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THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 • 4 Rajab 1436 • Volume 20 Number 6409 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780

New Al Rayyan Stadium Saudi-led air New buildings strikes in Yemen continue to get thermal CAIRO/ADEN: Saudi-led coali- tion warplanes bombed Yemen yesterday despite an announce- ment by Riyadh that it was ending its campaign of air strikes, while insulation renewed fighting erupted on the ground between rebels and forces loyal to the exiled president. Save energy campaign a success The hostilities illustrated how tough it will be to find a politi- DOHA: Qatar will soon have a cal solution to a war stirring ani- law making it mandatory for all mosities between rival Gulf powers new constructions coming up 15,000 cases Saudi Arabia and Iran. Tuesday’s in the country to install ther- announcement by Riyadh that it mal insulation as part of energy of electricity, would end almost a month of air conservation measures. strikes against the Iranian-allied Utility distributor, Kahramaa, Houthis drew positive responses and the Ministry of Municipality water wastage from both the White House and and Urban Planning have agreed DOHA: Field inspectors from Tehran. But hours later, air strikes to frame a law that would ensure utility distributor, Kahramaa, and ground fighting resumed that all future constructions have caught some 15,000 cases of and the International Red Cross thermal insulation. This was dis- water and electricity waste described the humanitarian situ- closed yesterday by Kahramaa’s last year and imposed fines on A computer-generated image of the new Al Rayyan Stadium at night released yesterday by the Supreme Committee ation as “catastrophic”. chairman, Eisa bin Hilal Al them for breaching the provi- of Delivery and Legacy. The 40,000-seater stadium will host matches up until the quarter-final stage of the football See also page 7 Kuwari, in an address on the sions of water and electricity World Cup in 2022. See also pages 26 & 28 REUTERS occasion of 3rd annual event to conservation law. The viola- mark energy and water conserva- tors included homes, commer- tion initiative called ‘Tarsheed’. cial as well as industrial units. Temperature to “Insulating a building is the All Kahramaa sub-stations best thing to do to reduce elec- will this year have solar power Schools to be in safe traffic zones hit 44 degrees tricity consumption,” he said. panels as part of ‘Tarsheed’. He said one of the major Studies have also been con- DOHA: The day is expected to achievements has been that less ducted to use solar and wind DOHA: In a new initiative to the Ministry of Interior and the number of signboards, and road be very hot today and tomorrow energy-efficient air-conditioners energy. THE PENINSULA ensure safety of children, traf- National Road Safety Committee. markings near schools. with temperatures soaring up have been stopped from being fic safe zones have been built Priority has been given to these To ensure pedestrian safety, to 38 to 42 degrees C in Doha. imported after Qatar’s own spec- Saleh Al Sada, attended the event around several independent and schools based on a study con- safe footpaths are being cre- The mercury can even peak at ifications were issued for A/Cs. along with Dr Sheikh Khalid bin private schools across the coun- ducted by the Supreme Education ated including for people with 44 degrees C in some places par- “We are on target and hope Thani Al Thani. try, with the speed limit capped Council (SEC) to identify the disabilities. Clear warning signs ticularly in the west and central that by 2017 we will be able to Al Sada said that in the last at 30km per hour. school zones in urgent need for will be placed at the entrances parts of the country. reduce per capita water consump- three years, due to Tarsheed, The project being implemented development. and exits of the roads leading to The meteorology department, tion by 35 percent and electricity Qatar had saved QR600m by the Public Works Authority New schools will be included in schools. warning of an unstable weather, use by 20 percent,” he said. ($165m) by stopping the waste of aims to curb accidents and traf- the initiative based on request by Safe entrances are made to said that from tomorrow evening Kahramaa has inked deals electricity and water as per cap- fic congestions around these the SEC, school administration, schools which overlook the main however, the weather would with some 42 institutions to pro- ita electricity use was down by 11 facilities. It will be expanded to teachers and parents. streets and bright coloured rum- be cooler yet windy and dusty. mote Tarsheed and they include percent and water consumption all the schools in a phased man- Safe school zones will have safe ble strips are placed to alert driv- Northwesterly wind moving at research institutions as well as by a similar percentage. ner, Ashghal said yesterday. roads, speed breakers, car parks, ers when arriving or leaving an speeds of 33km an hour to 74km government and private offices. Carbon dioxide emission is Initially safe zones are being medians and small roundabouts area near to schools. an hour may kick up dust in its The Minister of Energy and down by 1.8 million tonnes in the made around 200 schools identi- to manage traffic flow. Continued on page 7 wake affecting visibility and make Industry, H E Dr Mohamed bin period, he said. THE PENINSULA fied as at risk of road accidents by It will also have sufficient THE PENINSULA the sea choppy. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 HOME 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

Emir meets Syrian National Coalition Chief

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met yesterday Chief of the Syrian National Coalition Khaled Khoja and his delegation. They discussed latest developments in Syria. Khoja briefed the Emir on the programmes and plans of the coalition to address the situation in Syria and abroad. Ooredoo doubles upload speed

DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday upload speeds of up to 1.25 Mbps, life-enhancing features that fibre announced it has doubled the will now enjoy upload speeds of 2.5 technology can have for the whole upload speeds for its fibre cus- Mbps. Business fibre customers community. This speed boost is tomers which will allow them to on the 10 Mbps plan, who cur- not just about updating our cus- surf internet faster. The com- rently get upload speeds of up to tomer experience and network, pany said it has provided pro- 2.5 Mbps, will now experience but also ensuring that we are vided a free boost to the upload upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps. ready to support the next gen- speeds for all Ooredoo fibre cus- The double speed boost is valid eration of fibre-based solutions, tomers on Ooredoo Consumer for all fibre plans, so that cus- such as personal cloud services,” and “Business Fibre” plan. tomers on the top-end 100 Mbps said Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Upload speed is the speed at will see a major leap, with upload Director, Community & Public which information is transferred speeds of up to 25 Mbps for resi- Relations, Ooredoo. from their device to the internet. dential fibre users and 50 Mbps This upload speed upgrade The speed increase was rolled-out for business customers. comes just six months after this week as the company contin- The fibre speed upgrade is free Ooredoo announced a free speed ues to offer a bigger, faster net- and permanent, and customers upgrade for all 1Mbps and 10Mbps work for all of Qatar. are being automatically upgraded, home fibre plans, as the company Following the announcement, with no requirement for any cus- continues to roll-out a world-class residential customers using the tomer action. fibre network across the country. 10 Mbps plan, who currently have “Ooredoo believes in the THE PENINSULA HOME THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 QIC Abu Hamour branch to process claims

DOHA: Owners of vehicles Al Fadala said that the new insured with Qatar Insurance service has been launched as Company (QIC) that are dam- new rules demand that motorists aged in accidents can now go must report accidents, especially directly to the company’s claims hit-and-run mishaps, within branch in Abu Hamour to proc- 48 hours or pay a fine of QR1, ess their claims. 000. The service will help peo- There is no need for them to ple report mishaps without any visit the traffic department and hassles. collect a report on the damage Founded in 1964, QIC is the and then visit the QIC’s claims country’s largest insurer. section. THE PENINSULA QIC said in a release yesterday that a rep- resentative from the traffic department will be present at its Abu Hamour claims branch and he will survey the damaged vehicle, give away ‘police report’ and help submit documents for filing claims for repair. The service will be avail- able from 7am until 2pm from Sundays through Thursdays. The traffic department representative will, after inspecting the damaged vehicle, provide a Police Reference Number. With this number the vehicle owner can go to the QIC’s claims section for the needful. This one-window serv- ice will save the car owner time as he will not need to visit the traffic department for the inspection of dam- age and to collect police report. Ali Al Fadala (pic- tured), Senior Deputy Group President and CEO of QIC Group, said: “Being customer-focused, our pri- mary concern is to ensure that our customers are able to file claims without any hassle”. This is a first-of-its- kind service and will help in speeding up claims fil- ing procedure and save time and effort of QIC customers. They don’t have to visit multiple venues now to avail police report. THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Cabinet welcomes end to Decisive Storm Meeting hails outcome of UN Conference on Crime

DOHA: The Prime Minister justice and prevention of crime, proposals of the ministers in this and Interior Minister H E especially the contents of the regard. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Doha Declaration that has been A letter by the tax grievances Khalifa Al Thani presided over issued by the congress and which committee at the Ministry of the Cabinet weekly regular ses- is regarded as a roadmap and an Finance regarding a report on sion held at the Emiri Diwan international commitment that the committee’s work during the yesterday. makes the world a safer and period from 1.7.2014 to 13.12.2014 The Cabinet welcomed the end more peaceful place through the was considered. of the ‘Operation Decisive Storm’ implementation of comprehen- The meeting took note of a after it achieved its goals and the sive policies and strategies in the memorandum by the Minister of start of the “Operation Restoring field of crime prevention, criminal Public Health on the results of Hope’ upon a request by Yemeni justice and the promotion of law the 78th Conference of the GCC President Abdrabuh Mansur supremacy on the national and Health Ministers Council (Riyadh Hadi. international levels. - February 2015) and a letter The Cabinet called on all The meeting approved a draft the Minister of Environment on Yemen parties to respond to the decision by the Minister of the results of the 18th meeting ‘Operation Restorating Hope’, the Communications and Information of ministers in charge of envi- resumption of the political proc- Technology defining the fees of ronmental affairs in GCC states ess and the support of the national the frequency spectrum’s usage. (Kuwait - December 2014). interest in order to restore secu- It approved a draft agreement A memorandum by the Minister rity and stability in their country on maritime transport between of Public Health on the results of and to protect the gains of the governments of and Turkey. the 43rd ordinary session of the brotherly Yemeni people. The Cabinet reviewed a Arab Public Health Ministers The Cabinet praised the out- memorandum by the Minister (Cairo - February 2015) and a let- come of the 13th United Nations of Administrative Development ter the Minister of Education and Crime Prevention and Criminal on the results of the minis- Higher Education and Secretary- Justice, held in Doha from April try’s study of proposals by General of Supreme Education Qatar Rail CEO Engineer Saad Ahmed Al Muhannadi and Qatar University President Professor Sheikha Abdulla 12 through 19 with a wide inter- the Minister of Development Council on the results of the Al Misnad exchanging documents during the signing ceremony. national participation. Planning and Statistics on the Arab states’ Regional Ministerial The Cabinet stressed that balance between the role of Conference on Education Post- the success of the Congress and women in the family and the 2015 (Sharm El Sheikh - January Qatar University, Qatar Rail sign its results constitute signifi- society and its role in the 2015) were also discussed. cant achievement in the field of labour market and remarks and QNA pact for Red Line North station DOHA: The Qatar University a Joint Working Group to man- to Qatar Rail in order to com- Al Jazeera English wants talks (QU) and Qatar Railways age and organize the processes plete our projects on time and Company (QR) yesterday signed and procedures and coordinate without complications. We are an agreement that will enhance with other relevant parties and very glad to be cooperating with coordination and communica- working groups, such as inter- Qatar University, and hope this with India as channel taken off air tion between the two sides for face meetings with stakeholders, agreement opens doors for fur- construction and operation of among others. The Group will also ther cooperation between differ- DOHA: Al Jazeera English has demanded talks our global news and programmes,” Al Anstey, the Red Line North Rail Station address all matters necessary to ent sectors.” with the Indian government after the country’s Managing Director of Al Jazeera English, said in at QU as part of the Qatar Rail facilitate the objectives of QRDP QU VP and Chief Academic punitive decision to take the channel off-air for a statement. Development Project (QRDP). and QU Master Plan 2030 Legacy Officer Dr Mazen Hasna, QU five days. “Unfortunately, this is the latest in a series The agreement was signed vision. VP and Chief Financial Officer The ban, which took effect yesterday, concerns on ongoing issues. Our journalists have not been by QU President Prof Sheikha “We are pleased to cooperate Dr Humaid Al-Midfaa, QU maps of Pakistan shown on the channel which granted visas for years now. We approach India Abdulla Al Misnad and QR CEO with Qatar Rail in the spirit of VP for Research Dr Hassan on occasions during 2013 and 2014 did not mark like we do any other country – showing the world Eng Saad Ahmed Al Muhannadi. cooperation between academic Al-Derham, SESRI Director and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir as separate territory. the positive and the negative, the humanity, and It aims to provide mechanisms and industrial sectors, and the QU Associate VP for Research The maps produced by external software gave the diversity. We have though been severely ham- for cooperation, coordination, commitment of both to serve the Dr Darwish Al-Emadi, QU the same treatment to Indian-controlled Kashmir, pered for too long by constraints placed upon us communication and exchange of wider community through vari- Associate VP for Facilities and though this was not subject to similar complaints, when trying to tell Indian stories to the world. information between both QU ous services. This agreement will Information Technology Dr the channel said yesterday. This is why I’m writing to the information minister and QR, and any third party. enhance our efforts to support Khaled Naji, QU Capital Projects Once the issue was pointed out by the seeking talks that will help us move forward in a Both institutions will establish national development activities Department Director Eng Indian authorities, the channel ensured from constructive way,” he added. and agree on work content, pro- as well as the aspirations of the Khaled Halabi, as well as mem- September 22, 2014 that all borders of Kashmir The ban affects viewers on Dish, Tata, Reliance gram and sequencing, as well as society as the country prepares bers from QU Capital Projects were marked with dotted lines and shaded and Airtel. Al Jazeera English is still available the identification and resolution itself for hosting FIFA World Cup Department, managers from QU differently. online and the channel has urged viewers to access of issues necessary for the execu- 2022 and other top international Campus Facilities Department, “This ban is a disproportionate response to an its content on Aljazeera.com, apps and social media tion and completion of QR activi- events,” said Al Misnad. and several officials from QU issue that we fixed promptly after it was pointed platforms while the ban is in force. ties and other works. Eng Al Muhannadi said, “Close and QR were also present at the out. It needlessly deprives Indian viewers of THE PENINSULA In the terms of the agree- communication with our partners signing ceremony. ment, both institutions will form and contractors is very important THE PENINSULA Mashreq card holders to get discount from Gulf Air

DOHA: Mashreq Qatar, a financial institution having pres- ence across the region, recently signed a discount deal with Gulf Air, Bahrain’s National Carrier. Under the deal, Mashreq Platinum credit card customers will get a 10 percent dis- count when flying with Gulf Air. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both organisations, led by Niranjan Mendonca, Head of Retail Banking at Mashreq Qatar and Wael Mattar, Country Manager at Gulf Air. “Partnering with Gulf Air allows two leading brands in the region to come together and offer our customers an improved proposition. We focus on delivering market leading benefits to our Platinum credit card customers, and a 10 percent discount on air fares offers great value. The offer comes from our com- mitment to extend convenient, innovative and value added finan- cial solutions, something Mashreq is known for,” said Niranjan Mendonca, Head of Retail Banking, Mashreq. Customers will be able to avail the 10 percent discount by using their Mashreq Platinum card when buying tickets through the Gulf Air website www.gulfair.com or through any Gulf Air office in Qatar. “We are delighted to join this mutually beneficial promotion with one of the leading banks in the region. We look forward to welcoming Mashreq customers on board our aircraft in the very near future,” said Wael Mattar, Country manager at Gulf Air. THE PENINSULA Officials of Mashreq Qatar and Gulf Air during the signing ceremony.

Golbers opens Doha shop tomorrow DOHA: Malayalam film actor Fahad Fasil will launch Globers Fashion in Doha tomorrow. The exclusive fash- ion store for gents and ladies is located near Jumbo Electronics, Parachute Signal on Airport Road. Clobers Fashion officials announcing the opening of the shop in Doha. The store promises to offer an international Globers has a range of contem- The store will have a variety of store will be running a promotion shopping experience. It porary and exclusively designed brands such as Levis, Colors of of “Purchase foir QR100 and get offers the best collections clothes for men and women, pro- Beneton, Wrangler, Lee Cooper a raffle coupon to win a Harley across apparels, footwear viding not just value for money and Mufti. Davidson V Rod.” and. but also the finest merchandise. As a part of inauguration the THE PENISULA THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Man jailed for Kahramaa marks bid to kill self in lock-up 3rd Tarsheed DOHA: A GCC citizen who tried to end his life in a police lock-up has been sentenced by a court to a year in jail. The convict was actually sen- anniversary tenced to three years in jail by a criminal court for the above crime but a higher criminal court reduced the jail term to a year Competition winners awarded prizes after the case went in appeal. It so happened that the GCC DOHA: Qatar General consumption in Qatar by 35 per- national was taken in police Electricity & Water Corporation cent and 20 percent, respectively remand in some case and put in (Kahramaa) celebrated the until 2017. The per capita con- a lock-up at the Capital Police. third anniversary of its National sumption of water and electric- He was kept in a special cell Programme for Conservation ity of Qatar is one of the highest where he put on fire a bed-sheet and Energy Efficiency in the world. and blanket. (Tarsheed) at Sheraton Doha Since inception, Tarsheed A policeman and a suspect in under the patronage of Emir H managed to reduce per capita some other case who was present H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad consumption of electricity by 11 in the police lock-up area at the Al Thani Qatar with the slogan percent and water by 11 percent time told the upper court appear- “Tarsheed: Time Is Now’’. to reduce carbon dioxide emis- ing as witnesses that they saw The celebration was guided sions by 1.8 million tonnes, gas by smoke coming out of the cell of by Prime Minister and Interior 43 million cubic feet, and QR600m the convict and so policemen on Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah till end of 2014. duty rushed to his rescue. bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Kahramaa felicitated winners The convict had wrapped him- Minister of Energy and Industry of short story contest for schools, self up in a blanket even as it and H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh advertisement design for uni- the bed were on fire, the witnesses Al Sada, Kahramaa’s President, versitiesconservation building said. Engineer Essa bin Hilal Al competition and best buildings The court reduced the sentence Kuwari, dignitaries, diplomats, in industrial, commercial, gov- of three years to one consider- high level officials from govern- ernmental, sports, tourism, and ing the age of the convict and ment and private sectors, senior residential sectors. Buildings were his health condition, reported Al officials of Kahramaa, environ- evaluated based on the specific Raya. ment champions, school children parameters set by the team of and others. qualified experts. Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada presenting a prize to a Tarsheed competition Through the celebration, The Winners are: Government winner. Indian embassy Kahramaa announced its future sector; The new Emiri Diwan strategies, projects and achieved Annex – Musheireb Real Estate. Persons; Ahmed Hamad Al Preparatory, Nasser Mansour ConocoPhilips, DFI, Qatar Debate, Open House targets for the ongoing massive Industrial: District Cooling Badi Al Maadeed, owner of Enviro Abo Keshk, Al Imam Al Shafie and Iberdrola Company. programme. Kahramaa, through Factory - Musheireb Real Estate. Company for global projects for Independent School. The Tarsheed program is tomorrow Tarsheed, aims at rationalising Sports : Ali Bin Hamad Al the geowash (washing cars with- Secondary, Naiemuddin marching towards achieving good the consumption of water and Attiya Arena - Qatar Olympic out wasting water). Muenuddin, Tarki bin Ziyad result and public response. For DOHA: The Indian embassy will electricity and intensifying the Committee. Universities contest for Best Secondary School. creative conservation, the con- hold an Open House on Friday culture of conservation of vital Commercial: Arkan building, TV commercial: First place, Kahramaa has also felicitated servation and Energy Efficiency to address any urgent consular resources in Qatar. Kahramaa Lebriqa Real Estate Company, Mairna Ammar, HBKU - QF. corporations for their sup- department (Tarsheedhas been and labour problems of Indians. felicitated the winners (indi- one of Al Diyar Real Estate Second place, Nesma Sherif, QU. port to Tarsheed since incep- organising various competitions It will be held from 5.30pm to vidual and corporate) who have Companies. Best AD winners: First place, tion through signing MoUs, throughout the year to engage all 6.30pm. Written information on been selected under various cat- Residential: Ali Al Safran. Khedr Ibrahim Sulaiman, QU, social support, scientific and communities to get creative about issues proposed to be discussed egories for their entries sought for Tourism Sector: QNCC - Second, Omar Ahmed Lotfi, QU. research participation including conservation. It invites entries for with officials could be given from a number of competitions being Amlak Holding Company. Third, Sara Abdulla Al Mutawa, Ezdan Holding, Qatar Tourism Conserving Building Competition, 5.30pm to 6pm. organised by Conservation and Best renewable energy and HBKU - QF. Authority, Supreme Committee Film making competition, Best This will be followed by meet- Energy Efficiency department. energy efficiency initiative: Short story contest for schools: for Delivery & Legacy, Gardens Ads design and video competition ings with officials between 6pm The prime target of the Corporations; Al Wakra beach Preliminary Hala Meheid Department, Ministry of for students and Best Renewable and 6.30pm, the embassy said in Tarsheed is to reduce the per for families – for using solar Ibrahim, Al Shaqb Independent Municipality and Urban Energy Initiative Competition. a statement. capita water and electricity energy to operate LED lights. School. Planning, Unilever company, THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Drugs seized from transit passenger

DOHA: The Customs Authority placed in the bag of the passen- The officials screen and inspect says drug traffickers have ger during screening on an x-ray every single bag of passengers. started taking transit flights machine. Advanced screening machines to smuggle narcotics into the When the bag was opened, a have been installed at all border country. packet containing 660 grams of check posts, seaports and airport Customs officials recently marijuana was found, Al Sharq to spot the suspected materials seized 660 grams of marijuana reported. inside the bags. from an Asian transit passen- Drug traffickers take transit Customs inspectors are also ger who was coming from a GCC flights to dodge customs officials being trained to sense the sus- country. in a bid to smuggle narcotics into pected passengers in a bid to A customs official stationed the country but the Customs thwart any attempt of drugs at Hamad International Airport Authority has a foolproof system trafficking. (HIA) found a suspected packet to thwart their attempts. THE PENINSULA

The packet of marijuana seized at the airport.

QatarDebate issues judging criteria

DOHA: QatarDebate a member the positions and arguments of to the delegations participating of Qatar Foundation will launch the opposing team, indicating that in the championship. He also its third edition of the inter- there are clear criteria for judging pointed out the completion of the national universities Arabic and standards that should be met. arrangements for all delegations Debating championship on The criteria comprises of: content including accommodation and Sunday. 40 points, method 40 points and transportation. On the judging mechanisms strategy 20 points. Maher Rajah , Debates coach at and methods of computing the Preparations for the third QatarDebate said that the com- results, Faizeh Abdelrazeq, International Universities Arabic petition aims to deepen the links Head of the Arabic programme Debating Championship have between the participating univer- at QatarDebate, said that there been completed. sities in the areas of education, will be three judges allocated for Hassan Suleiman, Business culture and social affairs, noting each debate room. Support Manager at QatarDebate that the engagement generated by She explained that the winning said that the Business Support the championship will serve the team in the debate is one that Department at QatarDebate objective of thriving and spread- provides the most powerful posi- Center works with all its energy ing the Arabic language. tions and arguments, and refutes to provide high-quality services THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Deputy PM meets Indonesian President Emir receives QBRI internship message from Venezuela DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani initiative to received yesterday a writ- ten message from President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro. The message was delivered by begin on May 10 the Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Delcy Rodriguez dur- ing a meeting with the Emir at Chance to work with scientists the Emiri Diwan yesterday. Power outage at DOHA: Qatar Biomedical ‘Summer Research Programme’ Research Institute (QBRI), will give the selected students the Hamad Hospital a research and development chance to work side-by-side with entity under Qatar Foundation, some of QBRI scientists in a dedi- DOHA: There was a brief power has announced the launch of a cated environment. disruption at Hamad General new internship initiative, the “Through this particular initia- Hospital last evening which was ‘Summer Research Programme’ tive, the participants will be able caused by a contractor under- (SRP). to broaden their knowledge, learn taking excavation works on Running over eight weeks from new skills and explore their scien- the grounds of the hospital, the May 10 to July 2, the programme tific interests and career options. Hamad Medical Corporation is open to undergraduate students It is also a chance for partici- (HMC) said yesterday. The from local, regional, and interna- pants to interact and network issue was quickly addressed by tional universities. with other students who have an Kharaama and HMC’s engineer- The Summer Research interest in research. President of Indonesia Joko Widodo met yesterday the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet ing teams and power was restored Programme will support Qatar Additionally, by facilitating Affairs H E Ahmed Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, on the sidelines of the Asian African Conference 2015. to most areas of the hospital Foundation’s over-arching goal of this process, QBRI is contrib- They discussed bilateral relations and topics on the conference agenda. The meeting was attended by Qatar’s within a short period of time, it unlocking human potential, and uting to capacity building and Ambassador Mohamed bin Khater Al Khater and a number of Indonesian officials. added. “Every measure was taken fulfilling the Qatar Nation Vision promoting cross –institutional to ensure patient care was not 2030 by transforming the country collaborations.” impacted and the hospital has into a knowledge-based economy. Each participant will be resumed normal operations,” said QBRI’s work fulfils QF’s mission matched with a research project an HMC statement yesterday. to develop sciences in different based on the student’s back- medical fields in order to promote ground and area of interest, pro- Ashghal announces diversion Saudi King a culture of excellence in Qatar viding each of them with a unique and the region, and innovate and opportunity for hands-on labora- receives Qatari build capacity to highlight Qatar’s tory research experience under at Qatar Academy roundabout role as an emerging centre for the supervision of QBRI experts. envoy’s credentials healthcare innovation. The research projects will address Dr Hilal Lashuel, QBRI a variety of biomedical subjects DOHA: The Public Works heading to Al Ruwad Street to Motorists heading from Al RIYADH: The Custodian of the Executive Director, said: “Sharing including: Type II diabetes, cancer Authority, Ashghal, announced a avoid them having to use Al Wajba Rayyan Road t in the direc- Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin the excitement of discovery and and stem cell development. traffic diversion on the road stretch- Palace Interchange, Ashghal said tion of Bani Hajer roundabout Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia biomedical research is fundamen- The students will also partici- ing from the interchange opposite yesterday. towards the Bani Hajer residen- received the credentials of Sheikh tal for QBRI and preparing the pate in a series of weekly semi- Al Wajba Palace and Garrafat Al As part of Stage 2, Al Rayyan tial area should use the alter- Abdullah bin Thamir Al Thani next generation of scientists is at nars, workshops and informal Rayyan roundabout (also known as Road will be closed in both direc- native road south of Dukhan as Ambassador Extraordinary the core of our mission.” discussions on the latest advances Qatar Academy roundabout) effec- tions from Bani Hajer roundabout Road to reach the Garrafat Al and Plenipotentiary of Qatar in “Our ultimate goal is to develop in diabetes, cancer, genomics and tive from tomorrow. to Al Wajba roundabout (also Rayyan roundabout, and then Riyadh. The Ambassador conveyed this initiative into an interna- neuroscience research with mem- A three-lane alternative road known as Qtel roundabout) which they should take a U-turn and greetings of Emir H H Sheikh tional summer programme that bers of the scientific community will be provided south of the exist- has been converted to a signal- return to Bani Hajer roundabout Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to will attract outstanding students at QBRI and other biomedical ing Dukhan Road to ease traffic controlled intersection. and take a right. the Saudi King and wishes to the from all over the world to QBRI research institutions in Qatar. flow. The diversion will also include Motorists coming from the Four signalized junctions will Saudi people of further progress and introduce them to the excit- Following the conclusion of the the opening of a signal U-turn interchange opposite Al Wajba be used during the diversions to and prosperity. The Saudi King ing research programmes and sci- research programme, the stu- on the alternative road heading Palace towards Bani Hajer control traffic flow and enhance entrusted the ambassador with his entific opportunities in the State dents will give an oral and poster north of the existing Dukhan Road roundabout must use the alter- traffic safety for motorists greeting to the Emir, wishing him of Qatar.” presentation on their projects to towards the Interchange opposite native route to reach Garrafat Al using the alternative roads, said best of health and happiness and Lina Hassna, QBRI – SRP their peers. Al Wajba Palace. This u-turn will Rayyan roundabout (also known Ashghal. Qatar continued progress. Programme Manager said that the THE PENINSULA ease the traffic flow for vehicles as Qatar Academy roundabout). THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA/QNA WISH supports Arab diabetes congress Call for special fund to DOHA: The World Innovation occurrence of diabetes in the of diabetes in our countries.” experts to align and work together Summit for Health (WISH), Middle East. As part of the Congress, WISH on addressing this huge health help debt-ridden people a global initiative of Qatar Dr Doaa Said, Managing will distribute its recently pub- threat. Type 2 Diabetes is fast Foundation is lending its Director of Maarefah, the lished report ‘Rising To The becoming a regional epidemic DOHA: Several religious schol- that indebtedness is major chal- support to the Arab Diabetes organiser of the Arab Diabetes Challenge: Preventing and and we cannot underestimate ars and officials of charities in lenge facing the Qatari society. Medical Congress taking place Congress, said, “Today, diabetes Managing Type 2 Diabetes’ to all the impact this disease will have Qatar have called for establish- Hundreds of citizens are seek- in Doha, from today to April 25. is a major and rising health con- attendees; sharing recommen- on society, workforces and future ing a special fund to support the ing support from charities to Taking place in Oryx Rotana, cern in the GCC region and it is dations and extensive research generations. needy, especially citizens who pay back their bank loans, which Doha, the Arab Diabetes Medical a devastating disease that poses undertaken in the lead up to the “Our Diabetes report, which have amassed huge debts. amount to several millions of Congress is organised by Maarefah severe risks and costs for the recent WISH summit held in we are sharing with the attend- They pointed out that chari- riyal. The debts would range Management in partnership healthcare community, there- February in Qatar. ees, provides recommendations table organisations are not able from QR50,000 to QR13m. RAF with Qatar Diabetes Association fore it is important to gather WISH’s participation under- for policymakers to more effec- to support the debtors due to the has paid pack the loans on behalf and under the patronage of the the main stakeholders including scores its commitment to inspire tively prevent diabetes and to huge amounts they owe to the of more than 80 percent of citi- Supreme Council of Health in health authorities, medical asso- and diffuse healthcare innovation also ensure effective treatment banks. zens languishing in jails because Qatar. The Congress will bring ciations, diabetes experts and and best practice through a glo- for those with the illness. It is Speaking to a local Arabic daily, of huge debts, which amounted to together experts from the around researchers to exchange knowl- bal network of high-level policy- our hope that healthcare leaders they urged the government to around QR5.5m. the word to discuss preventative edge and generate new ideas makers, academics and industry from the region will adopt some take the lead to set up the pro- “ Establishing a dedicated fund measures and improved treat- that will foster the advance- leaders. of these recommendations for the posed fund. It will succeed only if will help the charities as well. ment for tackling the increasing ment in prevention and control Egbert Schillings, CEO of benefit of their populations.” funded, managed and monitored They can provide the data and WISH, said, “The Arab Diabetes is a disease that is by the government. expertise to support the project,” Diabetes Medical Congress prevalent in the Gulf region, with Aid Al Qahatani, Chairman of Al Rayah quoted him as saying. is an essential conduit for the incidence as high as 12 to 18 the trusty council at Sheikh Thani Noted Doha-based Islamic thought-leaders, policy per cent across the Middle East. bin Abdullah Foundation for scholar and preacher Sheikh Bu makers and healthcare THE PENINSULA Humanitarian Services, RAF, said Ainain said establishing a fund to support the needy is an excellent idea. Charities play a big role in supporting orphans and widows, but they have limi- tations in helping debtors pay back their loans. He said many people land in jail for serving as guarantors for others who flee the country after tak- ing hefty bank loans. The banks then hold the guar- antors responsible. He, however, cautioned that while establishing the fund, strict regulations should be in place to ensure that it will not be exploited. Sheikh Abdullah Al Nama, chief of the execu- tive board of Eid Cultural Center at Sheikh Eid Charitable Association said setting up a special fund for supporting the needy has become necessary. “Taking loans is a major problem in the society. People take bank loans to build p a house or for mar- riage and then amass huge debts. They would need many years to pay them back,” he said, adding that there is a need to study each case seeking financial aid. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 HOME / MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Yemen rebels seek end to coalition attacks Saudi Arabia-led alliance launches new strikes

TAEZ, YEMEN: Yemeni rebels demanded a Saudi-led coalition completely end its attacks as a condition for UN-sponsored talks, as the alliance launched new air strikes yesterday a day after declaring its month-long campaign over. The fresh raids broke a brief lull after the coalition announced Tuesday night that the first phase of its “successful” bombing cam- paign had finished and that it was now focusing on political efforts. However, the coalition had warned it stood ready to counter any advance by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and their allies. Abdulrahman Al Banyan (second right), Saudi Arabia’s Chief of Staff, arrives at the Arab League headquarters to And it duly responded with attend an Arab defence ministers meeting in Cairo yesterday. more firepower when the Houthis took advantage of the cessation and overran the headquarters of the 35th Armoured Brigade loyal Arab League military chiefs to form to President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi in third city Taez. Clashes between the rebels A Yemeni youth carries bags of bread as people queue outside a bakery and loyalists left dozens dead in Taez, Yemen, yesterday. panel for setting up regional force and wounded in a string of bat- tleground towns, including second a year of bloody protests against by the rebels’ air and missile CAIRO: Arab League military joint Arab military force, and also allies launched air strikes on city Aden, an army officer said. his three-decade rule. capabilities. But rebels remain in chiefs decided yesterday to form the legal framework.” It was not Iran-backed Shia Houthi rebels In their first statement since UN Secretary General Ban control of Sana’a and swathes of a panel to examine all aspects immediately clear when the com- in Yemen. “The creation of a joint the coalition announcement, the Ki-moon appealed for an end the country while Hadi is in exile of building a region-wide mili- mittee will actually be formed, but Arab force in no way aims to form Shia rebels demanded a complete to the fighting and offered “the in Riyadh, where he fled when the tary force aimed at combatting the statement said it would meet a new alliance or army hostile to halt to attacks as a condition for diplomatic facilities through raids began. jihadists, including the Islamic in the next few weeks. any country, but a force to fight UN-sponsored talks. which we can resolve this issue The coalition said its opera- State (IS) group. The meeting, attended by Arab terrorism and maintain security, “We demand, after a complete dialogue”. tions would now enter a political The bloc agreed in March to League chief Nabil Al Arabi, was peace and stability in the region,” end to the aggression against Ban said he had proposed a phase with the focus on resuming set up the force, with members chaired by Egyptian Armed Arabi said at the start of yester- Yemen and the lifting of the successor to UN envoy Jamal talks, aid deliveries and “fighting given four months to decide on Forces’ Chief of Staff Lieutenant day’s meeting. blockade, to resume political dia- Benomar, who resigned last week terrorism”. its composition, precise rules of General Mahmud Hegazy. Hegazy said there was a need to logue... under the sponsorship of after reportedly losing support The Red Cross warned of a engagement and budget. Egyptian President Abdel “fight terrorism,” adding that the the United Nations,” said spokes- among Gulf countries. “catastrophic” humanitarian situ- Top brass gathered at League Fattah Al Sisi has been pushing force might intervene in internal man Mohammed Abdulsalam. The World Health Organization ation, with fuel supplies reaching headquarters in Cairo decided “to for the creation of the force since conflicts. The Saudi ambassador to the says at least 944 people have been “zero levels” and an acute short- set up a high-ranking committee February, after a video emerged “We cannot ignore internal US reiterated that “if the Houthis killed in Yemen since March 19. age of food leading to soaring under the supervision of army showing IS executing a group of conflicts and the growth of ter- or their allies make any aggressive Riyadh said the strikes, which prices. Al Qaeda’s Yemeni branch, chiefs to examine all aspects of Coptic Christians in neighbouring rorist organisations in an Arab moves there will be a response”. it launched on March 26 as the regarded by Washington as its this issue,” said a statement at the Libya, prompting retaliatory air country, and it is wrong to think The UN had sponsored a Gulf- rebels closed in on Hadi’s last most dangerous, has taken advan- end of their meeting. “The panel strikes by Cairo. that these conflicts have no direct brokered peace deal that eased refuge in Aden, had succeeded in tage of the conflict to consolidate will examine the mechanisms The idea gained momentum or indirect repercussions in other former president Ali Abdullah eliminating the threat posed to its grip on Hadramawt province and budget needed to set up the after Saudi Arabia and its Arab Arab countries,” he said. AFP Saleh out of office in 2012, ending Saudi Arabia and its neighbours in the southeast. AFP Troops battle IS for Iraq city BAGHDAD: Iraqi security “We’re engaged in tough guer- “Our main goal is to drive Isis forces fought to rout Islamic rilla warfare in Ramadi,” said an terrorists away from residential State militants from the west- Iraqi security officer whose unit parts of the city towards open ern city of Ramadi yesterday, is fighting in Ramadi. Speaking areas to make them an easy slowly regaining some ground on condition of anonymity, he target for our forces,” Sabah from the militant group, secu- said the militants had dug tun- Al Noamani said. rity and local officials said. nels between houses so they The insurgents suffered a The insurgents began encroach- could carry out hit and run major defeat this month when ing on Ramadi two weeks ago and attacks. Iraqi troops and Shia paramili- local officials warned it was about Anbar provincial council mem- taries expelled them from the city to fall, sending more than 100,000 ber Falih Al Essawi said security of Tikrit, but showed they could people fleeing their homes in and forces were taking their time still strike by attacking Ramadi around the provincial capital of in advancing to avoid exposing and Iraq’s largest refinery in the Anbar. themselves to sniper fire. north. Security officials said Islamic A spokesman for Iraq’s coun- Iraqi forces regained control State were being pushed back terterrorism forces, which are over most of the Baiji refinery at from sections near the military’s taking a lead role in the bat- the weekend, but the militants Anbar operation command but tle, told Reuters the troops had made an incursion into the north- booby-traps, snipers and suicide managed to recapture positions ern part of the sprawling complex attacks were hindering govern- near the city centre but were still late on Tuesday and briefly took ment troops from recapturing fighting to drive the militants over a key installation. other areas they lost last week. from the city. REUTERS Saudi beheads two for murder Egypt tycoon RIYADH: Saudi Arabia beating him to death with a beheaded two people for mur- hammer, the ministry said in a testifies in der yesterday, one of whom statement carried by the offi- was from India, the Interior cial Saudi Press Agency. The Ministry said. other convict, Saudi Mater Al Aljazeera retrial Sajada Ansari, a shepherd, Rowaeeli, was condemned for was convicted of robbing his shooting dead his ex-wife and CAIRO: One of Egypt’s wealth- Saudi boss as he slept and two of their children. AFP iest businessmen, Naguib Sawiris, testified for the defence yesterday at the retrial of two Aljazeera television journalists, possibly boosting their standing Safe zones around schools in a case criticised from abroad. Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Continued from page 1 parking spots and lack of side- Mohamed were sentenced last Development of roads sur- walks and footpaths, he added. year to between 7 and 10 years rounding 19 schools in various “The designs which assure in prison for aiding a “terrorist areas has been completed and traffic safety standards in school organisation”, a reference to the some temporary traffic safety zones will be set after evaluation Islamist Muslim Brotherhood solutions for 11 schools have been and will be adjusted according to which was ousted from power by carried out. Development works recommendations by the school the army in mid-2013. of 10 other school zones are cur- administration,” said Al Emadi. Their colleague Peter Greste, rently being implemented, said The designing of safe school an Australian who was sen- Yusuf Abdulrahman Al Emadi, zones comprises the traffic safety tenced with them, was freed Director, Road Maintenance evaluation, which includes decid- and deported earlier this year. Department at Ashghal, address- ing the entrances and exits of All three denied the charges. In ing a press conference yesterday. the roads leading to the school to January, a court ordered a retrial, To complete the safe zone place the signboards within walk- citing procedural flaws. around each school would take ing distance of the institution. Fahmy, a naturalised Canadian a minimum of three months and This is in addition to setting who gave up his Egyptian citi- cost around QR1m. standards and general require- zenship, said outside the court The programme aims at ensur- ments for designating parking yesterday that he and Sawiris, ing safety of students and par- slots and various stopping points a member of Egypt’s minority ents when they arrive and leave to facilitate the passenger drop off Coptic Christian community, from schools and at easing traf- and pick up and decide the pedes- had known each other “for a fic congestion near schools which trian crossing sites. long time”. REUTERS is worsening due to the lack of THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Defeating terror Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

IGERIAN government is making significant progress in its battle against Boko Haram. Backed by warplanes, Nigerian forces invaded Nthe terrorist group’s last known stronghold, the Sambisa forest, which can be considered as one of the final The solution to deaths in the steps in defeating the six-year-old insurgency. The Sambisa forest in northeast Nigeria is about 100km from the village of Chibok from where Boko Haram abducted more than 200 school girls a year ago. Intelligence officials believed Mediterranean lies on land that this was where they were being held, although efforts to locate them have failed. A UN Special Representative for West Africa said this month that Boko militants seeking BY NICK CLEGG Liberal Democrats have called for generational effort to build stable shelter in the Sambisa Forest may be using some of the an urgent review of the EU’s policy governments and thriving econo- captured girls as human shields. UNDREDS dead last and the funding available for search mies across north Africa. It means The credit for the latest military operation must also week. Hundreds dead this and rescue. We need to work closely aid, it means investment, and it go to the new President Muhammadu Buhari, who has week. This humanitarian with the Italians to put in place bet- means a rethink of the way that the crisis on the southern ter arrangements. The Italian prime EU wields its influence outside its pledged to spare no effort in battling the militants after H shores of Europe isn’t new – more minister, Matteo Renzi, is absolutely borders. This will have to include he is sworn in on May 29. The failure to defeat Boko was than 22,000 people have died trying right to say that Italy cannot and Europe swallowing its protection- one of the reasons that cost former president Goodluck to cross the Mediterranean since should not have to face this crisis ist instincts and opening its mar- Jonathan his job. Boko is not restricted to Nigeria alone; 2000. But we now appear to be see- alone. kets to the countries to the south. it has spread its tentacles to the neighbouring countries ing a sharp increase in the numbers Secondly, we need coordinated Two thousand years ago, north and has killed thousands and kidnapped hundreds in their attempting the perilous crossing, action against the people traffick- Africa provided Rome with most with the result that more people ers. We should be supporting the of its wheat. The Mediterranean bid to establish an Islamic state. It has shocked the world than ever are dying. security forces in Libya, Egypt and should once again be the conduit with its cruelty and the deadliness of its operations and the It’s all too easy to forget that they Tunisia to catch the gangs that for trade, not a protective barrier kidnap of 200 innocent schoolgirls is unprecedented even are human beings. Many of those operate this murderous trade and for European markets. in the history of terrorism. It’s making the crossing, as Save the seize their boats while they are still What is Britain’s role in this? We In keeping with for this reason that the world Children has reminded us, are chil- in port. We should be sending our are soon to become Europe’s second is pinning its hopes on the new dren. Yet the lan- security experts to work with theirs. largest economy, and we are the des- guage the media At the moment the focus is on mini- tination for many of those seeking a his promise, government to root out this and politicians use mising deaths at sea. It should be better life. new Nigerian outfit. Abuja already enjoys to describe them on bringing maximum disruption to I believe we should be in the the support of its neighbours in Without hope (not “people” but the organised criminal networks that driving seat of these discussions, President its work. Armies from Nigeria “migrants”) has profit from those deaths. using our economic and diplomatic and neighbours Chad, Niger at home, the effect of mak- These ideas will be under discus- strength to force other countries to ing them seem sion today at the summit of European think strategically and come up with Muhammadu and Cameroon in the past two thousands will less human. A leaders in Brussels. But let’s not fool solutions. Buhari should months have been engaged in a problem without ourselves that a more comprehensive But we should also be using our concerted push to try to crush continue to a solution. We search-and-rescue mission or a war own substantial aid budget to direct pull no stops the insurgents. try to reach have failed these on the people smugglers alone will help to where it is needed: building in destroying The fight against the people again and solve the problem. a sustainable future for those on militants is entering a crucial Europe. The EU again, and we While conditions in Libya and the borders of Europe. It is richly desperately need elsewhere remain so desperate, there ironic that Ukip should seek to stage. Chadian and Cameroonian Boko Haram. must not just to rethink our will be many thousands of people blame the government for deaths troops too are ready to attack approach. who judge that the chance of a bet- in the Mediterranean when it is the Sambisa, which lies near the step up relief The EU’s ter life in Europe – however slim – is party that would slash our overseas Cameroon border. Chadian troops were assembling in efforts, but use decision to end a risk worth taking. aid budget, removing any hope of a Mora, northern Cameroon, ahead of the joint operation. routine search- The solution ultimately is to be sustainable solution. The operation should not take long because the militants its aid budget and-rescue oper- found not at sea, but on land. We Ours is a multifaceted approach: ations in the need to change the minds – and the a coordinated EU relief effort, a are on the run. According to reports, they controlled an to help in the Mediterranean lives – of the people who feel they European strategy for north Africa, area the size of Belgium at the start of the year, but have last year was have no choice but to flee. This is intelligent use of our international since lost much of that ground. countries these taken with good where we should be asking much, development budget, and targeted In keeping with his promise, Buhari should pull no people are intentions. No much more of our partners in the efforts to catch and disrupt the peo- stops in completely destroying the terrorist network. The one expected the EU. We need a level of coordinated ple traffickers. number of deaths ambition that frankly we rarely see If instead we detach ourselves from new government should also be on guard to prevent the fleeing. to fall to zero, from the EU these days. Europe in the way that Ukip and the terrorists from regrouping once they are destroyed. Buhari but there was a Only by attacking the root cause right wing of the Conservative party can count on the support of his neighbours and the world view that the presence of rescue of the problem – instability on the wants, we will be washing our hands in this mission. He should also do everything possible ships encouraged people to risk the southern border of Europe – can we of the people who desperately need to rescue the Chibok girls. Their disappearance and the crossing. That judgment now looks provide people with positive reasons our help. inability of the government to trace and rescue them still to have been wrong. That’s why the to stay. That requires a coordinated, THE GUARDIAN cause shudders. The other side Quote of Yemen: False hope? the day

HERE appeared to be a factions — principally forces loyal to If the coalition’s aim was to cripple to reportedly prevent Iranian vessels window of opportunity opening the self-exiled president Hadi and the the Houthis and pave the way for Mr from reaching the country. In such a up for peaceful resolution of the Houthi militia that opposes him — to Hadi’s return, that mission has obvi- scenario, brinkmanship from any quar- If these people seek TYemeni crisis when the Saudi- the negotiating table. If anything, it ously not been accomplished. In fact, it ter could spark an ugly confrontation. led coalition announced on Tuesday appears as if all sides have dug in for is highly doubtful if external intervention Therefore, the factions inside Yemen, refuge in European that it was suspending air strikes on a long, open-ended battle. What is — whether it is the coalition’s support as well as their external backers, must Houthi rebel positions inside Yemen. clear, though, is that a humanitarian for Mr Hadi or Iran’s reported backing eschew further violence and provide the countries after Yet just how complicated finding a catastrophe is unfolding in Yemen: of the Houthis — will pacify Yemen. space for a negotiated settlement. The somehow fleeing their negotiated path out of this quagmire is as per the UN’s figures, over 900 Recent examples abound — Libya, UN and the OIC — who have been con- going to be was proved when reports people have been killed since the air Iraq, Syria — where foreign interven- spicuous by their absence — must do home countries then surfaced on Wednesday that the strikes were launched, while the global tionism has only further destabilised much more to bring the warring sides how can an approach Saudis had resumed bombing raids body’s Office for the Coordination of local matters. Riyadh had done the to the table and help work out a peace- targeting the city of Taiz. Riyadh’s Humanitarian Affairs says there are right thing to call off the strikes, hence ful solution. The Yemeni people must of letting the boats campaign has been ongoing now currently around 12 million food- the coalition should hold its fire and give be the ones to decide who should rule sink and leaving them for close to a month, but as yet it is insecure people in Yemen, while diplomacy a chance to succeed. Things them, free from external pressures and unclear if anything positive has been 150,000 have been internally displaced in the region are heating up, with US an atmosphere of violence and intimi- to their deaths be Recep Tayyip Erdogan achieved to bring Yemen’s warring in the impoverished state. warships moving into waters off Yemen dation. DAWN adopted. Turkish President THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 ARAB VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Decisive Storm and the Iran nuclear deal This confirms that there is no Operation Decisive Storm will prevent Arab strategy. Political and eco- nomic strategies, along with mili- Iran from interfering in the Arabian tary capability, are among the elements of the balance of power peninsula. Riyadh will not accept a between states. If Obama chooses a technical repeat of the experiences of Iraq, Syria agreement with Iran and main- tains political differences, it would leave enough space for the Arab and Lebanon in its neighbourhood. states, especially Saudi Arabia, to minorities and forming sectarian make a move. militias. They should take advantage The coalition of minorities and of this space since the agree- the militias are the main levers ment shows that the US security of Iranian influence in the region. umbrella can no longer be relied The threat posed by this project is on. As a result of this umbrella, visible in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf coun- A threat, if allowed to grow, would tries have remained outside the endanger the rest of the countries, power equation in the region. which would backfire on Iran. This has left Iran alone in the Strangely, despite the fact equation, especially after the fall that Iran is on the shores of the of the Iraqi regime and the Syrian BY DR KHALID AL Arabian Gulf, the Gulf states regime’s weakening. Saudi Arabia DAKHIL were absent or not invited to the can no longer stay out of the nuclear negotiations with Iran. equation. This may have been due to politi- In this context, Operation here is a consensus cal reasons. Decisive Storm will prevent Iran that Operation Decisive The European Union, repre- from interfering in the Arabian Storm was launched days sented by Germany, is involved in Armed militiamen allied to Yemen’s President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi man a tank during clashes with opponents peninsula. Tbefore the announce- the negotiations, so why not the and Houthi rebels in the port city of Aden’s Dar Saad suburb. The fact that Saudi Arabia, ment of a framework nuclear deal Gulf? The Arab world could be which is not known to rush into between major powers and Iran represented by Saudi Arabia, for opposition to the sectarian state after the agreement expires? decision to reach an agreement things, is leading the coalition in order to prevent its implica- example? represented by Iran. Developing Here comes the third reason, with Iran indicates that the Arabs indicates the magnitude of the tions from affecting the Arabian This brings us back to the the military capabilities of the embodied in America’s military didn’t present to the US adminis- challenge posed by the agreement. peninsula and the countries of the Iranian political project and the state without this project is likely superiority and the option of reim- tration a convincing and compre- Riyadh will not accept a repeat of region. nuclear programme, which are to end in militarisation of both posing sanctions. hensive solution to the regional the experiences of Iraq, Syria and Why? For three reasons. First, opposed by Arab governments and the state and society, as happened Obama pointed out that Iran’s crises. Lebanon in its neighbourhood. the agreement prevents Iran from people. Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with the Baath parties in Iraq and military spending doesn’t exceed It may be that while highlight- Iran was taken by surprise by manufacturing nuclear weapons the two largest countries in the Syria. $30bn, while the US expenditure ing the role of Iran in the crises this move, which explains the con- for 10 to 15 years. This span of region, have not presented an The third reason lies in the is close to $600bn. they presented a vision for the vulsive reaction of its leadership. time is sufficient to allow the Arab alternative project to reveal the vision of US President Barack Based on this, Obama said that future, but Obama chose to stick Saudi Arabia’s leadership of the countries to develop their nuclear dangers of the Iranian project and Obama for a nuclear deal with America had nothing to fear from to his ideas because he doesn’t see coalition seems to indicate that it infrastructure and know-how, not its destructive sectarian nature. Iran. This vision stems from a attempting a political solution to an alternative to the status quo in is convinced that staying outside only for peaceful use, but also to The absence of an Arab project conviction based on three pieces the Iranian nuclear issue. Obama’s the region, including the political the equation of territorial balance acquire the ability to manufacture demonstrates lack of political of information. vision involves an adventure. He behaviour of Iran. In any case, the has exhausted its purpose and that a weapon, if needed. reform. This weakens the Arab The first is that Iran has believes that the lifting of sanc- main reason for the lack of har- after Iraq and Syria came under The Arab countries could ben- position because the conflict with acquired nuclear know-how that tions, Iran’s return to the inter- mony in the US and Arab posi- Iranian influence, it had to enter efit from the Japanese, who have Iran is in the final stage. Iran’s cannot be taken away. The second national system and the flow of tions is political. the equation directly. stopped just short of making a destructive project comprises cul- is that there is a national con- foreign investment will lead to It is either the political decision This means that there will be nuclear weapon. Japan is known tural and political conflicts. When sensus in Iran on the necessity a fundamental change in Iran’s of a president ruling a superpower a different approach to Saudi/ as a nuclear threshold state. Of I mention Iran here, I just mean of a nuclear programme. Obama political system that will make that imposes itself on everyone, or Gulf security and a new politi- course, instead of this option, the Iranian regime, not that coun- says that Iran’s acquisition of the Iran more interested in democ- the political failure of its allies to cal vision. Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf try’s people. technological know-how and the racy, economic development and provide an integrated and compel- The question is, what is this states could accept a US nuclear The theocratic regime is the national consensus cancels the the welfare of its citizens rather ling vision. vision? Operation Decisive Storm umbrella. source of sectarian projects. Hence option of using military force to than in an ideological struggle. The most dangerous thing about is the right move not only for However, this option is no there is need for an Arab project stop the programme. In other words, Obama is hop- Obama’s vision for this agree- the Gulf but for the Arab world longer available as it was more to oppose it. This need is imposed Use of the military option would ing that the nuclear deal will lead ment is not linked to the political as well. The war is a necessity than three decades ago. Also, it by the nature of current events. only delay Iran’s development of to a change in the Iranian political behaviour of Iran. He has chosen because leaving the Houthis to will restrict the political freedom There is a need to develop military nuclear weapons by a few years. system from the inside out. to focus on the technical part of complete their coup would mean of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf capabilities, either conventional So the US president has settled The president believes that the the agreement while letting politi- Iranian intervention in another states and limit their ability to or nuclear, so that Arab countries on the option of negotiating rather balance of power gives America cal differences with Iran and the Arab country. manoeuvre outside the framework can counterbalance Iran. than using military force. the freedom to test his proposi- associated sanctions remain, espe- Since it is a political move, of American interests. This must happen within an According to the framework tions. He didn’t take into account cially those linked to its support Decisive Storm shouldn’t be lim- The second reason is that the economic and political programme agreement, Iran’s nuclear pro- the concerns of the Arabs. for terrorism. ited to direct military interven- most dangerous threat posed by based on a vision of developing gramme will be slowed for 10 I don’t think Obama is to What is the Arab view on the tion; it should have a political Iran is its sectarian project, as the state as a civilian, democratic to 15 years. After that Iran will blame for that as much as Saudi agreement? There is no clear and dimension to counter Iran. exemplified by the principle of state. be free to manufacture nuclear Arabia, the other Gulf states and coherent Arab view yet at the The author is an academic, a creating alliances with political Such a state will stand in direct weapons. What is the option America’s Arab allies. Obama’s Arab League level or individually. columnist and a political analyst Events in Yemen will not affect the Gulf countries This question was accompanied opinion that the events of Yemen by clear or indirect signals that can affect the Gulf, and even that the Yemeni crisis was bound to Yemen would become a failed negatively affect the Gulf states. state. These views are absurd I would say that this analysis creations of the media promoted is not correct at all, and I bor- by the Houthis. row here this sarcastic phrase to They claim that they are going illustrate my point: “If the house to “complete the march of the is strong, the storm around it will revolution,” but in fact they are be pleasant!” trying to mislead the Yemenis and Of course, I do not intend to other Arabs. In fact, the Houthis be malicious or suggest that we have not only corrupted the pur- should enjoy the storm in Yemen, pose of the people’s revolution in which is hurting its people. The Yemen, but also staged a counter- BY DR MOHAMED AL Yemenis are our brothers, and revolution that could lead to civil RUMAIHI everybody is sad about what is war. happening there. Anyone observing the current ruth is the first casualty What I mean is that the Gulf events would not have been sur- in a conflict, especially is strong and will not be affected prised to find that the Houthis Tin civil wars, particularly by events in Yemen even if the announced the rule of the imam, when losses increase and facts Houthis manage to take control of “Wilayat al Faqih,” over Yemen, disappear under a pile of illusions. Yemen in the near or far future. which portends rapid and utter There are many examples before Taking precaution due to what collapse. us in the form of analyses that is happening in Yemen is a politi- That could be the Houthis’ indicate lack of knowledge and cal necessity, but to say that what aspiration, but anyone who knows insight about Arab issues. is happening there will affect the the Yemeni people and the coun- Such analyses are based not Gulf is unwise. There is a lot of try’s tribal, political and psycho- on logic but desires, and some of evidence of the lack of any corre- logical composition knows that them are used to mislead the pub- lation between what is happening the Houthis are more or less lic, stoke fear and twist the truth. in Yemen and what can happen in just a group in Yemen; they don’t Many media outlets are taking the Gulf, like the events in Iraq represent all Yemenis, no matter Yemeni deminers collect mines and explosives at the scene of an air strike carried out by the Saudi-led coalition part in this misleading propa- and Syria, and before that in Iran. what their rhetoric suggests. on a nearby Houthi-controlled missile depot, in Sana’a. ganda, especially the social media Events in these three coun- It is true that they are now channels that offer content which tries, despite their proximity to backed by a regional power, Iran, may not be from a trusted source. the Gulf states, didn’t affect the and have abundant funds, but this confrontation with the people in project, as a whole, belongs to the people had ousted him. There are many examples of this. political structure of any of them, support, despite all its guarantees, the southern governorates. past, in the light of 50 years of Moreover, the economic situa- I will start with what is hap- for no other reason except that cannot be sustained amidst the A significant number of north- progress in Yemen. tion is deteriorating and it cannot pening in Yemen. A tug of war has the Gulf’s structure has to do shifting alliances in the region, ern tribes do not want the Houthis The rule of imams in Yemen be fixed by the Houthis while the been going on for months. Many with people, as it addresses their especially the Iranian-US rela- as rulers, and the people of the tried to find stability by taking country is divided and facing an Yemeni lives have been shattered aspirations. tion, which looks close to a set- south reject their domination. the children of tribal elders hos- international boycott. by the coup carried out by the Many wise people saw what tlement in a few months. In addition, the followers of the tage to ensure their loyalty to the The only way out for Yemenis Houthis hand-in-hand with the happened, and is still happening, By then, even the slogans that deep state of Abdullah Ali Saleh imams’ rule. is to move forward and build a remnants of the old regime. to the Iranians, Syrians, Iraqis the Houthis have borrowed from and those affected by the Yemeni This practice led to the emer- modern state based on the prin- The ecstatic statement of and Yemenis, and they learned Iran, like “Death to America and revolutionary movement will turn gence of many ideas, which ciples and results of a Yemeni dia- Abdul Malik Al Houthi in the a lesson, which was to maintain Israel,” will wear out. against the Houthis when they resulted in the end of the ima- logue. This will not happen any evening of January 27 was nothing their nation’s structure, even It also looks like the Houthis, an realise that continuing their alli- mate system. time soon, and what we’re see- but deception. The more negative though there are some com- arrogant militia, did not make the ance with the militia will reduce Yemen will not go back to the ing now are the labour pains that news came from Yemen, the more ments about their policies; but it right calculations. There is a com- their chances of returning to Houthi system of rule by an imam are unfortunately accompanied by eagerly commentators were ask- is a thousand times better than ing confrontation that will bring power. as the people are now more aware. blood. ing, “Where are Saudi Arabia and entering a world of chaos. tough challenges; if the Houthis Another reason why the The same holds true for The author is an academic and the Gulf countries?” This wisdom is contrary to the take over power, there will be a Houthis will fail is that their Saleh’s rule since the Yemeni a researcher in GCC affairs THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Work on drafting Iran Military contest IS trying to destroy nuclear deal begins ummah: Final agreement could see rapprochement with US Erdogan VIENNA: Iran and major pow- the removal to occur “on the first ANKARA: Turkish President ers yesterday began the dif- day of the implementation of Recep Tayyip Erdogan yes- ficult process of finalising by the deal”. terday launched one of his June 30 a historic deal putting But Western officials say this strongest attacks yet against an Iranian nuclear bomb out of will only happen once the UN Islamic State (IS) jihadists, reach, three weeks after agree- atomic watchdog has verified saying the group was a “virus” ing the main outlines. that Iran has taken key steps in working to destroy the Muslim Following a negotiating mara- the agreement such as removing community. thon in Switzerland, Iran agreed nuclear machinery. Washington Ankara has been repeatedly on April 2 to what US President says this would take six months criticised in recent months for Barack Obama called a “historic to a year. not doing enough to halt the understanding... which, if fully The powers will also lift all advance of IS to its borders, but implemented, will prevent (Iran) nuclear-related UN Security Erdogan said after meeting Iraqi from obtaining a nuclear weapon.” Council resolutions and replace President Fuad Masum that the This will include Iran dramati- Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif them with a new text endorsing group had to be confronted. cally scaling back its nuclear said in a New York Times op-ed the deal and retaining some cur- The IS group “is an important activities and submitting those published Monday. rent UN restrictions such as on virus that is working to divide and that remain to what Obama The talks in Vienna yesterday, ballistic missiles. destroy the ummah”, Erdogan described the “most robust and starting the process of drafting The six powers want to retain told reporters in televised com- intrusive inspections and trans- the deal, involved senior EU dip- the ability to “snap back” the ments, using the term for the glo- parency regime ever negotiated”. lomat Helga Schmid, represent- sanctions if Iran violates the deal. bal community of Muslims. In return, the United States ing the P5+1 group, and Abbas The details on other key areas He said other groups had fol- and five other major powers Araghchi, Iran’s deputy foreign also still have to be nailed down. lowed the same path but that IS committed to lift certain sanc- minister, as well as legal and tech- According to a US fact sheet, had proved more adept at using tions that have caused the Islamic nical experts from all six powers Iran will cut the number of ura- its resources. republic of 75 million people major and Tehran. nium centrifuges — which can “An international strategy is economic pain. Other officials including US make nuclear fuel but also the essential to drain this swamp. The accord, if completed and Under Secretary Wendy Sherman core of a bomb — to 6,104 from Even if Daesh is destroyed some- implemented, would draw to a were to join later in the week. 19,000 at present. Around 1,000 thing will emerge under a differ- close a crisis that has been rag- The process of fitting together of these will not enrich uranium. ent name,” said Erdogan, using ing since Iran’s nuclear activities all the interlocking pieces in In addition, Washington says, another term used to refer to IS. were first revealed some 12 years what will be a fiendishly complex Iran will shrink its stockpile of “Where do its weapons and ago. It denies wanting the bomb. accord is full of potential pitfalls, enriched uranium by 98 percent. financing come from? We need It could even potentially see experts say. Taken together this will extend to focus on this,” Erdogan said. “axis of evil” Iran and the “Great The main problem looks to be the “breakout” time needed to Masum, whose forces are bat- Satan” United States bury the the timing of when US and EU make one bomb’s worth of mate- tling to win back swathes of hatchet after 35 years of bitter economic sanctions related to the rial to at least one year. territory that were lost to IS acrimony — and at a particularly nuclear dossier will be lifted. Iran has however criticised including its second city Mosul, volatile time in the Middle East. Araghchi told the official IRNA the fact sheet and a joint state- echoed Erdogan’s description of “With courageous leadership news agency yesterday that he ment by Zarif and EU foreign the group as a virus. and the audacity to make the was seeking “clear and precise policy head Federica Mogherini “This virus can pass from this right decisions, we can and should information on the details” of how on April 2 was vague, saying only region to other regions. The coun- put this manufactured crisis to this will work. that Iran’s enrichment capacity Bahraini soldiers compete in the 7th Annual Warrior Competition at the tries in the region have serious rest and move on to much more Iranian President Hassan and stockpile would be “limited”. King Abdullah Special Operations Training Center in Amman yesterday. responsibilities,” Masum said. important work,” Iranian Foreign Rowhani (pictured) said he wants AFP Thirty-eight teams from 18 countries are participating in the competition Turkey had itself been accused that tests their military skills. of aiding IS in the early stages of its existence, as a useful ally in the fight against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whom Erdogan wants to see ousted. Ankara has bitterly rejected Govt troop factions clash in South Sudan oil town the charges and accused the West of not fully understanding JUBA: Heavy fighting broke explosions could be heard shortly the world’s youngest nation has disappeared on April 1 when they arrived in the camp at Malakal the challenges of sharing a border out yesterday in South Sudan’s after dawn, said an aid worker killed tens of thousands of people, were caught up in fighting as they since the latest fighting started, with war-torn Syria. war-ravaged northeastern town in the town who asked not to be and left over half of the country’s drove a food aid convoy, while a the UN says. Prime Minister Ahmet of Malakal, pitting rival factions named. 12 million people in need of aid, fourth was abducted at gunpoint International charity Oxfam Davutoglu said that Ankara had of government troops against Army spokesman Philip Aguer according to the United Nations. from Malakal in October 2014. this week warned that “sky- done all it could to close its bor- each other, the army and aid said two soldiers had been killed The UN World Food “Worsening insecurity in some rocketing inflation, conflict and ders to jihadists but had to remain workers said. in the fighting that first broke out Programme (WFP) meanwhile parts of South Sudan will make it collapsed markets are pushing open to refugees as well as “30-40 The town had already been left late on Tuesday due to a “misun- said it was suspending food aid harder for humanitarian agencies people in South Sudan to break- million tourists” a year. in ruins last year after repeatedly derstanding”, and again yesterday deliveries to parts of Upper Nile to reach conflict-affected commu- ing point”. Davutoglu said IS had emerged swapping hands between rebels morning. Shooting stopped later state, scene of some of the heavi- nities with badly needed assist- South Sudan’s currency, the as a result of Assad’s policies and and the government. in the afternoon. est recent fighting, as it was too ance, just as the lean season is set pound, now trades at half its offi- added that the group “carried The latest clashes in the capi- Aguer said rumours Olony had dangerous to send its staff in. to begin,” WFP added. cial value on the black market, more risk to Turkey than any- tal of the oil-producing Upper defected to rebels were “cheap At least 10 aid workers have “We are equally concerned Oxfam said. one else.” Nile state pitted troops loyal to propaganda.” been confirmed killed in the about the welfare of innocent Food prices in key battle- “It is easy to criticise Turkey the state governor against those Residents of Malakal told state since civil war broke out 16 people, particularly women and ground northern and eastern from capitals without being of rogue general Johnson Olony, independent Radio Tamazuj months ago, according to the UN. children, who are suffering the states of Jonglei, Upper Nile and a neighbour to a country like an ex-rebel who commands a they could hear “gunfire from all “We cannot do our life sav- consequences of this conflict,” it Unity have soared by 300 percent, Syria where a civil war is taking pro-government ethnic Shilluk sides”. ing work unless national and said. according to the UN. place,” he added at a news confer- militia. The violence is the latest round local authorities are willing and Peace talks in Ethiopia’s capital Children have suffered terribly ence alongside Australian Prime Last month, Olony was ordered in South Sudan’s civil war, which able to safeguard humanitarian Addis Ababa collapsed in March as a result of the war, with gov- Minister Tony Abbott. to report to army headquar- erupted in December 2013 when staff,” WFP said in a statement, and the impact of more than 16 ernment and rebel troops forc- Abbott for his part said Turkey ters after the United Nations President Salva Kiir accused Riek announcing the suspension of months of war continues to grow. ing some 12,000 minors to fight was doing “its best” to thwart IS reported he had abducted many Machar, who had been sacked as aid to Upper Nile’s Akoka and Well over 117,000 civilians are in their ranks, the UN children’s which he described as a threat to child soldiers, perhaps as many vice president, of attempting a Fashoda counties. sheltering in UN bases across the agency says. the “whole world”. as hundreds. In Malakal, powerful coup. The war that is devastating Three WFP workers country. At least 1,500 more have AFP AFP

Kuwait deports Turkey hopes US won’t opposition member use word ‘genocide’ KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait has ANKARA: Turkish leaders Anatolia, in what is now eastern deported a prominent oppo- yesterday expressed satisfac- Turkey. sition figure to neighbouring tion that the United States Turkey, while saying it shared Saudi Arabia months after appeared to be holding off from the pain of Armenians over the revoking his citizenship, his describing the mass killings World War I events, has always group said yesterday. of Armenians in the Ottoman vehemently rejected use of the Saad Al Ajmi, former spokes- Empire as genocide, ahead of term genocide. Prime Minister man of the Popular Action the 100th anniversary of the Ahmet Davutoglu added: “In Movement (PAM), was arrested tragedy. the light of his experience as US by secret police on Tuesday and One of Turkey’s worst night- president, I am hoping that Mr escorted to the Saudi city of mares is that President Barack Obama will not make a statement Khafji by road at night, PAM said Obama would acknowledge the that will offend Turkey.” in a statement. killings as a genocide on the April Davutoglu also said he had As part of a crackdown on the 24 anniversary but comments by spoken to German Chancellor opposition, the Kuwaiti govern- US officials have indicated that Angela Merkel by telephone and ment revoked Ajmi’s citizenship this will not be the case. urged her “to take the initiative” in September on the basis of an “I wouldn’t want to hear and persuade the German parlia- article in the nationality law that Obama say something like this. ment not to recognise the killings bans dual citizenship. I didn’t expect it anyway. For as genocide in a vote on April 24. Local media said Ajmi was Turkey, where the US stands Turkey will mark the 100th accused of holding Saudi citizen- is very clear,” President Recep anniversary of the World War I ship, which he has denied. Tayyip Erdogan said in Ankara. battle of Gallipoli on April 24-25 Ajmi has filed a lawsuit to chal- “We have talked about this in a major event with dozens of lenge the government’s action. issue a lot (with Obama) and said world leaders in attendance. The authorities have revoked that it should be left to the histo- Erdogan said Armenia “will not the citizenship of several dozen rians, not the politicians.” be on the agenda” during those other figures with links to the Armenians believe 1.5 million ceremonies, which Yerevan has opposition over the past year Armenian people gather around a chasm in the mountain during a commemoration ceremony at a site called of their ancestors were killed in a accused Ankara of deliberately including a former Islamist MP “Dudan” near Diyarbakir, and believed to be a mass grave of the Armenian Genocide, yesterday. Armenians prepare campaign of genocide ordered by bringing forward by one day to and the owner of a television to commemorate a hundred years since a genocide wiped out up to 1.5 million of their kin as a fierce dispute still the Ottoman security leadership overshadow its commemorations channel. AFP rages with Turkey over one of the greatest crimes of the 20th century. and intended to wipe them out of of the killings. AFP THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 EUROPE / AMERICAS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 France foils plot to attack church Algerian who accidentally shot himself in the leg caught with weapons and suspicious documents PARIS: France said yesterday it had who wore Islamic garb. foiled a jihadist plot to attack a church The arrest comes some three months after an Algerian who accidentally after Islamist extremists gunned down 12 shot himself was found with a stash of people at the Charlie Hebdo magazine, a weapons and documents mentioning policewoman and four others at a Jewish Islamist militant groups. supermarket in a three-day reign of ter- The 24-year-old IT student Sid Ahmed ror in the French capital. Ghlam’s plans were exposed purely by The attack sent shockwaves around chance after he called an ambulance say- the world, and prompted several reforms ing he had been shot during an armed in France including controversial new spy robbery at his Paris home, prosecutor laws that are currently being debated in Francois Molins told journalists. parliament. However, police uncovered an arse- French Prime Minister Manuel Valls nal of weapons in his car and home, yesterday reiterated government warn- and detailed plans to attack one of two ings that the country was facing an churches, as well as DNA evidence link- “unprecedented terrorist threat”. ing him to the murder of a woman who “To target a church is to target a sym- was found shot dead in her car over the bol of France, the very essence of France,” weekend near the capital. he said after visiting the two churches in The suspect, who was admitted to a Villejuif that had been possible targets. Paris hospital after his arrest, was known During their investigations police dis- to intelligence services over comments covered one of Ghlam’s guns had been on social networks expressing his desire used to shoot young mother Aurelie to go and fight in Syria alongside jihad- Chatelain, an unemployed dance enthu- ists, said Interior Minister Bernard siast who was found dead in the town of Cazeneuve. The steeple of the Saint-Cyr and Sainte-Julitte church is seen behind a French national Villejuif near Paris on Sunday. Paris is still on high alert with memo- flag (left) and a EU flag yesterday in Villejuif, outside Paris. This church was probably a It is the same town where the suspect ries fresh from a jihadist killing spree target of Sid Ahmed Ghlam, a student suspected of planning to attack a church in France. planned to carry out his attack, accord- that left 17 dead in January. ing to Molins. Police called to the scene where Ghlam The city prosecutor said that Ghlam A source close to the investigation Ghlam’s link to the woman was not was wounded found traces of his blood had told police “far-fetched” tales of how said Ghlam appeared to have carefully clear. Chatelain was found shot once in A file photograph of Aurelie Chatelain who in the car as well as a Kalashnikov rifle, he had received the bullet wound to his calculated how long it would take police the passenger seat of the vehicle, with was found dead in her car on April 19 in a handguns, bulletproof vests, several leg, such as that he had shot himself to respond. Several members of his her laptop still plugged in. There were southern suburb of Paris. cellphones, a laptop and documents on while trying to throw his weapons into entourage and family have since been also traces of blood on the driver’s seat. “potential targets and how to carry out the Seine river. detained, some of whom sympathise Molins said Chatelain’s blood was Hundreds of French nationals have attacks,” said Molins. Analysis of his communications equip- with radical Islam, sources close to the found on one of Ghlam’s jackets. joined jihadist ranks in Iraq and Syria, Another three Kalashnikovs, police ment indicated Ghlam “was in touch with investigation said. The 32-year-old mother had just come accounting for almost half the European armbands and vests, and documents another person who could be in Syria on Yesterday, his 25-year-old girlfriend to the area from northern France to take fighters there, according to a report in Arabic mentioning jihadist groups how to carry out an attack, with the lat- was taken in for questioning. The sources a pilates training course and had written released this month by the upper house Islamic State and Al Qaeda were found ter clearly asking him to target a church”, said she was a convert to Islam and was of how happy she was to be there on her Senate. Authorities fear some will return at his home. said Molins. the only woman in her neighbourhood Facebook page on Saturday evening. and commit attacks on home turf. AFP Pope to visit EU meet to consider military action against traffickers Cuba on BRUSSELS: EU leaders gath- The EU’s top diplomat Federica smugglers that would fall short on European shores and provide ship responding to its distress ering in Brussels today will Mogherini “is invited to immedi- of a full military intervention. greater succour to those whose signal. consider launching a military ately begin preparations for a pos- “You can’t be serious about boats run into trouble at sea. One of the 28 survivors way to US operation against human traf- sible security and defence policy this problem if you don’t take Turkish President Recep described nightmarish conditions fickers in Libya in the biggest operation to this effect, in accord- Prime Minister Renzi’s propos- Tayyip Erdogan yesterday con- on board. VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis effort yet to halt the deadly ance with international law,” the als seriously, though you have trasted his country’s hosting of “Those who had the least will visit Cuba en route to the flow of refugees trying to reach draft added. to go through the legal and two million refugees from Syria money were stuffed into the hold United States in September, Europe by sea. A diplomatic source said EU operational issues,” said a senior with the EU’s approach of “letting at the bottom, and locked inside,” the Vatican said yesterday, cap- As survivors laid bare the full members were preparing to European official on the condition the boats sink and leaving them a Bangladeshi teenager identified ping his success in bringing the horror of last weekend’s cata- approve the statement, reflect- of anonymity. to their deaths”. as Abdirizzak told Italy’s Corriere former enemies together after strophic shipwreck near Libya, ing the union’s readiness to take If approved, the operation Erdogan’s remarks came three della Sera newspaper. more than half a century of fro- EU officials were paving the way bolder action against people would be the first time EU gov- days after an estimated 800 When the first collision hap- zen antagonism. for the approval of unprecedented smugglers, who pack rickety boats ernments used military force to migrants bound for Italy drowned pened in pitch darkness, scenes Last December, Havana and action to ease their plight. to overflying with people fleeing fight illegal migration. when their boat capsized after of pure terror ensued. Washington announced after 18 In the draft statement for the conflict and hardship in Africa, “It’s implementation would setting sail from Libya. “Everyone was screaming, months of secret diplomacy bro- summit seen by AFP, leaders will the Middle East and Asia. take time. It’s complicated,” a The vast majority of the vic- pushing, punching, elbowing — kered by the pope’s diplomats and commit to “undertake systematic Italian Prime Minister Matteo diplomatic source warned. tims were locked in the hold or terrified. From below we could Canada that the two sides were efforts to identify, capture and Renzi on Monday evoked the EU leaders go into today’s sum- the middle deck of the 20-metre hear those who were locked in working to reopen embassies in destroy vessels before they are possibility of “targeted interven- mit under huge pressure to both converted fishing boat when it shouting ‘Help, Help!’” their respective capitals. used by traffickers.” tions” against the Libya-based check the tide of migrants landing collided with a Portuguese cargo AFP Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi did not specify how long the stop in Cuba would last, saying only that Francis had Taking stock of climate change accepted invitations made by the Cuban government and the Cuban Roman Catholic Church. Cameron, Johnson It will be the Argentine pope’s first visit to the Caribbean island nation as pontiff. Both his prede- cessors, John Paul II and Benedict campaign for vote XVI, visited the island and met revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. LONDON: With the polls and named three possible suc- “The presence of his holiness in deadlocked ahead of an elec- cessors — including Johnson, Cuba will be memorable. He will tion, Prime Minister David who had long been tipped as a receive the warmest hospitality of Cameron campaigned yesterday future leader. the Cuban people,” Cuban Foreign with Boris Johnson, one of the Research by polling company Minister Bruno Rodriguez told a Conservative party’s most pop- YouGov found the former journal- news conference during a visit to ular politicians who also has his ist is the clear public favourite to Brussels. He spoke after talks with eye on the top job. succeed Cameron. EU foreign policy chief Federica Johnson, the twice elected In a Sky News interview yes- Mogherini, who announced the mayor of London, had been keep- terday, Johnson admitted he EU and Cuba had agreed to set ing a low profile during the cam- was interested in becoming Tory up a “structured human rights paign for the May 7 vote but this leader but his priority was to get dialogue” with an initial meeting week has made a string of appear- the prime minister re-elected. in Brussels in June. That would ances with top Tories in a bid to “In the dim, distant future be in parallel with talks on trade boost the party’s momentum. obviously it would be a wonder- and investment that the two sides He came out fighting at the ful thing to be thought to be in a have launched. weekend, warning that the elec- position to be considered for such Monsignor Jose Felix Perez tion represented a “Battle for a role,” he said. of the Cuban Catholic Bishops’ Britain”, and yesterday attacked “But I think it highly unlikely, Conference told Reuters in the opposition Labour for having as I’ve said many many times Havana that both Cuban “completely deranged” policies. before — it’s more likely that I President Raul Castro and US US President Barack Obama takes a walking tour of the Anhinga Trail at Everglades National Park in Florida He condemned their record in will be reincarnated as an olive President Barack Obama had yesterday. Obama visited the subtropical swamps of the park as part of a push to get Americans thinking and government from 1997 to 2010, or blinded by a champagne cork thanked Pope Francis for his talking about the damage climate change is causing close to home. saying: “Why in the name of all or locked in a disused fridge.” mediation. that’s holy would you put them Such rhetoric is typical of “His mediation, without a back in charge of the economy? I Johnson, a rare maverick in doubt, was effective and in line don’t understand it.” British politics who hides his with the Christian spirit that Afterwards he joined Cameron intellect and ambition behind an always brings out reconcilia- SC makes it easier to sue US government for a photo opportunity at a south image of a loveable fool. tion as the solution to conflicts,” London nursery, where the two Critics accuse him of being Perez said. WASHINGTON: The US have good reasons for the delay. immigration detention centre in men joined in some finger paint- more interested in publicity than Cuba had been a focal point Supreme Court yesterday made President Barack Obama’s admin- 1999. The issue in her case was ing and also struggled to put achievement, and some question for Vatican diplomats ever since it easier for people to sue the istration had asked the court to whether she had waited too long together a puzzle designed for his grasp of detail. Fidel Castro took power in 1959 federal government by ruling impose a strict deadline for such before suing the government young children. But he has been able to and restricted church activities in favour of plaintiffs in two lawsuits under a law called the for monetary damages over her “Thank God for that. That was reach out to voters that other in what had been a staunchly separate cases including one Federal Tort Claims Act. treatment. stressful,” the prime minister said Conservatives cannot reach, par- Catholic country. involving a Hong Kong woman The court’s four liberals were Wong, a minister of a reli- when they finally completed it, ticularly the young — not least The Vatican’s opposition to the who was strip-searched while joined in the majority by conserv- gious organisation called the while Johnson joked: “That was a because he often strays from the US embargo on Cuba over the in immigration detention in ative Justice Anthony Kennedy, Wu-Wei Tien Tao Association, bit like the campaign... suddenly, party line. Johnson raised doubts decades gave it credibility with Oregon. who often casts the deciding vote was detained in Oregon in 1999 the final surge.” about extending the rights of Havana as a diplomatic broker On a 5-4 vote deciding both in close cases. after the US government con- Cameron made the surprise social housing tenants to buy while at the same time it had cases, the justices ruled that court One case involved Kwai Fun cluded she had entered the coun- announcement last month that their homes just weeks before the good relations with a string of US deadlines for filing certain law- Wong, who was strip-searched try illegally. if he wins the election, he will Conservatives made the policy a administrations. REUTERS suits can be extended if plaintiffs while held in an Oregon REUTERS not stand for a third term, key manifesto promise. AFP THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / AFRICA Rajapaksa’s HK election plan upsets opposition HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s government yesterday announced a roadmap for lead- ership elections that offered no brother held concessions to the city’s democ- racy camp — prompting a back- lash from opposition lawmakers and warnings of more street protests. over graft Deputy leader Carrie Lam said the first-ever public vote for the post of chief executive in 2017 Former president alleges witch-hunt would be held in “strict compli- ance” with a ruling by China’s COLOMBO: Sri Lankan aircraft as well as arms deals. National People’s Congress last authorities arrested the young- All the brothers have denied August. est brother of former president any wrongdoing and the former That ruling stated that candi- Mahinda Rajapaksa for “misap- president told AFP in an inter- dates for chief executive must first propriating” public funds, his view earlier yesterday that the be approved by a loyalist commit- lawyer said yesterday, hours investigations amounted to a tee, a decision that sparked more after the ex-leader accused his witch-hunt. than two months of mass rallies successor of a witch-hunt. Mahinda Rajapaksa is himself which paralysed the city towards Former economic development under investigation over a bribery the end of last year. minister Basil Rajapaksa was charge and is due to be questioned Activists branded Beijing’s taken into custody after being by anti-graft detectives tomorrow. framework — universal suffrage questioned for more than seven The new government which based on pre-selected candidates hours, his lawyer U R de Silva told came to power on a pledge to fight — as “fake democracy”. AFP, adding that the charge was corruption during Rajapaksa’s Analysts warned that protest- for a non-bailable offence. decade-long rule, has accused him ers would likely mobilise once “We are told that he will be and his inner circle of syphoning more if the bill is passed in the A pro-Beijing protester tries to punch a pro-democracy demonstrator after a heated argument outside the taken before a magistrate this off billions of dollars by inflating coming months. government building in Hong Kong yesterday. evening,” de Silva said. the size of foreign-funded infra- Student leaders have already “Since he is charged under the structure projects. mooted the idea of an “Occupy generation” to oppose elec- Lam said that voters in leader, she said. Offences Against Public Property In an interview with AFP Legco” movement to take over the tions which stuck to Beijing’s 2017 would choose from two “These proposals are in strict Act, bail is not possible.” earlier in the day, Rajapaksa legislature if the bill goes through. restrictions. to three candidates selected compliance with the Basic Law Two senior officials who worked staunchly defended himself and “We are totally disappointed The small number of tents by a 1,200-strong nominating (Hong Kong’s constitution) under Basil Rajapaksa were also his immediate family and chal- with the political reform pack- which remained on a road next to committee. and the relevant decisions of arrested on charges that the lenged the new government to age,” said Joshua Wong, the teen- the government headquarters at That committee would reflect (China’s) Standing Committee of three of them were responsible provide evidence. age face of the protest movement. the end of last year’s protests has the current make-up of the pro- the National People’s Congress,” for a 70 million rupee ($530,000) “They have no evidence. They He added that it was the swelled to at least 140 in recent Beijing election committee, which Lam said. fraud involving the construction are making wild allegations. This “responsibility of the young weeks. up until now has chosen the city’s AFP of public housing. is a witch-hunt,” Rajapaksa told Basil, who has dual Sri Lankan- AFP at his home in a suburb of American citizenship, had fled to Colombo, where he is protected by the United States soon after his police and military guards. brother lost the January 8 elec- “Neither I nor any member of Khaleda Zia’s convoy attacked third time tion to his former ally Maithripala my family has ill-gotten money. Sirisena, who came to power on a At first, they said I had money in pledge to fight corruption. Swaziland, then in Dubai. Show us DHAKA: A mob armed with the two largest cities of Dhaka The aim of these attacks is to said, with television footage After Basil returned home the money, where is the evidence? sticks and rocks attacked the and Chittagong. force her out of the election cam- showing scores of people attack- Tuesday, his lawyers had tried “They said I owned a hotel car of Bangladeshi opposition Zia, a two-time former pre- paign,” he said, accusing activists ing her convoy. Her convoy was to resist attempts to have him in Dubai. Then they said all leader Khaleda Zia for a third mier, is hoping that a strong from the ruling Awami League of also attacked by a rock-throwing immediately arrested. the hotels in Sri Lanka are consecutive day yesterday, showing in the polls will add carrying out the attacks. mob on Tuesday. He went on his own to the police owned by me and (brothers) damaging vehicles in her con- momentum to her long-running Local police chief Moshiur The clashes were the latest Financial Crimes Investigations Gota (Gotabhaya) and Basil,” voy and injuring at least two campaign to force new national Rahman said one person was episode in Bangladesh’s deadly Department where he was grilled Rajapaksa said. “This is a joke.” people. elections. injured in the attack by “around political crisis. for more than seven hours before Gotabhaya, who was seen as the Video footage aired by the A former national police chief, 15 unidentified miscreants” who Zia, 69, had been confined to he was arrested, the lawyer said. real power behind the throne, is private Bangla Vision station who is now an aide of Zia, was were armed with sticks and her office compound in Dhaka Basil becomes the first member due to be grilled by anti-graft showed one of the windows of also injured as the mob hurled rocks. He said two vehicles had since January 3 after she threat- of the former first family to be investigators today although he her car was smashed as dozens of rocks at the convoy in central windows smashed but could ened to lead a massive anti- arrested since Rajapaksa’s elec- has requested a delay. people attacked the convoy and Dhaka’s Bangla Motor area, not confirm whether Zia’s car government rally through the tion defeat. Sirisena, who served in beat up one of her private secu- the station said. was hit. capital on the first anniversary Another brother Gotabhaya, Rajapaksa’s cabinet before quit- rity guards as he tried to escape, “It was a planned state-spon- It was the third time in three of a disputed national election. who was the former regime’s ting to stand against his one-time despite a police presence. sored attack on Khaleda Zia. days Zia’s convoy has been The stoppage was intended defence secretary, is also under mentor, had made fighting cor- The attack came as Zia Seven vehicles in her convoy have attacked by alleged ruling party to force her bitter rival, Prime investigation in connection with ruption a key campaign plank and launched a campaign for the been vandalised,” Zia’s spokes- activists. Minister Sheikh Hasina, to quit several frauds involving the pur- had been criticised for slow action candidates of her Bangladesh man Shimul Biswas told AFP. On Monday shots were fired and pave the way for a new gen- chase of military and civilian against alleged culprits. AFP Nationalist Party (BNP) in next “She was attacked as there at her car when it stopped at a eral election under a neutral week’s key mayoral elections in was no police security for her. market in Dhaka, her secretary administration. AFP Nigeria summons China, Japan leaders’ meet South Africa ambassador over seeks to ease tensions JAKARTA: The leaders of China and Asia in a speech to the gathering of migrant attacks Japan held talks yesterday for only the Asian and African leaders. second time since taking office, seek- He expressed “deep remorse” but did ABUJA: Nigeria’s Foreign ing to repair a relationship damaged not make a “heartfelt apology” or refer Ministry has summoned South by territorial disputes and a bitter to “colonial rule and aggression”, fail- Africa’s high commissioner wartime legacy. ing to echo the language of a landmark over anti-immigrant violence in Chinese President Xi Jinping and 1995 statement on Japanese wartime which at least seven people have Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe aggression and drawing a rebuke from been killed, it said in a state- met on the sidelines of a summit in the South Korea. ment yesterday. Indonesian capital Jakarta for about 30 His statements at the start of the South Africa deployed soldiers minutes, a Japanese official told AFP, two-day summit yesterday, which com- on Tuesday to try to quell the speaking anonymously. memorates a key conference 60 years unrest after being criticised by Shaking hands before the talks started, ago that helped emerging nations forge governments including China the two men looked more relaxed than a common identity, were weaker than and Zimbabwe for failing to at a meeting at a summit in November those by previous leaders. protect foreigners from armed last year in China, where they shared an Referring to principles of peace laid mobs. awkward handshake. down at the original conference, he told “The essence of the summon Beijing and Tokyo’s historically frosty delegates: “And Japan, with feelings of was to register Nigeria’s protest relations have plunged to their lowest deep remorse over the past war, made a over the on-going xenophobic level in decades over competing claims to pledge to remain a nation always adher- attacks against fellow Africans in Japanese-controlled islands in the East ing to those very principles throughout, South Africa,” the ministry said, China Sea and China’s view that Abe is no matter what the circumstances.” adding that the meeting had hap- not sufficiently repentant about Japan’s The speech by Abe at the Asia-Africa pened on Monday. wartime aggression. Summit was being closely watched for On Tuesday, four men aged Just before the meeting, Abe, a stri- clues about a statement he is due to between 18 and 22 were charged dent nationalist, stoked fresh regional make later this year marking the 70th Indonesian President Joko Widodo (right) greets Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre) and his wife with the murder and robbery of anger by stopping short of apologising for anniversary of the end of World War II. Peng Liyuan during a gala dinner in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. a Mozambican man, Emmanuel Japan’s World War II rampage through AFP Sithole, whose death was captured by a newspaper photographer and plastered across the front pages, shocking the nation. Isolated counter-protests involving a few dozen people have South Korea to raise ferry Philippines objects to China remarks occurred in Nigeria, an economy in which South African firms such as mobile phone giant MTN and that sank with school kids MANILA: The Philippines imagining Philippine personnel territorial dispute with China. supermarket chain Shoprite have yesterday chided China for its “stumbling after US forces”. He said the exercises were large stakes. Diplomats from sev- SEOUL: The South Korean seen clashes with riot police using “insecurity” over its claim to “We don’t understand where more than just wargames and eral African countries have urged government announced yes- water cannon and pepper spray. the South China Sea, after a this insecurity of the Chinese have shown their benefits through their citizens back home not to terday it would raise the Sewol The Ministry of Public Safety Beijing-based tabloid dubbed towards us is coming from. the US assistance provided after seek vengeance. ferry which sank a year ago and Security said the salvage the country a “cute little sub- Where do we have the where- Super Typhoon Haiyan struck in “We are appealing to our coun- with the loss of more than 300 operation would likely begin in missive” of the United States. withal to compete against China 2013, leaving at least 7,350 people tries not to retaliate,” Democratic lives — mostly schoolchildren. September off the southwestern The response from President as a superpower?” Lacierda said. dead or missing. Republic of the Congo ambassador Bringing the Sewol to the sur- island of Jindo, where the Sewol Benigno Aquino’s spokesman He defended the massive “China wants to make their Bene M’Poko told a news confer- face has been a key demand of sank on April 16 last year. Edwin Lacierda came after the military exercises between the own comments. That’s their opin- ence in Johannesburg, stressing the victims’ families. They have The 6,825-tonne vessel lies Global Times newspaper — with Philippines and its main defence ion. But we are not bound by their that South African firms in the stepped up their campaign in more than 40 meters down on close ties to the ruling Communist ally the United States that began opinion and we certainly do not rest of the continent were “work- recent weeks, organising a series the seabed. Party — featured an editorial this week, saying these were agree with how they described ing peacefully”. REUTERS of large-scale protests that have AFP Tuesday saying it was “laughable” regular events not related to the us,” he added. AFP THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

Sharif heads Spring offensive to Saudi to discuss from tomorrow: Yemen war

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s prime minister will travel to Afghan Taliban Saudi Arabia to discuss the war in Yemen, his office said yester- day, after the Saudi-led military coalition announced an end to Militants vow bloodiest fighting air strikes against rebels. A statement from Nawaz KABUL: The Afghan Taliban follow-up foreign force has stayed Sharif’s office said he would said their annual “spring offen- on to train and support local make a one-day trip to Riyadh sive” will begin tomorrow, vow- security personnel. today, and welcomed the Saudi ing nationwide attacks in what US President Barack Obama announcement of the end of the is expected to be the bloodiest last month backpedalled on air attacks in Yemen. fighting season in a decade as plans to shrink the US force in Sharif will be joined by the Nato forces pull back from the Afghanistan this year by nearly country’s powerful army chief frontlines. half, agreeing to keep the current Raheel Sharif, defence minister This year’s offensive marks level of 9,800 US troops until the Khawaja Asif and other senior the first fighting season in which end of 2015. officials. Afghan forces will battle the The Taliban, who have waged a Pakistan has remained ostensi- insurgents without the full sup- deadly insurgency since they were bly neutral in the conflict which port of US-led foreign combat ousted from power in late 2001, has pitted the forces of deposed troops. said the announcement would President Abedrabuh Mansur The militants have already damage any prospect of peace Hadi against Houthi rebels, whom stepped up attacks on govern- talks as they vowed to continue Riyadh says are backed by Iran. ment and foreign targets in fighting. Afghan security personnel retaliate against Taliban insurgents during an anti-Taliban operation in Dur Baba district Pakistan’s parliament earlier recent weeks, taking a heavy toll Aside from the Taliban, the near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the eastern Nangarhar province. The Afghan Taliban said yesterday that this month unanimously voted on civilians and Afghan security Afghan government has also their annual “spring offensive” will begin tomorrow. against complying with Riyadh’s forces. repeatedly warned of the Islamic request for troops, warplanes and “The Islamic Emirate is going State (IS) group making inroads has sparked fierce public criti- year, a new UNAMA report said. That sentiment was echoed by ships. to launch the spring operations into the country. cism, with many blaming the But in their statement, the Afghanistan’s High Peace Council, Sharif’s trip is seen by some under the inspirational name of President Ashraf Ghani blamed recent uptick in deadly insurgent Taliban said their “top priority the government body in charge analysts as intended to pacify the ‘Azm’ (Determination) at 5am on IS for a suicide attack last attacks on the leadership vacuum. will be given to safeguard and of leading peace efforts with the Saudi royal family, with whom he 24th April 2015,” the Taliban said Saturday in the eastern city of The upsurge in attacks has protect the lives and properties Taliban. has close personal ties after they in a statement yesterday, using Jalalabad that killed 33 people and taken a heavy toll on ordinary of the civilian people” during the “Evading talks and continuing sheltered him during his years in their official name. wounded more than 100 others. If Afghans. offensive. war will not solve Afghan people’s exile. “The main targets of these verified, that would mark the first The number of civilians killed The Afghan government has problems,” it said in a statement operations... will be the foreign major attack by the jihadists in and wounded jumped 22 percent yet to respond to the Taliban’s that coincided with the Taliban Green Line offers occupiers, especially their perma- the country. in 2014 compared to the previ- announcement. announcement. nent military bases... officials of On Saturday, after months of ous year, according to the United In a brief Twitter post- “The people favour peace and hi-tech train journey the stooge regime, their military stalemate, Afghanistan’s new gov- Nations Assistance Mission in ing, Resolute Support, the new want to know the stance of the constellations, especially their ernment announced appointees Afghanistan (UNAMA). name for the Nato mission in insurgents as soon as possible. We KARACHI: Pakistan Railways’ intelligence, interior ministry and to fill every remaining post in And in the first three months Afghanistan, said: “Taliban should hope the warring sides use this new train service is no ordi- defence ministry officials.” cabinet — save the crucial one of of 2015, civilian casualties from seek peace through political proc- historic opportunity to decide nary service. Set to launch on Nato’s combat mission formally defence minister. ground fighting were up eight ess instead of putting more inno- responsibly.” May 15, the Green Line offers ended in December but a small The delay over the appointment percent on the same period last cent Afghan civilians at risk.” AFP its passengers free Wi-Fi facili- ties, all the way from Karachi to Islamabad and back. “The train comprises air-condi- tioned business coaches, with free Wi-Fi facilities as well as compli- mentary breakfast and tea,” rail- Politicians decry ‘unfair’ China economic corridor route ways division officer Muhammad Nasir says. QUETTA: Politicians in where rebels have waged a sepa- will be a big injustice.” But federal Minister for The Pakistani army said it was According to Nasir, the locomo- Pakistan complained yesterday ratist insurgency for decades, Jaffar Khan Mandokhel, a Planning Ahsan Iqbal denied that tackling the security risks by set- tive engines and business coaches that a plan for projects worth complaining that richer provinces former provincial minister, said there had been any change and ting up a special division for the that had been imported from $46bn to be built with Chinese unfairly exploit their mineral and there would be a “strong reaction” said the project should not fall corridor, including nine army bat- China in the past will be used funding has been unfairly gas resources. to the change which would only victim to provincial rivalry. talions and paramilitary forces. for the Green Line. “It was not changed to the disadvantage of The insurgency has raised benefit Pakistan’s richest province. “This impression that the route On Tuesday, six separatist mili- very costly to launch this service, two provinces. doubts about the corridor, a “The change is meant to give has been changed is wrong,” Iqbal tants and two soldiers were killed since we just had to renovate the Chinese President Xi Jinping network of roads, railways and maximum benefit to Punjab, told a news conference. “Turning in clashes in Baluchistan, officials coaches we already had.” launched the plan in Pakistan on pipelines. To minimise the risk, which is already considered the this into an issue of conflict said. When asked why the Pakistan Monday. It involves energy and government planners have privileged province,” he said. between provinces is tantamount Islamist militants have also Railways found it necessary to infrastructure projects linking the shifted its route east, to bypass The route change would also to sabotaging billions of dollars of attacked Chinese workers in initiate this service, Nasir replied neighbours’ economies and creat- as much of Baluchistan as pos- mean the proposed corridor would investment.” Pakistan. And China worries that they had been receiving an ing an “economic corridor” between sible, Baluchistan politicians said. largely bypass the northwestern The complaints highlight the about Muslim separatists from excellent response from pas- Pakistan’s Gwadar port and China’s “We will not accept this deci- province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, political risks for a plan China Xinjiang, whom it blames for a sengers. “A large chunk of the western Xinjiang region. sion and will resist this move very said opposition politician Imran sees as a key part of its aim to series of attacks across China population now wants to travel Gwadar is on the Arabian Sea strongly,” provincial Minister Khan, whose party rules the prov- forge “Silk Road” land and sea over the past year, getting train- by train because of our improved in Baluchistan, Pakistan’s poor- for Planning and Development ince. He condemned any route ties to markets in the Middle East ing from Pakistani militants. services,” he said. est and least populous province, Hamid Khan Achakzai said. “It change as an injustice. and Europe. REUTERS AGENCIES

Criminal hunt Sharif’s remarks Islamabad seeks $11m caught Imran unawares for fight against Aids ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has Dr Baseer Achakzai says Pakistan ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister submitted a proposal to the has funds till the end of this year Nawaz Sharif put Pakistan Global Fund, seeking $11m to for the prevention and treatment Tehrik-e-Insaf Chairman continue its fight against HIV/ of the disease. Imran Khan in an awkward Aids. However, requests have been situation when the latter was At the same time, Pakistan is made for more funds to continue shaking hands with Chinese requesting $8m from UNAids to the fight against the disease for President Xi Jinping in the carry out a national survey to find the year 2016. Parliament House on Tuesday, out the accurate number of people Global Funds is a multi-bil- sources said here yesterday. living with the deadly disease. lion dollar international financ- After addressing the joint sit- However it is estimated that ing mechanism that gives funds ting of parliament, President Xi in Pakistan 91,000 people are liv- to countries for fighting against accompanied by Sharif walked to ing with HIV/Aids out of which three major diseases which parliamentarians in the front row. only 10,000-12,000 are registered. includes HIV/Aids, malaria and When Speaker Ayaz Sadiq was The government is still clueless tuberculosis. introducing the PTI chief, Sharif about the rest of the 80,000 people For the next year, he said, their asked him in Urdu to also inform who are living across the country main focus will be to track down the Chinese president that he and are a potential threat to its people who are living with HIV/ could not come to Pakistan four spread. Aids and have not yet registered months ago because of “this gen- Suspected criminals are being held by Afghan police after their arrest along with weapons during an operation National Aids Control themselves for the treatment. tleman (Imran Khan).” in Herat yesterday. Police arrested 18 criminals during various operations against criminals and militants in Programme (NACP) manager INTERNEWS A source present on the occa- different parts of the country. sion quoted the prime minister as saying: “Inn ko yeh bhi batayen keh Khan Sahib ki wajah se yeh (Chinese president) chaar mahee- nay pehlay naheen aa sakay.” Afghanistan lynching stokes anger against ‘fake mullahs’ The remarks made by the prime minister, according to the source, caught Khan unawares and the KABUL: The savage lynch- the Kabul River after an amulet not about women’s rights alone. Many of Kabul’s divine healers healers have thrived for decades. PTI chief was heard complaining ing of an Afghan woman who seller, whom she had castigated, “Down with ignorance” has been went underground even before “Farkhunda’s death brought a to his party colleagues about the railed openly against supersti- falsely accused her of blasphemy. a familiar chant at protests Abid’s ministry launched an revolution,” women’s rights activ- PM’s ‘verbal attack’. tious practices has stoked pub- Her killing, which triggered denouncing her killing, which unprecedented crackdown in the ist Belqis Osmani said. But PTI Vice-Chairman lic anger over the treatment of protests around Afghanistan and has prompted public sentiment wake of Farkhunda’s killing, shut- “It shocked everyone, awakened Mehmood Qureshi said that the women but also ignited revul- several world cities, drew global to turn against Kabul’s “healers” ting down their shops and evict- everyone. It warned the tradi- exchange took place in a lighter sion against Kabul’s ubiquitous attention to the treatment of peddling amulets, talismans and ing them from roadside markets. tional-minded people that a new vein. “When the PM made the shamans, forcing them to go Afghan women, while her funeral good luck charms. Padlocked stores and vacant generation is emerging—a genera- quip to the Chinese president, underground. procession saw female pallbear- “Not every man who wears roadside stalls have become a tion that is more educated and Khan responded that the issues Last month a furious mob ers bucking tradition to carry her a turban is a religious scholar,” familiar sight in the meandering open-minded. They are more lib- that existed in the past had been turned on Farkhunda, 27, beating casket. Daiulhaq Abid, Afghanistan’s dep- and congested lanes of Murad eral and they don’t fall for tricks settled now,” he said. her in broad daylight and setting But the “Justice for Farkhunda” uty minister for religious affairs, Khani in Kabul’s Old City, one of fake mullahs,” she said. INTERNEWS her body ablaze on the banks of movement, as it is known, is told reporters. of several hubs where spiritual AFP THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Farmer commits suicide at AAP rally Blame game begins to fix political responsibility

NEW DELHI: An AAP rally thud, only to cause chaos at the out what happened. The inves- attended by thousands against rally. tigation was ordered by Home the land ordinance yesterday Shouting anti-police slogans, Minister Rajnath Singh, to whom turned tragic when a Rajasthan some volunteers rushed the Delhi Police reports. farmer, his crops ruined by man to the Ram Manohar Lohia The Bharatiya Janata Party hit untimely rains, hanged him- Hospital, around 2km away where out at the AAP. Its spokesman self from a tree in the heart of doctors declared him dead. Sambit Patra asked: “Why didn’t the capital, shocking India and One of the AAP activists on AAP leaders stop the farmer from sparking an ugly political blame the tree fainted — on the branch. committing suicide?” game. Others went up and brought him Modi’s statement was moderate “Gajendra (Singh)’s death has down after sprinkling water on in comparison. “We are all deeply saddened the nation,” Prime his face. A hand-written suicide shattered and disappointed. At Minister Narendra Modi’s office note in Hindi found at the spot no point must the hardworking said, referring to the father of said the man was taking his life farmer think he is alone. We are three who climbed a neem tree because rains had destroyed his all together in creating a better at the Jantar Mantar protest crops. He ended the note with “Jai tomorrow for the farmers,” site and died after tying his scarf Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Rajasthan”. The first to reach the hospital around his neck to a stout branch. In no time, a political war was Congress leader Ajay Maken, The statement came hours erupted. who blamed both police and the after the dramatic death when Taken aback by the suicide, AAP for the suicide. Congress Aam Aadmi Party leader Kumar AAP leaders blamed Delhi Police, Vice-President Rahul Gandhi Vishwas, addressing the mass saying police did not even respond came calling later. gathering, suddenly spotted the to their appeals to bring the man In Rajasthan, the family of man on the tree, seemingly pre- down from the tree. “Police didn’t the deceased farmer said he was cariously perched, and asked play their role properly. They shaken after losing his entire police and AAP activists to bring should have made efforts to save wheat crop to untimely rains. him down. To this reporter on Gajendra Singh. It were AAP Gopal Singh, an uncle of the media stage, it looked as if activists who put their lives at Gajendra Singh, said on telephone Protesters gather around a farmer who hung himself from a tree during a rally in New Delhi yesterday. the man was holding on to two risk and brought him down and that the man was not compen- branches with his outstretched took him to hospital,” said Kumar sated by the state government. suicide. If this does not shake up was probably alive, he said he cheers. “This is ‘super amiron ki hands. He was bearded with Vishwas. “He had around 25 bighas or wake up the government, what would call on him affer the rally. sarkar (a government of the super a thick moustache and wore Asked why the rally was not (around 2.5 hectare) of land else will?” In his speech, Kejriwal accused rich).” a bright red Rajasthani-style halted after the incident, AAP and grew wheat. His crop was The Congress announced Rs2 the Narendra Modi government Kejriwal questioned the need headgear. leader Sanjay Singh said: “If we destroyed by rains and hail- lakh as compensation to the dead of trying to snatch farmers’ land to enact an ordinance to make Three party activists clambered had stopped the rally, there would storm... So far no compensation man’s family. Kejriwal was told to give it to the “super rich”. land takeover easy. “What is the up the tree and untied the scarf. have been a stampede or other has been given to us.” of the incident — it wasn’t clear “Today farmers have realised urgency? Is there a big emer- But before they could take a good law and order problems.” Rajasthan Congress President then whether the man was alive that this is not a government of gency? What is the compulsion? grip of him, the limp body slipped Police denied AAP’s charges Sachin Pilot said: “In broad day- or dead — by some volunteers on farmers, it is a government of Is some major project stalled? Our from their hands and fell with a and said an inquiry was on to find light, a farmer has committed the dais. Thinking that the man anti-farmers,” he said to loud farmers want to know.” IANS

Rahul Gandhi Earth Pavilion to trek to 32 killed, 100 hurt as Kedarnath storm lashes Bihar DEHRADUN: Congress Vice- President Rahul Gandhi (pic- PATNA: At least 32 people hundreds of thatched houses have tured) will arrive here today have been killed and around 100 been damaged. “Huge loss of prop- and trek to the Kedarnath injured in a tropical storm that erty and human lives has taken shrine tomorrow, officials said. lashed Purnia, Madhepura and place due to the storm that has hit Surendra Kumar, media in- several other districts of Bihar Purnia, Madhepur, Katihar and charge of Uttarakhand Chief late on Tuesday night. other districts. All the concerned Minister Harish Rawat, said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish officials of the affected districts that Gandhi, accompanied by Kumar has announced a com- have been asked to do a survey general secretary in-charge pensation of Rs4 lakh each to the and also submit a report on the of the state Ambika Soni, will families of those killed in the pow- natural disaster,” Nitish kumar arrive at the Jolly Grant airport erful storm. Simultaneously, vari- said in Bihar legislative assembly. in the morning. He would then ous officials have been assigned the Vyasji said that at least 25 peo- proceed to Gauri Kund from task of disbursing the compensa- ple have been killed in Purnia, six where he will trek to Linchauli. tion amount among the affected. in Madhepura and at least two in After a night stay there, he will According to Vyasji, secretary the Madhubani district. be going to Kedarnath shrine on of state disaster management Vyasji also said that storm foot tomorrow. department, road transport has has caused extensive damage to He will be accompanied by been severely hit in the affected over thousands of buildings in the Uttarakhand chief minis- districts as many uprooted trees Madhepura, Purnia, Saharsa, ter, state Congress President Children play around ‘Planet Earth Pavilion’ situated in the campus of Gujarat Science City on the outskirts of and electric poles are blocking Katihar, Kishanganj, Darbhanga Kishore Upadhyaya and some Ahmedabad yesterday on Earth Day. Earth Day is observed on April 22, during which events are held worldwide roads. Besides loss of human life, and Madhubani districts. IANS other senior Congress leaders. to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Kumar said this was the first occasion that such a senior and high-ranking leader would be walking to Kedarnath — the seat of Lord Shiva. The Congress Tipu’s weapons vice-president along with Chief Crimes by juveniles to come under focus Minister Rawat would also take auctioned for stock of the preparations for NEW DELHI: The union cabi- rights of juveniles and the popu- committed as a ‘child’ or as an crimes against women”. the Chaar Dhaam Yatra — an net yesterday approved amend- lar demand of citizens in the light ‘adult’,” the release said. The proposed amendment annual pilgrimage which started ment to the Juvenile Justice Bill of increasing incidence of heinous “Since this assessment will take entails introduction of a new pro- more than £6m on Tuesday with the opening of to provide that if a heinous crime crimes by young boys,” an official place by the board which will have vision that disallows the protec- the Gangotri and Yamunotri is committed by a person in the release said. psychologists and social experts, tion from disqualification in cases MUMBAI: A historic collec- shrines. IANS 16-18 age group, it will be exam- The bill was introduced by it will ensure that the rights of where a juvenile is tried and con- tion of arms and armour of Tipu ined by the Juvenile Justice Board the ministry of women and child the juvenile are duly protected if victed under the adult system. Sultan, the last king of Mysore, to assess if the crime was com- development in the Lok Sabha he has committed the crime as The union cabinet also decided fetched over £6m (about Rs567m) mitted as a ‘child’ or as an ‘adult’. in August last year. The release a child. The trial of the case will to place the Protocol to the Forced at an Islamic and Indian art auc- “The union cabinet, chaired said the amended version of the accordingly take place as a juvenile Labour Convention, 1930, before tion in London, an official said by Prime Minister Narendra bill was the result of an elaborate or as an adult on the basis of this parliament. here yesterday. Modi, has approved introduction consultative process undertaken assessment,” the release added. Supported by Forced Labour The 30 items, which went of Amendment to the Juvenile by the ministry. It said that the unique instru- Recommendation, the new instru- under the hammer at Bonhams on Justice (Care and Protection of “The new proposed Act provides ment of “a two-stage assessment/ ment adopted by the International Tuesday, came from a single col- Children) Bill 2014. that in case a heinous crime has trial brings about a balance that is Labour Organisation in Geneva lection. The identity of the buyers, The amendments to the draft been committed by a person in the sensitive to the rights of the child, last year, prescribes that its each from around the world, has been bill strike a fine balance between age group of 16-18 years it will be protective of his legitimate inter- member shall take effective meas- kept confidential. the demands of the stakeholders examined by the Juvenile Justice ests and yet conscious of the need ures to prevent and eliminate use Tipu Sultan’s personal motif was asking for continued protection of Board to assess if the crime was to deter crimes, especially brutal of forced labour. IANS the tiger. Images of the animal, the tiger-stripe design adorned his both objects of art and instruments of war. The top lot in the auction was a rare gem-set sword with the tiger’s head pommel from Tipu Sultan’s royal regalia, estimated Govt plans more tiger reserves at around £60,000-80,000, but was sold for a staggering £2,154,500. A three-pounder cannon, NEW DELHI: India is plan- “We will be adding three more At the beginning of the 20th with field carriage, was sold for ning more tiger reserves across reserves taking the number to century, India was home to an £1,426,500 against an estimated the country, bolstered by a 50,” HS Negi, inspector general estimated 100,000 tigers but wide- value of between £40,000-60,000. recent survey that shows the of the government’s national tiger spread hunting reduced the num- A magnificent two-shot flintlock big cats’ numbers are growing. conservation authority, said. bers to 1,411 in 2006. sporting gun from Tipu Sultan’s Environment Minister “Reserves have proved to play India faces intense interna- personal armoury was sold for Prakash Javadekar announced an important role in the conser- tional scrutiny over its conserva- £722,500, more than seven times in Parliament that three more vation of tigers,” he said. tion efforts because it is home to its estimated value. reserves have been approved in India currently has 39,000 more than half of the world’s tiger The other items in the collec- central and eastern India, taking sqkm under tiger reserves across population. tion included sabres, gem-set tro- the total number to 50. 18 states. Another 30,000 sqkm Authorities across Asia are phy swords, embroidered arrow The reserves will be set up in are designated as buffer zones, waging a major battle against quivers, exquisite quilted helmets, existing national parks in Madhya where villagers are allowed to live. poachers, who often sell tiger blunderbusses, fowling pieces, Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa India announced in January body parts to the lucrative tradi- sporting guns, pistols and a three- states where villagers will no that 2,226 tigers had been counted tional Chinese medicine market, pounder bronze cannon, each a longer be allowed to live or work, across the country, a 30 percent as well as other man-made prob- Tigers play in the water as they try to beat the heat at Chhat Bir Zoo near work of art in its own right, said while buffer zones will be estab- increase in the population from lems such as habitat loss. IANS Claire Penhallurick, a spokesper- Chandigarh yesterday. lished around them. 2010, when the figure was 1,706. son for Bonhams house. IANS THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 NJAC will 17 pilgrims from start working Gujarat killed in very soon: Govt to SC NEW DELHI: The government Nepal accident told the Supreme Court yester- day that the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) would get operational- 28 hurt as bus plunges into river ised “very very soon” and most of the recommendations already KATHMANDU/NEW group, travelling in another bus made by the “erstwhile colle- DELHI: At least 17 Indian that left Kathmandu for India gium” have been accepted and pilgrims were killed and 28 at the same time, were safe, the cleared for appointment. others injured yesterday morn- officer said. Khadka said 14 peo- Attorney General Mukul ing when a bus carrying them ple died on the spot while three Rohatgi told the constitution plunged into a river while nego- others died from injuries in a bench that even if constitution tiating a sharp bend along a hospital. The 45 pilgrims were amendment bringing the NJAC downhill section of the Prithvi returning to Gorakhpur in India was quashed, it would not auto- Highway in Nepal, police said. after visiting the Pashupatinath matically restore the collegium India has sent a transport air- temple in Kathmandu. system. At the outset of the hear- craft to bring back the bodies of The injured were taken to ing, the court asked whether those killed and the Indian envoy various hospitals in Kathmandu, Justice JS Khehar, being a member has been visiting the injured in including the Tribhuvan of the apex court collegium, could the hospital, the external affairs University Teaching Hospital Nepalese rescue forces at the site of a bus accident at Jhyaprekhola, some 25km from Kathmandu. preside over the bench hearing the ministry said. (TUTH), Vayodha Hospital, challenge to the NJAC Act and Superintendent of Police Shahid Memorial Hospital and Ambassador Ranjit Rae was vis- injured Indians in the bus acci- “Latest position on bus acci- constitution amendment. Narayan Singh Khadka said in Norvic Hospital. iting the injured Indians at the dent,” he said. dent on Wednesday — 17 dead, To this, Attorney General Kathmandu that the accident India’s external affairs minis- Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu. Personnel of the Nepal army, 27 injured, five critical and one Rohatgi replied: “Justice Khehar took place at 6.40 am when the try spokesperson Vikas Swarup “We are sending injured to dif- police and armed police along with missing. Our consular team is on was a member of the erstwhile bus carrying 45 Indian pilgrims tweeted: “India sends IL 76 ferent hospitals for treatment. local residents carried out the the spot. We are sending injured collegium which has come to an from Gujarat skidded off the aircraft to bring back mortal Ambassador and Deputy Chief of rescue work at the accident site. to different hospitals for treat- end. The collegium does not exist. Prithvi Highway, rolled down 200 remains of victims of tragic bus Mission to visit the injured. The The Armed Police Force of Nepal ment,” the Indian embassy said. (NJAC) Law is operating.” metres and plunged into Jhyapre accident in Nepal. Aircraft to Indian embassy in Kathmandu said 14 of the 17 killed in the acci- Prime Minister Narendra Modi When it was pointed out that a river in Dhading district. reach Kathmandu tonight.” is making all possible efforts to dent belonged to Surendranagar condoled the deaths. lot still needs to be done before the Members of the same pilgrims’ He also tweeted that provide quality treatment to the village in Gujarat. IANS NJAC becomes functional, Rohatgi said: “Even if two nominated mem- bers are not there, it will become functional with four members.” At this, Justice Khehar said: “That can’t happen. I think you are Court orders search of defence minister’s house not right as two members can veto an appointment. If one (member of NJAC) is not there, it may work, PANAJI: A Goa court yester- proceedings related to the formal official residence. arrest the former minister when The search warrant for 10, but not two.” day issued a warrant for search arrest of Pacheco, whose convic- In his reply submitted to in Delhi. He also said that police Akbar Road, New Delhi, along The NJAC’s six members would of Defence Minister Manohar tion for an assault was upheld by the court, police officer Uttam were in the process of tracking with a fresh arrest warrant to be be the Chief Justice of India and Parrikar’s New Delhi residence the Supreme Court earlier this Rautdessai, in charge of the down the bank accounts of the served on Pacheco, was issued by two seniormost apex court judges, to nab former Goa minister month. Pacheco has been untraced Colva police station which has former minister and trying to Judicial Magistrate First Class the union law minister and two Francisco Pacheco, who has and missing for over two weeks. been tasked with serving the track down his recent expenses. Bosco Roberts in Margao, located eminent people nominated by a been reported missing for over The search warrant has arrest warrant on Pacheco, said Pacheco, who faces six-month 35 km from here. committee of the prime minister, a fortnight. directed police to search Parrikar’s the investigation revealed that the imprisonment and a fine of Speaking from Delhi, Parsekar, the Leader of Opposition or the Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant official residence in Delhi to trace former minister had left Goa for Rs1,500 for assaulting a junior who is due to meet union Finance largest opposition group and the Parsekar, however, expressed sur- Pacheco after the petitioner, law- Delhi on April 8. He was booked at engineer of the state electricity Minister Arun Jaitley, expressed Chief Justice of India. Under the prise at the court’s decision, say- yer-activist Aires Rodrigues, told Hotel Royal Plaza at Ashoka Road department in 2006, has been surprise at the development. “We NJAC Act, any two members of the ing the state government would the trial court that Pacheco was in the national capital till April 12. missing and untraceable ever will challenge the order of the commission can veto any appoint- appeal against the decision. seen in the vicinity of 10, Akbar Raudessai, however, conceded since the Supreme Court upheld court after consulting our advo- ment. The NJAC will be chaired by The trial court was conducting Road in New Delhi, Parrikar’s that his team was unable to his conviction earlier this month. cate general.” IANS the Chief Justice of India. IANS

Thursday 23 April 2015 4 Rajab 1436 Volume 20 Number 6409 Price: QR2

European stocks jittery; euro slides

Business | 18

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 US no longer Qatar-US bilateral trade increases requires Qatari No talks with Qatar on FTA: Selig gas: Official BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB number one source of imports”. DOHA: Qatar’s ‘Golden Pass Speaking at a round table con- LNG Terminal in Texas (US) DOHA: Qatar-US bilateral ference to the local media, Selig can now be used to distrib- trade in goods has jumped five- said: “Our relationship with Qatar ute gas to other countries fold over the last one decade is very strong and important with in the region, said the visit- to reach nearly $7bn (about a lot of dimensions, including com- ing US Undersecretary of QR25.5bn) in 2014 from $1.4bn mercial, strategic and military.” Commerce for International (QR5bn) in 2005, said visiting US He said that Qatar’s for- Trade yesterday. Undersecretary of Commerce for eign direct investment (FDI) in As the US has become self- International Trade yesterday. US was about $3.2bn in 2014. reliant in terms of its energy US exports to Qatar in 2014 However, he said that this number requirements due to the shale stood at $5.17bn while its imports may be even higher as there a gas revolution, the world’s from Qatar remained at $1.66bn, lot of investments from private largest energy consumer now with a trade balance of $3.52bn, business. He said that given the no longer requires Qatari which was evidently in favour of social and political turmoil in the gas for domestic consump- the US. region “our relations with Qatar tion as it has also become the However, the two-way trade have become extraordinarily world’s largest producer of between Qatar and the US dur- important”. energy and soon going to be ing the first two months of 2015 Commenting on a possible Free net exporter. has crossed over $1bn mark. Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Golden Pass LNG is a joint According to the latest figures GCC, including Qatar, (which is venture of Qatar Petroleum available, the US exports to Qatar on hold since long time), he added (70 percent), ExxonMobil (17.6 (during January and February, that there was no discussion on percent) and ConocoPhillips 2015) was $818.5m, while imports the issue with Qatari officials. (12.4 percent). The facility is stood at $232.4m, with a trade “Currently we are focused to have reportedly facing some legal balance of $586.1m. FTA with about 12 Asian coun- wrangles in the US. The world’s largest economy tries, including Japan, Vietnam US Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade Stefan Selig (centre) addressing mediapersons at a round “As you know the energy is Qatar’s largest destination of and Malaysia to for a Trans table talk at the Four Seasons Hotel in Doha yesterday. Press Attache at the US Embassy, Sacha Fraiture (left) profile in the US has changed imports and both countries are Pacific Partnership (TPP).” and Ryan El Zein, an official from the US Commercial Service are also seen. SALIM MATRAMKOT and soon it is going to be the trying to further deepen and He said that during his visit net exporter of energy for the strengthen economic ties. to Qatar he held meetings with singed, he said: “No agreements in order to be effective in imple- About the possible impact of first time, the terminal can “My visit to Qatar focused on several government and private were signed as the key purpose menting US policies in Qatar and volatile oil prices on bilateral now be used to export gas to two themes. One, to underscore business leaders, including Saad of my visit was to begin relation- the region. economic relations, he said: “The some other countries in the the importance of these commer- Sherida Al Kaabi, Managing ships with the important mem- He said Qatar’s economic oil prices are going to affect the region,” said Stefan Selig. cial relationships, and two, how Director of Qatar Petroleum bers of the business community diversification initiative has cre- world, including countries in the However, he did not provide we can further build upon the (QP); Under Secretary of at the and government officials.” ated a lot of opportunities for region, but Qatar, Kuwait and the the details about his meeting incredible growth we have seen Ministry of Finance; and Hassan Selig, with about three decades cooperation with the US across UAE, our major trading partners with Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, to create an engine of more trade Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of business experience in leading sectors, including IT, infrastruc- in the region, assured me during Managing Director of Qatar and investment,” said Stefan of the Supreme Committee for several top US companies, was ture development, machinery and my visit that their investment Petroleum (QP), which owns Selig, and added “US has earned Delivery and Legacy. on a three-country visit to build equipment, healthcare, education decisions will not change in 2015.” the majority stake in the the designation of being Qatar’s Asked if any agreements were longer term business relationships and the SMEs sector. THE PENINSULA terminal. THE PENINSULA Venezuela oil Commercial Bank net profit rises by 19.5pc team meets DOHA: Commercial Bank of quarter of 2015 reflect the chang- Oman. These performances have Net operating income increased by 3.7 percent to QR326.7m for Qatar (Commercial Bank) and its ing dynamics of Qatar’s economy, enabled Commercial Bank to by 1.8 percent to QR952.2m for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 Qatar officials subsidiaries and associates yes- with robust growth being gener- deliver a quarterly profit of QR the quarter ended March 31, 2015 compared with QR315m for the terday announced a net profit of ated from the private sector. The 462.5m,” said Hussain Alfardan, up from QR935.7m achieved in same period in 2014. The increase CARACAS: Oil Minister QR462.5m for the quarter ended successful execution of Commercial Vice Chairman and Managing the same period in 2014. ABank in non-interest income was due to Asdrubal Chavez led a March 31, 2015 showing a rise of Bank’s strategy across its opera- Director, Commercial Bank. delivered net operating income of higher net fees and commission Venezuelan delegation in Qatar 19.5 percent against QR387m in tions in Qatar, Turkey, UAE and The Bank’s net provisions QR173.3m for the quarter ended income. Commercial Bank deliv- for meetings with local officials the fourth quarter of 2014. Oman has resulted in a strong set for loans and advances were March 31, 2015 which represents ered a balance sheet growth of 1.8 yesterday following similar At the operating profit before of financial results for the first QR170.2m for the quarter 18.5 percent of the total net oper- percent at the end of March 2015 talks in Iran and Saudi Arabia provisions level, profit is up by quarter of the year,” said Sheikh ended 31 March 2015, up from ating income. Net interest income with total assets at QR116.1bn, on an Opec tour seeking ways to 4.3 percent to QR551.7m as com- Abdullah bin Ali bin Jabor Al QR50.8m for the same period was QR625.5m for the quarter compared to QR114bn at the end boost crude prices, according to pared to the first quarter of 2014. Thani, Chairman of the Board of in 2014, a low level of provision- ended March 31, 2015, 0.8 per- of March 2014. a government statement. However, due to higher provision- Directors of Commercial Bank. ing compared to historic levels. cent higher than the same period Loans and advances to cus- The recession-hit South ing, the Q1 (first quarter) 2015 “Commercial Bank has made a The non-performing loan ratio of 2014, reflecting the growth tomers were up by 4.7 percent to American nation is one of the represents a 15.7 percent decrease good start to the year 2015 at the marginally increased to 3.89 per- in lending. ABank contributed QR71.9bn at March 31, 2015 com- Organisation of Petroleum in profitability compared to same operating level. The first quar- cent at March 31, 2015 compared QR148.7m, 23.8 percent of the pared with QR68.7bn at the end of Exporting Countries group’s worst- period in 2014. ter has seen a solid performance with 3.8 percent at the end of total net interest income. Net March 2014. The growth in lending affected members from the oil price “Qatar’s economy continues to from Commercial Bank, a good December 2014 and the coverage interest margin decreased to 2.59 since March 2014 has been gener- slide. So far unable to nudge Saudi diversify in line with the Qatar quarter from ABank and con- ratio increased to 76.8 percent as percent as compared to the first ated, mainly, in the retail, services, Arabia and its Gulf allies into sup- National Vision 2030. Commercial tinued profit growth from our at March 31, 2015 compared to quarter of 2014 at 2.70 percent. government and commercial sec- porting supply cuts, Venezuela is Bank’s results for the first Associate banks in the UAE and 74.3 percent as at December 2014. Non-interest income was up tors. THE PENINSULA exploring various options to boost its position including a proposal to blend its heavy crude with Opec allies’ light grades. Shanghai auto show “We had an excellent work- ing meeting with Qatar’s Energy Mannai Corporation profit up 10pc and Industry Minister H E Dr DOHA: Mannai Corporation reported a net profit of QR165.2m for Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada,” the quarter ended March 31, 2015 which is an increase of 10 percent Chavez, who is the nephew of over the corresponding quarter last year. The company’s revenue former president Hugo Chavez, increased 14.33 percent compared to the same period as last year. said via Twitter. “This was an outstanding quarter with exceptional core earnings Underlining the importance growth in our businesses. Despite the continuing weak oil and gas Venezuela’s President Nicolas prices, we remain optimistic that the new infrastructure projects Maduro is giving to the tour, will continue to provide opportunities,” said Alekh Grewal, Group Chavez was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer & Director, Mannai Corporation. Finance Minister Rodolfo Marco and Foreign Minister Delcy 15.7 percent rise in QEWC net profit Rodriguez. They also met Qatar’s Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin DOHA: Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC) reported Hamad al Thani. a 15.7 percent rise in first-quarter net profit yesterday. The state- “Minister Chavez stressed that run firm made a profit of QR346m in the three months to March Venezuela and Qatar possess 31, 2015 up from QR299m in the prior-year period, according to a important strategic links, and statement to Qatar Exchange. QEWC did not state its quarterly are evaluating various investment revenue or provide other financial details. projects for Qatari businesses in the Orinoco Oil Belt, Venezuela’s Damaan Islamic Insurance profit rises energy ministry said. Venezuela is pinning hopes for DOHA: Damaan Islamic Insurance (Beema) yesterday said its net the future of its oil industry on profit has increased 124 percent to QR21m for the quarter ended the heavy-crude Orinoco region, March 31, 2015 compared to QR9m in the corresponding quarter which has the bulk of its nearly A Toyota FV2 on display at the 16th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in Shanghai yesterday. last year. The company achieved a gross contribution of QR91m in 300bn barrels of reserves. the first quarter compared to QR74m in the same period last year, REUTERS showing a growth of 24 percent. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Qatar bourse index gains 15.26 points Middle East markets edge up

DOHA: Qatar Exchange index developer Jabal Omar, another gained 15.26 points or 0.13 per- main support for the bench- cent when the bourse closed mark, climbed 1.1 percent. But trading at 11,992.61 points yes- Mobily, which posted a surprise terday. The market capitalisa- first-quarter loss on Tuesday and tion increased to QR644.44bn tumbled 6.8 percent on that day, form QR643.78bn registered on retreated 2.2 percent further. Tuesday. A number of other stocks also The traded value increased declined on profit-taking after to QR414.18m with a volume of rising sharply this week on news 10,267,251 shares from 5,307 trans- that the kingdom would open the actions compared to QR368.36m market to direct foreign invest- with a volume of 8,888,357 shares ment from June 15. from 5,525 transactions on Dubai’s index climbed 0.3 per- Tuesday. Indices of four sectors cent to 4,133 points as most stocks advanced and three dropped. gained. Real estate firm Union Of the 43 companies listed, Properties jumped 3.5 percent to shares of 39 saw trading. From Dh1.50, a five-month closing high. People walk past an electric quotation board flashing the numbers of the Nikkei key index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange in front of a securities company these, 19 advanced, 19 declined Dubai’s benchmark is approach- in Tokyo yesterday. Tokyo’s benchmark index climbed above 20,000 in morning trading. and one remained unchanged. ing major chart resistance on its Meanwhile, most major stock 200-day average, now at 4,259 markets in the Middle East rose points. It has not traded above modestly after Saudi Arabia and that level on a sustained basis European stocks jittery; euro slides its allies in the region decided since last October. to end a campaign of air strikes Abu Dhabi’s index rose 0.6 per- against Houthi rebels. cent and First Gulf Bank (FGB) LONDON: Europe’s main stock Greece’s debt crisis as officials Shares in Britain’s biggest surplus for almost three years. The fighting did unsettle some was the main support, jumping markets diverged yesterday as on both sides struggle to make retailer Tesco slumped 5.15 per- Tokyo’s Nikkei jumped 1.13 per- retail investors in the Gulf and 2.3 percent. Egypt’s index climbed investors reacted to mixed cor- meaningful progress,” said analyst cent to 1,048 pence after the cent to finish at 20,133.90 points, Egypt, and stock markets across 0.6 percent, after declining for five porate news and awaited the Kash Kamal at Sucden Financial supermarket group announced it with analysts saying the monthly the region fell by several percent sessions in a row. next moves concerning Greece. Research. had plunged into a record loss last trade surplus was a good sign for in the days after the military London’s benchmark FTSE Markets were looking ahead to year as it took a huge writedown corporate earnings. campaign began. HIGHLIGHTS 100 index ended the day down the end of the week when euro- on the value of its property. Shanghai climbed 2.44 per- Saudi Arabia’s index inched SAUDI ARABIA: The index 0.49 percent to 7,028.24 points, zone finance ministers are due to Rolls-Royce shares climbed cent, and Hong Kong rose 0.30 up 0.1 percent to 9,572 points, inched up 0.1 percent to 9,572 while the CAC 40 in Paris fin- meet in Latvia’s capital Riga. 4.07 percent to 1,048 pence after percent. But Seoul ended mar- although it closed well off its points. ished 0.36 percent higher at Eurogroup president Jeroen the British maker of aircraft ginally lower while Sydney shed intra-day highs, struggling for DUBAI: The index edged up 0.3 5,211.09 points. Dijsselbloem offered a glim- engines unveiled a new chief 0.36 percent. a fourth day in a row to break percent to 4,133 points. Frankfurt’s DAX 30 index fell mer of hope on the negotiations executive days after announcing Wall Street stocks pushed through major technical resist- ABU DHABI: The index added 0.60 percent to 11,867.37 points with Athens on Tuesday, saying a record deal. higher on a flood of mixed earn- ance in the 9,572-9,745 point 0.6 percent to 4,706 points. despite the German government some progress had been made, Rolls last week said it had won ings reports, some of which bested area, where the 200-day aver- EGYPT: The index edged up 0.6 raising its 2015 growth forecast with the EU pressing Athens to a contract from Dubai’s Emirates expectations. The Dow Jones age roughly coincides with the percent to 8,629 points. to 1.8 percent. Milan added 0.32 detail a programme of accept- Airline worth a record $9.2bn Industrial Average climbed 0.24 March peak. KUWAIT: The index slipped percent while Madrid shed 0.20 able reforms by Friday. to supply and maintain Trent percent to stand at 17,991.99 Zain Saudi surged 4.8 percent 0.02 percent to 6,307 points. percent. The Athens stock exchange 900 engines for 50 Airbus A380 points in midday trading. The after announcing its first-quarter OMAN: The index added 0.3 The euro slid to $1.0728 com- traded as much as 3 percent superjumbos. broad-based S&P 500 rose 0.21 loss had narrowed to SR257m percent to 6,351 points. pared with $1.0735 late in New lower, before picking up after the In Asia, Japanese shares percent to 2,101.75, while the tech- ($68.5m) from SR318m a year BAHRAIN: The index edged up York on Tuesday. “Investor sen- ECB stepped up its support for ended above 20,000 yesterday for rich Nasdaq Composite Index earlier. Saudi Basic Industries 0.4 percent to 1,400 points. timent was dampened by the Greek banks to close with a 2.1 the first time in 15 years as the added 0.15 percent to 5,021.72. rose 0.9 percent and property REUTERS overhanging concerns regarding percent gain. country recorded its first trade AFP

IBQ rewards 20th winner of thanq Doha Sooq relaunched

DOHA: Doha Bank has refrigerators, handbags, sun- reading product reviews. announced the re-launch of glasses, shoes, flowers, cakes, Doha Sooq’s partner merchants Qatar’s first and only e-mall sweets, electronics, luxury and potential shoppers will also – Doha Sooq (www.dohasooq. watches, perfumes, cosmetics, have the option to explore the com) – that offers visitors a body care products, and fashion marketplace’s unique “Hot Deals” brand new, state-of-the-art accessories in addition to having section, where discounted products online shopping experience. the convenience of booking tickets are featured on a weekly basis to The upgraded e-mall opens its online for special events. provide merchants an ideal plat- doors to contemporary looks, Operational around the clock form to showcase new product an exhaustive product suite and for online shopping, Doha Sooq launches, feature promotional a number of the latest e-com- is designed to make shopping a products or roll out bargain items. merce features that are set to hassle-free and customer-friendly The “Events” section is the appeal to shoppers and mer- experience that customers can second new element that aims chants alike. enjoy at their fingertips. Further, at offering merchants another Visitors to Doha Sooq will be shoppers to Doha Sooq are marketing platform to announce able to shop for a wide variety ensured of the most competitive details of their brands’ upcoming of product categories includ- prices and can place their orders product launches or events. ing mobile phones, TVs, laptops, for free doorstep delivery after THE PENINSULA

International Bank of Qatar (ibq) has announced the 20th winner of the bank’s monthly prize draw for the ibq loyalty programme, thanq. Qatar Airways Captain Manuel Ortega won 100,000 thanq reward points after being in the thanq programme for two years. ibq’s thanq gives customers the possibility to gather points across a wide range of ibq products and services and then redeem them by booking flights on over 800 airlines and GWC Fine Arts powers ahead accommodation in 160,000 hotels worldwide to the destination of their choice. DOHA: GWC Fine Arts recently unveiled two new trucks spe- cifically designed for the fine art movements in accordance with the highest European stand- Turkey leaves rates on hold ards. The 10-tonne and 20-tonne trucks were fitted with air ride ISTANBUL: Turkey’s central is unwilling to defend the lira by rates on hold. The CRBT made a suspension to absorb shocks at bank left key interest rates raising official interest rates due “measured” cut to its forex depo point of impact, keeping the con- unchanged yesterday, holding to government pressure,” William lending rate, what it charges tents inside stable. fire ahead of a June parliamen- Jackson of Capital Economics said. banks to borrow emergency dollar The interior has also been fit- tary election, even as the lira’s “The country’s gaping current funds, in addition to lifting what ted with specialised flooring and slide to record lows risks fuel- account deficit, high inflation and it pays banks on lira reserves. the walls have been lined with ling inflation. relatively large dollar debts mean Those changes aim to ease industry-specific load bars, allow- The CBRT did, however, use monetary conditions will need to some of the pressure on Turkey’s ing crates to be lashed and fixed other policy tools — hiking what remain tight, despite government currency by encouraging lenders to the walls, further reducing it pays on lira reserves and cut- pressure to revive the economy to hold more lira with the cen- movement of the truck contents. ting the cost of borrowing dollars ahead of June’s election.” tral bank, while boosting dollar With the additional temperature — in an attempt to shore up the The bank left the one-week liquidity. control measures in place within battered currency. repo rate at 7.50 percent and the “A measured cut in the forex the vehicles, the transported art- Economists said that such “tink- overnight borrowing rate at 7.25 deposit lending rates and a meas- work may be transported as needed ering” with monetary policy high- percent. It said it would main- ured hike in the partial remunera- without exposure to external fac- Ranjeev Menon,Group CEO of GWC; Melanie Cooray, Director of GWC Fine lighted the difficult position faced tain tight policy until there was tion rate on Turkish lira required tors and influences. Art Logistics; Duncan Capp, Middle East Operations Manager, Constantine; by the bank, which has been under a significant improvement in the reserves will support financial sta- “GWC has become one of the and Paul Williamson, Commercial Director, Constantine Fine Art pose for heavy pressure from President outlook for inflation. bility,” the bank said in a statement. rare firms in the region equipped a group picture. Recep Tayyip Erdogan to cut rates The overnight lending rate The lira, which has slid as much to take on the highly specialised before the June 7 polls. remained at 10.75 percent and as 14 percent against the dollar activity of transporting works of “These tweaks make the mon- the primary dealers’ overnight this year to a record low of 2.7305 art by constantly adding to its As a carrier, packer, customs efficiency for any move or instal- etary policy set-up even more borrowing rate at 10.25 percent. last week, weakened slightly to warehousing and transportation broker, and airfreight agent, GWC lation request for a wide variety complex and are likely to rein- All 16 economists in a Reuters 2.6975 after the decision. assets in this way,” said GWC Fine Art offers the best guarantee of fine art logistics requirements. force concerns that the CBRT poll expected the bank to leave REUTERS Group CEO Ranjeev Menon. of care, discretion, security and THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Brent rises, EU charges US crude Gazprom over volatile on EIA data price gouging NEW YORK: Oil futures diverged yesterday as renewed fighting in Yemen pushed Brent higher while US crude prices Charges unfounded, says official seesawed after a second straight week of production declines BRUSSELS: The European which EU officials said were based despite higher inventories. Union launched a legal attack on evidence going back to when UK North Sea Brent, the more on Gazprom yesterday, stok- the eight countries affected joined globally-used benchmark for ing tension with Moscow as it the bloc, most of them in 2004. crude, rose more than 1 percent accused the Russian gas giant A formal inquiry was launched as warplanes from a Saudi-led of overcharging buyers in in September 2012 though, as in coalition bombed Yemen a day Eastern Europe and hindering the Google case which had been after Riyadh said it was ending competition. meandering in Brussels for twice air strikes against Iranian-allied The EU’s new antitrust chief, as long, Vestager has dramatically Houthi rebels there. Margrethe Vestager, who a week moved to a prosecution phase less A man pushes a pram past a Tesco supermarket near Altrincham, northern England, yesterday. In New York, US crude futures ago announced a similar market than six months after taking over reeled between negative and posi- abuse prosecution against U.S. her job. tive territory as players weighed tech giant Google, said state- From beyond the EU’s borders, government data that showed controlled Gazprom was using its Ukraine’s state-owned gas firm Tesco posts $9.5bn loss production declines versus continued dominance in Moscow’s Naftogaz also hailed the move higher stockpiles. But with global old Soviet client states to hike to free cross-border flows from demand for oil still lagging out- prices by as much as 40 percent Gazprom restrictions. Like others LONDON: Tesco revealed the signs that what we’re doing is the its European business and bank. put, the run-up has fizzled this over the norm. in Moscow’s former empire, Kiev cost of its spectacular decline right thing but we’re very much Tesco shares, which have risen week, although Brent remains It could do so, she said, by accuses Putin of using Russian yesterday with an annual loss of at the beginning of a journey.” by more than 18 percent this year, up 14 percent on the month. U.S. insisting on contracts that bar energy, and the Soviet-era infra- £6.4bn ($9.5bn), one of the biggest After two decades of uninter- were down 4.7 percent at 1420 crude has risen more, gaining 18 customers selling on gas to oth- structure that carries it, to crimp in British corporate history, and rupted growth, Tesco lost its way GMT. One institutional investor percent since the end of March. ers, notably across borders — in their independence. warned investors there could be when it was distracted by expen- who declined to be named said the In yesterday’s session, Brent itself a hindrance of free markets Gazprom has 12 weeks to more pain to come. sive overseas expansion and failed results were as ugly as feared. was up 1.2 percent, or 77 cents, that broke EU law and has been respond to the charges and The 96-year-old group, which to spot the threat from discount- “It’s every bit as grisly as people at $62.85 a barrel by 12:26pm an obstacle to EU efforts to supply Vestager stressed that a negoti- dominated the British retail land- ers at home. It was wrong-footed might have thought and more,” EDT. US crude fell 0.1 percent, Ukraine. A third set of charges ated settlement, under which it scape for decades, wrote down the too by the popularity of local he said. “There’s really not very or 5 cents, to $56.56, after a flighty related to pressure put on Poland would amend its practices, was value of its business by £7bn, suf- stores that took customers away much to be excited or positive session that saw it losing nearly $2 and Bulgaria to invest in pipelines still possible. fering in an industry price war from its huge out-of-town sites. about at all.” The full-year results initially before gaining 58 cents. according to priorities dictated by Without a deal, she has the sparked by the challenge from Lewis, dubbed “Drastic Dave” showed the strains on the group’s US crude rebounded from the Gazprom. power to fine companies up to 10 German discount chains Aldi for his radical overhaul of Unilever finances, with its credit rating session low after the govern- Russia’s biggest company, percent of their annual sales — and Lidl. businesses, has fought back with already cut to junk. ment-run Energy Information which saw a previous offer of a a potential penalty in Gazprom’s It reported a near 60 percent lower prices, more staff on the shop Net debt ballooned to £8.5bn, Administration (EIA) reported a negotiated settlement rejected case of $10bn. drop in 2014/15 trading profit and floor, streamlined product ranges while the net pension deficit drop of 18,000 barrels per day (b/d) by Vestager’s predecessor, dis- “Gazprom is dominant in all said it may struggle to hit even and better customer service, boost- jumped to £3.9bn from £2.6bn. in output last week, the second missed all the accusations as these markets,” Vestager, a Danish that level this year as it set out ing recent trading. The company has agreed to pay straight week of lower production. “unfounded” and said it expected former economy minister, told a the work needed to claw back He is changing relationships £270m per year into the scheme The EIA also reported that US a resolution at a political level— news conference. “Our prelimi- market share lost to fierce com- with suppliers, the root cause of the to help make up the shortfall. crude stockpiles rose by 5.3 million though Vestager insisted the case nary view alleges that Gazprom petition and recover from a dam- accounting scandal being investi- Tesco wrote down the value of barrels last week, higher than the was “not political”, and in any is abusing this position.” aging accounting scandal. gated by Britain’s Serious Fraud its property by £4.7bn, and gave 2.9-million-barrel build expected case relations between President The EU has brokered deals “We sought to draw a line Office, pledging to cut the number no indication of when scrapped by analysts in a Reuters survey, to Vladimir Putin and the West are to keep gas flowing to Ukraine under the past and rebuild from of ways Tesco can derive commer- dividend payments might resume. reach a record 489 million barrels. in deep freeze over the Ukraine despite the conflict between Kiev here,” said Dave Lewis, a former cial income from suppliers. Tesco’s property writedown Stocks at the key delivery point conflict. and Moscow, but efforts to sup- Unilever executive who has Lewis, who wants to make follows similar moves by rivals of Cushing, Oklahoma, rose by “The era of Kremlin-backed ply gas via Slovakia and elsewhere impressed investors with his deci- Tesco a simpler, more agile and Sainsbury’s and Morrisons and 789,000 barrels, the EIA added. political and economic blackmail have been hindered by contracts sive action since replacing sacked lower cost business, raised his reflects the deterioration in Energy markets intelligence firm draws to a close,” Lithuanian with Gazprom that prohibit the Tesco veteran Philip Clarke as annual cost savings target to 400 British supermarket conditions Genscape said tanks at Cushing President Dalia Grybauskaite told re-export of gas. CEO in September. million pounds at a one-off cost of in recent years and the growth were nearly 80 percent full. Reuters in welcoming charges REUTERS “There are some encouraging 350 million pounds, after cuts to of online shopping. REUTERS REUTERS China’s Iran Indonesia calls for new financial global architecture oil imports JAKARTA: Indonesian President Joko years due to feuds over the two neighbours’ who say the global economic problems shall consigned to the role of exporters of primary Widodo called yesterday for a new global wartime past as well as territorial rows and only be solved through the World Bank, goods and importers of finished goods”. financial order that is open to emerging regional rivalry. Bilateral talks in Jakarta the IMF and the ADB, these are obsolete He called it a “role that has historically up 15pc economic powers and leaves the “obso- could promote a cautious rapprochement ideas,” Widodo said. “There needs to be been assigned to us by the colonial powers lete ideas” of Bretton Woods institutions that began when Abe and Xi met at a sum- change. It’s imperative that we build a new and starting from the days of colonialism”. in the past. mit in Beijing late last year. international economic order that is open The world order has changed dra- BEIJING: China’s crude Widodo’s speech in Jakarta opened a Widodo made no mention of the China- to new emerging economic powers.” matically since nearly 30 heads of state imports from Iran rose 15 per- meeting of Asian and African nations to backed Asian Infrastructure Investment The International Monetary Fund and gathered in 1955 to discuss security and cent in March from a year ago to mark the 60th anniversary of a conference Bank (AIIB) that is seen as a threat to the the World Bank were at the centre of the economic development away from global a 10-month high, although still that was seen as a united stand by the devel- Western-dominated World Bank and Asian post-World War Two Bretton Woods mon- powers embroiled in the Cold War. below the purchases expected oping world against colonialism and led to Development Bank, but Indonesia is one of etary order created by the United States Many of those countries, such as China from the Islamic republic’s larg- the Cold War era’s non-aligned movement. nearly 60 countries that have offered to be and Europe. Indonesia invited heads of and India, are now themselves at top tables est oil client. Among the leaders listening were founding members of the AIIB. state and government from 109 Asian and like the Group of 20 and wield significant China’s imports last month from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and The US and Japan have not thrown their African countries, but there have been doz- economic power. Widodo said the group was Iran were 2.71 million tonnes, or Chinese President Xi Jinping, who were support behind the bank, which is seen as ens of no-shows and officials said only 34 meeting again in a changed world but still it 638,600 barrels per day (b/d), up 20 expected to meet on the sidelines of the a threat to U.S. efforts to extend its influ- leaders turned up. needed to stand together against the domi- percent from February on a daily conference, the latest sign of a thaw in rela- ence in the Asia-Pacific region and balance Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, nation of “a certain group of countries” to basis and the highest since May tions between the Asian rivals. China’s growing financial clout. speaking at the conference, said countries avoid unfairness and global imbalances. of last year, official customs data Sino-Japanese ties have chilled in recent “There is a shifting world reality ... Those in Asia and Africa “should no longer be REUTERS showed yesterday. Earlier this month, Iran and six world powers signed a framework nuclear agreement that could see German train drivers strike sanctions on Tehran eventually lifted if a more permanent pact is Iraq’s oil output likely Gold prices fall finalised by a June deadline. Many analysts, though, say there will be to lowest level no significant increase in Iran’s to remain flat this year output or exports before mid-2016. NEW YORK/LONDON: Gold Iran’s oil minister, Bijan fell to its lowest level in more Zanganeh, and an official delega- DUBAI: Iraq’s oil output in production than initially antici- than a week yesterday, suffer- tion visited China just days after 2015 is likely to remain flat as pated, oil executives say. ing its sharpest single session the agreement was signed, seek- Baghdad struggles to cope with “The priority now is to main- loss in over six weeks after a ing to mend fences with Chinese a slump in crude prices that has tain steady production. You will report showed strong US home oil firms to get oil and gas devel- slashed government revenue not be seeing any incremental sales in March, raising expec- opment projects going and discuss and forced the Opec producer to increases in 2015 or even 2016,” an tations for a June US Federal oil sales. renegotiate its service contracts oil executive working in southern Reserve interest rate hike. China’s March imports from with oil majors. Iraq told Reuters. Spot gold was down 1.3 percent Iran were well above the 2014 A boost in crude production next “From where? Certainly at $1,186.63 an ounce by 2:47pm average of roughly 550,000 b/d, year will prove to be even more not from the south. Who will EDT (1847 GMT), after falling as which was about the same as seen challenging if oil prices remain increase?” Baghdad’s aim is to hit low as $1,185.33, the lowest level before the United States and the low and Baghdad fails to repay oil 4 million barrels per day (b/d) by since April 14. That represented European Union toughened sanc- companies or approve field devel- the end of December, including gold’s sharpest single-session loss tions over Iran’s disputed nuclear opment plans on time, oil execu- crude output from the northern since March 6. US gold futures for programme in early 2012. tives and market experts say. Kurdish region. June delivery fell $16.20 an ounce Thomson Reuters Oil Research Industry sources say approvals But an oil-export deal between to settle at $1,186.90. & Forecasts had put China’s by Baghdad for tenders to build Baghdad and Arbil has already In the physical market, top imports from Iran in March new crude-processing facilities proven to be shaky as flows from bullion consumer India cele- at 687,600 b/d. The group also have already been delayed for up the Kurdish region are below the brated the gold-buying festival expects volumes from Iran to to six months in some of the main agreed level and payments have of Akshaya Tritiya on Tuesday. fall in April to just 483,000 bpd, southern fields. been delayed. Gold purchases started slowly, although some of the shipments Baghdad has asked foreign oil That means any rise in output but picked up as the festival expected to arrive in March could companies such as BP, Royal Dutch would come from the giant south- progressed. have spilled over into this month. Shell, ExxonMobil, Eni and Lukoil ern fields being developed by the Spot silver fell 1.3 percent to In the first quarter of 2015, Passengers enter a U-Bahn underground train during a to revise their oilfield development oil majors. $15.77 an ounce. Platinum lost China’s oil imports from Iran fell nationwide strike of Germany’s train drivers’ union GDL, at plans by considering postponing “Four million (bpd) is pie in 1.9 percent to $1,125.25 an ounce almost 2 percent compared to the Alexanderplatz underground station in Berlin yesterday. new projects and delaying already the sky. That will never happen,” and palladium fell 1.8 percent to same period last year. committed undertakings. another executive said. $755 an ounce. REUTERS That could lead to slower REUTERS REUTERS THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS First Gulf Bank Greek cash seen lasting into June profit rises 7pc No EU deal imminent in first quarter ABU DHABI: First quarter ATHENS/BRUSSELS: Greek Deputy Finance Minister net profit from First Gulf Bank Greece can scrape together Dimitris Mardas said the gov- (FGB) failed to match analyst enough cash to meet its pay- ernment aimed to have a ¤2.5bn estimates yesterday despite ment obligations into June, ($2.7bn) cash buffer by forcing rising by 7 percent thanks to eurozone and Greek officials state entities to lend to the state higher fee income. said yesterday, playing down in order to cover payments until Defying fears that a lower oil fears of an imminent default as the end of May. price might start to impact the hopes receded of a deal with its Shut out of bond markets and profitability of banks, the earn- creditors to release fresh aid. running out of money to pay civil ings of banks from the United The European Central Bank servants, pensioners and sup- Arab Emirates have been strong raised its ceiling on emergency pliers and service its debt, the so far. Illustrating this resil- lending by the Greek central government issued a decree on ience, the larger Emirates NBD bank to Greek banks by ¤1.5bn Monday ordering public bodies reported a 60 percent year on to ¤75.4bn, giving them a bigger to transfer their spare cash to year profit jump earlier yesterday. buffer to cope with deposit with- the central bank. FGB, the third-largest lender drawals, a banking source said. “I want this ¤2.5bn to cover any by assets in the UAE, made a net Three sources familiar with ECB needs that may occur, I repeat, profit of Dh1.42bn ($386.7m) for thinking denied a report that the taking into account the worst the three months ending March Frankfurt-based bank had tight- case scenarios and the needs for 31, up from Dh1.33bn in the same ened the screws on Greek banks May,” Mardas told Star TV, add- period a year ago, it said. by slashing the value of the collat- ing he was confident that Greece FGB’s profit growth was driven eral they must present to receive and its lenders would reach a deal. by higher non-interest income, emergency liquidity to stay afloat. Mardas said initially the state which includes fees from whole- Greece has received two inter- was still short ¤350-400m to sale and consumer banking, which national bailouts worth ¤240bn cover wage, pension and other A man counts money as he walks past shopping bags hanging for sale by a street vendor in Athens yesterday. gained 13 percent over the prior- since 2010 but its economy has needs in April but later said the year period to Dh735m. The bank shrunk by some 25 percent, problem had been solved because Amid fears that the country Riga, but over the course of May with its lenders but “not just any also set aside less cash for bad unemployment has soared and a a pension fund had come forward might crash out of the eurozone, it must finally be reached.” agreement”, he told a parliamen- loans, with impairments down 15 leftist-led government elected in to lend it the money. Greek bond yields have risen to Eurozone officials had origi- tary committee. percent year on year to Dh372m. January has refused to complete a He dismissed a report that their highest levels since a debt nally expected the reform list to EU officials said eurozone These areas helped to offset a reform programme that includes Athens was considering a parallel restructuring with private bond- be presented in time for Friday’s governments had rarely been so 1 percent decline in net interest measures it says worsen the eco- currency or IOUs to make pay- holders in 2012. But the latest ministerial session, but such united in refusing to yield to what income, which was constrained by nomic slump. ments, saying he was confident a tension has had little impact on hopes have evaporated. they perceive as Greek brinkman- intense competition in the UAE’s The head of the Eurogroup deal would be struck with credi- the borrowing costs of the bloc’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras ship and hints of default. banking sector. Andre Sayegh, Working Group, which prepares tors to avoid a default. other heavily indebted countries. will meet German Chancellor People familiar with ECB policy chief executive of FGB, said that decisions for eurozone finance Greece has to make two repay- Eurozone officials said progress Angela Merkel in Brussels on denied a New York Times report competition would remain tough. ministers, said Athens would not ments to the IMF totalling about in talks with Athens on reforms Thursday. EU officials said his that the ECB had raised the aver- FGB is shifting its business model present a new list of economic ¤950m by May 12. It has another was painfully slow and EU experts government continued to seek age “haircut” on Greek banks’ away from relying on lending for reforms required to unlock fur- ¤1.45bn payment due to the IMF were still being denied access to a political deal to ease austerity collateral to 50 percent from generating revenue — 32 percent ther EU funds when the minis- in June, but the biggest looming detailed information including rather than a detailed technical around 33 percent, forcing them of revenues came from fees in the ters meet in Latvia on Friday, payments are bond redemptions public accounts data. But they agreement on reforms. to deposit more assets in return for first quarter, up from 29 percent but Greece should be able to stay to the ECB of ¤4.18bn in July and said things were moving in the State Minister Nikos Pappas, Emergency Liquidity Assistance in the same three months of 2014. solvent till June. ¤3.38bn in August. right direction. a close aide of Tsipras, said the from the Greek central bank. REUTERS “The liquidity situation in In order to receive some ¤7.2bn “It is my central belief that government would continue to The ECB’s Governing Council Greece is already a little tight, but left in its bailout, Athens must the negotiations with Greece can reject EU/IMF demands for took no such decision in its weekly it should be sufficient into June,” complete an agreed reform pro- still be successfully completed,” pension cuts and an increase in teleconference on Greek ELA on Damac Q1 EWG chairman Thomas Wieser gramme to the satisfaction of EU, Wieser said. “The clock is tick- value added tax on Greek tour- Wednesday, a source said. told Austrian broadcaster ORF. IMF and ECB experts. ing. There won’t be a new list in ist islands. Athens wanted a deal REUTERS profit drops

DUBAI: Dubai’s Damac Boeing profits rise 38pc Properties reported a 38 per- cent fall in first-quarter net profit yesterday, despite surging US home sales hit revenue, because of the effect of a big one-off gain a year ago. The privately run developer, which listed on Dubai’s bourse in January, reported a net profit of 18-month high Dh792.9m ($215.8m) in the three months to March 31. WASHINGTON: US home sales pushed up home prices and lim- That compared with a profit surged to their highest level in 18 ited choice for potential buyers. of Dh1.28bn in the year-earlier months in March as more homes The outlook for housing is favour- period, when Damac benefited came on the market, a sign of able against the backdrop of a from a similarly sized gain “real- strength in housing ahead of strengthening labour market. ised on recognition of investment spring selling season. The Mortgage Bankers in an associate”, the company’s The National Association of Association said applications for earnings statement said without Realtors said yesterday that loans to purchase homes increased giving details of the gain. Quarterly existing home sales increased 5 percent last week to the high- revenue jumped to Dh1.79bn from 6.1 percent to an annual rate of est level since June 2013. It was Dh573,000 a year earlier. 5.19 million units, the highest the fourth time in five weeks Damac later said the first-quar- level since September 2013. The that purchase applications rose. ter and year-earlier profit figures percent increase was the largest In March, the inventory of unsold were not comparable, because the since December 2010. homes on the market increased company had acquired its real The fairly upbeat report was 5.3 percent from a month ago to estate operating interests, named A Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747-400 lands as a United Airlines Boeing 767 taxiis at San Francisco International another indication that the 2 million units, the highest level Damac Real Estate Development Airport in California. Boeing Co reported a 38 percent increase in quarterly profit, helped by rising demand economy was regaining some since last November. Supply was Ltd, only in the second half of for commercial aircraft. momentum after hitting a speed up only 2 percent from a year ago. 2014. bump at the start of the year. Inventory growth should be The first-quarter profit of But data on retail sales, housing averaging roughly 5.6 percent at Damac Real Estate rose 3 percent starts and manufacturing suggest this time of the year, when the from a year earlier to $215.8m, the rebound in second-quarter market gets ready for the spring the company said. Revenue rose growth will probably be insuf- selling season, which runs from 11 percent to $485.9m. ficient to convince the Federal April through August and is tra- Damac said it would pay at Accused British ‘flash crash’ Reserve to start raising interest ditionally the busiest time of the least two dividends for 2015: A rates in June. year for housing, according to the half-year payout worth 10 per- The US housing index fell Realtors association. cent of capital followed by a final in line with the broader stock First-time buyers accounted 15 percent payout for the second trader granted bail by court market. The dollar was weaker for 30 percent of transactions last half of the year. It plans to pay at against a basket of currencies. month, well below the 40 percent least 25 percent in dividends in LONDON: A British trader carry a mobile phone at all times “This has come as a bolt from Prices for US Treasury debt fell. to 45 percent share that econo- 2016 as well. In February, Damac accused by US authorities to answer calls from police and the blue for Mr Sarao,” his law- Home sales have been con- mists and realtors say is required proposed only a 10 percent bonus of an illegal role in the May report to Hounslow police station yer Joel Smith told the court. strained by a shortage of prop- for a strong housing recovery. share issue for 2014. 2010 Wall Street “flash crash” three times a week. The court heard that Sarao erties on the market, which has REUTERS REUTERS was granted bail by a London Sarao will have no access to had £100,000 in various betting court yesterday after saying he the Internet for any purpose. His accounts and another £5m in a opposed being extradited to the passport and those of both his personal trading account of which United States to face trial. parents will be taken away and £4.7m was a loan. The flash crash saw the Dow kept by police, and Sarao is not US authorities accuse him Jones Industrial Average plunge allowed to leave England or Wales of personally profiting from his more than 1,000 points in a day, for any purpose. alleged wrongdoing by $40m, or Eskom not near bankruptcy briefly wiping out nearly $1 tril- “I suspect the last 24 hours have £26m. The family’s neighbours lion in market value before par- been somewhat dramatic for you,” in Hounslow said they had never CAPE TOWN: South Africa’s facilities that have been negoti- rating agencies to find out what tially recovering later. District Judge Quentin Purdy told seen any outward sign of unusual Eskom, which is battling to ated but not drawn down,” the it is they would like to see for The US Justice Department Sarao at the end of the hearing. wealth, and the court hearing did keep the lights on in Africa’s new acting chief executive, Brian Eskom to be re-rated investment said on Tuesday that it had “But you now know the US seeks not shed any light on the exist- most advanced economy, said Molefe, told parliament. grade, and we will do everything criminally charged Navinder your extradition on very serious ence or whereabouts of such a yesterday that it was not near “In addition, the Treasury that they say we should do to Singh Sarao, 36, with wire fraud, charges.” Sarao was warned he large amount. bankruptcy and would coop- has made a commitment to bring it back,” Molefe said. commodities fraud and market would face a fine or prison if he Aaron Watkins, representing erate with ratings agencies to give Eskom about 23bn (rand) Molefe said he did not expect manipulation. The case marks breached his bail conditions. the US judicial authorities at the avoid downgrades. which I believe will be given in to keep the job permanently, with the first time US regulators His lawyer declined to answer London hearing, said that side The state-owned utility faces two tranches during this finan- suspended Eskom CEO Tshediso have alleged that illegal activities questions from reporters about of the investigation was “being a serious liquidity crunch and cial year,” said Molefe, who was Matona challenging his suspen- played a role in the crash. his response to the US allega- actively followed up”. Sarao was has had to implement frequent appointed to his role on Friday. sion in court. Making his first appearance tions. The next court hearing in arrested at the home he shares power cuts to prevent the grid “We do not think that Eskom is Eskom said two major coal- at Westminster Magistrates’ the case is scheduled for May 26, with his parents, a modest subur- from being overwhelmed. about to be declared bankrupt or fired power plants under con- Court, Sarao was granted bail with a full extradition hearing to ban house under the flight path of Eskom, which imposed power insolvent,” Molefe said of the strug- struction, Medupi and Kusile, under stringent conditions. He follow on August 18 and 19. nearby Heathrow airport. cuts for a 10th day running on gling utility. Standard & Poor’s in would be delayed further by two is required to post £5m ($7.5m) Wearing a yellow sweatshirt Smith told the court Sarao was Wednesday, has an estimated March cut its credit ratings for the and one year respectively. The himself while his closest relatives and white tracksuit bottoms, born and raised in Britain and funding gap to 2018 of 200bon cash-strapped Eskom to junk fol- utility, which has an installed gen- must produce a further £50,000. Sarao spoke quietly to confirm his had attended Brunel University rand ($16bn). The firm expects lowing the suspension of the util- erating capacity of 42,000 MW, In addition, Sarao will have to name, address and date of birth. in London. He had worked for to receive 23bn rand from the ity’s CEO and three other senior said it needs to switch off up to wear an electronic tag, comply He appeared calm as he sat in banks before becoming an inde- government this year. executives while an investigation 5,000 MW to carry out mainte- with a night-time curfew at his the dock a few seats away from a pendent trader. “From a cash position, Eskom on the firm was being conducted. nance in order to avoid further home in Hounslow, west London, security guard. REUTERS has got a substantial amount of “We will be engaging with power outages. REUTERS THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Ghana, oil firms at risk from ocean boundary ruling State Street lags with

BY EMMA FARGE and MATTHEW MPOKE BIGG HANA’S decision to seek arbitration in a dispute with financial advisers Ivory Coast over an oil-rich basin in the Atlantic could prove costly for the country and a consortium led by BY ASHLEY LAU and Tullow if a court halts development there. the ETF business for State Street Global To get on track with advisers, the bank G TIM MCLAUGHLIN The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea will rule on Advisors (SSgA), the asset management arm poached a number of senior executives from Saturday on Ivory Coast’s February request for a moratorium of the bank. “It takes time to build.” rivals such as Morgan Stanley, UBS Wealth on activity in the basin. The decision is part of legal proceedings TATE Street, which sold the first The stakes are becoming clearer. Rival Management and BlackRock Inc. Its recent on a maritime border dispute sought by Ghana’s President John exchange-traded fund in 1993, is Vanguard’s ETF assets had an organic hire of Ronald O’Hanley, the former asset Dramani Mahama in September. falling flat in its bid to win back growth rate of 26 percent in 2014, com- management chief at Fidelity Investments, Although many expect the dispute to be ultimately settled in market share in the ETF industry pared with State Street’s 10 percent. Since underscores the importance of penetrating Ghana’s favour, analysts say a ruling that prevented the $4.9bn by wooing advisers to retail inves- 2011, State’s Street’s US market share has the retail market where advisers hold grow- offshore TEN oil and gas field opening in mid-2016 would be a tors, with many advisers saying the dropped about 5 percentage points to 20 per- ing sway. further blow to the battered Ghanaian economy. Sbank doesn’t do enough to support them. cent, while Vanguard has gained 6 percent- State Street also slashed fees on 41 of “Even if Ghana wins on the boundary eventually, as most people State Street, which lost its long-time No. 2 age points to 21.8 percent. its SPDR ETFs earlier this year, joining a expect, they stand to lose two years of revenues from TEN which spot among ETF providers in the first quarter As a result, earlier this year and for the years-long price war that has entrenched they badly need,” said Anaïs De Meulder, Africa analyst at global to Vanguard Group, does less than its competi- first time, Vanguard moved past State Street Vanguard and BlackRock. risk advisory firm Verisk Maplecroft. tors in giving them the data, investment tools, to No. 2 in total US ETF assets with $478bn, Despite being a pioneer in the ETFs, State A final ruling by the court is expected in 2017 or 2018. Ben Boakye, and ideas they need to improve their wealth compared with State Street’s $458bn. Street is still best known as the world’s No. of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy think-tank said the loss management practices, several advisers to the BlackRock’s iShares ETFs rank No. 1 with 2 custody bank. It safeguards $28 trillion in to Ghana from an injunction could be up to $6bn over two years, fast-growing retail ETF market said. $1.1 trillion in assets globally. assets, and that’s where it gets most of its while Carmen Altenkirch of Fitch Ratings said revenues could be “State Street is a notable laggard in Financial advisers hold the key to pen- revenue and profit. In 2014, State Street’s 1.5 lower than the government projects. adviser support,” said Larry Glazer, a man- etrating the retail market because they are investment management unit, which By contrast, Ivory Coast has almost nothing to lose. Ten rounds of aging partner at Mayflower Advisors, which among the heaviest users of ETFs in con- includes ETFs, generated $1.3bn in revenue, talks have failed to resolve the dispute over the Tweneboa, Enyenra oversees $2bn in State Street’s hometown of structing investment portfolios. ETF assets or about 13 percent of the company’s total and Ntomme (TEN) block and several others which Ivory Coast Boston. “Given State Street’s scale and first are projected to double to $5 trillion by 2020, revenue. Custody and asset servicing gener- says lie at least partly within its waters. It revived its claim after mover advantage as an ETF pioneer, they according to a PwC survey. ated nearly all of the rest. Ghana discovered oil in 2007. Precedent suggests the final ruling of have abysmal adviser support. It’s almost a In 2013, SSgA decided to make a sub- Ben Johnson, an analyst with Morningstar the court in Hamburg is unlikely to favour Ivory Coast and redraw laughing matter in the industry.” stantial investment to reinforce its adviser in Chicago, said State Street’s challenge the customary equidistant maritime boundary, according to analysts. The assessment comes more than a year support organization. Since the beginning is cultural. For State Street, “asset man- When Ghana began pumping oil in 2010 at the Jubilee field adja- after State Street began a multi-year effort of 2014, for example, it hired 45 people to agement is a secondary business,” he said. cent to TEN, annual economic growth soared to nearly 15 percent to bolster its adviser support organization increase the size of its distribution organi- “They’ve been geared, they’ve been tooled, in the West African country, which already produced gold and cocoa. and combat a widening loss in market share, zation to 138 employees, said Ross, who and they’ve been built to deal with institu- The economy is forecast to grow just 3.9 percent this year due by adding staff, poaching senior executives declined to give a specific figure for what tional investors and not necessarily toward to a fall in commodity prices and economic instability including a from rivals and trimming fees. The bank State Street invested. a more adviser audience.” stubborn budget deficit and a currency that has tumbled since the ranked fifth among ETF providers in how SSgA also has launched 109 new ETFs since Meredith Rice, senior director at Cogent, start of last year. The International Monetary Fund this month loyal advisers are to their brand, accord- 2011, including one recently with DoubleLine’s said advisers give State Street high marks for agreed a financial assistance package to help restore fiscal stability. ing to a survey last year of almost 1,500 star bond manager Jeff Gundlach, and having a broad range of ETF products that “A moratorium on oil production activities will ... have a serious advisers by Cogent Reports, a Cambridge, boosted efforts to produce more research to are easily traded. “The only thing with State impact on Ghana’s current account position and ultimately the stabil- Massachusetts research firm. help advisers educate their clients about tax Street has been their institutional focus,” Rice ity of the local currency,” Joseph Asenso, a finance ministry economist, “I’m not surprised some of these things management, wealth transfer and raising said. “Their rivals are more focused on retail.” told the tribunal last month. It could lead to “high fiscal deficits, loan haven’t caught up,” said Jim Ross, the head financially independent children. REUTERS repayment defaults and unpreparedness for disasters,” he said.

ECONOMIC RIVALS Ghana would not be the only loser. Tullow lost over 200m pounds ($298.82m), or 6 percent of its share value, in March when Ivory Coast’s surprise decision to seek a halt to activities was made public. Suspending operations in the disputed area would cost $1-2bn, split between the TEN project partners, Tullow says. CEO Aidan Heavey said in March Ghana has a robust case and expects the tribunal to dismiss the Ivorian request for a suspension. Ghana’s energy minister Emmanuel Kofi-Buah also said that the country had a “very strong case”. A suspension would imperil dozens of Ghanaian companies that have helped develop TEN, forcing many to lay off staff, said Boakye. And it is likely to stall further oil exploration in the Tano Basin, industry sources said. Ghana’s rising fortunes over the last decade made it an economic rival to Ivory Coast, which until a coup in 1999 was the region’s most powerful country besides oil giant Nigeria. The Ivorian economy is now booming but its oil sector lags Ghana’s and analysts say it will struggle to increase oil output nearly five-fold to 200,000 barrels per day by 2018 as planned. The two countries have enjoyed strong relations but Ghana told the court its neighbour sent “threats” to oil firms drilling there last year. In September, Mahama wrote to Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara to inform him of the arbitration request, court documents show. “I don’t think it has to do with a deterioration in relations as much as material factors. There’s a lot of oil and gas and that is big money,” said UN Special Representative for West Africa Mohamed Ibn Chambas, who is Ghanaian. Like most of Africa’s sea borders, the one separating Ghana and Ivory Coast has never been officially set. Court documents showed Ivory Coast has proposed three new boundaries which criss-cross the triangular-shaped disputed zone now covering 30,000 square kilometres. It can seek damages in the next phase of the tribunal’s proceedings, a court official said. Ghana says in a document submitted to the court in February it has awarded nine permits partly or wholly within the disputed zone to companies including Britain’s Heritage Oil, Hess Ghana and Russian producer Lukoil. Ivory Coast has awarded two blocks in the same period to London-listed Afren, Nigerian firm Taleveras Energy and state oil firm PETROCI, court documents showed. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

Strong demand to rebalance oil market by early 2016

BY JOHN KEMP more than 1m b/d in 11 of the last consumption worldwide, OPEC since June 2004, thanks to the shale also carry an extra 2.2 million oil demand in 2015. If cheaper fuel 20 years, according to the EIA, so estimated in its 2014 World Oil revolution, and the outlook for the tonnes of freight, an increase of stimulates private driving and road LOBAL oil demand growth of 1m b/d to 1.5m b/d would Outlook. global economy is of steady if not more than 4 percent compared freight in other advanced econo- is set to rise by 1 mil- not be exceptional. In the United States, three- spectacular growth. With these with 2014. mies, and transport demand con- lion or even 1.5 million Moreover, a 1m b/d increment quarters of the oil consumed was sources of restraint removed, glo- As a result, IATA has predicted tinues to grow in emerging markets barrels per day (b/d) in demand would represent a used as fuel for cars, trucks, rail- bal transport demand is set to grow airlines’ fuel consumption will rise across Asia and Latin America, it is in 2015, according to much smaller percentage increase roads, ships and aircraft in 2012. strongly in 2015 and 2016, and with by the equivalent of 260,000 bpd easy to see how total oil consump- Ga range of forecasters. than it did 10 or 20 years ago. The global aviation and shipping it the demand for fuel. compared with 2014. At sea, fuel tion could rise by 1m b/d or even Coupled with a fall in shale out- Extra consumption of 1m b/d industries each consume more There are plenty of reasons to consumption could rise by the same 1.5m b/d this year. put in the second half of the year, would represent an increase of 5m b/d of fuel moving people and think that demand for both pas- amount, or even more, as freight In the first three months of as the decline in the US rig count just 1.1 percent, a growth rate goods around the world. senger and freight transport will volumes rise. Cheaper fuel prices 2015, US crude oil stocks by an takes effect, that should be enough exceeded in 12 of the last 20 years. Private motorists and trucking grow strongly this year and next, are also encouraging an end to average of 1m b/d and most ana- to bring the oil market near to In the last two decades, oil firms in the United States con- provided oil prices remain low and slow-steaming, which was intro- lysts put the global supply-demand balance by early 2016. demand growth has only failed to sume more than 11m b/d and the the global economy avoids another duced as an economy measure dur- imbalance at around 1.5-2m b/d. Worldwide consumption will reach this rate when the advanced global figure for road transport is slowdown. World trade volumes ing the years of high prices, which With global demand set to rise increase by a little over 1m b/d economies were in recession and around 36m b/d. will rise by 3.3 percent in 2015 will boost fuel demand even more. by 1.0-1.5m b/d this year and US in 2015, according to forecasts in the immediate aftermath of the Relatively small shifts in the and 4.0 percent in 2016, the World On US roads, traffic volumes are shale output set to fall by perhaps published this month by both Asian financial crisis. demand for freight and passen- Trade Organisation has predicted. up by 3-5 percent compared with 150,000-300,000 b/d in the second the International Energy Agency In a normal economic expansion, ger transport can therefore have This is below the long-term 12 months ago, according to sta- half, it is possible to see a pathway and the US Energy Information oil consumption has almost invari- a large impact on oil demand. trend of 5 percent in growth in tistics from the Federal Highway for the oil market to return near Administration (EIA). ably grown by at least 1 percent In recent years, global transpor- trade volumes per year since 1990, Administration and state tax col- to balance by early 2016. Ian Taylor, chief executive of or 1m b/d, sometimes much more. tation demand has been restrained, but it is still faster than the 2.8 lectors. If the increase in private Nonetheless, there are several Vitol, the world’s largest oil trader, Forecasts by IEA, EIA, Vitol and first by the sharp rise in fuel prices percent achieved in 2014, when oil motoring and freight activity is potential obstacles to rebalancing. has also predicted demand will BP therefore appear realistic, pro- between 2004 and 2008 and then by demand nonetheless increased by sustained, it could translate into First and foremost is the potential grow by around 1m b/d, at a con- vided the global economy does not the lingering effects of the recession around 850,000 b/d. an increase of 250,000 or even rise in Iranian exports if sanctions ference hosted by the Financial fall into recession, something which in the advanced economies between In aviation, the number of pas- 500,000 b/d in gasoline and diesel are lifted. Iran could add an extra Times. Paul Reed, who heads oil appears unlikely at this point. 2008 and 2012. Many individuals sengers is set to increase by more consumption. 500,000 to 1m b/d of extra crude trading for BP, put growth at Oil consumption is inextricably and businesses travelled less and than 6.5 percent from 2014 to Just these three sources — to global supplies within a fairly up to 1.5m b/d, according to the linked to the demand for trans- focused on travelling using less 3.53 billion in 2015, according to shipping, airlines and US roads — short space of time if and when Financial Times. portation. The transportation sec- fuel to reduce costs. the International Air Transport could easily account for between sanctions are lifted. Consumption has increased by tor accounts for 60 percent of oil But the price of oil has halved Association (IATA). Airlines will 750,000 b/d and 1m b/d of extra REUTERS THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,992.61 0.13 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 18,637.13 0.14 % RATE QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,542.98 0.40 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Index 3,207.04 0.15 % GOLD QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,218.88 0.11 % Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5812.811 -31.218 -0.53 5963.5 5248.5 QE All Share Industrials 3,951.11 0.48 % QR141.2902 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Cac 40 Index/D 5172.2 -20.44 -0.39 5269.5 4076.16 QE All Share Transportation 2,454 0.75 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.4514 QR 5.5274 QE All Share Real Estate 2,576.72 0.29 % Dj Indu Average 17949.59 -85.34 -0.47 18288.6 15855.12 Euro ...... QR 3.8973 QR 3.9519 QE All Share Insurance 4,093.69 0.57 % QR 1.8872 CA$ ...... QR 2.9335 QR 2.9911 QE All Share Telecoms 1,320.9 0.97 % Hang Seng Inde/D 27933.85 83.36 0.3 28031.96 23312.5 Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.7854 QR 3.8393 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 6258.69 -46.52 -0.74 6363.4 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0302 QR 0.0308 Aus$ ...... QR 2.8129 QR 2.8678 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 33490.64 454.87 1.38 35055.94 28648.23 CRUDE OIL 22-04-2015 21-04-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0575 QR 0.0586 Index 11,992.61 11,977.35 Nikkei 225 Index 20133.9 224.81 1.13 20006 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0355 QR 0.0362 Change 15.26 61.59 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0817 QR 0.0833 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2119.59 1820.66 % 0.13 0.52 $ 61.66 SL Re ...... QR 0.0271 QR 0.0277 YTD% 2.39 2.51 Straits Times/D 3496.24 -12.37 -0.35 3549.85 3267.89 Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0473 Volume 10,267,251 8,888,357 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0359 QR 0.0366 Value (QAR) 414,186,163.16 368,366,740.39 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.2978 QR 0.3039 Trades 5,307 5,525 $ 58.75 Up 19 | Down 19 | Unchanged 01 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 22-04-2015

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED A B G Infra-T/D 212 -3.8 5055 Chola Invest-B/D 590 -21.8 3176 Goodyear I -B/D 634.5 0.75 11143 Kalpat Power-B/D 232.55 -4.55 32882 Rallis India-A/D 221.6 -9.85 66378 Kingfisher/D 348.2 -2.8 2104512 A C C-A/D 1554.65 55.8 21965 Chowgule St-T/D 25 -0.1 8382 Hcl Infosys-B/D 51.45 -0.25 291027 Kanoria Chem-B/D 45.2 0.25 12962 Reliance Indus/D 406.25 1.35 48285 Land Secs Grou/D 1268 -13 608963 Aarti Drugs-B/D 704 -5.5 9504 Cimmco-B/D 106.3 9.65 24956 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 14.47 -0.03 500726 Kg Denim-B/D 22.9 0.45 24802 Ruchi Soya-B/D 42.1 -0.05 114779 Legal & Genera/D 276 -3 7427208 Aban Offs-A/D 441.3 -7.2 193913 Cipla-A/D 657.85 4.35 222648 Himat Seide-B/D 83.55 -1.05 10601 Kilburnengg-T/D 61.85 1.85 54738 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 579.75 -8 2987 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 78.1 -0.92 51936298 Aegis Logis-B/D 711 18 43774 City Union Bk-/D 94.35 0 54949 Hind Motors-T/D 6.7 -0.1 27784 Kopran-B/D 52.7 0.4 84522 Salora Inter-B/D 56 -1.55 16514 Marks & Sp./D 558.18 0 2153519 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 261.05 1.75 191752 Cmc Ltd-A/D 1874.1 10.7 5208 Hind Org Chem-/D 15.95 -0.14 13689 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 40.6 -3.65 5640 Samtel-T/D 7.43 0.35 35690 Next/D 7150 -30 303462 Alembic-B/D 38 0.75 201222 Colgate-A/D 1957.95 -26.55 20501 Hind Unilever-/D 905.1 31.4 180928 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 10.74 -0.07 16328 Saur.Cem-B/D 42.85 0.25 40350 Pearson/D 1392 -17 1518980 Alok Indus-A/D 7.82 0.09 864298 Container Cor-/D 1616.6 -21.6 30484 Hind.Petrol-A/D 647.2 18.4 306875 Lupin-A/D 1749.9 -8.55 113584 Tanfac Indust-/D 20.66 0.98 6589 Prudential/D 1633.5 -17.5 880982 Apollo Tyre-A/D 174.9 1.85 338723 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 208 -4.8 11343 Hindalco-A/D 134.8 -0.05 1019827 Lyka Labs-T/D 58 0.2 50167 Thirumalai-B/D 91.1 -1.3 1212 Rank Group/D 188 -2 33492 Asahi I Glass-/D 129.8 -4.65 9915 Dhampur Sugar-/D 36.4 0.35 9423 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1279.25 20.2 193393 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 165 -0.4 1548 Timexgroup-T/D 24.15 -0.7 123071 Rentokil Initi/D 137.1 -0.9 384213 Ashok Leyland-/D 70.9 0.4 1114038 Dr. Reddy-A/D 3567.4 105.3 17039 I F C I-A/D 34.15 0.05 286508 Mah.Seamless-B/D 198.8 -2.7 11762 Tinplate-B/D 60 0.15 38746 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1037 30 5645818 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1256.75 -13.65 1040 E I H-B/D 107.85 0.2 3997 Idbi-A/D 80.5 -1.55 1960835 Mangalam Cem-B/D 275 -3.1 2580 Ucal Fuel-B/D 114.7 0.9 27122 Rsa Insrance G/D 418.8 -3.6 744926 Ballarpur In-B/D 14.37 -0.18 95171 E.I.D Parry-A/D 165.3 -2 13139 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 617.75 -4.5 12603 Maral Overs-B/D 35.35 1.3 64420 Ucal Fuel-B/D 114.7 0.9 27122 Sainsbury(J)/D 268.7 -4.5 5527703 Bata India-A/D 1005 -6.8 132001 Eicher Motor-A/D 14389 68.4 4795 India Cement-A/D 98.8 -1.6 208857 Mastek-B/D 422.9 -13.7 267374 Ultramarine-B/D 68.5 -0.5 13629 Schroders/D 3275 -54 112314 Bayer Crop-A/D 3884.1 -2.95 2973 Electrosteel-B/D 18.05 -0.1 160980 India Glycol-B/D 92.9 0.55 12164 Max India L-A/D 437.2 -2.2 49272 Unitech P -A/D 16.5 0.05 5218845 Severn Trent/D 2143.5894 -20 180024 Beml Ltd-A/D 1026.7 -33.7 53281 Emco-B/D 34.05 0.45 52278 Indian Hotel-A/D 109.75 2.35 45309 Mrpl-A/D 72.3 -1.65 49826 Smith&Nephew/D 1170.25 5 1143820 Bh Electronic-/D 3187.55 57.25 29993 Escorts Fin-B/D 4.1 -0.15 10480 Indo-Tcount-T/D 446.4 -9 13561 Nahar Spg.-B/D 93.7 -1.2 20169 LONDON Smiths Group/D 1144 -6 299049 Bhansali Eng-T/D 19.6 1.3 3258 Escorts-A/D 132.5 0.4 165822 Indusind-A/D 845.6 8.25 193890 Nation Alum -A/D 47.15 0 69233 Standrd Chart /D 1045 -20 2736479 Bharat Bijle-B/D 645.75 3.5 2581 Essar Oil-T/D 106.1 -0.05 37921 J.B.Chemical-B/D 234.25 8 132338 Navneet Edu-B/D 100 -2.5 13488 Tate & Lyle/D 620.5 -22 898457 Bharatgears-B/D 73.25 -1.75 6907 Eveready Indu-/D 291 6.7 53547 Jagatjit Ind-T/D 38.95 1.85 2655 Nepc India-T/D 2.39 -0.05 14234 3I Group/D 503.5 1 869483 Tesco/D 229.881 -4.65 34392341 Bhel-A/D 231 3.15 397639 F D C-B/D 157.45 3.3 29152 Jagson Phar-B/D 32.2 -1.25 36260 Neuland Lab-B/D 385 8 13019 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2733 21 692657 Unilever/D 2987 -28 1282953 Bom.Burmah-B/D 436.15 -1.75 52218 Federal Bank-A/D 127.8 0.05 155637 Jbf Indu-B/D 227 1.6 20442 Nrb Bearings-B/D 124.3 -0.9 3087 Barclays/D 253.7 -1.3 13331559 United Util Gr/D 972.5 -8 570789 Bombay Dyeing-/D 68.7 -0.95 352876 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.85 -0.39 15535 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.5 -0.01 20000 O N G C-A/D 312.1 -8.35 893173 Bg Group/D 1189.5 -4.5 3493348 Vodafone Group/D 226.24 -0.6 12270024 Camph.& All-B/D 260.7 -10.8 4105 Fgp Ltd-B/D 2.05 -0.1 5490 Jct Ltd-B/D 3.37 0 128602 Ocl India-B/D 414.95 -0.6 1236 Bp/D 482.249 2.3 13043844 Whitbread/D 5300 -30 156647 Canfin Homes-B/D 712.5 -10 16196 Finolex-A/D 288 -4.25 15400 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 6.43 0.15 21596 Oil Country-B/D 36.95 -1.25 20619 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3725 -37.5 869199 Caprihans-B/D 85 1.9 5507 Gail-A/D 375.6 -2.1 116052 Jik Indust-T/D 0.99 -0.05 20800 Onward Tech-B/D 53.15 1.85 9056 Bt Group/D 462.05 5.2 9786261 Castrol India-/D 468 -2.75 49703 Gammon India-T/D 20.3 -1.05 285064 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 121.4 -3.45 286736 Orchid Chem-B/D 54.7 0 89444 Centrica/D 258.2 -1.1 6288354 Century Enka-B/D 192 15.2 236165 Garden P -B/D 33.2 4.95 416732 Jmc Projects-T/D 198.5 1.7 2707 Orient.Carb.-T/D 508.7 0.2 8228 Gkn/D 364.6 0 2365765 Century Text-A/D 736.4 21.65 1079738 Godfrey Phil-B/D 507 -1.1 2040 Kabra Extr-B/D 74.95 -2.05 46820 Punjab Chem.-B/D 222.2 -7 22550 Hsbc Holdings/D 606.5 -6.7 7837344 Chambal Fert-B/D 68.55 -0.3 59250 Goodricke-B/D 154.5 0.9 13144 Kajaria Cer-A/D 773 8.45 3991 Radico Khait-B/D 92.35 -1.65 69901 Imperial Tobac/D 3290 -14 580906 THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Stanley Cup Baseball Results Washington 2 St Louis 1 Play-off Results Philadelphia 7 Miami 3 National Hockey League play- LeBron carries Cavaliers Chicago Cubs 9 Pittsburgh 8 off results on Tuesday (all series Toronto 13 Baltimore 6 best-of-seven): NY Yankees 5 Detroit 2 Eastern Conference NY Mets 7 Atlanta 1 Detroit 3 Tampa Bay 0 Boston 1 Tampa Bay 0 (Detroit lead series 2-1) past Celtics in play-offs Cincinnati 16 Milwaukee 10 NY Islanders 1 Washington 2 (Series tied 2-2) Cleveland 6 Chicago White Sox 2 Western Conference Kansas City 6 Minnesota 5 Calgary 3 Vancouver 1 Cleveland take 2-0 lead as Wizards surprise Raptors San Diego 7 Colorado 6 (Calgary lead series 2-1) Texas 7 Arizona 1 LA Angels 14 Oakland 1 LOS ANGELES: LeBron James tallied 30 points, nine Houston 6 Seattle 3 Blackhawks beat rebounds and seven assists as Cleveland San Francisco 6 LA Dodgers 2 the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Cavaliers Predators 3-2 in the Boston Celtics 99-91 on forward Cubs rally in Tuesday to seize a 2-0 lead in LeBron their first round play-off series. triple overtime James James committed six of shoots in ninth inning to CHICAGO: Chicago goalie Cleveland’s 18 turnovers but came Scott Darling played like an All- through down the stretch. the fourth beat Pirates Star, while defenseman Brent “I’ve been in this moment quarter Seabrook’s goal exactly one before and a lot of our guys against PITTSBURGH: Starlin Castro minute into a third overtime haven’t,” said James, who also the hit a game-tying two-run single led the Chicago Blackhawks to passed Jerry West for seventh on Boston and Welington Castillo drove in a 3-2 victory over the Nashville the NBA’s all-time playoff scor- Celtics in the winning run as the Chicago Predators in a four-plus hour ing list. game two Cubs rallied for a 9-8 victory game on Tuesday at the United “I felt like it was important for of the first over Pittsburgh. Center here. me to put a staple on the game round of With the Cubs down 8-6, The Blackhawks now lead the the best way I know how and the NBA Anthony Rizzo led off the ninth Predators 3-1 in the best-of-seven that’s to be aggressive. It’s very play-offs with a single and went to third on first round Western Conference important for me to be there for at the Jorge Soler’s double. Rookie Kris play-off series. my team when needed.” Quicken Bryant singled and Castro then Even though he played a heck In the other Eastern Loans bounced a two-run single over of a game himself, stopping 44 of Conference game on Tuesday, Arena in third baseman Josh Harrison’s 47 shots, Nashville goalie Pekka John Wall scored 26 points as the head. Cleveland Rinne couldn’t stop Seabrook’s Washington Wizards surprised Castillo, the Cubs’ third-string on tally. Center Antoine Vermette the Toronto Raptors 117-106 to catcher, then bounced out to sec- and left winger Brandon Saad take a 2-0 lead in their best-of- Tuesday ond on a high chopper that ena- scored in regulation for the seven series. night. bled Bryant to score and pin the Blackhawks while center Colin The Houston Rockets beat loss on closer Mark Melancon Wilson and left winger James the Dallas Mavericks 111-99 to — his first blown save in three Neal scored for the Predators. take a 2-0 series lead in the only Boston didn’t get the victory a playoff career-high 28 points Williams, who was named the opportunities. Flames 3, Canucks 1 Western Conference playoff game. but they did give the Cavs a scare. and Marcin Gortat added 16 and NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year on Nationals 2, Cardinals 1 (10 Rookie left winger Johnny Kyrie Irving followed up his They led in the last minute of the eight rebounds for the Wizards. Monday, paced Toronto with 20 innings) Gaudreau scored his first Stanley 30-point playoff debut in game one opening half and were within four The Wizards finished the reg- points apiece. Yunel Escobar had a two-out Cup playoff goal as the Calgary with 26 points for the Cavaliers, points with just over three min- ular season 17-24 on the road, In Houston, Josh Smith tal- solo homer in the bottom of the Flames beat the Vancouver while Timofey Mozgov and Kevin utes to go. but the postseason is their time lied 13 points, nine assists and 10th inning off Carlos Villanueva Canucks 3-1 in Game 4 of their Love chipped in 16 and 13 points, “We made those guys earn to shine. With this victory, they six rebounds in the second half as Washington beat St. Louis 2-1 Western Conference playoff respectively. everything they got,” said Boston improved to 7-1 in their last eight to lead the Rockets over the for a rare win over the defend- series. Isaiah Thomas once again led coach Brad Stevens. “I think that playoff games on the road. Mavericks. Smith had just two ing National League Central Right winger Jiri Hudler and the Celtics with 22 points. But it is a step in the right direction.” DeMar DeRozan and Lou points in the first half. AFP champions. center Sam Bennett had the wasn’t enough for the underdogs Boston led at the end of one There were 23 runners left on other goals for the Flames, who to grab homecourt advantage in quarter 26-25 and used a 12-2 base through nine innings as the lead the series 3-1 and can clinch the series. They will host game run in the middle of the second teams combined for 20 hits and their first playoff series since three on Thursday. quarter to take its largest lead at Budenholzer named just two runs in regulation play. 2004 Thursday night in Game 45-36. It was the third career walk-off 5 at Vancouver. Center Henrik Play-off Results Again the Cavs had an answer, homer for Escobar. Sedin replied for the Canucks, scoring 15 of the final 19 points in coach of the year Royals 6, Twins 5 his first goal of the series, while NBA play-offs first-round the half to take a 51-50 lead into Mike Moustakas homered and goalie Ryan Miller made his play- results on Tuesday (all series the break. NEW YORK: Mike Budenholzer (pictured), who led the Atlanta drove in three runs as Kansas off debut for Vancouver, replac- best-of-seven): They looked as if they were Hawks to a franchise-record 60 wins this season, has been named City rallied to defeat Minnesota ing Eddie Lack after a shaky first Eastern Conference going to pull away with a quick the NBA’s coach of the year, the league announced 6-5. Moustakas singled home period when he allowed three At Cleveland 10-0 run in the third quarter, on Tuesday. Paulo Orlando with the go-ahead goals on seven shots. Cleveland 99 Boston 91 highlighted by a pair of alley-oop Budenholzer received 67 first-place votes and a total run with two outs in the eighth. Capitals 2, Islanders 1 (Cleveland lead series 2-0) tosses that were finished off by of 513 points from a nationwide panel of sportswriters Salvador Perez opened the inning (overtime) At Toronto Love and James. to beat out Golden State’s Steve Kerr for the award. with a single and Jarrod Dyson Washington’s Nicklas Washington 117 Toronto 106 The Celtics pulled within two Atlanta won the Southeast Division and earned the pinch-ran. After pitcher Casey Backstrom scored with 8:51 left (Washington lead series 2-0) 79-77 when Thomas converted a top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Fien made five throws to first in overtime to lift the Capitals three-point play with 9:17 remain- The Hawks had a 19-game winning streak during base, Orlando singled up the mid- Western Conference to a 2-1 win over the New York ing in regulation. the season, including a perfect 17-0 record in the dle, moving Dyson to third. Dyson Islanders and square their Eastern At Houston From there, James scored 11 of month of January, which helped a team-record four then scored on second baseman Conference quarter-finals at two Houston 111 Dallas 99 his game-high total. Hawks make the all-star game. AFP Christian Colon’s ground out. games each. REUTERS (Houston lead series 2-0) In Toronto, Bradley Beal scored REUTERS Nehra bowls CSK to victory Sarkar’s maiden century helps BENGALURU: Looking every inch a thoroughbred team, Scoreboard Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Bangladesh rout Pakistan 3-0 comfortably won the south- SUNRISERS HYDERABAD KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS ern derby by defeating Royal S Dhawan c Botha b Russell ...... 54 R V Uthappa c P Kumar b Henriques ...... 34 DHAKA: Opening batsman Challengers Bangalore by 27 D A Warner c Uthappa b Morkel ...... 91 G Gambhir b P Kumar ...... 4 Soumya Sarkar hit a maiden Scoreboard runs here yesterday to record R S Bopara c Botha b Morkel ...... 2 M K Pandey (not out) ...... 33 one-day century as Bangladesh their fourth win in five matches, N V Ojha b U T Yadav ...... 18 A D Russell c Steyn b Bopara ...... 19 thrashed woeful Pakistan by PAKISTAN 2-0-22-0 (2w); Nasir 7-0-37-1; Rubel 6-0-43- while the hosts suffered their M C Henriques (not out)...... 7 Y K Pathan c Sharma b B Kumar ...... 6 eight wickets in Dhaka yester- Azhar Ali b Shakib ...... 101 2 (1w); Sunny 10-0-43-2; Shakib 10-0-34-2; third loss in four outings. K L Rahul (not out) ...... 0 S A Yadav (not out) ...... 2 day to sweep the one-day series Sami Aslam c Rahim b Nasir ...... 45 Sabbir 2-0-17-0; Mahmudullah 2-0-9-0. Former India seamer Ashish Extras (B-1, LB-1, W-1, NB-1) ...... 4 Extras (W-3) ...... 3 3-0. Mohammad Hafeez b Sunny ...... 4 BANGLADESH Nehra who will turn 36 next Total (for 4 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 176 Total (for 4 wkts in 12 overs) ...... 101 The 22-year-old left-hander Haris Sohail c Rahim b Mashrafe ...... 52 T Iqbal lbw b J Khan ...... 64 week, came up with double strikes Fall of wickets: 1-130, 2-143, 3-162, 4-170. Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-49, 3-80, 4-94. smashed an unbeaten 127 as Mohammad Rizwan c&b Shakib...... 4 S Sarkar (not out) ...... 127 in his second and fourth overs for Bowling: J Botha 4-0-26-0 (1w); M Morkel Bowling: D W Steyn 3-0 24-0; B Kumar 3-0- the fired-up hosts surpassed Fawad Alam c Nasir b Mashrafe ...... 4 M Mahmudullah b J Khan ...... 4 figures of 4 for 10 as RCB, despite 4-0-31-2; S P Narine 4-0-38-0; Y K Pathan 24-1 (1w); P Kumar 2-0-18-1; K V Sharma Pakistan’s modest 250 all out Saad Nasim c Taskin b Rubel ...... 22 M Rahim (not out) ...... 49 a fighting knock by skipper Virat 2-0-18-0; U T Yadav 4-0-40-1 (1nb); P P 1-0-5-0; M C Henriques 1-0-9-1 (1w); Bipul in the 40th over at the Sher-e- Wahab Riaz c Mashrafe b Rubel ...... 7 Extras (LB-1, NB-2, W-4) ...... 7 Kohli (51, 42b, 4x4, 2x6), man- Chawla 1-0-15; A D Russell 1-0-6-1. Sharma 1-0-14-0; R S Bopara 1-0-7-1. Bangla stadium. Umar Gul (run out) ...... 0 Total (for 2 wkts in 39.3 overs) ...... 251 aged 154 for eight, chasing Super Pakistan captain Azhar Ali’s Zulfiqar Babar (not out) ...... 1 Fall of wickets: 1-145, 2-154. Kings’ impressive total of 181 for these early blows. Nehra returned (62), who provided momentum 100 made no difference to his Junaid Khan b Sunny ...... 4 Did not bat: S Al Hasan, S Rahman, N Hossain, eight. for his second spell and grabbed while an 18-ball 33 not out by team’s fortunes after Bangladesh Extras (LB-1, W-5) ...... 6 M Mortaza, A Sunny, T Ahmed, R Hossain. Much of home team’s hopes two more wickets to effectively Faf du Plessis at the tail-end saw had won the first match by 79 Total (all out in 49 overs) ...... 250 Bowling: M Hafeez 8-1-37-0; U Gul 7-0-53-0 were shattered early in their end RCB’s challenge. the visitors post a sizeable total. runs and the second by seven Fall of wickets: 1-91, 2-105, 3-203, 4-207, (w-3); W Riaz 6-0-30-0(w-1); J Khan 7.3-0-67- innings when Nehra picked up The Super Kings innings was IANS wickets. 5-213, 6-224, 7-243, 8-244, 9-245, 10-250. 2 (nb-2); Z Babar 10-0-56-0; Az Ali 1-0-7-0. two wickets in his second over built around opener Dwayne It was the first series white- Bowling: Mashrafe 10-0-44-2 (2w); Taskin Result: Bangladesh won by 8 wickets. and RCB could not recover from Smith (39) and Suresh Raina Sunrisers beat KKR wash by the Tigers against an VISHAKHAPATNAM: Asian Test-playing nation, and after Sarkar, who hit 13 bounda- claimed two wickets each as Scoreboard Sunrisers Hyderabad pac- followed their appearance in ries and six sixes in his 110-ball Bangladesh clawed their way back ers gave an awesome display of the quarter-finals of the recent innings, put on 145 for the first after wayward bowling earlier in CHENNAI SUPER KINGS ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE bowling at the death to propel World Cup in Australia and New wicket with Tamim Iqbal. the innings. D R Smith c Karthik b Patel ...... 39 M S Bisla c du Plessis b Nehra ...... 17 their side to a 16-run win over Zealand. Tamim, who had slammed cen- Azhar led from the front to B B McCullum c Rossouw b Chahal ...... 4 R R Rossouw b Nehra ...... 14 holders Kolkata Knight Riders Bangladesh captain Mashrafe turies in the first two matches, become the first Pakistani captain S K Raina c Rossouw b Chahal...... 62 V Kohlic Smith b Nehra ...... 51 (KKR) in a rain-curtailed Mortaza said he was delighted missed a third consecutive hun- in five years to score an one-day M S Dhoni c de Villiers b Chahal ...... 13 K D Karthik c Bravo b Pandey ...... 10 Indian Premier League (IPL) at the way the team had shaped dred when he was leg-before to century following Shahid Afridi’s R A Jadeja c Kohli b Iqbal Abdulla ...... 8 A B de Villiers (run out-Smith/Dhoni) ...... 14 contest here yesterday. up in the past few months and Junaid Khan for 64. 124 against Bangladesh in 2010. F du Plessis (not out) ...... 33 S N Khan c Sharma b Jadeja ...... 11 Put in to bat, Sunrisers piled up hoped to continue the good work The left-arm seamer also He heaped praise on Bangladesh D J Bravo c de Villiers b Iqbal Abdulla ...... 5 D Wiese c Smith b Bravo ...... 22 176/4, before showers reduced the in future. bowled Mohammad Mahmudullah for outplaying his young team R Ashwin c Bisla b Wiese ...... 5 H V Patel c Bravo b Nehra ...... 0 Knights’ target to 118 in 12 overs “This is a good team we have in his next over, but Mushfiqur that included just four players M M Sharma b Starc ...... 2 M A Starc (not out) ...... 9 as the Duckworth-Lewis rule was and I am really happy the way Rahim (49 not out) ensured vic- from the World Cup. A Nehra (not out) ...... 0 Extras (LB-5, W-1) ...... 6 invoked at the VDCA Stadium in we are playing,” he said. “Soumya tory with an unbroken stand of 97 “I would like to congratulate Extras (B-1, LB-6, W-3) ...... 10 Total (for 8 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 154 this port city. (Sarkar) was brilliant today but for the third wicket with Sarkar. Bangladesh because they played Total (for 8 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 181 Did not bat: Iqbal Abdulla, Y S Chahal. The Knights, however, could our work is not done yet. We Pakistan were left to rue a very good cricket,” he said. “We Did not bat: I C Pandey. Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-33, 3-61, 4-85, 5-97, only muster 101/4 in their allot- will now focus on the remaining dramatic collapse when they lost played well in patches but we Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-70, 3-124, 4-132, 6-123, 7-123, 8-154. ted overs, with the batsmen fail- matches.” eight wickets for 47 runs after could not put it together. 5-135, 6-156, 7-168, 8-177. Bowling: I C Pandey 4-0-21-1; A Nehra 4-0- ing to take full advantage of loose The two teams will play a Azhar’s century had lifted them “As everybody knows, our sen- Bowling: M A Starc 4-0-24-1;Y S Chahal 4-0- 10-4; M M Sharma 4-0-39-0; R Ashwin 1-0- deliveries, while the home side’s Twenty20 international on Friday to a comfortable 203 for two in ior players have left the one-day 40-3; H V Patel 4-0-28-1; D Wiese 4-0-46-1 17-0 (1w); R A Jadeja 4-0-37-1; D J Bravo bowlers also came up with a good before starting a two-Test series the 39th over. scene. The youngsters have to (1w); Iqbal Abdulla 4-0-36-2 (2w). 3-0-25-1. show, maintaining good line and from April 28. Shakib Al Hasan, Mortaza, stand up and we have to pull our length. IANS The win was never in doubt Arafat Sunny and Rubel Hossain heads together,” he added. AFP THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Who said what “We did a good job today. I am quite happy. We had to open the road and keep a good speed. We ‘Desert Kings’ Al Attiyah were a little cautious in places just to find the right way. We pushed a little in the dunes to make a gap and then it was a case of not getting a puncture.” Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and Coma surge ahead “It was a difficult day again. We start in the dunes, but the last part was like a different stage, rocky, a lot of pistes and (we 2015 Sealine Cross-Country Rally: Two more days to go in gruelling race have to) follow the cap. I had a good rhythm all day. The feeling was good. I know Joan (Barreda SEALINE: Qatar’s Nasser Bort) was pushing, but to push Saleh Al Attiyah and Spain’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah of Qatar in and not to make a mistake is a Marc Coma increased their action during day three of the 2015 fine balance.” leads in the car and motorcycle Sealine Cross-Country Rally yesterday. Marc Coma categories of the Sealine Cross- Country Rally, after the third “With these new rules we have 392.52km selective loop sec- to use them as best as possible. tion through the Qatar desert After yesterday’s result I knew I yesterday. had a little advantage. I really Marc Coma lost the virtual do well and I catch them all and overall lead to Joan Barreda Bort make a lot of time. Now I can during the day’s stage and then choose my starting position. I will fought back to set the third quick- try again and see what happens est time and extend his overall at the end.” advantage over new second-placed Paolo Gonçalves Jordi Viladoms to 10min 12sec. It was another impressive per- “Not a good stage. I got lost at formance by the five-time Dakar km240 trying to get a lead on winner and means that he can Sonik. I was with him the whole now manage his race strategy time. Then I came back at way- over the next two days. point 250 and I think I got some Coma said: “It was a difficult time back.” day again. We start in the dunes, Mohammed Abu Isa but the last part was like a differ- ent stage, rocky, a lot of pistes and TODAY’S STAGE “It was tough. I did a couple of (we have to) follow the cap. I had Today’s penultimate 406.78km mistakes but they were not big. a good rhythm all day. The feeling The biggest one was when I was good. I know Joan (Barreda stage of the Sealine event will be was following Mohammed. He’s Bort) was pushing, but to push the longest of the entire rally. It extremely fast, but making navi- and not to make a mistake is a starts 940 metres from the bivouac gation mistakes. Sometimes he fine balance.” and finishes 4.32km away and does not match the speed with Portugal’s Paolo Gonçalves uses sections of other stages and the navigation. We keep an eye changed his tactics on Tuesday on each other. He was pushing to upset the running order and different combinations of tracks, and I had to keep an eye on the the decision worked well for the sand flats and dunes. right path.” Team HRC rider. Rafal Sonik He won the stage by a mar- gin of 2min 04sec from Pablo Quintanilla and climbed to fourth I was scared then not to make a times for the third 392.52km overall. mistake or get a puncture. But selective section. There was no “With these new rules we have I am quite happy with this posi- wind but temperatures were fore- to use them as best as possible. tion. The points are the important cast to climb into the high thirties After yesterday’s result I knew thing for second place.” and it was 25°C when the first of I had a little advantage. I really Dutchman Erik van Loon and the bikes left the bivouac for the do well and I catch them all and Briton Harry Hunt lost their short 3.58km road section to the make a lot of time. Now I can fourth and ninth places in the start. choose my starting position. I will overall standings after crashing Around 30km of sand dunes try again and see what happens at 153.27km into the day’s stage on featured from the start on this the end,” said Gonçalves. Qatar’s western shoreline. occasion, before the stage crossed Stage opener Barreda Bort Poland’s Rafal Sonik has been Qatar from east to west along attacked from the start, but battling for the odd second with the northern extremities of the time loss before the fourth pas- Qatar’s Mohammed Abu Issa for Inland Sea, before heading to the sage control was costly for the over 12 hours of racing in the west of Qatar and then moving up Spaniard. quad category and the pair were the west coast. “I have a navigation mistake. separated by just two seconds in The stage then wound its way To go all day alone is so diffi- the overall standings at one con- through the heart of the south cult. I was opening and pushing trol point on today’s stage. Abu of the country to a finish near real hard. I try. I know it is not Issa led the Dakar champion for Sealine. easy with this situation. I try to much of the day, but a naviga- The rules meant that Barreda change,” he said. tional mistake cost him dearly Bort and Sunderland were Al Attiyah extended his overall and this has handed the Pole a forced to open the road and the lead in the car category to 22min lead of 2min 01sec going into the Spaniard was in impressive form Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al-Rajhi raises a dust storm in his Overdrive Toyota Hilux. 19sec with a third successive stage final two days. to reach PC1 1min 49sec in front win. “Not a good stage, sighed Abu of Sunderland and 2min 28sec “We did a good job today. I am Issa. “I got lost at km240 trying ahead of Coma. quite happy. We had to open the to get a lead on Sonik. I was with It meant the Honda rider had 2015 Sealine Cross-Country Rally – positions on SS3 road and keep a good speed. We him the whole time. Then I came claimed the virtual stage lead Cars were a little cautious in places just back at waypoint 250 and I think from Coma by 25 seconds. Abu 1. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Mini All4 Racing 3hr 59min 49sec to find the right way. We pushed I got some time back.” Issa managed to hunt down Sonik 2. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS) Mini All4 Racing 4hr 08min 11sec a little in the dunes to make a Sonik remains focused: “It was and reached PC1 54 seconds in 3. Yazeed Al-Rajhi (SAU)/Timo Gottchalk (DEU) Overdrive Toyota Hilux 4hr 09min 05sec gap and then it was a case of not tough. I did a couple of mistakes front of the Pole to reduce the 4. Reinaldo Varela (BRA)/Gustavo Gugelmin (BRA) Overdrive Toyota Hilux 4hr 12min 50sec getting a puncture.” but they were not big, fortu- Dakar champion’s virtual quad Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al-Rajhi nately. The biggest one was when lead to just four seconds. 5. Joan Roma (ESP)/Alex Haro (ESP) Mini All4 Racing 4hr 13min 35sec blotted his copybook early in the I was following Mohammed. He’s Gonçalves continued to lead the 6. Marek Dabrowski (POL)/Jacek Czachor (POL) Overdrive Toyota Hilux 4hr 18min 07sec stage and lost over five minutes, extremely fast, but making navi- motorcycle group through PC2, Bikes but still reached the finish in gation mistakes. Sometimes he although Coma was in a competi- 1. Paulo Gonçalves (PRT) Honda CRF 450 Rally 4hr 29min 46sec third place and maintained sec- does not match the speed with tive pace and Barreda Bort’s vir- 2. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI) KTM 450 Rally Replica 4hr 31min 50sec ond overall. the navigation. We keep an eye tual lead was pegged back to just 3. Marc Coma (ESP) KTM 450 Rally Replica 4hr 33min 45sec “After about 14km we stop in on each other and he was pushing two seconds. some easy place, stuck, and we and I had to keep an eye on the Portugal’s Joao Rolo Simoes 4. Matthias Walkner (AUT) KTM 450 Rally Replica 4hr 35min 57sec were passed by (Reinaldo) Varela right path. Now I hope I gained retired from the over-450 motor- 5. Jordi Viladoms (ESP) KTM 450 Rally Replica 4hr 37min 48sec and (Vladimir) Vasilyev,” admit- some good time.” cycle class and recurring issues 6. Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 Rally Replica 4hr 41min 47sec ted Al-Rajhi. Twenty-seven cars, 22 bikes from Tuesday’s arm injury forced 7. Joan Barreda Bort (ESP) Honda CRF 450 Rally 4hr 43min 39sec “Then we pass them again and and four quads were given start Jeremias Esquerra to call it a day Quads on his factory Honda. 11. Rafal Sonik (POL) Honda TRX 700 5hr 27min 38sec Al Attiyah remained in a class of his own in the car category 12. Mohammed Abu Issa (QAT) Honda TRX 680 5hr 28min 41sec and was 5min 59sec faster than Positions after SS3 Al-Rajhi through PC1. Roma was Cars the Qatari’s closest rival after 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Mini All4 Racing 9hr 36min 04sec Vasilyev lost a little time in the 2. Yazeed Al-Rajhi (SAU)/Timo Gottchalk (DEU) Overdrive Toyota Hilux 9hr 58min 23sec sand dunes. 3. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS) Mini All4 Racing 10hr 02min 47sec Erik van Loon and Harry Hunt both crashed heavily after 4. Reinaldo Varela (BRA)/Gustavo Gugelmin (BRA) Overdrive Toyota Hilux 10hr 24min 28sec 153.27km. The two Minis were 5. Joan Roma (ESP)/Alex Haro (ESP) Mini All4 Racing 10hr 24min 42sec damaged, none of the four team 6. Marek Dabrowski (POL)/Jacek Czachor (POL) Overdrive Toyota Hilux 10hr 37min 49sec members were injured, but the 7. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Maciej Marton (POL) H3 Evo 7 10hr 38min 42sec Dutchman and the Briton lost 8. Yuriy Sazonov (KAZ)/Arslan Sakhimov (KAZ) Hummer H3 Evo 11hr 29min 07sec fourth and ninth overall as a result. 9. Adam Malysz (POL)/Rafal Marton (POL) Mini All4 Racing 11hr 29min 22sec Coma had regained the virtual Bikes motorcycle rally lead by PC3 1. Marc Coma (ESP) KTM 450 Rally Replica 10hr 54min 02sec and went on to finish the stage 2. Jordi Viladoms (ESP) KTM 450 Rally Replica 11hr 04min 14sec in third position, with the stage 3. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI) KTM 450 Rally Replica 11hr 04min 15sec win falling to Gonçalves. The 4. Paulo Gonçalves (PRT) Honda CRF 450 Rally 11hr 04min 35sec result also meant that Gonçalves’s strategy of slowing on the previ- 5. Matthias Walkner (AUT) KTM 450 Rally Replica 11hr 05min 10sec ous day had worked perfectly and 6. Joan Barreda Bort (ESP) Honda CRF 450 Rally 11hr 05min 59sec the Portuguese moved up from 7. Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 Rally Replica 11hr 07min 00sec Marc Coma in eighth to fourth in the general 8. Mohammed Al-Balooshi (ARE) KTM 450 Rally Replica 12hr 14min 32sec action during classification. 9. Armand Monleón (ESP) KTM 450 Rally Replica 12hr 40min 38sec SS3 yesterday. Barreda Bort lost substantial Quads time with a navigational mistake before PC4 and slipped to sixth 10. Rafal Sonik (POL) Honda TRX 700 12hr 54min 06sec overall. THE PENINSULA 11. Mohammed Abu Issa (QAT) Honda TRX 680 12hr 56min 07sec THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Horse Racing: Backlash grows Results against anti-IOC Local Thoroughbred Handicap Rated 0 - 70 1800M rebel leader Running Time: 1:56:23 Al Moheeb, Jassim Al Ghazali, Harry Bentley SOCHI, RUSSIA: Fallout from My Way, Majed Seifeddine, T. O’Shea an explosive dispute between a Battash, Mohammed Hamad Al Attiya, Alberto sports baron and IOC President Sanna Thomas Bach grew on Tuesday P/A Graduation Plate as more federations froze con- 1900M tacts with the rebellion leader. Running Time: 2:11:25 But Marius Vizer, head of Saintloup, Jassim Al Ghazali, J.P Guillambert SportAccord, an umbrella group of 107 sports federations, refused Kimfalah, Jassim Al Ghazali, Harry Bentley to back down, blasting what he Al Khattaf, J. Smart, R. Mullen called the “cardinals of sport” at Thoroughbred Graduation Plate the IOC. 1900M Vizer, also president of the Running Time: 1:59:78 International Judo Federation, Lion D’Anvers, Jassim Al Ghazali, Stephan has faced growing isolation since Ladjadj his attack on Bach and the IOC at Bal De France, Jassim Al Ghazali, J.P the SportAccord annual congress Guillambert in Sochi on Monday. Makinson Lane, H Al Jehani, Yanis Aouabed The Association of Summer Thoroughbred Handicap Rated 55 - 75 Olympic Federations suspended Jockey T O’Shea, who guided Mekhbatt to Al Zubarah Cup glory, receiving the trophy at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) yesterday. RIGHT: its membership of SportAccord 1200M Action from the race. PICTURES BY: JUHAIM on Tuesday, following the with- Running Time: 1:10:02 drawal of the governing bodies of Aqdaar, I. Al Malki, Alberto Sanna athletics, shooting and archery. Sunley Pride, Debbie Mountain, Gerald The International Paralympic Avranche Committee also withdrew as an Saakhen, Jassim Al Ghazali, Stephan Ladjadj associate member of SportAccord, O’Shea shines as Mekhbatt P/A Handicap Rated 70 - 100 whose annual convention is one of 1800M the biggest events on the sporting Running Time: 2:04:18 business and political calendar. All are protesting over Vizer’s Qassy, Jassim Al Ghazali, Harry Bentley stunning attack on Bach at Sand Legend, I. Al Malki, Alberto Sanna the opening of SportAccord’s tops Al Zubarah Cup field Ashkal, Jassim Al Ghazali, Stephan Ladjadj convention. Thoroughbred Handicap Rated 60 - 80 But Vizer renewed his criticism 1800M and said the IOC was pressuring Running Time: 1:51:43 federations to withdraw from British jockey Bentley inches closer to new milestone Zman Awal, M. Al Yaqout, Gerald Avranche SportAccord. Fugleman, Jassim Al Ghazali, Harry Bentley “The question is to clean up the system and to make it fair for the Succeed and Excel, M. Hussain, Naif K Alanazi DOHA: T O’Shea yesterday in the saddle, ended the race in 1:56:23 in the 100m race. The to win ahead of Fugleman and benefit of sport. Not a system that P/A Special Conditions Race (Retiring P/A) guided Mekhbatt to Al Zubarah third spot. Bentley, who had 94 Briton later saw Qassy cruise Succeed and Excel. defends itself and a specific group Cup glory as British jockey wins at the end of last week, yes- to victory in the 1800m run in In race four, Aqdaar, ridden by 1200M or leaders or cardinals of sport,” Harry Bentley moved closer to terday clinched two more wins race five. Qassy’s winning time Alberto Sanna, finished ahead of Running Time: 1:17:44 Vizer said on the Euronews televi- his personal tally of 100 wins in when he guided Al Moheeb to was 2:04:18. Sand Legend, ridden Sunley Pride and Saakhen. Saint De Faust, Bustawi Ismail, Almotasem sion channel. one season by posting two more victory in race one. by Sanna, finished second while, In race three, Lion D’Anvers Al Balushi “We don’t need cardinals of victories at Qatar Racing and The 22-year-old followed up Ashkal, who had Stephan Ladjadj outpaced Bal De France and Al Mostarsil, Abdullah Al Jaber, T. O’Shea sport. We don’t need popes.” Equestrian Club (QREC). with another win when he pro- in the saddle, ended the race in Makinson Lane while in race Dominicus, B. Al Abid, Alberto Sanna IOC president Bach was a spe- O’Shea topped at the feature duced a slick run with Qassy in third spot. two, Saintloup, ridden by JP Al Zubara Cup L/B P/A Conditions cial guest at the convention when race when Mekhbatt clocked a race five. In race seven, Almotasem Al Guillambert, proved faster than 1900M he heard Vizer slam his reforms time of 2:09.63 in the 1900m dirt Al Mohaeeb finished race one Balushi guided Saint De Faust Kimfalah and Al Khattaf. The of the IOC and the creation of a Running Time: 2:09:63 track race. ahead of My Way, ridden by to win ahead of Al Mostarsil and riders return to QREC today to new Olympic television channel. Raedah, ridden by Gaetan O’Shea, and Battash, who had Dominicus. stake a claim for Al Gharafa Cup Mekhbatt, B. Al Abid, T. O’Shea Vizer accused Bach of seeking Faucon, finished in second spot Alberto Sanna in the saddle. In race six, jockey Gerald honours. Action starts at 5:00pm. Raedah, A. de Mieulle, Gaetan Faucon to block his attempts to organise while Rassan, who had R Mullen Bentley’s winning time was Avranche powered Zman Awal THE PENINSULA Rassan, Jassim Al Ghazali, R. Mullen multi-games sporting events and demanded more power for sport- ing federations. SportAccord’s members are federations inside and outside the Olympics. “The IOC system is expired, Nadal gains revenge over Almagro in Barcelona outdated, wrong, unfair and not at all transparent,” said Vizer, BARCELONA: Rafael Nadal “It was difficult, so I decided to who has led the group since 2013. avenged his shock defeat to step back a metre and put more Barcelona Open Bach flatly rejected Vizer’s Nicolas Almagro at last year’s balls in play and, bar the final demands before leaving Sochi Barcelona Open to move into the game, I controlled the match. Results while other key sports leaders third round in the Catalan capi- “I committed very few errors Second Round: Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) by defended the IOC. tal with a 6-3, 6-1 win yesterday. and I hadn’t forgotten that he Nicolas Almagro (ESP) 6-3, 6-1; Santiago “In my more than 30 years Almagro’s sole victory in beat me last year.” Giraldo (COL x15) bt João Sousa (POR) 6-3, experience, this has never hap- 13 meetings with the 14-time Nadal will face 17-year-old 3-6, 6-1; Víctor Estrella Burgos (DOM) bt Marin pened,” Wu Ching-Kuo, presi- Grand Slam champion in last Russian Andrey Rublev or Fabio Cilic (CRO x4) 6-4, 6-4; Martin Klizan (SVK dent of the International Boxing year’s quarter-final ended Nadal’s Fognini, who has already beaten x14) bt Juan Monaco (ARG) 5-7, 6-0, 6-3; Association (AIBA) told AFP. Wu incredible 41-match winning Nadal on clay this year in Rio de Elias Ymer (SWE) bt Nick Kyrgios (AUS x16) was one more than 25 federation streak in Barcelona. Janeiro, in the last 16 yesterday. 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (9/7); David Ferrer (ESP x3) bt leaders to sign a letter condemn- However, the out of form David Ferrer remained on Albert Montanes (ESP) 6-2, 6-3; Pablo Andujar ing Vizer’s remarks. Almagro, who has slipped to 123 course for a potential semi-final (ESP) bt Leonardo Mayer (ARG x11) 2-6, 6-1, “SportAccord, from our point of in the world, was swept aside as meeting with Nadal as the world 6-2; Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER x12) bt Andrey view, is essentially a place where Nadal won 10 of the last 11 games number eight was too strong for Kuznetsov (RUS) 7-6 (7/1), 6-3. people meet, talk and so on. So if to comfortably book his place in Alberto Montanes 6-2, 6-3. we are going to be challenged for the next round. Victory also ended an unwanted WTA Stuttgart our loyalty, our loyalty will always “Nico is a danger because of the losing run for Ferrer in Barcelona be to the Olympic movement,” potential he has. At the start he after crashing out in his first Grand Prix Results said International Cycling Union served very well and won a lot of match in the past two years. president Brian Cookson. points on the second stroke,” said “After losing two years in a row First Round: Angelique Kerber (GER) bt Alexa “Mr Vizer can expect the full Glatch (USA) 6-2, 7-5; Sarina Dijas (KAZ) bt Nadal, who was cheered on by in the first round I had to play Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to compatriot Nicolas Almagro during force of the IOC to come down on Barcelona striker Neymar fresh my best tennis. I am happy about Sabine Lisicki (GER) 6-0, 6-0; Sara Errani (ITA) him,” said another senior Olympic bt Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x7) 7-6 (10/8), the ATP Barcelona Open “Conde de Godo” tournament in Barcelona after his two goals against Paris my debut, about the way I played leader, speaking to AFP on condi- 6-4. yesterday. Nadal won the match 3-6, 1-6. Saint-Germain on Tuesday. from the baseline.” AFP tion of anonymity. AFP

Qatar Cup Basketball: Al Gharafa coast to victory over Qatar SC

Action from the Qatar Basketball Cup between Al Gharafa and Qatar SC at Al Gharafa Indoor Stadium yesterday. Al Gharafa won 100-73. RIGHT: Ngom Babcar Marone of El Jaish (in red) scores against Al Shamal. El Jaish won 82-55. PICTURES BY: ABDUL BASIT THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

A virtual tour of Al Rayyan Stadium Facts About Al Rayyan Stadium Design launch date: April 22, 2015. 1 Proposed completion date: First quarter 2019. Location: Al Rayyan Stadium will be reconstructed on the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium site, 20km west of Doha. Deconstruction: Deconstruction of the former Al Rayyan Stadium was suc- cessfully completed by February 2, 2015. At least 90 per cent of existing materials at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium will be re-used and recycled. Seating capacity of the stadium during 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar: 40,000. Post-tournament seating capacity: 21,000, with the upper tier of seats being removed and sent to developing nations in need of sports infrastructure. 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar matches: Al Rayyan Stadium will be eligible to host matches up to the quarter- finals stage. 2 Stadium overview: Al Rayyan Stadium will be fully compliant with FIFA regu- lations. There will be a bowl cooling system for spectator and player comfort, two giant screens and multi-function hos- 1. A computer-generated image pitality spaces. of the general entrance way Precinct facilities: Mosque, to the Al Rayyan Stadium. members club, athletics track, cricket pitch, tennis courts, 2. A virtual image of facilities for hockey pitch, football training the public at the proposed pitches, aquatics centre, skat- stadium. ing park, cycling track, shaded walkways and water fountains. 3. An inside view of the Al Al Rayyan’s Metro link will be Rayyan Stadium. just five minutes from the Mall of Qatar, which is currently 4. A pitch-level view of the being built. The precinct will arena. also house a new branch of Aspetar — the sports medicine hospital. There will be approxi- mately 3,400 parking spaces in legacy mode. New Al Rayyan Members Club to include bowling alley, billiards room, gymnasium, changing rooms and adminis- tration offices. Companies responsible for early works and deconstruc- tion: Manco International General Contracting W.L.L. (a 3 joint venture between Manco W.L.L. and Buckingham Group Contracting Limited). Project manager: AECOM. Design consultant: The design is being undertaken by Ramboll and Pattern. Design: The design draws on the history of Al Rayyan and is focused on Qatari tradition. The design will resonate with the location and culture where the stadium is placed and will be a valuable addition to the architecture of the municipal- ity of Al Rayyan. Sustainability: The design will actively reduce the carbon footprint of the stadium and precinct through renewable energy generation, lightweight building design, careful selec- tion of materials and energy and water efficiency measures. The stadium is designed with the goal of certification under both the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings. Stadium features: The hos- pitality and service areas will be partially located outside the 4 Facilities for local stadium in dune-like structures which resemble the sand dunes that surround traditional desert tents. community included Legacy: The development of Al Rayyan Stadium and Continued from page 28 of facilities and features that precinct marks a new era for Sustainability is at the heart will be used by the local popu- the local community. In 2019,Al of the design, beginning with the lation of Al Rayyan, including a Rayyan Sports Club will have deconstruction of the old stadium, mosque, members club, athletics a world-class football stadium with 90 per cent of the materials track, cricket pitch, tennis courts, capable of hosting major events. resulting from the deconstruction hockey pitch, football training Al Rayyan Stadium will be being reused. Some of the materi- pitches, aquatics centre, skate a symbol of tradition, culture als will be used by local and inter- park and cycling track. The pre- and progressive innovation, national artists to create works of cinct will also house a new branch embodied in a unique architec- public art which reflect the his- of Aspetar — the leading sports tural expression. It will become tory of Al Rayyan Sports Club. medicine hospital. a landmark for Al Rayyan that The state of art design will The SC also launch edits com- promotes well-being, leisure actively reduce the carbon munity outreach programme and engagement at all levels of footprint of the stadium and ‘Jeeran’, which interacts with sport. precinct through on-site renew- and involves the communities What progress is being able energy, lightweight build- surrounding 2022 FIFA World made by the SC regarding ing design, careful selection of Cup projects. Jeeran has engaged other stadium developments? materials, and both energy and with Al Rayyan residents through Al Rayyan Stadium is the water efficiency measures. The several visits to Al Rayyan fifth stadium design that the stadium is designed with the goal Majlesesto listen to their views SC has unveiled. Work is now of certification under both the in relation to the new stadium underway across the follow- Global Sustainability Assessment design. This feedback has been ing five stadiums: Al Wakrah System (GSAS) and Leadership taken on board in terms of the Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium in Energy and Environmental construction scheme and will — Al Khor City, Khalifa Design (LEED) ratings. ensure that the stadium leaves a International Stadium, Qatar The stadium and surrounding tangible legacy for the residents Foundation Stadium and Al precinct will contain a number of Al Rayyan. THE PENINSULA Rayyan Stadium. THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Samuels ton, tail-enders take Hernandez goal sends Real Windies to 299

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada: A last-wicket partnership of 52 lifted the West Indies to 299 all out in their first innings on the Madrid through to last four stroke of tea on the rain-affected second day of the second Test against England yesterday. Champions League: Rock solid Juventus qualify for semi-finals Devendra Bishoo (30) and Shannon Gabriel (20) got their Test-best scores in lifting the MADRID: Javier Hernandez Champions League home side from 247 for nine scored the winner two min- Paris: Champions League quarter-final, after Marlon Samuels’ dismissal utes from time as Real Madrid second leg results yesterday: for a determined 103 triggered a once again shattered Atletico At Madrid lower-order collapse as the tour- Madrid’s Champions League ists’ seamers made effective use Real Madrid (ESP) 1 (Hernandez 88) Atletico dreams with a 1-0 win on of the second new ball. Madrid (ESP) 0 aggregate to progress to the Stuart Broad led the English Real Madrid win 1-0 on aggregate semi-finals. effort, taking four for 47, while The tie was a repeat of last sea- At Monte Carlo James Anderson and Chris Jordan son’s final, won by Real 4-1 after Monaco (FRA) 0 Juventus (ITA) 0 claimed two wickets each. extra-time, but Atletico had gone Juventus win 1-0 on aggregate It was left to Moeen Ali to end unbeaten in seven previous meet- Played on Tuesday the West Indies innings, trapping ings against their city rivals this At Barcelona Bishoo leg-before to set the stage season. Barcelona (ESP) 2 (Neymar 14, 34) Paris for what could be an intriguing However, the visitors had to Saint Germain (FRA) 0 final session of the day. play the final 14 minutes with Barcelona win 5-1 on aggregate Persistent morning showers 10 men as Arda Turan was At Munich, Germany restricted the pre-lunch session shown a second yellow card and to just 40 minutes play and when Bayern Munich (GER) 6 (Thiago Alcantara Hernandez finally broke the dead- 14, Boateng 22, Lewandowski 27, 40, the action eventually resumed in lock over the two legs when he Mueller 36, Xabi Alonso 88) Porto (POR) 1 (J. mid-afternoon, Samuels reached slotted into an empty net from Martinez 73) his seventh Test hundred with his Cristiano Ronaldo’s pass. Bayern Munich win 7-4 on aggregate 14th boundary off 226 deliveries. Madrid came into the game However the 34-year-old Semi-finals draw on Friday ravaged by injuries and suspen- seemed to lose concentration sions as Marcelo, Luka Modric, scorer Antoine Griezmann. reaching the treasured landmark Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema However the visitors soon had in his 100th Test innings. missed out forcing coach Carlo their clearest opening of the night He missed a big drive at the Ancelotti to deploy Sergio Ramos when Gabi’s dinked cross picked Real Madrid’s Mexican forward Javier Hernandez (centre) shoots to score a goal during the UEFA Champions next delivery from Anderson in an unusual midfield position. out the run of Koke from mid- League quarter-finals second leg match against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid before edging the following one The hosts still had by far the field, only to see his header easily yesterday. BOTTOM: Juventus’ goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon celebrates after qualifying for the to Ian Bell for 103. better of the first 45 minutes clutched by Casillas. semi-finals. His effort in a 94-run sixth- with Benzema’s replacement Arguably the decisive moment wicket partnership with Denesh Hernandez smashing into the in the tie came 14 minutes from previous nine matches -- always Ramdin appeared to be in vain side-netting with the first open- time when Turan was shown a looked in control and veteran with the West Indies losing four ing of the game. second yellow for a high challenge ‘keeper Gianluigi Buffon was wickets for 24 runs. Ronaldo then pulled a shot on Ramos. never seriously threatened. Ramdin, the captain, fell to a wide from 20 yards on his weaker Moments later Oblak came to The Italian giants came clos- catch at the wicket off Broad for left foot, but Atletico grew into his side’s rescue again when he est to scoring from a 90th-minute 31. the game as the half went on and turned Hernandez’s effort wide Andrea Pirlo free-kick that He added the scalp of Jason Turan tested Iker Casillas with a after he spun away from Diego clipped the bar and can now look Holder, who perished in a simi- long-range effort that the Spanish Godin. forward to Friday’s semi-final lar manner in a rush of attacking captain comfortably handled. Hernandez finally got the draw, where they will not mind strokeplay. However, it was Real who ended all-important goal after bril- being considered the under- When Broad had Kemar Roach the half the stronger as only liant work from Rodriguez and dogs alongside Bayern Munich, caught by Joe Root at slip from great defending from Juanfran Ronaldo left the Mexican with Barcelona and Real Madrid. an inside-edge off his pads, a denied Hernandez at the back the simplest of finishes from close Monaco, meanwhile, bow out swift end to the innings seemed post before Jan Oblak did well to range. with their heads held high, but inevitable. parry Ronaldo’s dipping free-kick In Monaco, Juventus are it was easy to see why they had However England’s bowlers to safety. through to the last four of the found the net just three times in lost their discipline and the pair The best chance of the half fell Champions League for the first four previous home games in the of Bishoo and Gabriel capitalised to the World Player of the Year time since 2003 after a goal- Champions League this season in taking their team to within a when Ronaldo was fed by James less draw in their quarter-final, and had won only two of their single of the 300-run mark. Rodriguez, but Oblak scampered second leg with Monaco on last nine matches at the Stade took to the field at the Stade Louis box, the breaks did not go their Meanwhile, Chris Woakes is from his goal to block in a similar Wednesday saw them progress Louis II. II, which for once was packed for way, with Andrea Barzagli almost likely to miss England’s upcom- manner to his vital save from Bale 1-0 on aggregate. Aware of the need to find a the occasion. Unsurprisingly, a turning a Silva cutback into his ing Test series at home to New at the beginning of the first-leg. A controversial Arturo Vidal creative spark, Monaco coach Juve team with a lead to defend own net before Kondogbia had Zealand after undergoing knee It was the hosts who again penalty in the first leg in Turin Leonardo Jardim gave a start to and packed full of wily campaign- a strong penalty appeal waved surgery yesterday. started on the front foot at the last week ultimately proved Portuguese dynamo Bernardo ers was happy to soak up the pres- away after Vidal clattered into The 26-year-old all-rounder start of the second period as a enough for the Serie A leaders, Silva, who had scored the prin- sure. They invited the hosts on to him in the area without appear- tore his left meniscus while recov- sensational through ball from who relied on their defensive cipality club’s last three goals them, but Monaco were largely ing to touch the ball. Scottish ering from a foot injury sustained Isco played Hernandez in behind strength to see off opponents domestically. restricted to attempts from long referee Willie Collum waved at the recent World Cup and will the Atletico defence, but the again let down by their lack of With him in the team, teen- range, including two from the play on and did so again when be sidelined for up to six weeks. Manchester United loanee again quality in the final third. ager Anthony Martial preferred impressive Geoffrey Kondogbia, Fabinho upended Alvaro Morata If that prognosis is correct, that failed to hit the target as his shot A Monaco side full of youthful to Dimitar Berbatov up front a thunderous volley that flew just before the interval, allowing means the Warwickshire seamer squirmed just wide of the far post. enthusiasm pushed forward for and veteran defender Ricardo wide and another shot that was the advantage as Carlos Tevez will be unfit for the two Tests Atletico boss Diego Simeone long spells, but Juventus -- who Carvalho missing altogether, it straight at Buffon. smashed a shot just past the post. against New Zealand at Lord’s then surprisingly withdrew top had let in just one goal in their was a youthful Monaco side that When they did make it into the AFP and Headingley, starting on May 21 and May 29 respectively. He may also be struggling to make the subsequent one-day series, starting on June 9, against Lekhwiya face wait despite big win losing World Cup finalists New Zealand. An England and Wales DOHA: Qatar’s Lekhwiya AFC Champions League balance.The ex-Middlesbrough Cricket Board statement issued thrashed Iran’s Persepolis 3-0 to striker, one week away from turn- Wednesday said: “The ECB medi- go top of Group A in the AFC Singapore: Results from the AFC Champions ing 36, became the tournament’s cal team confirms that England League yesterday: Champions League yesterday all-time top-scorer with a superb and Warwickshire bowler Chris but still face an agonising wait Group A cameo which nearly overturned Woakes underwent uncompli- to find out if they qualify for the Bunyodkor (UZB) 0 Al Nassr (KSA) 1 (Adrian Kashiwa’s 3-0 first-half lead. cated keyhole surgery on his left knockout phase. Mierzejewski 33) Lee nodded a cross into the air knee for a meniscal tear earlier With Saudi side Al Nassr Lekhwiya (QAT) 3 (Youssef Msakni 69, and smashed it home with his today. scraping a 1-0 victory over Nam Tae-hee 83, Ali Hassan Afif 90+3) sublime bicycle kick on 67 min- “The injury occurred while already eliminated Uzbekistan’s Persepolis (IRI) 0 utes, before he crashed in his 27th undergoing rehab for his foot Bunyodkor, the last round of Group D Champions League goal with nine injury. His rehab is likely to take matches will be crucial to the out- Naft Tehran (IRI) 1 (Gholamreza Rezai 25) minutes to go. a further four to six weeks.” come of the group from which the Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 (Vladimir Kozak 36) But Kashiwa, who earned their Woakes played three of his four remaining three teams still enter- Group E lead through Eduardo and Kosuke Tests in the series win at home to tain hopes of making the last 16. Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) 3 (Eduardo 9, Taketomi’s brace, held on to book India last year, taking five wickets. Lekhwiya produced a com- Taketomi 20, 39) Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 2 their spot in the knock-outs and AGENCIES manding second half performance (Lee Dong-Gook 67, 81) leave former winners Jeonbuk with goals from Youssef Masakni, Shandong Luneng (CHN) 3 (Yang Xu 27, sweating. Nam Tae-hee and Ali Hassan Afif Junior Urso 61, Minh Duc 69 OG) Binh Elsewhere South Korea’s Scoreboard giving them 10 points from five Duong (VIE) 1 (Trong Hoang 20) Seongnam FC edged Thai cham- West Indies (I Innings): matches. pions Buriram United 2-1 to go Group F K Brathwaite b Anderson ...... 1 But with Persepolis close through from Group F with one Seongnam FC (KOR) 2 (Kim Do-Heon 27, D Smith c Buttler b Jordan...... 15 behind on nine and Al Nassr on round of games remaining. Nam 38) Buriram United (THA) 1 (Diogo 77) D Bravo c Cook b Broad ...... 35 eight, the group has gone down Kim Do-Heon converted a Guangzhou R&F (CHN) 0 Gamba Osaka (JPN) M Samuels c Bell b Anderson ...... 103 to the wire with the last round 27th-minute penalty and Nam 5 (Patric 14, 45, Abe 43, 68, Usami 70) S Chanderpaul c Ali b Stokes ...... 1 scheduled for May 6. Joon-Jae added a second 11 min- J Blackwood lbw b Jordan ...... 26 Lekhwiya, who were beaten 3-0 Earlier, Polish midfielder utes later, before Diogo pulled a D Ramdin c Buttler b Broad ...... 31 by Persepolis when they clashed Adrian Mierzejewski struck the goal back for the Thais with 13 J Holder c Buttler b Broad ...... 22 in February, were determined to only goal as Saudi champions Al minutes left. K Roach c Root b Broad ...... 1 make amends on their home turf Nassr edged Bunyodkor 1-0. Gamba Osaka stormed to a 5-0 D Bishoo lbw b Ali ...... 30 but had to wait until late in the The Saudi side went into the away win over Guangzhou R&F S Gabriel (not out) ...... 20 second half to breach the Iranian match in Tashkent knowing that which kept their hopes alive. Extras: (B5, LB6, W1, NB2) ...... 14 side’s defence. defeat could see them ousted with The Japanese treble-winners Total (all out, 104.4 overs) ...... 299 Once again, it was their talis- one game still remaining, but lost their first two games but Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-28, 3-65, 4-74, man Msakni who gave them the took the lead in the 33rd minute two away wins in a row have left 5-129, 6-223, 7-233, 8-246, 9-247, 10-299. lead with a 69th minute strike through Mierzejewski’s second them challenging for a last-16 Bowling: Anderson 24-10-47-2, Broad 24-9- from an assist by Korean Nam goal of the group phase. berth in their final group game 61-4, Jordan 25-4-65-2 (1w, 2nb), Ali 13.4-1- Tae-hee. In East Asia, Lee Dong-Gook’s against Seongnam. In Group E, 47-1, Stokes 17-7-66-1, Trott 1-0-2-0. The roles were reversed in the late double including an outra- Chinese side Shandong Luneng England: Alastair Cook (captain) Jonathan 83rd minute when Nam himself geous overhead kick were not recovered from an early scare to Qatar’s Lekhwiya player Nam Tae Hee celebrates after scoring a goal Trott, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Moeen scored off a pass from Msakni enough to stop Jeonbuk Motors beat Vietnamese champions Binh against Iran’s Persepolis during their AFC Champions League match Ali, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Stuart Broad, before Afif killed off the game losing 3-2 to Kashiwa Reysol Duong 3-1 and retain their hopes at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha yesterday. Chris Jordan, James Anderson. with a goal in injury time. as their campaign hung in the of reaching the knock-outs. AFP Thursday 23 April 2015 4 Rajab 1436 Volume 20 Number 6409 Sport Price: QR2 Most Popular Bangladeshi Newspaper Nehra bowls Lekhwiya Chennai to thrash PROTHOM ALO WEEKLY Published every Thursday victory Persepolis Available in all leading stores in Qatar       Tel: 4465 0600 Email: [email protected] Sport | 23 Sport | 27

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 New Al Rayyan Stadium plan unveiled SC reveals design of fifth proposed host venue for 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar

BY FAWAD HUSSAIN delivered by the SC and its heritage and Qatar’s environ- stakeholders. ment is reflected in the design DOHA: The Supreme This will ensure comfortable of the stadium. The stadium’s Committee for Delivery and viewing conditions for fans and façade will feature a multitude of Legacy (SC) took a vital step an optimal playing temperature local patterns and designs, which towards preparations of the for players during the legacy use draw on Qatari culture. Featuring 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar as it of the stadium for domestic com- an innovative exterior design, it unveiled the design of Al Rayyan petitions, international matches also aims to create a sense of Stadium as the fifth proposed and tournaments hosted in Qatar place unique to Al Rayyan in par- host venue for the mega tourna- throughout the year. ticular, and more generally to the ment at a special ceremony held Speaking at the launch, Hassan culture of Qatar and the Middle at Ali bin Abdullah Fort in Al Al Thawadi, Secretary General East. Rayyan, yesterday. of the Supreme Committee for Most of the hospitality and Al Rayyan Stadium will be built Delivery & Legacy, said: “Unveiling service areas will be located out- on the site of Al Rayyan Sports the design of Al Rayyan stadium side the stadium in dune-like Club’s former stadium (Ahmed is another important step forward structures, which resemble the Bin Ali Stadium), which was in our preparations to host the sand dunes that surround tradi- recently deconstructed. During 2022 FIFA World Cup. We will tional desert tents. tournament mode, the stadium continue to work tirelessly as our H E Sheikh Saud Bin Khalid will have a capacity of 40,000 vision for the tournament takes Bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman spectators to be able to host group shape on the ground.” of Al Rayyan Sports Club said: stage, round-of-16 and quarter- “As one of the most success- “We are proud and delighted to final matches. ful and widely-supported clubs be part of delivering one of the After the tournament the sta- in Qatar, Al Rayyan has always proposed host venues for the 2022 dium’s capacity will be reduced played an important part in our FIFA World Cup Qatar, since Al to 21,000 in legacy mode with hosting plans. We are very con- Rayyan Sports Club has played a the upper tier of seats being fident that this impressively major role in the history of foot- removed and sent to develop- designed stadium and precinct ball in Qatar. The new stadium is ing nations in need of sports will become a landmark for the befitting of the status and popu- infrastructure. Al Rayyan area and benefit the larity of our club, and will greatly A computer-generated image of the new Al Rayyan Stadium, which when completed will be able to seat 40,000 The stadium will also fea- entire community,” Al Thawadi benefit the club and residents of spectators. ture the innovative and sustain- added. Al Rayyan.” able cooling technology being Al Rayyan’s sporting Continued on page 26