New any negotiations. Seychelles says In remembrance Eight dead in helping probe Myanmar storms into 1MDB fund YANGON: Violent storms which saw hailstones the size of golf balls rain down across Myanmar Reuters 1MDB, whose advisory board is have killed at least eight chaired by Malaysian Prime Min- people in recent days, ister Najib Razak.The FIU did not toppled pagodas and name any entities involved in the damaged thousands of VICTORIA: The Seychelles is help- investigation. buildings, officials said ing an international investigation The nation’s Financial Services yesterday. into the troubled state fund 1Malay- Authority said a search of compa- The freak storms sia Development Berhad (1MDB), the nies registered in Seychelles would struck across five states state’s Financial Intelligence Unit on not provide information regarding on Friday and Saturday the Indian Ocean archipelago said. shareholders or company directors.A after weeks of heatwave Transactions involving 1MDB, Malaysian parliamentary investi- temperatures regularly which has piled up $11bn in debt, gation found that $4.2bn of 1MDB’s Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli walks past the base of what remains of the landmark Dharahara topping 40C (104F). “From what we know are at the centre of corruption and money is unaccounted for or went to Tower after laying a wreath on the first anniversary of the 2015 Nepal earthquake in Kathmandu, now there are eight peo- money laundering investigations overseas bank accounts whose own- yesterday. Nepal, yesterday, held services remembering thousands of people killed in a devastating in jurisdictions that include the ers could not be ascertained.It said ple killed and 7,500 earthquake a year ago. United States, Switzerland, Singa- about $700m was sent without board houses destroyed during pore, Luxembourg and the United approval to an account with private these days,” Phyu Lei Lei Arab Emirates. banker RBS Coutts in Geneva under Tun, director of the Min- “The Financial Intelligence the name of Good Star Ltd. istry of Social Welfare, Unit (FIU) has been assisting in an The report said could not deter- Relief and Resettlement, international investigation into mine who owned the Good Star told AFP, adding that the allegations surrounding the strate- account. RBS Coutts has declined Mouamba named Congolese premier toll may increase as more gic Malaysian fund called 1Malaysia to comment. In February, the Swiss information becomes Development Berhad (1MDB),” the attorney-general’s office said it available. Pictures on FIU said. “Detailed information believed $4bn had been misap- AFP prime minister and head of govern- by Sassou Nguesso in 1997. He was a social media showed relating to offshore entities reg- propriated from Malaysian state ment,” said a presidential decree senior member of the opposition Pan- some of the pagoda istered in Seychelles and other companies. Singapore announced read on state television late Satur- African Union for Social Democracy spires lying shattered on matters were passed to the com- it had seized a “large number of day, a week after Sassou Nguesso, before being expelled in 2015 for tak- the ground. petent authorities of investigating bank accounts” as part of inves- BRAZZAVILLE: Republic of Con- who has been in power for 32 of ing part in the talks that paved the states,” it said. tigations into a company closely go’s newly-reelected President Denis the past 37 years, was sworn in for way for a constitutional referendum The statement was sent by Sey- linked to 1MDB. The Seychelles and Sassou Nguesso has named former another five-year term. Mouamba allowing Sassou Nguesso to extend Indonesian chelles president’s office on behalf of other offshore financial centres have opposition leader and one-time served as finance minister between his rule. The referendum scrapped a the FIU. It is the first public acknowl- increasingly come under the spot- finance minister Clement Mouamba 1992 and 1993 under the country’s two-term limit on presidential man- navy impounds edgement that Seychelles has joined light as global leaders seek to clamp as his prime minister. first elected president Pascal Lis- dates, allowing Sassou Nguesso to bid the widening investigation into down on money laundering. “Mr Clement Mouamba is named souba, who was ousted from power to stay in office in March elections. Chinese trawler JAKARTA: Indonesian warships have detained a Chinese trawler alleg- edly operating illegally in Nguema eyes re-election in E Guinea Street kids struggle Indonesian waters, just weeks after a confronta- tion between vessels from AFP forward to April 24 following a parties have however boycotted a the two countries caused presidential decree, with no reason vote that Obiang looks certain to win. for survival in Kenya tensions, the navy said offered for the change. Voters lined In the last election in 2009, he yesterday. The trawler up outside polling stations in the was returned to office with a sweep- was intercepted by two MALABO: Africa’s longest-serving capital Malabo before they opened ing 95.37 percent of votes. Aged 73, AFP human beings,” said Moha, himself a navy ships on Friday after leader, President Teodoro Obiang at 8am Voting is scheduled to close at Obiang became president in 1982, former street child, who escaped the receiving information that Nguema, was set to extend his 6pm, with results not expected until three years after having his uncle tough life, and ekes out a living now a ship wanted by Inter- 36-year-hold on power yesterday as Thursday. Obiang, who has ruled the Francisco Macias Nguema shot by dancing alongside bands. “When pol in Argentina had been the tiny oil-rich nation of Equatorial west African country with an iron firing squad. Obiang’s regime has fre- NAIROBI: Ragged, hungry and people see them sniffing glue and spotted in Aceh, in the Guinea went to the polls. fist since overthrowing his uncle in quently come under fire from human rejected by society, thousands of dirty, they beat them or insult them.” northwest of Sumatra, Initially scheduled to be held a coup in 1979, faces six candidates rights groups for suppressing dissi- street children abandoned by nearly Some children are pushed onto navy spokesman Edi in November, the vote was brought in Sunday’s vote. The main opposition dent voices and the media. all live in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. the street following the death of par- Sucipto said. There is no official figure on ents -- sometimes due to HIV/AIDS the number of homeless children -- or after running away from vio- in Kenya, a sign of the lack of inter- lence at home. Others live on the North Korea est by Kenyan authorities about the street simply because their families Farmers’ touch problem. are too poor to look after them.“It is builds third One estimate, by the Consortium quite difficult to describe the situa- of Street Children (CSC), an interna- tion... you find if they sleep outside power plant tional charity, suggests the number someone’s shop, in the morning, of street children could be as high instead of the owner waking them up SEOUL: North Korea as between 250,000 and 300,000 gently, they kick them or even pour has completed the con- throughout Kenya, including 60,000 water on them,” Moha said. struction of its third in Nairobi alone. Many leave their rural areas - hydropower station near In the district of Mlango Kubwa where traditional community ties its border with China, in central Nairobi, a former landfill have loosened - for cities, where Pyongyang’s state media is a refuge for street children, who they have more chance of surviving reported yesterday, in its call it “the base”. Here they sleep by begging, finding odd jobs, scav- latest effort to tackle a on the hard floor, close to the rub- enging rubbish sites, or prostitution. power shortage following bish dumps where they scavenge for Abandoned by the state, several heavy sanctions on the scraps to make some profit, but at charities offer help. Alfajiri is one of reclusive state. least the place is safe from outside them, a project set up by Austral- North Korean leader eyes. A few hours after dawn, some ian artist Lenore Boyd, who offers Kim Jong-un accompa- children are still lying on the ground, drawing lessons. “It’s just to invite nied senior officials to visit the plastic bottles from which they the kids, to get them to create. It’s the hydropower station sniff glue beside them. Other spaces not to teach them, it’s not to impose built by a river near Mount are empty, with those youngsters anything on them,” Boyd said. “It’s Paektu in Paekam, Yan- having headed off to work, begging to say: ‘Tell your story’. They’re very gang Province bordering Farmers work at a paddy field in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, yesterday. Myanmar used to be one of the on the streets. focused and they do lovely work... China, the Korean Central main exporters of rice in Asia. “When people see some of they tell the stories and they just News Agency (KCNA) said. these kids, they do not take them as enjoy themselves.” 14 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 PAKISTAN Imran Khan threatens protests against PM

Reuters Sharif has said his children have Haj pilgrims to done nothing illegal, but opponents accuse the family of using the tax haven to launder stolen money and pay $120 per ISLAMABAD: Pakistan opposition dodge taxes. Sharif on Friday bowed politician Imran Khan yesterday to opposition demands for a Supreme child as dues threatened fresh protests against Court appointed inquiry commission ISLAMABAD: Pilgrims Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, saying and said he would resign if it found from Pakistan will pay the leader had lost “moral author- wrongdoing. But Khan said Sharif up to Rs11,190 ($120) for ity” to rule after the Panama Papers had “lost the moral authority to rule” an infant accompanying leak had linked his family to offshore over the nation of about 190 million them during haj in Saudi wealth. people. Arabia this year under the Khan has seized on the Panama He called for more rallies in Sindh government scheme. Papers scandal as a fresh oppor- province and in Lahore, the prime According to sources tunity to try to unseat Sharif. The minister’s political heartland, and in the Ministry of Religious former cricketing hero staged pro- threatened to march on Sharif’s res- Affairs and Interfaith Har- tests in Islamabad for months in idence if his demands regarding the mony, parents travelling 2014 over alleged electoral fraud but inquiry were not met. The ruling party from the southern region failed to topple the prime minister. has dismissed Khan’s latest protests as will pay Rs10,290 for each Addressing a crowd of tens of opportunism and says the 2014 dem- infant and those travel- thousands in the capital Islamabad onstrations against electoral rigging ling from the northern yesterday, Khan said an inquiry had damaged Khan’s credibility after region will pay Rs11,190. into the Panama Papers proposed election tribunals ruled that the 2013 The charges are appli- A supporter of Pakistani opposition leader Imran Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political by Sharif did not go far enough and poll was largely free and fair. “Imran cable to children born demanded international forensic party, waves party flag during a gathering in Islamabad, yesterday. is just really desperate for any kind of after November 29, 2014. auditors be involved. shortcut to becoming prime minister Those born before will “We want a commission that and with these leaks he thinks he’s pay normal haj dues. has an offshore branch, that has Nawaz, go”. Leaked documents from Maryam, owned at least three off- Investigative Journalists, which stud- hit the jackpot,” Muhammad Zubair, The breakdown of international investigators,” he the Mossack Fonseca law firm in Pan- shore holding companies registered ied the papers, said those companies minister for privatisation and a mem- charges includes Rs8,600 told flag-waving supporters at an ama this month showed Sharif’s sons in the British Virgin Islands. had engaged in at least $25m in prop- ber of the prime minister’s media as airfare for south- evening rally. Many had chanted “Go Hassan and Hussain, and daughter The International Consortium of erty and acquisition deals. team, said. ern region and Rs9,500 for the northern region, Rs500 towards the Haj Safety Fund and Rs900 as vaccination charges. Most senators of religious parties Zamzam water charges Leading parties for both regions will be have no declared sources of income Rs290. lose members Top govt posts Internews owned by the family and another his wife has 50 tola gold jewellery in KP province piece of 12 kanals in his native dis- and the family has household furni- trict of Lower Dir. Besides, his only ture worth Rs50,000. lying vacant investment was the share in a private Deputy Chairman Senate Haid- to terrorism ISLAMABAD: Except for Senator school in Khal tehsil of his native dis- eri’s statement shows that there is no PESHAWAR: The top TalhaMehmood of the JamiatUlema trict. Haq’s statement of assets also significant amount in his four bank administrative positions Islam, none of the members of the showed that he received no remit- accounts, and neither there is any lia- in government of Paki- upper house of Pakistan’s bicam- tances and his wife possessed no bility against him. stan’s northwest Khyber assistant to the KP chief minister eral parliament belonging to religious jewellery. He also has no source of income, Pakhtunkhwa province on minorities’ affairs and a mem- parties, including Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) They do not own any house or a investment, receivables and does not and at the Civil Secretariat Two years ago, ber of the provincial assembly, was chief SirajulHaq, owns a car or have car, motorcycle or any other vehi- own any vehicle, jewellery etc. Fata [federally admin- the number of our the latest victim of the violence. He any source of earning. cle. He has Rs1 million in three However, Haideri has a 10-marla istered tribal areas] are was shot dead by unknown attack- According to the statements of bank accounts. There is no mention plot in BharaKahu Islamabad that lying vacant as either workers and leaders ers near the Pir Baba shrine in his assets filed by the senators with the of household furniture or any other is valued Rs500,000. Besides, he there is a shortage of killed in attacks was native Buner district on April 22.\KP Election Commission of Pakistan asset, including weapons. also has a house in Kalat worth officers or those holding lost three of lawmakers in the first (ECP) for the fiscal year ending on AtaurRehman has two houses in Rs500,000 and a plot in Gwadar additional charge of such over 800. Several year since the PTI came into power June 30, neither deputy chairman D I Khan - one valued Rs400,000 worth Rs150,000. positions are competent more of our activists following the May 2013 general elec- Senate GhafoorHaideri nor Ataur- and the other worth 2.5m. He too has JUI Senator Abdul Sattar owns enough to run different tion. Farid Khan, who was elected Rehman, brother of the JUI chief, or not declared any source of income a madressah - JamiaMiftaulUloom departments at the same have been murdered provincial MP as an independent any other senator of the party have nor does he has any investments. - in Mastung worth Rs6m and also time. by terrorists in from Hangu but later joined the any source of income. There are only Rs800,000 in has a house worth Rs1.20m. However, Eight administra- PTI, was gunned down in June 2013 Similarly, SirajulHaq has stated his account in a bank located in the like the rest of his party members, tive secretaries, including Karachi and the final hardly a month after his election. in his statement of assets that he had parliament building that receives his he too has no significant assets and additional chief secre- tally can be higher: Another independently elected MPA, a limited agricultural land jointly salary as a senator. He has no vehicle, no liabilities. tary, have been given ANP leader. Imran Mohmand, along with 29 oth- the additional charges in ers was killed in a suicide attack in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Takht Bhai tehsil in Mardan. KP lost government. one of its most revered law minis- Same is the situation Internews ters, IsrarullahGandapur, in a suicide Army march at the Civil Secretariat attack at his hujra in Kulachi in Dera Fata, where the post of Ismail Khan district on Eid day. His the finance secretary has family has been complaining that been lying vacant, while PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s troubled they have not been provided justice other officers have been northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by the KP government. given the additional posts (KP) province has not only lost the “Two years ago, the number of to manage affairs of the highest number of policemen and our workers and leaders killed in departments concerned. civilians during the last decade of attacks was over 800. Several more Special assistant to the violence but it also sacrificed several of our activists have been murdered chief minister on infor- lawmakers and politicians. by terrorists in Karachi and the final mation Mushtaq Ahmad Those slain mostly belong to tally can be higher,” a senior ANP Ghani admitted that there AsfandyarWali’sAwami National leader, AfrasiabKhattak, says. was a shortage of senior Party (ANP) and Imran Khan’s Paki- Chief of QaumiWatan Party and officers in the province, stan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI). former interior minister AftabSher- which adversely affected Many senior political leaders pao and senior leader of the Nawaz official activities. He said of the province survived several Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League- the situation compelled attacks on their lives, including sui- N, Amir Muqam, have proved to be the government to give cide bombings and ambushes. Their the luckiest of all politicians as they additional charges to relatives, friends, guards and others, survived the most number of suicide some officers. however, were killed in the attacks. blasts and other attacks. Other polit- The ANP and PTI, being the ical leaders who survived suicide major partners in their respective attacks and blasts include Jamia- Sindh revenue coalition governments, have suffered tUlema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Fazlur Members of the Afghan National Army march at the Kabul Garrison Command in Kabul, Afghanistan, the most. The number of attacks on Rahman, former chief of Jamaat- yesterday. The Kabul Garrison Command, formed in 2015, co-ordinates the three main security collection rises ANP leaders and the killing of its e-IslamiQazi Hussain Ahmad, and agencies, Afghan National Police, Afghan National Army and National Directorate of Security and is workers are unprecedented. former chief ministers AkramDur- being advised by members of the Australian Defence Force. to Rs30.98bn SardarSoran Singh, special rani and HaiderHoti KARACHI: The tax reve- nue in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province rose 20 percent to Rs30.98bn during the first nine Over 800 ‘illegally’ appointed cops face dismissal in Sindh months (July-March) of this fiscal year from Rs24.87bn a year earlier. Internews and detected illegal appointments been initiated and within a couple different sections of the law enforce- inquiry committee’s report, also gave According to the lat- in the Sindh Reserve Police (SRP), of months the process of dismissal ment agency. details about misappropriation of est official data released Hyderabad, in the first phase, which will be completed,” he said, adding “It has been alleged in the instant funds under different heads, including by the Excise and Taxation were made during two consecutive that the committee was busy wind- case that illegal appointments have purchase of uniforms, maintenances (E and T) department, KARACHI: More than 800 policemen years. All of them were appointed ing up its job. He said the National been made in the Sindh police,” said of buildings and vehicles and payment the highest jump in tax face dismissal from service in Paki- under direct involvement of the Accountability Bureau had recently the NAB report submitted recently to of investigation fee to officers. revenue was 23% in infra- stan’s southern Sindh province as an former inspector general, he said. mentioned the committee’s report the apex court. “The committee has completed structure cess, which inquiry committee has found that they “A total of 820 employees of the before the Supreme Court during the “In this regard information col- its job. After the dismissal of illegal rose to Rs22.28bn from were ‘illegally’ appointed and former SRP have been traced as appointed hearing of a case about investigation lected from the Sindh police reveals appointees, the process of rehiring Rs17.04bn last year. provincial police chief had played a illegally,” said a senior police officer into corruption and illegal appoint- that in pursuance of the orders of the will be initiated by the Sindh police Motor Vehicle Reg- ‘criminal role’ in their appointment, who was a member of the committee. ments in the Sindh police. Supreme Court an inquiry committee to recruit personnel purely on the istration (MVR) was according to officials. “The deputy inspector general It particularly referred to the was formed which found that 383 and basis of merit. another revenue spinner An official who was part of the f SRP has been asked to issue all ‘criminal role’ of former Sindh 437 officials were illegally appointed It has been decided that another for the provincial govern- committee formed on the orders of such appointees show-cause notices Inspector General HyderJamali in during 2013 and 2014, respectively, in fair chance will be given to the dis- ment as it increased 19% the Supreme Court a few months ago which will lead to their dismissal from various illegal practices which cost the Sindh Reserve Police, Hyderabad.” missed policemen so they can prove to Rs3.83bn during the says the committee had prepared its service. the exchequer more than Rs2 billion The NAB report, which heavily their merit, which they did not in the period from Rs3.1bn. report after weeks of investigations The issuance of notices has apart from illegal appointments in relied on the facts of the Sindh police past.” INDIA MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 15

Democracy in motion Over 40,000 hit by pre-monsoon Chief justice floods in Assam

GUWAHATI: Over 40,000 peo- ple have been affected and 1,000 appeals for hectares of crop land inundated by flood waters following pre-mon- soon rains for the past one week in Assam, officials said yesterday. Four districts — Lakhimpur, Jorhat, Sivsagar and Charaideo more judges — have been inundated by flood waters, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said, adding that 42,658 people schedule, the chief justice was to were hit. speak for no more than 15 minutes. The army, the National Disas- Modi offers to set But an emotive Justice Thakur spoke ter Response Force and the State up a committee of for more than 35 minutes as he gave Disaster Response Force helped government officers vent to his frustration. in rescue and relief operations Modi offered to set up a com- to help the marooned people in and people from the mittee of government officers and Chairaideo. judiciary to address people from the judiciary to address Chief Secretary V K Pipersenia the issues. “I will make efforts to reviewed the flood situation with the issues. address the serious concerns.” Polling officials moving with Electronic Voting Machines after collecting them from a distribution centre officials in Guwahati and with all India, the chief justice said, ahead of fifth phase of Assembly election at Halisahar village, north of Kolkata, yesterday. the deputy commissioners through cannot achieve economic growth video conferencing. without a robust judiciary overseen He asked them to keep a close IANS by an adequate number of judges. watch on the flood situation. This was also needed to attract for- Pipersenia also reviewed eign capital. the preparedness of various ”Those whom we are inviting (to Vice-Chancellor meets agitators departments and availability of NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India invest) are also concerned with the medicines and essential drugs (CJI) T S Thakur yesterday made an judicial system and justice delivery,” in the health and family welfare emotive appeal to the government he said. “Efficacy of the judicial sys- as one shot dead in AMU violence department. to have more judges to ensure jus- tem is so vitally connected with the The chief secretary also tice for all, prompting Prime Minister development of the country.” directed the water resources Narendra Modi to say he will tackle He moaned that the sugges- department, the PWD (national “the serious concerns”. tions of the apex court collegium IANS serious injuries and was later shifted Yesterday, Vice-Chancellor Lieu- highways division) and the Addressing a conference of chief for appointing more judges were to Delhi for treatment.” tenant General Zameer Uddin Shah National Highways Authority of ministers, chief justices of high pending with the government University property, including (retd) met the agitating students and India to jointly inspect the dam- courts and Supreme Court judges, but “nothing really appears to be vehicles, was set on fire, a police tried to pacify them so that there aged NH-53 at Panchgram near Chief Justice Thakur said India’s moving”. ALIGARH: One person was shot officer said. The proctor’s office was was no further disturbance on the Hailakandi in the Barak Valley. judiciary suffered from a poor Justice delivery system was an dead and at least a dozen others were partially burnt. campus. The Central Water Commis- judge-population ratio and serious illusion for 30 percent of the popu- injured when two groups of students The trouble began when an uni- Admission tests for BTech and sion said the Burhidehing river vacancies even as it dealt with an lation living below poverty line, he clashed in the Aligarh Muslim Uni- dentified person fired at a student BArch were conducted smoothly in Khowang in Dibrugarh district “avalanches of cases”. said. “The infrastructure in the sub- versity (AMU) campus here, police from Moradabad near Mumtaz hos- yesterday at 39 examination cen- and the Desang river in Sivasagar The ratio was dismal compared ordinate courts needs to be upgraded said yesterday. The vice chancellor tel, some students said. Two people tres. More than 17,000 candidates districts were flowing above the to even other developed coun- and vacancies filled.” met the agitating students and tried suffered bullet wounds, of whom one appeared for the tests. danger level. tries, he said, looking at the prime He said more than 38 lakh cases to pacify them so that there is no fur- died later. The injured student was The vice-chancellor, pro-vice- minister who was on the dais. were pending in the high courts and ther disturbance on the campus. admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospi- chancellor and other university The chief justice took on the gov- asked: “What is the way out?” A dozen students were injured in tal in Delhi. officials visited the test centres in Chandy threatens to ernment over the failure to come ”We must do whatever is possible the violence that began on Saturday Officials said the room of a stu- Aligarh and expressed satisfaction up with judicial reforms, said judges to reduce the pendency of the cases. night and continued into early Sun- dent, Mohsin, at Mumtaz hostel was over the peaceful conduct of the tests. sue Achuthanandan should be told to work extra years The jails are full and overflowing.” day. Police sources said one student set on fire. Deputy Inspector General of when they retire, and hit out at the At the same, every year, courts was seriously wounded and taken to A group of students then went Police Govind Agrawal, District “commercial courts”. in India disposed off more than two a Delhi hospital for treatment. to the proctor’s office to lodge a Magistrate Balkar Singh, Senior THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ker- “It is not enough to criticise. crore cases. “An altercation between two complaint. The student said some Superintendent of Police J Ravindra ala Chief Minister Oommen You can’t shift the entire burden Chief Justice Thakur took a dig groups in the morning of April 23 outsiders barged into his room and Gaur and other officials met the vice Chandy yesterday threatened on judges,” he said, pointing out at the government the way it dealt resulted in several incidents of fir- also beat him up. chancellor and assured him about to sue former chief minister V S that nine judges of the American with commercial courts, saying they ing near the proctor’s office, where This triggered violent clashes providing all necessary assistance Achutanandan if he did not stop Supreme Court together decided 81 were not meant to draw on existing the groups had assembled to get which continued through the night. to maintain peace on the campus. telling “lies”. cases in a year whereas a judge in judicial infrastructure and judges their respective FIRs lodged with The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and “The disturbing incident of fir- Chandy said in a statement the Indian Supreme Court decided strength. the police,” a university official said. police reinforcements were deployed ing and arson on the AMU campus that the Marxist leader had said 2,600 cases a year. The commercial courts in Dubai “Later, some more incidents of in the campus. University authorities by two groups of primarily ex-stu- in a campaign speech that there “The only remedy is to estab- have “solemn and efficient envi- firing were reported in which one said on Sunday that the situation was dents is regrettable. This disorder was were 136 cases registered against lish more courts and increase the ronment”, he said. But the way ex-student, Mahtab, was wounded now under control. the result of old rivalry between the all except one minister in the state strength of the judges to 50 judges they worked in India won’t “serve and who subsequently succumbed “I think the cause of the clash two groups. Groupism requires strong cabinet. per million population.” the purpose for which they were to his injuries. Another youth, Waqif, is regionalism,” said one university action to counter and this process has “Achutanandan says there are According to the programme created”. who is not a student of AMU, received official. commenced,” Shah said. 31 cases registered against me. He should immediately tell me which are these cases. If he does not, I will be forced to take legal steps Ensure toilets in against him for this baseless slan- Beleaguered Mallya’s passport revoked der,” said Chandy. every home: PM to “A mere complaint or a peti- tion does not become a case. The first step in a case is registering an women leaders IANS summons from the Enforcement show cause notice, facts brought According to informed sources, FIR. Achuthanandan should pro- Directorate, which has registered by Enforcement Directorate and the revocation of the passport and the duce one FIR,” the chief minister cases against the beleaguered Rajya Non-Bailable Warrant under the warrant have set the ground for his added. “The only FIR that’s there is RANCHI: Prime Minister Naren- Sabha MP pertaining to his loans and (Prevention of Money Laundering extradition from Britain. against former finance minister K dra Modi yesterday appealed to NEW DELHI: Industrialist Vijay money laundering allegations. Act) PMLA Act, 2002 issued by Spe- They said the government was M Mani and the state vigilance has women representatives in pancha- Mallya’s passport has been revoked Mallya has sought time till May to cial Judge, Mumbai, the MEA revoked also considering issuing a red cor- submitted it to the court exonerat- yats in the country to make efforts after he failed to turn up for a probe appear before the agency for ques- the passport of Vijay Mallya under ner notice by Interpol against Mallya. ing him and is right now in front of to construct toilets in every house into a Rs9,000 crore default of loans tioning. The external affairs ministry Section 10 (3)© and 10 (3)(h) of the The notice will make his arrest the vigilance court. so that not a single female goes to from Indian banks, the government earlier suspended his passport and a Passports Act, 1967,” the ministry possible anywhere in the United “He (Marxist leader) will soon open fields for defecation. said yesterday, setting in motion the non-bailable arrest warrant issued spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. Kingdom. have to withdraw this baseless “There are 30,00,000 lakh billionaire’s possible deportation from after Mallya didn’t appear before the The ministry had earlier said that Mallya was asked to appear in statement and he is doing all this panchayat representatives in Britain. agency on April 15. the central government was commit- person on March 18, April 2 and April because he has got nothing to say the country and 40 percent are The revocation comes after “Having considered the replies ted to bringing Mallya back in India 9. His office has sought time till May, against us and hence he is bluff- women. I appeal to women pan- Mallya ignored at least three furnished by Vijay Mallya to the to face justice. saying he was abroad since March 2. ing,” Chandy added. chayat representatives to take initiatives to end open defe- cation and ensure that not a single woman of their village goes to open fields for defeca- Bring it on Modi ordered shootout tion,” Modi said at an event for the ‘Gramoday Se Bharat Uday’ campaign and Panchayati Raj in Ishrat case: Congress Diwas in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, yesetrday. “I appeal to them to pledge to construct toilet in every house,” IANS the Congress said in a statement here. he said. Senior party leaders Kapil Sibal Modi also appealed to the told reporters: “The plain and simple women representatives to super- intrigue of the central government is vise the mid-day meal scheme NEW DELHI: The Congress yester- to ensure that the most important so that children do not remain day said the Gujarat Police killed persons of the BJP/government are malnourished. Ishrat Jahan in a staged shootout not brought to trial.” He asked them to cre- in 2004 on the orders of the then “A metropolitan court in ate awareness regarding chief minister Narendra Modi and Ahmedabad, Special Investigation delivery in hospitals so that BJP leader Amit Shah. Team formed by the Gujarat High pregnant woman don’t die. The opposition party also said Court and a Central Bureau of Inves- Modi said his government has that accusations against Sonia Gan- tigation inquiry have affirmed their taken steps to shift launches or cel- dhi and Rahul Gandhi in the case involvement in this case,” Sibal said ebrations of government schemes were “preposterous and diversion- asserting that all three dubbed the outside Delhi. ary tactics”, adding that the central gun battle as fake. “My government has tried to government was obstructing trial in ”It is, therefore, obvious that the break the myth. Delhi is not the the case to protect those accused in present tsunami of misinformation is country, the country is big.” the staged gun battle. to save the then chief minister (Modi) “The Panchayati Raj Diwas Karbi tribal women take part in a tug-of-war competition during the Domahi festival celebration in “The fake encounter of Ishrat and the then MoS (Shah) from having used to be celebrated in Delhi and Kamrup district of Assam yesterday. Indigenous games and dances of the Karbi tribe are organised Jahan and three others was ordered to appear before the sessions court this year we decided to organise it on the occasion. by the then chief minister and his then as an accused,” the Congress leader in Jamshedpur.” minister of state for home Amit Shah,” added. 16 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 EUROPE / UK Obama and Merkel make case for US-EU trade deal

the world’s largest trade pact could narrative develops that this is weak- be finalised by the end of the year. ening rather than strengthening the Angela and I agree “Angela and I agree that the position of ordinary people and ordi- that the United States United States and the European nary workers.” and the European Union need to keep moving for- “The benefits often times are dif- ward with the Transatlantic Trade fused.” Ahead of the meeting there Union need to keep and Investment Partnership negoti- was a sign of the significant hurdles moving forward with ations,” Obama said. that remain. “I don’t anticipate that we will be Merkel’s Economy Minister Sig- the Transatlantic able to have completed ratification mar Gabriel warned the deal “will Trade and Investment of a deal by the end of the year, but I fail” if the United States refused to do anticipate that we can have com- make concessions in “buy American” Partnership pleted the agreement.” clauses. Merkel and Obama also dis- negotiations, the US Both sides hope the pact will cussed world crises including Syria provide a shot in the arm to Western and Libya. President said. economies that are still struggling to On Syria, Obama defended erode the devastating effects of the his decision not to impose a safe global financial crisis. zone that could help stem flows of “As you see other markets like migrants and refugees into Europe AFP China beginning to develop and that have hurt Merkel politically. US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel attend the opening ceremony for Hannover Asia beginning to develop and Africa “Sadly, it is very difficult to see Messe in Hanover, Germany, yesterday. growing fast, we have to make sure how it would operate short of us our businesses can compete.” essentially being willing to militarily chancellor have grown closer and value your judgement.” Merkel ech- relationship between Obama and Mer- HANOVER, GERMANY: US President The German Chancellor ech- take over a big chunk of that country.” Obama sees her, among European oed his sentiment at their joint press kel has had its rocky moments. Barack Obama and German Chan- oed that sentiment, saying the deal But he rushed to Merkel’s defence leaders at least, as first among equals. conference. “What you see is friendly, Merkel has backed austerity as the cellor Angela Merkel made a joint was “extremely helpful to allow our over refugee crisis, saying she was on Aides describe a meeting of minds, close, trusting cooperation that I am remedy to European sovereign debt pitch yesterday for deeper transat- economy in Europe to grow”. “the right side of history”. two leaders who take a cerebral and very pleased with, also because it helps crises, while Obama came down firmly lantic trade in the face of mounting “It is good for the German econ- Obama’s official visit to Germany analytical approach to politics. solve international problems.” in favour of short-term spending to buy opposition, vowing to complete a omy, it is good for the European before leaving office in January— “I have valued chancellor Merkel’s Obama will wrap up his visit time and a way out of the economic vast US-EU trade pact that could economy,” she said. coincides with the Hanover Messe, thinking and perspective on a whole today with a keynote speech downturn. US-German relations hit a spur much-needed economic growth. But Obama acknowledged there a large trade fair that demonstrates range of global issues throughout my designed to frame his vision of low when it emerged that the US govern- After talks in the northern town was popular opposition. German industrial prowess. presidency,” Obama said. transatlantic relations and a meet- ment had been tapping Merkel’s phone. of Hanover where tens of thousands “People are unsettled by globali- During his seven years in the “You have been a trusted part- ing with Merkel and the leaders of But the officials point to the Ukraine protesters marched on Saturday sation,” he said. “People visibly see Oval Office, the Democrat US pres- ner throughout my entire presidency, Britain, France and Italy. conflict as a turning point that helped against the planned deal, Obama said a plant moving and jobs lost and the ident and the conservative German longer than any world leader, and I Despite the diplomatic niceties, the both leaders begin to work in tandem. `

Britain says can’t US President sharpens Brexit warning in parting shot rule out sending

AFP with the United States, Obama said decided it was more important to troops to Libya “it could be five years from now, 10 pitch in with his view. Hillary wants Britain to stay in EU years from now before we were able Washington fears Britain exiting to actually get something done.” the EU would close off of a key con- LONDON/WASHINGTON: US Jake Sullivan said. Reuters LONDON: US President Barack “The UK would not be able to duit of US influence in Europe. Democratic presidential front-run- Clinton, who spent four years as Obama sharpened his warnings negotiate something with the United After talks with British Prime ner Hillary Clinton wants Britain to US secretary of state during Obama’s about Britain’s reduced global influ- States faster than the EU,” he said. Minister David Cameron, who wants stay in the European Union, her first term, has made her foreign pol- ence should it quit the EU, warning it “We wouldn’t abandon our efforts Britain to stay in the EU, Obama campaign said, following an inter- icy credentials a central piece of LONDON: British Foreign Sec- could take 10 years to reach a UK-US to negotiate a trade deal with our warned London would go to the vention from US President Barack her campaign for presidential race. retary Philip Hammond said trade deal. He said Britain would have largest trading partner, the Euro- “back” of the trade queue with the Obama who urged Britons to vote Clinton’s position on the EU was yesterday that he could not rule “less influence globally” if it votes to pean market. “Our preference would United States if Brexit occurred. to remain. first reported by Britain’s Observer out sending troops to Libya if leave the European Union in the June be to work with this large bloc of Obama’s fresh intervention trig- “Hillary Clinton believes newspaper. requested to do so by the Libyan 23 referendum on membership of the countries.” gered another furious response from that transatlantic cooperation is Obama angered critics of the government, but that any deploy- 28-country bloc. Obama’s view that Britain should the Leave campaign. essential, and that cooperation is EU by warning that Britain would ment would need to be approved The president was speaking in a stay in the EU is shared by fellow “This is really about a lame duck strongest when Europe is united. She be at “the back of the queue” for a by parliament. BBC television interview broadcast Democrat Hillary Clinton, the front- US president about to move off the has always valued a strong United trade deal if it left the club - one of Western powers are backing yesterday, the final day of his four- runner to be the party’s pick for stage doing an old British friend a Kingdom in a strong EU. And she the strongest US interventions in a new Libyan unity government, day trip to Britain, before leaving for November’s presidential election. favour,” said Justice Minister Dominic values a strong British voice in the the affairs of a western European hoping it will seek foreign support Germany. On the prospect of Britain They have portrayed Obama as Raab. “I think the British will be first EU,” Clinton senior policy adviser democracy since the Cold War. to confront Islamic State militants, reaching a post-Brexit trade deal meddling, but he appears to have in the queue, not at the back.” deal with migrant flows from Libya to Europe and restore oil produc- tion to shore up Libya’s economy. “It wouldn’t make sense to rule anything out because you never Serbia’s Vucic seeks Roman parade know how things are going to evolve,” Hammond told the Sun- day Telegraph newspaper.“But if mandate in early polls there were ever any question of a British combat role in any form - ground, sea or air - that would Reuters re-emergence of Vojislav Seselj’s go to the House of Commons,” he anti-EU Radicals, which austerity- said referring to Britain’s elected weary voters were tipped to return parliament. BELGRADE: Serbian voters looked to parliament for the first time since Last week Hammond told set to grant pro-western Prime Min- 2012 as the third largest party. parliament there were no plans ister Aleksandar Vucic four more Seselj, a nationalist firebrand, to send combat troops to Libya, years in power yesterday, but he could become de facto leader of responding to media reports that will probably have to contend with a the opposition, less than a month British special forces were already resurgent ultra-nationalist opposition after the UN tribunal in The Hague operating in the country. demanding closer ties with Russia. acquitted him of war crimes during Libya has been in chaos since Aiming to pursue a bid for Euro- the 1990s breakup of Yugoslavia. Western-backed rebels overthrew pean Union membership, Vucic Vucic, casting his vote in a drab President Muammar Gaddafi in called the parliamentary bal- Belgrade suburb, said he believed 2011. Hammond said he did not lot just two years after he became Serbs would “choose the future. think it was likely that Libya would prime minister following a landslide “We will continue our European invite foreign military interven- election win for his conservative path, fully respecting our ties with tion, but highlighted the risk that Progressive Party. traditional allies in the East such as an Islamic State stronghold in the Vucic, a former hardline nation- China and Russia,” he said. country could pose to mainland alist, has promised a new drive Seselj said that if the Radicals Europe. “If Daesh (Islamic State) to privatise loss-making state- won, “we will go into coalition with became established in Libya and run companies if he is re-elected, those parties who want to give up sought to use that established base Members of the Gruppo Storico Romano (Roman Historical Group) dressed as centurions march in and pollsters expected him to win European Union accession to start to infiltrate terrorists into Europe, another absolute majority. integration with Russia.” front of Colosseum as they mark the 2769th anniversary of the founding of Rome, Italy yesterday. that would be a threat to all of us,” But Serbia’s political picture Voter turnout was steady despite he said. is likely to be complicated by the rainy weather. Polish leaders threaten fate of World War II museum

AP The Museum of the World War Poland, objecting to an approach that governed Poland for eight years II is under development since 2008 that puts Poland’s wartime experi- before Law and Justice came in. and was due to open next year in ence in the broader context of the fate A group of historians and museum WARSAW: Poland’s conservative Gdansk, where the first shots of the of other nations under the German, professionals wrote an open letter government is taking steps that war were fired. The $120m project Soviet and Japanese occupations. of protest, saying they see Law and threaten an ambitious new World was launched with the support of Kaczynski vowed in 2013 that if Justice’s move as part of “a political War II museum which international former Prime Minister Donald Tusk, his party ever took power it would struggle that involves the destruction experts have spent eight years cre- a man deeply hated by the head of change the museum so it “expresses of institutions brought to life by the ating — the latest ideological battle Poland’s new ruling Law and Justice the Polish point of view.” previous government with no regard Serbian Prime Minister and leader of the Serbian Progressive Party the nation’s nationalistic authorities party, Jaroslaw Kaczynski. Critics are convinced Kaczynski, to their substantive value.” (SNS) Aleksandar Vucic casts his ballot at a polling station during are waging against the pro-Euro- The Euro-skeptic Law and Jus- the most powerful man in Poland, is “It is difficult for us to accept a elections in Belgrade, Serbia yesterday. pean rivals they ousted from power tice party accuses the state-funded also motivated by his hatred of Tusk mindless act of vandalism carried out last year. museum of not focusing enough on and Civic Platform, the pro-EU party on our culture,” they said. EUROPE MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 17 Austrian far-right triumphs in presidential polls

to even make it into a second-round candidates was Richard Lugner, an runoff on May 22, projections showed. 83-year-old construction magnate Norbert Hofer of the “This is the beginning of a new and socialite, who won 2.3 percent. Freedom Party won political era,” FPOe leader Heinz- Support for the two main parties, Christian Strache said after what which have between them run Austria 35.3 of the vote, constitutes the best-ever result at fed- since 1945, has been sliding for years projections showed, eral level for the former party of the and in the last general election in 2013 late, SS-admiring Joerg Haider. they only just garnered enough sup- while candidates “One thing has become clear port to re-form their “grand coalition”. from the two here—a huge and massive dissatis- The phenomenon of the rise of faction with the government... I am fringe parties has been mirrored governing parties convinced that as president, Norbert across the continent, including in failed to even make it Hofer, will act as protector of the Aus- Spain, Britain and Germany. into a second-round. trian people,” he said. “Like elsewhere in Europe, we are The result means that for the first witnessing the downfall of the tradi- time since 1945, Austria will not have tional parties,” political analyst Peter a president backed by either Chan- Hajek said. cellor Werner Faymann’s Social Austria no longer has the lowest AFP Democrats (SPOe) or their centre- unemployment rate in the European right coalition partners the People’s Union and Faymann’s coalition, in Party (OeVP). The centre-right OeVP’s power since 2008, has bickered over candidate Andreas Khol came fourth structural reforms. VIENNA: Austria’s anti-immigration with 11.2 percent, just ahead of SPOe’s “In the past, the presidential elec- far-right triumphed yesterday in the Rudolf Hundstorfer on 10.9 percent. tion focused on personalities but this first round of presidential elections, Facing Hofer on May 22 is likely to year political issues have also come Austrian Freedom Party (FPOe) presidential candidate Norbert Hofer (left) and his wife Verena receive their dealing a rude wake-up call to Vien- be Alexander van der Bellen, backed into play. Hundstorfer and Khol will ballot papers at a polling station in Pinkafeld, Austria, yesterday. na’s cosy political establishment two by the Greens, who garnered 21.3 have to pay for their parties’ failings,” years before the next scheduled gen- percent, or independent candidate said Karin Cvrtila of pollster OGM. eral election. Irmgard Griss, a former judge hoping Heads could roll in the current OeVP bloc in parliament, said the a protest vote,” Lopatka said. traditionally staid and consensus- Norbert Hofer of the Freedom to be Austria’s first female president, government if neither candidate result “means we definitely cannot Having a president in the driven world of Austrian politics. Party (FPOe) won 35.3 of the vote, who won 18.7 percent. makes it into the run-off, she said go back to business as usual”. “In my Habsburg dynasty’s former pal- Hofer—the “friendly face of the FPOe” projections showed, while candidates The only candidate who fared before the results were announced. view this election was partly about ace in Vienna not from either of the has threatened to fire the government from the two governing parties failed worse than the main parties’ Reinhold Lopatka, head of the personalities and on the other hand two main parties could shake up the if it fails to get tougher on migrants.

Portuguese court Migrants seek new paves way for routes into Balkans ex-CIA agent’s extradition Reuters their own. Others use traffickers, who charge anything between $350 and $600 per person to smuggle people across the border. AFP IDOMENI, GREECE: After weeks There are more than 10,200 stranded at a closed border in north- people camped out in tents in the ern Greece, migrants and refugees fields of Idomeni. Greek authorities LISBON: Portugal’s highest court are seeking out new, irregular routes have repeatedly urged refugees and has approved the extradition to to get into Macedonia, clambering migrants to move to organised recep- Italy of a former CIA agent con- through forests and over hills under tion centres elsewhere in the country. victed over the kidnapping of the cover of darkness. There is now growing concern an Egyptian imam as part of the As dusk fell on Saturday evening, that migrants will increasingly use agency’s secret renditions pro- a witness saw a group of 70 people Italy as their conduit into Europe after gramme, a judicial source said. crossing into Macedonia from Greece, the EU-Turkey pact, with more boats US and Portuguese citizen at a point where there is no razor wire coming from North Africa - or even Sabrina de Sousa, 59, lost her fence between the two countries. across the Adriatic Sea from the Bal- final appeal to avoid extradition They darted in and out of a forest, kans after the border closures there. to Italy, ordered by Lisbon’s Court hiding from authorities. In a related incident, a report of Appeal in January and upheld Riot police and protesters during a rally against the Austrian government’s planned re-introduction of It was roughly a 20 km, or four from Budapest said that two Britons by the country’s Supreme Court border controls at the Brenner Pass, Austria, yesterday. hour walk from Idomeni, hosting and an Indian were arrested in Hun- in March. thousands of refugees and migrants gary accused of trying to transport The Constitutional Court ruled stranded by a cascade of border shut- more than a dozen migrants illegally inadmissible the argument of her Austrian police clash with Italians downs throughout the Balkans. to Austria. lawyer, Manuel de Magalhaes e Others at the campsite were also Until it sealed its southern border Silva, that she would not be guar- mulling their options to leave Idomeni last autumn, Hungary was the main anteed a fresh trial in Italy. and find vulnerable points along the gateway to northern Europe, pre- De Sousa was one of 23 Amer- protesting Brenner border checks border to cross into the Balkans, the dominantly Germany, for hundreds icans, including 22 CIA agents, preferred route to western Europe. of thousands of migrants. convicted in 2009 by an Italian “There is no other solution,” said But migrants have continued to court over the 2003 abduction in Moutaz, a Syrian from Aleppo. cross the fence in small numbers, Milan of Osama Mustafa Hassan Reuters controls in response to unprece- controls at the pass from June 1 at the “Let him (others) put himself in and police still regularly detain peo- Nasr, better known as Abu Omar. dented migrant flows into Europe. latest. Italy says the plan breaches EU my position, what would he do with ple who try to transport migrants to The cleric was flown to Egypt The marchers wore orange life rules on the free movement of people. this life we are living? Will he be ok the West, according to police reports. where his lawyers say he was tor- jackets in a sign of solidarity with The EU said last week it was with it, what is happening and what The two Britons - a man identified tured. An Italian court of appeals BRENNER, AUSTRIA: Austrian the thousands of African and Asian assessing the complaint. he is seeing?” as A S (26) and S M S (31)- were car- confirmed prison terms of seven police used batons and pepper spray migrants who have drowned trying to The Brenner Pass is the most Human rights organisations say rying 11 Syrian and Afghani citizens to nine years against the Ameri- to repel Italian marchers who were cross the Mediterranean, and bran- important Alpine crossing for heavy the living conditions at Idomeni are when stopped along the motorway cans in 2012. De Sousa was was protesting yesterday against plans dished a large banner with the slogan goods traffic and the controls, if appalling. that leads to the border, police said. arrested in Lisbon in October 2015 for tighter anti-migrant checks at the ‘People Over Borders.’ introduced, would slow Italy’s main Fellow Syrian Eyas from Damas- In a separate arrest, 34 year-old under a European arrest warrant Alpine Brenner Pass border. One demonstrator was arrested, transport link to Germany, its top cus said he would attempt to cross the Indian national S M was driving an as she was about to board a flight Scuffles broke out when sev- prompting a sit-down protest in front trading partner. Albanian border further west. “There is unspecified number of Somalis and to Goa in India where her mother eral hundred protesters, including of police lines by fellow marchers The protesters yesterday carried a chance you will get there through the Pakistanis toward Austria when his lives, Portuguese media said. some leftist politicians, tried to demanding his release, but no inju- symbolic, purple “World Passports” Macedonia route but the Macedonian BMW was pulled over. breach police barriers at the border ries were reported. Austria said this and chanted slogans against the military will send you back,” he said. No further details were immedi- where Austria has said it will toughen month it would introduce tougher deportation of migrants. Some people chance the trek on ately available. Three Ukrainian soldiers killed in Experts to compare Zika Flower Parade new fighting notes in Paris today AFP

AFP serious complications, and the WHO KIEV: Three Ukrainian soldiers declared current outbreak a public were killed and six injured in a health emergency of international fresh upsurge of fighting between concern,” Institut Pasteur president pro-Russian rebels and gov- PARIS: Some 600 disease experts Christian Brechot said. “It is therefore ernment forces in the country’s from 43 nations will gather in Paris urgent to bring together key global separatist east, the Kiev military today to pour over scant but increas- players in research and health.” said yesterday. ingly worrisome data emerging Despite a flurry of research, very “As a result of hostilities, three about the Zika virus sweeping Latin little is known about Zika—how long Ukrainian soldiers have been America and threatening the world. it may hide out in the human body killed and another six wounded”, Scientists and public health spe- and which mosquito species can military spokesman Oleksandr cialists will discuss the virus’ links to transmit it. Earlier this month, US Motuzyanyk told reporters. microcephaly, a disorder that causes health authorities confirmed the He said the situation along the severe brain damage in babies, and virus causes microcephaly, a long- frontline “had escalated again”, to adult-onset neurological problems suspected link. accusing separatists of ramping up such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome, And they said the virus was attacks against the Kiev military. which can cause paralysis and death. “scarier” than previously thought. “The invaders are actively using They will also review progress in “We continue to be learning mortars and armoured vehicles the development of Zika diagnostics (about the virus) pretty much every along the entire frontline”, he said. and vaccines, according to the Insti- day. And most of what we’re learning The new casualties came after tut Pasteur, which will host the science is not reassuring,” said Anne Schu- three Ukrainian soldiers were meeting today and tomorrow. chat, principal deputy director of Participants attend the Flower Parade on Tverskoy Boulevard in Moscow, Russia. The parade is killed by pro-Russian rebels in a “It is now clear that the Centers for Disease Control and organised as part of the Moscow Spring Festival every year. mortar attack earlier, in the dead- the Zika virus can cause Prevention. liest attack in nearly two months. 18 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 AMERICAS

Sanders pressured Hillary and to quit as Hillary weighs VP picks Trump poised AFP

WASHINGTON: Bernie Sanders fended off pressure to bow out of the to march ahead race for the White House yesterday as his rival, Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton, begins thinking about campaign to highlight income ine- who her running mate should be. quality has mobilised millions of The New York Times reported Connecticut, young voters. that Clinton’s advisers and allies Delaware, Maryland, But the ex-secretary of state is have begun extensive discussions poised to extend her delegate lead on the running mate question, and Pennsylvania and Tuesday when Connecticut, Dela- are putting together a list of 15 to 20 Rhode Island host ware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and potential picks. Rhode Island host their primaries. Clinton has described what sort primaries tomorrow. Pressed on reports that she has of person would fit the bill, and has begun her search for a running- set objectives for the search, the mate, Clinton shook her head and Times said. replied: “I’m just working hard to win And although her options vary AFP on Tuesday.” Clinton leads in polling depending on who her Republican in the northeastern states, and if she opponent is and other factors in a sweeps all five Sanders will be hard still fluid race, she is open to an all- pressed to exit the race. female ticket, advisers told the Times. WASHINGTON: US presiden- In Pennsylvania, Clinton turned Not ruled out for consideration is tial frontrunners Hillary Clinton to the general election, knocking Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton takes photos with supporters after speaking at a campaign Senator Elizabeth Warren, a darling and Donald Trump seek to deliver Trump and Republican candidate rally in Central Falls, Rhode Island. of the left who has not endorsed Clin- knockout blows against their rivals Ted Cruz and tailoring her message ton, advisers told the Times . in Tuesday’s five high-stakes prima- to working-class voters eager to see Other names under discussion, ries, with pressure mounting to wrap a return of manufacturing jobs. at what point does she wrap up the delegates at stake on April 26 would Republican National Committee according to the Times : Senators Tim up the nomination races and pivot “These are not jobs that can be magic number” of necessary dele- propel him that much closer to reach- chair Reince Priebus told an influen- Kaine and Mark Warner of swing- toward the general election battle. exported, they have to be done right gates, Madonna said. ing the 1,237 delegates needed to nail tial gathering in Florida of more than state Virginia; liberal Senator Sherrod Don’t expect challengers to buckle here in Pennsylvania,” Clinton told A canopy of drama hangs over down the nomination. 100 Republican delegates. Brown of Ohio, another key state; and just yet. The extraordinary 2016 race supporters this week in Philadelphia. Republican race, where the math His campaign is increasingly on “You need a majority. Almost only former Massachusetts governor Deval has tested American political tradi- Politics professor Terry Madonna points to a contested convention. That notice, however, that the provocative counts in horseshoes and hand gre- Patrick, a prominent African Ameri- tion, with Democratic and Republican of Franklin and Marshall College in means Trump will have to defy the celebrity billionaire would need to nades,” he added in an apparent shot can politician. parties taking their nomination bat- Pennsylvania said Sanders is “obsti- odds with particularly strong showings surpass that number and not merely at Trump. With the delegates huddling The preparations were another tles deep into primary season. nate” about staying in the race, through the remainder of the statewide outperform rivals Cruz and Ohio Gov- over whether to fight against a Trump sign of the Clinton campaign’s eager- Clinton, aiming to become the perhaps to earn a speaking spot at contests if he is to win the nomination ernor John Kasich. nomination or ultimately embrace him, ness to sidestep a stubborn and nation’s first female commander in the Democratic convention in July. outright before the party’s delegates “We aren’t going to hand the nom- Priebus took aim at conservatives who increasingly acrimonious rivalry chief, faces a resilient liberal Sena- Clinton “is the inevitable nom- gather in July to pick their nominee. ination to anyone with a plurality, no have said they will not back Trump with Sanders and to get on with the tor Bernie Sanders, whose grassroots inee now and the only question is Snatching most of the Republican matter how close they are to 1,237,” should he become the flagbearer. general campaign.

Girl says father Lights, camera, action made threats days Mexico hampered before shootings probe into students’ AP massacre: Experts ATLANTA: The daughter of a northeast Georgia man suspected of shooting five people to death Reuters Mexico’s government says that before killing himself says her corrupt police handed the students father was a “ticking time bomb.” over to drug gang henchmen in late Lauren Hawes said that she, 2014, who then incinerated them at her mother Angela Dent and her MEXICO CITY: A panel of interna- a garbage dump in the southwestern 1-year-old daughter hid in a neigh- tional experts yesterday accused Mexican state of Guerrero. bour’s house—barely escaping Mexico’s government of failing to The experts say that the govern- with their lives—while her father, fully cooperate with their probe ment’s fire theory is scientifically Wayne Anthony Hawes, 50, went into the fate of 43 students appar- impossible given the heat needed on a bloody rampage and killed ently massacred in 2014, the most to reduce human remains to ash. five people, including her grand- notorious human rights case in Mex- The remains of just one of the 43 mother and cousin. ico in recent years. has been identified from a charred “He made threats before, but The independent panel of bone fragment. we never thought it would be at this experts said the government’s stone- IACHR has said it will not capacity,” Lauren Hawes said. “He’s A crew member sets up camera equipment during the shooting of the movie Fast & Furious 8 in Havana, walling stopped them from reaching renew the experts’ term because been kind of a ticking time bomb if Cuba. The eighth installment in the Fast and Furious movie franchise is scheduled to be released in the truth as they wrap up their work the government was opposed to an you want to put in a few words.” theatres worldwide in 2017. and prepare to leave Mexico. extension. Capt. Andy Shedd of the The attorney general’s office, In January, the experts said, they Columbia County Sheriff’s Office they said, did not let them re-inter- started to encounter stiff resistance said that the shootings stemmed view detainees accused of the from prosecutors. from a domestic dispute that left crime or obtain other information Dozens of statements, most of three men and two women dead in a timely fashion. Prosecutors, which had been requested months at two separate locations within Cuffed kidnap suspect fatally shoots self meanwhile, did not pursue inves- earlier, were handed over about a about a mile of each other. The tigative angles that the experts had week ago, when the experts were body of shooting suspect Hawes suggested. finishing up the report and could was recovered on Saturday by AP Department spokesman Aaron complications from her pregnancy, “The delays in obtaining evi- no longer analyse them. authorities in his home in Appling. Looney. The woman told police that Coppola said. Coppola said Saxton dence that could be used to figure “The speed with which the attor- Lauren Hawes, 26, confirmed Saxton fled in her sport utility vehicle was handcuffed behind his back out possible lines of investigation ney general’s office acted in the last that the bloodshed was connected after she escaped to a nearby home. when he fatally shot himself with translates into a decision (to allow) week contrasts with the delays and to a domestic dispute between her BATON ROUGE, LA: A handcuffed Saxton, also known as Gary Zard- a gun he apparently hid in a seat impunity,” the report by the experts, delays that occurred in the last four parents: her mother had walked man shot and killed himself at a ers, is suspected of kidnapping a before hospital security searched commissioned by the Inter-Ameri- months,” the report said. out on her father just a week ago. Baton Rouge hospital after carjack- second woman in New Orleans before and detained him. can Commission on Human Rights While the experts’ probe showed Angela Dent had left before—but ing an acquaintance in New Orleans driving to Baton Rouge. “He was sitting in a chair. He was (IACHR), said. that the municipal police were the this time, she took her possessions and kidnapping a second woman at Saxton arrived at Baton Rouge in a waiting area by himself” when A spokesman for the attorney main culprits of the detention and with her to prevent Hawes from gunpoint, police said. General Medical Centre with a preg- he shot himself around 5 a.m., Cop- general’s office said the office would disappearance of the students, they destroying them as he had done Garry Saxton, 29, of New Orle- nant woman who accused him of pola said. probably comment after the experts said the federal police should also be in the past. ans, stole a car from a woman who kidnapping her, according to Baton Coppola said the shooting concluded a news conference. investigated. After Dent’s departure, Wayne picked him up to drive him to an Rouge Police Sgt. Don Coppola. occurred before Baton Rouge police The case underscored deep They also said both the army Hawes bottomed out emotionally. airport, said New Orleans Police The woman was complaining of officers arrived at the hospital. impunity that reigns in many violent and the intelligence agency known parts of Mexico, and tarnished Presi- as CISEN had failed to hand over dent Enrique Pena Nieto’s reputation. reports that could help the case. Virginia ex-governor takes graft appeal to top court

Reuters who sought to promote a dietary sup- his lead lawyer Noel Francisco told “But no such issue arose here, plement. It is the final case they will the justices in legal papers. because the bribes in this case were hear in their term that ends in June. “Officials routinely arrange personal loans and luxury goods, not The legal question concerns meetings for donors, take their calls, campaign contributions,” Verrilli said. WASHINGTON: Former Virginia whether McDonnell’s conduct consti- politely listen to their ideas, and refer McDonnell, a former rising star Governor Robert McDonnell contends tuted “official action” in exchange for them to aides. In criminalising those in the Republican Party, and his wife, that if the Supreme Court agrees with a thing of value, as required for con- everyday acts, the government has Maureen, were convicted in 2014 of prosecutors’ broad view of bribery viction under federal bribery law. His put every federal, state and local offi- taking $177,000 in gifts and loans law and allows his corruption con- lawyers contend he arranged meet- cial nationwide in its prosecutorial from Virginia businessman Jonnie victions to stand, it would make a ings, asked questions and attended crosshairs,” Francisco added. Williams. McDonnell was sentenced politician’s ordinary interactions events, the same type of activities In court papers, US Solicitor Gen- to two years in prison, which he has with donors a crime and upend the that politicians routinely perform in eral Donald Verrilli said the justices in not yet served. US political process. exchange for campaign contributions. the past have carefully distinguished At trial, prosecutors detailed The eight justices will hear argu- “This case marks the first time in “general ingratiation” between a poli- the lavish lifestyle the McDonnells ments on Wednesday in the appeal by our history that a public official has tician and a donor from “quid pro quo enjoyed thanks to gifts and sweet- McDonnell, a former rising star in the been convicted of corruption despite exchanges - for example, a governor’s heart loans from Williams including Parents and relatives of the 43 missing students from Ayotzinapa’s Republican Party, of his 2014 conviction never agreeing to put a thumb on the demanding a $1,000 contribution as vacations, designer clothing and school attend the reading of final report from the Interdisciplinary arising from gifts from a businessman scales of any government decision,” the price of an official meeting.” shoes. Group of Independent Experts in Mexico City, yesterday. AMERICAS MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 1917

Michelle exhorts graduates to vote for protection of civil rights

AP Instagram and Twitter, but those they are or who they love.” stadium was the site of “what was appearance at Jackson State is one social medial movements will disap- “We’ve got to stand side by side essentially a pro-Jim Crow rally” with of three commencement addresses pear faster than a Snapchat if you’re with all of our neighbours — straight, University of Mississippi fans waving she will make this year. The others are not also registered to vote,” Obama Muslim, Jew, Christian, Hindu, immi- Confederate flags and singing a song May 26 at the Santa Fe Indian School JACKSON, MISS: First lady Michelle told an estimated 35,000 people, grant, Native American,” Obama said. called, “Never, No Never” to protest and June 3 at the City College of New Obama (pictured) told graduates of a including 800 graduates of Jackson “Because the march for civil rights the admission of the university’s first York campus in Harlem. historically black university in Missis- State University. isn’t just about African-Americans. black student. She and President Barack Obama sippi that “the power of voting is real She said if people fail to exercise It’s about all Americans.” Obama cited the names of Emmett socialised with members of the British and lasting” and they need to cast bal- the fundamental right to vote, rights She noted that Mississippi Vet- Till, a black 14-year-old from Chicago royal family Friday in London. lots to protect civil-rights advances will be under threat. erans Memorial Stadium, where she who was killed in Mississippi in 1955 “I may be a little bit jet lagged, but made by previous generations. “Congress will still be gridlocked. spoke under clear blue skies, was for whistling at a white woman, and I’m here right now to celebrate with all She said many young African- Statehouses will continue to roll back built in the 1950s and was only used Medgar Evers, a state NAACP leader of you,” she said in Mississippi. Americans have disenfranchised voting rights and write discrimina- by white football teams until 1967, assassinated in Jackson in 1963. The university awarded her an themselves because only about 20 tion into the law,” Obama said. when Jackson State and Grambling Obama has spoken at a histori- honorary doctorate degree before her percent of them voted in the 2014 “We see it right here in Missis- State became the first black teams to cally black college or university each speech. Noting the school mascot, she midterm elections. sippi, just two weeks ago, how swiftly easy it is to single out a small group play there. year since her husband became pres- won applause from the crowd as she “You can hashtag all over progress can hurdle backward, how and marginalize them because of who She also noted that in 1962, the ident, the White House said. Her said: “Hey, y’all. I’m a Tiger now.”

A helping hand Kin and friends Details of 9/11 bid farwell to Prince probe likely MINNEAPOLIS: Family and friends of Prince said a “loving goodbye” to the music icon in a small private ceremony after his remains had been cremated. to be released His publicist Yvette Noel- Schure said the celebration of his life included his “most beloved” Tim Roemer, who was a mem- family, friends and musicians. She ber of both the joint congressional said a musical celebration will be The documents, inquiry as well as the 9/11 Commis- held at a future date. kept in a secure sion and has read the secret chapter The list of people who attended three times, described the 28 pages was not announced, but Prince’s room contain as a “preliminary police report.” sister Tyka Nelson and brother-in- information from the “There were clues. There were law Maurice Phillips were seen on allegations. There were witness the grounds of Prince’s estate Pais- joint congressional reports. There was evidence about ley Park, as well as friends such as inquiry into “specific the hijackers, about people they met percussionist Sheila E and bassist sources of foreign with — all kinds of different things Larry Graham. that the 9/11 Commission was then Some of the fans who con- support for some of tasked with reviewing and inves- gregated at Paisley Park got the September 11 tigating,” the former Democratic a memento of Prince. People congressman from Indiana said. emerged from the estate and hijackers while they The pages were withheld from handed out round purple boxes were in the United the 838-page report on the orders containing a colour photo of of President George W Bush, who Prince and a black T-shirt with Humanitarian aid, which arrived aboard a Colombian Air Force aeroplane is unloaded at the Eloy States.” said the release could divulge intel- “3121” printed on it in white — the Alfaro air base in Manta, Ecuador, yesterday. ligence sources and methods. Still, numbers were the title of a Prince protecting US-Saudi diplomatic rela- album. tions also was believed to have been AP a factor. Ben Rhodes, President Barack Obama’s deputy national security adviser, said Obama asked National WASHINGTON: The Obama admin- Intelligence director James Clapper Graft case with humble beginnings roils NYC istration will likely soon release at to review the papers for possible least part of a 28-page secret chap- declassification. “When that’s done ter from a congressional inquiry into we’d expect that there will be some AP including four deputy chiefs, have rerouted to upstate Democrats run- “If you can find a corrupt mayor of 9/11 that may shed light on possible degree of declassification that pro- been transferred or stripped of their ning for the state Senate, The New New York City, holy moly, that’s a big connections to the attackers. vides more information,” Rhodes told guns and badges as internal affairs York Times reported. prize,” said Jennifer Rodgers, a former The documents, kept in a secure reporters in Riyadh last week. detectives and FBI agents examine Separately, federal agents oper- federal prosecutor who now heads the room in the basement of the Capitol, A bill directing president to NEW YORK: After a successful attack whether officers accepted gifts and ated a wiretap that captured the Centre for the Advancement of Pub- contain information from the joint release 28-page chapter was intro- on corruption in New York’s state gov- trips from businessmen in exchange conversations of two businessmen, lic Integrity at Columbia Law School. congressional inquiry into “specific duced in the Senate, and nearly three ernment, the hard-charging federal for police escorts, special parking Jona Rechnitz and Jeremy Reich- Several parts of the multifaceted sources of foreign support for some dozen Republicans and Democrats prosecutor in Manhattan appears to privileges and other favors. berg, who were friends with two top probe had their origins in an FBI of the September 11 hijackers while are backing a similar resolution. have set his sights on New York City. In recent weeks, the evolv- police officials and served on de Bla- investigation of suspicious financial they were in the United States.” Walter Jones, Stephen Lynch, Over the past few weeks, a series ing probe has turned to campaign sio’s inaugural committee in 2013 and transactions involving a Harlem store. Bob Graham, who was co- and Thomas Massie, said they don’t of loosely related public corruption financing practices that have long contributed to his campaign, two law Campaign financing wasn’t on chairman of that bipartisan panel, think releasing the chapter will harm investigations coordinated by US been scrutinised by good govern- enforcement officials said. FBI agents’ minds in 2013 when they says an administration official told national security and could provide Attorney Preet Bharara have spilled ment groups. Investigators want to know were alerted to a series of large trans- him that intelligence officials will closure for the victims’ families. into public view, with targets includ- An animal welfare group that has whether they have been offered any fers and deposits in multiple bank decide in the next several weeks Adam Schiff, the top Democrat ing high-ranking New York Police been lobbying Mayor Bill de Blasio to official favours in exchange for dona- accounts held by a small wholesale whether to release at least parts of on the House Intelligence Commit- Department officials, the union rep- ban carriage horses from city streets tions, according to the officials. business in Harlem, the officials said. the documents. tee, has read the pages and said he resenting city jail guards, and the confirmed it had received a subpoena De Blasio, a Democrat, has not Ultimately, investigators con- “I hope that decision is to hon- wants to see them declassified to end political fundraising activities of from federal prosecutors seeking been accused of any specific wrong- cluded that a Harlem restaurant our the American people and make all speculations. several people with ties to New York documents related to its fundraising doing and his campaign organisation owner was using the accounts to run it available,” Graham told NBCs’ The online 28pages.org, an Inter- City’s mayor. efforts for a nonprofit group created has said it operated within the laws. a $12m ponzi scheme, in which Rech- Meet the Press yesterday. “The most net site pushing to get the documents Already an embarrassment to the to advance the mayor’s policy agenda. But the developments have created nitz and Reichberg were investors. important unanswered question of released, points to another document nation’s largest police department, it Other subpoenas have sought the perception that a city that was The investigators continued to 9/11 is, did these 19 people conduct declassified in July 2015 that outlined remains unclear whether the widening records related to hundreds of thou- thought to have rid itself of everyday scrutinise finances of the business- this very sophisticated plot alone, or ways in which the commission could probes could do damage to City Hall. sands of dollars in donations solicited corruption might be slipping back into men, who donated tens of thousands were they supported?” examine the possible links. So far, nine police officials, by the mayor’s campaign that were the bad old days. of dollars to the mayor’s campaign.

Countries on verge of beating Encouraging reading habit malaria face new threat: Study

Reuters eliminating the disease include More than 60 resurgences of China, Mexico, Turkey and South malaria have occurred since 1930, Africa, the study said. Overall, such failures he attributed to emboldened countries where eliminating malaria politicians and governments willing NEW YORK: Nations on the verge is within reach are expected to face a to cut budgets for fighting the disease. of eliminating malaria risk falling one-third drop in international fund- “It becomes out of sight, out of short of their goal, just as it lies within ing, the research said. mind,” he said. Looking at 35 coun- reach, due to funding being shifted The biggest financier in the fight tries with current low malaria elsewhere, researchers said. is the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, transmission, the study found signs Global aid has moved to areas Tuberculosis and Malaria, which of diminishing political and finan- where malaria remains widespread, receives funding from the Bill and cial commitment. That amounts to while internal domestic funding Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates “the greatest threat to malaria elim- gets diverted to fighting other dis- organisation also provided grant for ination,” the paper said. eases perceived as more urgent, the University of California study. Europe on Wednesday became said researchers from the Univer- Nations that recently eliminated the world’s first region to wipe sity of California, San Francisco, in the mosquito-borne illness include out malaria entirely, a milestone a study published in The Lancet med- Armenia, Morocco, Turkmenistan announced by the World Health ical journal. Once a leading cause of and the United Arab Emirates. Organisation. People attend celebration of the World Book Day in Guadalajara, Mexico. Around 600 people for death and illness, malaria has been Malaria can prove troublesome Last year, there were 214 million over 12 hours took part in the reading of British writer Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or the modern wiped out in half the world’s coun- because quasi-eradication can be cases of the disease, and it killed Prometheus as part of the celebration. tries, experts say. followed by resurgence, Richard 438,000 people, most of them in sub- Nations on the verge of Feachem, paper’s senior author, said. Saharan Africa.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 25o C Maximum: 38o C

FAJR 03.43 am ZUHR 11.32 am MAGHRIB 06.03 pm HIGH TIDE 06:00 - 19:30 Partly cloudy to cloudy with chance of scattered SHOROOK 05.03 am ASR 03.01 pm ISHA 07.33 pm LOW TIDE 01:15 - 12:15 rain.

20 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST For a noble cause Why you don’t www.thepeninsulaqatar.com sleep well in MOST READ a strange bed

Dutch journalist arrested in Turkey after Reuters 1 criticising Erdogan

Islamists are huge masses needing 2 more wise leaders RHODE ISLAND: The old adage about sleeping with one eye open in an unfamil- Disease experts to compare iar place may not be too far off the mark. 3 Zika notes in Paris A new study suggests that one half of the brain remains on high alert during the first night of sleep in a new space. Over the course of three experiments TWEET OF THE DAY on 35 young, healthy volunteers, research- ers measured brain activity during two consecutive nights of slumber. They con- sistently found that part of the left side of the brain remained more active than the right side only on the first night, specifi- Thai dancers performing a traditional dance during the Red Cross Fair in Thailand's southern province cally during a deep sleep phase known as of Narathiwat. The culture, art and travel show takes place in several locations in Thailand annually slow-wave sleep. to raise money for the Thai Red Cross Society. “When you sleep in a new place for the first time, a part of one side of the brain seems to stay awake for surveillance purposes, so you could wake up faster if necessary,” said senior study author Yuka Sasaki of Brown University. Beyonce releases musically diverse album While this may be bad news for busi- ness travelers who regularly make brief overnight trips, it may not be as trouble- AFP young R&B sensation The Weeknd. entitled “Forgiveness” as she is seen some for people who go away for longer It also shows a growing musical embracing a sullen-looking Jay-Z. periods of time, Sasaki added by email. range by Beyonce, who performs In a further sign that they are still To see how being in a strange place one song with simple acoustic gui- together, Beyonce released the album impacts sleep, Sasaki and colleagues INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY NEW YORK: Pop superstar Beyonce tar, but elsewhere goes into hip-hop of “Lemonade” exclusively on the performed a series of lab tests on their released a musically diverse new and electronica. The movie opens Tidal streaming service led by Jay-Z. subjects. There is a first-night-only effect album in the form of a film yesterday, with a bleak picture of betrayal and Beyonce, who appears through- specifically in one hemisphere of the brain a bold tribute to the perseverance of jealousy as Beyonce dances across out the film with African American during deep sleep, the authors conclude. African American women. New Orleans, smashing up cars as women in roles as speakers, artists The way participants responded to the Bollywood “Lemonade” was advertised only she rages against the infidelities of and dancers, drew a theme early sleep lab tests points to the potential for Star Kajol as a special on cable network HBO an unnamed partner. in “Lemonade” as the film cuts to a the brain to be on high alert for danger Devgan during but, more than halfway through, The subject matter immediately snippet from late civil rights leader during the first night in unfamiliar sur- Interview with Beyonce dropped an album by the triggered a fury of speculation on Malcolm X, who is heard saying: “The roundings. Some birds have been found The Peninsula same name. The sixth studio album social media that “Lemonade” was most disrespected person in Amer- to literally sleep with one eye open and newspaper in by the 34-year-old pop giant features an elaborate artistic announcement ica is the black woman.” The album one side of the brain awake when they’re Doha. Photo collaborations with the critically of separation from her husband, rap is Beyonce’s first full-length release in a dangerous setting, and some marine by @Basitqu acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar, mogul Jay-Z.But toward the end of the since her chart-topping self-titled mammals have similar abilities, the garage rocker Jack White and the film, Beyonce heads into a chapter album in late 2013. authors note. Solar-powered plane lands in California after Pacific crossing

AFP to promote the use of renewable an avalanche, and then in 2013 he energy, with an aircraft powered was involved in a helicopter crash by 17,000 solar cells. The plane's that left him with minor injuries. wingspan is wider than that of a The 63-year-old took catnaps of UNITED STATES: Solar Impulse 2, jumbo jet but its weight is roughly only 20 minutes at a time to main- an experimental plane flying around the same as a car's. Solar Impulse tain control of the pioneering plane the world without consuming a drop 2 was grounded in July last year during his arduous flight from Japan, of fuel, has landed in California, one when its batteries suffered prob- in what his team described as "diffi- leg closer to completing its trailblaz- lems halfway through its 35,000km cult" conditions. ing trip. circumnavigation. The Pacific crossing is the most "The Pacific is done, my friend. The crew took several months to dangerous due to a lack of landing I love it, but it's done," said clearly repair the damage from high tropical sites in the event of an emergency. relieved Swiss adventurer Bertrand temperatures during the first Pacific Traveling at altitudes of more Piccard, who piloted the craft from stage, a 4,000-mile flight between than 9,000 meters Borschberg Hawaii to California, just before land- Japan and Hawaii. The aircraft was at times had to use oxygen tanks ing late Saturday. flown on that leg by Borschberg, to breathe and experienced huge "It's great to be in California, the whose 118-hour journey smashed the swings in temperature throughout. Australian Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham (left) posing with local resident John Jenkyn after he set fire to land of pioneers," he said once on the previous record of 76 hours and 45 Alone throughout and utterly self- methane gas along the Condamine River (behind) in Queensland, about 220km west of Brisbane. ground, with Google co-founder and minutes set by US adventurer Steve reliant in the unpressurised cockpit, alternative energy enthusiast Sergey Fossett in 2006. Born in Zurich, Bor- he was equipped with a parachute Brin on hand. "Innovation and pio- schberg is no stranger to adventure and life raft in case he needed to neering must continue. The clean -- 15 years ago he narrowly escaped ditch in the Pacific. Australian politician sets river on fire tech revolution has to keep moving forward." Piccard, a 58-year-old doc- tor by training, said that enduring the AFP Buckingham, from New South Wales, contaminate groundwater sources. 62-hour stretch between Hawaii and said in the footage posted on Face- The Murray-Darling Basin is a river the Silicon Valley town of Mountain book on Friday evening, which has network sprawling for one million View was one of the "most amazing" been viewed more than two million square kilometres (400,000 square experiences of his life. SYDNEY: An Australian politician times. miles) across five Australian states. "I bet that in 10 years, electric air- has set fire to a river to draw atten- "Unbelievable, the most incred- But the industry has said the planes will be transporting up to 50 tion to methane gas he says is seeping ible thing I've seen. A tragedy in the practice is safe and that coal seam people. This will happen," he added. into the water due to fracking, with Murray-Darling Basin (river system)," gas mining is a vital part of the "This is not science fiction. It is the dramatic video attracting more he said, blaming it on nearby coal- energy mix as the world looks for real," Piccard said. than two millions views. seam gas mining, or fracking. cleaner fuel sources. The arrival at Moffett Airfield Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham Australia is a major gas exporter, Origin Energy, which operates southeast of San Francisco, marked used a kitchen lighter to ignite bub- but the controversial fracking indus- wells in the region, said it was mon- the completion of the ninth of 13 legs bles of methane in the Condamine try has faced a public backlash in itoring the bubbling. "We're aware in a journey that began last year in River in Queensland, about 220km some parts of the country over fears of concerns regarding bubbling of the United Arab Emirates. west of Brisbane. about the environmental impact. the Condamine River, in particular, Piccard, who has been alternating The video shows him jumping Farmers and other landown- recent videos demonstrating that this the long solo flights with teammate back in surprise, using an expletive ers are concerned that fracking, naturally occurring gas is flammable Andre Borschberg, will now hand as flames shoot up around the dinghy. an extraction method under which when ignited," the company said in over to his teammate who will pilot "Unbelievable. A river on high-pressure water and chemicals a statement to the Australian Broad- Solar Impulse across the United States A solar powered plane piloted by Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard, fire. Don't let it burn the boat," are used to split rockbeds, could casting Corporation. and to New York. The mission aims flies over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, yesterday. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 22 QE 10,262.56 -133.69 PTS PAGE | 23 DOW 18,003.75 +21.23 PTS Top exhibitors Qatar Exchange FTSE100 6,310.44 -71.00 PTS to participate in and Injaz Qatar Qatar exhibition BRENT $45.11 +$0.02 sign MoU

MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 • 18 Rajab 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Industries Qatar’s Q1 net profit at QR0.7bn Fitch Ratings confirms QIIB’s ‘A+’ rating

performance across all operating unplanned shutdown of one of the key for the period was QR1.1bn, a mod- segments amidst the challenging petrochemicals facilities during the erate decrease of 12.6 percent, over The Peninsula The group was macro-economic environment. All current year. Fertiliser prices on the the same period of 2015. This year- able to increase its operating segments within the group other hand were significantly down on-year reduction was due to a continued to operate under tough on last year due to a combination of significant fall in the prices of the DOHA: Fitch Ratings has affirmed production and sales trading conditions similar to those factors including lower energy prices, group’s steel products following the QIIB’s rating at ‘A+’ with a stable out- compared to last year. experienced over the last twelve lower demand, currency deprecia- muted demand and excess supply in look, confirming the bank’s strong to eighteen months where product tion in some economies and expected the key markets, despite the improved financial position. prices experienced severe setbacks. capacity additions in some of the key sales volumes. The role of the Qatari govern- The group was able to increase its supplier markets. On the other hand, on a like-for- ment in supporting the stability of The Peninsula production and sales versus last year. Sales volumes, however, was like basis, management reporting banks is a major factor in confirming Prices of the petrochemical products up on last year in line with higher revenue – assuming proportion- the good ratings of the Qatari bank- remained somewhat low compared production due to lower facility main- ate consolidation under IAS 31 - was ing sector. The decision to affirm to last year in line with their close tenance in the current year. Prices in QR3.4bn, a decrease of QR0.4bn or QIIB’s rating is a reflection of the reaffirms that Qatar’s banking sec- DOHA: Industries Qatar, one of the correlation with the crude oil prices steel segment were also down year- 10.6 percent, versus the same period bank’s sound portfolio and strong tor is maintaining its stability despite region’s industrial giants with inter- whilst the demand for petrochemi- on-year due to muted demand in the of 2015. This year-on-year reduction operational efficiency”, the ratings the falling oil prices.” ests in the production of a wide range cal products remained muted due to major regional markets following the was primarily driven by a signifi- agency noted. QIIB has total faith in the coun- of petrochemical, fertiliser and steel unfavourable economic conditions in cut on capital expenditure together cant reduction in the product prices QIIB’s CEO Abdulbasit Ahmed try’s economy and the policies being products, recorded a net profit of some of the key markets. with availability of cheap steel from across all segments most notably Al-Shaibei (pictured), said: “It’s cer- pursued by the leadership. The main QR0.7bn for the first quarter of 2016 Petrochemicals sales volumes non-GCC producers, especially China in the prices of fertilisers and steel tainly a good news, not only for QIIB driver behind QIIB’s growth is its ( Q1, 2016). however improved on last year due and Turkey. prices, and muted demand in some but for the country’s entire banking continued focus on local activities The group posted impressive to improved production despite an Reported revenue under IFRS 11 of the major buying countries. sector. The ratings agency’s decision with long term strategy, he added. 22 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS QFB listing to encourage other QFC firms to go public

ing requirements, the QFB is set to interested in discussions (regarding list on Qatar Exchange on Wednes- listing) with us,” said Al Mansoori. Qatari bourse day 27. He added that the process of list- may see listing of “This is a major milestone for ing of shares will be speeded up as Qatar Exchange because it is list- the bourse has been given mandate Exchange Traded ing a QFC company and it will open to receive IPOs. Funds (ETFs) in the the door for others to apply,” said “All listings or IPOs has to come Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori, CEO of to stock exchange. The exchange has near future as some Qatar Exchange yesterday on the a committee and the committee con- FROM LEFT: Sheikha Noor Jassim Al Thani, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of estedama, Saleh Hamad funds have evinced sidelines of an event held at its head- sists of groups from QE and QFMA. It quarters. “The sentiment is positive,” will work together to eliminate any Al Sharqi, Director General of Qatar Chamber, and Qassim Al Radaideh, Executive Officer for estedama interest. he added. thing coming between to make (list- during a press conference held at Qatar Chamber yesterday. Pic: Baher A / The Peninsula Last week, QFB had announced ing) a very smooth process. it got approval from the Qatar When it is approved by the com- Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) mittee, it will only be a matter of Over 90 exhibitors to participate in By Sachin Kumar to list shares on Qatari bourse. With days to get approval from QFMA The Peninsula the listing of QFB, the number of because they are represented on the listed companies on QE will increase committee. The application review to 44. It is the first listing of a Qatari takes around one month,” he added. expo on sustainable development entity licensed by the QFC and the In March this year, QE became DOHA: The listing of Qatar First first listing for a private entity in six the official party entitled to receive Bank’s (QFB) shares on Qatar years. applications for public offering, list- By Mohammad Shoeb Peninsula on the sidelines of the event. Exchange will encourage other The Qatari bourse may see list- ing and admission to trading and to The Peninsula Qassim added: “The expo, to be held over an area of Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) ing of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) review these applications and check about 10,000sqm, is expected to attract over 30,000 vis- licensed companies to list on in the near future as some funds that they comply with the conditions itors. We are organizing the event with only one goal in Qatari bourse. After fulfilling and have evinced interest to list. and requirements of QFMA regula- DOHA: Over 90 leading exhibitors from around the world mind -- to achieve the objective of sustainable develop- complying with all necessary list- “We know there are some funds tions and the QE rulebook. are expected to participate in the forthcoming ‘Qatar ment in line with QNV2030.” International Exhibition and Conference for Sustainable He noted that the signing of the Paris agreement just Development’, which is scheduled to be held from March a couple of days ago was a major milestone for Qatar, 14-16, 2017 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. especially with regard to the level of achievements the Fitch affirms The launch of the first edition of the event was country has made in this direction. Kuwait’s Zain net announced on the occasion of ‘World Earth Day’ (April Also present at the press meet were Sheikha Noor Jas- QIB’s ‘A+’ rating 24) at a press conference organised by ‘Qatar National sim Al Thani, Chairperson, Estedama and Saleh Hamad Program for Sustainable Development’ (Estedama) in Al Sharqi, Director General at QC and other guests and The Peninsula profit falls 9% collaboration with Qatar Chamber (QC) at its headquar- business leaders. ters yesterday. “We at Qatar Chamber are fully prepared to extend all Estedama is a national awareness programme initi- our possible support to the organisers, participants and DOHA: Fitch Ratings has affirmed Reuters ated by the Ministry of Environment, and supported by other stakeholders of the event. We will also be happy to Qatar Islamic Bank’s (QIB) Long official entities in Qatar on sustainable development. It support the exhibitors and companies who express their Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) aims to contribute in developing a sustainable and healthy interests in establishing and expanding their operations at ‘A+’ with a Stable Outlook and DUBAI: Zain, Kuwait’s biggest telecommunications operator by subscribers, community by raising awareness about sustainable devel- in Qatar,” Al Sharqi told this newspaper. Viability Rating (VR) at ‘bbb’. reported a nine percent year-on-year fall in first-quarter profit yesterday, opment topics and empower people to act in their society, The exhibitors, including those from several advanced QIB’s rating reflects the bank’s extending a sustained earnings slump as foreign exhange losses increased. through meeting the needs of the present, without com- countries, such as Japan, Germany, France, the UK and established franchise in Qatar, its The former monopoly, which operates in eight countries in the Middle promising the future generations needs in line with the the US, will display their latest sustainable technologies sound asset quality, solid funding East and Africa, made a net profit of 37 million dinars ($122.5m) in the three Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030). and solutions that match Qatar’s needs. In addition, local and liquidity profile with a fran- months to March 31, it said in a statement. Work on the programme started in the beginning of and regional participants from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, chise that is more diversified than Analysts at EFG Hermes and SICO Bahrain had forecast Zain would make the year 2013, and to be a real legacy for Qatar, and one Jordan and other countries in the Middle East will also many of its peers. a quarterly profit of 39.11 million dinars and 38.4million dinars respectively. of the mega projects that has been launched after the suc- be exhibiting their latest projects and sustainable solu- It also takes into account the The firm had posted falling profits in six of the preceding seven quarters cessful host of COP18. tions happening in Qatar and the region. bank’s adequate profitability, and as tougher domestic competition, service interruptions and higher costs in “We have been working with a number of public and Parallel to the exhibition, industry experts from Qatar satisfactory capital and leverage war-torn Iraq, and foreign exchange volatility weighed on the bottom line. private entities over the last three and a half years since and around the world will also discuss and exchange ratios. Zain said its first-quarter foreign currency losses were predominantly COP18 till today to achieve the goal of sustainable devel- ideas on current challenges and solutions required to from Iraq and totalled $35 million, up from $7m a year earlier. opment,” Qassim Radaideh, CEO at Estedama, told The achieve the goals. BUSINESS MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 23

QTA to lead big Qatar Exchange and Injaz Qatar sign MoU delegation to Dubai’s ATM

and financial culture. These courses help edu- The Peninsula cate students in understanding the importance The agreement is aimed of the securities market as well as the bene- at allowing youth and fits and risks associated with the investment DOHA: Qatar Tourism Authority therein. (QTA) is leading a big delegation students to join training The MoU also encourages QE experts to at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) programmes and courses volunteer and provide educational awareness which opens in Dubai today and sessions during the events dedicated to school runs until Thursday. held by QE in the field of and university students which are organised The delegation, comprising investment and financial by Injaz Qatar. of 35 hotels, tour operators and culture. At a press conference held at the QE head- other industry service providers, quarters, Sheikha Hanadi stated that Injaz Qatar represents a 25 percent increase is very pleased to partner with Qatar Exchange in Qatar’s participation compared during this period of exceptional growth and to last year. diversification of Qatar’s economy and said ATM, renowned as the leading The Peninsula she looked forward to future collaborations event for the Middle East inbound in education and training. She described the and outbound travel industry, MoU as the first agreement that includes a provides a platform for Qatar to comprehensive training programme aimed at demonstrate its willingness and DOHA: Qatar Exchange (QE) and Injaz Qatar promoting financial and investment awareness ability to offer innovative products yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understand- as well as the spirit of entrepreneurship among for the regional market. Qatar’s ing (MoU) to promote collaborations between Qatari youth belonging to all professions and stand will be showcasing its unique the two organisations. The two organisations backgrounds. tourism offerings, including top pledged to work together to collaborate in the “Injaz’s mission and vision revolves around Qatar Exchange CEO, Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori, and Sheikha Hanadi bint Nasser Al Thani, quality luxury accommodation, fields of education, training and community the linking between educational outputs and founder and chairperson of Injaz Qatar, during the MoU signing ceremony. cultural attractions, family enter- development. the investment market, and since QE is the Pic: Kammutty / The Peninsula tainment, festivals and events, as The MoU was signed by the CEO of Qatar cornerstone of the national investment market well as great shopping, dining and Exchange, Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori, and providing diversified investment opportuni- agreement as a basis for close cooperation with through educating the next generation of youth other leisure activities. Sheikha Hanadi bint Nasser Al Thani, founder ties, this MoU helps to enhance financial and Injaz Qatar and stated that it comes within and building a prosperous society. “This sizeable delegation reflects and chairperson of Injaz Qatar. investment culture among youth in order to the framework of the role played by Qatar Al Mansoori pointed out that this coop- the importance Qatar places on The agreement aims to allow youth and achieve success and prosperity,” said Sheikha Exchange in achieving Qatar National Vision eration is a continuation and culmination of tourism arrivals from the Middle students to join training programmes and Hanadi. 2030, adding that ‘our responsibility’ focuses on education and awareness efforts undertaken Eastern market, and in particular courses held by QE in the field of investment Al Mansoori welcomed the signing of the the human and economic development pillars by QE in the local community. the GCC,” said QTA’s Chief Market- ing & Promotion Officer, Rashed Al Qurese. “ATM attracts a signifi- cant number of international travel trade visitors and we will leverage this event to emphasise our focus Producer Price Index for February declines by 6% on unmatched cultural attractions, authenticity and other attributes with appeal to global visitors,” Al The Peninsula of 37.6 percent when compared to the same month last year. 8.3 percent, “Basic chemicals” by 6.5 Comparing with the index of Feb- Qurese added. PPI of February 2015, which was pri- The PPI covers goods relating to percent, “Grain mill products” and ruary in 2015, “Manufacturing” PPI A number of prominent local marily attributed to the significant fall “Mining” (weight: 72.7 percent), “Elec- “Rubber and plastics products” by of February, 2016 showed a sharp and regional hotel groups, leading DOHA: The overall Producer Price in prices of “crude petroleum and nat- tricity & Water” (weight: 0.5 percent) 0.5 percent each. decline of 24.3 percent. The major international hospitality opera- Index (PPI) of Qatar’s industrial sec- ural gas”. and “Manufacturing” (weight: 26.8 However, the prices increase were groups which explained this price fall tors and brands will be exhibiting tor for February 2016 was estimated The mining sector index (which percent). seen in “Other chemical products” by were “Refined Petroleum Products” by at the QTA stand (ME2010). “Our at 42.3 points, showing a decrease of includes crude oil and natural gas) in In Manufacturing sector, a 4.3 percent, “Dairy products” by 3.8 29.7 percent, ”Basic Metals” by 24.2 co-exhibitors will provide visitors six percent compared to the previ- February 2016 (with the base year 2013) decrease of 7 percent was observed in percent,“, “Beverages” by 1.9 per- percent,“Basic chemicals” by 18 per- with exceptional insights into the ous month’s index, data released by contracted by 5.4 percent compared to February, 2016, when compared with cent, “Cement and other non-metallic cent, Rubber and plastics products” evolution of Qatar’s tourist attrac- the Ministry of Development Plan- January 2016. However, when com- the previous month’s Manufacturing products” by 0.9 percent, and ”Basic by 2.5 percent, Grain mill products” tions and services. This effectively ning and Statistics revealed. pared to year-on-year basis, the Mining index this year. Decrease in prices Metals” by 0.4 percent. The prices of by 1.4 percent, and “Dairy products” delivers a ‘one-stop shop’ for doing On year-on-year basis, the PPI of sector in February 2016 witnessed a sig- was noticed in “Refined Petroleum Paper and Paper Products remained by 0.8 percent “. business with the Qatar tourism February, 2016, witnessed a steep fall nificant fall of 43.6 percent against the Products” by 9.7 percent, “Juices” by unchanged. sector,” added Al Qurese. Ooredoo pioneers Big Data analytics solution for businesses in Qatar

The Peninsula the interactions generated while they are there, and the websites they browse during their visit, and then feed this information into a range of models for business planning. DOHA: Ooredoo has successfully completed a pilot trial The data can be used to easily-configure data sheets of a new “Big Data” analytics solution, which will ena- and maps based on geocoding readings to support net- ble companies in Qatar to analyse huge volumes of data work optimisation, so that companies place hubs and to uncover hidden patterns, correlations and other key network points in the right positions to deliver the best business insights. customer experience. The Ooredoo Big Data Analytics Centre (BDAC) is an Ooredoo has used the pilot programme to ensure that end-to-end secured data science and analytics solution it will be able to offer big data analytics solutions as a that coordinates multi-source, data-driven science sys- service, in a first-of-its-kind programme in Qatar. As tems and artificial intelligence methodologies to deliver well as being able to locate the BDAC facilities required actionable intelligence for companies. on their premises, customers will also be able to access it The pilot programme used the BDAC solution to ana- via the Ooredoo Cloud, so they will find it easy to deploy, lyse multiple data sets to predict and optimise Ooredoo’s flexible and scalable according to their needs. mobile network utilisation. The results generated showed The solution is the first of its kind to be fully retained the significant business potential of using big data ana- and located in Qatar, increasing the peace of mind lytical methods and modelling for business planning and available to customers by ensuring their data remains network optimisation. in-country. Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, Chief Operating Officer, A recent forecast from analyst group IDC suggests Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Because Ooredoo aims to become that, globally, the Big Data technology and services mar- the single point of contact for ICT Solutions in Qatar, we ket will grow at a 26.4 percent compound annual growth are increasingly looking to pioneer cutting-edge solutions rate to $41.5bn by 2018, or about six times the growth rate like the Ooredoo Big Data Analytics Centre service. This of the overall IT market. multi-node, multicore supercomputer cluster will deliver The Ooredoo Big Data Analytics Centre is supported incredible results for companies, and we are ensuring it by dedicated staff, software and hardware technologies is fully-staffed and supported by a highly-trained con- that support best practice in secured data intensive sys- cierge service.” tems and data sciences. Every BDAC comes with a secure ‘Big Data’ analytics solutions offer a host of poten- data estate hardware and software module, which care- tial uses for companies. For example, by deploying the fully installed, configured, tested and maintained by a solution in a mall or airport, businesses will be able to dedicated team. track customers’ routes through different locations, all Vodafone discusses business ethics and corporate purpose at CSR Majlis

The Peninsula and knowledge sharing between with unwavering corporate ethi- peers representing both the public cal behaviour can inevitable lead and private sectors of Qatar. Voda- to positive sustainable change that DOHA: Vodafone Qatar, in col- fone will hold a CSR Majlis, with impacts both internal and external laboration with Carnegie Mellon different themes, on a regular basis stakeholders. University- Qatar (CMU-Q), the com- to connect the leaders of this field Dana Haidan, Head of Cor- pany’s ‘Knowledge Partner’, brought and bring them together to explore porate Social Responsibility and together scores of peers and experts ways of collaborations and mutual Sustainability at Vodafone Qatar, in Corporate Social Responsibility support. said: “It is crucial that we have an and Sustainability to debate the crit- The CSR Majlis entailed a work- open dialogue about business eth- ical role a well-defined corporate ing session and a debate on how to ics as corporate entities in Qatar as purpose and solid business ethics incorporate solid ethics into the exchanging best practices helps with play in creating sustainable change. way businesses operate and how reflecting these principles onto our Experts were brought together to craft purpose-based frame- daily business conduct to ensure under the umbrella of Vodafone’s works for organisational change. that the organisation is meeting its CSR Majlis. The CSR Majlis pro- The Majlis spurred a number of duties towards the society in which gramme aims to provide an open crucial questions about how a clear its operates while doing business platform that facilitates dialogue organisational purpose merged responsibly.” 24 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS

Ford not interested Apicorp’s subscribed capital to touch $2bn in tie-up with Fiat Chrysler: CEO dated financial results for the period equity investments, were $922.53m better return on capital, testimony to ending December 2015, with total as on December 31, 2015, 6.5 percent a highly effective management of the Total income income increasing to $162.04m com- higher than 12 months previously. loan book and a reduction in fund- LAS VEGAS: Ford Motor Co is not increased to pared with $156.28m in 2014; and net The year 2015 also witnessed the ing costs. interested in a tie-up with Fiat profit before provisions growing to establishment of a $3bn sukuk pro- Apicorp’s balance sheet remains Chrysler Automobiles NV, Chief $162.04m in 2015 $124.38m from $118.51m from a year gramme, followed by the successful robust, with significant liquidity of Executive Mark Fields said, when compared with ago. placement of a five year $500m Sukuk $995m and a very healthy capital ade- asked about FCA head Sergio Mar- The company maintained its in October 2015. Becoming a regular quacy ratio of 28.65 percent. chionne’s remark that Ford could $156.28m in 2014. prudent approach, setting aside an issuer of sukuk in global markets rep- Apicorp’s Extraordinary General be a potential merger candidate. investment provision of $16.78m, resents a significant strategic step for Assembly has approved to increase “I can’t speak to what Sergio or which was slightly higher than in 2014 Apicorp, and positions the company’s the company’s subscribed share capi- others wake up and want to say,” and reflects continuing geopolitical credit alongside its multilateral devel- tal to $2bn. It also declared a dividend Fields told reporters ahead of next The Peninsula and economic uncertainty in several opment banks peers. payable to the company’s sharehold- week’s Beijing motor show. parts of the Mena region. This resulted In February 2015, Apicorp par- ers of $40m in respect of 2015. After being rebuffed by Gen- in an adjusted net profit of $107.60m ticipated in a successful $200m Commenting on the results, eral Motors last year, Marchionne for 2015, compared with $105.03m in refinancing arrangement for National Apicorp’s Chairman, Dr Aabed bin said last week that Ford, Toyota DOHA: The Arab Petroleum Invest- the previous year. Petroleum Services Group (NPS) — Abdulla Al Saddoun (pictured), said: Motor Corp and Volkswagen AG ments Corporation (Apicorp), a As on December 31, 2015, total portfolios, through increasing the Apicorp’s stake is 29 percent — in “Apicorp has continued to perform are the only remaining merger multilateral development bank assets were $5.65bn and sharehold- level of equity investments. This saw conjunction with HSBC, Emirates strongly and has made excellent candidates for FCA. established by the 10 member states ers’ equity increased to $1.91bn. Apicorp make a significant investment NBD and Al Hilal Bank. progress in implementing a five year Marchionne has long called for of the Organisation of Arab Petro- During the year, Apicorp continued in Saudi Mechanical Industries (SMI), Net interest income for the year strategy designed to achieve a stable mergers among large automakers leum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), to implement its strategy of rebalanc- in addition to Apicorp’s participation came in at $44.91m, 12 percent balance between lending and equity to help diffuse development costs announced its full year consoli- ing its lending and equity investment in TAQA’s capital increase. Total direct higher than in 2014, a better yield and investment. for advanced cars that pollute less. Fields largely reiterated a writ- ten statement Ford issued last week, saying: “I can just say we have no interest other than exe- Vendome International cuting our plan, delivering product excellence and driving innovation in every part of our business. That is our sole focus.” Property offers overseas Speaking in Beijing, Fields said the company sees 23.5 million to 25.5 million vehicle sales for the investment opportunities overall Chinese market this year, representing flat to slight growth over 2015. Fields declined to give a target The Peninsula position in the real estate market.” for Ford China sales for this year. “The market continuously evolves However, Ford’s China sales gained due to a lot of factors. GCC nationals 14 percent in the first three months like Qataris and UAE locals are now of the year to 314,454 units, out- DOHA: Vendome International Prop- wiser as they continue to invest in real pacing 6 percent growth for the erty (VIP), the leading international estate to save the rental expenditure overall market. property consultancy company in and grow their property portfo- The US automaker has been Europe, highlighted the high return lio while they send their children to locked in a dead heat for fifth- of investments in overseas real estate various universities in Europe. Due largest in passenger car sales at the International Property Show to a weaker euro value, locals and with Toyota and Nissan in China, held at Dubai World Trade Center expats are also considering this time according to China Association from April 11 to 13. The company as a good opportunity to invest in of Automobile Manufacturers offers nationals and expats properties outbound properties. Moreover, big statistics. in France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, airline companies provide support to It overtook the Japanese auto- United Kingdom and some of the most travellers to boost local economy by makers in sales for the first quarter iconic cities around the world. having direct flights to major Euro- this year after finishing behind for General Manager of Vendome pean cities giving locals and expats 2015. International Property, Marie Mah- to spend times with their families and Marie Mahmouch (second right) and other officials at the International Property Show held in Dubai. Ford makes cars in China mouch, said: “Over the past few years, scout for nice properties abroad.” through joint ventures with Chong- we have seen an increase in property According to France Diploma- qing Changan Automobile and sales by about 50 percent from GCC tie, for Qatari investments France which constitute to a long-term apartments and villas. About 150 upcoming projects in France, Spain, Jiangling Motors Corp. investors. We are glad to participate remains particularly attractive. The portfolio and enhancement of inter- properties are still under construc- Portugal, Germany,and Sultanate of “We have a lot of confidence in once again at this year’s International Qatar Investment Authority invests national image of the emirate. tion. 250 propertiesare expected to Oman to give their clients, most espe- the medium- and long-term over Property Show as it is the perfect plat- mostly in prestige purchases espe- VIP reported that in 2015 the be completed by 2017. cially GCC residents, good options to the continued growth in the China form that helps us develop our strong cially in property and luxury hotels, company has handed over 220 The company announced their optimise their investments. market,” Fields said. Movenpick to operate third Twenty14 Holdings-owned Dubai Qatar property from May property wins ‘Leading New Hotel’ award The Peninsula

The Peninsula

DOHA: Twenty14 Holdings, the hospitality investment arm of LuLu DOHA: Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Group International, is proud to (MHR) will operate its third property announce that their first prop- in Doha from next week — a strategic erty in Dubai — the Steigenberger move that will capitalise on Qatar’s Hotel Business Bay, Dubai has been status as a world-class sports hub and awarded the ‘Leading New Hotel’ host of the 2022 Football World Cup. award at the inaugural Leaders in The upscale 139-room Mövenpick Hospitality Awards 2016. Hotel Al Aziziyah Doha, located in Despite only being open since the city’s internationally-renowned November, Steigenberger Hotel Busi- Aspire Zone, also known as Doha Mövenpick Hotel Al Aziziyah Doha located at Aspire Zone. ness Bay, the cosmopolitan hotel with Sports City, will open its doors on May a German touch is already making a 1, taking over the luxurious Victorian- huge impact on the UAE’s hospital- style building currently occupied by Hotels & Resorts Middle East and Development & Real Estate Invest- ity landscape. Grand Heritage Hotel Doha. South Asia. ment, is also a short walk from the Priding itself on impeccable effi- It marks a Doha hat-trick for Highlights of the five-star Möven- prestigious Venice-style Villaggio ciency and service, Steigenberger MHR, which already operates Möven- pick Hotel Al Aziziyah Doha include Mall, a draw card for the GCC market. Hotel Business Bay was voted head pick Hotel Doha and Mövenpick Hotel an eclectic dining offering, rang- E’EMAR Development & Real and shoulders above the competition, West Bay Doha, and will take the ing from the traditional Victoria Tea Estate Investment Chief Operating leading in its category on concept, Swiss hospitality firm’s total Qatar Lounge to contemporary Turkish res- Officer Khalid Badrieh said: “As we service, facilities, F&B and diversity inventory to more than 640 keys. taurant, Agora, as well as the elegant embark on a new phase for our hotel in offering. “This property already has a loyal international outlet Blue, famous for asset, in partnership with Mövenpick Commenting on the achievement, guest following and we look forward sushi, steaks and a scenic park view. Hotels & Resorts, we are well posi- Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of to building on this legacy, showcas- There’s also a luxury spa with six tioned to meet growing demand from Twenty14 Holdings and the owner of ing Mövenpick’s unique style of Swiss treatment rooms, a fitness centre and visitors choosing Qatar as a premium the property, said, “We are extremely hospitality,” said Andreas Mattmüller, indoor pool, plus five function rooms. destination for sports, business and proud and honoured to have Steigen- Chief Operating Officer, Mövenpick The property, owned by E’EMAR leisure tourism.” berger Hotel Business Bay, Dubai be The Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay in Dubai. recognised as the Leading New Hotel at the inaugural Leaders in Hospi- ensuring that we offer an experience and exceptional service. The hotel tality Awards 2016. This is a true pat that is second to none.” also offers great dining options on the back for the dedication and The Steigenberger Hotel Busi- including Bayside Restaurant & Ter- Qatar Navigation posts QR352m profit in Q1 passion that the entire team has put ness Bay, Dubai is Twenty14 Holdings’ race, Swim & Tonic Pool Bar and Das forth in making the hotel a standout first property in the UAE. The five- Café Lobby Café, along with the Stei- property in such a short span of time.” star hotel, overlooking the upcoming genberger Spa and state-of-the-art QNA three months’ period ended March due to increased pressure on pricing, Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of Stei- Dubai Canal, is located in the heart health and fitness centre. Twenty14 31, 2016 compared to EPS of QR3.21 particularly in the container feeder genberger Hotels AG, said: “We have of the city at Business Bay and is Holdings has invested over $650m for the same period of 2015. business. As for the Milaha Gas & always strived from our inception to just a stone’s throw away from the in assets across the Middle East, UK, DOHA: Qatar Navigation announced Operating revenues decreased by Petrochemical’s revenue grew by 63 stand out from the crowd through our iconic Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and India. The vast portfolio of prop- yesterday first quarter profit of 1.9 percent to QR771m for the three percent and net profit by 23 percent, unique concepts, inspiring campaigns and Downtown Dubai. erties under Twenty14 Holdings are QR352m, down from the QR365m months ended March 31, 2016, down driven largely by the investment in and exquisite standards of hospitality. The 365-room property, includ- operated by leading luxury hotel achieved during the same period of from QR786m for the same period two LNG carriers made in the sec- We will continue to uphold our posi- ing 28 suites designed for business management companies including last year. in 2015. Revenue of maritime and ond half of 2015 and stronger results tion as the destination of choice for and city leisure travellers, provides the Steigenberger Hotel Group, Marri- The earnings per share was logistics declined by 2 percent and from investments in associates and our guests and this award inspires us unparalleled views of the Dubai sky- ott International and Starwood Hotels QR3.10 for the first quarter of 2016, net profit by 22 percent, partially joint ventures. to keep improving our services and line and offers first-class amenities & Resorts. BUSINESS MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 25

Bombardier Volkswagen explores new airline positive of project in Iran DUBAI: Bombardier Inc. discussed prospects for a new airline in Iran as companies look to get a share of the country’s largely untapped China sales aviation market after economic sanctions were lifted three months ago. Officials from the country’s €4bn ($4.49bn) in connection with its Qeshm Free Zone held talks in joint venture partners in China this Tehran with Pierre Beaudoin, Volkswagen also year, while the expansion of its share executive chairman of Bombar- plans to invest €4bn of the sports utility vehicle (SUV) and dier’s board, on a project to set up new energy vehicle (NEV) markets an airline in the southern Qeshm in connection with its will be a focus over the next several island, according to a spokes- joint venture partners years, Heizmann told reporters ahead man for the free zone. The island, of the Beijing auto show, which begins located in the Persian Gulf, needs in China this year. today. to invest in air transportation as The company has lagged in Chi- part of plans to boost revenue from na’s SUV boom with relatively few The Bentley Mulsanne Long Wheelbase is on display during the Volkswagen media night ahead of the Auto tourism, the person said by phone locally produced models, but it China 2016 motor show in Beijing yesterday. from Tehran. Reuters plans to change that with launches Aerospace companies are of 10 locally made VW-, Audi- and looking to gain footholds in Iran Skoda-badged SUV models in the On new energy vehicles, Volkswa- to the so-called dieselgate scandal in Fallout from the scandal contrib- after economic sanctions starved years ahead. gen estimates that 2 million will be which it was discovered last year that uted to Volkswagen narrowly losing the nation of technology and cap- BEIJING: Volkswagen AG is optimistic “There is an SUV offensive on the sold in the overall Chinese market by the automaker modified its cars to its crown as the top foreign auto- ital. Boeing Co held talks with that its positive sales trend from the way,” Heizmann said. “It will begin 2020, in line with the government’s cheat emissions tests. maker in China to General Motors Iranian airlines earlier this month two previous quarters will continue this year with a B segment SUV,” he target, with the German automaker The company has been in talks Company in 2015, according to data and President Hassan Rouhani in China, the world’s biggest carmar- added, declining to give details on selling a few hundred thousand. with regulators globally on how to from the China Automobile Makers ordered 118 jetliners worth about ket, its China chief Jochem Heizmann which joint venture or brand would Heizmann also said Volkswagen make amends, although in China Association. $27bn from Airbus Group SE in said yesterday. produce that model. B segment refers is prepared for any recalls in China the issue only affected roughly 2,000 Volkswagen’s China sales fell 3.4 January. Volkswagen also plans to invest to small cars. on any diesel-related issues, referring cars. percent last year to 3.5 million units. Qeshm Free Zone officials have held talks with several companies though they are keen to reach an agreement with Bombardier within the next two months, said the spokesman, who asked not to Mitsubishi may skip earnings forecast due to scandal be identified due to the sensitiv- ity of the negotiations. The person declined to comment on the cost Reuters of its minivehicle models made for the the misleading data affected 625,000 air resistance via calculations, rather The transport ministry ended of the project or the scope of Bom- local market, including ones produced vehicles. It has since stopped sales and than submitting new data from tests a three-day raid of Mitsubishi’s bardier’s possible involvement, for Nissan Motor Co Ltd. production of affected models and as required by the transport ministry research and development center in saying it was too early to speak Mitsubishi is scheduled to seen its share price plummet, wiping even when making minor changes, central Japan on Friday. on the matter. TOKYO: Mitsubishi Motors Corp is announce its financial results for the out around 40 percent of its market the newspaper reported, quoting uni- It has requested the company Montreal-based Bombardier unlikely to issue an earnings forecast year ended March on Wednesday. The value, or $3.2bn, in three days. dentified sources. supply the ministry with any details has estimated Iran will need about for the current financial year when it automaker customarily issues fore- Separately, the Yomiuri newspa- Mitsubishi submitted results of related to fuel efficiency data by April 300 planes over the next decade. announces annual results this week, casts along with the previous year’s per reported that Mitsubishi did not calculations rather than test runs to 27. “We’ve had continued dis- due to uncertainty about the financial earnings. conduct vehicle test runs in some avoid revealing earlier instances of Local media late last week cussions, they’re exploratory impact of its misleading fuel economy A spokesman declined to com- cases to measure factors such as air misleading data, the Mainichi news- reported that the automaker had sub- discussions, with a number of data, a person close to the company ment on whether Mitsubishi will issue resistance that are necessary to cal- paper also reported. mitted misleading data on at least one people there for transport solu- said yesterday. a forecast for the year ending March culate fuel efficiency, when it made The Mitsubishi spokesman also more model than those disclosed, and tions required for the region and The Japanese carmaker is under 2017. The person close to the company minor changes to the minivehicles declined to comment on the media that there were likely several others. what we can offer,” Marianella de investigation by the transport min- declined to be identified due to the that were affected by misleading fuel reports due to a pending investiga- US auto safety authorities have also la Barrera, Bombardier’s manager istry after saying last week that it sensitivity of the matter. efficiency data. tion by the transport ministry, along said they are seeking information for public affairs and communica- overstated the fuel economy of four On Wednesday, Mitsubishi said Instead, the automaker estimated with an in-house probe. from Mitsubishi. tions, said from Montreal.

Hanover industry fair Toyota to launch plug-in and hybrid cars in China in 2018

Reuters

TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp plans to sell heavily electrified, so-called plug-in hybrid cars in China starting in 2018, its head of China operations, Hiroji Onishi, said yesterday. The plan is aimed at taking advantage of generous purchase incentives made available to Chinese consumers buying such fuel efficient near-all-electric cars, along with all- electric battery cars in China. Onishi told a media event ahead of the Beijing auto show that the Toyota Motor Corp’s new Prius hybrid car is displayed during its Japan Japanese carmaker plans to launch launch event in Tokyo. plug-in hybrid versions of the Toyota Corolla and Levin in China in 2018. FROM LEFT: Deputy Chairperson of the supervisory board of Schaeffler AG Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler- “Our decision to launch plug-in those cars in China, but the company meet certain conditions. One exec- Thumann, Volkswagen CEO Matthias Muller and European Commission for Digital Economy Gunther hybrid versions of the Corolla and officials at the announcement said utive who declined to be identified Oettinger attend the official opening ceremony of the Hanover industry Fair at the Hannover Congress the Levin reflects the depth of our that was a possibility. said those plug-in hybrids for China Center yesterday. USA is partner country of the industrial fair Hannover Messe 2016 running till April 29. resolve and commitment to the Chi- To qualify for China’s incentives should be able to run all on electricity nese market,” Onishi said. He did not for plug-in hybrids, Toyota officials for as far as more than 50 km when say whether Toyota plans to produce at the event said it would have to they are fully charged. EU seeks tax deal to counter populists bolstered by Panama leaks

Bloomberg stepped-up regime of tax transpar- hidden in tax havens around the anti-tax avoidance and anti-money the leaks revealed that he and his wife international tax matters they said in ency and tax-haven blacklists. world, comes as populist groups have laundering rules. “When the Panama had investments in offshore accounts a joint news release this week. “The risk of populism is very real made inroads at the ballot box with papers were revealed, it was seen as while Mariano Rajoy’s campaign to Despite the promises of cooper- if we don’t act forcefully enough or a mix of anti-elitism and criticism of both a danger and an opportunity,” hold on to power in Spain suffered a ation, governments face a long fight AMSTERDAM: The European quickly enough,” French Finance Min- austerity measures. European Economic Affairs Commis- setback when Acting Industry Min- against tax abuse, Ronen Palan, pro- Union unveiled a raft of measures to ister Michel Sapin said in an interview The EU’s finance ministers meet- sioner Pierre Moscovici told reporters. ister Jose Manuel Soria resigned over fessor of international politics at City tackle tax evasion as finance chiefs in Amsterdam on Saturday. ing in the Dutch capital on Friday and “The danger is that the public his links to an offshore company listed University, London said. attempted to wrestle the issue back “People will get the impression Saturday agreed to work together would take this as a confirmation in the leaks. “Rising populist parties in Europe from populist groups using the Pan- that we’re supporting an unfair sys- to come up with a joint tax-haven that ‘they’re all bad, they’re all the The global scale of the fallout has are likely to take advantage of the ama leaks to argue governments turn tem, one with two different sets of blacklist and common sanctions same’ — this would obviously fuel prompted four international organi- Panama leaks in their anti-estab- a blind eye to inequality. rules. We can’t be behind the curve against them, to replace the existing populism but it’s an extraordinary zations, the International Monetary lishment rhetoric,” Palan, an expert The EU’s economy chiefs, buffeted on this.” situation where nations have individ- political opportunity; it gives us addi- Fund, the United Nations, the World in tax havens, said by e-mail. by anti-establishment anger from The leak this month of millions ual lists. tional arguments.” Bank Group and the Organisation for “Establishment parties in OECD London to Madrid, showed a united of pages of financial records from They also agreed to exchange The leaks have already taken Economic Cooperation and Devel- countries are seen at the very least front at a two-day gathering of the the Panamanian law firm Mossack information on the beneficial owners some political casualties. Iceland’s opment to join forces to provide compliant in issues of tax abuse over ministers by agreeing to work on a Fonseca, exposing billions of dollars of companies and to explore tougher prime minister stepped down after support and information-sharing on a very long time, if not complicit.” 26 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 10,262.56 1.29 % QE Total Return Index 16,604.13 1.29 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,028.7 1.72 % QE All Share Index 2,867.25 1.05 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,752.26 0.24 % QE All Share Industrials 3,182.9 0.82 % QE All Share Transportation 2,572.12 0.51 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,607.31 2.81 % QE All Share Insurance 4,354.99 1.36 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,149.14 1.71 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 6,634.22 1.49 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 24-04-2016 Today 21-04-2016 Previous day Index 10,262.56 10,396.25 Change 133.69 29.32 % 1.29 0.28 YTD% 1.6 0.32 Volume 9,838,789 11,281,435 Value (QAR) 282,862,796.73 399,796,880.65 Trades 4,388 6,065 Up 08 | Down 29 | Unchanged 01

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5281.167 26.508 0.5 5379.6 4762.1 Cac 40 Index/D 4579.85 13.37 0.29 4586.11 3892.46 Dj Indu Average 18053.6 49.44 0.27 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 21236.31 -199.9 -0.93 21794.84 18278.8 Iseq Overall/D 6208.83 -44.98 -0.72 6791.68 5611.89 Karachi 100 In/D 33619.84 -109.78 -0.33 34154.7 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 16906.54 32.1 0.19 18951.12 14865.77 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2134.72 1810.1

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.2164 QR 5.2927 Euro QR 4.0516 QR 4.1335 CA$ QR 2.8526 QR 2.9091 Swiss Fr QR 3.6838 QR 3.7770 Germans flock to property as Yen QR 0..0322 QR 0.0331 Aus$ QR 2.7743 QR 2.8447 Ind Re QR 0.0539 QR 0.0552 Pak Re QR 0.0345 QR 0.0352 interest rates fall and rents rise Peso QR 0.0766 QR 0.0791 SL Re QR 0.0248 QR 0.0252 Taka QR 0.0460 QR 0.0470 Nep Re QR 0.0349 QR 0.0347 SA Rand QR 0.2545 QR 0.2595

GOLD AND SILVER GOLD QR146.6608 per gramme SILVER QR2.0055 per gramme

Qatar bourse down 1.29% and other markets mixed

QNA/Reuters

DOHA: Qatar Exchange index ended in the red yes- terday when trading closed 1.29 percent, or 133.69 points, down at 10,262.56 points from Apartment buildings are seen at Kantstrasse street at Berlin’s Charlottenburg district, Germany the previ- Abu Dhabi’s index ous closing fell 0.3 percent of 10,396.25 points. yesterday, while By Michael Nienaber he now wants to buy a second property as demographics — owners and lenders alike The vol- in Dubai, the stock Reuters a private retirement fund. could be hurt, posing a risk to medium- ume of shares In the years that followed the fall of term growth. was down to index ended almost the Berlin Wall, property prices in the city A shortage of affordable housing is 9.8 million flat. were significantly lower than in the likes also forcing poorer families out of cities, from Thurs- nlike his parents who rented of London or Paris. But the German capi- widening the social gap in one of Europe’s day’s 11.3 their whole life, Berlin resi- tal is no longer a cheap place to live. richest societies and raising tensions after million. dent Sebastian lives in his own “The problem now is: it’s really diffi- a record one million migrants arrived last Among apartment and is considering cult to find an apartment in Berlin which year alone. Strong demand for the top losers were Industries Qatar whose shares were buying a second property in is not totally overpriced,” said Sebastian. So far, Sebastian has benefited from down 1.78 percent to QR104.90, while Ooredoo lost 2.09 Uthe German capital as an investment to Figures from the European Union’s the boom. After studying in London and homes is fuelling a percent to QR89.10, National Leasing fell 4.69 percent top up his pension one day. statistics agency show 52.5 percent of Ger- Boston where rent ate up a large part of construction boom that to QR19.30 and Medicare decreased by 9.93 percent For decades a nation largely of tenants mans lived in their own home in 2014, well his scholarships, he returned to buy a is helping to support to QR98.90. and prudent savers, growing numbers of below the EU average of around 70 per- 100 sqm apartment in Berlin’s then up- Elsewhere in the region, Saudi Arabia’s stock market Germans are buying property, not just cent. But this is sharply up from 2006 when, and-coming Wedding district. For the the German economy rose strongly in heavy trade as firm oil prices boosted to own their homes but also in search of according to separate data from the Ger- €120,000 ($135,000) purchase, he bor- while exporters, who petrochemical shares, while other markets in the region investment returns they can no longer man Federal Statistics Office, the level was rowed €100,000 in 2010 on an interest were mixed. Riyadh’s main index jumped 1.7 percent to earn on their bank savings. This shift to a about 42 percent. rate of 3.8 percent. “From today’s point of traditionally drive 6,699 points, its highest finish since January 5, in the more US or British approach to property Strong demand for homes is fuelling a view, this was a bargain,” Sebastian said, growth, struggle due to largest trading volume since late August 2015. is being encouraged by the European Cen- construction boom that is helping to sup- adding that he could now probably sell the a slowdown in some of Petrochemical heavyweight Saudi Basic Industries tral Bank’s cheap money policies and rising port the German economy while exporters, flat for twice the price, if not even more. jumped 3.8 percent after oil prices rose on Friday, notch- rents, especially in German cities. who traditionally drive growth, struggle Many others have followed suit. Com- their major markets such ing their third straight week of gains. Brent futures ended A growing urban population and unex- due to a slowdown in some of their major paring prices on property websites has as China. Friday up 1.3 percent on the day at $45.11 per barrel. pectedly high immigration are pushing up markets such as China. become a hobby for many Germans and Fund managers said some local investors might have a housing market where construction rates In the last three months of 2015, con- real estate is a frequent topic of conversa- been buying stocks because of the positive publicity had been low for years. struction was one of the biggest growth tion at parties. campaign surrounding the announcement, but insti- “I’ve a private pension scheme, but contributors while net trade was a drag. “The demand for owner-occupied flats meet the bank requirements for the deposit, tutions were more cautious. “This is a medium-term despite diligent saving, it hardly yields any- In the first two months of 2016, build- in Berlin has been booming since 2010 and opts for their own apartment.” programme so we don’t expect any immediate impact thing due to the ultra-low interest rates,” ing investment further increased, raising it has increased in the last two years,” said Rates of owner-occupancy remain on the market,” said one. said Sebastian, a 38-year old management hopes of a strong first quarter. However, Christian von Gottberg, a real estate agent modest by EU standards. “But for Ger- Abu Dhabi’s index fell 0.3 percent yesterday, while consultant, who asked not to be named in concerns are growing that a property at the Engel and Voelkers. many, it’s a radical change. And it’s the in Dubai, the stock index ended almost flat. full because he does not want clients to bubble may be inflating at least in some First-time buyers tell Gottberg how ECB’s record-low interest rates that are In Egypt, the main index fell 0.5 percent in the lowest know about his personal financial affairs. cities. If it bursts one day — a scenario landlords are raising rents for a third time driving this,” said Steffen Sebastian, head volume recorded since the Egyptian pound was deval- While Sebastian bought his first apart- that could be created by rising interest within a couple of years. “So whoever can of real estate finance department at the ued in mid-March. ment six years ago to escape rising rents, rates, higher unemployment and changing afford it, and has the financial means to University of Regensburg. BUSINESS MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 27

Netflix trips on Upside limited for 2016 regulation, content & competition in Asia even as earnings bottom

By Nataly Pak and “Korean Netflix’s library in Eveline Danubrata terms of content is pretty thin,” Reuters said Jung Dong-yoon, a 29-year- old Seoul office worker and subscriber since January. Netflix viewers in the coun- onths after its global roll- try also this week discovered out, Netflix Inc is facing that well-known shows including Mproblems in several major “How to Get Away with Murder” Asian markets as it struggles to and season two of “Better Call provide enough strong con- Saul” were missing — temporar- tent to attract consumers amid ily, Netflix says — as the shows tough local competition, and are submitted for age appropri- also faces many regulatory hur- ate ratings by the country’s ratings dles, underlining concerns about board. Programming rights are an disappointing subscriber numbers issue globally. reported this week. As of January, Netflix Aus- From complaints that pro- tralia, which launched service gramming libraries offered in more than a year ago, offered many countries are far smaller just 443 TV shows, compared than in the United States to delays with 1,157 in the United States, in offering its signature “House and had 1,585 movies, compared of Cards” series in some markets with 4,593, according to Finder. due to rights issues, the US video com – fewer than those availa- streaming giant’s January launch ble in Iraq, Haiti, Cuba and many into 130 new markets worldwide, other countries. including a slew in Asia, has been “With the traditional way in bumpy. which rights to movies and TV When it launched in Indo- titles are structured, there will nesia in January, for example, be licensing restrictions and the Netflix ran afoul of the film goal is to get to a global library censorship board for carrying that is the same everywhere but Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. content deemed inappropriate. that takes time,” Lee said. The communications ministry Vivek Couto, executive direc- also demanded that Netflix set tor of consultants Media Partners up a local office and pay Indone- Asia, said it is still early in Asia sian taxes. for Netflix. He expects the com- By Rodrigo Campos up for the year. In that environment, inves- State telecoms company pany will ramp up local content Reuters tors are likely paying as much as they are PT Telekomunikasi Indone- and eventually get “reasonable willing to pay for stocks, said Forrest. sia Tbk (Telkom) will continue penetration” in markets such as The S&P’s forward price-to-earnings blocking Netflix until it adheres India, South Korea, Singapore, ratio stands at 17.8, meaning investors are to regulations, Arif Prabowo, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thai- ven with a spate of high-pro- paying nearly $18 for every $1 in expected vice-president for corporate com- land, and Vietnam. file earnings disappointments in earnings over the next 12 months. That is munications at the carrier, said, “Markets like Singapore and recent days from the likes of Cat- the highest since 2004 and sharply above Reported and estimated declining to give details. Netflix is India, over time, they can do rea- erpillar, Microsoft and Google’s the average 15 level over the past 30 years, earnings for the S&P still available in Indonesia via wifi sonably well, but I think they’re parent company, the profit reces- according to Thomson Reuters Datastream 500 are seen down connections and other carriers. going to find more challenging Esion that has dogged US stocks since last fall data. “Services delivered over the markets like Japan, Korea, China,” is still expected to come to an end in the sec- Reported and estimated earnings for the 7.1 percent in the first Internet present new questions for he said. ond half of this year. S&P 500 are seen down 7.1 percent in the quarter from a year ago, everyone, including policymak- Netflix has yet to win per- But while that probably protects Wall first quarter from a year ago, after having ers, and our intention is to comply mission to enter the coveted but Street from another vicious downdraft like declined 2.9 percent and 0.8 percent year- after having declined 2.9 with applicable laws and regula- highly restricted China market. the one that came with the start of the year, on-year in the previous two quarters. The percent and 0.8 percent tions,” said Jessica Lee, Netflix’s Netflix this week said it the return to positive earnings growth is second quarter of this year is also expected year-on-year in the head of communications for Asia. expected to add about 2 million unlikely to drive prices sharply higher, and to post a contraction, though a much smaller “It is all part of the journey as non-US subscribers in the second buying stocks now with the market back one at negative 2.3 percent. previous two quarters. we roll out in different countries,” quarter, below analysts’ average near its record high could prove a rough bet. Earnings are then expected to post gains she said. expectations for about 3.5 million. “There’s no clear driver that I can see that of 4.3 percent and 10.3 percent in the third The cost of dealing with these Chief Executive Reed Hastings is going to ignite growth and fourth quarters, leaving the gains for kinds of issues are reflected in its on Monday cited a lack of local in the real economy. We the full year shy of 2 percent, according to results, which show that Netflix language content and local pay- continue to limp along,” Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S data. The S&P 500 suffered a first-quarter operat- ment options for limiting initial said Kim Forrest, senior is already up more than 2 percent this year, here about stocks given the big rally,” said ing loss of $104.2m for streaming sign-ups in some countries. equity research analyst meaning that any further gains would come Andrew Slimmon, portfolio manager at video outside the US, partly “Over the next couple years at Fort Pitt Capital Group at the expense of a higher multiple. Morgan Stanley Investment Management because of higher marketing costs, as we further localise, we’ll be in Pittsburgh. “The overall earnings guidance in some in Chicago. and also showed that it is earn- able to see more opportunity,” The S&P 500 tech of the reports has disappointed and the for- “The estimates have beaten a little but ing less per subscriber overseas he told analysts on a conference The S&P 500 tech sector on Friday posted ward guidance is not as positive as we would it’s reaffirmation of very anemic earnings than at home. call. Netflix can take heart from its largest percentage hope given the overall expectations that we growth year over year. At this juncture, Netflix had 34.5 million inter- its performance in Latin America, sector on Friday decline in 11 weeks after are going through the worst of it now,” said we are setting up for a repeat of last year, national subscribers against 47 where it launched in 2011 and is posted its largest Microsoft and Alphabet Alan Gayle, director of asset allocation at which is barely positive year-over-year million in the US at the end of the by far the dominant video stream- percentage decline both missed analysts’ RidgeWorth Investments in Atlanta. earnings growth.” quarter. It is unclear how many of ing service. expectations. The weaker-then-expected results from More than 800 companies from micro- its customers are in Asia. However, it has seen its share in 11 weeks after However, the index Microsoft and Alphabet, the second- and to large caps report earnings next week. In South Korea, where local of the key Mexican market eroded Microsoft and overall was doing some- third-largest US companies by market cap- The headline of the list is Apple, expected content is popular and consumers slightly by competition from thing close to nothing, italisation, add to a list of underwhelming to report Tuesday at 5 p.m. EDT. Over the have numerous streaming options, Clarovideo, a streaming service Alphabet both missed and is expected to reports from the likes of IBM, Intel and Nike. past eight reporting quarters, the stock the Netflix site offers fewer than offered by billionaire Carlos Slim’s analysts’ expectations. remain in a tight range. The S&P, however, has risen more than has moved on average 4.5 percent on any 20 local TV shows or movies. America Movil. Investors are not will- 15 percent from its 2016 low hit in February direction after earnings. ing to pay much more and stands less than 2 percent away from its Also reporting next week are for earnings that are record close set almost a year ago. Facebook, 3M, MasterCard, United Tech- expected at best to inch “You’ve got to be a little more cautious nologies, UPS and AT&T. Fed seen holding rates this week with hike still on horizon

By Jonathan Spicer and Ann Saphir policy committee, continues with the pro- held its policy rates at historic lows and while domestic product growth will be published Reuters jected gradual path toward more normal the Fed is also set to stand pat for now, its pol- the day after the Fed meeting this week. levels of interest rates. icymakers will not stay silent for too long as One way for the Fed to nudge skeptical Though the US economy is generating jobs markets are pricing in barely one rate hike traders into changing their outlook without and consumer prices have risen, providing this year, compared with the Fed’s view that roiling markets would be to acknowledge the S Federal Reserve policymakers are support for a Fed interest rate rise, weak- two will probably be appropriate. recent improvement in financial conditions, expected to hold interest rates steady ness in retail sales and international trade, Last October, when stock markets had including near-record US equity prices and Uwhen they meet this week, but may as well as concern about China’s economy, recovered from a sharp selloff and as fears a weaker US dollar, by dropping or toning tweak their description of the economic are among reasons Fed Chair Janet Yellen of a slowdown in China’s economy were down its warning in March that global eco- outlook to reflect more benign conditions, will stay cautious about further rate hikes receding, the Fed specifically cited the “next nomic and financial developments “continue leaving the path open for future rate rises. before the second half of the year. meeting” as possible for a policy move. In to pose risks.” The Fed raised its policy interest rate last Markets have already anticipated such an December they followed through, raising The Fed could also rewrite its charac- Though the US economy December for the first time in a decade when approach, seeing no chance of a rate increase rates for the first time since 2006. terisation of the uncertainty surrounding its is generating jobs and market volatility finally subsided in the wake at this week’s meeting on April 26-27 of the Fast forward to April this year and the Fed forecasts, signaling risks are more balanced. of a scare over China’s economy. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), is experiencing deja vu. After a volatile cou- Such a cautious gesture next week could consumer prices have Similarly early this year markets wob- and are pricing in just a one in five chance ple of months, stocks have rebounded and pave the way for Yellen to later use a speech risen, providing support bled on worries about a slowdown in global of a move at the next meeting on June 14-15. financial conditions have eased as expecta- to clearly signal the Fed’s intentions for June. economic growth and weak US corporate Reuters polling of market participants sees tions for China’s economy again improved. Such a strategy could also win over Bos- for a Fed interest rate earnings, leading to expectations for fur- two rate hikes this year. “I don’t think they The S&P 500 index .SPX has recovered by ton Fed President Eric Rosengren, a voter rise, weakness in retail ther Fed rates rises to be revised down, so can pull off a June hike without triggering some 15 percent in two months while China’s this year on policy who is usually among the Fed policymakers may be wary of this week another round of volatility, and they don’t economy grew at 6.7 percent in the first quar- “doves” but has given two recent speeches in sales and concern about sending too strong a message of an imminent want that because the selloff in January and ter. But this time, that’s not enough. While Fed which he took issue with the market’s “dour” China’s economy are policy tightening. February left a deep scar,” Aneta Markowska, officials want to keep the path clear to a rate expectations for rates. The Fed’s so-called among reasons to stand Many Fed officials remain spooked by chief US economist at Societe Generale, said rise in June, repeating their aggressive pitch “hawks” typically prefer higher rates while the steep stock market drop earlier this year in New York. “The FOMC can’t go too hawk- for a rate rise of last October will likely be a “doves”, like Yellen of late, are more cautious. against further rate hikes. and by weak first-quarter US economic data. ish overnight because markets aren’t pricing bridge too far, given that a rise in inflation “We see the April statement as leading to a Concrete signs of higher inflation and growth in anything close to that.” back to the Fed’s 2.0-percent target is seen compromise outcome,” wrote Barclays econ- may be needed before the FOMC, the Fed’s Last week the European Central Bank unlikely. The reading on first-quarter US gross omist Michael Gapen in a note last week. 28 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS sight China ban on Apple services is Sovereign-debt talk splits EU as Schaeuble a challenge for key growth area pushes for limits

By Julia Love Reuters By Rainer Buergin, to round out the so-called bank- Alessandro Speciale ing union. The two main options and Karl Stagno Navarra on the table for dealing with sov- Bloomberg ereign bonds would be to impose he blocking of Apple mobile limits on the concentration of debt entertainment services in that banks can hold, or to limit the China poses fresh chal- current practice of treating many lenges for the tech company uropean Union finance min- sovereign bonds as risk-free for Tas it prepares to report its first-ever isters split over whether regulatory reporting. drop in iPhone sales. Eto impose restrictions on Schaeuble said sovereign- The news on Thursday that Apple banks’ holdings of government debt risk is closely linked with Inc’s online book and film services bonds, as German Finance Min- the banking-union plan to tighten had gone dark in China came at a ister Wolfgang Schaeuble found financial ties in the euro area. He vulnerable moment for the company. scant support from skeptical col- reiterated Germany’s insistence Apple executives have said that leagues for his push to overhaul that EU countries need to finish iPhone sales will fall for the first existing rules. implementing rules already on time in the company’s second quar- The Netherlands, which holds the books and make progress in ter, and the results for that quarter the EU’s rotating presidency, laid de-risking banks’ balance books will be released tomorrow. out five options for tackling the before talks can begin on any pool- Investors are sensitive to any risks posed by banks’ state-debt ing of risk. signs of trouble in Greater China, pile for the bloc’s 28 finance min- Support for the German’s posi- the company’s second-largest mar- isters to discuss in Amsterdam tion was muted at best. “The most ket by revenue. on Friday. Schaeuble backed the preferable option is the status quo,” Apple executives have flagged Dutch initiative, while others, led Padoan said, because this wouldn’t the growing services business as a by the Italian, Pier Carlo Padoan, force banks to reshuffle their debt potential source of revenue as sales of warned that changes could desta- holdings, “creating the problem the company’s flagship devices level bilise the financial system and said of where this debt will end up. off, upping the stakes for success in the issue was too big for Europe This would provoke a readjust- China, said analyst Bob O’Donnell of People line up outside an Apple store as iPhone SE goes on sale in China, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, to crack on its own. “It’s no sur- ment shock in the market.” TECHnalysis Research. last month. prise that enthusiasm for the Like Padoan, French Finance “It raises questions in an area Dutch proposals varied in degree,” Minister Michel Sapin said the that we know long-term is going to Schaeuble told reporters on Sat- sovereign-debt conundrum is be very strategically important to where it has launched a series of aren’t buying them for iTunes,” said urday. “It’s also no surprise that a global issue best dealt with by Apple,” he said. services including mobile payment O’Donnell. “They are buying it for the we strongly backed the Dutch the Basel Committee on Banking The New York Times reported Apple Pay, but some analysts ques- status and the cachet of owning an proposals.” Supervision. That preference was on Thursday that a state regulator tioned whether the company may Apple product, and that is really more The EU faces a tough political also stated on Friday by Jonathan demanded Apple halt the service. The receive a chillier reception in the about the hardware.” Investors are battle over changes to the regu- Hill, the EU’s financial-services move came after Beijing introduced future. Chinese consumers’ appetite for sensitive to any signs latory treatment of government commissioner. The conversation regulations in March imposing strict “Is this the beginning of more the phones themselves will be crit- bonds. The issue has become in Basel may not go smoothly, curbs on online publishing, particu- pressure on Apple by the Chinese ical to quarterly earnings. Apple is of trouble in Greater a focus of political debate in given the resistance to change larly for foreign firms. government?” asked analyst of Frank expected to post its first-ever quar- China, the company’s recent months because of Ger- from countries outside Europe Still, the outage is only troubling Gillett of research firm Forrester. “It’s terly drop in iPhone sales, to about many’s insistence that the euro as well as in the EU. “It is clear that if it persists, O’Donnell said. Apple a symbolic turn, and the question is to 50 million units, reflecting a satu- second-largest area should reduce the risks zero risk weights for all sovereign said in a statement on Thursday that what extent is it a harbinger.” rated global market. market by revenue. banks are facing, including gov- risk aren’t realistic,” Nobuyuki it hopes to make the services avail- The company released its book Wall Street expects adjusted ernment debt on their balance Hirano, president of Mitsubishi able to customers in China as soon and movie services in China only late earnings per share to drop 14 percent sheets, before creating a com- UFJ Financial Group Inc., said as possible. last year, leaving Chinese consum- to $2 and revenue to drop 10 percent mon deposit insurance system earlier this month. Apple has a strong track record ers little time to form a habit. “People to $52bn, according to Thomson Reu- of working with officials in China, who are buying iPhones in China ters I/B/E/S.

Carmakers have to be more transparent about the way Capital they certify their fuel economy and emission ratings as regulators step up their scrutiny into the gap between Daimler AG Chief Executive Comment laboratory results and real-world driving conditions. Officer Dieter Zetsche.

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Market Intelligence @ Name in the Market SPGLMarketIntel DealB%k Capital markets trans- ENERGY INVESTMENT action activity was dominated by M&A activity followed by Numbers in financial reports differ public offerings in Q1 2016 from reality more often, raising the question of whether investors KPMG @KPMG truly understand the businesses

#India was the stand- they own. out market for #D2E deals during the sec- ond half of 2015

Fitch Ratings @ FitchRatings CFO Journal Spain 2015 Deficit Highlights Structural Fiscal Challenge Equity-related remuneration amounted to $30.4 billion in Standard & Poor’s @ 2015, or 12.1% of pre-tax income standardpoors at the 67 technology companies in #CEE #Banks: Credit demand will remain the S&P 500 in 2015. weak in 2016, with banks continuing to struggle with sizable #NPL portfolios www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 30 PAGE | 31 Rossi wins Spanish Barnes takes Grand Prix one-stroke lead att from pole Texas Open

MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 • 18 Rajab 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Lekhwiya keep Qatar Cup title hopes alive

he netted a beauty in the The reigning 50th minute of the game and the lead was doubled just six champions minutes later when Muntari march towards added one to the Lekhwiya account. the final after Lekhwiya’s versatile a crushing 3-1 South Korean midfielder Nam Tae Hee proved a win against QSL creative force for Djamel winners Belmadi’s men and Al Rayyan throughout the last few games and he showed signs that he has adapted well since the departure of Vladimir Weiss. The Peninsula The same fact was proven once again when he added more misery to Fos- sati’s side when he scored DOHA: The reigning Qatar the third goal for his team Cup champions, Lekhwiya to make it three against nil kept their hopes for a repeat in the 75th minute of the performance at this year’s game. tournament alive when In the dying moments of they outclassed Qatar Stars the game, Al Rayyan’s mid- League (QSL) champions Al fielder Victor Casares scored Rayyan 3-1 in a virtually the only goal for the QSL one-sided semi-final at Al Champions with just three Sadd Stadium yesterday. minutes remaining. Al Rayyan, who were Al Rayyan, who claimed hoping to carry their the QSL title with five games momentum forward with a to spare, have not won a comprehensive win against match since lifting the Fal- Lekhwiya skipper Karim the strong Lekhwiya outfit, con Shield. Lekhwiya on the Bu Daif (left) and Al failed to fulfil the expecta- other hand have been prior- Rayyan’s South Korean tions of their coach Jorge itising the AFC Champions striker Myongin Koh Fossati. League in recent months and vie for the ball during A collective effort which could easily have dropped their Qatar Cup 2016 came from the winners’ star out of the top four had Umm match played at Al Sadd midfielder striker Youssef Al Salal’s form been slightly Stadium yesterday. Msakni, M Muntari and Nam better at the business end of INSET: Al Rayyan’s Tae Hee cleared their way the season. Andres Sebastian in the Qatar Cup path at the Lekhwiya will now meet Quintana and Lekhwiya’s end of an exciting clash last the winner of the crunch tie Ahmad Mohamed night. between El Jaish and Al Sadd Sayyid in action during The Tunisian interna- in the final and will be hop- yesterday’s match. tional Msakni opened up the ing to retain their Qatar Cup scoring for Lekhwiya when crown. Qatar Cup 2016 attracts a host of sponsors

The Peninsula Qatar Cup. The Doha based company have given assistance in all event elements for the Qatar Cup 2016, including work on the half time shows, sports presentation and the Qatar Cup DOHA:The Qatar Stars League (QSL) confirmed trophy tour. a host of sponsors ahead of the prestigious Qatar Woqod signed an agreement as Official Fuel Cup Football Tournament which kicked off yes- Business partner for the 2016 Qatar Cup. Shaikha terday. Sara Bint Nasser Al Thani head of PR and Com- Toyota reaffirmed their commitment to the munication at Woqod said; “Woqod is proud to Qatar Cup competition for another year, as the be associated with this competition, and being a official vehicle partner for the competition. part of developing football in Qatar. Woqod will Speaking on working with the Qatar Cup be selling tickets for the Qatar Cup at selected for another year Dr. Nasser, Abdulghani Al locations.” Abdulghani, Managing Director, AAB Said: Sout Al Khaleej has renewed its commitment El Jaish players take part in a training session at Qatar University Stadium ahead of their Qatar Cup match against Al “AAB has been supporting Football in Qatar for to the Qatar Cup for another season as the official Sadd which will be played at Al Sadd Stadium today. many years and on the occasion of Qatar Cup media partner for the competition. The Arabic we would like to extend our sincere thanks to radio station will be broadcasting live match our beloved rulers and to the members of QSL commentary of the competition, along with ded- Committee for giving us an opportunity to spon- icated programming on the Qatar Cup 2016. sor this prestigious event and I wish the event The official Charity for the Qatar Cup 2016 is El Jaish, Al Sadd ramp up preparations all success.” Qatar Charity, The QSL is delighted to continue Al Kass have been confirmed as the official it’s working relationship with Qatar Charity. broadcaster for the tournament and they pro- Al Jaber Watches signed a deal as the offi- ahead of crunch Qatar Cup clash vide extensive coverage for all matches in the cial provider for the man of the match award Qatar Cup Tournament, continuing the ongoing and referees gifts for the Qatar Cup 2016. Speak- relationship with the QSL. ing at the signing of the agreement, managing Ooredoo are the Official Telecom Partner, partner of Al Jaber watches Mohamed Yousef The Peninsula held on April 29 at Al Sadd stadium. Saudi side in the AFC champions league. and speaking at the signing of the agreement Al Jaber said. “I want to thank the QSL for this El Jaish side held a training session on Al Sadd team met on Saturday evening last Wednesday, Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Direc- fantastic opportunity to sponsor the Qatar Cup Saturday evening at Qatar University Sta- to fine tune their preparations ahead of tor, Community and Public Relations of Ooredoo competition.” dium, under the watchful eye of their coach today’s game. Qatar said “Ooredoo continues to develop ‘smart Blue Salon Qatar is the presenting partner DOHA: El Jaish and Al Sadd will meet in Sabri Lamouchi. A fully fit squad trained under the stadium’ solutions that will support Qatar’s for all half time activations for the Qatar Cup a crunch Qatar Cup clash today at Al Sadd They will be in action without the watchful eye of head coach Jesaldo Ferri- sporting ambitions. We’re happy to be support- 2016, along with a contribution of prizes for the stadium. The match will kick off at 7.15pm. services of midfielder Khalid Abdulra- era. The squad focused on team drills and ing the Qatar Cup, as it inspires people to join in raffle in the final and semifinal. Finally Speed Both sides were seen preparing for the ouf for today’s game. El Jaish’s medical will be looking to for revenge against El the spirit of football.” Marine will be providing quad bikes, jet skis and crucial tie which will decide the finalist of team have ruled out the 26 year old mid- Jaish who pipped them to second place in Zoom Arts and Design have been named vouchers which will be used in the raffle for the the prestigious Qatar Cup. The final will be fielder after suffering a knock against the Qatar Cup. as the official events delivery partner for the tournament. 30 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 SPORT

SPANISH GRAND PRIX RESULTS MOTOGP 1. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 45:28.834, 2. Jorge Lorenzo Rossi wins Spanish (ESP/Yamaha) at 2.386, 3. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 7.087, 4. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 10.351, 5. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/ Suzuki) 14.143, 6. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Suzuki) 16.772, 7. Andrea Iannone (ITA/Ducati) 26.277, 8. Pol Espargaro (ESP/ Yamaha Tech3) 30.750, 9. Eugene Laverty (IRL/Ducati Aspar) 32.325, 10. Hector Barbera (ESP/Ducati Avintia) 32.624 Grand Prix from pole CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (after four races) 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 82 points, 2. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Yamaha) 65, 3. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 58, 4. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 40, 5. Pol Espargaro (ESP/Yamaha Tech3) 36, 6. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Suzuki) 33, 7. Aleix Espar- Italian superstar garo (ESP/Suzuki) 32, 8. Hector Barbera (ESP/Ducati Avintia) chalks up 113th 31, 9. Eugene Laverty (IRL/Ducati Aspar) 28, 10. Andrea Ian- career win ahead none (ITA/Ducati) 25 of reigning world MOTO2 champion Lorenzo 1. Sam Lowes (GBR/Kalex) 44min 58.624sec, 2. Jonas Folger (GER/Kalex) at 2.480, 3. Alex Rins (ESP/Kalex) 8.113, 4. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Kalex) 10.659, 5. Johann Zarco (FRA/Kalex) 14.594, 6. Thomas Luthi (SUI/Kalex) 16.019, 7. Takaaki Nak- Reuters agami (JPN/Kalex) 16.352, 8. Dominique Aegerter (SUI/Kalex) B ritish Moto2 rider Sam Lowes

18.433, 9. Luis Salom (ESP/Kalex) 21.502, 10. Xavier Simeon of Federal Oil - Gresini Racing (BEL/Speed Up) 31.300 JEREZ: Italian MotoGP great celebrates his win during the Spanish Motorcycling Grand CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (after four races) Valentino Rossi enjoyed one of the most satisfying wins of an Prix at Jerez Circuit in southern 1. Sam Lowes (GBR/Kalex) 72 points, 2. Alex Rins (ESP/Kalex) extraordinary career by beating Spain yesterday. 62, 3. Johann Zarco (FRA/Kalex) 56, 4. Thomas Luthi (SUI/ his Spanish rivals with a domi- Kalex) 53, 5. Jonas Folger (GER/Kalex) 47, 6. Dominique nant display at their home circuit Aegerter (SUI/Kalex) 43, 7. Luis Salom (ESP/Kalex) 31, 8. yesterday. Hafizh Syahrin (MAL/Kalex) 28, 9. Simone Corsi (ITA/Speed The 37-year-old Yamaha Lowes wins Up) 26, 10. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Kalex) 24 rider led every lap on the way to his 113th career victory, and MOTO3 record 87th in the top class. He Moto 2 race 1. Brad Binder (RSA/KTM) 41min 29.882sec, 2. Nicolo Bulega had started on pole position and (ITA/KTM) at 3.336sec, 3. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Mahindra) also set the fastest lap. 3.441, 4. Jorge Navarro (ESP/Honda) 3.513, 5. Jakub Kornfeil Team mate and reigning and extends (CZE/Honda) 13.728, 6. Joan Mir (ESP/KTM) 14.933, 7. Romano world champion Jorge Lorenzo, Fenati (ITA/KTM) 13.993, 8. Enea Bastianini (ITA/Hon- who passed Rossi for a matter of da)14.052, 9. Jules Danilo (FRA/Honda) 14.409, 10. Philipp seconds on lap two before being lead Oettl (GER/KTM) 14.588 swiftly put back in his place, fin- ished second for his 100th MotoGP CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (after four races) podium. Agencies 1. Brad Binder (RSA/KTM) 77 points, 2. Jorge Navarro (ESP/ Championship leader and fel- low Spaniard Marc Marquez, who Honda) 62, 3. Romano Fenati (ITA/KTM) 47, 4. Nicolo Bulega had a headline-grabbing spat (ITA/KTM) 36, 5. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Mahindra) 34, 6. with Rossi at the end of last sea- Niccolo Antonelli (ITA/Honda) 31, 7. Enea Bastianini (ITA/Hon- son when the Italian accused him JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, Spain: da) 29, 8. Jakub Kornfeil (CZE/Honda) 29, 9. Khairul Idham of helping Lorenzo, was third for Britain’s Sam Lowes led from Pawi (MAL/Honda) 27, 10. Philipp Oettl (GER/KTM) 27 Honda. start to finish to win the Span- After four of the season’s 18 ish Moto 2 Grand Prix on Sunday races, and the first in Europe, Mar- and extended his lead in the world quez has 82 points and Lorenzo championship standings. 65. Lowes held off German Jonas Rossi, whose first win was Folger and Spanish title rival Alex almost 20 years ago in the 125cc Rins to claim his first win of the class in 1996, is third with 58. season after back-to-back second “This was the perfect week- places at the Argentine and Amer- Italian MotoGP rider end,” said the Italian, who will ican Grand Prix. have a new team mate next season Valentino Rossi (right) of Victory hands Lowes a with Lorenzo leaving for Ducati, Movistar Yamaha celebrates 10-point lead over Rins after four after finishing 2.3 seconds clear. after winning the Spanish races of the season with France’s “The bike in the race was Motorcycling Grand Prix at Johann Zarco a further six points fantastic...I had a good pace, a Jerez Circuit in southern back in third. good start, I feel good with the Spain yesterday. Third placed “I knew I could have a good bike from the beginning so I can Spaniard Marc Marquez of race today and it’s good to get the push. It was a special taste, a win Repsol Honda is seen In the monkey off my back with the first like this.” background. win of the season,” said Lowes. Rossi had not won since last Binder, who was set to start August’s British Grand Prix at the Moto3 event from second on a wet Silverstone, but Jerez has the grid, was penalized by race been good to him in the past and was not very fast, said the man “When I was catching him, simple damage limitation. officials for having used “non- Sunday was his seventh top flight who set a lap record on his way suddenly the centre of the tyre “I tried and pushed behind homologated” software during The winner, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s victory there in 17 starts. to victory in Jerez last year. “Rossi on the straight when I put third, Lorenzo but I nearly crashed one, Saturday’s qualifying. Italian rider Valentino Rossi kisses his trophy Lorenzo felt he would have was a little bit faster than me at fourth, fifth and sixth gears was two, three times,” he said. “Then I “It’s my first win (of the season) on the podium after the Spanish Moto Grand won but for tyre problems that the beginning of the race but spinning like I had wet tyres,” said ‘OK, 16 points for the cham- and to do it from the last position is Prix at the Jerez racetrack in Jerez de la forced him to ease off. in the middle I could keep the he added. Marquez had similar pionship’. These two guys today incredible,” said Binder, after win- Frontera yesterday. “The pace from the beginning distance. problems and said it had been were faster.” ning the race. Kiwi Paddon leads as Latvala crashes out in Rally of Argentina

Agencies RALLY OF ARGENTINA RALLY OF Hayden Paddon of New Zealand driving his ARGENTINA Hyundai i20 WRC during the Rally of Argentina RESULTS AFTER YESTERDAY’S THIRD 2016 in Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina on Sunday. STAGE: VILLA CARLOS PAZ, Paddon kept his cool to Argentina: Hayden Pad- clock the quickest time 1. Hayden Paddon-John Kennard (NZL/Hyundai i20) don kept world champion in the concluding power 3hr 40min 52.9sec. Sebastien Ogier at bay to stage in El Condor to win 2. Sébastien Ogier-Julien Ingrassia (FRA/VW Polo-R) win the Rally of Argen- his first WRC rally by at 14.3sec. tina yesterday for his first 14sec, and the first by a 3. Andreas Mikkelsen-Anders Jaeger Synnevag (NOR/ world rally championship New Zealander in WRC’s VW Polo-R) 1:05.2. success. 43-year history. 4. Dani Sordo-Marc Marti (ESP/Hyundai i20) 1:17.1. The Hyundai driver, On being told he’d tipped as a future world won he celebrated by 5. Mads Ostberg-Ola Floene (NOR/Ford Fiesta RS) champion, inherited a jumping onto the roof 4:56.7. handsome lead after Jari- of his car and saying: “I 6. Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul (BEL/Hyundai i20) Matti Latvala crashed don’t believe it, I didn’t 9:29.5. out in his VW Polo on think we could do it.” 7. Marcos Ligato-Ruben Garcia (ARG/Citroën DS3) Saturday. Ogier, who was left 9:39.2. And he held his nerve looking for his first vic- 8. Eric Camilli-Benjamin Veillas (FRA/Ford Fiesta RS) over the three closing tory in Argentina, leads 10:16.0. stages although he had a the drivers’ standings 9. Henning Solberg-Ilka Minor (NOR/Ford Fiesta) scare on the fourth day’s by 96 points with Pad- 10:48.5. opener when he lost time don moving up to 57 and 10. Nicolas Fuchs/Fernando Mussano (PER/ARG/Skoda to Ogier after a gearbox Norway’s Mads Ostberg Fabia R5) 24:42.8 change. on 52. He took fourth in that The Rally of Argen- SPECIAL STAGE WINNERS stage 16 and then third in tina has a reputation Latvala 6 (SS3, SS4, SS7, SS8, SS12, SS13) the next special won by as being tough on cars Paddon 5 (SS6, SS10, SS11, SS14, SS18) Ogier who had started the and drivers - last year Ogier and Sordo (SS1) day half a minute behind the high attrition rate Ogier (SS2, SS9, SS17) but was now bang in the saw nearly half of the hunt only 2.6sec behind WRC entered cars fail- Neuville (SS5) of the winning New ing to complete the rally, Mikkelsen (SS15) Zealander. including Paddon and Tanak (SS16) The 29-year-old Kennard. SPORT MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 31 Barnes takes 1-stroke lead at Texas Open

Valero Texas Open scores Lee, Levy and American fires seven Los Angeles: Leading third-round scores on Saturday in the US PGA Slattery set up birdies in the third Tour Valero Texas Open in San Anto- round to remain in nio (USA unless noted): shootout in front of second-round 205 Ricky Barnes 68-70-67 206 Brendan Steele 64-70-72 Shenzhen leader Steele 207 Luke Donald (ENG) 69-70-68, Charley Hoffman 66-71-70 208 Patrick Reed 65-73-70 AFP AFP 209 Billy Horschel 70-72-67, Nick Taylor (CAN) 75-68-66, Chad Collins 73-69-67, Padraig Har- rington (IRL) 70-71-68, Martin BEIJING: South Korea’s Lee Piller 70-68-71, Jon Curran Soomin, France’s Alexander Levy LOS ANGELES: Ricky Barnes, bid- 70-68-71 and Lee Slattery from England ding for a first US PGA Tour title, fired 210 Kevin Streelman 70-71-69, shared the lead yesterday as the seven birdies in a five-under par 67 Aaron Baddeley (AUS) 74-70- storm-hit Shenzhen International on Saturday to take a one-shot lead 66, Ryan Palmer 68-70-72, Mark went into a fifth day at Genzon Golf after three rounds of the Texas Open. Wilson 69-69-72, Scott Langley Club. Barnes, 35, closed with a bogey 69-68-73 After more than six and a on the TPC San Antonio Oaks course, 211 Chris Kirk 71-71-69, Luke List half hours were lost on days one where he pulled his tee shot left. 71-72-68, Bryce Molder 70-71- and two due to thunderstorms, But his 11-under total of 205 was 70, Kevin Chappell 71-70-70, another extended break on Sun- enough to keep him one in front of Harold Varner 69-72-70, David day meant the final round could second-round leader Brendan Steele, Hearn (CAN) 73-71-67, Brandt not be completed. who seized solo second with a birdie Snedeker 70-69-72, Stuart The stage is now set for a at the last that capped an even par Appleby (AUS) 67-70-74 shootout today at the course in 72 for 206. 212 Abraham Ancer (MEX) 73-69- southern China’s Guangdong “I took advantage of my good 70, Rob Oppenheim 73-68-71, province. shots, converted on my birdies and Shawn Stefani 72-69-71, Jason Lee, Levy and Slattery were all Ricky Barnes tees off on the second hole during the third round of the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio Gore 70-70-72 then obviously a bad finish, bad swing AT&T Oaks Course in San Antonio, Texas. Marianna, on Saturday. 14 under on the back nine when at the end,” Barnes said. “But actu- play was stopped due to darkness, ally, I still even hit a good putt there “I switched putters last week, very the European Tour reported on its -- overall if you would have told me similar model, same head, different website. five-under today, I would have taken a close-up view of Barnes’ game last and I was able to be patient enough especially my last nine holes,” Don- shaft going in it, little different look Lee and Slattery had com- it.” week in South Carolina and thought and make a couple of birdies at the ald said. “It was a good solid round. when I’m looking down at the ball,” pleted 13 holes and Levy faces Barnes said he’d try to stick to his it was “looking really good”. end,” he said. “Sure feels good to be back in con- he said. a birdie putt on the 13th green game plan on Sunday as he pursues a His own birdie at the par-five 18th Former world number one tention again and having chances to “But I think I was just looking for when play gets under way again first tour title. lifted him a stroke clear of England’s Donald, who shared second at the win. That’s why we work hard to get that one good tournament to kind of at 6.30am. “This is why you play the game, Luke Donald and Charley Hoff- Heritage last week, carded a 68. Hoff- in these positions,” added Donald, get under my belt and gain some con- Lee is seeking a first European right? Come in on Sundays and have man, but Steele said he was “really man, a three-time winner on the US who failed to qualify for the Masters fidence. I felt like my game has been Tour win in just his sixth event, a chance to win,” he said. struggling”. tour, signed for a 70 to join him on this year and hasn’t won on the US or pretty good this season, just haven’t while Levy eyes a second success Steele, who claimed his only PGA “I was able to make enough recov- 207. European Tour since 2012. been getting much out of it. Nice to on the course after winning the Tour title in San Antonio in 2011, got ery shots to not make many mistakes “I played pretty solid golf, Donald said putting was the key. see things turning around a little bit.” Volvo China Open in 2014. Nomura heads Swinging Skirts leaderboard

AFP Two-time defending champion LPGA Swinging Skirts Ko was unable to make a move, card- Scores ing a one-over 73 to finish the day tied for eighth at four-under 212 with Los Angeles: Leading third-round LOS ANGELES: Japan’s Haru Nomura Australian Min-Jee Lee (74). scores on Saturday in the Swinging maintained her three-shot lead in the Skirts LPGA Classic in San Francisco, “My game wasn’t really up to it Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic on Sat- California (USA unless noted): today,” Ko acknowledged. “It was urday, firing a one-under par 71 in the pretty average. I felt like chipping, third round in San Francisco. 206 Haru Nomura (JPN) 65-70-71 short game-wise, it was good, but I On another breezy day, Nomura wasn’t making the putts that needed 209 Lee-Anne Pace (RSA) 71-69-69, had three birdies and two bogeys to to go in for birdie or those crucial par Choi Na-Yeon (KOR) 68-70-71 build a 54-hole total of 10-under 206. saves, so I think that was the differ- Nomura found 11 of 14 fairways 211 Brooke M. Henderson (CAN) ence from today to yesterday. as she maintained the lead she held 71-71-69, Catriona Matthew “There was only two birdies overnight. She reached 11-under after (SCO) 68-72-71, Gerina Piller and three bogeys, so there wasn’t 70-69-72, Ryu So-Yeon (KOR) a birdie at the 10th hole but gave back a lot happening in my round. But I Haru Nomura of Japan tees off on the second hole during round three of the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic a shot with a bogey at 12 before fin- 63-75-73 definitely think it could have been at Lake Merced Golf Club in San Francisco, California, on Saturday. ishing with six consecutive pars. 212 Lydia Ko (NLZ) 68-71-73, Minjee worse,” she added.” “You could say it’s confidence, but Lee (AUS) 73-65-74 Choi said the firm greens made it what I feel right now is, I feel very difficult in the blustery weather. comfortable about golf,” Nomura 213 Chun In-Gee (KOR) 71-74-68, “It was tough,” she said. “The said. “I just want to have fun. I’m not Hur Mi-Jung (KOR) 72-72-69, greens were so firm and a lot of holes Tiffany Joh 70-73-70, Brittany Ikeda wins Panasonic Open title thinking about trying to beat some- have front pins so it’s hard to stop the one, it’s really about having fun.” Lang 69-70-74 ball around the pin. Nomura’s day did include a tense 214 Feng Shanshan (CHN) 74-69-71, “I made a lot of par putts out moment over a possible rules infrac- Ryann O’Toole 69-73-72, Julie there, and I was a little aggressive AFP tours. Asian Tour money leader Mar- end an 11-year title drought on tion, after a viewer notified officials Yang (KOR) 72-68-74 on the front nine. But I started with cus Fraser finished in a tie for second the Asian Tour, fell away follow- she may have “built a stance” in a two bogeys on the back nine -- it was with South Korean KT Kim after both ing a costly double-bogey on the greenside bunker on the sixth hole. 215 Sakura Yokomine (JPN) 73-72- getting harder on the back nine.” TOKYO: Japan’s Yuta Ikeda won fired rounds of 68. fifth hole and the Delhi golfer fin- After a discussion between the 70, Jenny Shin (KOR) 72-73-70, Pace and Choi were followed by the Panasonic Open by three Local favourite Ikeda, born a ished with a 72 for an eight-under rules committee, Nomura and her Park Hee-Young (KOR) 74-70-71, a group of five players on five-under strokes yesterday after shooting stone’s thrown from the Chiba Coun- 276 total. caddie it was determined that no Oh Su (AUS) 70-71-74 211 -- Canadian Brooke Henderson, a brilliant six-under-par 65 in the try Club, southeast of Tokyo, began “It’s nice to win my first title since breach occurred. Scotland’s Catriona Matthew, South final round. the day two behind overnight leader turning 30 (last December),” Ikeda South Africa’s Lee-Anne Pace and Korean Ryu So-Yeon and American The 30-year-old made the turn Shiv Kapur of India. told reporters after pocketing a cool South Korean Choi Na-Yeon shared Gerina Piller. in just 29 and closed with his sixth But a flurry of birdies and an $270,000. second on 209 and Choi signing for Women’s Australian Open in Feb- Ryu led after the first round and birdie of the day to capture his 15th eagle on the par-five second swept “I played a great front nine and a 71. ruary -- beating world number one had a share of second on Friday, but career title with a winning total of him to the top of the leaderboard in that momentum carried me through. The last time she led entering the Lydia Ko by three shots for a first fell back with a 73. Henderson carded 13-under 271 at the $1.25m event the spring sunshine. The early birdies put pressure on the final round she went on to win the LPGA title. a 69, Matthew a 71 and Piller 72. sanctioned by the Japanese and Asian Kapur, who was looking to rest of the guys.” Porte on the slow-burner after 2015 ‘disaster’

AFP ao Algarve, but thereafter his season new coach but I’m really happy with ambitions are limited. He’s more we’ve still got a good team here even to catch up with his old friends from unravelled and he pulled out of the the way things are going with David interested in the pre-Tour stage races though Phil’s (former winner Philippe Team Sky, in particular Briton Chris Giro d’Italia after hurting his leg in a Bailey, my new coach at BMC. such as the Tour of Romandie and Gilbert) out. Froome whom he helped to win two crash before being far from his best “It’s all for July and August -- after then the Criterium du Dauphine. “It would be a dream to win it but Tour de France titles. LIEGE, BELGIUM: Richie Porte at the Tour de France. the Tour there’s the Olympic Games “For me it’s more about having a realistically I’ve not done any specific “I haven’t seen that much of believes he has managed his efforts This year, though, he believes he’s and I really want to be there. good hit-out before Romandie. training for this race. him but I’m pretty sure he’s also better this year as he builds up to July’s building up his form at the right pace “This time last year I was in “I’ve done this race twice and “I think guys like (compatriot) in the same boat and just about to Tour de France. as he aims for Tour and Olympic glory incredible shape -- I think I’d won never finished so it would be nice to Simon Gerrans and these guys, obvi- ramp up the training,” said Porte, The 31-year-old Tasmanian had in the summer. nine races already, so this year’s been finish! But I think I’m in quite good ously this is a massive aim for them who will be one of Froome’s rivals been in flying form over the first few “Obviously last year the aim was a lot more low-key. But it’s starting form just coming from altitude on but for me it’s really: try and get in the defence of his Tour crown months of 2015, winning three stage always the Giro and it was a disaster! to get serious now: the Tour’s only 10 (Mount) Etna. through it and prove that I can fin- in July. races in Paris-Nice, Volta a Catalunya But this year it’s been much (better), weeks away.” “We’ll just have to see what ish a long race.” “It’s always good to line up against and Giro del Trentino. it’s been the old slow-burner,” said the Porte was in Belgium to ride happens. ‘La Doyenne’, meaning ‘the oldest’, my old mates and team-mates at He’d also taken second in the Tour BMC rider. Sunday’s Liege-Bastogne-Liege for “I don’t think the team’s putting as the race is known, is 253km long Team Sky and have a good ding-dong Down Under and fourth at the Volta “You change teams and (have) a only the second time, although his any pressure on me to perform and and will afford Porte an opportunity battle,” added Porte. 32 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 SPORT PSG beat Lille to retain French League Cup

three trophies this term with a French Cup final against Marseille to come, Ligue 1 champions as they look to ease the pain of their remain on course Champions League quarter-final defeat to Manchester City. for a domestic clean “My players, even at 10 against sweep of titles 11, wanted to win that game,” coach Blanc told television channel France 2, after his team won the final for the third year in a row. “We have a season to finish in the AFP league and the French Cup on May 21, when we can end on a good note. “Now we have already won the League Cup, I hope my players will PARIS: Ten-man Paris Saint-Germain be focused and motivated for the beat Lille 2-1 in the French League French Cup.” Cup final at the Stade de France on PSG thrashed Bastia 4-0 12 Saturday to remain on course for a months ago to seal a record fifth domestic clean sweep of titles. League Cup title, while Lille were The Ligue 1 champions took the playing in the final of the competi- lead five minutes before half-time tion for the first time. in contentious circumstances, with “It’s very hard, we are very dis- Javier Pastore’s shot passing through appointed,” said Lille winger Boufal. the legs of an offside Layvin Kurzawa “We must congratulate Paris, even on its way into the net. with ten, they proved they are a great But Lille hit back shortly after team. We were beaten by the stronger the restart when Djibril Sidibe fired side.” a free-kick through the wall and into Blanc opted to play Lucas Moura the net. alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Di The capital city side were dealt a Maria up front, leaving Edinson Cav- huge blow when Adrien Rabiot was ani on the bench, while the returning shown a second yellow card for a cyn- Marco Verratti was named among the ical foul on the impressive Sofiane substitutes. Boufal with 20 minutes remaining. PSG should have taken the lead But a moment of madness from just 21 seconds in, but after being set Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama up by Ibrahimovic, Di Maria drilled allowed Angel Di Maria to roll in the his shot from only 10 yards out Paris Saint-Germain’s players celebrate with the trophy after winning winner with 16 minutes to play for his straight at Enyeama, who made an the French League Cup match against Lille o at the Stade de France in 15th goal of the season. excellent save. Saint-Denis, north of Paris on Saturday. RIGHT:PSG forward Edinson Laurent Blanc’s men now have Lille, who came into this match Cavani holds the trophy at the end of the French League Cup final. PSG forward Angel Di Maria celebrates on a six-game winning streak, grew left apoplectic at his defenders after after scoring a goal. into the contest and PSG goalkeeper full-back Sidibe grabbed his sixth goal Salvatore Sirigu had to be alert to of the season with a low free-kick that prevent Marquinhos from putting split the wall in two. through his own net after Mounir Things went from bad to worse Obbadi’s pass caused panic in the for PSG when they were reduced to defence. ten men after Rabiot hacked down the The holders though broke the marauding Boufal. deadlock when a corner was only The deciding goal was one of the cleared as far as Pastore. most bizarre of the season, and Nige- The Argentine’s scuffed vol- rian keeper Enyeama was at fault. ley took a wicked deflection to beat A long clearance from Sirigu Enyeama, whose furious appeals that was nodded through for Di Maria by Kurzawa was interfering with play Lille’s Adama Soumaoro, but despite from an offside position were waved having defenders covering, Enyeama away. raced 30 yards out of his goal to give Enyeama had to be dragged away the PSG forward the simple task of from the officials at the interval, but knocking the ball past him and into Lille channelled their frustrations a gaping net. perfectly by levelling in the 49th Frederic Antonetti’s Lille had minute. chances to equalise, with Soumaoro Sirigu, who has only been first- heading wide from a free-kick and choice keeper in the cup competitions Obbadi seeing his volley bounce ago- in his final campaign in France, was nisingly past the post, but PSG held on.

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Crisis-hit Marseille falter again at home RESULTS Glasgow: Scottish Premiership results yesterday: AFP However, Marseille’s hopes of even lower than it was at the start of lurched from bad to worse. Yester- goalkeeper Steve Mandanda resulted Inverness CT (Tansey 55-pen, Draper snapping a 10-match winless streak the game against Sochaux,” said OM day’s game at the Velodrome was in the former diverting a cross into 73, Wiliams 76) Kilmarnock 1 (Higgin- in the top flight suffered a damaging interim coach Franck Passi. played in front of fewer than 20,000 his own net. botham 44) blow when Alaixys Romao was sent “Since the start of the season quite fans as Marseille served a partial sta- However, the home side PARIS: Struggling French giants Mar- off on 55 minutes for kicking out at a few things have gone against us, but dium ban following crowd trouble responded on 49 minutes as Thau- Played on Saturday seille saw their winless home run in Yacine Bammou. the players never give up. Faced with during their 0-0 draw against Bor- vin picked up the ball just inside the Ligue 1 extended to 15 matches yes- And there was worse to come for adversity, to get back level and earn deaux a fortnight ago. Nantes area, wriggling free past two Motherwell 1 (Ainsworth 28) terday after the 10-man hosts were OM as Abou Diaby, starting his sec- a point is important,” he added, with Michy Batshuayi went close to defenders before calmly slotting Hearts 0 held to a 1-1 draw by Nantes. ond straight game after 18 months out OM six points above the relegation scoring the opening goal on 29 min- past Dupe. But a moment of mad- Nicolas Nkoulou gifted Nantes a through injury, hobbled off midway zone with three games left to play. utes, but the Belgian striker’s effort ness from Romao, who lashed out Partick Thistle 1 (Doolan 70) Dundee first-half lead when he headed a cross through the second half. Wednesday’s 1-0 victory at was tipped onto the post by Nantes at Bammou, checked any momen- 2 (Hemmings 34, 81) into his own net under little pressure, “There was a lack of rhythm in Sochaux in the last four of the French goalkeeper Maxime Dupe. tum Marseille had been building and but Florian Thauvin, whose goal in the first half and we started the game Cup, which set up a showdown with And just two minutes later allowed Nantes, whose coach Michel Played on Friday midweek sent Marseille through to the poorly. Then there was the goal which bitter rivals Paris Saint-Germain next Marseille fell behind in needless Der Zakarian announced he will step St Johnstone 3 (Wotherspoon 14, French Cup final, grabbed an equal- was a bit unlucky and that knocked month, was one of the few positives circumstances as a breakdown in down at the end of the season, to halt MacLean 38, Craig 55) Aberdeen 0 iser just after the break. down my players’ confidence to a level for Marseille in a season which has communication between Nkoulou and a four-game losing streak. Sassuolo stay in Europa hunt with Torino win

AFP places. Sassuolo remain in seventh, SERIE A RESULTS Gilardino and Aleksandar Trajkovski one place behind AC Milan in the last Milan:Italian Serie A results yesterday: secured a crucial 2-0 win for Palermo possible Europa League spot, ahead Frosinone 0 Palermo 2 (Gilardino 56, in a relegation battle that has dimmed of the Rossoneri’s match on Monday Trajkovski 90+2) Frosinone’s hopes of staying in Ita- MILAN: A late strike by Marcello against Carpi, who are fighting for ly’s top flight. Atalanta 1 (Borriello 55) Chievo 0 Trotta put the icing on the cake as their Serie A survival. Palermo, claiming their first Sassuolo maintained their surprise Sampdoria’s abysmal season Bologna 2 (Giaccherini 12, Floccari 63) league win since the end of January, Genoa 0 bid for a place in the Europa League under Vincenzo Montella took a remain third from bottom and will with a shock 3-1 away win at Torino. turn for the better with a 2-1 defeat Sampdoria 2 (Fernando 20, Diakite be hoping Carpi, on the same points Elsewhere Sampdoria and Bolo- of Lazio, who opened the scoring 78) Lazio 1 (Djordjevic 3) but one place above them, stumble at gna claimed precious wins, over on three minutes thanks to Filip Torino 1 (Peres 7) Sassuolo 3 (San- home to Empoli later Sunday. Lazio and Genoa respectively, to Djordjevic. sone 2, Peluso 75, Trotta 94) Frosinone, in their first season in move further away from the relega- Fernando levelled on 20 min- Today’s matches Serie A, conceded their second con- tion zone with three games left in the utes and Mobido Diakite’s strike 12 Roma vs Napoli (1300), Verona vs AC secutive defeat after last week’s 5-1 campaign. minutes from time sealed a win that Milan (1500), Carpi vs Empoli (1845) hammering at Chievo and remain Leaders Juventus will be crowned left the hosts eight points clear of the second from bottom, two points champions if they beat Fiorentina drop zone. Elsewhere, Marco Borriello’s behind Palermo and Carpi with three later on Sunday and Napoli concede Bologna are one place behind, second-half strike was enough for games remaining. defeat to Roma in Monday’s late game. also on 40 points, after goals from Atalanta in a 1-0 home win over Verona, at a further eight points Marseille midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (right) vies with But yesterday’s fixtures were Emanuele Giacchierini and Sergio Chievo that left the hosts nine points adrift in last place, will be virtually Nantes’ midfielder Guillaume Gillet during the French L1 match at all about top flight survival and the Floccari sealed their 2-0 home win clear of the danger zone. relegated if they fail to beat an ailing the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille yesterday. ongoing fight for Europa League over Genoa. Earlier Sunday goals by Alberto AC Milan on Monday. SPORT MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 33

Oklahoma City Thunder players Enes Kanter Hornets snap Conley (left) and Nick Collison (bottom) try to block a pass against Dallas Mavericks player Justin Anderson during their NBA Western Conference play-off skid bags Joe first round basketball game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, USA on Saturday. with win Dumars over Heat

Trophy AFP

Agencies LOS ANGELES: Jeremy Lin scored 18 points to lead a balanced Char- lotte attack on Saturday as the MEMPHIS: Memphis Grizzlies Hornets beat the Miami Heat guard Mike Conley is the recip- 96-80 for their first NBA play-off ient of the Joe Dumars Trophy victory in 14 years. presented to the 2015-16 NBA After two deflating defeats in Sportsmanship Award winner, Miami, the Hornets fed-off their the league announced on Saturday. home crowd to trim the deficit in Conley, who previously won the best-of-seven Eastern Confer- the award in 2013-14, joins Grant ence first-round series to 2-1. Hill (three) and Jason Kidd (two) as In the late game Saturday, multiple winners since the award’s Damian Lillard scored a game inception in the 1995-96 season. high 32 points as the Portland Trail The annual award reflects Blazers beat Los Angeles 96-88 to the ideals of sportsmanship -- cut the Clippers lead in the series ethical behavior, fair play and to 2-1. integrity -- in amateur and pro- The Hornets led by five points fessional basketball, a key focus of at halftime, and held the Heat the league’s NBA Cares program. scoreless for almost seven min- The trophy is named for former utes in an 18-0 scoring run in the Detroit Pistons guard and Hall of third quarter that built their lead Famer Joe Dumars, the award’s to 71-53. first recipient, in 1995-96. The cushion grew to as many Conley, 28, will be handed the as 24 points in the fourth quarter Joe Dumars Trophy in a pregame as six Charlotte players finished in presentation before Sunday’s Game double figures. Four against the San Antonio Spurs It was a complete reversal in the Western Conference first- from the Heat’s 106-80 home win round playoff series. The Spurs in game one and a 115-103 win in lead the best-of-seven series 3-0. game two. In 56 regular-season games Kemba Walker contributed 17 this season, Conley averaged 15.3 Thunder close in on semis points and rookie Frank Kaminsky, points and 6.1 assists. He has been part of yet another new starting sidelined with an Achilles injury. lineup from coach Steve Clifford, Conley (Southwest) was one of Saturday at the American Airlines Westbrook had 25 points and 15 re-aggravating his injury. But the added 15. six divisional winners, joining the Center. assists, and Kevin Durant finished Mavs didn’t go away quietly and Toronto Raptors’ Luis Scola (Atlan- Dallas face long Oklahoma City has not trailed with 19 points on seven-for-20 showed fight. The most telling tic), the Chicago Bulls’ Pau Gasol odds to overcome since its Game 2 loss and it now shooting. moment early on came at the 11:31 NBA PLAYOFF RESULTS (Central), the Portland Trail Blaz- the series deficit as enjoys a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven Durant was ejected from the mark in the second quarter. Thun- ers’ Damian Lillard (Northwest), series. The Thunder has a chance to game with less than a minute left after der guard Randy Foye threw the ball EASTERN CONFERENCE the Golden State Warriors’ Shaun Oklahoma showcase close it out in Game 5 on Monday at the officials called him for a “Flagrant away and into the hands of reserve At Indianapolis Livingston (Pacific) and 2014-15 superior talent and home. two.” Durant had been trying to block Anthony Morrow on the bench. Indiana 100 Toronto 83 winner Kyle Korver of the Atlanta Dallas faces long odds to over- a shot by Mavs guard Justin Anderson, Mavs center Salah Mejri went to (Series tied 2-2) Hawks (Southeast). athleticism come the series deficit, as only nine but swiped across the rookie’s head retrieve the ball from Morrow, who The NBA fined Boston Celtics teams in NBA history have come back instead of the ball. played a game of keep-away with At Charlotte guard Marcus Smart $5,000 for to win a best-of-seven playoff series The ejection came on the heels of Mejri before tossing it toward an offi- violating its anti-flopping rules after trailing 3-1. Dallas coach Rick Carlisle complain- cial. That didn’t sit well with Mejri or Charlotte 96 Miami 80 during the Celtics’ first-round play- Agencies The Thunder were in control of ing about Durant and the Thunder for guard J.J. Barea, and a light scuffle (Miami leads series 2-1) off victory over the Atlanta Hawks Game 4 all night, never getting truly “nonbasketball physical escalations” and words were exchanged between on Friday. threatened by the Mavericks. Dallas in Game 3. the two teams. WESTERN CONFERENCE The Charlotte Hornets were had brief spurts to stay within striking For the Mavs, Dirk Nowitzki led Officials spent about six minutes At Dallas without forward Nicolas Batum, DALLAS: The Oklahoma City Thun- distance, pulling within single-dig- the team with 27 points on 12-for-21 reviewing the incident and decided to Oklahoma City 119 Dallas 108 who suffered a strained left ankle der are a step away from the Western its multiple times in the second half, shooting. Raymond Felton and Wes- slap the Thunder bench with a delay (Oklahoma City leads series 3-1) in the fourth quarter of Game Two Conference semi-finals. but Oklahoma City always answered ley Matthews each scored 19 points. of game penalty, and issued technical on Wednesday, for Saturday’s They showcased their superior and had a multi-possession lead in Dallas had an early blow when fouls to Mejri and Westbrook. Mejri At Portland game against the Miami Heat. talent and athleticism once again, the final minutes. Deron Williams (sports hernia) had a solid night for the Mavs, but it Portland 96 Los Angeles Clippers 88 Batum is hoping to return for leading wire-to-wire in a 119-108 Enes Kanter led the charge for returned to the starting lineup, was cut short when he exited in the (Los Angeles leads series 2-1) Game Four today in Charlotte. victory over the Dallas Mavericks on the Thudner with 28 points. Russell but lasted only 89 seconds before fourth quarter with a right hip injury. Gomes ties career high as Indians annihilate Tigers

Agencies Rays. New York quickly reached two out in the ninth but won the game MLB RESULTS when Gardner drove a 3-and-1 fast- ball from Erasmo Ramirez (3-1) into Washington 2 Minnesota 0 DETROIT: Corey Kluber collected his the second deck in right field. NY Yankees 3 Tampa Bay 2 first win of the season and Yan Gomes White Sox 4, Rangers 3 (11 innings) Toronto 9 Oakland 3 tied his career high by driving in five Jose Abreu drove in the winning Cleveland 10 Detroit 1 runs as the Cleveland Indians over- run with the bases loaded and one Chicago White Sox 4 Texas 3 whelmed the Detroit Tigers 10-1. out in the 11th inning as the Chicago Houston 8 Boston 3 Kluber lost his first three starts, White Sox beat the Texas Rangers 4-3. Cincinnati 13 Chicago Cubs 5 when the Indians only scored a com- Astros 8, Red Sox 3 NY Mets 8 Atlanta 2 bined three runs. He got plenty of run Colby Rasmus belted his fifth Philadelphia 10 Milwaukee 6 support on Saturday as Cleveland career grand slam, delivering a much- Baltimore 8 Kansas City 3 reached double digits for the first time needed blow to lift the Houston Astros LA Dodgers 4 Colorado 1 this season. He struck out 10, with Jus- to an 8-3 victory over the Boston Red Arizona 7 Pittsburgh 1 tin Upton fanning in all three of his Sox on Saturday at Minute Maid Park. St Louis 11 San Diego 2 at-bats against the 2014 American Rasmus crushed a 2-2 pitch from San Francisco 7 Miami 2 League Cy Young Award winner. Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz Nationals 2, Twins 0 (0-2) off the facing of the second deck LA Angels 4 Seattle 2 Tanner Roark struck out a career- in right field, snapping a 1-1 tie with high 15 batters in seven innings and two outs in the fifth inning and end- Eugenio Suarez and Adam Duvall Ryan Zimmerman drove in two runs ing the Astros’ four-game skid. each hit three-run home runs as the in the first as the Washington Nation- Mets 8, Braves 2 Cincinnati Reds’ offense broke out Cleveland Indians catcher Yan Gomes (left) hits an RBI single against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning als beat the Minnesota Twins 2-0. Left-hander Steven Matz scattered of its slump in a 13-5 victory over at Comerica Park on Saturday. For the second straight game, the nine hits over seven innings and the the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night Nationals jumped on the Twins in the New York Mets won their seventh before a sellout crowd of 41,660 Great first inning as Zimmerman had a two- straight game at Turner Field with an American Ball Park. Maikel Franco homered for the Field. Maeda (3-0) held the Rock- the Miami Marlins to two runs in run single. Washington improved to 8-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves After being no-hit by Jake Arri- third time in two games and drove ies hitless for 5 1/3 innings before DJ seven innings Saturday night, lift- 13-4, while the last-place Twins are on Saturday. eta in the series opener and held to in four runs to push the Philadelphia LeMahieu lined a single to center. He ing the San Francisco Giants to a 7-2 5-13. Matz (2-1) struck out eight, one shy five hits on Friday, the Reds’ erupted Phillies past the Milwaukee Brewers left an inning later after giving up victory. Matt Duffy had three hits, Blue Jays 9, Athletics 3 of his career high, and did not walk a for 14 hits and a season-high 13 runs for a 10-6 victory Saturday evening three hits and one walk with eight including two off Marlins starter Josh Donaldson hit a three-run batter. Matz threw 98 pitches, 74 for including four homers. at Miller Park. strikeouts while lowering his ERA to Jose Fernandez, helping the Giants home run, Troy Tulowitzki hit two strikes, and won his second straight Diamondbacks 7, Pirates 1 Franco had snapped out of a 0.36. rebound from a four-game home solo homers, J.A. Happ pitched seven game. Arizona catcher Chris Herrmann 3-for-29 funk Friday night with a Cardinals 11, Padres 2 sweep at the hands of the Arizona innings and the Toronto Blue Jays Orioles 8, Royals 3 homered and tied a career high with three-hit effort that included a pair Jeremy Hazelbaker hit a three- Diamondbacks with a second con- defeated the Oakland Athletics 9-3. Rookie Tyler Wilson picked up a four RBIs and David Peralta hit his of home runs. He kept it going Sat- run, tie-breaking, pinch-hit homer secutive win over the Marlins. The loss ended a six-game win- victory in his first start of the season, second homer in as many days in the urday with a first-inning single then in the top of the seventh Saturday Angels 4, Mariners 2 ning streak for Oakland (10-8) and Chris Davis homered among his four Diamondbacks’ 7-1 victory over the gave the Phillies their first lead of the night and former Padre Jedd Gyorko Felix Hernandez shook off flu-like stopped a three-game losing skid by hits, scored three runs and drove in Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night day with a three-run home run in the added a three-run homer an inning symptoms that postponed his start for Toronto (9-10). It was the first loss in two as the Baltimore Orioles crushed at Chase Field. fourth and added an insurance run later to power the St. Louis Cardinals a day and took the mound against the eight road games this season for the the Kansas City Royals 8-3 on Satur- Peralta broke a 1-1 tie with a with an RBI single in the sixth. to an 11-2 victory over San Diego at Los Angeles Angels Saturday night. A’s. day night. homer in the third inning and Her- Dodgers 4, Rockies 1 Petco Park. But it was the Angels’ offense that lost Yankees 3, Rays 2 Wilson was pulled after five rmann capped a five-run eighth with Kenta Maeda pitched 6 1/3 score- Both homers were off former Car- some of its pallor. Brett Gardner homered with two innings plus a batter and 70 pitches, a three-run homer, his first home run less innings and A.J. Ellis hit a two-run dinals reliever Carlos Villanueva. Cliff Pennington and Mike Trout outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving up three runs and six hits. He of the season, to back right-hander homer to lift the Los Angeles Dodg- Giants 7, Marlins 2 hit home runs off Hernandez as the giving the New York Yankees a dra- struck out two and walked none. Rubby De La Rosa. ers to a 4-1 victory over the Colorado Jake Peavy helped his own cause Los Angeles Angels beat the Seattle matic 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Reds 13, Cubs 5 Phillies 10, Brewers 6 Rockies on Saturday night at Coors with a two-run single while limiting Mariners 4-2 at Angel Stadium. 34 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 SPORT

Bollywood star Salman Khan. India’s sports stars reacted with dismay yesterday after he was appointed goodwill ambassador for India’s Olympic team in the Rio Games. India’s sports stars dismayed at Salman Khan move Crystal Palace’s Connor Wickham (left) scores their second goal against Watford in their FA Cup semi final match played at Wembley Stadium in London yesterday. AFP new film “Sultan” in which he plays a wrestler. Former Olympian Milkha Singh, known as “the Flying Sikh” and con- NEW DELHI: India’s sports stars sidered a sprint legend in India, said reacted with dismay yesterday the government should intervene to after Bollywood’s Salman Khan overturn the decision. Wickham sends Palace to final was appointed goodwill ambassa- “India has produced so many dor for India’s Olympic team in the sports persons who have given their Rio Games later this year. sweat and blood for the country,” Khan, who was cleared last year Singh told the Press Trust of India of killing a homeless man in a hit- news agency. showdown with Man United and-run crash, was named by the “I want to ask has Bollywood Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ever made any sportsperson an on Saturday to boost public support ambassador for any of their mega for the team in a country obsessed events?” said Singh, who finished after beating Everton on Saturday. Yohan Cabaye whipped a corner in the first half, so it was an encour- with cricket. fourth in the 400-metres final at the It was an especially sweet towards the near post where Dam- aging sign for Flores when the striker But Olympic wrestler Yogeshwar 1960 Olympics in Rome after start- Cloud over the moment for Palace boss Pardew, ien Delaney flicked a back header threatened with a header soon after Dutt questioned how a film star was ing favourite. future of manager who was a member of the Eagles team towards the far post for the unmarked the interval. qualified to promote the country’s The IOA defended the decision, Flores continues as beaten by Alex Ferguson’s United in Bolasie to head home from virtually Bolasie remained a man pos- athletes, suggesting the appoint- saying young people identified with 1990 when Lee Martin scored the on the line. sessed and he tore down the left flank ment of well-known sports persons the 50-year-old actor who is one Watford fail to replay winner after the first match Bolasie’s sixth goal of the season before drilling a low shot that Pantili- instead -- including those who had of Bollywood’s biggest box office reach FA Cup final ended in a 3-3 draw. was an emotional moment for the mon saved with his legs. represented their country. draws. Pardew has proved something forward, who hadn’t forgotten the But Watford were more danger- “Everybody has the right to pro- Khan, acquitted of culpabale of a good luck charm for Palace in frustration he felt in 2013 when he ous now and in the 55th minute they mote movies in India, but Olympics homicide in December, won sup- the FA Cup and he celebrated taking was an unused substitute during Pal- won the corner that brought their is not a place to promote films,” Dutt, port from other well-known sports AFP the club to only their second final in ace’s Championship play-off final win equaliser. who won bronze at the 2012 Olym- people including shooter Abhinav the competition 26 years after scor- over Watford at Wembley. Deeney’s desire and muscular pics in London, said on Twitter. Bindra, who won gold in 2008 in ing the winner against Liverpool the Costel Pantilimon had to make aerial power got him to the ball before “Can anyone tell me what is the Beijing. last time the south Londoners won a an alert save when Cabaye aimed for Dann and he angled a fine glancing role of good will ambassador? Why “If Salman Khan can promote LONDON: Crystal Palace will face semi-final. the far corner and not long after that header past Wayne Hennessey for his are you fooling the public?” he said. the Olympics, it makes strate- Manchester United in their first FA Watford’s failure to reach their the France midfielder, at the heart 11th goal of the season. Khan’s appointment comes gic sense,” he told the NDTV news Cup final for 26 years after Connor first FA Cup final for 32 years will of all Palace’s best moments with Yet Watford’s joy was short-lived months before the release of his channel. Wickham sealed a 2-1 win over Wat- increase speculation about the future his smooth passing, tested Watford’s as Palace regained the lead only six ford at Wembley yesterday. of manager Quique Sanchez Flores goalkeeper with a dipping free-kick. minutes later. What should have been Alan Pardew’s side swept into an after reports the Hornets’ poor form Adding to Watford’s problems, a situation that posed no danger early lead in the semi-final through in 2016 could lead to his sacking after Etienne Capoue was stretchered off proved fatal for the Hornets as they Congo forward Yannick Bolasie one season in charge. after the former Tottenham midfielder went to sleep from a Palace throw, before Watford’s Troy Deeney equal- After a superb first half of the sea- crumpled to the turf with what looked allowing Papa Souare time for a high ised soon after the interval. son, Palace had plunged dramatically like a knee injury following an off- cross that Ake was slow to react to as Palace were the better team for in 2016, with only one win from their the-ball collision with Bolasie. Wickham towered above him to head long periods and Wickham settled it last 18 league games. It could have been even worse for past Pantilimon. midway through the second half to But despite their struggles, lethargic Watford before half-time Watford substitute Adlene Guedi- give his club a chance to avenge their Pardew’s men were enjoying their when Nathan Ake avoided conceding oura almost forced extra-time when 1990 FA Cup final loss against United, best Cup run for over two decades a penalty despite blocking Wilfried he scuffed wide in the last minute, who are looking to win the compe- and they took just six minutes to seize Zaha’s cross with his hand. but Palace held on for their moment tition for the first time since 2004 the initiative. Little had been seen from Deeney of glory.

Ardie Savea Ulloa nudges Leicester closer to title, Arsenal held Sevens star Savea AFP drops Olympic dream

LEICESTER: Leicester City need just five points to complete a fair- to focus on All Blacks ytale Premier League title triumph after Leonardo Ulloa scored twice in a 4-0 home victory over Swansea AFP Sydney earlier this year. He was City yesterday. among a few Olympic prospects With top scorer Jamie Vardy sus- released to play Super rugby but pended, his stand-in Ulloa stepped was scheduled to rejoin the sevens up with a brace of goals at the King WELLINGTON: Dynamic New Zea- squad for the last two rounds of the Power Stadium, either side of goals land sevens star Ardie Savea has World Series in Paris and London by Riyad Mahrez and substitute Marc abandoned his Olympic dream, next month. Albrighton. announcing yesterday that he wants “We’re naturally disappointed It lifted Claudio Ranieri’s side to focus on trying to establish an All that we can no longer call on the eight points clear of second-place Blacks Test career. services of such a great sevens Tottenham Hotspur, who host West The Wellington Hurricanes player,” NZR general manager Neil Bromwich Albion on Monday, and loose forward will be challenging Sorensen said. means that they can claim the title Sam Cane for the All Blacks open- “He could well have made a Leonardo Ulloa (left) scores the third goal for Leicester City in their Barclays Premier League match against by winning at Manchester United side flanker role vacated by the now huge impact at Rio as he’s a classy next Sunday if Spurs fail to beat West Swansea City at the King Power Stadium in Leicester yesterday. retired Richie McCaw. player and he proved that again in Brom. Savea was not immediately Wellington and Sydney. However, Leicester’s victory had the added against Francesco Guidolin’s Swan- minute, was the work of Leicester’s little to help their push for a top-four available for comment after releas- we understand his reasons.” effect of ending the title bids of both sea as Ashley Williams’s careless substitutes, with Demarai Gray spark- finish. Sunderland left-back Patrick van ing his decision through the New Sam Cane has been moulded by third-place Manchester City and clearance struck Mahrez, who calmly ing the move by sprinting to the byline Aanholt came closest to breaking the Zealand Rugby (NZR), but national All Blacks coach Steve Hansen to fourth-place Arsenal, who were held stroked his 17th goal of the sea- on the right and sending a cross into deadlock at the Stadium of Light with sevens coach Gordon Tietjens said replace McCaw and has also been to a 0-0 draw at struggling Sunder- son past visiting goalkeeper Lukasz the box. From Andy King’s back-post a first-half free-kick that hit the post, he was “disappointed” at the news. named as a future Test captain. land. Vardy’s dismissal, after he was Fabianski. header, Gray saw a close-range volley while both teams had penalty appeals “There’s little doubt Ardie Savea, however, is also known shown a second yellow card for div- Ulloa made it 2-0 on the parried by Fabianski, but Albrighton for handball turned down. could’ve been a key player for us in to be on the All Blacks radar and in ing, had been the chief talking point half-hour by heading in Danny followed in to lift the rebound into the Arsenal, for whom Jack Wilshere Rio,” Tietjens said. 2013 he was taken on the November of Leicester’s 2-2 draw with West Drinkwater’s free-kick and killed roof of the net. made his first appearance of the season Savea, a younger brother of All northern hemisphere tour as a non- Ham United last weekend, which had the game off in the 61st minute when Leicester’s win definitely sounded after recovering from a broken fibula, Blacks Test wing Julian Savea, was playing “apprentice” with Hansen raised the possibility of nerves getting he toed in a cross from Jeff Schlupp, the death knell on the title aspirations remain fourth, five points above Man- a member of the New Zealand sev- saying he wanted to introduce the the better of Ranieri’s miracle men. who had sprinted into the box from of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, whose chester United, but having played a ens team that won back-to-back powerful runner “to the way of the But they made an ideal start halfway. The fourth goal, in the 85th goalless stalemate at Sunderland did game more. tournaments in Wellington and All Black life”. SPORT MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 35

Golovkin destroys Wade to retain Marathon wins for Kipchoge middleweight crown and Sumgong boost Kenya AFP

LOS ANGELES: World mid- dleweight champion Gennady Kipchoge becomes Golovkin confirmed his status as the most devastating finisher first man to win in boxing on Saturday, demolish- back-to-back London ing American challenger Dominic Wade inside two rounds to score marathons since his 22nd consecutive knockout. Martin Lel of The 34-year-old Kazakh star delighted a packed house of Kenya in 2008 16,353 fans at Los Angeles’s famous Forum sports arena with an explo- sive performance to overwhelm Wade. The Los Angeles-based AFP Golovkin is aiming to become the biggest draw in boxing following the retirements in the past year of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao -- and Saturday’s spec- LONDON: Eliud Kipchoge and Jem- tacular win only enhances his box ima Sumgong gave a timely boost to office appeal. the tarnished reputation of Kenyan Golovkin is hoping to secure a athletics yesterday with courageous superfight against Mexican mid- wins in the men’s and women’s Lon- dleweight champion, Saul Canelo don Marathons. Alvarez, who fights Britain’s Amir Kipchoge set a new course record Khan in Las Vegas next month. for the men in winning the full-dis- Golovkin threw down the tance London race for the second gauntlet after his latest knockout straight year. performance, challenging Alvarez The 31-year-old former track or Khan to meet him. star clocked an official time of 2hrs “It doesn’t matter who wins,” 03mins 04secs, the second fastest he said of Alvarez and Khan’s May run in history over the distance, 7 fight. just seven seconds shy of the world “I feel great. I’m here now, and record set by fellow Kenyan Dennis I’m here to stay. I’m not going any- Kimetto at the Berlin Marathon in where. Give me my belt, give me September 2014. my belt! Let’s fight.” Kipchoge broke clear of another Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge celebrates after winning the men’s race as Stanley Biwott and Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele celebrate finishing second and Golovkin, who improved to Kenyan, Stanley Biwott, with about 35-0 with 32 knockouts, entered third respectively with their trophies in London yesterday. three kilometres to go and sprinted the ring to loud roars, with the home well ahead of Biwott with track stadium reverberating to chants legend Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia time and winning. I am happy I have after 2014. He was fourth behind win- head off the road when three runners two hours 22 minutes and 58 sec- of “Triple G, Triple G” throughout. in third. ran the course very well,” he told the ner Kipchoge last year. His time of went down after tripping each other onds, five seconds ahead of Tufa with Wade, unbeaten in 18 fights He celebrated by raising his fin- BBC. 2:03:51 was a personal best up at a drinks station, but she rejoined third place going to Florene Kiplagat prior to the contest, entered to the ger as he made the final turn but “I am really happy with the pro- Former Olympic and world track the leaders and eventually outpaced of Kenya in 2:23:29. strains of Prince’s “1999”, a hom- appeared to realise just before the gramme I’ve been undergoing and I’m champion over 5,000 and 10,000 kms last year’s winner, Tigist Tufa of Ethi- “When we were heading to the age to the music superstar who line that he could have broken Kimet- happy with the course record today. Bekele showed a return to form after opia, over the last mile. five kilometre mark to take water, we regularly played concerts at the to’s world best time. Kipchoge is the “The crowd is what pushed me. It a niggling series of injuries. It was the Kenyan’s first major made a mistake of maybe crossing Forum before his sudden death first man to win back-to-back Lon- is a wonderful crowd in every kilome- Earlier Kenya’s Sumgong survived marathon victory since Rotterdam each other,” said Sumgong of her fall. last week. don marathons since Martin Lel of tre, except in the tunnel, they cheer a bad fall late in the race to win the three years ago and followed run- “I was just concentrating on my Yet a lyric from the song Kenya in 2008. you and it keeps you moving.” women’s London Marathon for the ner-up finishes in Boston, Chicago running. It was very painful on my -- “Trying to run from the destruc- “With six kilometres to go it was a For Biwott it was the second time first time. and New York. head, my shoulder and my knee. But tion” -- was to prove eerily tie between going for the world record he has finished runner-up in London Sumgong banged the side of her She posted an unofficial time of I feel OK now. I enjoyed it.” prescient for Wade, who was in trouble almost from the open- ing bell as Golovkin went about his assignment with ruthless efficiency. Golovkin dropped Wade for IPL: KKR pip Supergiants, Gujarat down RCB the first time near the end of the first, flooring the American with as he countered a left hook. Although the blows that felled IANS and Suryakumar got together to put by hitting Ankit Sharma for two sixes scoring rate and the Supergiants only with the last over from Morne Mor- Wade did not appear to carry much on a breezy 31-run partnership of just in the 17th over. managed to score 31/1 by the end of kel yielding 17 vital runs. In Rajkot, of a sting, there was no ambiguity 2.3 overs. Although Russell holed out in the powerplay. Gujarat Lions rode on a strong batting about the strength of the barrage Unluckily for KKR, Gambhir was the deep thereafter, KKR was within But then Ajinkya Rahane and performance to defeat Royal Chal- he uncorked in the second. PUNE: Suryakumar Yadav’s 49-ball run out as he misjudged a double. His touching distance and they finally got Steve Smith together tried to knit lengers Bangalore (RCB) by six wickets Wade found the canvas once 60 was the backbone of the Kolk- desperate dive to make the ground home with Umesh Yadav hitting the a partnership. The duo ran hard in their Indian Premier League (IPL) again after another venomous ata Knight Riders’ (KKR) run chase was not enough as Mahendra Singh winning runs. between the wickets and picked up match at the Saurashtra Cricket Asso- hook from Golovkin left him dou- as they hunted down Rising Pune Dhoni took the bails off in a flash. Earlier, a late cameo from Mahen- the occasional boundary even though ciation Stadium. bled over. Supergiants’ 160/5 with two wickets But the visitors kept the score- dra Singh Dhoni (23) and Ajinkya KKR kept them on a tight lease. Chasing a target of 181 runs, the Wade rose and fought on but and three balls to spare in a closely- board ticking at a rapid pace and with Rahane’s 52-ball 67 helped Rising However, after a stand of 56, Lions scored 182/4 in 19.3 overs. The two left uppercuts followed by a fought Indian Premier League (IPL) six overs gone, they were 59/2. Pune Supergiants manage a chal- Smith -- who was looking danger- result saw the Lions climb to the top right sent Wade crashing to the encounter at the Maharashtra Cricket Shakib Al Hasan (3) then played lenging total. ous -- was run-out with Rajagopal of the table with eight points. floor once more from where there Association Stadium here yesterday. on a Rajat Bhatia delivery in the next For the Knights, Shakib Al Hasan, Satish taking the bails off at the non- The IPL debutants thus continued was no return. With the win, KKR go atop the over which helped Pune pull back Sunil Narine, Rajagopal Sathish and striker’s end in the 13th over. their superb start to their maiden sea- “His power is real,” the out- points table with four wins from five things a little. Umesh Yadav bagged a wicket each. Satish then picked up Thisara son as they have now won four the classed Wade said. “I tried to matches. KKR thereafter managed just 19 Pune got off to a brisk start with Perera and Narine got rid off five matches they have played so far. get comfortable but once he hits Yusuf Pathan (36) and Andre runs till the 10th over. 11 runs coming off the third over. But Rahane as Pune were left strug- RCB are at the fifth spot with four you it makes it very hard to get Russell (17) were the other major con- But then Suryakumar and Pathan, with 24 runs on the board Faf Du Ple- gling at 119/4. points after two wins and three losses. comfortable. tributors for KKR. Albie Morkel and who finally found some rhythm in the sis was cleaned up by left-arm spinner With a few big shots from Albie “I could have done maybe one Rajat Bhatia picked up two wickets competition, put on a pacy 51-run Shakib Al Hasan. Morkel and Dhonia¿s late fireworks SCOREBOARD or two things differently but he’s a each for the hosts. partnership. Pathan hit two huge The wicket put the brakes on the the Supergiants got to a fighting total great champion and he’s got eve- Chasing a target of 161, KKR got sixes en route to his 36 but then was ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE rything you need to be a great off to a disastrous start as Robin trapped right in front of the stumps Rising Pune Supergiants captain V Kohli (not out) 100 champion.” Uthappa was adjudged leg-before- by Rajat. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (left) reacts as S R Watson c Jadeja b Kulkarni 6 Golovkin’s trainer, Abel wicket off Albie’s very first delivery Though it dented KKR a bit, West Sanchez, went further, insisting the Kolkata Knight Riders Yusuf Pathan A B de Villiers c Raina b Tambe 20 of the innings. Indies all rounder Andre Russell once plays a shot during their IPL T20 match Kazakh could lay claim to being But then skipper Gautam Gambhir again brought down the asking rate K L Rahul (not out) 51 the best pound-for-pound fighter at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Extras (B-1, W-2) 3 in the world after a 16th consecu- Stadium in Pune yesterday. Total (for 2 wkts in 20 overs) 180 tive title defense. SCOREBOARD Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-59. “I think it’s obvious who the RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS G Gambhir (run out) 11 Bowling: P Kumar 3-0-28-0; D S Kulkar- pound for pound number one is,” Sanchez said. ni 4-0-39-1; P V Tambe 3-0-24-1; S B Ja- A M Rahane c&b Narine 67 S A Yadav lbw M Ashwin 60 “I don’t think there’s ever been kati 3-0-28-0; R A Jadeja 3-0-17-0; D J F du Plessis b S Al Hasan 4 S Al Hasan b Bhatia 3 a fighter, in any era, in any weight

S P D Smith (run out) 31 Y K Pathan lbw Bhatia 36 Bravo 4-0-43-0 (2w). division that has dominated his N L T C Perera b Sathish 12 A D Russell c du Plessis b Perera 17 GUJARAT LIONS weight division at a champion- J A Morkel b U T Yadav 16 R Sathish b Morkel 10 D R Smith c de Villiers b Richardson 32 ship level the way Gennady has. “He makes good fighters look M S Dhoni (not out) 23 P P Chawla c Smith b Perera 8 B B McCullum c&b Shamsi 42 S K Raina c I Abdulla b Chahal 28 amateurish.”

R Bhatia (not out) 1 U T Yadav (not out) 7 Sanchez, who works with Extras (B-4, LB-2) 6 S P Narine (not out) 0 K D Karthik (not out) 50 Golovkin at his mountain train- Total (for 5 wkts in 20 overs) 160 Extras (W-10) 10 R A Jadeja c Rahul b Watson 12 ing camp in Big Bear, northeast of Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-80, 3-99, 4-119, Total (for 8 wkts in 19.3 overs) 162 D J Bravo (not out) 4 Los Angeles, said he believed the Kazakh had not yet demonstrated 5-133. Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-31, 3-60, 4-111, 5-119, Extras (LB-3, W-9, NB-2) 14 Total (for 4 wkts in 19.3 overs)182 the full power of his punching. Bowling: M Morkel 3-0-30-0; A D Russell 6-139, 7-151, 8-156. “I don’t think he’s ever hit Fall of wickets: 1-47, 2-87, 3-140, 4-178. 2-0-16-0; Shakib Al Hasan 3-0-14-1; S P Narine Bowling: J A Morkel 3-0-36-2 (2w); N L T C someone 100 percent,” Sanchez 4-0-32-1; P P Chawla 3-0-26-0; R Sathish 3-0- Perera 3.3-0-28-2; R Ashwin 2-0-21-0 (3w); R Bowling: Y S Chahal 4-0-33-1 (1nb, 1w); said. “I think he may have hit 20-1; U T Yadav 2-0-16-1. Bhatia 4-0-19-2; Ankit Sharma 3-0-26-0 (1w); K W Richardson 4-0-53-1 (2w); Iqbal Ab- someone 100 percent in the gym, KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS M Ashwin 4-0-32-1 (1w). dulla 4-0-41-0 (1w); S R Watson 3.3-0-31- but I don’t think he’s done it in R V Uthappa lbw Morkel 0 Player-of-the-Match: S A Yadav (KKR) 1 (1nb, 1w); T Shamsi 4-0-21-1. a fight. That situation will come when someone tests him.” 36 MONDAY 25 APRIL 2016 Volleyball: Al Rayyan in final of Qatar Cup

El Jaish bounce back to defeat Al Arabi forcing a third and deciding match in the best-of-three semi-final series

The Peninsula

DOHA: Al Rayyan overcame stiff resistance from Police to reach the final of the Qatar Cup Volleyball . Yesterday at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena, Al Rayyan won the five-set thriller to book a place in the April 28 final. Al Rayyan had began their campaign with a resounding vic- tory in the first match of the series Action from the Qatar Cup Volleyball semi-final match between QATAR CUP VOLLEYBALL and continued in the same vein Al Rayyan and Police at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena in overcoming the tough challenge SEMI-FINAL RESULTS Doha yesterday. RIGHT: Action from Al Arabi and El Jaish match. of Police 3-2 (24/26, 25/16, 27/25, El Jaish bt Al Arabi 3-2 (25/23, 21/25 & 15/10). 25/21, 21/25, 22/25 and 15/11 ) On Friday, Al Rayyan Sports El Jaish bounced back to tie Al Arabi started off on a prom- On Friday Club withstood immense pressure the series at one-all. The Army- ising note pocketing the first two Al Arabi Club bt El Jaish 3-0 (25/16, from Police team to beat the later men defeated Al Arabi 3-2 in the sets but El Jaish made a brilliant 27/25 & 25/18) in a well-fought five setter. second match of the best-of-three recovery winning the next three to Series tied at one-all The final scores read 3-2 semi-final series forcing a decider win the second match of the semi- Al Rayyan bt Police 3-2 (24/26, (26/24, 24/26, 25/23, 22/25 and on April 26. final series and set up a decider. 25/16, 27/25, 21/25 & 15/10) 15/12) in favour of Al Rayyan. In another match, El Jaish On Friday, Al Arabi Club had On Friday Al Rayyan bt Police 3-2 The second finalists will be overcame Qatar Volleyball Asso- no difficulty in beating El Jaish in (26/24, 24/26, 25/23, 22/25 and decided in the third and decid- ciation League winners Al Arabi straight sets 3-0. 15/12) ing match between Al Arabi and 3-2 (25/23, 25/21, 21/25, 22/25 and The final will be played at Ali Al Rayyan win the semi-final series El Jaish on April 26. 15/11). Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena. 2-0 Karama excels in first round of Qatar Touring Car Championship at Losail

The Peninsula

DOHA: Qatar’s Fadhel Al Khater and Palestinian Omran Karama took dou- ble victories in the Losail 600 Cup and Qatar Touring Car Champion- ship (QTCC) respectively on Saturday night. Angelique Kerber of Germany poses with her trophy in front of her The QTCC is a new car champi- onship hosted by Losail Circuit Sports reward, a Porsche Boxster 718, after winning her final match against Club, the opening round which took Laura Siegemund of Germany at the WTA tournament in Stuttgart, place on Saturday and which was Germany, yesterday. hosted along with the second round Qatar’s Fadhel Al Khater in of the Losail 600 Cup. action at the Losail 600 Cup on In the first race, Al Khater, who Saturday night at Losail. got the pole position in the qualify- ing, lead the race during all the laps Kerber beats qualifier being Qatar’s rider Ali Al Shamari the missed few track days and just get this time in the third position. Al order of the finishing order of Race only rider able to ride close to him, back into the rhythm since the last Khater is leading the championship 1, so Karama started from the back but unfortunately, in the last lap, Al round and try to get faster . Race was with 50 points , followed by Abdullah of the grid. Shamari had a gear problem and had good, the track was perfect and the Al Qubaisi with 47 and Soud Al Thani In the second lap, Omran was on way to Stuttgart title to retired from the race and Al Khater weather is a bit warm but I enjoyed with 42 points. positioned in the third place and took took the victory. the race and happy for my third In the new QTCC, the Palestin- the lead in the third lap of the race “It was a good race and a good place,” Ian stated at the parc fermé. ian driver who is racing under Qatar’s until the end of the race. AFP route, this was Siegemund’s debut in chance the win of today because Al Khater also took the victory in racing license, Karama won both “I am very excited, 2 races and 2 a WTA final and Kerber’s first since some riders didn’t ride today , the the second race and the second place races.In the first race, Qatar’s rider wins in one day, the first podium for the Australian Open. weather is too hot but I am very happy went to Soud Al Thani, who crashed Al Khulaifi took the lead of the race me, it is amazing. The reverse grid Kerber beat her Germany Fed with my victory as it is very good for in the qualifying session and didn’t during the first five laps of the race was great, we had a lot of fun and STUTTGART, GERMANY: Aus- Cup team-mate Annika Beck in the championship,” Al Khater said. have time to fix his bike on time for but in the sixth lap, Omran managed very nice battle with the rest of the tralian Open champion Angelique the second-round, then Spain’s With Ali Al Shamari out of the the first race. to overtake him and stayed in first drivers. The temperature was cooling Kerber picked up her second title Carla Suarez-Navarro in the race, Abdullah Al Qubaisi came in “The second race was much better position until the checkered flag. down so we were more relaxed and of 2016 with a 6-4, 6-0 victory over quarters and Petra Kvitova in the second place and was very happy than the first one, with the weather For Al Khulaifi, this was the first many thanks to Losail Circuit Sports qualifier Laura Siegemund for back- semi-final. with his victory ‘It was a good race, improvement and we enjoyed a lot. I time that he joined a car champion- Club for this championship and look- to-back wins in Stuttgart yesterday. But the world number three got the weather conditions were very had time to fix my bike for the second ship at the circuit and was very happy ing forward the next round,” Karama “It’s amazing to be able to defend off to a false start when she found warm but I am happy to get the sec- race after my crash in the qualifying to finished the race in second place. said after winning the second race. my title here,” beamed Kerber after herself 3-0 down in the tight first ond place and stand on the podium ‘ and I am very happy with my second The Italian driver Peter De Vido, who The second place in the podium her repeat success in the WTA clay- set before fighting her way back. Al Kubaisi said after the race. position and this is very good for the is also racing under Qatar’s racing went to Peter De Vido and the Aus- court tournament. She then raced into a 2-0 lead The third position in the podium championship points’ said Soud Al license finished in third place. tralian driver Adam Spence ended in “I had goosebumps, it’s simply in the second as Siegemund had to was for the British rider Ian Maund Thani after the second race. Abdullah The second race was more excit- the third place. been a perfect week.” briefly receive treatment. “I didn’t had enough track timing, Al Qubaisi stood again in the podium, ing as the starting grid was in reverse “I am extremely happy with my In an all-German final, Ker- Kerber then dominated the two podiums today as after some ber claimed her first win since 28-year-old Siegemund, who will technical issues I had with my car, her Melbourne triumph in January shoot up the world rankings from I though that I could make the first with an impressive display against 71 to 42 on the back of her per- race, so being in the podium in both Siegemund. formances in Stuttgart, and kept races is fantastic. I enjoyed much The qualifier had beaten seeds finding her shots on the baseline more in the second race as the tem- Simona Halep, Roberta Vinci and to quickly race to a 4-0 lead. perature came down and the reveres Agnieszka Radwanska, all ranked Having broken Siegemund to grid is absolutely fantastic. A very big in the world’s top ten. go 5-0 up, Kerber used her first thank you to Losail Circuit Sports “I have never felt so much emo- championship ball to seal the win Club for organising this professional tion out on the tennis court as I have which again includes the prize of championship and looking forward in the last few days,” said Siegemund, a luxury sports car. to this new championship,” stated De a trained psychologist who is work- Having suffered a drop in form Vido after the second race. ing towards her doctorate. after her Melbourne triumph, In the standings, Karama has 22 “It happened exactly as I feared Kerber says she has had to learn points, followed by Peter De Vido it would: God pulled the plug on me,” to deal with the hype of being a with 17 and Mansour Al Hajri with she added, after the final took just Grand Slam winner. 15 points. 81 minutes. “I have learnt in the last few The third round of Losail 600 Cup “I haven’t had a day off here and weeks to use every single minute to and the second round for Qatar Tour- no time to enjoy my results, so I’ll store up with energy and strength,” The podium winners at the newly launched Qatar Touring Car Championship organised by Losail Circuit ing Car Championship will be held definitely do that now.” said Kerber as she got her clay- Sports Club at Losail on Saturday night. on May 7. Having not dropped a set en court season off to a winning start.