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IQ looking at Radwanska passes petrochemical Niculescu test to expansion advance in Doha

THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 • 16 Jumada I 1437 • Volume 20 • Number 6717 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Surveillance cameras to Qatari donors offer $117m for Yemen register traffic violations

By Sidi Mohamed The Peninsula Conference on Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen decided DOHA: Surveillance cameras installed by the traffic authorities on main roads will now act as police patrols to raise $223m from and instantly register violations by motorists such as donors over the next overtaking from the right side, changing lanes near traf- three years. fic intersections and stopping at yellow boxes. There is no need now for the physical presence of traffic patrol policemen to catch the above-said vio- lations as the monitoring and offence registration work with regard to the above violations will be car- By Mohamed Osman ried out by surveillance cameras installed on the roads, The Peninsula the Ministry of Interior said yesterday. →Continued on page 9

DOHA: A three-day conference on Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen that No Dutch-made Mars and ended here yesterday announced to raise $223m from donors over the next three Snickers in Qatar market years for humanitarian and relief work in the country. DOHA: The Ministry of Public Health said yesterday Of the targeted $223m which Qatar Charity officials with other participants at the three-day conference onHumanitarian Crisis in Yemen, in Doha, yesterday. the Qatari market is free from Mars and Snickers choc- would help meet the humanitarian olate bars manufactured in the Netherlands that have needs of the Yemeni people, $117m been recalled internationally. will come from Qatari donors. Director of International Devel- will not spare in future any Helping Yemeni people is pos- Qatar National Vision 2030, one US chocolate giant Mars on Tuesday ordered an This will include $1m from Islamic opment Department at the effort to support the Yem- sible only through cooperation of whose lofty goals is to solve international recall of Mars and Snickers bars made Dawa Organisation (Qatar’s bureau), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reit- eni people’s cause, and provide and continuous dialogue as crisis and achieving peace, secu- in the Netherlands after a piece of plastic found in one while Qatar Charity, which held the erated Qatar’s firm commitment humanitarian assistance and well by developing technical rity and stability in the world, he snack was traced back to a factory there. conference, has pledged $1m for the to stand by the Yemeni people support all efforts and initi- mechanisms and measures to said. The ministry said that Mars company unit in the purpose over the next three years. during their humanitarian plight. atives aimed at ending their alleviate humanitarian suf- Gulf and the company agent in Qatar have informed Dr Ahmad Mohamed Al Muraikhi, Qatar has not spared and suffering, Dr Al Muraikhi added. ferings in accordance with the →Continued on page 3 that they have not distributed any Mars products in the local market that fall in the recalled category. Only 100 cartons of such products were imported to the country and they stopped them from being dis- Foreigners can start institutions for public benefit tributed in the market. Today’s edition includes special pages The Peninsula to set up a private institution for will not need any special per- (QNA) reported that at its routine Lebanon travel warning public benefit provided the Cab- mission from the Cabinet. weekly meeting yesterday the on Jewellery and inet okays such a request. Such an institution will need State Cabinet approved the said DOHA: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on all Watches →P12-13 According to the draft law, to have a minimum capital of draft law which seeks to replace Qatari citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon. In a statement, DOHA: A draft law was approved Qataris setting up a private QR2m and a main office from Law No. 21 of 2006. the Ministry requested citizens who are in Lebanon to by the Cabinet yesterday which institution for public benefit where it would be conducting leave for their own safety, and contact Qatari Embassy talks of allowing a non-Qatari either individually or in groups its activities. Qatar News Agency →Continued on page 5 in Beirut to get assistance. 1 PromotionP valid from 25.02.2016 to 27.02.2016 or until stocks last. Purchase limit may apply. valid only 25.02.2016

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Doha among Yemen hails Qatar’s support and stances top 100 safe cities for living

QNA

WARSAW: Mercer’s Quality of Living rankings 2016 places Doha among top 100 cities for personal safety of expatri- ates in the Middle East and Africa Region. The host city of FIFA World Cup 2022 ranks 70th in this segment of the rankings. Only a handful of cities in the region are in the top 100 for personal safety — with Abu Dhabi ranking highest in 23rd place, followed by Muscat (29), Dubai (40) and Port Louis (59). Safety is a vital factor for multination- als to consider when sending expatriate workers abroad, because it raises concerns about expatriates’ personal safety and has a significant impact on the cost of global compensation programmes, the rankings Officials and delegates attend the concluding session of the ‘Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen... Challenges and Prospects for Humanitarian Response’ conference. report says. Mercer has crowned the Aus- trian capital Vienna as the city with the Continued from page 1 education to the Yemeni people. Humanitarian Coordination Office’s about 27 million Yemenis suffering government appreciates Qatar’s best quality of living in the world. At least 90 regional and interna- plan for humanitarian response this due to a real disaster. honourable stances on the political, Dubai (75) continues to rank as the top Al Muraikhi praised efforts of tional humanitarian organisations year, the Yemen Supreme Relief He said about 21 million Yem- development, relief and humanitar- for quality of living across Africa and the the charities in Qatar to help alle- and over 150 experts and specialists Committee’s humanitarian response enis accounting for 82 percent of the ian aspects. Middle East, followed by Abu Dhabi (81) viate the suffering of the Yemeni from relief and humanitarian fields plan for 2016, King Salman Centre population need humanitarian aid “Qatar, in all the ordeals Yemen and Port Louis (83) in Mauritius. people in cooperation with inter- took part in the event organised by for Relief and Humanitarian Aid’s of various kinds, including 14 million has been through, has always stood The South African cities of Durban, national organisations, particularly Qatar Charity (QC). plan and QC’s multi-sector rapid people needing healthcare. beside the human beings and beside Cape Town and Johannesburg rank 85th, the UN entities and programmes. The conference sought to unite assessment plan. About 2,800,000 Yemeni peo- Yemen, all of Yemen.” 92nd and 95th, respectively. He highlighted the Qatari gov- the visions of partners about the Delegates highlighted the ple are displaced in provinces and He said hosting the conference Western European cities continue to ernment’s assistance and efforts humanitarian crisis in Yemen, event’s success to shed light on the more than three million children shows the keenness of Qatar and all top the list when it comes to expatriate to help ease the humanitarian cri- exchange information, promote humanitarian crisis, determine are out of school, he said, adding other GCC states to support Yemen’s quality of living with seven of the top 10 sis in Yemen, saying these efforts follow-up mechanisms for deter- coordination, evaluation and fol- educational institutions have been stability and treat its security as part positions in the annual rankings. are a continuation of Qatar’s relief mining needs and distribution of low-up mechanisms of relief efforts destroyed. and parcel of the region’s security Vienna leads the ranking and has done mission embodied through its par- aid according to geographic areas and launch initiatives for humani- The disaster requires an organ- and stability. so in the last seven published rankings. It ticipation in the aerial campaign and develop action plans and initi- tarian intervention. ised and coordinated action to On the Yemeni government’s is followed by Zurich (2), Munich (4), Dus- and sending ships to Djibouti with atives between partners. Yemeni Minister for Local alleviate negative effects suggested role in helping implement the ini- seldorf (6), Frankfurt (7), Geneva (8), and humanitarian supplies for Yemen. Sessions and workshops focused Administration and Chairman of by the conference’s outputs, he tiatives announced during the Copenhagen (9). In 69th place, Prague is He referred to a field hospital on assessment of the humanitarian the Higher Committee for Relief, said, stressing that Yemen’s Higher conference, Badi said the govern- the highest ranking city in Central and set up by Qatar Red Crescent Soci- situation in Yemen, identification Abdalrguib Fath, hailed Qatar’s Committee for Relief’s Commit- ment, represented by the Supreme Eastern Europe, followed by Ljubljana ety (QRCS), highlighting ongoing of needs in multiple humanitarian efforts being made by Emir H H ment to international standards in Committee for Relief, is in touch (76) and Budapest (77). efforts to help ease human suffer- sectors such as education, health, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani relief efforts is based on neutrality, with organisations to help in the The lowest ranking cities in Europe ing in Yemen. water and sanitation, livelihood, and the government and people to accountability and transparency. process. are Kiev (176), Tirana (179) and Minsk (190). The conference ‘Human- economic empowerment, shelter, support Yemen and stand by the The Yemeni government also “The conference is a result of The rankings are evaluated on polit- itarian Crisis in Yemen... food and protection. Yemeni people in such difficult praised Qatar’s stances to sup- cooperation between the commit- ical, economic, environmental, personal Challenges and Prospects for A high-level meeting was held circumstances. port Yemen on political and relief tee and regional and international safety, health, education, transportation Humanitarian Response’ ended yesterday to review the outcomes, In his closing address, Fath fronts and efforts to enhance Yem- charity and humanitarian associa- and other public service factors. with recommendations on aspects, launch initiatives, partnerships, described the conference’s aims as en’s unity, security and stability. tions and organisations, particularly The World’s top 10 cities for Living are including coordination, protection alliances and coordinate between humanitarian ‘par excellence’ and Yemeni government spokes- Qatar Charity whose humanitarian Vienna, Zurich, Auckland, Munich, Van- and providing food, shelter, health, different actors. committed to neutrality, transpar- man Rajeh Badi told QNA on the efforts we hugely appreciate,” Badi couver, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, water, public health facilities and Discussions included UN ency and responsibility to support sidelines of the conference that his added. Copenhagen and Sydney.

HOME THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 05 Cabinet nod to events panel’s reorganisation

Continued from page 1 registration and approvals in case fix dates and prepare annual they are applicable. schedules. Private institutions for public Such an institution, once reg- The Cabinet also approved its benefit can include non-profit civil istered, will be required to make draft decision to set up a tenders and societies, also called non-govern- financial disclosure, QNA said. auctions committee at the Ministry mental organisations (NGOs), and The Cabinet also approved a of Transport and Communications. Quran learning centres, for example. proposal to amend Cabinet Reso- The Cabinet also reviewed a let- The meeting was chaired by lution No. 34 of 2015, organising the ter by the Tax Appeals Committee at Prime Minister and Interior Minister government committee to coordi- the Ministry of Finance on a report H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin nate for the purpose of holding of the committee’s work from July Khalifa Al Thani at the Emiri Diwan. conferences and events. to December 2015 and took appro- The draft law defines a private A representative from the priate decision. institution for public benefit as an Foreign Ministry will be the com- The committee is established at institution set up by one or more mittee’s vice-chairman, according the Ministry of Finance and chaired persons to achieve a purpose or a to the amendment. by a judge of the Court of Appeals set of purposes for public benefit The panel will consider pro- with members from authorities without the aim of making profit. posals by state agencies to hold concerned. It stipulates terms and condi- conferences and events locally and Its task is to look into grievances tions to establish such an institution give opinion as to how these would submitted by taxpayers and submit and says non-Qataris can also set benefit the state. periodic reports to the Cabinet with up one provided they get special The panel would coordinate details like number of grievances it approval from the Cabinet. with authorities to hold conferences, looked into, their types and causes Documents will be needed for festivals, meetings and exhibitions, and its recommendations. Milipol Qatar team attends Dubai expo

The Peninsula countries participated in the expo. Brig Nasser bin Fahad said the Qatar Milipol exhibition 2016 is expected to witness the presence of DOHA: A delegation from Milipol big international companies in the Qatar Committee and Milipol Paris field of internal security systems. participated in the Intersec Dubai Qatar Milipol is held every two Exhibition 2016 in the emirate last years and with the previous editions, month. The delegation included Brig. has become the biggest international Nasser bin Fahad Al Thani, Head, exhibition in the Middle East, dedi- Milipol Qatar Committee, and Brig cated to internal state security. Saud Rashid Al Shafi, member of the Qatar and France have agreed to panel. organise the Milipol Security Exhibi- Intersec Dubai is one of the tion alternatively between Paris and important exhibitions in the world Doha every two years. that cover commercial and informa- The 11 sessions of Milipol Qatar tion security, health and safety, fire will take place from October 31 to and rescue and police. November 2 at Doha Exhibition and Brig. Nasser bin Fahad Al Thani, Some 1,290 exhibitors from 55 Convention Centre. Head, Milipol Qatar Committee 06 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME

QU centre reviews impact Qatar Museums signs deal with SC of US presidential

The Peninsula elections on Middle East

The Peninsula especially the Middle East?; ‘What DOHA: Qatar Museums (QM) has does the Middle East expect from signed a memorandum of under- the next president?’; and ‘Does the standing (MoU) with the Supreme region have a preference for one of Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) DOHA: The Gulf Studies Centre at the candidates?’ to strengthen collaboration to pro- Qatar University’s (QU) College of Dr Baabood said, “As the elec- mote Qatar as a leading global art, Arts and Sciences, in collaboration tions are getting closer, the Middle cultural and sporting hub. with the Brookings Doha Centre, East is watching with anxiety the The MoU will principally focus organised a discussion ‘What the race between the remaining candi- on sharing knowledge and expertise US Presidential Election Means for dates. The changing international between both organisations. the Middle East. and regional dynamics have many Through the partnership, the SC It shed light on the US political implications on the Middle East and will work with QM on a consultancy landscape of the 2016 presidential whoever is finally elected is going and service delivery basis. campaign. to make a difference to the pressing QM will support the SC in the Dr Abdullah Baabood, Director regional issues like the Syrian cri- development and evaluation of of the centre; John Hudak, Senior sis, the war against extremism and projects and deliver events and work- Fellow, Governance Studies, Brook- ISIL, the Arab-Israeli conflict and shops. It will also instal artworks in ings and Deputy Director, Centre other regional political and eco- all of the 2022 FIFA World Cup sta- for Effective Public Management, nomic challenges.” diums as part of the collaboration. Participants at one of the workshops. Brookings; Sultan Barakat, Director, Barakat said: “QU and the The partnership will provide Research, Brookings Doha Centre; Brookings Doha Centre have a long access for the SC to QM’s resources, faculty members and researchers history of collaboration. We have a facilities and institutions and allow Recycled Art Project, which will see and this commitment will strengthen power of sport and culture to enhance from both centres. formal MoU governing fellowship for joint promotional activities deconstructed materials being used to the capabilities of both organisations. Qatar’s hosting capabilities. As we The discussion tackled questions and internship opportunities for through channels, including social create installations within the new Al Together, we share a similar purpose continue to prepare for the world’s such as ‘Who is doing well?’; ‘Who scholars and students, respectively. media and newsletters. Rayyan Stadium and precinct. — to show that Qatar is open to the greatest football tournament, we are is underperforming expectations?’; “The event comes at a time when The SC recently organised work- Attendance at the workshops world and we look forward to work- also highlighting the importance of ‘Which foreign policy issues relevant the political landscape in the Mid- shops at the Fire Station, the home to exceeded expectations, while the ing together closely in support of this arts and culture in bringing people to the Middle East are being talked dle East is changing, and the US QM’s Artist in Residence Programme. work created was outstanding. aim.” Nasser Al Khater, Assistant Sec- together. This is something which will about by the candidates?, ‘Issues elections are becoming difficult to The workshops were led by Qatari Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mah- retary-General, Tournament Affairs, be strengthened greatly through this being discussed’; ‘Which candidate predict. Given the importance of the artist Faraj Daham and Saudi art- moud, Acting CEO, QM, said: “It’s a SC, said: “We are proud to be working agreement, and we look forward to is ultimately elected, will have far elections to the people in the Mid- ist Saddiq Wasil. Participants were great pleasure to sign the MoU with together with QM. “The MoU fur- working together on important ini- reaching effects — not just for Amer- dle East, it made sense to organise inspired by the proposed stadium the SC. “We have always been a great ther illustrates the extent to which tiatives which bind sport and art and ican public policy but for leadership an event with QU’s Gulf Studies Pro- designs, along with the SC’s Al Rayyan supporter of the organisation’s work we are committed to employing the culture over the coming years.” and policy throughout the world, gram on such an important issue.”

Family Food Centre holds final draw

Abdulla Eisa Al Enzi, an official from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, shows the winning coupon of the final raffle draw of a sales promotion by Family Food Centre ((FFC). Mammu Mohammed, Assistant Showroom Manager, FFC Al Nasar branch, and Habib Mohammedunni, HR and Personnel Manager, and other FFC officials supervised the draw at the branch yesterday. Danilo Milan Porteria (Coupon No. AN 484118) won the 2016 Model Toyota Land Cruiser. Pic: Salim / The Peninsula

Vodafone promotion concludes today

The Peninsula

DOHA: Vodafone customers can now avail up to six times more data on Internet cards with the chance to carry over any unused data. The three-day promo- tion began on Tuesday and ends today. It takes Monthly Pack 20 data bundle to 500 MB, twice the initial allowance; Monthly Pack 60 to 3GB, Monthly Pack 80 to 12 GB; Mobile Monthly Internet Pack 100 to 30 GB; and Mobile Monthly Internet Pack 200 to 72 GB. Data is valid for 30 days. Vodafone is also rewarding customers with the chance to win QR10,000 through a scratch & win option with Monthly Internet Card 100. With Vodafone’s network modernisation, never before has browsing the Internet, social network- ing, watching videos and making downloads on mobile been so fast, seamless and enjoyable wher- ever Vodafone customers may be. With the promotion, customers will get to enjoy considerable data over our superfast network. Luke Longney, Director, Marketing, Vodafone Qatar, said: “Our new promotion makes it the best Internet offer in Qatar as it gives our customers the opportunity to benefit from a lot more data to connect with family and friends or browse favourite sites or download their preferred games, movies and series. “This is a solid testament to Vodafone’s strategy to offer the Qatari market nothing short of the best value products and services backed with our new network which makes for an ultra-fast data experi- ence for customers. “Our continued wide range of products and pro- motions are designed to suit any customer’s needs, are packed with great benefits and bring superb value. The promotion is an unbeatable deal for customers.” HOME THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 07 15 ROTA volunteers return from visit to Cambodia

The Peninsula Mannai, Executive Director, ROTA. meaningful and impactful service learning Prior to the visit, the volunteers received experiences for hundreds of Qatar-based briefings on the organisation’s projects, edu- volunteers. cation in Cambodia, local history and culture The trip builds on progress last year, DOHA: Fifteen volunteers from and other information. when 26 volunteers, including students and Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) have The briefings were part of ROTA’s Model teachers from Independent schools for girls, returned from an eight-day trip to of International Volunteer Trips, based on travelled to Cambodia to conduct training for Cambodia which aimed to provide eight years of experience in conducting local schools. support to the Cambodian com- munity and learn more about how education shapes human devel- opment. In collaboration with ROTA’s Cambodian partner, the Monith- apana Foundation, volunteers visited the Vihear Suork School in the Kandar district and the Dubai Islamic School community, where workshops were held. The volunteers facilitated the workshops, which were based on the needs expressed by Cambo- dian school teachers from local Reach Out to Asia volunteers and Cambodian students attend a workshop. communities. In total, 100 teachers and students participated in the work- reality faced by their Cambodian beneficiaries and Qatar-based the importance of education in shops which will in turn benefit beneficiaries. The educational volunteers. addressing local community more than 700 students. focus of the trip from February “This international expe- needs and inspire them to further The programme exposed 13, strengthened psychosocial rience will raise awareness engage in Qatar-based volun- volunteers to the challenging skills and experiences of ROTA among ROTA’s volunteers about teering activities,” said Essa Al Al Hazm Intersection on Al Khafji Street opens to traffic

The Peninsula from three to four lanes from Al Hazm Intersection for 300 metres towards Al Jamia Inter- section and from Al Hazm DOHA: Al Hazm Intersection Intersection to connect it with on Al Khafji Street has opened Jelaiha Intersection (first stage) to traffic after having been con- to become four lanes instead verted from a roundabout to a of three. It is part of vital signal-controlled intersection, projects implemented by Ash- while remaining sidewalk pave- ghal to improve and enhance ment works are in progress. The the network of local roads opening of the intersection comes and expressways and traffic is part of works on Al Khafji safety across the country. Road Street Development Project. enhancement works include This phase of the project converting roundabouts to sig- included converting Al Hazm nal-controlled intersections, Roundabout to a signal-con- installing intelligent transporta- trolled intersection and the tion systems, street lighting and Motorists wait for the green signal at the intersection. expansion of Al Khafji Street pedestrian paths. 08 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME 33 projects selected for Qumra

The Peninsula feature films in development, 12 in landscape of the film industry. post-production and 10 short films “I look forward to welcoming Directors and in development. each delegate to Qumra for what producers of 13 People behind 20 of the feature promises to be a productive exchange DOHA: The Doha Film Institute (DFI) projects are alumni of DFI’s grants of ideas, culture and creativity.” yesterday announced that 33 projects narrative feature programme and three are independ- New to this year’s edition is the from 19 countries have been selected films, 10 feature ent filmmakers from Qatar. Qumra Shorts Programme, a strand to take part in the second edition of documentaries and Of the 10 short projects, seven are to address the unique requirements Qumra from March 4 to 9. by Qatari filmmakers and three by of short films in development, dur- Directors and producers of 13 10 short films will Qatar-based filmmakers identified ing which 10 Qatar-based filmmakers narrative feature films, 10 feature participate in the six- through DFI’s ongoing engagement will present their projects to inter- documentaries and 10 short films will with local industry. national industry professionals, participate in the six-day programme day programme from Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO, DFI, including script consultants, produc- of bespoke industry sessions designed March 4 said: “We are excited by the diverse ers, lab representatives, programmers to promote their projects and prepare projects selected for Qumra 2016, and buyers, all of whom are experts Diversion on Temporary Truck Route them for international markets. representing emerging talent from in the short form. The 10 short film The emphasis is on supporting Qatar, the Arab region and around the makers have been supported by DFI first-and second-time filmmakers 12 from the Middle East North Africa world. We have prepared an intensive in various ways throughout their The Peninsula Traffic will be diverted to a with projects in development and (Mena) region and six from the rest programme for our project delegates careers and many are alumni of its newly constructed two-lane dual post-production. Fifteen projects of the world. to inspire them creatively and sup- educational initiatives, workshops carriageway and a roundabout are from Qatar-based filmmakers, Eleven of the 33 projects are port them in navigating the evolving and funding programmes. adjacent to the closed road and DOHA: The Public Works Authority roundabout on the western side, as (Ashghal) will implement a tempo- shown in the map. rary closure and diversion on both Speed limit will be reduced to directions of Temporary Truck 60kmph throughout the diversion QU launches ninth annual Cultural Village Route on 1.5km from Dukhan High- route to ensure safety of road users way towards Lusail northbound, as and the project’s workforce. shown in the map. The diversion is required to carry Ashghal will close the rounda- out works on an access line tunnel The Peninsula will take place from February 28 to friendship among different nations the United Nations’ vision of peace bout on the route and the two roads which will pass through New Orbital March 3 and feature 29 booths at the and cultures that is much need at and goodwill among cultures,” Al branching from it to Umm Al Afai Highway and Truck Route Project- male and female activities buildings. this time when the world and the Yafei added. petrol station westbound and the Salwa Road to North Relief Road It will also include exhibitions region are being affected by con- Salwa Zainal, Head, Events and access to Al Rayyan Stadium and (Contract 2). Ashghal will install DOHA: The Student Activities and cultural activities such as shows flicts and instability,” he added. Campus Activities Section, expressed Umm Al-Afai eastbound. signs advising motorists of the Department at Qatar University (QU) featuring traditional and folkloric Abdullah Al Yafei, Associate gratitude to students for their excel- Diversion begins on Friday 26 diversion and has urged road users yesterday launched its ninth annual customs, music and plays. Vice-President, Student life and lent teamwork, creativity and spirit and lasts six month, in coordination to abide by speed limits and follow Cultural Village. Dr Khalid Al Khanji, Vice-Pres- Services, QU, said, “Enriching the of cultural integration. with the Traffic Department signs for safety. The event themed ‘Old is Gold’ ident, Student Affairs, QU, said, student community is one of our She said the theme of event aims “Cultures from around the world aims. The annual event reflects to connect students with their past meet under the umbrella of QU. The the future vision of the university and its rich civilisations. event reflects the true meaning of in its aim to graduate students who “This brings students from dif- humanity and unity, as we aim to appreciate and extend the message ferent countries together and teaches engage our students in carrying out of peace and humanity to the world. them life-long skills such as volun- a message of peace. By organising such cultural events, teerism, teamwork, organisation, “The event is organised by QU we are guided by the country’s interpersonal relations and prob- students and combines the spirit of national development goals and lem-solving,” she said. Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra to perform ‘Video Games Live’ concert on March 4

The Peninsula popular video games from past to access to pre- and post-show events. present, the concert will help intro- Tickets range from QR150 to QR500 duce new audiences — families, video and are available from qatarphilhar- game enthusiasts and non-gamers — monicorchestra.org. DOHA: Qatar Philharmonic Orches- to the symphonic experience. So far the event’s 300 plus per- tra (QPO) will perform the most Eimear Noone, renowned Irish formances have entertained over popular video game soundtracks of composer with involvement in World one million people in 30 countries. all time in a bespoke multimedia con- of Warcraft, Diablo, Metal Gear Solid, With prestigious reviews from the cert ‘Video Games Live’. Starcraft 2 and Zelda, will conduct Los Angeles Times, The New York The show on March 4 from 8pm the concert. Tommy Tallarico, video Times, The London Times, and IGN. at Qatar National Convention Centre game composer and creator of ‘Video com, the show has been described (QNCC) will blend the emotion of live Games Live’, will emcee the perform- as “Ingenious and fantastic”; “Cap- symphonic music with the distinctive ance and musically contribute to the tivating”; “Thrilling”; and “Simply sounds of video gaming. programme. breathtaking” by critics. The musi- Featuring synchronised lighting, The musical performance will be cal extravaganza is also one of the electronic percussion and an exclu- the first of its kind in Qatar. highest-rated Public Broadcasting sive visual showcase of the most Ticket holders will also have System specials of all time.

Azerbaijan embassy pays tribute to Khojaly martyrs

The Peninsula 25 children lost both par- ents and 130 one parent and captives and hos- tages were tortured. DOHA: The Azerbaijan During the aggres- embassy remembered sion, all elements of the martyrs of Khojaly genocide stated in inter- City, killed by Arme- national conventions and nian military forces in UN General Assembly Azerbaijan in 1992. resolutions were applied. Twenty-four years The genocide has not have passed since been properly assessed the genocide against yet and the organisers peaceful inhabitants, and perpetrators were committed as part of not prosecuted and aggression, long-last- punished. ing ethnic cleansing Armenia continued and genocide policy of aggression and invaded Armenian chauvinists 20 percent of Azerbaijani and their supporters territories (Nagorno- against Azerbaijan, vio- Karabakh and adjacent lating international seven regions). Occupied laws, human rights and Nagorno-Karabakh and freedoms. adjacent seven regions The massacre on are a historical and inte- February 25 and 26 by gral part of Azerbaijan, the Armenian forces and as reaffirmed by the the 366th moto-artillery international law and UN regiment of the former Security Council Resolu- Soviet army was one of tions 822, 853, 874, 884 the unprecedented in the and others. history of humanity. However, the Arme- A total of 613 people, nian side has not met including 106 women, 63 demand for immedi- children and 70 elderly, ate, unconditional and were killed, over 1,000 total withdrawal. The became disabled due to crime hasn’t received injuries; 1,275 were taken due condemnation by hostages, the fate of 150 the world community still unknown, eight fam- so far, the embassy said ilies were exterminated; in a statement. HOME THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 09

Swedish education minister in Kuwait National Day marked Qatar to promote cooperation

The Peninsula

DOHA: Swedish Minister for Higher Education and Research Helene Hellmark Knutsson (pictured) is on a three-day official visit to Qatar. She is accompanied by a delega- tion of 21 high-level representatives from Swedish top universities, including Karolinska Institute, Lund University, Royal Institute of Tech- nology (KTH), Chalmers University, and presidents of Swedish national agencies for higher education and research. the minister and the Swedish gov- The visit aims to promote, ernment is ‘could Sweden be a role encourage and develop direct model for Qatar in the ongoing para- cooperation between government digm shift in the country, away from agencies, institutes, universities in oil and gas, towards a knowledge Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud with ministers and top officials Qatar and Sweden in the fields of based society, where innovation take part in celebrations to mark the 55th National Day and 25th Liberation Day of Kuwait, organised at Doha Sheraton. higher education and research, said and entrepreneurship are key fac- Pic: Salim / The Peninsula a statement issued by the Swedish tors to a continued prosperous future embassy yesterday. in Qatar?’” Sweden is highly ranked “This is one of the most impor- in global indexes on Research and tant official visits from Sweden to Development, Innovation – Entre- Qatar this year,” said Ambassador preneurship. World Economic Forum Ewa Polano. “The timing is excel- ranks Sweden as No. 1 in Creative lent because there is a big interest Economy.’ The delegation is sched- Rare rocks found at QF stadium site in Qatar at the moment to create uled to visit Qatar University and partnerships with countries like Qatar Foundation today and meet Sweden. The key message from senior officials.

Geotechnical samples of ‘Dukhan rock’ Call to develop land for dating back about 20-30 million years housing outside Doha unearthed at Qatar Foundation (QF) The Peninsula Real estate deals were the largest stadium site in Doha in value last November (QR4.6bn, or $1.26bn). This month also land trans- actions lagged behind and had a DOHA: A top real estate company share of 28 percent of the total. The Peninsula listed on the Qatari bourse has There is a shortage of land, the said the state should develop land data shows, the report said, under- for housing on the outskirts of the lining the need for the government city by providing basic services and to develop land on the outskirts of DOHA: Rare rock samples dating infrastructure to ease the shortage the city for housing and build com- back to tens of millions of years have of land. mercial properties. been unearthed during construction The increasing short supply of Real estate deals totalled of the Qatar Foundation (QF) stadium An artist’s design of the Qatar Foundation Stadium. land is putting pressure on prices QR2.4bn last December 2015. Land in Doha. and aiding inflation, Ezdan Hold- plots contributed about QR762m, or Excavation of 1.37 million cubic ing said in a report on real estate 31 percent of the total transactions. metres of rock or the equivalent of the middle-Eocene epoch. “This is will also be underground to lessen the sport to be played all year round in transactions from August 2015 to The poor ratio of transactions of about 550 full-size Olympic swim- an extraordinary find for a stadium effect on the surrounding commu- comfortable conditions. last January. It said that as a result land is attributed to a yawning short- ming pools of solid rock, at the site construction site, as usually this type nity, hidden at around 16-and-a-half The stadium precinct includes of the shortage of land, land trans- age in Doha downtown and to offset unearthed geotechnical samples of rock is found in deeper tunnelling metres below the surface,” said Al an aquatic pavilion with world-class actions accounted for 29 percent it an expansion of the city by adding of ‘Dukhan rock’ dating back about works, conducted by the likes of Qatar Qahtani. “Part of the rocks was also facilities such as an Olympic-size of the total real estate deals during new areas with complete infrastruc- 20-30 million years. The stadium is Rail,” said Al Qahtani. utilised by the nearby golf course swimming pool, training and diving the six month. The total value of real ture and services is required, the designed to represent a diamond spar- Excavation at the stadium was under construction, while the remain- pools, a multi-purpose pavilion for estate deals was QR17.9bn ($4.91bn) report said. As soon as new areas kling in the desert. completed by 32 excavators, which der was sent to be reused on projects.” indoor sports and concerts, male and and land transactions had a share of are developed, demand for land “As we dug down deeper, we reached 17 metres deep, allowing for After passing the 1.5 million man hours female spas, open air football train- QR5.2bn ($1.43bn). would grow. Investors and devel- came across interesting and distinct the pitch to be built at around five-six mark without any lost time accidents, ing sites, indoor and outdoor tennis The situation in January was opers would rush to the areas. This colour bandings on the rock forma- metres underground. The decision is the site is ready for the vertical con- courts, and basketball facilities. The worse as land deals accounted for will boost real estate buy and sell tions. It was an interesting find, and based on global cooling research con- struction of the 40,000-seat stadium. surrounding area also includes a Metro 11.1 percent of total real estate trans- and help maintain the momentum we were intrigued to find out how old ducted by Spanish stadium designers Post-tournament, it will be reduced to station within walking distance to the actions. Of the QR2.7bn worth of of Qatar’s fast development. these rocks were,” said Eid Al Qahtani, Fenwick Iribarren Architects, sup- 25,000 seats and will become the cen- facility. deals in the month, land transac- The shortage of land has caused Project Manager, Competition Venues, ported by the findings of British trepiece of a university league under “We are working with partners at tions were for QR270m. unwanted spurt in prices in parts of Supreme Committee for Delivery & engineering firm ARUP, which discov- way. QF to ensure the stadium becomes a Ready or ready-to-occupy prop- Doha during last two years. Demand Legacy. “We decided to conduct fur- ered that by immersing the stadium The stadium and surrounding national heirloom. It will also contrib- erties were in demand in the period for land has grown due to short sup- ther research into the ‘Dukhan rock’, several meters into the ground, the sports facilities, including an indoor ute to providing an advanced stadium under review, the report noted. In ply, creating the prices to inflate to identified by a site investigation and effect of the wind is minimised and arena, tennis courts and an indoor experience for fans, players and visi- January, they accounted for 88.5 unrealistic levels. Qatar needs real geotechnical study.” natural cooling is maximised through swimming pool, will be used by the tors during the 2022 FIFA World Cup percent of the total real estate deals. estate and development projects to The rocks originated under the ‘bowl cooling effect’. student community at Education City Qatar,” said Ghanim Al Kuwari, Execu- The properties included residen- meet the growing demand for hous- water, forming a layer known as “The cooling plant for the stadium after completion in 2019, allowing tive Director, Competition Venues, SC. tial buildings, villas, homes, offices, ing, commercial and administrative and shops, among others. premises, said the report. Brothers die as their Land Part of Wholesale Market Street Cruiser topples in Ain Khalid to be shut in phases from tonight The Peninsula

The Peninsula It will be implemented in four phases: From today from 11pm to February 28, 4 am; March 3 from DOHA: Two young Indian brothers — the only 11pm to March 6 until 4am; March children of their Doha-based parents, died DOHA: The Public Works Authority 10 from 11pm to March 13 until 4 am when their Land Cruiser toppled. (Ashghal) has announced a tempo- and March 17 from 11pm to March 20 The accident took place after midnight on rary closure on part of the Wholesale until 4pm. Tuesday in Ain Khalid on the outskirts of the Market Street in both directions Motorists heading to Bu Hamour, city where their parents live. from tonight. The closure is from Ain Khalid, the Wholesale Market, Mohamed Junidhul Nibrhsh (23) and Najmal the Mesaimeer passport and immi- and Al Thumama will have to use Rishvan (20) left the house and said they were gration office to near the entrance Rawdat Al Khail street or alterna- driving to an eatery to buy fast food. of Al Jazeera Academy. tives routes. Nobody knows what caused the accident, family sources and friends told this newspaper. Cameras activated They had studied here and completed their 12th grade. Their parents come from the south- Continued from page 1 Nissan Sunny 2015-2016 models recalled ern Indian state of Kerala — from Kozhikode district. Nibrhsh was in the UK where he completed “The cameras are in operation. They have been acti- studies and was just back from there. Rishvan vated,” the Ministry said on its official Twitter account. The Peninsula was studying in Mumbai, India, and was on a Earlier, such traffic violations were caught only by traf- short vacation to see his parents. fic patrol teams so many motorists flouting these rules Their father Sakir Maliakkal is a big busi- Mohamed Junidhul Nibrhsh and Najmal went unpunished. “The above violations can now be nessman. He and his wife accompanied the Rishvan caught and registered automatically through our sur- DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with bodies to their home district last night for veillance cameras,” the Ministry added. Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co,. dealer of Nissan vehicles, has announced the burial. Contacted for comment, a senior official from the recall of Nissan Sunny 2015-2016 models for the possibility of a defect in It is learnt that such warm and cordial are family and community members and friends, Road Safety Awareness section of the traffic depart- the front signal light. The ministry said the recall is part of its efforts to pro- relations between Sakir and his Qatari partner and former classmates of the duo attended. ment told this newspaper that the surveillance cameras tect consumers and ensure dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs. and sponsor that the latter also accompanied The bodies were to be flown to Kozhikode will only catch the above three violations. He said most It urged customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection them to India. Funeral prayers were held near by 1am today. Their last rites will be held in main roads have these cameras while some do not have. and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through hotline: 16001; email: the mortuary of Hamad Medical Corporation their home town today. Nobody could say with The violations carry fines, said the Ministry and added [email protected]; Twitter: @MEC_Qatar; Instagram: MEC_Qatar; and the a little after 9pm yesterday. certainty who was driving the Land Cruiser but that motorists must abide by traffic rules and maintain ministry’s mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar. A large number of people, among them Nibrhsh had a Qatari driver’s licence, it is learnt. road safety to avoid being fined. 10 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 OPINION

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL IS in Libya A devastating war of words or two decades ago. They prefer to their view about how society must What has happened and is ome of the worst fears about Libya are coming true. fight over issues that have already be. Those supporters are enthused happening now is that there is In an alarming development, the Islamic State group been sorted out by countries much and characterized by intolerance, an ideological war among Saudi smaller than Saudi Arabia. which made the government issue tribes, which confirms that there jihadists briefly occupied the heart of a Libyan city It is not a good time for such tens of directives to control their is a need for some system to pro- near Tripoli yesterday but were ousted by militia conflicts. The Kingdom is wit- enthusiasm and to prevent their tect the rights of people when they fighters. The clashes left 16 people dead and several nessing wars on two fronts, and control over people. This segment differ. The system should be based Sinjured. Interestingly, the seizure of the security headquarters the public are worried about their of society believe that they own on Islamic law, not on human made and other buildings in Sabratha came days after a US air strike security and economy as the peo- the facts, and their extreme inter- law. A single school of thought does hit an IS training camp near the western city, killing dozens, ple have gradually begun to feel pretation of Sharia law is that it is not exist in the Saudi commu- probably including a senior IS operative. the impacts of the wars and the their right and their duty not only nity, which is enriched by having By Jamal Khashoggi decline in oil prices. to explain what is correct to the multi-cultural, and varied types of Yesterday’s attack wasn’t a stray case as the IS has been Among these situations has people but to impose it on them. jurisprudence. Islamic law is based steadily expanding its foothold in the North African country, appeared the case of a girl stand- So they took revenge on a on Ejtihad (diligent, independent exploiting a security and power vacuum after the ouster of ing on the pavement who was asked famous presenter of the programs, reasoning) stretching from Sumatra Muammar Gaddafi, causing huge international concern. here is currently in Saudi by one of the members of the Com- Ali Al Alyan. They accused him of to Casablanca. The civilization of Last June, the IS seized the coastal city of Sirte, east of Tripoli, Arabia a tug-of-war mittee for the Promotion of Virtue taking liquor. They pictured him Islam and its jurisprudence and raising fears then that it was establishing a new stronghold on between the intellectu- and the Prevention of Vice to cover with drink cans beside him and tied schools of thought as well, date als whose call is to stop her face. The incident was docu- hands (showing caught red-handed back over 1,400 years. It is a huge Europe’s doorstep. In the absence of a central government in Tthe ideological warfare, and mented by someone and went viral for drinking). It was a case of def- and rich library, and we have to dig the country, with militias controlling various provinces and those who have dubbed them on social media, and turned into a amation, a clear breach of all laws deep to find answers for the mod- vying for power, militants have found it easy to set up their base ‘anti-nationalists’. Saudi Arabia is public opinion issue. Newspapers and rules. That night, they could ern age, but unfortunately we are and expand with the huge financial resources at their disposal. witnessing fierce a fierce ‘war of also began to criticize the commit- have caught many other perpe- standing on a single shelf. The presence of IS in Libya poses a huge threat to Europe due words’ between religious scholars, tee and its practices, worsening the trators of this crime, even in this Until then, I wish that our to the proximity of the country to the continent. rightwing conservatives, intellec- already bad relations with the com- very city. However it became nec- friends would stop writing and cre- The attack on Sabratha was probably in reprisal for the tuals, columnists, and those who mittee. It was not possible for the essary to show that the culprit was ating arguments about the topics call themselves liberal. media to ignore the incident of the a famous media person, to send of authority and identity. As long Western operation against the IS in Libya. The US, British and I opted to quit the battleground, pulling of the girl in the street and the message what they wanted, as they write, the matter seems to French forces are in the country fighting the terrorists and 41 IS although I was involved earlier in not cover it. The committee and its to serve their vested interests. He go from bad to worse. Then there fighters were killed in the US bombing the stupid conflicts of these move- supporters viewed this as the media was acquitted after the probe but would be no more argument to add raid a few days ago, dealing a heavy ments, which I called a ‘Shepherd’s hunting for minor issues, empha- the defamation took place, and the to their arguments. blow to the terrorist group. comedy’. I still remember the face of sizing that without the active role harm had been done. The issues of identity, rights and Destroying the jihadist network a government official watching, on of the committee Saudi society has Our media is making holes in freedoms are directly related to The world is a big screen TV, two representatives already became corrupted. the very ship they are boarding. the lives of officials and citizens, in Libya will not be easy given the still looking of different movements accusing The media confrontation The columnists have made severe and not just to the conflict over one current chaos in the country and the each other. Both were showing between the two sides has increased attacks. Tens of columns have been case. So the officials cannot reply for a strategy international community will need a papers condemning each other. and social media has fueled the written highlighting the same point: that this is not their decision when as IS jihadists multi-pronged strategy that should Both were showing their keen- differences. Imams and preach- blaming the authority for breaching they are asked, “When will women expand their involve, among other things, the ness for the nation but sometimes ers have also become involved in the privacy of homes and spying on be allowed to drive?” installation of a federal government they claimed that the regime was the case and each side has now people. Everyone is talking about Looking at the heated argu- operations in in Tripoli which has control over the their opponent. It resembled two started to insult the other with- religion. Ironically, when they fight ments within our community on cocks in competition. So the offi- out restraint. they do not resort to religion. Instead this subject, we should stop the Libya. entire country. A political solution is a cials laughed to make the audience Media personalities, column- some people raise their voices to arguments and take a decision. must for the elimination of terrorists. laugh, sitting with them and saying ists, and TV program presenters say, “Terrorists did not come from The decision makers should lis- Airstrikes can shock the militants, “let them fight- they are burning successfully raised important points the media house but IS emerged ten to the people’s plea to issue a but the allied forces would need the themselves”. But in fact all groups against the committee, which has among your group!” Demands are command- broadminded or nar- support of ground troops to achieve are burning this nation through tried to retaliate, but this made some made to eradicate extremism. An row-minded religion, openness or their objective. Unfortunately, the Western forces don’t have a this conflict, including those who parties call for it to have its pow- official interfered to stop a per- hesitation. encourage it and leave the matter ers revoked and to put it under the son from writing a column and to Once my protest has stopped, partner on the ground. The support of militias can be sought without resolution, causing illu- Ministry of the Interior. remove him from his position. But people will breathe a sigh of relief. in the fight, but that would amount to giving these militias the sory divisions. Saudi society, which is already the main problem was not solved. I have convinced myself that this legitimacy they are seeking. This forces the ‘tribes’ to adopt anxious, has become divided over Years ago, in a session of the will be the last column from me Libya has become a strategic territory to terrorists due to a policy of fighting over very minor this issue, which is focused around State Cabinet, at the time of late on “the Promotion of Virtue and a slew of factors. Isis fighters are arriving from Tunisia and things instead of the real problem old questions left without answers King Abdullah, the Cabinet spoke Prevention of Vice”, (Saudi Arabia’s the sub-Saharan Africa, mingling with thousands of migrants which is the cost of living in Saudi for quite long time. The issue is about out to ensure “the people have right morality police). Enough is enough, crossing the Sahara on their way to Europe. “Isis is creating a Arabia at the moment. They fight identity, pluralism, personal free- to have different opinions”, as if the there will be no more! about the rights of grazing ani- dom and its limitations. late King left it as a slogan for us. real African jihadist army, we can see mass arrivals of jihadis, mals, whether to cultivate fodder Although the committee is a It would be good if we could fol- they are impossible to control for the simple reason that they or import it; and the economic government body and it is under the low this and put it into practice in The writer is a Saudi Arabian jour- use the same route as migrants,” said Paris-based terrorism feasibility of breeding millions of cabinet, it has strong public support- our daily life, making it a part of nalist, columnist, and author, and expert David Thomson. camels in a country whose natural ers within Saudi society, especially our culture and education, but we the General Manager and Editor- resources have been used up one those who believe that it reflects have not done this yet. in-Chief of Al Arab News Channel. A starting point on Guantanamo

The Washington Post George W. Bush administration’s 35 have been cleared for release to Part of the resistance to closing Quote of the day response to the attacks of Sept. 11, other countries. Guantanamo comes from Repub- 2001, should not be passed on to The Pentagon plan submitted licans who insist that it would be resident Obama vowed as the next president. to Congress calls for the transfer of too dangerous to hold al-Qaida Has terrorism ended, no he took office seven years This administration bears some those who cannot be safely released militants anywhere in the United it has not but it will if we Pago to close the Guantan- responsibility for Guantanamo’s to other countries - about 60 pris- States. This is unserious: Federal amo Bay, Cuba, prison, whose use continuing role as a warehouse for oners - to a location, most likely a supermax prisons already securely unite. Whoever downed for the holding of terrorist suspects prisoners who were captured in the federal prison, in the United States. house a number of dangerous ter- the Russian plane, what arrested abroad long ago proved early 2000s, mostly in Afghani- The military commission trials, rorists, both foreign and domestic. did he mean? He meant to counterproductive. Thanks to con- stan and Pakistan, and held ever including of several of the prime The Obama administration has gressional opposition, he has not since. Since 2009, the Pentagon authors of the 9/11 attacks, would made a practice of transferring hit tourism, and to hit fulfilled the pledge. On Tuesday, the has moved only in fits and starts to continue. But as Obama pointed out, al-Qaida suspects to the federal relations with Russia. president offered one more plan for review the cases of those held and to the proceedings have resulted in court system for prosecution, with doing so, only to be swiftly rebuffed arrange the transfer of those freed “years of litigation without a reso- good results. A legal study attached by Republicans. Though the pro- for release. Obama has nevertheless lution.” He said the administration to the Pentagon report largely dis- Abdel Fattah Al Sisi posal was flawed, he deserves more managed to reduce the population would soon propose reforms to the misses concerns that militants could Egyptian President of a hearing. As Obama rightly from 238 to 91, of whom 10 are on commissions requiring congres- eventually be released inside the argued, this festering legacy of the trial in military commissions and sional action. United States.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Opinion page should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief.

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French special Stream of trash forces operating in Libya: Paper

secrecy” to identify the sources of the report. Hollande authorised Hollande said that France was action against at war with Islamic State after it claimed responsibility for a wave Islamic State in North of attacks on restaurants, a concert African state, says hall and the national soccer stadium in Paris on November 13 last year, Le Monde killing 130 people. The ministry has previously con- firmed that French aircraft recently Reuters conducted reconnaissance flights over Libya, where France took a leading role in a 2011 Nato air cam- paign that helped rebels overthrow PARIS: French special forces and Muammar Gaddafi’s autocratic rule. intelligence commandos are engaged It has also confirmed that France in covert operations against Islamic has set up an advance military base State militants in Libya in conjunc- in northern Niger on the border with tion with the United States and Libya. Britain, the French newspaper Le US warplanes struck an Islamic Monde reported yesterday. State training camp in Libya last It said President Francois Hol- Friday in attacks that killed nearly A truck drives past packed garbage bags in Jdeideh, near the Lebanese capital Beirut. lande had authorised “unofficial 50 people including two Serbian military action” by both an elite embassy employees abducted last armed forces unit and the covert November, according to Serbia’s action service of the DGSE intelli- prime minister. gence agency in the conflict-ridden US officials said the site in North African state, which has Sabratha, western Libya, was used two rival governments and largely by up to 60 militants, including Tuni- IS militants retreat from Libyan city after clashes ungoverned desert spaces. sian Noureddine Chouchane, blamed What Le Monde called “France’s for two attacks on tourists in Tuni- secret war in Libya” involved occa- sia last year in which dozens were sional targeted strikes against killed. Reuters lack of central authority to establish hideouts 15km south of the city, in the clashes. Local media reported leaders of the ultra-radical Islamist Le Monde said French intelli- a presence in Libya, with fighters Sabratha’s municipal council said in that as many as 17 brigade members group, prepared by discreet action gence had initiated a previous strike loyal to Islamic State seizing control a statement. were killed, but no officials could be on the ground, to try to slow its last November that killed an Iraqi MISRATA: Islamic State militants in Sirte and staging attacks in sev- It said the militants then “took reached to confirm the toll. growth in Libya. known by the nom de guerre Abu briefly entered the centre of the west- eral other cities. advantage of the security vacuum A security source from the west- The defence ministry declined Nabil who was the senior Islamic ern Libyan city of Sabratha during The fighting in Sabratha started downtown and spread out all over ern city of Zintan said yesterday comment on the substance of Le State leader in Libya at the time. overnight clashes with local mili- when local brigades — formerly the city” before being forced out by that authorities had agreed to treat Monde’s story but a source close to Le Monde said specialist blog- tary brigades before retreating, local among the many rebel groups that the brigades. the five wounded brigade members Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian gers had reported sightings of French authorities said yesterday. joined in an uprising that overthrew Sabratha’s mayor said late on from Sabratha, a sign that Zintan and said he had ordered an investigation special forces in eastern Libya since Islamist militants have taken dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 Tuesday at least four brigade fight- Sabratha may be prepared to cooper- into “breaches of national defence mid-February. advantage of political chaos and a — attacked suspected Islamic State ers had been killed and five injured ate in the fight against Islamic State.

Troops loyal to Machar will be let Parliament vote tomorrow a test for Iran’s Rowhani into South Sudan AFP unemployment rate stands at 10 percent but rises to 25 percent among youth. capital in March If voters support a pro-Rowhani coalition of moderate and reformist candidates at the ballot TEHRAN: Iran’s President Hassan Rowhani is box, dubbed “The List of Hope”, the president Reuters hoping his moderate allies can score a break- could swing the balance of power, creating a through against conservatives in elections fresh opening for social and political reforms tomorrow, the first polls since his government’s on which he has so far been blocked. JUBA: Troops allied with South nuclear deal with world powers. A one-week official campaign for the Sudan’s Riek Machar, the former The elections are a crucial test of Rowha- parliamentary election has been largely over- rebel leader and rival to Presi- ni’s public clout as he struggles to rebuild Iran’s shadowed by controversies over who was dent Salva Kiir, will deploy to the economy following last month’s lifting of sanc- allowed to run for office. capital in March, a regional peace tions under the nuclear agreement, which took The exclusion of thousands of candidates observer said, bolstering a fragile more than two years to secure. — reformists said they were worst hit, with the peace accord that ended two years In a first for the Islamic republic, voters are barring of the most prominent politicians leav- of fighting. on the same day electing lawmakers to the 290- ing them with many untested hopefuls — has It will be the first time Machar- seat parliament and choosing the 88 members raised concerns over turnout. allied troops will be deployed in of the Assembly of Experts, a powerful com- More than 6,000 candidates, including Juba since December 2013, when mittee of clerics that will select the country’s almost 600 women, are running for parliament. a row between Kiir and his sacked next supreme leader. In the Assembly of Experts vote 161 clerics, all deputy quickly descended into a The elections will be a crucial indicator of them men, are seeking election. civil war that often ran along eth- of the future direction Iranians want for their Yesterday, Rowhani texted mobile phone nic lines. country. From a population of almost 80 mil- users urging them to vote, saying participation Both sides, under pressure lion, 55 million people are eligible to vote. was needed “to build the future of the coun- from Washington, the United Since becoming president in 2013, Rowhani try with plenty of hope,” echoing the campaign Nations and other powers, signed has fulfilled his main pledge to end the crisis message of his allies. an initial peace deal in August, over Iran’s nuclear programme, but the centrist Reformists largely boycotted parlia- and agreed to share out ministe- cleric, who has close ties to reform-seeking pol- mentary elections four years ago in protest rial positions in January. iticians, has faced persistent criticism from a at the disputed re-election in 2009 of hard- But that deal has broken down conservative-dominated parliament. line conservative president Mahmoud repeatedly, and a UN report last Hardline lawmakers have accused the gov- Ahmadinejad. month said both leaders qualified ernment of making too many concessions to The two reformist candidates in that ballot, for sanctions over atrocities in the the West in order to secure the nuclear deal Mir Hossein Mousavi, a former prime minister, conflict. and are hoping voters will hand Rowhani and and Mehdi Karroubi, twice speaker of Iran’s However, earlier this month, his allies a stinging rebuke. parliament, said Ahmadinejad won because Kiir gave Machar his old job back The president is vulnerable on the economy, of widespread vote fraud. as deputy leader, raising hopes of which has yet to see the benefits of the lifting Millions took part in subsequent street pro- a breakthrough after months of of sanctions despite announcements of major tests and dozens of Iranians were killed in a troubled negotiations and failed business deals including a $25bn contract for crackdown by the regime. Mousavi and Kar- ceasefire agreements. 118 Airbus aircraft. roubi have been held under house arrest since In a meeting late on Tuesday, The 13-year nuclear standoff saw Iran’s 2011. An Iranian man looks at the list of conservative coalition candidates for tomorrow’s signatories of the deal agreed that currency, the rial, lose two thirds in value, With moderates staying away, conserva- 1,370 troops from Machar’s SPLM- parliamentary elections, in Tehran, yesterday. eroding people’s purchasing power. The official tives won parliament almost by default in 2012. IO group will be deployed in Juba starting March 1, according to Fes- tus Mogae, chairman of the Joint Monitoring and Evolution Com- mission (JMEC). “It was agreed Bahraini opposition leader sentenced to a year in prison that we will bring first and sec- ond stages together and therefore bring 1,370, including 700 of the Reuters Sharif, former head of the secular and mocking it” but cleared him of than four years in jail for his role in an newspaper editors and members of police, to Juba... as a compromise,” National Democratic Action Society, calling for regime change in violation uprising in the island nation. He was the Shura council this week, Interior Mogae told reporters in Juba. or Waad, of the more serious charge of the constitution. Waad leader at the time of his arrest Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdul- A spokesman for Machar con- of calling for regime change through “The prosecution is currently in March 2011. lah Al Khalifa announced a series of firmed he is expected to return DUBAI: A prominent Bahraini oppo- illegal means, the lawyer, Mohammed studying the reasons for the ruling to Bahrain has experienced sporadic measures to curb what he described to Juba during “the first week of sition figure was sentenced to a year Ahmed, said by telephone. acquit the suspect of some charges unrest since mass protests in 2011. as the expansion of Iranian-inspired March.” Kiir sacked Machar as in jail yesterday on charges of insult- The public prosecution, in a state- and to look into the possibility of Bahrain says the opposition has militancy in Bahrain. vice-president in 2013, exacer- ing the kingdom’s ruling system in a ment on social media that did not appealing it if legal basis were found a sectarian agenda and is backed by Those included setting up bating a political feud that erupted speech last year, his defence lawyer refer to Sahrif by name, said a sus- for that,” the prosecution said. Shia power Iran. Shia groups deny a committee to monitor finan- into fighting between soldiers loyal said. pect was convicted of “insulting the Sharif was freed in June last year those charges and Waad says it is sec- cial transaction of individuals and to both men in Juba. But the court cleared Ibrahim constitutional system in the country by royal pardon after serving more ular. In a speech to Muslim scholars, organisations. JEWELLERY & WATCHES

THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 A. Lange & Sohne unveils latest timepieces at DJWE

uxury German group, A. Lange & Sohne, unveiled Exhibition, was the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillom, which its latest high quality offerings at the annual Doha is a true standout piece as it combines three significant Jewellery and Watches Exhibition. The german complications: a flyback chronograph with jumping minute brand is regarded as one of the world’s best high- counter; a perpetual calendar with jumping displays and end watch manufacturers. a tourbillon with an in-house stop-seconds mechanism. LA.Lange timepieces contain mechanical rather than Visually, the watch goes for the classic and elegant look quartz movements, and with the exception of a very few which perfectly accentuates the rhodium gold and steel special edition watches, A.Lange watch cases are made hands with a luminous finish. The 41.5mm case comes in of yellow gold, rose gold, white gold or platinum. Lange platinum and within that you’ll find a manually wound movements are developed, produced, and assembled calibre, or better known as the Lange tourbillon with a in-house. A.Lange’s movement design and decoration is power reserve of 50 hours. one of the latest timepieces distinctively Glashütte in appearance, eschewing typi- unveiled by A.Lange was the Richard Lange Jumping Sec- cally Swiss features, such as multiple bridges and cocks, onds, features one of the cleanest designs. A lot of this can or pearlage, in favour of three-quarter plates, known be attributed to the fact that it draws inspiration from the as Glashütte stripes, hand-engraved balance cocks and very first scientific observation watch. As a wearer you’ll screwed gold chatons. be graced with a minimalist design and superb legibility. A.Lange movements are made from a metal known A key factor that grabbed our attention at the exhibition.A as german silver, as opposed to the plated brass typically platinum 40mm case houses the calibre L094.1 manually used for Swiss movements. Lange watches tend to have a wound movement which comes equipped with a 42 hour distinctive appearance. For example, the “Lange 1” model power reserve. features an asymmetric layout with no overlap among its On the function side you’ll find a regulator dial with a key indicators: a dial displaying the hours and minutes, a large jumping seconds, subsidiary hours and subsidiary smaller subsidiary dial displaying seconds, an oversized minutes. The face is made of solid silver and the hands are and manually wounded L095.4 calibre movement with a platform through which it could present its clients in the double window date display, and a power reserve indi- rhodium gold and blue-tinged steel. The Grand Lange 1 72 hour power reserve. The functions of the piece include Qatari market with all their latest innovations. After 11 cator. Lange’s watches are often described as austere or Moon Phase Lumen was also on display. It’s the first Lange an off-centre time dial, a subsidiary seconds dial with stop years in the region, the brand is present in most middle- Teutonic in appearance. In addition to time-only watches, timepiece to feature a luminous moon phase display.The seconds, a date window, a power reserve indicator and of eastern countries, with mono-standing boutiques in Dubai both manually wound and automatic, Lange is known for luminous compound added to the lunar disc allows the moon course, the brilliant moon phase display. and Beirut, and plans to develop in Kuwait and Saudi Ara- its complicated watches, including chronographs and split- and stars to glow in all its glory when the sun begins to set. Rams Nael, Regional Director — A.Lange & Sohne, bia. The luxury brand celebrated it’s 200th anniversary seconds chronographs and perpetual calendars. The case like the other models is made of platinum expressed the importance of having the luxury brand par- last year, with a limited 22-watch edition of it’s own 1815 Among A.Lange’s latest offerings showcased at the and sits at 41mm. Within that resides a lavishly finished ticipate in the Exhibition annually, as it gives the brand a timepiece in platinum with black dial. TAG Heuer unveils Connected Watch

AG Heuer, luxury Swiss Watchmaker, hosted thanks to the unique way in which its applications the exclusive Middle East unveiling of the are displayed. TAG Heuer Connected Watch at this year’s The principle is simple: the dial and the hands Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition. With remain, while the most pertinent information from Tthe Connected Watch, engineered with Intel tech- partner applications is elegantly displayed inside nology and benefiting from everything the Android the three counters on the chronograph dial at 12, 6 Wear universe has to offer, TAG Heuer has created and 9 o’clock, completely integrated into the watch’s the world’s first luxury smart timepiece, and have aesthetic environment. It is easy to use and makes chosen DJWE to showcase to the Middle East the information simple to read, enabling the user to stay pioneering technology and elegant style of their focused on the essential, without spoiling the watch’s latest innovation. classic appearance. The apps customized for TAG The TAG Heuer Connected Watch is a luxury Heuer are available exclusively through the watch watch that benefits from over 150 years of Swiss such as lifestyle, GolfShot Pro, Race Chrono Pro expertise, savoir-faire and heritage as cultivated and View rangers, all which will be available with by TAG Heuer. At 46 mm in diameter, the design free subscription. A specially developed Software of the TAG Heuer Connected is primarily that of a Development Kit (SDK) will allow for experience true chronograph, with a case, back and lugs made enrichment. In addition, TAG Heuer has added the from grade 2 titanium, a contemporary material classic functions that are a key part of the watch ensuring the watch is lighter and more resistant to universe: Timer, Alarm and Stopwatch, the design Jaeger-LeCoultre impacts than a traditional material such as steel or of which is faithful to the brand’s codes. gold. Completed by a textured black rubber strap The TAG Heuer Connected watch features an Intel (six other colors – red, blue, white, orange, green Atom processor Z34XX and runs the Android Wear and yellow - are available, sold separately) with a platform. Intel engineered the intelligence inside celebrates 85th deploying buckle made of grade 2 titanium as well, the watch to optimize performance and enable a it has all the elegance, characteristics and level of multitude of connectivity options including audio finish expected from a fine wristwatch. streaming, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as well as allow For the first time, TAG Heuer has developed three users to harness the full range of features offered birthday of Reverso digital watch dials, known as watch faces, which by the Android Wear operating system. With 4 GB feature the immediately recognizable design codes of memory, and all day battery life thanks to its aeger-LeCoultre, the name that stands for fine watchmaking, is bringing of TAG Heuer’s Carrera collection, including hands, hands and the beautiful sunburst effect of the light. latest-generation lithium battery, the TAG Heuer the quintessential timepieces that represent the best of its manufac- index, counters, date window and minute track. And because the TAG Heuer Connected is above all Connected is equipped with a small microphone ture in the Swiss Vallee de Joux, to the upcoming Doha Jewellery and The following will be available from the launch a watch, the digital hands and indexes remain visi- to communicate with via Google voice control and Watches Exhibition, from February 23 - 27 in Qatar. date: the chronograph dial, the 3-hand dial and the ble at all times, even when the watch is in ambient a sapphire crystal touchscreen - the indispensable JThe renowned exhibition has gained a reputation as the Middle East’s GMT dial, all of which display the date and are avail- energy-saving mode. complement to the crown at 3 o’clock which also foremost choice for leading names in international jewellery, watch design able in a choice of three colors (black, deep blue or The TAG Heuer Connected is a true watch, both houses controls. The entire piece has been made and manufacturing to launch their products. For Jaeger-LeCoultre, this pearl white), faithfully reproducing the appearance in terms of its appearance, with its watch faces and water resistant for everyday use and is IP67 water exhibition is an opportunity to create an inspiring exhibit that showcases and functions of a true dial, with shadows under the its minute tracks, but also in its interactive counters, resistance rated. its inventiveness, heritage and unique flair, while giving prominence to the manufacture. This year, Jaeger-LeCoultre will highlight its presence in Doha with a focus on the Reverso watch, which celebrates its 85th anniversary. Right from the beginning since its first design in 1931, Reverso’s reversible case has Martin Grossman brings concealed unexpected facets and hidden delights. These include a custom- made personal design, which can be expressed in the form of an engraving, or through gem-setting or by lacquering and enameling. The Reverso also their best to DJWE 2016 brings the complication of a Duoface or Duetto concept through a second dial. Jaeger-LeCoultre Middle East Brand Director, Marc de Panafieu (pictured) artin Grossman, German lux- skills complemented by modern pro- said: “The 85th birthday celebrations of one of our most iconic watches, the ury watch manufacturer, has duction methods, and equipped with Reverso, promises to make our presence at the Doha Jewellery and Watch Munveiled its latest novelties at the finest quality materials, the brand Expo a truly memorable and unique experience, with brand new pieces on the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhi- is creating it’s own heritage. display. We look forward to sharing our stunning 2016 collection with our bition. This marks the brand’s first time The brand has recently partnered visitors at our booth on February 23rd, and also with our patrons whom we participating in the exhibition. Helmed with Al Majed Jewellery, a partnership warmly welcome.” by Christine Hutter (pictured), Chief that Hutter believes in wholeheartedly. The expertise of the Grande Maison is reflected in the Reverso collection’s Executive Officer — Martin Grossman, “We have faith having Al Majed Jew- Classic and Tribute 2016 models, which offer a new vision of the iconically founded the luxury watch brand after ellery, as we are in confident in their stylish Reverso in the form of two stylistic expressions. The Reverso Classic acquiring the rights to use the name of ability to act as a force that guides us stays true to its Art Deco heritage, with a geometrical case, gadroons and the 19th century founder and director in the right direction especially within straight Arabic numerals with a minute track, staying steadfast through of the German school of watchmak- the Qatari Market.” Hutter stated. Hutter passing years and fleeting fashions. ing, Karl Mortiz Grossmann. The brand stressed on the importance of partici- Appreciated for its enduring qualities and authentic technical content, was able to experience a renaissance pating in the exhibition, as she believes the Reverso Classic stands for timeless elegance, adding a signature touch to after going under following the pass- it presents the brand with the perfect personal style. The Reverso Tribute lies at the very core of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s ing of it’s original owner, turning it’s opportunity to create brand aware- face. The instrument-like appearance at Baselworld, the largest watch and watchmaking expertise. Rich with a variety of complexities and innovations, fortune around. ness, especially in the Qatari market. of the BENU Tourbillon is emphasized jewellery show in the world. The the Reverso Tribute watch stands out for its ideally proportioned case, its Initially, the company operated from Among the novelties showcased at by the refraction of the crisp minute TEFNUT model is a men’s and ladies’ colourful, light textured and fine grained dials, its Dauphine-type hands, its Hutter’s personal residence in Dresden, the Exhibition were: the Benu Tourbil- scale in the chamfer of the sapphire watch that reflects a decidedly reduced hand-applied hour-markers and the refinement of its sunray-finish carrier. however, shortly afterward production lion, which was the world’s first watch crystal. The time range from 25 to 35 form vocabulary and straightforward The Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon is a Grande Complication model moved into a former hardware store in ti use human hair as an integral part of minutes, which is interrupted by the development process. Its personality that celebrates Reverso’s 85th anniversary in style. A veritable masterpiece Glashutte, and by 2013, the company it’s movement. The appearance of the Tourbillon aperture, is precisely read- eliminates all doubt that horological that exquisitely represents the watchmaking skills and rare crafts honed built and new factory and released its BENU Tourbillon reflects the lineage able thanks to a rearward extension class is also a question of appearance. by Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon is a star within the first production model. The spirit of of its model line. Its slender three-part of the minute hand that sweeps the Exquisitely cambered gold hour new 2016 collection. Sporting an elegant and sophisticated case housing Moritz Grossmann’s horological her- case in 750/000 white gold tapers out scale arc on the opposite side. Alum, markers, convex numerals at the 6 a movement with an innovative Gyrotourbillon, this timepiece embodies itage is still remains within the brand. along the gently curved strap lugs. The another timepiece being showcased and 12 o’clock positions, two manu- the horological prowess of Jaeger-LeCoultre with a number of surprises The manufactures are committed to elegant narrow bezel directs the focus at the exhibition, epitomizes mature ally crafted hands conceived explicitly including an entirely openworked back dial. Continuing the 85th birthday safeguarding his traditions, but without on the crisp displays and the aperture technology and the ultimate in man- for this watch family, and a slender gold celebrations of Reverso, the Jaeger-LeCoultre icon will be dressed in brand- copying his historic timepieces. Relying for the unusually large Grossmann ufacturing perfection. case are defining elements of this time- new festive garments, which are the result of a brilliant collaboration with on innovation paired with craftsman- three-minute tourbillon. The three- The Tenfut, the brands latest piece. All Watch models take their names Christian Louboutin. ship, and traditional manufacturing part solid-silver dial has a symmetric timepiece, was unveiled in March from Ancient Egyptian deities.

14 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 MIDDLE EAST Syria opposition yet to commit to peace deal

groups political and armed oppo- nents of Assad, said on Monday it had Regime ready to “given its acceptance of international help implement efforts for a cessation of hostilities”. But HNC chief negotiator Moha- agreement, Syrian mad Alloush said yesterday that the President Assad tells council had not yet decided whether Russian leader Putin. to commit to the deal, underlining rebel doubts over a deal they fear will not prevent Russian air strikes against them. The deal does not include Islamic Reuters State or the Nusra Front, an Al Qaeda affiliate which is widely deployed in opposition-held areas. “How can (Russia) offer guaran- WASHINGTON/BEIRUT: US Pres- tees while it is part of the problem?” ident Barack Obama expressed said Alloush, who heads the politi- caution yesterday about a plan to cal office of the Jaish Al Islam rebel stop fighting in Syria, while the main group, in an interview with the pro- opposition group said it had yet to opposition Orient TV station. commit to the deal. The Syrian government, its war Combatants are required to effort buoyed since September by the An aid convoy of Syrian Arab Red Crescent and the United Nations drives past a wedding ceremony in the rebel held besieged town of Kafr say whether they will agree to the Russian air force, has accepted the “cessation of hostilities” by noon cessation of hostilities agreement Batna, on the outskirts of Syrian capital Damascus. tomorrow (1000 GMT), and to halt announced on Monday. fighting at midnight on Saturday. Assad told Russian President The United Nations hopes the Vladimir Putin yesterday that his planned halt in the fighting will government was ready to help UN aid air dropped in besieged Deir Ezzor provide a breathing space for Syr- implement the deal. ian peace talks to resume. Putin and Assad, who held a tel- The last round in Geneva broke ephone conversation, stressed the AFP landed in the target area as planned”, there were “benefits to this approach which he argued was in a much worse up earlier this month without importance of a continued “uncom- he told a UN Security Council called as a last resort.” state. progress after the Syrian government promising” fight against Islamic to discuss the humanitarian crisis. The UN aid chief said some “It is clear that our government is launched a Russian-backed offensive State, the Nusra Front and other mil- UN agencies are working to scale 110,000 people living in besieged doing its best to deliver assistance,” on the city of Aleppo, where more itant groups. UNITED NATIONS: The United up aid deliveries to Syria before a ces- towns had received aid and that he told the council. fighting was reported yesterday. US Secretary of State John Kerry Nations yesterday carried out its sation of hostilities enters into force deliveries to a further 230,000 peo- The ambassador blamed armed Obama told reporters in Wash- said he had spoken to Russian For- first humanitarian air drop in Syria at midnight tomorrow to shore up ple in cut-off areas including through groups for civilian suffering and said ington that if some progress was eign Minister Sergei Lavrov and to reach thousands of people fac- peace efforts. air drops had been approved. delays in approving aid deliveries made in Syria, that would lead to their teams would meet on the next ing severe food shortages in a city Last month, Russia said it had “We are still waiting for approval were due to concerns for the safety a political process to end the five- day or so to discuss the planned besieged by Islamic State jihadists. dropped aid into Deir Ezzor, where for an additional 170,000 people. We of humanitarian workers. year-old war there. ceasefire. “Earlier this morning, a WFP some 200,000 people are in dire need expect those approvals to happen “We have not witnessed any Although US officials have raised “I am not here to vouch that it’s plane dropped the first cargo of 21 of food and medicine since IS fighters immediately,” he said. humanitarian crisis other than in the question of a political transi- absolutely going to work,” Kerry said tonnes of items into Deir Ezzor,” in surrounded the city about a year ago. Syrian Ambassador Bashar Jaa- the areas where these terrorist groups tion in Damascus, President Bashar in Washington. While there had to be eastern Syria, UN aid chief Stephen The air drops carried out by the fari accused the United Nations of entered,” he said. Al Assad, backed by Russia, shows a diplomatic solution at some point, O’Brien said. World Food Programme are con- using the humanitarian crisis as The UN is calling on all sides to lift no sign of stepping aside. the question was whether the time Reports from aid teams on the sidered less efficient than land a political tool and argued that no starvation sieges across Syria, where The Saudi-backed HNC, which is ripe, he added. ground confirm that “pallets have deliveries, but O’Brien argued that such attention was directed to Yemen, it estimates that 487,000 people live. Iran to pay Israel brings down France-funded Bedouin school large sums to families of killed AFP The 25 students aged between seven and “These include the dismantlement and con- known as Area C and which accounts for about Palestinians eight held their Arabic and English classes yes- fiscation of the school in Abu Nawwar on 21st 60 percent of the territory. terday while seated on the ground in the area February, which was funded by France and is Nickolay Mladenov, UN special coordina- where pre-fabricated buildings previously stood. the only school in a Bedouin community severely tor for the Middle East peace process, said last Reuters ABU NAWWAR: Israeli authorities have School director Asma Sheha said that the threatened in its existence,” it said in a statement. week that the number of such demolitions had demolished a newly built school for a Bedouin Israeli military had also taken away benches France also condemned the demolition of tripled on average since the start of the year. community near Jerusalem, saying it had been and tables. On Tuesday, children ran for shel- the school, installed last week. “During the past few weeks alone, Israeli BEIRUT: Iran will pay thousands illegally constructed. ter as it began to rain. Israel says such demolitions occur because authorities in Area C and east Jerusalem demol- of dollars to families of Palestini- The move comes with the UN and the The Bedouin community, Abu Nawwar, is the structures have not been granted permits. ished 201 Palestinian-owned structures, ans killed in a wave of anti-Israeli European Union raising concern over a sharp located in a sensitive area of the occupied West Asked about the school, the Israeli defence including 79 which were donor-funded,” he protests and violence, or whose increase in demolitions by Israel in recent Bank seen as key to any future settlement of the ministry unit in charge of civilian affairs in said in a briefing to the UN Security Council. homes have been demolished by weeks. Israeli-Palestinian conflict. the West Bank, known as COGAT, said it had “As a result, 320 people were displaced. Israel, Tehran’s ambassador to Many of the structures targeted have been The European Union expressed “deep con- removed four pre-fabricated buildings that had Since the beginning of 2016, Israel has demol- Lebanon said yesterday. financed by the international community. cern at an unprecedented number of demolitions been illegally installed. ished, on average, 29 Palestinian-owned Scores of Palestinians and doz- The Bedouin school, which was demolished and confiscations of Palestinian structures” in Palestinians and their supporters say it is structures per week, three times the weekly ens of Israelis have been killed in early Sunday before it could be used, was funded the part of the West Bank under complete Israeli extremely difficult for them to obtain permits in average for 2015. These actions run directly five months of street violence. Pal- by France. control. areas of the West Bank under full Israeli control, counter to the idea of peace.” estinians have carried out attacks, and Israeli security forces have shot dead many assailants. The recent violence has been stoked by a dispute over Jerusa- Smart protest Sisi admits Russian plane lem’s Al Aqsa mosque compound and the failure of several rounds of peace talks to secure the Pal- brought down by terrorism estinians an independent state in Israeli-occupied territory. “The decision firstly includes AFP setback to Sisi, who had been at giving an amount worth $7,000 pains to revive the country’s tour- to every family of a martyr of the ism industry and impose control over Intifada in Jerusalem,” Ambassa- the restive Sinai Peninsula. dor Mohammad Fathali said at a CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdel Jihadists there have killed hun- Beirut news conference. Fattah Al Sisi acknowledged for the dreds of policemen and soldiers Iran would also offer “$30,000 first time yesterday that “terrorism” since Sisi, then army chief, over- to every family whose home the caused a Russian plane crash in the threw Islamist president Mohamed occupation (Israel) has demolished Sinai Peninsula in October that killed Mursi in 2013. for the participation of one of its 224 people. Egypt has set up a committee to sons” in the unrest, he said. “Has terrorism ended? No... investigate the attack, and previ- Israel condemned Iran’s move. Whoever downed that plane, what ously insisted it be allowed to finish A Foreign Ministry statement said did he want? Just to hit tourism? No. its probe before any conclusions it “demonstrates again Iran’s role To hit relations. To hit relations with were made. in encouraging terror,” adding that Russia,” Sisi said in a speech. Egyptian media outlets have “following the nuclear agreement, Sisi had previously dismissed dismissed suggestions that a bomb Iran continues to be a major player as “propaganda” a claim by the was the cause as part of a Western in international terror.” Islamic State (IS) jihadist group that “conspiracy” aimed at harming the On Tuesday, Israeli army bull- it downed the airliner on October 31. country’s tourism sector. dozers demolished the homes of The group said it smuggled The A321 airliner, operated by two Palestinians who killed five a bomb on board the plane in Russia’s Metrojet and bound for Saint people in attacks in the occupied the airport of Sharm El Sheikh, a Petersburg, broke up mid-air over West Bank and Israel last year. Sinai resort popular with Russian the Sinai, minutes after take-off. Israeli officials say such holidaymakers. The wreckage fell several kil- demolitions could deter other Pal- People hold up their smartphones as they take part in a demonstration in Artvin, northeastern Russia had quickly concluded ometres (miles) across North Sinai estinians from launching attacks Turkey, to protest controversial plans to build a gold and copper mine in the ecologically rich area. that a bomb brought down the air- — the bastion of the Egyptian branch in a campaign that has killed 28 Environmental organisations have branded the planned mine “illegal”. liner, and suspended flights to Egypt. of IS. The group said it bombed the Israelis and a US citizen since Britain also stopped flights to Sharm plane in revenge for Russian air October. El Sheikh. The attack dealt a major strikes in Syria. ASIA / PHILIPPINES THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 15 No ownership dispute over Paracels: China

countries which have over the years, on Chinese islands they have occu- As far as China was pied, deployed many radars and concerned, there advanced weaponry? I hope friends in the media can objectively, justly, was no dispute over rationally and calmly make their ownership of the reports.” China claims most of the South Paracels, and so China Sea, through which more than China could deploy $5 trillion in global trade passes what it wanted on every year. Vietnam, Malaysia, Bru- nei, the Philippines and Taiwan have its territory without rival claims. The comments, which reproach: Official. come as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits the United States, fol- low remarks on Tuesday by Admiral Harry Harris, head of the US Pacific Command, that China was “clearly AFP militarising” the South China Sea. Harris said he believed China’s deployment of surface-to-air mis- siles on Woody Island, new radars on Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos on a wheelchair greets supporters at Paranaque city in Metro Manila, yesterday. BEIJING: China yesterday com- Cuarteron Reef in the Spratlys and plained the media were ignoring its building of airstrips were “actions radars and weapons deployed by that are changing, in my opinion, the other claimants in the South China operational landscape in the South Sea, and unfairly targeting China, China Sea”. Philippines still seeks $1bn in Marcos wealth following reports of its deployment Soon after he spoke, US gov- of fighter jets and radars in the dis- ernment sources confirmed that puted waterway. China recently deployed fighter jets Over the past week or so China to Woody Island. It was not the first Reuters fled to Hawaii 30 years ago this week of human rights abuses. The govern- Andres Bautista, a former PCGG has been reported to have deployed time China sent jets there but the after a near bloodless popular revolt. ment hoped to raise $17.7m from an chairman, said most of the cases advanced missiles, fighters and move raised new questions about He died in exile three years later. auction of some confiscated Marcos under litigation are complicated radar equipment on islands in the its intentions. The efforts yesterday to contact jewelry, property and stocks, sources and difficult because government South China Sea, especially on “For the South China Sea waters MANILA: The Philippines is still his wife, Imelda, and son Ferdinand said this month. prosecutors could no longer locate Woody Island in the Paracels. to be calm, Washington should first seeking to recover about $1 billion Junior, to seek a response to the com- By unofficial estimates, Marcos witnesses and find documentary Chinese Foreign Ministry stop its ugly practice of smearing worth of assets accumulated by ments were unsuccessful. Imelda has had $10bn of assets. evidence. “Some of the key players spokeswoman Hua Chunying reit- China and avoid any move that stirs the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos repeatedly said the family did not “We don’t really know if the $10bn are also back in power,” Bautista said. erated that as far as China was up tension in the region,” it said. through 100 court cases at home and steal from the people and its wealth estimate is accurate but what we can Members of Marcos’s family concerned, there was no dispute over Meanwhile, US officials alleged overseas, a government official said was acquired legally. tell you (about the $1bn now sought) remain active in politics. His wife ownership of the Paracels, and so that China has deployed fighter yesterday. Amurao said that since the is based from estimates of the court Imelda is a congresswoman from China could deploy what it wanted jets to the same contested island in “The task is not easy,” said Rich- Presidential Commission on Good cases and from what we already Ilocos Norte, the political base of the on its territory without reproach. the South China Sea. Navy Captain ard Amurao, head of an agency Government (PCGG) was created, it recovered,” Amurao said. family where her eldest daughter is “I suggest to the media that, in Darryn James, a spokesman for US created in 1986 to recover funds from has recovered and given the treas- More than half of the court cases governor. your reports, you not selectively Pacific Command, confirmed the Marcos. “The people holding these ury about $4bn. are civil lawsuits to recover shares, Her only son, Ferdinand Jun- pump up or ignore things,” Hua told report but noted that Chinese fighter assets have been slowing us down. In line with Philippine law, funds real estate, cash and jewellery, he ior, is a senator and running for vice a daily news briefing yesterday. jets have previously used the island. They have been using all sorts of have been used mostly for land said. A quarter of the cases involve president in the May election. In inde- “Because when you pay atten- Woody Island, which is also claimed delaying tactics to thwart our efforts.” reform. Based on a Hawaii court rul- “behest loans” state-owned banks pendent polls, he is tied with another tion to what China is deploying, by Taiwan and Vietnam, has had an Marcos, who ruled the Southeast ing, 10bn pesos ($210.04m) was used gave individuals with political con- senator who’s the son of a former do you also pay attention to other operational airfield since 1990s. Asian country for about two decades, to compensate about 10,000 victims nections to Marcos, he said. Marcos era minister. Endangered monkey-eating eagle S Korea dismisses Telescope used on Armstrong’s China warning on moon landing finds new galaxies fighting for survival in Mindanao US missile system SEOUL: South Korea yesterday Reuters “The electronic technology at dismissed China’s warning that the the back end is substantially differ- AFP planned deployment of a US mis- ent and that is why we can still keep sile defence system could damage using these old telescopes,” he said. ties, stressing that it was to coun- SYDNEY: An Australian telescope The discoveries occurred as the ter “growing threats” from North used to broadcast live vision of man’s scientists were investigating the MANILA: An endangered monkey- Korea. first steps on the moon in 1969 has region’s close proximity to the Great eating eagle which was released “The deployment of the Ter- found hundreds of new galaxies hid- Attractor, a gravity anomaly in inter- into the wild under a conservation minal High Altitude Area Defence den behind the Milky Way by using galactic space. The Great Attractor programme is now fighting for sur- system (THAAD) is a measure of an innovative receiver that meas- appears to be drawing the Milky Way vival after being shot, a Philippine self-defence against growing ures radio waves. towards it with a gravitational force conservation group said yesterday. nuclear and missile threats from Scientists at the Parkes tele- equivalent more than two million The metre-long (3.3-foot) North Korea,” presidential spokes- scope, 355km west of Sydney, said km per hour (1.24 million mph). raptor, which preys on macaques man Jeong Yeon-Guk said. they had detected 883 galaxies, a Using radio waves has allowed and other small animals sharing Jeong said the issue would be third of which had never been seen scientists to see beyond dust and its forest habitat, was shot at the “decided in accordance with secu- before. The findings were reported stars in the Milky Way that had weekend. rity and national interests,” adding in the latest issue of Astronomical previously blocked the view of tel- One man surrendered to the that “China will have to recognise Journal under the title ‘The Parkes escopes, the study showed. Philippine Eagle Foundation in the point.” HI Zone of Avoidance Survey’. “It’s a missing part of the jigsaw Davao city on Mindanao island on The remarks came after Chi- “Hundreds of new galaxies were puzzle, which is the structure of our Sunday and also handed over the nese ambassador Qiu Guohong discovered, using the same telescope local universe,” said Michael Burton, injured bird, the Philippine Eagle warned Tuesday that installa- that was used to broadcast the TV a professor at the University of New Foundation said in a statement. tion of the THAAD system on the pictures from Apollo 11,” said Lister South Wales’ Physics School. He, along with a second man, Korean Peninsula could “destroy” Staveley-Smith, a professor at the “They have managed to pierce was turned over to the police. Both relations between Beijing and University of Western Austral- through it and complete the picture are under arrest. Seoul. Qiu, in a meeting with Kim ia’s International Centre for Radio of what our part of the universe “The wounded eagle is under Jong-In, the leader of opposition Astronomy Research. looks like.” observation but I cannot assess Minju party, also warned that it its survival chances at this time,” would be “hard” to mend the ties the foundation’s curator Anna Mae once damaged, the party spokes- Sumaya said. The foundation said man said Tuesday. China has the shooting shattered the bird’s repeatedly protested since Wash- Workers treating an endangered monkey-eating eagle at the eagle centre right wing. It was unclear if the six- ington and Seoul announced plans year-old male would ever fly again. in Davao City on the southern island of Mindanao, yesterday. to deploy the missile defence. Row over Sri Lanka’s elephant gift to NZ premier

AFP pala Sirisena presented a deed of “The first elephant has gained and without their families. “We are ownership for five-year-old “Nandi” 700 kilos (1,540 pounds) in one year,” very disappointed,” Sagarika Raja- during a red-carpet welcome in Key told Sirisena at the ceremony. karunanayake, head of the Sathva Colombo for Key, who arrived for a “So, it is loving its life in New Mithra (Friends of Animals) group, COLOMBO: Sri Lanka gave visiting two-day official visit. Nandi, born at Zealand and I am sure its friend will said. “We wrote three weeks ago New Zealand Prime Minister John Key Sri Lanka’s oldest elephant sanctu- have such a good time as well in New asking the government to stop this a baby elephant yesterday, sparking ary, is the second bequeathed to New Zealand.” But activists urged the gov- practice. I think they don’t even read anger from animal rights activists Zealand in the last 12 months after ernment to halt the practice, saying our letters.” The government said the who said it was cruel to separate her baby “Anjalee” was also gifted to the some of the animals had found it dif- elephant was given in recognition of An artist’s impression of the galaxies found in the Zone of Avoidance from her family. President Maithri- Auckland Zoo. ficult to adapt to their new climates “excellent bilateral relations.” behind the Milky Way. 16 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 ASIA / AFRICA 23 dead in Nepal plane crash; probe launched

scattered.” The airline said the plane The plane was was carrying three crew and 20 carrying three crew passengers, one Chinese and Kuwaiti national. and 20 passengers, All the others were from Nepal one Chinese and a and two of them were children. Kuwaiti national. All A statement on its website said weather conditions were good when the others were from the plane took off for Jomsom, a Nepal and two of popular trekking destination in the Himalayas about 20 minutes’ flight them were children from Pokhara. Relatives of the victims gathered at Pokhara airport after hearing the news. AFP But Pathak said a full team of rescuers would be unable to reach the crash site, which is around 16,000 feet (4,900 metres) above sea level, KATHMANDU: Rescuers have found yesterday. the burnt-out wreckage of a passenger “We are sending teams to bring plane that crashed into a mountain- down the bodies, but they have not side in Nepal yesterday, killing all 23 arrived yet. It is not possible for a people on board, officials said. helicopter to land in the area,” he said. The Twin Otter turboprop aircraft “The weather is deteriorating and lost contact with air traffic control it might snow. It is unlikely they will eight minutes after taking off from be able to bring anything down today.” the tourist town of Pokhara early in Tara Air is a subsidiary of Yeti the morning. Airlines, a privately-owned domestic The army had deployed carrier founded in 1998 which helicopters and foot soldiers to services many remote destinations search Myagdi, a mountainous district across Nepal. It suffered its last around 220km west of Kathmandu, fatal accident in 2010 when a plane after locals reported seeing possible chartered by a group of Bhutanese wreckage of the Tara Air plane. tourists crashed into a mountainside Chief district officer Sagar Mani in eastern Nepal. A family member cries after a Twin Otter plane, operated by private Tara Air, crashed in bad weather, in Pokhara, Nepal, yesterday. Pathak said there was “no possibility Air travel is popular in Nepal, of survivors from the crash”, the latest which has only a limited road to very strong winds. The country, which is still reeling Two years ago a Twin Otter plane EU Transport Commissioner Siim in a series of fatal aviation accidents in network. Many communities, “Most flights in the area fly before from a devastating earthquake last belonging to national carrier Nepal Kallas said at the time the country’s the impoverished Himalayan nation. particularly in the mountains and 9:30am because very strong winds April, has in recent years suffered a Airlines crashed into a hillside shortly safety record “does not leave us any “A small team has reached the hills, are accessible only on foot or pick up after that,” he said. “It is very number of air disasters which dealt after taking off from Pokhara, killing other choice”. Nepal’s laswt major crash site for an initial investigation,” by air. strange because it is a brand-new a blow to its tourist industry. all 18 people on board. aviation accident was last May when said Pathak. “It looks like the plane Aviation expert Kunda Dixit said plane and the weather was clear in the Most have been attributed The country’s aviation sector has a US military helicopter helping with crashed into the hillside. The the flight path, which passes near morning. The pilot is very experienced to inexperienced pilots, poor come under fire from international earthquake relief crashed in bad wreckage was still in flames when two of the world’s highest peaks and focused on safety, I flew with him management and inadequate authorities and in 2013 the European weather, killing six Marines and seven the team arrived and the bodies were Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, was prone only 10 days ago.” maintenance. Union blacklisted all Nepal’s airlines. other people. One in five African kids denied access to vaccines

AFP we must unite to ensure that every child on the continent receives the 5.1 magnitude vaccines he or she needs to survive and thrive,” said Matshidiso Moeti, earthquake ADDIS ABABA: One in five chil- WHO Regional Director for Africa. dren in Africa do not receive basic “It is unacceptable that one in jolts Indonesia life-saving vaccines, despite the five African children lack access to continent making great strides on life-saving vaccines, and this report Jakarta: An earthquake immunisation, the World Health is an urgent wake-up call to Afri- measuring 5.1 on the Rich- Organization (WHO) said in a report cans of all walks of life and at every ter scale hit yesterday yesterday. level,” she said. Halmahera Island, 35km The report noted a dramatic rise Medical charity Doctors With- northeast of Ternate, in child vaccination rates, from 57 out Borders, known by its French Indonesia. There was no percent in 2000 to 80 percent in acronym MSF, said global pharma- threat of tsunami follow- 2014, but said more needed to be ceutical companies should be taken ing the earthquake. done to prevent the spread of dis- to task for charging. There were no reports eases such as measles, rubella and “Inflated vaccine prices” that of casualties or material neonatal tetanus that have been vir- keep the drugs out of reach of the losses so far. tually eradicated in some parts of world’s poorest and most vulnerable. the world but remain prevalent and “If vaccine prices continue to deadly in Africa. spiral out of control, we will con- Ban on Bagan “We can and must do more to tinue to see countries in Africa and protect all our children from dev- around the world faced with diffi- temple climbing astating illnesses - not only because cult decisions. it is our responsibility to ensure About which deadly diseases withdrawn healthier futures for our citizens, they can and can’t afford to protect but also because it is a smart eco- their children against,” said Myriam Yangon: Myanmar has nomic decision,” said Kesetebirhan Henkens, MSF’s international medi- backpedalled on a ban on Admasu, health minister of Ethiopia cal coordinator. climbing temples at the which is hosting a two-day summit “Ministers at this conference tourist hot spot of Bagan, on immunisation in Africa starting literally can’t afford to waste this following fears visitors yesterday. opportunity to again speak out would no longer be able “For Africa to achieve its full against high prices and push for Children are pictured at the Mungote Internally Displaced Persons camp in Kitchanga, 80km from Goma. to enjoy the ancient capi- potential and secure a bright future, change,” she said. tal’s famed sunsets. The Ministry of Culture on Monday barred visitors from clambering over the Malaysia review panel asks anti-graft monuments. Ruling party to dominate agency to continue probe on donations Diamond firm Uganda’s parliament to sue govt of Reuters under economic duress from slump- Reuters in a text message. A spokes- ing oil prices and a sliding currency. man for the prime minister’s office Zimbabwe AFP at Kampala’s Makerere University. Najib has denied any wrongdo- declined to comment when contacted Although Museveni was re-elected, ing, saying the funds were a political by telephone. at least 17 of his ministers lost their KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s anti- donation and he did not take any The review panel includes former HARARE: Zimbabwe’s Dia- seats, among them defence minister graft agency yesterday said an money for personal gain. The scandal civil servants, corporate figures, aca- mond Mining Company KAMPALA: Uganda President Yow- Crispus Kiyonga -- who is spear- external review panel had asked it to had been “an unnecessary distrac- demics and lawyers. (DMC) plans to sue the eri Museveni’s ruling party is set to heading regional efforts to end the continue investigations into a dona- tion”, he said, after being cleared by The panel also advised the anti- government for breach of dominate parliament once again, political crisis in Burundi -- and tion of $681m received by Prime Apandi last month. graft agency to seek the help of the contract after the South- according to results being compiled attorney general Fred Ruhindi. Minister Najib Razak, despite an MACC sought a review of that attorney-general in obtaining mutual ern African nation banned by the election commission after last “The list is long, more than 17,” order by the country’s top lawyer to decision, and on Wednesday it said legal assistance to get further evi- gem mining in the east of week’s vote. said Election Commission chief close the case. the review panel had recommended dence and documents from banks the country, a company However, at least 17 minis- Badru Kiggundu. Government Last month, Attorney-Gen- it continue investigations into the overseas. official said yesterday. ters lost their seats in the election spokesperson Ofwono Opondo said eral Mohamed Apandi Ali closed all transfer of funds, as they were “still The anti-graft agency said the Zimbabwe’s mines that saw Museveni win a fifth term the minister of internal affairs Rose investigations of Najib, after review- incomplete”. “Since MACC’s investiga- panel also recommended that inves- minister ordered to stop in office. The National Resistance Akol and education minister Jessica ing investigation reports from the tion into the alleged 2.6 billion ringgit tigation papers on SRC International, all mining activities. Asked Movement (NRM) is predicted to Alupo were also among the “big” Malaysian Anti-Corruption Com- donation case is still incomplete, the a 1MDB subsidiary investigated for whether DMC would go to win more than two-thirds of the losers, but he insisted the party had mission (MACC) into debt-laden state panel recommended to MACC that alleged misappropriation of funds, court if the government 427 seats when the final tallies are nevertheless “done very very well”. fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad it continues its investigation on the be resubmitted to the attorney-gen- did not reconsider, Malik announced next week. Museveni won last Thursday’s elec- (1MDB) and the transfer of $681m into case,” the agency said in a statement. eral for review. said: “I am sure we will.If “NRM domination of Parlia- tion, extending his three-decade rule Najib’s personal bank account. It did not say if it would act on MACC has not revealed its you remove the conces- ment means that executive action in a vote rejected as fraudulent by an Najib has been buffeted for the recommendation, and gave findings or indicated whether any- sion it means you are in and presidential power will con- opposition leader under house arrest months by allegations of graft at no further details. Apandi had no wrongdoing was involved, saying any breach,” Malik said. tinue to be largely unchecked,” said and criticised by the international 1MDB and revelations of the transfer, immediate comment, a spokesman decision to take further action would Kabumba Buingye, a law lecturer community. adding to a sense of crisis in a country for the attorney-general’s office told be up to the attorney-general. PAKISTAN THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 17 Illegal wildlife trade on the rise in Pakistan

coordination and cooperation, seri- and generates an estimated $19bn mechanism to protect indigenous ous funding constraints and capacity annually,” he told the audience. plants. At least 41 falcons gaps provincial wildlife departments An assessment of 102 web por- Taking up this issue, director were seized in have been facing for a long time. tals and social network platforms and general of Directorate of Research These were some impor- individual Facebook pages, he pointed and Training (Customs) Ghulam Hyderabad and tant observations made during the out, had showed that an online wild- Ahmad, the chief guest, said herbal Karachi while inaugural session of a four-day life market existed in Pakistan and species were missing out (in the sub- consultative and capacity building the scale of e-crime was on the rise. ject of illegal trade) and it’s time that 5,717 turtles were workshop which opened at a local He also shared the data based on native flora, as an essential part of confiscated last year hotel yesterday. the reported cases relating to ille- ecosystems and national heritage, in Lahore and Karachi. Part of a USAID-funded project gal turtle and falcon trade according was accorded due importance and being implemented by the World to which 41 falcons were seized in protected. The latter were valued Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan, the Hyderabad and Karachi while 5,717 He acknowledged that enhanced about Rs143m. workshop is the last of a series of such turtles were confiscated last year in capacity of Pakistan customs offi- events conducted in different cities to Lahore and Karachi. The latter were cials and other departments on seek recommendations from relevant valued about Rs143m (per their inter- various aspects of illegal wildlife stakeholders to develop a national national market price). trade would be an important step to level strategy to combat wildlife Highlighting some key feature of ensure improved surveillance of wild- technologies as wildlife traffickers are this matter to combat illegal hunting. Internews crimes in the country. the 11-month project titled Combating life traffickers. adopting new strategies to transport Balochistan forest and wildlife Welcoming the guests, senior Illegal Wildlife Trade by Establishing Conservator of wildlife at the wildlife,” he said. “Given the massive conservator Sharifuddin Baloch high- director-biodiversity at the WWF-P a National Monitoring Network that ministry of climate change Umeed scale of wildlife crimes, departmental lighted efforts of his department in Rab Nawaz said the illegal wild- Benefits Local Communities and Khalid gave an overview of the Con- and regional collaboration is gaining combating illegal wildlife trade and KARACHI: Pakistan has seen a mas- life trade had been recognised as Environment, he said the organi- vention on the International Trade in more importance.” said public awareness and commu- sive increase in the scale of illegal an organised crime last year by the sation planned to bring all relevant Endangered Species regulation, its Regarding hunting of houbara nity involvement were important in wildlife trade over the past few years, United Nations, which believed that stakeholders on board to formulate implementation at the national level bustard, concerns were raised over addressing the challenge. which can be gauged from the fact illegal wildlife trade should have a national level action plan to control and various aspects of the Pakistan the role of the federal government Chief conservator of Sindh Saeed that the country reported seizures of the same enforcement tools, tech- illegal wildlife trade in the country. Trade Control Act of Wild Flora and and it was pointed out that provincial Akhtar Baloch, assistant secretary 5,717 turtles (pictured) last year alone. niques and penalties as other illegal It was said during the programme Fauna 2012. Replying to a question, he wildlife staff had no access to check wildlife at ministry of climate change The situation is the result of mul- practices. that although wildlife trade involved said rules and regulations under the activities of ‘foreign guests’, who were Samar Hussain Khan and head of the tiple factors that include ineffective “It is the fourth most lucrative ille- both flora and fauna and the country new act were yet to be made. issued hunting permits by the federal wildlife department’s marine turtle implementation of legislation and low gal trade falling closely behind drugs, had huge asset of medicinal plants, “It’s vital that law enforce- government and it was important that conservation unit Adnan Hamid Khan penalties, inadequate inter-agency counterfeiting and human trafficking the government seemed to lack a ment agencies take help from new the ministry of climate change took up also spoke. Russia gives 10,000 automatic rifles to Afghanistan

Reuters the region.” The guns and ammuni- Afghan migrants tion were provided under an existing security agreement between the two head home from countries, he added. KABUL: Afghan officials took deliv- Russia’s ambassador, Alexan- Germany ery of 10,000 automatic rifles and der Mantytskiy, told the gathered Kabul: A group of 135 millions of rounds of ammunition as military and security officers that Afghan migrants landed a gift from Russia yesterday, another his country is willing to work with back in Kabul from Ger- sign of deepening involvement by Afghanistan to combat problems like many yesterday after Moscow in the war-torn country. terrorism and drugs. volunteering to return Dependent almost entirely on Yesterday’s delivery comes home due to a lack of foreign aid, Afghan security forces as Russian officials say they have prospects in Europe, offi- are struggling to secure the coun- become impatient with the fail- cials said. try amid a rising insurgency. ures of Washington’s policies in The International As the NATO-led coalition’s mil- Afghanistan. Organisation for Migration itary presence dwindled last year, While never a member of the arranged the transport Afghan leaders reached out to Mos- coalition, Russia cooperated with the and reception of the cow, which fought a war of its own United States for years by allowing group, which included in Afghanistan during the 1980s, military supplies to travel through 107 males and 18 females for more Russian-made weapons, its territory, and in other areas such including ten children. including small arms, artillery and as counter-narcotics and weapons attack helicopters. supplies. Taliban “This donation represents a deep That cooperation has disap- friendship between two nations,” peared amid political rifts over the unaware of Afghan national security adviser wars in Ukraine and Syria. Top Rus- Hanif Atmar said at an event mark- sian officials, openly critical of the invitation ing delivery of the arms shipment. lingering American presence, have “This important donation is from an said they are seeking deeper ties to Kabul: The Afghan Tali- important friend of Afghanistan in the Kabul government, as well the Boxes of ammunition are seen inside a Russian aircraft at the Kabul International Airport, yesterday. ban said yesterday they a crucial time for Afghanistan and Taliban. had not been officially contacted by Kabul about the resumption of direct talks aimed at ending their conflict. PBS suggests limiting army’s role London School of Economics The representatives of the four states called on the militants to return Internews While the bureau has prepared enumerator. The new PBS proposal, plans to establish ‘Jinnah Chair’ to the negotiating table some recommendations days before the sources said, suggests the military and said they expect the a meeting of the Council of Com- may only perform the role of sudden process to begin by the mon Interests (CCI) on census, fresh field checks to ensure transparency Internews have contributed towards building first week of March. ISLAMABAD: To cope with the una- details suggest the department is not and accuracy. a positive image of Pakistan,” said “We are not aware of vailability of required soldiers, the fully prepared to hold the population However, the proposal has yet Prof Calhoun. this, I cannot say anything Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) count. With the adequate number of to be vetted by the finance minister, ISLAMABAD: The London School The prime minister said Paki- regarding talks in Islam- has come up with a proposal to limit troops for census unavailable, the PBS who could not spare time yesterday of Economics and Political Science stan was on the right path - one that abad,” said the Islamist the military’s role to only supervis- has proposed limiting the army’s role due to his meetings with Prime Min- (LSE) is considering establishing the would ensure a great future for the group’s spokesman Zabi- ing the upcoming census, pending to supervision alone, sources said. ister Nawaz Sharif and other official ‘Jinnah Chair’ in recognition of the country. “We have resolved to take hullah Mujahid in a phone approval of the finance minister. According to the CCI’s decision engagements. achievements of the founding father the terrorists head-on and are elim- conversation. A three-day deadline Finance of March 18, 2015, the military would According to another suggestion, of Pakistan. Prof Craig Calhoun, the inating them from every nook and Minister Ishaq Dar gave to the bureau perform the tasks of supervision, instead of completing the exercise in varsity’s director, informed Prime corner of the country,” he said. for preparing an alternative plan to monitoring and maintaining law and 18 days, the population census may Minister Nawaz Sharif of the pro- Sharif said that Pakistan’s econ- $742m aid sought cope with the availability of only order. Two military personnel one for be completed in about two months, posal at a meeting here yesterday. omy was now stable and growing 100,000 troops against the required security and the other for maintain- by giving one enumerator up to four “The improved security envi- further through the consolidated for Pakistan and 375,000 ended yesterday. ing record would accompany every blocks instead of one. ronment and economic indicators efforts of its economic team. Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Requesting $742m in aid to Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam University tops Stranded Afghan migrants in Athens US Secretary of State John Kerry told US law- makers yesterday that the in Pakistan’s yearly ranking Obama administration was helping Afghani- stan and Pakistan fight Internews Engineering and Applied Sciences, terrorism. University of Karachi, University of “We are helping Health Sciences Lahore, and Uni- Afghanistan and Paki- versity of Veterinary and Animal stan to counter violent KARACHI: Out of 73 higher edu- Sciences. extremism, deepening cation institutions in the general “The ranking was carried out our strategic dialogue category, the Quaid-e-Azam Uni- under various categories includ- with India, supporting versity (QAU) has topped the ing engineering and technology, democratic gains in Sri rankings issued by the Higher Edu- business education, agriculture Lanka and Burma and cation Commission (HEC) yesterday, and veterinary, medical, and arts encouraging the peaceful followed by University of Punjab and design,” said HEC Chairman Dr resolution of compet- and National University of Sciences Mukhtar Ahmad, while announcing ing maritime claims in the and Technology (NUST) in second the rankings. South China Sea,” Kerry and third place, respectively. According to Dr Ahmad, the said. Kerry also said that The top three were followed major criteria for evaluation of uni- the State Department has by University of Agriculture Fais- versities were quality assurance, requested $742m in aid alabad, Aga Khan University, teaching quality, research, finance A Mother plays with her baby at Victoria Square in central Athens, where stranded migrants and to Pakistan. COMSATS Institute of Information and facilities, and social integration/ refugees, many from Afghanistan, have found temporary shelter, yesterday. Technology, Pakistan Institute of community development. 18 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 INDIA Rajya Sabha disrupted over Vemula’s suicide

committee looking into the circum- Angry exchanges stances around Vemula’s suicide in the Hyderabad University. were seen between “A Dalit professor was there HRD Minister Smriti whose decision you would not have accepted... You want to say Mayawati Irani and Mayawati ji, a Dalit is a Dalit only if Mayawati as members of ji gives a certificate?” Irani said, causing a huge uproar among the the latter’s party protesting members. demanded justice for Angry exchanges were seen Vemula’s family between Irani and Mayawati, as BSP members once again raised slo- gans demanding justice for Vemula’s family. They alleged that the govern- IANS ment was anti-Dalit. “Rohith ke parivar ko, nyay do, nyay do”, “Dalit virdohi sarkar, Activists from the ABVP, the student wing of the BJP, carried out a march against ‘anti-national sloganeering’ at the JNU, yesterday. nahin chalegi, nahin chalegi”, the NEW DELHI: The suicide of Dalit BSP members shouted incessantly research scholar Rohith Vemula of in front of the chairman’s podium. Hyderabad University created an In the din, the house was uproar in the Rajya Sabha yesterday, adjourned for 15 minutes. JNU student’s bail hearing adjourned till Feb 29 as Bahujan Samaj Party members When the house met again, raised slogans against the govern- Mayawati said the discussion on ment and angry exchanges were the Jawaharlal Nehru University and seen in the house of elders. Vemula issues should not be merged. IANS to confront him with Khalid and accused people”, said police. investigation”. The issue was raised by BSP “These are both important mat- Anirban and “unearth any larger Kanhaiya “did not cooperate at “It would send a wrong signal to leader Mayawati soon after the ters... It would have been better had conspiracy”. all during the course of the interro- the students community across the house met at 11am. the discussions been separate. When The court deferred the hear- gation”, they said. country that such anti-India activi- “This is not the first time a Dalit we saw both issues have been taken NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court ing till February 29 after Kanhaiya’s The report also said Delhi ties can be conducted with immunity.” student committed suicide,” the BSP together, we felt this issue (Vemula’s yesterday adjourned the bail plea advocates Kapil Sibal and Rebecca Police was looking into the “linkage “He (Kanhaiya) may become the leader said. suicide) will be suppressed. So, we hearing of JNU student leader Kan- John asked the court to postpone the between Kanhaiya and some foreign rallying point to encourage such anti- “Rohith Vemula was an Ambed- had to raise the issue. There was no haiya Kumar, arrested on sedition hearing as they will oppose the police elements with their mouths covered” India movements which would not kar supporter. The RSS did not like big demand, we just wanted to know charges, till February 29 after Delhi remand application. “Since two JNU who were present during the Febru- only spread disaffection but would this, he was exploited,” Mayawati if the judicial committee has a Dalit Police said it will seek his fresh students surrendered last (Tuesday) ary 9 event at the university. also be contemptuous since the con- said referring to B R Ambedkar, the member. There should have been yes remand to “unearth any larger con- night, we need to confront them with Kanhaiya was arrested in a sedi- viction recorded by the Supreme author of the Constitution who was or no answer,” Mayawati said. spiracy”. Kanhaiya,” ASG Mehta said. tion case on February 12 after the Court is being termed judicial kill- a Dalit. This was followed by sloga- Irani said: “I am willing to Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Allowing police to move the event held on the university campus ing,” the report stated. neering by BSP members, who called answer any question.” Tushar Mehta, appearing for Delhi remand application before the con- against the execution of parliament Delhi Police further said: “It is an the government “anti-Dalit”. When the government appeared Police, told Justice Pratibha Rani that cerned court, Justice Pratibha Rani attack convict Afzal Guru. He alleg- open secret that the aforesaid conduct Amid the din, the Rajya Sabha non-committal on including a Dalit they were moving a remand applica- said: “We have to ensure that they edly shouted anti-India slogans at of holding an event on February 9 has was adjourned five times in the pre- member on the judicial committee, tion to seek Kanhaiya’s police custody don’t suffer any scratch, that’s my the event. not only ramifications within India, it lunch session, and when the house Mayawati said: “Had the prime min- for the third time, to confront him only concern.” Khalid and Anirban, along with has an international impact as well.” met at 2 pm angry exchanges were ister (Narendra Modi) been here, he with fellow Jawaharlal Nehru Uni- Delhi Police opposed the bail plea three others, had gone missing from During the hearing, Justice Prat- witnessed between Mayawati and would have agreed to our demand.” versity students Umar Khalid and of Kanhaiya and submitted a status the JNU campus since February 12 ibha Rani made it clear that police Human Resource Development Min- Some members, including Anirban Bhattacharya who surren- report to the court. when Kanhaiya was arrested. They have the statutory right to seek ister Smriti Irani. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi dered on Tuesday night. If Kanhaiya is released on bail, surrendered on Tuesday night. remand of Kanhaiya till February 27. Mayawati wanted the gov- Azad and Janata Dal-United chief Mehta said the police remand of “he may create law and order prob- The police report said Kanhaiya, An accused may be held in police ernment to disclose if there will Sharad Yadav, suggested that the Kanhaiya, who is currently in judi- lems by conducting meetings in his if released on bail, “may influence custody for a period of normally not be a Dalit member on the judicial debate can be taken up today. cial custody till March 2, is required support, hampering arrest of other the witnesses and also hamper the more than 14 days.

Centre targets Railway budget today Agitators damaging public electrifying 7,000 property must pay: SC villages by March

IANS IANS destruction of public property, dislo- cation of public transport including disruption of water supply to Delhi. The court’s strong observation NEW DELHI: The central gov- NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court came in the course of the hearing of ernment has fixed a target of yesterday said it would lay down a plea filed by Gujarat Patidar Ana- electrifying 7,000 villages by the guidelines to act against people mat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader end of the current fiscal on March damaging public property and hold- Hardik Patel, seeking the quashing 31, Power Minister Piyush Goyal ing people to ransom in the course of of sedition charges invoked against has said. their agitation as it wondered where him by the Gujarat Police. Saying “The village electrification tar- was the country heading. that people and political parties must get for 2015-16 was 2,800 villages, Agitators can’t destroy pub- pay for damaging public property, which I set to 5,800. Now my offi- lic property and hold everything to the bench said, “We must take call cials told me that they would be ransom to get their demands met, on the issue and frame guidelines.” able to electrify 7,000 villages said the apex court bench compris- The court said it would address by March end. I’m sure that we ing Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar and the larger issue after Attorney Gen- would be able to achieve this tar- Justice C Nagappan underlining that eral Mukul Rohatgi told the court get,” Goyal said. those involved in destruction of pub- that petitioner Hardik Patel had Goyal also assured that power lic property would not escape the sought the quashing of the FIR distribution companies, now in a consequences of their actions. accusing him of sedition. He said state of disarray, would get their “What is happening? Where is now the chargesheet has been filed financial health back if state our country (headed for). One can- before the trial court and the same governments adopt the scheme not burn the country’s property. You could not be tested by the top court. approved by the union cabinet. can agitate peacefully. But what is The court was also told Hardik “I am confident that before Passengers board an overcrowded train near a railway station at Loni town in Uttar Pradesh, yesterday. this? — burning and ransacking”, the Patel’s plea for bail was still pending 2019, every discom (power distri- Railways will have to depend on more government support and borrowing to fix their finances in its court said with an obvious reference before the sessions court and it (apex bution company) in this country budget today, with New Delhi reluctant to unveil steep fare hikes ahead of key state elections. to the recent Jat agitation in Hary- court) should hold back the plea for will be making profits,” he said at ana which resulted in damage and bail till it was decided. the Power Focus Summit 2016. The minister said that as far as discoms were concerned, his bigger thrust was on operational efficiency rather than financial Surgeons set straight spine of African girl profits. “I believe we cannot bur- den the people of India with tariff increases indiscriminately.” “The figure, as we speak, of IANS of medical professionals — surgeons, at Reliance Foundation. She had a scoliosis. ward curve that causes hunch) of 85 villages that have already been paediatricians, cardiac special- deformed spine and a hump on the The doctors found that the girl degrees. electrified is 5,542, that’s one- ists, anesthesiasts and others — at right side of her back. She could not from Africa had severe right sided “We advised surgery as her life third of the total. There are another the Mumbai-based Sir H N Reliance stand erect. “Her parents noticed the thoracolumbar scoliosis with trunk span in her current condition would 1,390 villages where electrifica- CHENNAI: A 10-year-old girl flew in Foundation Hospital and Research spinal deformity three years back. decompensation. There was a be only around 40 years as such large tion work is done, they are under from Djibouti with a deformed spine Centre who set straight the girl’s life- The deformity resulted in a severe significant right sided rib hump. Neu- curves impacts the functioning of the energisation,” he said. “Officials that restricted her height to 123cms. threatening curved spine. imbalance in her posture. She also rological examination was normal. lungs and the heart,” Chaudhary said. have themselves fixed their target After a life saving critical surgery In medical lingo, the abnormal complained of short breath while “Many Indian hospitals turned “The pulmonary function test to electrify 7,000 villages by March here, she stands tall at 140Cms, cheer- curvature of a person’s spine is called running,” Kshitij Chaudhary, one her away owing to the complications showed she already had restricted end. I’m sure that we would be able ful and confident of facing the world. thoracolumbar scoliosis. of the surgeons who operated upon involved in the surgery,” Chaudhary lung function that was 66 percent to achieve this target.” Referring No! This is not any cosmetic Three weeks back, the bright fifth her, said. What added to the par- said. The X-rays showed that the tho- of normal. Echocardiogram showed to the Ujwal Discom Assurance surgery or a magical cure! The dra- grade student (name not disclosed) ents’ worry is the death of the girl’s racolumbar scoliosis curve or spinal a patent foramen ovale (hole in the Yojana (UDAY), Goyal hoped that matic change came about due to the from Djibouti —a country in the Horn grand-aunt at the age of 40 due to curvature measured 125 degrees with heart). The MRI did not reveal any spi- more states would join the dis- efforts of a multi-disciplinary team of Africa — came to the spine clinic complications related to untreated an associated kyphosis (excessive out nal cord anomalies,” he said. coms’ debt restructuring scheme. UK / IRELAND THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 19 Cameron has edge over Johnson EU deal could be

The YouGov poll, which had the may change their mind, more than The latest ComRes “Out” camp one point ahead at 38 enough to change the June 23 out- reversed: Gove percent, suggested a drop in sup- come, ComRes says. poll found that the port for the “Brexit” option, which Its poll found two thirds of Con- “In” camp was ahead had been ahead by nine points in a servative voters (68 percent) had Reuters be,” Gove told the BBC in an inter- poll published on February 5, before a favourable opinion of Johnson, view broadcast yesterday morning. by 12 points at 51 Cameron’s deal was finalised. while 88 percent viewed Cameron He said Cameron was “absolutely percent ComRes interviewed 1,000 peo- favourably. right that this is a deal between 28 ple between Friday and Monday, “Johnson can carry a message and LONDON: Britain’s deal with the nations all of whom believe it” and while the YouGov poll of 3,482 peo- moderate Conservative voters will European Union on new member- said that the prime minister had “not ple was conducted between Sunday consider it rather than dismiss it out ship terms could be undone by the been misleading anyone”. and Tuesday. Both straddled key news of hand,” Ludlow wrote. “His affable- European Court of Justice despite “I do think it’s important that Reuters developments. ness may also soften the perceived support from all member states, people also realise that the European Cameron clinched his EU agree- threat of leaving the EU for some less Justice Secretary Michael Gove - a Court of Justice stands above every Cameron and Johnson the figure- ment late on Friday night and committed ‘remain’ supporters.” leading member of the “Leave” cam- nation state,” Gove said. Downing heads of the opposing camps vying announced on Saturday that the “There is of course one towering paign - told the BBC. Street issued a statement rejecting LONDON: Prime Minister David in particular for the support of mod- official government position was to figure respected more than any other Prime Minister David Cameron’s Gove’s line of argument. Cameron (pictured), campaigning for erate Conservatives, regarded as the campaign for an “In” vote. Britain has by moderate Conservatives, whose Downing Street office rejected the “It is not true that this deal is not legally Britain to stay in the European Union, pivotal, swing group of voters. been in the EU since 1973 and has its endorsement for remaining in the argument, saying the deal was an binding. Britain’s new settlement in the EU has the edge over London Mayor Boris Overall, the latest ComRes tele- second largest economy. EU is more important than any other: irreversible decision in international has legal force and is an irreversible Inter- Johnson, the most popular figure in phone poll for the Daily Mail found Six members of his cabinet David Cameron.” law that required the European court national Law Decision that requires the the “Out” camp, in trying to sway the that the “In” camp was ahead by 12 defected to the “Out” side on Friday The divergence between the to take it into account. European Court of Justice to take it into key group of undecided voters, a new points at 51 percent, though its lead and Saturday, while on Sunday John- online and phone polls, coming after Gove, considered a policy heav- account,” it said. Attorney General Jeremy poll indicated. had narrowed since details emerged son, who is not in the cabinet but has all pollsters got last year’s general yweight in the British cabinet, is a Wright also said Gove’s suggestion was not Evidence on which camp was of Cameron’s deal with the other 27 far greater popular appeal than those election wrong, has raised uncertain- close friend and political ally of correct. “It has legal effect from the point ahead from another poll taken after EU heads of government in Brussels. who are, came out for Brexit in a blaze ties in a context where Brexit fears Cameron, but the men are on oppo- the UK says it intends to remain in the EU, Cameron’s deal on new EU membership An online YouGov poll for the Times of publicity. have knocked the sterling currency site sides of the debate ahead of a and the European Court must take it into terms for Britain struck on February 19 found the sides were neck and neck, ComRes analyst Adam Lud- to a seven-year low. June 23 referendum on whether to account,” Wright said.. showed both sides were neck and neck. reflecting a trend that has been apparent low said Johnson was important JP Morgan said in a research note stay in or withdraw from the EU. Meanwhile, the European phar- The ruling Conservative Party for several months whereby phone polls because of his appeal to moder- that it was inclined to put a little more Gove does not have the popu- maceutical industry yesterday said is deeply split on the EU issue to be have found “In” far ahead while online ate Conservatives. Half (52 percent) weight on the soundings done by lar appeal of London Mayor Boris Britain’s departure from the Euro- decided in a June 23 referendum, with polls have found much closer results. of Conservative voters say they phone. Johnson, the most prominent mem- pean Union would threaten scientific ber of the ruling Conservative Party research and jeopardise the 28-nation to come out in favour of a “Brexit”, bloc’s system of drug regulation. but as Justice Secretary Gove’s views The declaration is the clear- on the legal issues will carry weight. est statement yet on the issue by an Duchess with children “The facts are that the European industry that includes EU-based play- Court of Justice is not bound by this ers such as Britain’s GlaxoSmithKline agreement until treaties are changed and AstraZeneca, France’s Sanofi and and we don’t know when that will Germany’s Bayer. Ex-military chiefs say Britain is ‘stronger’ in EU

AFP EU or outside it? When we look at the world today, there seems to us only one answer,” the letter said. “Within the EU, we are stronger.” LONDON: Thirteen former senior mili- The letter added that, while tary officers insisted Britain should stay Nato was the most important alli- in the European Union saying the coun- ance for national security, the EU try was “stronger” as a member of the was “increasingly important”. 28-nation bloc in a “dangerous world”. “Europe is facing a series of Writing ahead of a membership grave security challenges, from referendum on June 23, the retired instability in the Middle East and the military chiefs said the EU helped rise of IS of Iraq and the Levant, to protect the country against threats resurgent Russian nationalism and from IS jihadists and Russia. aggression,” it added. The signatories of the letter to the “In a dangerous world, it helps Daily Telegraph include four former us to safeguard our people, our professional heads of the overall prosperity and our way of life. We Britain’s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, leaves after attending a “for a Place2Be” meeting at St Catherine’s Primary School inEdinburgh, armed forces as well as two former therefore believe strongly that it is Scotland, yesterday. heads of the army and two of the navy. in our national interest to remain an “Will Britain be safer inside the EU member.” Four feared dead in UK Ex-Top Gear host Clarkson Austerity raises uncertainty power plant collapse settles lawsuit in Irish elections

AFP service chief Dave Etheridge, said: with producer “It is highly unlikely they are alive.” AFP Etheridge said that the families had been informed that “we have not Reuters LONDON: Four people are feared picked up any signs of life”. dead following the collapse of a “We tried their construction site DUBLIN: Ireland votes tomorrow in disused British power station, and radios and have had no response,” LONDON: Jeremy Clarkson, the a hotly-fought election, in which aus- another five are seriously injured, he said. Prime Minister David Cam- former host of the BBC’s hugely terity-weary voters are expected to put emergency services said yesterday. eron expressed his condolences to popular “Top Gear” motoring show, the ruling Fine Gael party in front but One person was confirmed killed the confirmed victim’s family. apologised and settled a lawsuit with a diminished showing that could when the Didcot A coal and gas-fired Etheridge said sniffer dogs yesterday with the member of the see it struggle to form a government. power station, owned by a subsidiary were being used in the search for production team he physically Analysts say the party of Prime of German giant RWE and scheduled the missing. Scott Chilton, a sen- attacked in an incident which cost Minister Enda Kenny may be able to for demolition, collapsed on Tuesday ior police officer, described the five him his job. cobble together a coalition with smaller in a cloud of dust and rubble. people taken to hospital as “seriously Clarkson, who built a glo- parties and independents. If not, Kenny Rescue workers are search- injured, but not critical”. bal fan base as presenter of the could be forced to call a second elec- ing for three other people who are Emergency workers said there programme, struck and verbally tion or consider a pact with Fianna Fail: missing but regional fire and rescue were no explosives in the building. abused Oisin Tymon during film- Fine Gael’s traditional rival. ing, leading the BBC to announce “Everybody knows Fine Gael will last March it would not be renew- be the largest party but they won’t be ing his contract. The outspoken big enough to govern on their own,” presenter, a friend of Prime Min- said politics lecturer Maura Adshead ister David Cameron, has now of the University of Limerick. Poll campaign posters attached to the lamp posts in Dublin yesterday. agreed to pay Tymon damages to Though the country of 4.6 mil- settle a racial discrimination and lion inhabitants has become the injury claim, a sum amounting to champion of growth in Europe with general election in 2011. punished by its centre-left voter base more than 100,000 pounds. seven percent growth in the first nine “The recovery is very fragile and for helping introduce austerity. “I would like to say sorry, once months of 2015, voters are disillu- cannot and should not be taken for Disillusioned voters look set to again, to Oisin Tymon for the inci- sioned after years of belt tightening granted... The last thing that this coun- switch their support to independent dent and its regrettable aftermath,” brought on by a crisis that discred- try needs now is political instability,” politicians, small parties and anti- Clarkson said in a statement issued ited the elites. Kenny told reporters this week. austerity candidates: a fractured through Tymon’s lawyers. “It’s clearly an anti-austerity “I accept that many people are group that could make forming a “I want to reiterate that none election....one of the most unpre- not feeling the recovery. That’s why government more difficult. of this was in any way his fault. dictable” of the last decades, said Jon we need a second term to complete “The increase in independents is I would also like to make it clear Tonge, professor of politics at the Uni- the job that people gave us, to fix our an indication that people are dissatis- that the abuse he has suffered versity of Liverpool. public finances and get people back fied with the traditional mainstream since the incident is unwarranted “They want a better future without to work.” Polls indicate that Fine Gael parties,” Adshead said. and I am sorry too that he has had the hardships of austerity measures.” will come first, followed by the main Irish resentment crystallised to go through that.” Lawyers for Kenny and his outgoing coalition opposition Fianna Fail and the left- around new charges on water Tymon, who was left bleeding after partners Labour have campaigned wing Sinn Fein. brought in at the start of 2015 despite the fracas with Clarkson, said the for re-election on a vow to “keep the The Labour party, which has large demonstrations. case was settled and the producer recovery going” and finish the work been in coalition with Fine Gael for “It was a tax too far,” said Rich- The Didcot power station which collapsed in southern England. wanted to focus on his BBC work. begun by the party since the last the past five years, looked set to be ard Colwell, head of Red C polling. 20 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 EUROPE

Germany tries Spain’s Podemos suspends talks with Socialists three for thefts pluralistic government of change”. the constitution to modify rules gov- “It wasn’t easy for the Socialist previously refused to enter a gov- The support of the party is vital erning lawmakers’ immunity from party and Ciudadanos—which have ernment that would also include in Cologne Podemos made the to Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez as prosecution, as demanded by Rivera different projects—to be able to put Ciudadanos, pushing instead for a announcement after he seeks enough backing from law- in return for backing Sanchez. what unites them... above what sep- left-wing coalition with its leader chaos makers to become prime minister It also puts forward social reforms arates them,” Rivera told reporters. Pablo Iglesias as deputy prime min- the Socialists signed when they vote for or against his pro- such as bringing back Spain’s prized Even with Ciudadanos, which won ister. The PP meanwhile has said it a deal with centrist gramme for government next week. universal healthcare system, which 40 seats, Sanchez still does not have will vote against any government it AFP This was now “doomed to failure” has suffered from major spending cuts enough votes and will therefore need does not lead. party Ciudadanos to by the agreement, Errejon added. over the past years of austerity. the backing of other parties—a diffi- Sanchez, therefore, faces an uphill form the government Even with Podemos’s support, Spain has been mired in political cult task as all have conflicting agendas. struggle next week to win parlia- COLOGNE: German courts yes- he would still be short of the tally deadlock since December elections Anti-austerity party Podemos, an ment’s backing for his programme. terday tried three North African needed, which means Spain still has resulted in a hung parliament split ally of Greece’s ruling Syriza, won 65 He needs an absolute majority men for crimes committed on New no government in sight nearly 10 among four main parties, none of which seats and would therefore be a valu- —176 ballots —in the first vote of con- Year’s Eve in Cologne when hun- AFP weeks after the elections. has enough seats to govern alone. able partner. fidence due to take place on March 2. dreds of women reported being Earlier yesterday, the Social- The ruling conservative Popu- But the long-established Social- That is almost certain to fail, lead- assaulted or robbed. ists’ Senate spokesman Oscar Lopez lar Party (PP) won the most seats but ists are wary of joining forces with an ing to another vote 48 hours later, in But the city’s police chief con- described the agreement between fell short of an absolute majority. The upstart party born just two years ago which he would only require a sim- ceded that most perpetrators may MADRID: Spain’s anti-austerity party them and Ciudadanos as “a first deal”, party’s leader, acting prime minis- out of anger over austerity, and which ple majority. never be caught over the spate Podemos yesterday dealt a blow to the adding on Spanish radio, “there are ter Mariano Rajoy, gave up attempts ultimately seeks to supplant it. Failing that, the country could of groping and other attacks that country’s Socialists—racing to try and way more groupings that can make to form a government after he failed The two parties are also deeply be forced to return to the polls by the inflamed public debate about a huge form a coalition government follow- (Sanchez’s) investiture possible”. to get support from other parties fed divided over Catalonia’s independ- summer. influx of refugees and migrants. ing inconclusive elections—when they Sanchez and Ciudadanos chief up with austerity and the corruption ence movement. As Spain emerges from a severe In the first of three trials, a suspended negotiations with them. Albert Rivera shook hands to applause scandals plaguing his grouping. Although it does not want to see economic crisis, many say fresh court in the western city sen- Podemos made the announcement after signing the agreement, which King Felipe VI then asked runner- Spain split, Podemos backs the idea elections would be a disaster for the tenced a 23-year-old Moroccan after the Socialists signed a deal with centres on what a new government up Sanchez, whose Socialists won 89 of a Scotland-style referendum in the country, particularly as opinion polls man who admitted to stealing a centrist party Ciudadanos, which Podem- led by the Socialists would look like. seats out of 350, to form a govern- northeastern region. Sanchez, how- suggest the outcome of a new elec- woman’s mobile phone to a sus- os’s Inigo Errejon told a news conference It includes proposals for major ment, but he too has struggled to form ever, is resolutely against this. tion would by and large be the same pended six-month jail term and a “prevents the possibility of forming a judicial reforms, including changing an alliance. And crucially, Podemos has as that held in December. €100($110) fine. In two more cases, also dealing with property crimes, a 22-year-old Tunisian man and ayayayayayayayArt fair an 18-year-old Moroccan man Polish man jailed for were accused of stealing a man’s camera in the melee outside Cologne’s main railway station and Gothic cathedral. robbing Chinese TV star The mob violence inflamed tensions in Germany, which took in nearly 1.1 million asylum seekers in AFP court: “Give me another chance and 2015, mainly from Syria, Afghani- I will work to make up for it.” stan and Iraq, and put pressure on The Copenhagen City Court also Chancellor Angela Merkel for her sentenced Ireneusz to a six-year ban welcoming stance toward refugees COPENHAGEN: A Polish man who from the country, which begins when fleeing war. stole jewellery worth $555,000 he is released from prison, his law- Far-right populist groups have from Chinese TV star Liu Tao’s hotel yer, Kristian Jensen Braad, said. capitalised on the crimes by railing room in Denmark was jailed for ten Ireneusz was arrested in the against “sex jihadists” and “rapef- months yesterday. southern port of Rodbyhavn as he ugees” in street rallies. Rafal Ireneusz, 33, admitted the prepared to board a ferry to Ger- Cologne police have been burglary but said he did not know in many on December 9, three days harshly criticised for failing to stop advance the hotel room contained after the burglary. the chaos and then denying it for jewels, watches and cash worth Liu was in Denmark to work several days. about €575,000 ($625,000). with Danish shoe brand, for which The city’s former police chief During his trial in a Copenhagen she does promotional work in China. Wolfgang Albers was suspended in court, Ireneusz added that he had The star wrote about the incident a bid to restore public confidence not been aware of who was staying on the Chinese social media net- FatherA visitor Emir stands H H nextSheikh to Hamad‘The Worrier’ bin Khalifa sculptures Al Thani by witnessed US artist Willie last evening Cole in the arrivalexhibition of Fath of the Al KheirBeta in the force. in the room. work Weibo, posting on December Pictoris2 at Katara Gallery Cultural in Alabama village during beach. the The ARCO event International was also attended Contemporary by H ArtH Sheikh Fair at Jassem the Ifema bin exhibitionHamad Al Police have received hundreds Calling himself “very ashamed” 8: “Although terrified for 24 hours... siteThani, in Madrid,Representative Spain, yesterday. of the Emir. Pic: Qassim/The Peninsula → See also page 26 of criminal complaints over the for what he had done, he told the I still love this fairy-tale country.” violence. Danish conservatives threaten to topple govt Austria warns EU

AFP leader Soren Pape Poulsen told pub- Later in the day, he was to chair forces them to return to the polls. lic broadcaster DR in remarks widely a meeting of his ruling centre-right It’s “an explosive crisis and seen as a threat to the eight-month- Venstre party and its allies to discuss nobody knows what is going to hap- survival at stake old government. the controversy around Kjer Hansen. pen... It’s a battle of nerves,” leading COPENHAGEN: A small Danish party At a press conference later, Ras- The Conservatives have accused political analyst Thomas Larsen said. threatened yesterday to withdraw its mussen said Kjer Hansen still had his the minister of giving them wrong Apart from the Conservatives, support for the government and force confidence and that sacking her was information about a proposed pack- Rasmussen’s Venstre party, has the in migrant crisis new elections if Prime Minister Lars “not an attractive option.” age of agricultural regulations, which backing of the anti-immigrant Danish Lokke Rasmussen failed to sack a “It is a question of trust among they say could have serious conse- People’s Party and the pro-business cabinet minister in a row over agri- the parties right of centre. But we quences for the environment. Liberal Alliance. Together, Venstre AFP important than the protection of cultural reforms. are in the middle of a refugee crisis, Kjer Hansen’s critics specifically and its allies have a total of 90 seats the rights of refugees”. The Conservative People’s Party, and other challenges of maintaining accuse her of giving into the farm in the 179-member parliament. Vienna has come under fire for which has just six seats in parliament our welfare system,” said Rasmussen. lobby on norms governing the use Larsen outlined three possible organising yesterday’s talks, not but whose support is crucial to the Calling elections less than a year into of fertilisers, leaving water supplies ways in which the crisis could unfold. VIENNA: Austria yesterday warned least from Greece, and for impos- minority centre-right government, the government’s mandate was also a exposed to increased pollution from Either Rasmussen resists the that the EU’s future was at stake as it ing last week daily limits on the said it had lost confidence in Envi- “bad” option, he said. “We also risk los- agricultural runoff. calls to fire Hansen, which could pressed Balkan states, in the absence number of migrants who can apply ronment Minister Eva Kjer Hansen. ing power. Not attractive,” he said. Poulsen’s threat to withdraw sup- bring down the government and trig- of an effective common response for asylum in Austria or transit to “I have said (to Rasmussen) that I Describing the crisis as Denmark’s port for the government is nonetheless ger new elections, or Poulsen backs by the bloc, to reduce the influx of other countries. support the government and wish it “hour of destiny”, Rasmussen said he seen as a risky gamble, with analysts down, or Hansen resigns, which migrants despite fears of a human- But despite sharp criticism also to stay but Lokke has a minister that was “reaching out” to Conservative saying voters could punish the Con- would solve the problem for the gov- itarian crisis. from Germany, Vienna says that it we no longer trust,” Conservative leaders to try end the standoff. servatives for his political hold-up if it ernment, Larsen said. Further undermining the Euro- has no choice because the EU has pean Union’s hopes to get a grip on failed to get off the ground any effec- the situation, Hungary meanwhile tive common strategy. announced a referendum on Brus- “I am optimistic that we can Kosovo protesters sels’ troubled scheme to share out reach a joint EU response. The ques- Acrobatic performance migrants among the 28-nation group tion is when,” Mikl-Leitner told a demand govt via mandatory quotas. news conference. “We want to gen- “We have to reduce the influx erate pressure so that the EU can now. This is a question of survival reach a solution.” resignation for the EU,” Austrian Interior Minister So far joint EU efforts to halt the Johanna Mikl-Leitner said after talks influx, including a deal with Tur- PRISTINA: Hundreds of demon- in Vienna with countries on the well- key—the subject of a March 7 special strators rallied in Kosovo’s capital trodden west Balkans route north summit—to stem the mass exodus of yesterday, vowing to stay put until from Greece. migrants across the sea to Greece, the government resigns, after Greece, where thousands of have failed to bear fruit. spending a rainy night camped Afghans have been held up at the An EU scheme agreed in Sep- out at the protest site. border with Macedonia, angrily pro- tember to relocate 160,000 people Opposition politicians, who tested at being excluded from the among EU nations under mandatory are angry over an EU-backed deal ministerial meeting, underscoring quotas, has seen just 598 relocated with Serbia, launched the protest the deep rifts within the EU. so far, with former communist mem- calling for snap elections outside A joint statement from the par- bers of the bloc opposing the plan the main government building. ticipants said that after hundreds of and filing legal challenges. “How long we will stay here? thousands of people trekked through Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban, It doesn’t depend on us but on the Balkans last year, many ending announcing plans for the so-far the government,” said opposition up in Germany, Sweden and also undated referendum, said that Brus- supporter and law student Sherif Austria, the inflow must be “mas- sels has no right to “redraw Europe’s Beqiri, 21, after spending the night sively reduced”. cultural and religious identity.” at the protest camp. The talks come after figures As a result of the EU’s failures, The opposition fears the deal showed over 110,000 people arriv- countries throughout the western with Serbia, to create an associa- ing in Greece and Italy so far this Balkans have begun unilaterally tion giving more powers to Kosovo’s year alone —413 perishing in the to impose restrictions, sparked Serb minority, will deepen Kosovo’s attempt—following more than one by Austria’s much-criticised daily ethnic divisions and increase the million arrivals in 2015. migrant limits. influence of Belgrade. Kosovo uni- Amnesty International hit out Macedonia has closed its fron- laterally declared independence yesterday at Europe’s “shameful” tier to Afghans and introduced more Acrobats of WuQiao Arts School of China perform unicycles show ‘Qin Warriors’ during a press rehearsal from Serbia in 2008, and Belgrade response, saying most EU coun- stringent document checks for Syr- does not recognise the former prov- for the Figueres International Circus Festival ‘Golden Elephant’ in Figueres, Spain, yesterday. tries had “simply decided that the ians and Iraqis seeking to travel to ince’s sovereignty. protection of their borders is more northern and western Europe. AMERICAS THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 21

Colombian Trump’s third straight win discomforts rivals peace

of 22 percentage points, garnering Trump’s decisive win is likely to PLAYING FOR SECOND questions about the viability of his talks back Donald Trump has 45.9 percent of the vote, the state further frustrate Republican estab- In the run-up to Nevada, most of campaign since he won in Iowa. Republican Party said after 100 per- lishment figures who, less than a Trump’s rivals left him alone, prefer- Trump has made serious inroads tallied wins in New cent of all precincts reported results. month ago, were hoping that the ring to tussle with each other to try to among his core base of conservative on track Hampshire, South That gave him at least 12 of the 30 outspoken billionaire’s insurgent can- be the last surviving challenger to the supporters, draining anti-govern- delegates at stake, which would bring didacy was stalled after he lost the front-runner. Not long after Trump’s ment hardliners and evangelicals. Carolina and now his total to at least 79 before Febru- opening nominating contest in Iowa win was certified in Nevada, Cruz’s Cruz targeted Nevada’s fierce lib- Reuters Nevada, with a suite ary ends, according to the Associated to Cruz. campaign released a statement criti- ertarian wing, appealing directly to of southern states Press. But since then, Trump has tallied cizing Rubio for not winning the state. those who supported local rancher While more than 1,200 are wins in New Hampshire, South Caro- It did not mention Trump at all. Cliven Bundy’s armed protest against ahead on March needed to secure the Republican pres- lina and now Nevada, with a suite of Rubio, who has emerged as the the federal government in 2014 and HAVANA: The two countries spon- 1, so-called Super idential nomination, Trump has built southern states ahead on March 1, so- Republican establishment’s favorite a more recent one that Bundy’s sons soring Colombian peace talks said a formidable head start over his main called Super Tuesday. to derail Trump’s progress, can take staged at a federal wildlife refuge in negotiations were back on track Tuesday rivals, US senators Ted Cruz of Texas “If you listen to the pundits, we some solace in finishing second. But Oregon. But that, too, was not enough. yesterday after they were thrown and Marco Rubio of Florida. weren’t expected to win too much, that also has to be viewed as some- The upcoming March 1 primary in into disarray last week when rebel Rubio eked out another second- and now we’re winning, winning, what of a setback considering that Cruz’s home state of Texas is looming negotiators appeared in public place showing with 23.9 percent of the winning the country,” Trump said at he had frequently campaigned in as a make-or-break moment for him. escorted by armed and uniformed Reuters vote, and Cruz again came in a close a victory rally in Las Vegas. Nevada, having lived there for years Aiding his cause, Republican guerrillas. third with 21.4 percent. Each gained Polls suggest Trump will do well as a child. A Cuban-American, he had Texas Governor Greg Abbott endorsed “An agreement has been at least five delegates, said a report. in many of those Super Tuesday states, attempted to rally the support of the Cruz in a video that appeared on reached to overcome recent Finishing at the bottom of the placing further pressure on Cruz and state’s large Latino population. Wednesday. Despite early reports on difficulties and normalise the WASHINGTON: Businessman Donald heap were retired neurosurgeon Ben Rubio, as well as Carson and Kasich, Rubio had also benefited from social media of procedural irregular- conversations between the parties Trump inched closer to the US Repub- Carson with 4.8 percent of the vote who were not factors in Nevada. Saturday’s departure of former Flor- ities at many Nevada caucus sites, the at the table in Havana,” said the lican presidential nomination after and OhioGovernor John Kasich with “These guys have to figure out ida Governor Jeb Bush from the race. Republican National Committee and statement read by representatives easily outdistancing his rivals in the 3.6 percent.Broadcast networks called how to turn their fire on Trump,” said That brought an influx of new funds, the party’s state chapter said voting of Cuba and Norway, the so-called Nevada caucuses on Tuesday, giving Nevada for Trump almost immedi- Ford O’Connell, a Republican strate- a bevy of endorsements and a wealth ran smoothly. Higher-than-normal guarantors of the Colombian talks. him his third win in four early nom- ately after voting ended, with the state gist in Washington. Absent that, he of media attention. But none of it was turnout was reported, although his- An accord was reached after inating contests. Republican Party confirming the vic- said: “Which one is going to get out enough to overtake Trump. Mean- torically, few of the state’s citizens the foreign ministers of Cuba and Trump won Nevada by a margin tory soon afterward. of this field?” while, Cruz has been facing mounting take part. Norway intervened with Colom- bian government and rebel negotiators, the statement said. Online bettors see The government of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and Trump as odds-on leftist rebels of the Revolution- ary Armed Forces of Colombia, Republican nominee or FARC, have been negotiating a peace deal for more than three years in Havana and have a self- NEW YORK/LONDON: Donald Trump’s imposed March 23 deadline to chances of winning the Republican nomi- reach a comprehensive pact. nation for the White House shot to a record Latin America’s longest war high at online betting sites around the has killed some 220,000 people world yesterday after his latest victory in and displaced millions of others voting in Nevada. since 1964. Betting venues in Britain, Ireland and The two sides are attempt- New Zealand show the online wagering ing to reach a deal that would be community coalescing around Trump, once placed before Colombian voters considered a rank outsider attracting long- for approval, with a UN mission shot odds of 200/1. supervising rebel disarmament. Following his double-digit margin win Norway provides diplomatic sup- in Nevada’s Republican caucuses on Tues- port and Cuba serves as host for day, his third victory in the first four early the negotiations. nominating contests, odds have tightened The United States, which has all the way to ½ in some cases. poured billions of dollars into “Trump has triumphed yet again, despite Colombia to fight the illicit drugs political analysts almost unanimously writing trade, is also supporting the talks him off as a serious presidential contender,” behind the scenes through a spe- said Graham Sharpe from William Hill , add- cial envoy. ing one customer stood to collect at least More discord erupted following $100,000 if Trump was elected to the White last week’s display by the rebels, House on November 8. William Hill and Bet- which the Colombian government way make Trump ½ favourite to get the saw as a provocation. Republican nod, while Ladbrokes cut his Three members of the FARC odds to 4/9, the same as those shown on negotiating team had been given Ireland’s PaddyPower. permission to travel to northern La His nearest rival, US Senator Marco Guajira province to explain details Rubio from Florida, featured odds of 6/1 on of an accord to FARC members, but Ladbrokes. US Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, the government said they violated who has been battling with Rubio for the No. the terms under which they were 2 spot in the early voting states, has sunk allowed to return by participat- to a deep longshot. Paddy Power gives Cruz ing in public events with armed US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at Regents University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, yesterday. odds of 33/1, its site shows. fighters. Tornadoes ravage Louisiana Chicago to Congress unlikely to end school AP Straight-line wind gusts may be par- in a 24-hour period. In Atlanta, the ticularly strong, reaching 70mph or two-day total was approaching 3 year early lift Cuba embargo greater. inches before dawn Wednesday. Forecasters with the National Schools were closed in parts of PENSACOLA: Tornadoes ripped Weather Service had to take cover on Georgia, Florida and South Carolina CHICAGO: Chicago State Univer- Reuters rights before trade is eased. through an RV park in Louisiana Tuesday in a shelter in Slidell, Louisi- ahead of the storms. At least seven sity has told students and faculty Obama, a Democrat, has used and significantly damaged nearly ana, because a tornado was nearby. tornadoes hit Louisiana and Missis- that it was eliminating spring his executive powers to ease 100 homes and apartments in Flor- Lightning took out the office’s radar, sippi, said Ken Graham of the National break and shortening the semes- restrictions on travel and trade. ida as a deadly storm system rolled forcing them to use backups. Weather Service. In Mississippi, one ter because it may have to close WASHINGTON: The chairman of His administration just announced across the South, and forecasters “We felt the shockwave go person, 73-year-old Dale Purvis, died down because of a lack of fund- the US Senate Foreign Relations that next month Obama would warned that more twisters were through the building,” said Ken Gra- of blunt-force trauma in a mobile ing amid the prolonged stalemate Committee said yesterday that he become the first US president to possible Wednesday along the East ham of the National Weather Service. home west of Purvis, Lamar County over a state budget. did not expect Congress to lift the visit Havana since 1928. Coast. The storms dumped several inches Coroner Cody Creel said. In a memo to faculty and half-century-long embargo against But the US trade embargo, At least three people were killed of rain on Georgia, where forecasters Florida Gov. Rick Scott said an students, university President Cuba this year but it could happen imposed on the communist-ruled and dozens of people were injured, had issued a flash flood watch ahead apparent tornado in the Pensacola Thomas Calhoun said the spring under a new president, if there are nation in 1960, cannot be lifted with- some critically. of the storm. area significantly damaged more than semester will end April 28, when changes in Havana. out congressional approval. One of the hardest-hit areas By 7am yesterday, Albany, Geor- 70 homes and 24 apartments, leav- graduation ceremonies will take President Barack Obama has Republicans control Congress along the Gulf Coast on Tuesday was gia, had recorded 3.58 inches of rain ing three people with minor injuries. place. It had been scheduled to been moving quickly toward more and although several agree with the a recreational vehicle park in the end May 13. normal relations with Havana in overwhelming majority of Demo- town of Convent, in southern Loui- “These changes are occurring the past 14 months but the crippling crats who want the embargo ended, siana. RVs were tossed about and lay to fulfill the university’s commit- trade embargo is one of the remain- the party’s congressional leaders are on top of wrecked cars and pickup ment to students regarding the ing major obstacles. strongly opposed. trucks that had become twisted completion of the semester,” Cal- “It’s not going to happen this year Corker has not taken a position metal. Rescue workers searched houn wrote. but I think it’s something that could but has noted in the past that the through the night to make sure no Illinois’ public universities happen as we move into a new pres- embargo has not changed Cuban one was buried in the rubble. Two and community colleges haven’t ident‘s administration,” Republican policy. The politics are more compli- people were killed there and more received state money since last Senator Bob Corker told journal- cated because two Cuban-American than 30 were taken to hospitals. summer because of the budget ists at a breakfast sponsored by the senators vying for the Republican Jerome Picou, who lives near the stalemate between Republican Christian Science Monitor. presidential nomination, RV park, said the skies grew dark Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democrats “If Cuba were to evolve its Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, are just before the tornado hit. who control the General Assembly. behaviour and people were able to vocal opponents of Obama’s policy Thousands of people across Senior Charles Preston told see results from what’s happening and party leaders are unlikely to the Gulf Coast region were without WLS-TV that he had already made with the executive order changes come out against them during the power and the threat of more torna- plans for the spring break, having that are occurring, then I think it’s campaign. does remained. At least 88 million purchased a plane ticket to Flor- possible,” he said. Corker said things are already people along the East Coast were at ida to visit his girlfriend. Obama and Cuban President changing, although Havana still some sort of risk of severe weather “I’m very angry,” Preston said. Raul Castro announced in Decem- needs to change. Wednesday, the Storm Prediction “This is the sacrifices the univer- ber 2014 that they would normalize “To me it appears that things are Center said. sity has to do in an effort for it to relations after decades of hostility. gradually moving along. We have air Forecaster Jaret Rogers said still exist.” The university is try- Those changes have been strongly flights that are now going in, and it some of the larger metro areas ing to come up with ways to save opposed by many congressional seems to me that this is going to be a included the North Carolina cit- Wreckage covers the grounds of a mobile home park a day after it was money for the next school year, Republicans, who say Cuba needs year where those things take hold,” ies of Raleigh and Wake Forest. hit by a tornado, in Convent, yesterday. Calhoun said. to do more to improve human Corker said. 22 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 AMERICAS

Apple row to ratchet up Migrant at Mexican border encryption efforts

can’t access, said Jonathan Zittrain, year, and Turing Robotic Indus- Apple official co-founder of Harvard Universi- tries, whose Turing Phone is due in ty’s Berkman Center for Internet & April. Many more apps, such as Sig- says company Society. nal and Wickr, encrypt calls or texts will strengthen “A success for the government messages. in this case may further spur Apple Those businesses could surge if encryption if it and others to develop devices that the the Apple fight drags on. wins legal battle makers aren’t privileged to crack,” “That’s going to happen,” said he said. Chris Wysopal, cofounder and chief The fast-growing online storage technology officer of software secu- provider Box has already made it a rity company Veracode. “People will priority to give customers sole cus- go out of the country, and there will Reuters tody of data, said Joel De la Garza, be a market.” chief information security officer at US law enforcement officials have the company. The intent is to make it long fought for new laws to maintain impossible for the company to access access to private information that is SAN FRANCISCO: The legal show- its customers’ data - even under a harder to capture as people move to down between Apple Inc and US government order, he said. digital devices from traditional phone A Cuban migrant waves as he walks next to others after arriving by plane from Panama to Ciudad law enforcement over encryption, “Our goal is to achieve a ‘zero- lines. Juarez, at the Mexican border crossing with El Paso, Texas, yesterday. Nearly 150 Cubans converged no matter the outcome, will likely knowledge’ state” for the company, Most recently, the tech industry on Mexico’s border city on Tuesday as part of a pilot programme agreed by Central American countries accelerate tech company efforts to he said, “where our customers have has fought off numerous efforts to last year to allow the migrants to continue towards the United States. engineer safeguards against gov- total control over their data.” get encryption legislation through ernment intrusion, tech industry It’s unclear whether Apple can Congress, including an attempt last executives say. — or would even want to — make year that died after President Obama Already, an emerging industry is smartphones the company can’t declined to support it. FBI Director marketing super-secure phones and access. Two Apple employees familiar James Comey has been particu- mobile applications. with the company’s security strategy larly outspoken in arguing that law Court hears Kennedy cousin murder case An Apple executive said the com- said the company had no such plans. enforcement efforts are hobbled by pany will strengthen its encryption if One immediate beneficiary of encryption. it wins its court battle with the fed- the government’s case against Apple The FBI did not respond to a AP finding that Skakel’s trial attorney But prosecutors have said that eral government, which last week is the niche industry, based mostly request for comment on this story. failed to adequately represent him. highlighting Thomas Skakel’s rela- secured a court order requiring Apple overseas, that has sprung up to design Other law enforcement officials He had been sentenced to 20 years tionship with Moxley would have engineers to help extract data from apps and phones to thwart snoop- have said the tech industry fears to life in prison. bolstered their argument that Michael a phone associated with the mass ing by governments, business rivals are exaggerated, or in Apple’s case, HARTFORD: Connecticut’s highest Skakel, 55, was seated in the gal- Skakel killed her in a jealous rage. shootings in San Bernardino. and criminals. In the more than two even a marketing ploy. Apple, Google, court was hearing arguments yes- lery of the courtroom for the hearing, Michael Skakel had admitted to The executive spoke on condition years since former US intelligence Facebook and other companies also terday on whether Kennedy cousin as was his cousin Robert F Kennedy Jr two women that he was aware his of anonymity. An Apple spokesperson contractor Edward Snowden revealed have accelerated efforts to implement Michael Skakel should get a new trial Judge Thomas Bishop ruled brother had sexual contact with declined to comment publicly. widespread spying via US compa- encryption in the wake of Snow- or be sent back to prison for a 1975 that Skakel likely would have been the 15-year-old girl the night of the If Apple loses the court case, the nies, a handful of companies have den’s disclosures about US spying murder. acquitted if his trial lawyer, Michael murder and told one woman that legal precedent could give the US released secure phones with names - including a program called Prism State prosecutors asked the state Sherman, had focused more on his is what triggered the killing, pros- government broad authority to order such as BlackPhone, RedPhone or that culled private data from some of Supreme Court to reinstate the 2002 brother Thomas Skakel. Sherman has ecutors wrote in court documents. companies to assist in breaking into Priv that trumpet security as a prime the largest US tech companies. murder conviction against Skakel defended his work on the case. But prosecutors say the trial defense encrypted products. selling point. Phones such as Boeing The revelations prompted com- in the bludgeoning death of Mar- Prosecutors are appealing Bish- decided not to focus on Thomas But even a government victory Co’s Black target government cus- panies to fight the perception that tha Moxley when they were teenage op’s decision to the Supreme Court. Skakel because there wasn’t suffi- could have unintended consequences tomers. Blackberry markets the Priv, they were arms of the government neighbors in wealthy Greenwich. Thomas Skakel was an early sus- cient evidence. During his brother’s for law enforcement, potentially an Android device, to corporate cli- and dented the overseas sales of Skakel, a nephew of Robert F pect in the case, because he was the 2002 trial, Thomas Skakel’s lawyer prompting a wave of investment by ents seeking more security. companies including Cisco and IBM, Kennedy’s widow, Ethel, was freed last person seen with Moxley and said his client had nothing to do with US tech companies in security sys- Others include Silent Circle, with as countries such as China shunned on $1.2m bail in 2013 when a lower admitted he had a sexual encoun- the killing. The Supreme Court is not tems that even their own engineers launched its Blackphone 2 late last US products. court judge ordered a new trial after ter with her. expected to rule yesterday. Medical marijuana patients can US to carry out more grow own pot: Canadian court operations in South China Sea Reuters under the government system was now decide if it will appeal the deci- too expensive and did not allow them sion. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, to control the strains and dosages of elected in October, pledged during their treatment. his campaign to regulate and legal- Reuters VANCOUVER: A federal court judge The government, which over- ize recreational marijuana, though in Vancouver yesterday ruled that hauled its medical marijuana his ruling Liberals have not addressed medical marijuana patients have program in 2013, argued that its mail their plans for medical marijuana at President Evo Morales arrives for a press conference at Quemado the Constitutional right to grow their order system was safer for both the length. WASHINGTON: The head of the palace in La Paz, yesterday. own cannabis, striking down a ban patient and other Canadians, who Last June, Vancouver city coun- US Navy’s Pacific Command told introduced by Canada’s previous could be negatively impacted by cillors voted to license marijuana a congressional committee yes- Conservative government. unsafe home grow-ops. dispensaries, which operate out- terday he will carry out more, and The court suspended its decision In his decision, Federal Court side the current federal framework, more complex, freedom of naviga- Morales accepts for six months to give Ottawa time Judge Michael Phelan said that becoming the first Canadian city to tion operations in the South China to respond. restrictions imposed by the Mari- regulate retailers selling the drug. Sea. A group of British Columbia res- huana for Medical Purposes law were Shares of medical marijuana “We will be doing them more, idents took Canada to court in 2013, arbitrary. producers plunged yesterday after and we’ll be doing them with defeat in term arguing a new law requiring medi- “The access restrictions did not the ruling, with Canopy Growth greater complexity in the future cal marijuana patients to buy their prove to reduce risk to health and Co falling 10.79 percent to C$2.81, and as the Secretary has said, cannabis from licensed producers, safety or to improve access to mari- OrganiGram Holdings dropping we’ll fly, sail and operate wherever instead of growing their own, was huana - the purported objectives of 9.88 percent to 73 Canadian cents international law allows,” Admiral limit referendum unconstitutional. the regulation,” he wrote. and Aphria Inc down 12.4 percent Harry Harris told a House Armed They said marijuana grown The Canadian government must to C$1.13. Services Committee hearing, referring to US Defense Secretary Reuters populist leftist bloc, which has lost Ash Carter. “We must continue to steam as voters have tired of cro- operate in the South China Sea to nyism and tumbling commodities demonstrate that water space and prices have provided less income to For Justice the air above it is international,” LA PAZ: Bolivian President Evo fuel government spending. Harris reiterated to lawmakers at Morales acknowledged defeat in a In Bolivia, one-time coca grower Wednesday’s hearing. referendum that would have cleared Morales has spent a natural gas Harris said China is “chang- the way for him to run for a fourth windfall on welfare programs and ing the operational landscape” in term in 2019, saying in a speech on infrastructure. The once marginal- the South China Sea by deploying Wednesday that he would respect ised indigenous Aymara, to which he missiles and radar as part of an the decision of the people. belongs, have particularly benefited. effort to militarily dominate East Morales, a leftist who was first The president blamed the refer- Asia. China is “clearly militarizing elected in 2006 and is now in his endum loss on discrimination and a the South China (Sea) ... You’d have third term, had tried to persuade smear campaign or “dirty war” by to believe in a flat Earth to think Bolivians that the constitution the right-wing opposition. otherwise.” should be changed to allow him In recent weeks, his popularity China claims most of the South another run for the presidency. has been damaged by revelations China Sea, through which more Most polls ahead of the referen- that a company that employs an than $5t in global trade passes dum suggested a narrow win was ex-girlfriend had won lucrative gov- every year. Vietnam, Malaysia, likely, given Morales’ solid support ernment contracts. The problem was Brunei, the Philippines and Tai- among those who credit him with compounded when photos emerged wan have rival claims. slashing poverty in Bolivia, South showing the couple together last The hearing comes after America’s poorest country when year, although he had said the rela- China deployed surface-to-air ranked by gross domestic product tionship ended in 2007. missiles on Woody Island in the per capita. But in the end, with more Accusations of corruption have South China Sea’s Paracel chain than 99 percent of votes counted, been leveled in the past against his and radars on Cuarteron Reef the “no” side had 51.3 percent to the Movement to Socialism (MAS) party, in the Spratlys. US government “yes” side’s 48.7 percent, Bolivia’s but Morales himself has always risen sources confirmed China recently electoral commission said. above it. deployed fighter jets to Woody “We respect the results ... we The referendum result prompted Island. Charles Schumer (centre) demands that Senate Republicans give a Supreme Court nominee a fair have lost a battle, but we’re not celebrations in Santa Cruz, where Last month, a US Navy defeated,” Morales said in a televised criticism of Morales has been fierc- hearing and vote during a rally at the US Capitol in Washington, yesterday. Republican members of the destroyer carried out a patrol speech from the presidential palace. est, and the ‘no’ vote won by a Senate Judiciary Committee all-pledged not to hold confirmation hearings if President Barack Obama within 12 nautical miles of Tri- The rejection is another blow wider margin. La Paz, the capital, nominated someone to replace Associate Justice Antonin Scalia, who died recently. ton Island in the Paracels, a move to South America’s once dominant remained quiet. China called provocative.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 21o C Maximum: 26o C

FAJR 04.45 am ZUHR 11.47 am MAGHRIB 05.35 pm HIGH TIDE 06:00 - 18:00 Strong wind and high seas. SHOROOK 06.01 am ASR 03.06 pm ISHA 07.05 pm LOW TIDE 12:45 - 23:45

24 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST It’s a ‘purrfect’ life for pampered cats www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

AFP MOST READ

Plane goes missing in Nepal SINGAPORE: Cats who are tired of 1 with 21 on board the rat race in fast-paced Singapore have a new high-end leisure option Doha ranks among top 100 safe — a top-of-the-range hotel complete 2 cities for living with designer beds, Roberto Cavalli wallpaper and Swarovski crystal- Two Indian brothers die in studded dining ware. 3 car accident The Purrfection Suites are the ultimate in luxury for fussy felines looking for some quality downtime in the most upmarket surroundings. TWEET OF THE DAY Purified air is pumped into every room, while some even boast classi- cal music on a Sensurround system to help stressed cats unwind. The 14-room extension — exclu- sively for cats — is part of The Wagington, Singapore’s first five- star dog hotel housed in a converted British colonial-era bungalow in the heart of the city-state’s diplomatic quarter. The Wagington owner Estelle Tayler said that since the opening of the dog hotel in 2014, cat owners have clamoured for a similar style of upmarket lodging for their pets. A staff member places a pet cat in its Purrfection Suite at the Wagington luxury pet hotel in Singapore “We decided to make a wing ded- yesterday. icated just for our feline friends, with its own private entrance,” Tayler said. doggy guests can frolic in the out- section in the country’s leading Eng- “For many people, their pets are Apart from lodgings, the hotel door bone-shaped swimming pool lish language newspaper. Room and like their children. I definitely want to offers grooming and spa services at and work up a sweat on treadmills. board in the Purrfection Suites begins give her the best and whatever makes additional cost. It plans to introduce Pets are a pampered lot in Singa- at Sg$39 ($28) per night. her comfortable,” Lim said. “in-room dining” featuring home- pore, one of Asia’s richest cities. Lawyer Jolene Lim, 26, checked “If I’m going off on a holiday and cooked food. One businessman offers weekend her seven-month-old Persian cat into having fun, I want her to feel com- While their feline friends remain boat cruises for pets and their own- a cabin suite for five nights when she fortable and have fun and be at ease mostly indoors, The Wagington’s ers. Pets also have their own obituary went on holiday this month. as well.” www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

PAGE | 26 QE 9,917.52 -85.28 PTS PAGE | 28 Customs Authority DOW 16,309.10 -122.68 PTS Airbus profits expands Al Nadeeb FTSE100 5,867.18 -95.13 PTS soar to €2.7bn network BRENT $34.28 +$1.01 on rising orders

THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 • 16 Jumada I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Industries Qatar looking Second UAE-Qatar Business Forum at petrochem expansion

to a question during the 13th Annual the group recording the highest pro- General Assembly meeting of Indus- duction and sales volumes since its Looking at expansion tries Qatar. “Qatar Petroleum (QP) is inception in 2003. for ethane-based the biggest shareholder in IQ. It has to He said that the group is also petrochemicals be beneficial for QP and sharehold- well-positioned both financially and ers of IQ before we can embark on operationally to mitigate the key risks such a project but we are studying arising from unanticipated depressed it very hard and this is in the proc- trading and economic environment By Sachin Kumar ess of being finalised at some stage as the group possess several unique The Peninsula in near future.” competitive advantages: most nota- He said that the demand of steel bly, an excellent financial position is set to rise going forward which is driven by strong liquidity, positive good for company’s business. “We debt metrics and robust cash flow DOHA: Industries Qatar, one of have huge ambition for steel busi- generation, unique cost position- the region’s largest listed industrial ness. We have very efficient plant, it ing, relatively younger and efficient groups with interests in the produc- is well, we have modified it. Going operating asset base and the Qatari UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan tion, distribution and sale of a wide forward we see Qatar as very high leaders of the group companies. (right) with Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed range of petrochemical, fertiliser and demand market for steel, so we see As the group’s financial per- steel products, is planning for ethane- not issues regarding steel,” he said. formance is heavily depended on Al Thani (second right), who is currently in Abu Dhabi to participate in the Second UAE-Qatar Business based petrochemicals. The company Al Kaabi added that the group the macro-economic factors which Forum. Discussions during the meeting dealt with joint cooperation opportunities between the two will take final decision after results faced challenges during the finan- are mostly not within our control, the countries, particularly in areas of economy, trade and investment and ways of enhancing them. of feasibility study, said Saad Sherida cial year ended December 31, 2015 group has embarked on a number of Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Board of following the crude oil price plunge initiatives those focus on improving Directors, Industries Qatar yesterday. through 2015 that significantly both financial and operational per- “We are looking at expansion for affected group’s product prices. formance through optimising costs ethane based petrochemicals mostly, Despite this, and a notable decrease and operations, said Al Kaabi. These such as Qapco for instance. We are in product prices, the group was nev- initiatives include detailed assess- Ship traffic volume surges in studying a possibility of expanding ertheless able to post a creditable net ments of the group’s operational but until we are ready with feasibil- profit of QR4.4bn thereby exceeding assets and the cost base with an ity study with which we can see it is 2015 group budget by more than 20 objective of improving operational beneficial for IQ (Industries Qatar) percent. This commendable result and cost efficiencies while ensuring region’s ROPME Sea Area shareholders,” said Al Kaabi replying was achieved on the backdrop of Health, Safety and Environment.

By Satish Kanady Convention for Cooperation on the need for taking precautionary actions The Peninsula Protection of the Marine Environ- to protect the marine environment. ment from Pollution, otherwise Dominated transportation of known as the Kuwait Convention and oil and gas products, the ROPME four associated Protocols. Located in Sea Area is one of the busiest mar- DOHA: The density of shipping traf- the northwest corner of the Indian itime areas in the world, noted fic in the ROPME Sea Area increased Ocean, this region is known for its oil International Maritime Organisa- heavily over the past one decade. The production. The area holds 64 per- tion (IMO) document noted. With ship traffic entering the regional cent of the world’s oil reserves. steadily increasing tendency, up to waters was less than 18,000 in 1999. Disclosing the figures at the 9th 50,000 ships transit the Strait of Hor- The number ships passing through Oil Spill Response Officers and the muz annually, of which one third the waters has jumped to 47,658 in 3rd meeting of First Master Plan are tanker vessels. The high den- 2014. Of this, 32,635 are tankers. Committee Meeting concluded here sity of ship traffic is demonstrated The ROPME (Regional Organ- yesterday, Captain A M Al Janahi, by more than 69,000 port calls at isation for the Protection of the MEMAC (Marine Emergency Mutual regional ports and terminals per year, Marine Environment) Sea Area cov- Aid Centre) Director stressed the bur- resulting in severe impacts on marine ers eight states that joined forces in geoning volume of visiting ships in the ecosystems and the environment at Industries Qatar Chairman Saad Sherida Al Kaabi (centre) and other officials at the AGM yesterday in Doha. 1978 to adopt the Kuwait Regional regional waters demands the urgent large, and on maritime safety. Edutainment theme park ‘KidzMondo Doha’ to open in August

By Mohammad Shoeb occupations and professions. It is an Airways pilots and crew as they lead diverse business environments, The Peninsula ideal forum where social rules and the global air space. and allows children to dress up and values are promoted and ingrained in Kazma said: “We are looking to role-play realistic tasks in a safe, children to prepare them to behave as create awareness in children through interactive and meaningful environ- good adult citizens would in real life. playful learning, to unleash their ment. The entertainment park, with its DOHA: KidzMondo Doha, one of the This was announced at a press imagination and creativity. Qatar has own economy and currency, has been largest indoor edutainment theme conference attended by Ali Kazma, always been a strategic market in the designed to provide a holistic experi- parks in Qatar, is gearing up to open Chairman of KidzHolding S A L and GCC region and through this partner- ence to support physical and mental its doors in August this year. The Founder of the KidzMondo concept; ship with Qatar Airways, we expect to development amongst children, and company yesterday announced a Nabil Barakat, General Manager, achieve immense success.” help improve their self-esteem and partnership agreement with Qatar KidzMondo Doha; Salam Al Shawa, Al Shawa (of Qatar Airways) confidence. Built on a total indoor Airways to support the interactive Senior Vice-President, Marketing and added: “Through the partnership with area of about 8,000 square metres, fun and learning experience for young Corporate Communications, Qatar KidzMondo Doha, we believe that it is KidzMondo Doha will partner with minds at the facility. Airways; and Ehab Amin, Senior Vice never too early to ignite passion for a more than 60 brands that will spon- Located in the Mall of Qatar, Kidz- President Commercial – Qatar, Qatar challenging and rewarding industry sor various activities in the kids’ city Mondo is an awareness and educative Airways. like the airlines.” and will open its doors in 2016 in the indoor theme park for playful learning Through their partnership with Built around the concept of the Mall of Qatar. developed on ‘learning by doing’ prin- Qatar Airways, KidzMondo Doha ‘City of Education and Entertainment’, KidzMondo is actively present ciple. It has been designed for children will offer children an opportunity to Senior officials at the KidzMondo Doha event in Doha yesterday. Pic: KidzMondo Doha features an inter- in Beirut and Istanbul, with expan- aged between two and 14 years and enact their dream roles as pilots and Abdul B/The Peninsula active small-scale city developed for sion plans across the GCC including their parents. It’s a miniature rep- cabin crew, and get an understanding and managed solely by children. The the UAE, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, Jor- lica of a real city where children will of the functioning of the world-class real aircraft model. Children will be different parts, and become familiar self-sufficient city includes over 80 dan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco get to role-play as adults in over 60 airline within a specially adapted able to explore the plane, examine its with the daily tasks required of Qatar real life simulation activities across and Algeria among others. 26 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS Customs Authority expands Al Nadeeb service

considered a milestone in the mod- extensive studies into the require- ernisation of customs processes as ments of various economic sectors in Campaign to help it delivers top-of-the-line customs the country with the primary objec- build awareness clearance services to the trade com- tive of delivering efficiency, flexibility munity in Qatar. and transparency in their dealings for Single Window The launch of the smartphone app with the Customs Authority. Customs Clearance further enhances the services of Al “The development of a country Nadeeb. With 24 hour access, the app and its people is measured by its abil- System called Al guarantees swift and easy customs ity to respond to global changes and Nadeeb transactions to all users by making technological developments and adopt the services available on any mobile them for the use of its own citizens. device. Furthermore, Al Nadeeb will The Customs Authority in Qatar plays strengthen the role of the private sec- a pivotal role in contributing to these The Peninsula tor in the economic development of developments,” he says. the country and support the economic Al Nadeeb already serves more diversification policy of the Qatari than 130,000 users including 15,000 government. major trading companies, 827 cus- DOHA: The General Authority of Cus- Director of the General Author- toms clearance agencies and 200 toms has launched a major marketing ity of Customs, Ahmed bin Ali Al shipping agents. Furthermore, Al campaign to help build awareness for Mohannadi says: “Al Nadeeb provides Nadeeb integrates with numerous its Single Window Customs Clearance our customers with the world’s most ministries and government agen- System called Al Nadeeb. It has also efficient, reliable and trustworthy cies helping to organize and simplify launched the Al Nadeeb smartphone customs clearance services through customs procedures and thus meet application to facilitate easy access to the continued development of cutting- regional and international customs the online customs clearance system. edge systems, customer service and standards. The purpose of the marketing human capital. As Qatar witnesses Al Nadeeb is one of the impor- campaign is to create awareness for an economic boom and diversifica- tant next steps in converting the State the advanced features and benefits tion in accordance with the goals of of Qatar into an effective partner in offered by Al Nadeeb to public and its 2030 Vision, the Customs Author- facilitating global trade by provid- Officials at the event. private sector companies, institutions, ity is adopting the latest systems and ing customs services characterized traders, customs clearance agencies technology to support this progress.” by complete transparency, full secu- Al Nadeeb is fully integrated into range of services to both the private specifically to digitise and stream- and shipping agents. Ahmed bin Ali Al Mohannadi rity and safety through an advanced all ports as well as customs facili- and public sector. The system is a line the customs clearance processes The launch of Al Nadeeb is says Al Nadeeb was developed after risk management system. ties in the country and offers a wide web-based customs service designed in Qatar. Producer Price Porsche Design presents timepiece collection Moody’s cuts Index falls Brazil credit The Peninsula uniquely applies the functional in December standard of modern architecture to the design of high-quality time- rating to junk pieces. The characteristic gaps at DOHA: In the run up to the interna- the band attachment and the form The Peninsula tional watch show, Baselword, next — locking transition into the strap RIO DE JANEIRO: Moody’s spring, the sports and lifestyle brand add particular lightness to the pur- became the third big agency to cut Porsche Design, is presenting another istic aesthetic. The reduced structure Brazil’s credit rating to junk yes- new collection of timepieces: After of the dial draws the attention to the terday, citing mounting debt and DOHA: The Monthly Producer the renowned German brand, that essential information, the display of political instability. Price Index (PPI) of the Industrial has become known for its innovative time and date. It comes in four indi- Cutting the credit rating by sector for December, 2015 is esti- product design, celebrated its passion vidual models of timeless elegance two notches to Ba2, Moody’s said mated at 49.3 points showing a for racing with the “Chronotimer Col- and handcrafted perfection that have Brazil suffered a “low growth envi- decrease of 6.8 percent compared lection”, the new “1919 Collection” is been crafted to last. ronment,” worsening debt, and to November same year. The fall honoring another importantmilestone Porsche Design gets in the fast “challenging political dynamics.” was driven decline in the “Min- in the brand’s history - the Bauhaus lane with new generation of time- Junk status had already been given ing (which includes crude oil and movement in architecture and design, pieces It has been more than four by Fitch and S&P. Moody’s also said natural gas)”, and “Manufacturing” which had a profound influence on decades since Porsche Design revolu- that it was giving Brazil a nega- Porsche Design staff displaying new items. while an increasing in “Electricity the company’s founder, Professor Fer- tionised the premium watch industry tive outlook, possibly heralding and water”. dinand Alexander Porsche. for the first time by launching the further downgrades. “The nega- On year on year basis, PPI of While the “Chronotimer Col- collection will be available at interna- style as a significant element of our world’s first matte all-black Chron- tive outlook reflects the view that December, 2015 showed a steep lection” represents dynamics and tional Porsche Design flagship stores brand’s DNA and are celebrating the ograph I. risks are skewed toward an even fall of 37.8 percent compared to sportiness, the new “1919 Collec- and exclusive fine watch retailers this upcoming Bauhaus centenary in 2019. Today, the renowned forge of slower consolidation and recovery, December 2014, said the Ministry tion” perfectly embodies serenity, fall. “With this collection, we are unit- I don’tknow any other watchmaker innovation presents a brand new or further shocks emerging, which of Development Planning and Sta- well-balanced aesthetics, and purist ing the past with the future,” explains that can convey these aspects with collection – the “Chronotimer Col- creates uncertainty over the mag- tistics yesterday in a press release. minimalism, which are key elements Dr Christian Kurtzke, President & the same level of authenticity as Por- lection” – reflecting the new direction nitude of deterioration of Brazil’s For mining group, PPI of of the international success and lon- CEO at the Porsche Design Group. sche Design.” of the European luxury and lifestyle debt profile over the rating hori- December, 2015 showed a fall of gevity of the Bauhaus style. The “We are honooring the Bauhaus The “1919 Datetimer Series 1” brand. zon,” Moody’s said. 8.3 percent when compared with November 2015, primarily due to the decreased in prices of “Crude petroleum and natural gas”. PPI of December 2015, when compared with its counterpart in the previous Shell folds US shale resources unit; US head to leave year, there has been a significant fall of 43.3 percent. For manufacturing group, a Agencies a decade and pledged further cost London and the Hague. “Marvin has had a long and dis- on Capitol Hill and proclaiming the decrease of 4.3 percent has been saving measures to deal with weak Odum, who joined Shell in 1982, tinguished Shell career and I’m company’s support for pricing car- observed in December, 2015, oil prices. will leave the company at the end grateful to him for the central role bon dioxide emissions. when compared with the previous The Anglo-Dutch company of March and will be replaced as US he’s played in the company’s suc- He used his platform to describe month’s Manufacturing index dur- LONDON: Royal Dutch Shell said said its shale resources unit would country chairman and president by cess,” said Ben van Beurden, chief Shell’s future as increasingly reliant ing this year. The decreasing prices yesterday it will fold into other oper- become part of the upstream Bruce Culpepper, executive vice- executive officer of Royal Dutch on natural gas, going so far last year are noticed in “Refined Petroleum ations a unit dedicated to developing business led by Andy Brown. Its president for human resources. Shell, in a news release. as to suggest that the company could Products” by 6 percent, “Basic so-called unconventional resources, Athabasca Oil Sands Project and Marvin Odum, 57, has been with “He leaves our important drop “oil” from its name as alterna- chemicals” by 2.8 percent, “Basic a term used by the industry to Scotford Upgrader in Canada would the company for 34 years and held businesses in the Americas well tive energy sources flourished. Metals” by 1.2 percent, “Other describe shale oil and gas, and that fall under the downstream unit, the post at its US division, Shell Oil positioned for the next phase of their Odum presided over one of Shell’s chemical products” by 0.8 per- the unit’s director and US head Mar- headed by John Abbott. Co, since oil prices were at record development.” most controversial oil projects: its cent, “Beverages” by 0.4 percent, vin Odum would leave the company. Both Brown and Abbott are highs. He also was in charge dur- For nearly eight years, Odum has failed bid for crude under Arctic and “Cement and other non-metal- Shell on February 4 reported its based in Europe, where Shell has ing Shell’s failed Arctic drilling bid, served as the US face of Shell, testi- waters north of Alaska, Bloomberg lic products” by 0.1 percent. lowest annual income in more than headquarters and major offices in Bloomberg added. fying about industry tax deductions added. Gulf Air brings Abu Dhabi travel agents to Bahrain

The Peninsula during their visit to the airline’s head- quarters he spoke of the importance of travel agents’ role and function, the partnership between them and Gulf DOHA: Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national Air to promote the Kingdom’s tourism carrier, recently organised a famil- capabilities and raise awareness of all iarisation trip, promoting Bahrain to that Bahrain and its national carrier key Abu Dhabi-based travel agencies. have to offer. During the three-day visit, the Gulf Air is a major international participating agents, accompanied carrier serving 43 cities in 24 coun- by Gulf Air’s Country Manager to tries spanning three continents. The Abu Dhabi Madina Abdulla Albal- airline operates one of the largest net- ushi, and in collaboration with The works in the Middle East, with double Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, experienced daily flights or more to 10 regional the comforts of flying with Gulf Air, cities, in addition to select destina- residing at one of the Kingdom’s tions in the Indian sub-continent and five-star hotels and enjoying some Europe, from its hub at Bahrain Inter- of Bahrain’s most notable touristic national Airport. sights and sounds. The airline currently operates 28 Meeting with Gulf Air A/Chief weekly flights between Abu Dhabi Gulf Air officials and travel agents at the event. Commercial Officer Ahmed Janahi and Bahrain. BUSINESS THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 27 Ooredoo expands strategic partnership with Cisco

Congress in Barcelona this week. Through the new Cisco leasing The two agreements will signif- agreement, companies will be able to Ooredoo announces icantly expand the range of services lease essential business infrastructure two new significant available to Ooredoo customers, as without having to make a large invest- companies look to deploy innovative ment. Hardware available through agreements at solutions to reduce costs and increase the agreement includes networking the Mobile World productivity. solutions, collaboration technology, With the first agreement, enter- telephony, video and instant mes- Congress in Barcelona prise customers will now be able to saging, and servers. With the leasing lease Cisco technology from Ooredoo, agreement, each order will be in place providing them with access to cutting- for a period of three years, and cus- edge technology. Through the second tomers will be able to buy back their The Peninsula agreement, Ooredoo will be able to equipment at the end of their contract bring Cisco’s Virtual-Managed-Serv- for a low cost. Customers can also opt ices (VMS) suite to the Qatar market. to discontinue using the equipment on Waleed Al Sayed, CEO, Ooredoo lease, or have their solution replaced DOHA: Enterprise customers will Qatar, said: “We are continually look- with new solutions. soon be able to lease Cisco products ing to enhance the range of services Al Sayed added: “In the current Officials at the signing ceremony. and technological solutions direct and solutions available to companies environment, more companies in from Ooredoo to save cost as the in Qatar, working with an ecosystem Qatar are looking to manage costs and with Cisco to deliver VMS services to partner. Ooredoo will begin with Telecommunications Standards Qatar’s leading telecom services pro- of technology leaders. Our relation- support a more streamline IT invest- the Qatar market. Cisco’s Cloud VPN, part of Cisco’s Institute (ETSI) management and vider has inked new deals with the ship with Cisco, the worldwide leader ment strategy. We have pushed for this With Cisco’s VMS services, Oore- Virtual Managed Service portfolio, orchestration, Cisco Cloud VPN deliv- California-based American tech giant. in networking, continues to bring leasing agreement because it enables doo will be able to offer its customers which offers secure business con- ers on the promise of automation and Ooredoo is building its long- new solutions that enable compa- Ooredoo business customers to stay automated cloud-based services, nectivity and routing for site-to-site, simplification for managed services term strategic relationship with nies to connect, communicate and up-to-date with the latest solutions enabling them to outsource the remote access, and Internet gateway and leverages Cisco’s best-in-class Cisco, announcing two new signifi- deliver incredible benefits for their and remain within their budgets.” management of their network and applications. portfolio of enterprise virtualised cant agreements at the Mobile World customers.” Ooredoo has also agreed to work IT services to a trusted technology Based on the European networking functions (VNFs). QTA’s tourism strategy aims to attract bigger volume: EY

The Peninsula Qatar is developing several tourism products most Mena markets was lower compared to maintained the highest occupancy rates in worthwhile investment alternative to five- throughout the country, such as eco-lodges 2014. the region in 2015 at 80.0 percent, followed star hotels. and desert hotels, to diversify its tourism offer- Dubai beach hotels and Jeddah hotels had closely by Ras Al Khaimah at 75 percent, com- The same trend of three and four star ing and spread tourism density away from the highest room yields in Mena, recording an peting with the high occupancy rates of cities properties has also been seen in Saudi Ara- DOHA: Doha has been trying to reverse the Doha. This diversification strategy should average of $311 and $214 respectively in 2015. such as London, New York and Tokyo. bia. Sixty percent of domestic travelers in trend of being an expensive destination rel- allow transferring travelers from airport tran- Cairo saw the biggest improvement in RevPAR The demand for Dubai beach hotels has Saudi Arabia, travel by land and the remain- ative to other cities in the GCC with high sits to longer stays. in 2015, increasing by 34 percent compared always outstripped supply and it is expected ing 40 percent travel by air. This highlights a average daily rate (ADR) and low occupancy Commenting on the survey, Yousef Wah- to 2014, largely due to the improved political that this trend will continue. In terms of city great potential for budget hotels that could rates. A new tourism strategy adopted by the bah, Mena Head of Transaction Real Estate at environment, however occupancy was still hotels, competition is growing, as an increas- serve as stations during land journeys, typ- Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) is aiming at EY said: “Hospitality markets across Mena wit- lower than most Mena cities. ing number of four and three-star properties ically developed in the outskirts of a city attracting a bigger volume of tourists; grow- nessed a less than ideal performance in 2015, Despite the decrease in RevPAR, markets are underway. The market share of this tier where land prices are cheaper. Performance ing the leisure segment, and trying to capture compared to 2014. While occupancy rates such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, of hotels has been increasing over the three in Riyadh and Jeddah has been steady in 2015, more non-GCC arrivals. increased across some markets in 2015 such which saw an influx of new international hotel years, proving to be a resilient category of however the budget deficits that the coun- EY’s Middle East hotel benchmark sur- as Cairo, Madina, Muscat and Ras Al Khaimah, chains in 2015, recorded very impressive per- hotels during downturns. Hotel owners as try is currently facing may affect the pace of vey report for January 2016 noted yesterday revenue per available room (RevPAR) across formance indicators. Dubai and Abu Dhabi now seeing three and four star hotels as a project development. 28 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS

Airbus Group sees Airbus profits soar to €2.7bn on rising orders Brexit hurting UK competitiveness focused on programme execution and managing the challenges we face with Orders soared to the acceleration of the A350,” CEO Tom LONDON: Airbus Group expects €159bn, sending Enders. the competitiveness of its British “The company broke even on pro- operations to fall if Britons vote to its order book to a duction of the A380 superjumbo for leave the European Union in a ref- record of more than the first time, and will restore output erendum, potentially threatening of the older A330 wide-body to seven the scale of the planemaker’s oper- a trillion euros planes a month” from six currently. ations in the country. Demand for the latter remains “If Britain leaves, I cannot imag- resilient with 136 orders across 2015 ine that this would have positive AFP even alongside the transition to the consequences for our competitive- new A330neo new engine option wide ness in Britain,” Chief Executive Tom body twin engine. Enders said at the group’s annual “The results for 2015 reflect our results. The support of France-head- LONDON: Airbus Group said its net solid financial and operational per- quartered Airbus, which employs profits climbed 15 percent last year and formance,” Enders added. “We do enter 16,000 people in Britain, said that predicted deliveries of more than 650 2016 with confidence.” while a so-called Brexit would result aircraft in 2016 and a rise in orders to He stressed that Airbus is “con- in a review of its investment plans record levels. centrating its efforts on operational in Britain, it does not currently have The France-based European aer- efficiency” as the company benefits a team of people working on con- ospace group chalked up a net profit from a flood of orders from new fuel- tingency plans. of €2.7bn ($3bn), with sales up 6 per- efficient aircraft. “We don’t have any specific con- cent to €64bn. The neo version of the A320 has tingency plans other than increasing Orders soared to €159bn, send- come into service this year with German our productivity, continuing to ing its order book to a record of more carrier Lufthansa and Airbus intends invest, continuing what we need than a trillion euros. to push its monthly production of that to do to succeed,” Paul Kahn Pres- Earnings before interest and tax model from a current 42 to 52 in 2017 ident of Airbus UK said. edged higher to €4.1bn from €4.07bn a and 60 by mid 2019. Airbus Group CEO Tom Enders (centre) speaks during a press conference to announce the annual results The company, which builds year earlier, excluding one-time items, For the A350 long haul jet orders in London yesterday. wings for jetliners in Britain, will said the group, which announced its will be ramped up this year to 50 units set up a response team if Britain results in London. from 14 in 2015. this year after a near 50 percent rise Airbus Helicopters meanwhile saw transport for which it booked charges does vote to leave the EU, but until Based on the strong results, the Airbus shares slipped back in Paris, across 2015. deliveries slide in 2015 to 395 units of €290m and €551m in 2015 and 2014, then Kahn said there was not a clear group proposed a dividend to share- down 1.44 percent in mid-morning Overall, Airbus said it had received from 471 in 2014, although services remained a “challenge” although it picture of the alternative to mem- holders of €1.30 per share, up 8 percent trading after an initial 1.3 percent jump. a net total 1,080 orders for commer- contracts lifted sales by 4.0 percent. would look to match the 11 produced bership of the bloc, making planning from the previous year. “We remain The stock has shed just shy of 12 percent cial aircraft in 2015 for 635 deliveries Airbus said that the A400M military last year in 2016. difficult.

Bouygues wants 10% stake in Wow: Facebook launches Orange, or no deal ‘Reactions’ worldwide

PARIS: French conglomerate Bouygues said it would walk away Reuters The “Yay” emoticon, which was present from talks to sell its Bouygues Tel- in the pilot launch, was not seen in yesterday ecom unit to rival Orange unless it video. The company will also use “Reactions” ends up with at least 10 percent of to track user behaviour and for ad delivery. Orange’s shares. SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook users around “We will initially use any Reaction sim- “We are interested in a stake in the globe can now be more expressive. ilar to a Like to infer that you want to see Orange to benefit from the market’s The social network rolled out “Reactions” more of that type of content,” Facebook said growth,” Chairman Martin Bouygues — an extension of the “Like” button — world- in separate blog post. said at his company’s annual results wide yesterday, to allow users to express Facebook said that over time it hoped to presentation. emotions such as sadness, anger and love. learn how different “Reactions” should be Bouygues has been in discus- In a video accompanying a blog post, the weighted differently by the Facebook News sions since last month with Orange five new buttons appear as animated emoti- Feed to customize it for individual users. which wants to take over Bouygues cons that pop up when the “Like” button is Facebook said “Reactions” would have Telecom, a move that would reduce held down on mobile devices. The buttons the same impact on ad delivery as “likes”. the number of mobile operators in appear on desktops when users hover over The feature received mixed reviews from France’s highly-competitive mar- the “Like” button. users on social networking sites. ket to three from four. Facebook launched a pilot of “Reactions” Many complained that they could not A 10 to 15-percent stake in — which allowed users to select from seven see the new emoticons, while some were Orange as part of such a deal would emotions including “Angry”, “Sad”, “Wow” unhappy that Facebook did not launch a “dis- People are seen in front of a light installation during a press preview of the “Facebook Innovation be “entirely acceptable”, Bouygues and “Like” — in Ireland and Spain in October. like” button. Hub” in Berlin yesterday. said, but there was “no question” of accepting anything less than 10 percent. “None of my scenarios includes exiting the sector,” he added. BP sees end for global oil glut, but impact will linger He said talks with Orange were likely to continue for a few weeks more, Bouygues said, but “not beyond this quarter” ending Reuters pressure of a supply surplus of around “What is clear, is the oil market is of this year, the market moves closer That is more than any other energy on March 31. 1 million barrels per day (bpd). behaving like any market. Prices are into balance,” he said. source, although its share stays below If talks fail, Bouygues Telecom Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al Naimi has falling quite sharply and, as a response, “There will still be a highly sig- 10 percent of the mix, as the EU Emis- will continue its current stand-alone ruled out imminent Opec production demand is growing quite fast. Last year, nificant stock overhang,” he added, sions Trading System (ETS), which BP strategy, Bouygues said. BRUSSELS: Strong demand should cuts, although he said on Tuesday he global oil demand grew by twice its which could take a year or more to says it supports, remains too weak to Also Bouygues reported a net start to cut into an oil glut around the was confident more nations would join 10-year average,” he said. disappear. drive a faster transition to lower car- profit of €403m ($443m) for 2015, end of this year, even as new Iranian a pact to freeze output. Demand growth, although prob- BP also for the long term to 2035 bon sources. ahead of analysts’ expectations and supplies enter the market and doubts Fellow Opec member, Iran, mean- ably not as strong as last year, would predicts rising oil demand as the BP foresees a 20 percent rise in said profit margins would improve persist over whether major oil pro- while, is eager to increase output after continue, he said, while new supplies, number of vehicles outside the devel- planet-warming emissions by 2035, or further this year. ducers will reduce output, BP’s chief sanctions were lifted. especially from US tight oil - around half oped world triples. by 10 percent in its lower carbon sce- It also announced a major economist said yesterday. BP’s Spencer Dale said he could a million bpd below its peak - contract. It has previously underestimated nario, which assumes a carbon price cost-cutting drive for its Bouygues But a stock overhang could still not predict what Opec and other major “Even allowing for Iranian sup- renewable sources, such as wind and of $100 per tonne. Telecom unit, which is to shave linger for at least a year. producers would do and said prom- ply, I see flat to falling global supplies solar, while over-estimating nuclear That compares with below five at least €400m off overheads, Oil prices dropped to their low- ised freezes had come from nations this year and so I think you’ll see a and biofuels. Overall, it expects non- euros per tonne at present on the over- Bouygues said. est since 2003 last month under the unlikely to increase output anyway. big swing in the market. By the end fossil fuel to grow by around 6.5 percent. supplied ETS. Aston Martin picks Wales for new plant

Reuters The 103-year old carmaker has labour, the proactive nature of the suffered in recent years due to a government, Cardiff University, (and) costly recall in 2014, a slump in sales the area has already got aerospace, following the 2007-08 financial defence and other industries,” he LONDON: British luxury carmaker crisis and from not being part of a said, without giving details about Aston Martin will build a new plant wider automotive group like many the government backing. in Wales as part of a £200m ($279m) high-end rivals. Aston Martin, which has not investment aimed at expanding The brand, whose owners turned a profit since 2010, will begin its product range and returning include Italian private equity group construction in 2017 and expects to profit. Investindustrial and Kuwaiti group the plant to have a capacity of The brand said it would make Tejara Capital, is pinning hopes of up to 8,000 vehicles with nearly its new DBX crossover model, a revival on the DBX, a new DB11 all to be exported to overseas mar- designed to tap into the popular- model to refresh its traditional line- kets such as China and the United ity of sport utility vehicles, at a site up and its first electric car. States. in St Athan near the Welsh capital There was competition from Up to 1,000 jobs will be created Cardiff, choosing it over 20 other sites in eastern Europe, the United at the new facility and its existing site domestic and global options. States and elsewhere in Britain, a in Gaydon, central England, where Aston Martin, famous for making spokesman said, but the Royal Air the firm confirmed it will build its the DB5 sports car driven by fictional Force site in Wales, where the firm new DB11 conventional sports car. An Aston Martin DB10 car secret agent James Bond, had previ- will transform three hangers into Chief Executive Andy Palmer during a press preview in ously said it hoped to build the new its manufacturing facility, won due told the BBC that June 23 referendum, London. site in Britain but that any finan- to several factors. when Britain will decide whether to cial support would be an important “It was site-readiness, infra- remain in the European Union, had factor in its decision. structure, availability of skilled no bearing on the decision. BUSINESS THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 29 Saudi Arabia to US oilmen: Cut costs or exit business

panel discussion on Tuesday. fighting for survival after Al Nuaimi The message will resonate led Opec into a price war against For the thousands of beyond the American energy indus- high- cost producers in November executives attending try as declining spending, rising debts 2014. Al Nuaimi hadn’t spoke in the and layoffs are starting to spread to US in public since then. “Cutting low- the IHS CERAWeek Main Street, with the impact spread- cost production to subsidise higher conference, the ing from regional banks in Oklahoma cost supplies only delays an inevita- to the economies of cash-strapped ble reckoning,” Al Nuaimi said. message from Saudi Venezuela and Brazil. West Texas Oman Oil Minister Mohammed Arabia’s Oil Minister Intermediate, the benchmark US Hamed Saif Al Rumhy said Opec and crude, slipped 30 percent last year non-Opec producers need to cut oil Ali bin Ibrahim Al amid a global glut and was at $31.24 a output by 5 to 10 percent to stabilise Nuaimi means deeper barrel at 2:45pm in Hong Kong yester- the market. The country is ready to spending cuts, laying day, down 2 percent for the session. cut 100,000 barrels a day as part of For the oil industry itself, the any deal, he said. off more roughnecks warning is a sign of more months The harsh medicine advocated and idling drilling — and perhaps years — of finan- by Al Nuaimi is already affecting cial pain. The S&P 500 Oil and Gas the wellhead. In North Dakota, pro- rigs. index has fallen roughly 60 percent duction from the prolific Bakken since mid-2014 to its lowest since formation suffered its first year-on- 2009. The debt of junk-rated US oil year drop in a decade in September. companies is yielding more than 20 In Texas, home of the Eagle Ford and Bloomberg percent, the highest in at least 20 Permian basins, output in November years, according to Bank of Amer- fell on an annual basis the first time ica Corp. since 2010. Al Nuaimi told the executives in The shale revolution — a high- HOUSTON: The world’s most power- Houston that Saudi Arabia believed light of past IHS CERAWeek events ful oilman brought a harsh message that freezing oil production — as it when the industry was growing and to Houston for executives hoping for just agreed with Russia — would be companies such as EOG and Conti- a rescue from low prices: High-cost enough to eventually balance the nental Resources Inc were the darling producers — many of them sitting market. Over time, high-cost produc- of the market — caught Opec largely in the room — need to either “lower ers will get out of the business, and off-guard. The group, which accounts An oil drilling rig near Stanley, North Dakota. costs, borrow cash or liquidate”. rising demand will slowly eat up the for roughly 40 percent of the world’s For the thousands of executives oversupply, he said. The International oil supply, first ignored the revolution attending the IHS CERAWeek con- Energy Agency believes that means only to later realize its power as shale ference, the message from Saudi another two years of low prices. The wells flooded markets. Today, Opec Arabia’s Oil Minister Ali bin Ibrahim freeze agreement isn’t “cutting pro- is still coming to terms with the rev- Oil advances as cheap petrol Al Nuaimi means deeper spending duction. That is not going to happen,” olution, surprised by its resilience in cuts, laying off more roughnecks and Al Nuaimi said. the face of low oil prices. idling drilling rigs. Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Russia “Shale oil in the United States, I “It sounds harsh, and unfortu- and Qatar have discussed holding a don’t know how we are going to live leads US fuel stocks to drop nately it is, but it is the most efficient meeting in mid-March for Opec and together,” Abdalla Salem El Badri, way to rebalance markets,” Al Nuaimi non-Opec oil producers that support Opec Secretary-General, told the told the audience in Houston late on the production freeze, Venezuela Oil same conference in Houston on Mon- Bloomberg willing to curtail production. “Crude is contract fell as much as 4.1 percent Tuesday. Minister Eulogio Del Pino said on day. Al Nuaimi made clear, however, feeling the impact of the drop in prod- to touch $30.56 before release of the As many as 74 North American Twitter. All oil producers are being he knew how Opec would coexist uct inventories,” said John Kilduff, a report at 10:30 a.m. in Washington. producers face significant difficulties consulted to determine where and with high cost producers like shale: partner at Again Capital LLC, a New Total volume traded was 33 percent in sustaining debt, according to credit when the meeting will be held, Del Putting as many companies as pos- NEW YORK: Crude oil advanced as York-based hedge fund. above the 100-day average. rating firm Moody’s Investors Service. Pino said. Venezuela has been lobby- sible out of business. cheap petrol bolstered US demand for Crude is down about 13 percent this Brent for April settlement increased Shale explorers from Texas to North ing for producers to support prices, While Al Nuaimi insisted that the motor fuel and sent inventories year on speculation the global glut will $1.01, or 3 percent, to $34.28 a barrel on Dakota will be “decimated” in coming with Del Pino circling the globe to Saudi Arabia wasn’t at war with lower. Petrol supplies fell 2.24 million linger after the Organization of Petro- the London-based ICE Futures Europe months amid a wave of restructurings drum support. shale, or any other producer, he was barrels to 256.5 million, according to leum Exporting Countries abandoned exchange. The European benchmark and bankruptcies, said Mark Papa, In Houston, Al Nuaimi faced the clear in his aim. “We are doing what the Energy Information Administra- output targets in early December. Iran crude was at a $2.27 premium to WTI. the former EOG Resources Inc chief very same people that Saudi Arabia every other industry representative tion. Demand rose as US pump prices is seeking to boost production by 1 mil- Petrol demand rose 1.8 percent executive officer who helped create is trying to put out of business — from in this room is doing,” he told the lingered near a seven-year low. lion barrels a day in 2016 after sanctions to 9.06 million barrels a day through the shale industry more than a dec- North Dakota shale and Canadian tar audience. “Efficient markets will Crude stockpiles climbed to an were lifted last month. February 19, averaged over four ade ago. The survivors will be more sands to the deepwater fields offshore determine where on the cost curve 86-year high while production dipped. West Texas Intermediate for April weeks. Consumption was up 5.2 per- conservative, Papa, who is now a Brazil — who need prices far above the marginal barrel resides.” “It’s Prices dropped earlier after oil min- delivery rose 14 cents, or 0.4 percent, cent from the same period last year. partner at private-equity firm Riv- current levels to make profits. For the going to be really, really ugly to get isters from Iran and Saudi Arabia to $32.01 a barrel at 12:21 p.m. on the March petrol futures rose 4.1 percent erstone Holdings LLC, said during a past year-and-a-half, they have been through this valley,” Papa said. signalled on Tuesday that they’re not New York Mercantile Exchange. The to $1.0063 a gallon.

UK house prices to rise faster Taiwan Jan export orders than pay slump most in 3 years and inflation

Reuters risks to what is already a tempered Reuters growth outlook, we expect further interest rate cuts from many of the region’s central banks, including in LONDON: British house prices TAIPEI: Taiwan’s export orders in China, Indonesia, India, Korea, Aus- are set to rise much faster than January shrank the most in three tralia, New Zealand, and Japan (which almost non-existent consumer years, as evidence mounts that Asia introduced negative interest rates in inflation and outstrip modest pay may be facing an export collapse in January),” Frederic Neumann, co-head gains, making home the owner- the first quarter. of Asian economic research at HSBC, ship dream even harder for the The 12.4 percent year-on-year said in a note last week. average first-time buyer, a Reu- slump in orders reported yesterday “Fiscal policy will also have ters poll found. was the steepest since February 2013 to play a bigger role, especially in They will rise 5 percent this and much worse than the 9.8 per- China, where authorities need to year, 4.0 percent next and 3.8 per- cent fall seen by economists in a come up with a convincing package cent in 2018, according to medians Reuters poll. ... in order to shore up private sector in a poll of 20 property specialists Orders from all of Taiwan’s confidence in growth and reform.” taken in the past week, steeper this major markets — China, the United Taiwan’s orders — which are seen year than in forecasts published States, Europe and Japan — fell at an indication of the strength of Asian The new spartphone ‘Xiaomi Mi 5’ on display in Beijing City yesterday. in December. However, wages are double-digit rates or close to it, exports and of global demand for only expected to rise 2.8 percent suggesting a further contraction in technology products in particular — this year and 3.6 percent in 2017. exports and the island’s industrial have slumped for 10 months in a row. “The house price to earnings Xiaomi debuts Mi 5 smartphone output in the next few months. Double-digit declines were seen for ratio is nudging six times and is less “The order data was worse than all types of key products in January than 1.0 times off its all-time peak expected, further evidence that glo- except electronics, which fell nearly 8 from 2007. Many younger people Reuters home market, and it lags rivals in March 1, undercutting equivalent bal demand remains weak. We see percent. Taiwan is an important hub in have no choice but to rent,” Tony expanding into other markets. Its models from the likes of Apple and that as the US Federal Reserve is the global supply-chain for tech giants Williams at Building Value said. shipments last year of more than 70 Samsung that sell for upwards of expected to delay rate hikes this such as Apple Inc. With interest rates at a record million smartphones fell short of its 5,000 yuan. But Barra declined to year, while China is shifting its focus The value of February’s export low of 0.5 percent, borrowing is BARCELONA: China’s Xiaomi own 80-100 million predictions. give a sales forecast to reporters. from exports to boosting domestic orders will be less than January’s and relatively cheap but buyers are unveiled its flagship Mi 5 smartphone Vice President Hugo Barra said “We are going to keep grow- demand,” said Hsu Kuo-an, an ana- orders for the first quarter are likely usually required to have a 10 per- yesterday, combining the latest com- the Mi 5 had been built around Qual- ing our phone sales, we have a huge lyst with Capital Securities in Taipei. to contract from a year ago, the Min- cent deposit, making getting on the ponents and an innovative ceramic comm’s Snapdragon 820, the same amount of room to grow, not only in Taiwan, China, Japan, South istry of Economic Affairs said in a housing ladder difficult. design with a price at just over $400 processor that powers Samsung’s China, but in countries like India and Korea, Singapore and Indonesia have statement along with the data. The average asking price that significantly undercuts rivals. Galaxy S7 launched on Sunday in Bar- others,” he said. “But really our focus all reported sharper-than-expected To be sure, economic trends in for a home was a record high of The company, however, did not celona, where the industry is gathered is going after Internet-savvy consum- declines in shipments in January, much of Asia can be distorted early £299,287 ($416,000) this month, give details of any plans to break into for the Mobile World Congress. ers, they are e-commerce buyers, painting a bleak picture for regional in the year by the timing of the long according to property website new markets, a step analysts say is nec- Barra said the Mi 5 broke ground they are not only buying our phones, growth and global trade early in the Lunar New Year holidays, during Rightmove, around 11 times the essary for it to continue to grow rapidly for Xiaomi, both in features, such as but they are buying accessories, they new year. which many businesses typically annual British salary. In greater as the Chinese market matures. advanced camera stabilisation, and are buying a lifestyle product.” And there are scant signs trade scale back operations or close for a London the average asking price Xiaomi, founded less than six in design, with a scratch resistant Industry analyst Ben Wood from may be bottoming out. A private week or two. This year the new year was £643,843. years ago, is China’s most valuable ceramic used in top-end models. CCS Insight said the Mi 5 was impres- business survey this week showed began on February 8. London homes were over- start-up with a $45bn price tag and “This is the most beautifully sive, given the ratio between price Japan’s new export orders contracted But the slump in Asian trade has whelmingly rated as expensive, with the fifth largest smartphone maker designed phone we have ever made, and specification. “But the challenge at the fastest pace in three years in been prolonged — Taiwan’s export a median of 9.0 on a scale of one to worldwide measured in shipments and it’s the one that packs the biggest is Xiaomi needs to now expand beyond February, slamming the brakes on orders fell the most in six years in 10, ranging from very cheap to very in the last quarter, according to ana- number of technological break- China, because it’s become a victim of growth in its manufacturing sec- 2015 — pointing not only to the expensive. Nationally, house prices lyst Gartner. But it is facing tough throughs,” he said after the event. its own success there so the addressa- tor and raising fears of a return to deepening regional downdraft from were rated 7.0, above the 6.5 given competition from companies like The top-range model will sell ble market has shrunk, particularly as recession. China’s slowing economy but possi- in a December poll. Huawei and Lenovo in a saturated for 2,699 yuan ($413) in China from the market has slowed down,” he said. “In light of growing downside bly deeper global malaise. 30 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 9,917.52 0.85 % QE Total Return Index 15,630.5 0.26 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,600.04 0.13 % QE All Share Index 2,680.59 0.31 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,713.28 0.42 % QE All Share Industrials 2,962.09 0.69 % QE All Share Transportation 2,408.8 0.65 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,187.72 0.27 % QE All Share Insurance 4,208.99 0.15 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,062.96 0.54 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 5,927.67 0.41 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 24-02-2016 Today 23-02-2016 Previous day Index 9,917.52 10,002.80 Change 85.28 89.48 % 0.85 0.90 YTD% 4.91 4.09 Volume 9,840,509 9,789,129 Value (QAR) 334,831,487.16 401,362,392.30 Trades 6,037 6,089 Up 13 | Down 24 | Unchanged 02

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 4943.264 -95.862 -1.9 5379.6 4762.1 Cac 40 Index/D 4141.61 -96.81 -2.28 4586.11 3892.46 Dj Indu Average 16431.78 -188.88 -1.14 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 19192.45 -222.33 -1.15 21794.84 18278.8 Iseq Overall/D 6054.71 -54.49 -0.89 6791.68 5611.89 Karachi 100 In/D 30786.6 222.1 0.73 33304.4 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 15915.79 -136.26 -0.85 18951.12 14865.77 S&P 500 Index/D 1921.27 -24.23 -1.25 2134.72 1810.1

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.0275 QR 5.0984 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 3.9690 QR 4.0253 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2.6293 QR 2.6812 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.6382 QR 3.6922 Yen QR 0.0323 QR 0.0329 A C C-A/D 1230 -14.35 13242 Emco-B/D 23.15 -0.9 23632 Jindal Drill-B/D 112.3 -3.8 6984 Tinplate-B/D 58.45 -1.8 17701 Aus$ QR 2.5826 QR 2.6334 Aarti Drugs-B/D 470 -4.5 1128 Escorts Fin-B/D 3.9 0.12 9679 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 77.05 -2.55 243700 Ucal Fuel-B/D 94 -4.4 74018 Ind Re QR 0.0526 QR 0.0536 Aban Offs-A/D 162.2 -9.45 294881 Escorts-A/D 125.3 0.2 92394 Jmc Projects-T/D 195.9 0.9 1098 Ucal Fuel-B/D 94 -4.4 74018 Pak Re QR 0.0345 QR 0.0352 Aegis Logis-B/D 84.35 -2.05 10053 Eveready Indu-/D 216.5 -0.7 17980 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 118.9 -0.3 4277 Ultramarine-B/D 104.7 -3 7604 Peso QR 0.0757 QR 0.0772 Alembic-B/D 34.45 -0.3 68226 F D C-B/D 181 0.45 1102 Kalpat Power-B/D 169 0.65 2656 Unitech P -A/D 4.05 0.14 8761446 Alkyl Amines-B/D 301 2.2 1311 Federal Bank-A/D 46.1 -2.05 254780 Kalyani Stel-T/D 136.5 -3.1 19773 Univcable-B/D 69.2 -1.85 1316 SL Re QR 0.0249 QR 0.0257 Alok Indus-A/D 4.02 0.04 701850 Ferro Alloys-B/D 4.53 -0.09 1352 Kanoria Chem-B/D 51.25 -1.45 6042 Uppergsugar-T/D 59.95 3.15 2653 Taka QR 0.0459 QR 0.0470 Apollo Tyre-A/D 161.55 -1.55 219367 Finolex-A/D 305.45 0.7 3745 Kg Denim-B/D 48.5 -1 14741 LONDON Nep Re QR 0.0329 QR 0.0335 Asahi I Glass-/D 143.55 -5.95 3416 Forbes-B/D 1233 8.25 53709 Kinetic Eng-B/D 75.4 -3.9 3496 SA Rand QR 0.2335 QR 0.2382 Ashok Leyland-/D 87.5 -1.55 490423 Gail-A/D 314.05 -3.25 103028 Kopran-B/D 43.35 -0.35 46260 3I Group/D 424.1 1.8 937152 Ballarpur In-B/D 12.4 -0.45 405482 Galada Power-B/D 12.85 -1.05 3182 Lloyd Metal-B/D 13.44 -0.47 115303 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3304 6 811273 GOLD AND SILVER Bannari Aman-B/D 1075 28 1455 Gammon India-T/D 13.75 0.1 42030 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 5.48 -0.4 36193 Barclays/D 158.019 -3.5 13638961 Bata India-A/D 463.9 -10.05 25671 Garden P -B/D 21.8 -0.3 1715 Lupin-A/D 1762.15 -14.55 351502 Bp/D 335.7 -9.65 15011918 GOLD QR145.1022 per gramme Beml Ltd-A/D 1017.95 4.8 38019 Godfrey Phil-B/D 1091 -43.6 25322 Lyka Labs-T/D 68.9 0.55 167997 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3821 -22 554483 SILVER QR1.8013 per gramme Bh Electronic-/D 1091 -25.55 37962 Goodricke-B/D 160 -3.5 7283 Mangalam Cem-B/D 158.6 -7 5772 Bt Group/D 454.85 -5 3356766 Bhansali Eng-T/D 16.25 -0.8 49504 Goodyear I -B/D 463.6 0.3 2305 Mastek-B/D 110.5 -3.3 19801 Centrica/D 204.7 -5.6 5157270 Bharat Bijle-B/D 698.5 -9 4669 Hcl Infosys-B/D 34.25 -1.7 510658 Max India L-A/D 321.3 -17 10379 Gkn/D 257.8 -12.3 4575577 Bharatgears-B/D 55.95 0.3 1628 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 16.65 -0.4 1021610 Mrpl-A/D 55.75 1.3 71406 Hsbc Holdings/D 434.8553 -6.55 16085471 Bhartiya Int-B/D 476 -18.25 10375 Himat Seide-B/D 157.3 -8.3 47839 Nahar Spg.-B/D 83.2 -1.1 11167 Kingfisher/D 326.3 -4 2671627 Oil’s retreat halts Bhel-A/D 93.6 -4.9 1632102 Hind Motors-T/D 5 -0.05 35599 Nation Alum -A/D 33.45 -0.4 65233 Land Secs Grou/D973.8336 -17.5 580860 Bom.Burmah-B/D 335.75 -11.9 5213 Hind Org Chem-/D 12.7 -0.4 6862 Navneet Edu-B/D 83.7 -0.05 2557 Legal & Genera/D 213.741 -5 5763627 Bombay Dyeing-/D 41.25 -0.75 114258 Hind Unilever-/D 840 3.5 55042 Nepc India-T/D 1.6 -0.07 10894 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 62.38 -0.55 44622359 Gulf equity rally Canfin Homes-B/D 934.4 1.25 1728 Hind.Petrol-A/D 653.3 9.65 123336 Neuland Lab-B/D 555.75 9.25 3763 Marks & Sp./D 413.5 -3.9 1179349 Caprihans-Xc/D 78.9 -2.05 3588 Hindalco-A/D 66.4 -2.05 958512 O N G C-A/D 209.85 -4.6 224121 Next/D 6740.1348 -70 100304 Castrol India-/D 407.4 1.3 38154 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1022.95 -28.15 258334 Oil Country-B/D 25 0.1 4935 Pearson/D 774 -19 1170560 Reuters Century Enka-B/D 148.3 -4.8 10110 I F C I-A/D 20.4 -0.1 843422 Onward Tech-B/D 64 -1.65 4012 Prudential/D 1188 -32 1284205 Century Text-A/D 439.85 -12.2 115922 Idbi-A/D 56.4 0.7 603990 Orchid Pharm-B/D 36.35 -1.6 141074 Rentokil Initi/D 162.8 -1.6 1173062 Chambal Fert-B/D 56 -1.95 11582 India Cement-A/D 70.55 -1.8 158570 Orient Hotel-T/D 19.7 -0.6 6511 Rolls Royce Pl/D 651 -12.5 1687778 DUBAI: Most Middle Eastern stock markets fell yester- Cimmco-B/D 75.7 -4.2 25363 India Glycol-B/D 67.55 -1 6667 Orient.Carb.-T/D 395 -13.25 4357 Rsa Insrance G/D 396.9 -7.9 648659 day after oil prices pulled back sharply, interrupting a Cipla-A/D 513.8 -8.8 86626 Indian Card-B/D 192.9 -6.6 1388 Oudh Sugar-B/D 40 2.85 12799 Sainsbury(J)/D 249.6 -1.7 913560 rally that had been built to a large extent on hopes that City Union Bk-/D 84.25 2 23741 Indian Hotel-A/D 99.3 -0.75 12095 Patspin India-/D 7.8 -0.11 3300 Schroders/D 2478 -27 163575 crude had bottomed out. As Brent crude fell back below $33 a barrel, the Saudi Colgate-A/D 820 -2.9 82801 Indo-Tcount-T/D 828 -26.05 15254 Radico Khait-B/D 97.5 -2.35 13806 Severn Trent/D 2126 -27 64761 stock index dropped 1.3 percent to 5,942 points, retreat- Container Cor-/D 1133.25 -2.15 45100 Indusind-A/D 821.7 -17.85 42049 Rallis India-A/D 148.3 -1.35 11370 Smith&Nephew/D 1142 -10 321419 ing from close to technical resistance at the February Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 322.3 -1.6 1580 J.B.Chemical-B/D 249.5 -0.1 210467 Rallis India-A/D 148.3 -1.35 11370 Smiths Group/D 948.5 -24.5 245456 and January peaks of 6,056-6,098 points. Dhampur Sugar-/D 57.25 2.9 82182 Jagatjit Ind-X/D 63.5 1.55 1703 Reliance Indus/D 385.3 -4.7 116630 Standrd Chart /D 388.55 -18.4 8482739 The petrochemical sector led the market down with Dr. Reddy-A/D 3013.45 -64.5 22140 Jagson Phar-B/D 33.35 -0.05 6564 Ruchi Soya-B/D 24 0.1 70629 Tate & Lyle/D 569.75 1 286082 Saudi Basic Industries losing 2.1 percent. Second-tier E I H-B/D 107.65 2.1 1357 Jamnaauto-B/D 124 -3.8 86123 Saur.Cem-B/D 41.4 -4.45 184670 Tesco/D 176.35 -3.2 4977043 speculative stocks also tumbled. Saudi Paper, which E.I.D Parry-A/D 162.25 2.2 28866 Jbf Indu-B/D 164 -3.95 13350 Sterling Tool-/D 412.4 -10.6 22137 Unilever/D 3042 -24 722861 had jumped 8.1 percent in unusually heavy trade on Eicher Motor-A/D 19100.6 131.9 3465 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.33 0.01 43775 Thirumalai-B/D 144.6 -2.5 2086 United Util Gr/D 922.5 -18 298829 Tuesday, tumbled 8.1 percent yesterday. Eimco Elecon-T/D 319 4 1832 Jct Ltd-B/D 5.12 -0.22 224167 Til Ltd.-T/D 329 -3.2 1746 Vodafone Group/D 211.9 -2 14036850 Retailing firms were weak. Al Othaim Markets, a Electrosteel-B/D 16.95 -0.35 112725 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 7.25 0.26 17734 Timexgroup-T/D 26.8 0.15 7036 Whitbread/D 3744.75 -42 492190 supermarket chain, fell 1.9 percent although the board recommended a cash dividend of SR2 per share for 2015, up from 2014 and above NCB Capital’s forecast of SR1.75. The retail sector may be hurt this year by the ero- sion of consumers’ purchasing power after inflation spiked in January. On Tuesday the kingdom’s statistics department said consumer price inflation hit 4.3 percent World stocks slump as pound hits new lows year-on-year, the highest since the data series began in 2012, after austerity measures in the state budget raised costs of electricity, water and gasoline. AFP Added to the mix are concerns in January more than expected, EU,” he wrote in a note. “But if the Tokyo stocks weighed down by Dubai’s index fell 1.7 percent to 3,137 points. Emir- about the global economy, with despite a sharp drop in prices. vote were to leave, we think the the strength of the yen which is ates NBD fell 2.8 percent after adding 2.6 percent the the overall result that emphatic In New York, the Dow was down exchange rate might fall swiftly seen as a haven asset. previous day. But builder Drake & Scull, which has been losses marked the eurozone’s main 0.60 percent at 16,332.86 points in to $1.20.” But Shanghai closed up almost rebounding in the past few weeks from a record low, LONDON: World stock markets indices yesterday that set the tone early trade. As Britain prepares for the June one percent yesterday, reversing added a further 2.7 percent. In Abu Dhabi, the stock extended losses from a day earlier for US stocks. Investors seemed “Eurozone indices are going to 23 referendum on EU membership, losses from earlier in the day, on index dropped 0.7 percent. Abu Dhabi Commercial yesterday as investors grappled especially disappointed after Iran’s suffer under the same Brexit fears British Prime Minister David Cam- expectations of economic reform Bank, which had surged 2.5 percent on Tuesday after with volatile oil prices that again oil minister on Tuesday dismissed currently plaguing the pound and eron has warned that a departure pledges at an upcoming annual Goldman Sachs raised its price target for the stock to tumbled and the pound sterling an output freeze deal between the the FTSE,” said Connor Campbell, would threaten its economic and meeting of lawmakers. Dh8.1 with a “buy” rating, fell 1.0 percent to Dh6.88. hit near seven-year lows. world’s top two producers Saudi financial analyst at Spreadex trad- national security. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 was Qatar’s main benchmark fell 0.9 percent to 9,918 Uncertainty over which way Arabia and Russia as “a joke”. ing group, referring to a possible But London Mayor and Conserv- down 0.85 percent at 15,915.8 points points as Masraf Al Rayan, the Islamic bank, slid 4.1 per- British voters will jump in a loom- “US stocks are extending yes- exit by Britain from the EU. ative rival Boris Johnson has dealt a ; in Shanghai, the Composite was cent. The bank is expected to post annual profit growth ing referendum on European Union terday’s drop following losses in The pound slumped to $1.3913 blow by backing a so-called Brexit up 0.88 percent at 2,928.9 points, of between 8 and 10 percent in 2016, Chairman Hus- membership weighed on markets Asia and amid a European sell-off, at one point — the lowest level since despite Cameron winning a deal on while in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng sain Ali Al Abdulla said at its annual general meeting and will likely do so for some time with oil prices remaining volatile March 2009. EU reforms. The pound has been index was down 1.15 percent to on Tuesday. Salam International Investments climbed to come, analysts said. on disappointing production cut Analyst John Higgins, of Cap- struggling for some time, though. 19,192.5 points. 3.6 percent. In London, the FTSE 100 comments out of Iran and Saudi ital Economics, said uncertainty “Unsurprisingly, the con- Ahead of a meeting of G20 Bahrain’s market outpaced the region, rising 1.1 per- was down 1.6 percent at 5.867.18 Arabia and a mixed government oil was key and would go on plagu- cerns for the global economy have finance ministers and central bank cent on the back of Ahli United Bank, which jumped points; in Frankfurt, the DAX 30 inventory report,” analysts Charles ing the British currency until the continued to have disastrous con- chiefs starting Friday in Shanghai, 4.6 percent after it posted an 11.1 percent increase in its was down 2.64 percent at 9,167.80 Schwab said in an investors’ note. vote was done and dusted. sequences for the pound, which there have been calls for increased fourth-quarter net attributable profit to $118m. Egypt’s points, while in Paris, the CAC 40 US stocks were dragged down “We estimate that sterling often performs poorly in a risk-off fiscal support as authorities grap- main benchmark dropped 0.8 percent to as Palm Hills was down 1.96 percent at 4,155.34 by another sharp decline in oil would rebound from $1.39 to $1.50 environment,” said Phil McHugh, ple with reduced monetary leeway. Development retreated 3.4 percent and Global Telecom points. Madrid and Milan shed more prices while new data revealed against the dollar if the UK voted at trading group Currencies Direct. Japan and the eurozone have Holding lost 4.8 percent. than three percent at one point. that US new-home sales slumped today to remain a member of the Asian bourses earlier saw already seen negative interest rates. BUSINESS VIEWS THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 31

For ExxonMobil and Asia’s oil markets in upheaval as Shell, new league China and India change the game comes at wrong time

By Javier Blas CERAWeek conference in Hou- Bloomberg ston, still believe that size matters. “The scale and diversity of our cash flows, along with our finan- his may not be the best time cial strength, provide us with the to be bigger than big. The confidence to invest through T$64bn tie-up of Royal Dutch the cycle,” Exxon Chief Execu- Shell Plc with BG Group Plc and tive Officer Rex Tillerson said in the steady growth of Exxon Mobil early February. His counterpart Corp are creating a new league at Shell also celebrated the size of two: The ultramajors. Execu- that Shell has achieved in taking tives at smaller companies are over BG. “Today we will see the even starting to joke that Chevron birth of what will be undoubtedly Corp., Total SA, BP Plc, Cono- the best company in our industry,” coPhillips and ENI SpA are merely Shell CEO Ben Van Beurden said the mid- cap sector of Big Oil. on February 15. But as oil and gas prices have John Browne, the former CEO tumbled, Exxon and Shell have of BP and an architect of the merg- been forced to retreat. With oil ers in the late 1990s and early barely above $30 a barrel, they’re 2000s that resulted in Big Oil, cutting spending, including some agreed. “A big balance sheet is still costly, high-risk mega- projects. an important weapon,” he said in Shell abandoned construction of an interview in Houston. And to be the 80,000 barrel-a- day Car- sure, the numbers put Exxon and mon Creek oil sands project in Shell above everyone else. Alberta, Canada, last year after Take the cash they generate having started to build it. Exxon producing, refining and selling oil, is slashing investment by 25 per- fuels and petrochemicals. Both cent this year compared with 2015. ExxonMobil and Shell — including “Scale was very important in BG — were able to deliver a cash A general view of a refinery at dusk in the western Indian state of Gujarat. the late 1990s and 2000s,” said flow in excess of $30bn last year. Michele Della Vigna, the top oil Chevron comes at a distant third industry analyst at Goldman with less than $20 billion, and Sachs Group Inc. “In the past there Total and BP are just a bit behind. was scarcity of capital. Being big Similarly, ExxonMobil pro- By Henning Gloystein and working out a strategy,” said its head of biggest supplier. was an advantage. The last 15 duces more than 4 million barrels Nidhi Verma finance A K Sharma. Not all is smooth sailing. Richard years were about being bigger. of oil equivalent per day. And Shell Reuters The changes come at the expense of Gorry, director of JBC Energy Asia, said Today is about being nimbler and has closed the gap with its Amer- western majors, with Shell complaining the rise of these traders is causing “teeth- lower on the cost curve.” ican rival, with 3.7 million barrels in December that aggressive trading, con- ing problems” as they make their first The problem for the ultra- thanks to the extra barrels from sia’s oil markets are being ducted by Chinese companies, meant Asian deals with highly regulated international majors is that they’re so big that BG. The rest are around 2.5 mil- upended as India’s and China’s crude prices didn’t properly reflect the mar- companies. they need to put off more or big- lion barrels or less. refiners overtake once-dominant ket. “Chinese oil companies have become the In January, a crude cargo sold to an ger projects every year to make Moreover, both companies buyers like Japan and challenge new power houses in oil trading,” said Oys- independent Chinese refiner by west- a difference in production. The have gigantic refining and petro- the United States as the world’s tein Berentsen, managing director of crude ern merchants Vitol and Mercuria had to scale of Exxon and Shell has chemical operations, giving them Abiggest consumer. The shifts are not only at Strong Petroleum in Singapore. be resold after the firm failed to secure reached a point that it’s creating an edge when oil prices drop. establishing new trade routes but are also Previously, Asia’s largest oil buyers from financing, while this month another pri- its own problems, said Tom Ella- Based on direct ownership, Exxon challenging the way oil is priced in the Japan - which once accounted for about 10 vate Chinese company walked away from cott, vice president of corporate and Shell are the world’s largest region as the new players push for more cash percent of global demand - stuck with long- a deal to buy $680m of Russian oil, citing analyst at oil consultants Wood oil refiners, followed by China cargoes and fewer long-term deals. term contracts. Now, as China and India “changes in the market” as a reason. Mackenzie Ltd. “You need much Petroleum & Chemical Corp and China and India’s combined share of take the lead, a growing share of trading China’s national oil firms are also bigger projects to move the nee- Saudi Arabian Oil Co, according to world oil consumption has tripled since 1990 is done on a spot basis as buyers prioritise challenging Asia’s leading price bench- dle,” he said. consultants PetroStrategies Inc. In to over 16 percent, nearing the US share of cost and delivery flexibility over fixed ship- mark, the Dubai Market-on-Close (MoC) When oil was at $100 a barrel, 2015, earnings from refining and roughly 20 percent, cementing their sta- ment schedules. by Platts, used to price more than 12m b/d the two companies had sought to petrochemicals helped major oil tus as the main center of global demand Moreover, thanks to the hefty volumes, of crude to Asia, by frequently sweeping move the needle through devel- companies to offset weaker prof- growth. “Asian oil markets are in a tremen- the new buyers are able to extract favourable up almost all available cargoes, prevent- oping reservoirs in the roughest, its from oil production. dous period of flux,” said prices. China and India’s combined daily net ing other traders from participating in the deepest and coldest parts of the The challenge for both ultra- Owain Johnson, man- crude imports exceed 10 million barrels, or pricing process. world, spending billions of dollars majors is how to continue growing aging director of Dubai some 3 million bpd more than top importer To avoid further squeezes, Platts made over up to a decade in places like if oil prices remain low. Both com- Mercantile Exchange the United States. more crude available in its MoC, and Dave Kazakhstan, the remote corners of panies so far appear prepared to (DME). The new buyers are also bringing new Ernsberger, head of global oil content at Australia, off the shores of Angola double down on their strategy of By 2040, China and characteristics to the marketplace. “Indians Platts, a subsidiary of McGraw Hill Finan- and in the Arctic. being the largest players, ignor- India could double their are more flexible than many of their Asian cial, said it “absolutely makes sense” for But as companies adapt to an ing calls from some investors share again to a third, peers, buying up distressed or stranded car- China to take “a much more pre-eminent era of low oil prices, most of those to focus on smaller and faster China and India’s analysts say. One of goes when there’s a profitable opportunity,” role in price discovery.” projects may fail to deliver the projects — precisely the area in Asia’s rising traders is said Ivan Szpakowski, head of Asia com- Still, challengers are circling. “The old 15-to-20 percent return the Big which independent, medium-size combined share of Indian Oil Corp, which modity research at Citigroup. system is no more and the creation of new Two hope for, industry executives groups excel. world oil consumption operates 11 refineries “India will become the biggest source of systems and patterns of behaviours has and analysts said. ConocoPhillips, the third- with a combined capac- oil consumption growth. Its geography also begun,” said Jorge Montepeque, who set Shell told investors earlier largest US oil company, has told has tripled since 1990 ity of 80.7m tonnes a changes trade flows. If you look at a map, up the MoC system for Platts in the 1990s this month it will spend 6.5 per- investors it plan to focus this year to over 16 percent, year (1.9m barrels per the Middle East is much closer to India than and is now an independent consultant. cent less this year than it and on projects that come on stream day), a third of India’s to Japan or China and such shipments are Keen to play a bigger part in price BG did in 2015. Exxon’s invest- quickly and cheaply. nearing the US share capacity and roughly effectively short-haul.” creation, China plans to launch Shang- ment cuts bring the amount it ConocoPhillips CEO Ryan of roughly 20 percent, the same size as Exxon- In China, state-owned oil giants have hai crude futures. Other exchanges are spends in rig leases, floating oil Lance said Tuesday in Houston Mobil’s US refining base. been joined by nearly 20 independent refin- also looking to capitalise on the change. platforms, gas terminals and that the key for his company cementing their status “Spot crude (trading) ers which have been granted import licenses “China is obviously keen to have an ever other projects to a 10-year low. was to focus on lower-cost pro- as the main centre gives more flexibil- and exclusively buy spot supplies. greater say in pricing. At the same time, Oil executives, who are gath- duction and short-cycle projects of global demand ity and more variety is Their arrival is changing trade flows Iran is returning to the market. Firms ered this week at the annual IHS to weather the downturn. available. Last year we through their preference for cheaply- across Asia are looking at new ways of growth. raised spot purchases delivered Russian crudes which has helped doing business and legacy arrangements and for this year we are Russia challenge the Middle East as China’s are all under review,” DME’s Johnson said. Takata failures seen caused by design, chemistry and climate

By John Lippert and Jeff Plungis on the findings in the statement, was hired by while the investigation continues,’’ she said. response to an order issued that month. Bloomberg the automaker group known as the Independ- Kelly said the group’s work so far was The company may eventually have to recall ent Testing Coalition to run the tests last year. limited to investigating inflators in four all of them, US Transportation Secretary “We are confident this is the root cause specific NHTSA recalls covering 23 million Anthony Foxx said during a November 3 press esearchers hired by a coalition of car- for these vehicles,” he said in an interview. inflators. An additional 5 million inflators conference. makers found that moisture — seeping Takata fell 0.4 percent to 483 yen at the close are being recalled, and the group hasn’t yet Production of replacement inflators Rfrom the environment into the inflator in Tokyo. The shares have lost 64 percent in looked at those designs. “Identifying this mul- was ongoing for at least a dozen carmakers and not dried by a chemical — is the reason the past year. The findings are specific to tivariate root cause is an important first step,” at that time, including Toyota Motor Corp, why Takata Corp air bags rupture and spray Takata inflators with ammonium nitrate that Kelly said in the statement. General Motors Co, BMW AG, Volkswagen shards of metal and plastic at motorists. don’t also include a moisture-reducing chem- Carmakers including Honda Motor Co AG and Tesla Motors Inc, according to Taka- The findings from Orbital ATK, a Dulles, ical. Those inflators need long-term exposure have recalled more than 19 million vehicles ta’s response to the NHTSA order. Researchers hired by a Virginia-based company that makes to high-humidity climates with big differ- equipped with Takata air bags, the largest Federal investigators are reviewing coalition of carmakers rocket-propulsion systems, will be used by ences in daytime and night temperatures, like automotive safety recall in US history. The the industry task force’s report while its government regulators to determine how those found in Florida, Kelly said. And their exploding air bags have been linked to at least investigation into all Takata ammonium found that moisture many vehicles equipped with Takata air bags design allows moisture from high humidity to 10 deaths, most involving vehicles made by nitrate-based inflators continues, said Gordon — seeping from the need to be recalled. Determining the root build up inside the inflator assembly, he said. Honda, Trowbridge, a spokesman for NHTSA. Under cause of Takata’s inflator ruptures also has The group didn’t specify what it means Takata’s biggest customer and a minor- an agreement Takata signed last November, environment into the held automakers and the supplier back from by “long term,” but it’s more than a few days, ity shareholder. Some recalled models have all inflators with ammonium nitrate will inflator and not dried by a deciding how recall costs should be shared. Kelly said. Even though today’s findings may air bags that may be susceptible over time to eventually be recalled unless Takata can All three of the conditions outlined in help accelerate repairs, the affected vehicles moisture intrusion, which in turn may cause prove their long-term safety, he said. chemical — is the reason the statement — poor design, lack of water- could have to return to dealerships to get fixed the device’s inflator to rupture in a crash, Separately, Takata has asked scientists at why Takata Corp air bags absorbing chemicals and high atmospheric yet again, if NHTSA decides the ammonium Honda said previously. the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany to inves- rupture and spray shards temperatures with wide ranges — have to be nitrate propellant itself is too unstable for on- Takata produced about 87.3 million infla- tigate the root cause of the ruptures. Honda present for the air-bag inflators to be at risk board operating conditions, said Rebecca tors with two kinds of ammonium nitrate also has commissioned its own investiga- of metal and plastic at for rupture, said David Kelly, a former acting Lindland, a senior analyst for Kelley Blue propellant and supplied them to auto man- tion. Today’s findings were consistent with motorists. administrator of the National Highway Traffic Book. “This recall is not going away any time ufacturers in North America as of the end Takata’s own research, the company said in Safety Administration. Kelly, who commented soon, and hopefully the death toll won’t rise of June 2015, the company told NHTSA in a statement. 32 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS BACK TO BUSINESS

A $399 inflatable flamingo? sight Luxury pool toys are booming How low could pound go in a Brexit? Economists By Polly Mosendz Bloomberg see 1985 levels

AYLOR Swift declared her- Bloomberg Pro- Europeans cited Goldman self a member of the “swan Sachs Group Inc’s warning that squad” last summer in an the currency may fall 20 percent Instagram post, climbing on a Brexit in their campaign aboard an inflatable pool LONDON: A British exit from material. Sterling slumped the Tfloat shaped like the bird, as her the European Union would be most since 2010 on Monday after friends piled on floaty pegasuses and so devastating for the pound London Mayor Boris Johnson lent flamingos around her. Supermodel that 29 out of 34 economists in a his support to the “Leave” cam- Alessandra Ambrosio likes to float Bloomberg survey see it sinking paign, putting him at odds with on a winged horse, too, while Justin to $1.35 or below within a week party colleague Cameron. Bank Bieber is a fan of lounging in a five- of a vote to leave — levels last of England Governor Mark Car- foot sprinkled doughnut. seen in 1985. ney was drawn into the debate on After emerging as a trend on Twenty-three of the econo- Tuesday, acknowledging that the social media last summer, the luxury mists say sterling wouldn’t recover referendum campaign is weigh- pool-toy industry is booming, with from that rate within three ing on sterling. floats as expensive as $399 going months of the June 23 referen- The BOE would respond to into production for the upcoming dum. Seven see the UK currency a vote to leave the EU by cut- warm season. Founded in 2001, Big falling below $1.20 immediately ting interest rates from their Mouth Inc produced a variety of nov- after a “Brexit” vote. And just record-low 0.5 percent, said elty items before entering the pool one sees it above $1.40, which is Enrique Diaz-Alvarez, chief risk toy market in 2012. “When you look stronger than the almost seven- officer at Ebury Partners, a Lon- at pool floats that are on the mar- year low reached yesterday. don- based broker. This could ket, it always seemed small to me,” The pound has already happen as soon as the day after company President Steve Wampold dropped more than 2 percent ver- the vote, he said. explained to Bloomberg. “We wanted are more about the completely off- brand’s expansion plans. Currently, sus each of its Group-of-10 peers The pound is already at the to make a statement of ‘Big!’” the-wall person.” No matter the size Funboy maxes out at about 9-feet wide, in 2016 as an uneven economic lowest level since March 2009, Wampold’s company started of a given float, Big Mouth’s sales the wingspan of its pegasus float. recovery and waning prospects falling as far as $1.3965 yesterday. with the Bieber-endorsed dough- are way up: Since launching pool The competing pool toy compa- of an interest-rate increase add It’s approaching the 14- month nut, experimenting with sizes from toys in 2012, revenue has increased nies use different sales tactics: Big to concern the nation will quit low of 78.98 pence per euro 42 inches to 54 inches before set- by 350 percent. Mouth sells to such big box retailers the world’s largest single mar- reached on February 11, and is at tling on a 48-inch model. “I didn’t Funboy, a luxury pool-float com- as Target Corp and Wal-Mart Stores ket. The slide has accelerated its weakest on a trade-weighted want it to look normal,” he said. pany that launched less than a year Inc, while Funboy takes a direct-to- since Prime Minister David Cam- basis since March 2014. “It’s all about that wow factor, it’s ago, has limited trend data to report, consumer approach. Both companies, eron announced the date of the Reaching the lowest level all about having a big, super-size but describes its growth as “moving however, spend many valuable mar- vote on Saturday, and everyone versus the dollar since 1985 version.” Big Mouth takes super-siz- and shaking” since its June 2015 launch. keting hours on Instagram, on which from politicians to corporations would mean surpassing 2009’s ing seriously: Last year, an 8- foot Exact sales figures were unavailable, Funboy has more than 17,000 follow- are now setting out their views low of $1.3503 and see it tumble inflatable yellow duck went on the but a company spokesperson noted ers and its hashtag has been used for and against Britain quitting. to levels unvisited since prime market, as well as a 10- foot beach that the brand has been able to donate 10,000-plus times. Big Mouth has “A vote for Brexit would hit minister Margaret Thatcher ball; they were priced at $299 and a year’s worth of clean drinking water more than 3,700 Instagram followers. sterling hard,” said Nick Kounis, crushed the unions in Britain’s $199, respectively. At the New York to “thousands” of citizens in develop- Social media posts by celebrities head of macro research at ABN miners’ strike and London was Toy Fair in mid-February, the com- ing countries. For every float Funboy arguably drive floatie sales: Accord- After emerging as a Amro Bank NV in Amster- aflame with race riots — and pany introduced a 12-foot neon pink sells, the company makes a donation to ing to Google Trends, searches for dam. He was one of the survey hosted the UK leg of the “Live flamingo that will retail for $399. one person in need through the char- “swan pool toy” spiked in the weeks trend on social media respondents and sees the pound Aid” concert. These prices are 10-fold what ity, RainCatcher. following Swift’s Instagram post with last summer, the falling to below $1.20 within a The pound may tumble the company charges for more Ranging in price from $79 to $99, the inflatable. Such posts have also luxury week of an exit vote. Sterling immediately after a vote to quit modest-sized floats: The dough- the items in Funboy’s debut collection helped bring retail buyers on board: would be hurt by “the negative the EU, but would probably nut costs $21.99, a five-foot slice of included three swans, a flamingo, a Big Mouth said Target approached pool-toy industry is implications for growth and recover some of its losses, said pizza will cost $29.99, and a six- cherry, and the particularly popular the company about its pool floats booming, with floats hence interest rates, but also Peter Dixon, a London-based foot ice cream sandwich is $39.99. white-and-gold pegasus. While there after an employee spotted the toys because of capital outflows and economist at Commerzbank AG. The company has sold “hundreds of aren’t any extremely oversized floats on personal Instagram and Facebook as expensive as $399 concerns about the financing of He sees sterling above $1.25 and thousands” of doughnut floats, but just yet, the summer 2016 line has been feeds. “It’s an Instagam and Facebook going into production the current-account deficit.” up to $1.30 a week after a vote it sells only about 1,000 oversized in development for well over a year and world,” Wampold said. “Everyone The pound is already to leave, and between $1.35 and floats a year. “Those are going to promises big things. “Funboy’s philos- wants that share and that like. Posing for the upcoming becoming a political football. $1.40 three months afterward. festivals, to the really extravagant ophy is size matters,” said a company with a big giant Tootsie Roll noodle warm season. homeowner,” Wampold said. “These spokesperson when asked about the is a great way to make that happen.”

The US wants a more serious commitment from Capital other G-20 countries to use fiscal measures and US Treasury Secretary reforms to stoke demand. You can’t count on the US Jacob J Lew Comment providing all the demand for the world.

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Don’t misuse Market Talk forex rates: Fitch Ratings @ MoneyBeat FitchRatings NAME IN THE MARKET: ACQUISITION & DEBT Schaeuble Fitch Lowers Corporate Oil Price Assumption to BERLIN: Foreign exchange rates USD35 for 2016 If Britain votes to leave the should not be misused to boost domestic growth at the cost of Dealogic @ European Union on June other economies and financial Dealogic 23, the pound could fall markets need to be more sta- ble, German Finance Minister Global rights offering by between 15% and 20% Wolfgang Schaeuble said in an volume totals $8.6bn in against the dollar, according interview yesterday. 2016 so far, the high- Speaking ahead of a G20 est level for this period to HSBC. meeting hosted by China this since 2012 ($15.0bn) week, Schaeuble told DPA that excessively loose monetary pol- icy carries risks, and pressed the Jim Yong Kim @ US central bank to provide more JimKim_WBG DealB%k clarity on its policy outlook. “We have to get more stabil- In just 30 yrs, #Viet- ity into financial markets. The nam reduced extreme jointly agreed rules of the G20 poverty from 50% to may not be questioned. 3%—I’m in #Hanoi to As Chinese companies look And foreign exchange rates find ways to continue to get more currency out of should not be misused as an this progress China by buying American instrument to create growth,” Schaeuble said, without naming Moody’s InvestorsSvc @ companies, the United any country. MoodysInvSvc States’ Committee on Foreign He said G20 policymakers had to focus on creating sustain- More private sec- Investment’s review of those able growth without piling up tor capital needed to deals is coming under scrutiny. more and more new debt, warn- bridge $1 trillion global ing: “The road of too easy money #infrastructure finally leads to misfortune.” www.thepeninsulaqatar.comm PAGE | 37 PAGE | 38 Qatar to play Afridi reconsideringonsidering in Asia Rugby T20 retirementment DevelopmentD 7s decision

THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 • 16 Jumada I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar El Jaish make Al Ain pay the penalty

before shooting beyond Eisa. FOOTBALL: AFC Needing an early goal to pull QSL side notches 2-1 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE themselves back into the game, Al away win as a missed Ain started the second half in deter- retaken penalty cost mined mood. Seven minutes after the time after encroachment by several restart, Fellipe Bastos smashed his the hosts dearly in of his team-mates saw his initial con- attempt into the side-netting. the Group D match version ruled out – meant it was the Five minutes later, Bastos was side from Doha who took all three brought down in the penalty area by points. Othman Al Yahri and referee Minoru El Jaish claimed the lead with Tojo pointed to the spot. The Peninsula just nine minutes on the clock hav- Douglas’ first attempt crashed ing already threatened the home into the roof of the net, but the Bra- side’s goal four minutes earlier when zilian forward was ordered to retake Romarinho’s attempt at goal was kept his spot kick after two Al Ain players AL AIN: A missed retaken penalty out thanks to a sharp save by Khalid had encroached into the area. Aba- cost Al Ain a share of the spoils yes- Eisa using his feet. bacar was equal to the task this time terday as Qatar’s El Jaish notched up But the Al Ain goalkeeper was as Douglas sought to score low to the a 2-1 win over the inaugural cham- unable to do much abut the Qatari keeper’s left, only for the custodian pions in the teams’ Group D meeting side’s opener when Romarinho fed to push the ball away. in the 2016 AFC Champions League. the ball down the left to Sardor Rash- Douglas, however, was to be Abderrazzaq Hamedallah and idov and his cutback, after holding off given another chance from the pen- Romarinho scored for El Jaish in the Mohamed Fawzi, was converted from alty spot in the 65th minute after El first half before Douglas’ penalty 25 close range by Hamedallah. Jaish conceded another penalty when minutes from time gave the 2003 ACL El Jaish doubled their lead with Khaled Al Zereq brought down Lee champions hope of salvaging a draw barely seconds of the first half Myung-joo, and this time the striker in front of their own fans. remaining. Hamedallah turned pro- thumped the ball nervelessly into the But an earlier miss from the pen- vider this time, slipping the ball into top corner. Al Ain pushed for the goal Action from the AFC Champions League Group D match between Qatar’s El Jaish and UAE’s Al Ain in Al Ain alty spot by Douglas – who had been the path of Romarinho, who stayed that would level the scores but with- ordered to take his attempt a second onside long enough to collect the ball out any success. yesterday. El Jaish won 2-1. 34 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT Rossi tops in Trap at Qatar Shotgun

windy conditions. All I was thinking Rabaya of Russia OLYMPIC CHAMPION FROM about was having a good score. In the ITALY DAZZLES IN LUSAIL end, it was very good,” said Rossi, who takes second place was voted Shooter of the year in 2013 and Skinner finishes by a panel consisting of ISSF Athletes Russia 14-12. The 24-year-old missed Committee, ISSF Coaches Advisory third, Qatar’s Badria just one target out of the 15 in the Committee and by a panel of inter- Al Binali clinches final round while her final oppo- national sport journalists. nent Rabaya could not get her act Rossi said she was happy to begin silver medal in juniors together, missing three clay pigeons the season on a winning note in Qatar. in the process. “In Italy, it is very cold at this time The Russian missed the fourth of the year and I had good scores in By Armstrong Vas target, and thereafter kept an eye on the competition. It’s a good to start a The Peninsula the scoreboard to check if the reign- season with a win against your name. ing Olympic champion missed out “I am happy to win the title for the on any target, which she didn’t. The first time in Qatar, I has been here two 21-old-year further compounded her years back, but was not so lucky. For DOHA: Jessica Rossi’s bid to defend misery by missing a second target and some reason. I could not make the trip the Olympic Trap title - she won four a third one and although Rossi missed last year,” she added. years back in London - received a the one in the 14th attempt, the Ital- “It is always a nice feeling to col- major boost at the Qatar Open Shot- ian kept her cool to shot down the 15th lect the winners cash prize after all gun Championship with the Italian and final clay pigeon to clinch the title the hard work, but more happy to win clinching the top prize. and the top prize of $6,000. the competition,” she said in response Yesterday at the Lusail Shooting Rossi, speaking through an inter- to another question. Range, the 2012 Games gold medal preter, said she didn’t give the weather Runner-up Rabaya said more than winner in Trap performed in an conditions much of a thought. the winds it was lack of focus which emphatic fashion in the final shoot- “I just tried to concentrate on kept her away from the top prize. out to defeat Ekaterina Rabaya of my shooting and not think about the “The final result was not good for me personally, but I am glad that I got a second place. Qatar is a good Jessica Rossi (centre) of Italy, winner of the Trap event of the Qatar Open Shotgun Championship poses place, a good shooting range and a nice place to start the new season. I with Ekaterina Rabaya (left) of Russia and Catherine Skinner of Australia during the victory ceremony at was nervous in the final, but it was not the Lusail Shooting Range yesterday. Pictures by: Mohamed Faraj/The Peninsula due to the wind that I lost. I erred with my concentration which made the dif- place in a shoot-out few years back, ference in the end,” said Rabaya. quite happy with the end result. Sil- Catherine Skinner of Australia vana Stanco of Italy finished in the finished third defeating Mariya fifth place shooting down 10 targets Dmitriyenko of Kazakhstan 9-8 in in the semifinals, the same as Tatiana the bronze medal match. Barsuk of Russia. Meanwhile in the “The pressure really gets you, you women’s junior trap event Sarsenkul have to keep going because you never Rysbekova of Kazakhstan finished on know what your competitor is doing the top followed by Qatar’s Badria Al neither,” said Skinner after the closely Binali and Stephanie Pile of Australia. fought shootout. Eight shooters took part in the event. Skinner said a variety of factors Today the men’s final rounds of builds the pressure on the shooters. Trap will be held, which will bring the “It may be the windy conditions curtains down on the championship. and nerves, but there could be several After yesterday’s action, Abdul- other things. The timer when the tar- rahman Alfaihan of Kuwait leads get is released and you have to shoot in men’s Trap followed by Massimo with a x number of seconds also builds Fabbrizi of Italy, Josip Glasnovic of Badria Al Binali (left) of Qatar, second place winner in the junior Trap up the pressure,” the 26-year-old Aus- Croatia, Mitchell Iles-Crevatin of Aus- event of Qatar Open Shotgun Championship poses for a picture with tralian reasoned out. tralia and Erik Varga of Slovakia. gold medal winner Sarsenkul Rysbekova (centre) of Kazakhstan and “Any sort of win is a happy feel- All the top five have a perfect Stephanie Pile of Australia. Fatima Salem Al Jassiman (left), Board ing for me to start a new year. It is for score of 50 after two rounds of 25 member of Qatar Shooting and Archery Association gave away the the first time I got a third place fin- each. 92 competitors are vying for prizes to the podium winners. ish in Qatar. I missed on a semi-final the top prize. Keen tussle on the cards in season-opener of MXGP

Agencies MXGP Team’s Romain Febvre who weekend at a venue where the Sicilian 2016 MXGP SEASON KICKS put together a downright spectacular has never won. OFF IN QATAR rookie season last year. The young And then there is Rockstar Energy Frenchman, who turned twenty- Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Nagl DOHA: The curtains on the long four years old on December 31st, who flew in completely under the awaited 2016 MXGP season are set to gel with it and excel. didn’t set the world on fire in his debut radar last year and ended up being be raised for the fourth year in succes- Over the last three years, specta- appearance in the MXGP class here the surprise performer when he sion at the Losail International Circuit tors have seen three breathtaking and in Losail where he went 6-7 for sixth waxed everyone in both races where this weekend. unpredictable rounds of epic racing overall, but in his defense he had spent he completely dominated. After his Just like previous years the race here in Losail, which has left us on a good chunk of the winter period performance of last year, Nagl, who will take place on Saturday evening the edge of our seats with a different injured. remains on the same team, should be at the floodlit venue. winner each time in the premier class. Meanwhile, another hotshot lining a solid bet for the win. One of the best things about Back in 2013, when MXGP first let up fresh off of an injury is the eight Another two riders worthy of motocross is the fact that the track loose on the hard packed soil of Qatar, time FIM Motocross World Champion mention are Team HRC’s Gautier conditions constantly change. Over it was Clement Desalle who was vic- Antonio Cairoli who will be hungrier Paulin and Evgeny Bobryshev. Paulin, the last three years, the soil that torious. The following year Gautier than ever to reclaim the title. in particular, has never been off the makes up the track in Losail pack- Paulin rose to the occasion to claim Cairoli recently bruised some box here in Qatar over the last three down, dry out and become a lot the first red plate on offer, while last ribs but on a brighter note it has been years, and is looking to come out edgier. This caught a lot of riders out year it was well and truly dominated announced that TC222 has extended stronger than ever after spending the last year with the track being unpre- by Max Nagl who was completely his contract with Red Bull KTM winter in the United States of America dictable in places and the night air untouchable. Factory Racing to 2018, which only with arguably the highest acclaimed adding unexpected moisture to the This year, once again, making a leads us to believe he is on a solid trainer, Aldon Baker. surface despite the incredibly dry prediction for the season dominator mission to surpass Stefan Everts’ Desalle’s transition to Monster climate. is a hard task. It’s a gamble. tally of 10 FIM Motocross World Energy Kawasaki Racing Team is Although the track has been left With that said, the rider to Championship titles and become the another one to look out for. However, more or less the same, this year we mention first is of course the most successful motocross rider in he had to undergo surgery a couple of look forward to seeing if it shapes up defending MXGP world champion, the world. That could all start with a weeks ago on his left arm, so he is a differently again and which riders will Monster Energy Yamaha Factory solid performance at the opener this question mark for this weekend.

2016 MXGP SCHEDULE Rockstar Energy Friday: Husqvarna Factory WMX Free Practice 14:45; Racing’s Max Nagl. MX2 Free Practice 15:15; MXGP Free Practice 15:45; WMX Time Practice 16:15; MX2 Time Practice 17:15; MXGP Time Practice 18:00; MX2 Qualifying Race 20:00; MXGP Qualifying Race 20:50. Saturday: WMX Warm up 14:00; MX2 Warm up 14:30; MXGP Warm up 15:00; WMX Race 1 16:15; MX2 Race 1 17:15; MXGP Race 1 18:15; Former FIM Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli is WMX Race 2 19:10; seen in this file picture. MX2 Race 2 20:10; MXGP Race 2 21:10. SPORT THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 35 Emir’s Sword meet attracts top riders

Qatar’s Rio-bound show jumping squad to test form against top international riders at Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Outdoor Arena

The Peninsula Action from one of the races at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) where the H H the Emir’s Sword Meeting will take place over three days starting today. PICS: JUHAIM

DOHA: Qatar’s top riders - aim- ing for 2016 Olympic glory - will test their form against names like Edwina Tops-Alaxander and Abdelk- Racing festival set to abir Ouaddar at the three-day Emir’s Sword show jumping event which carries a whopping sum of QR2.5m in prize money. The five-star event will com- mence today with three competitions start at QREC today - the first starting at 1pm, organisers Edwina Tops-Alaxander of Australia is seen in this file photo captured said yesterday. at the Outdoor Arena at Qatar Equestrian Federation. Turkish riders Derin Demirsoy and Omer Karaveli will join Russia’s The Peninsula 2016 H H The Emir’s Sword Meeting indeed very much impressed with Vladimir Tuganov and Saudi Arabia’s is our most prestigious race meet- their high-level of event organisation. Abdullah Alsharbatly at the five-star Attiyah said. Al Attiyah said: “All the event. The stakes are higher for the ing of the year in Qatar and we are It is our great pleasure and privilege event. top Qatari riders will be at this event.” riders. Nine classes and seven of them DOHA: The 2016 H H the Emir’s pleased to have attracted such a that we have the opportunity to part- Hamad bin Abdul Rahman Al He added: “There is going to be inter- are ranking classes, as you can see Sword Meeting - which takes place strong international entry. I am par- ner with QREC during this week. “ Attiyah, President of QEF, said the national presence. We will have the from the schedule. The Grand Prix over the weekend - has attracted ticularly pleased to see the victorious Shipment of invited horses will 15 international entries also include big names here. Diniz won the Global will be A class,” Al Attiyah said. strong international entries for all Qatar International Derby horses in be arranged and paid for by QREC. Luciana Diniz of Portugal. Champions Tour in Doha. Abdelke- Al Attiyah yesterday signed a the feature races. Perkunas, Rogue Runner and Tan- Connections of horses will also Qatar’s Rio-bound Ali Yousef Al bir, the Moroccan star, will be here as sponsorship agreement with Nissan The feature races include the naaf all returning to Qatar.” receive business class flights and Rumaihi, Khalid Al Emadi, Ali Bin well. We are talking about 15 inter- Saleh Al Mana Co who are support- 2016 H H the Emir’s Trophy (Gr 1) On February 27, there will be the accommodation. ing the event to a tune of QR 500,000. Thoroughbred and H H the Emir’s Hisham bin Saleh Al Mana, Chair- Sword, both being run over 12 man & Managing Director of Saleh Al furlongs. Hamad Al Mana Company said: “This The H H Emir’s Trophy (Gr 1) is a prestigious show jumping event. It Thoroughbred, has attracted the gives us great thrill to be part of this Qatar Derby dead heat pair of Tan- three-day event.” He added: “Such naaf, Mike de Kock, and Rogue high profile events help encourage Runner, Mario Hofer. Qatari youth to showcase their rid- From the UK, Brian Meehan runs ing skills and develop their potential.” Agent Murphy with Richard Han- “With this sponsorship we seek non running the Al Shaqab owned to build a closer and long-term rela- Tashaar and David O’Meara with the tionship with the Qatar Equestrian Mrs John Magnier and Middleham Federation as well as with the com- Park Racing owned Afonso De Sousa. munity. Qatar is emerging as an From France, the Pascal Bary- exceptional sporting region and trained Billabong completes the equestrian sports are part of Qatar European contingent. and the Arab world’s heritage. The H H Emir’s Sword features “H H the Emir, Sheikh Tamim the Thomas Fourcy-trained and Al bin Hamad Al Thani, is keen to sup- Shaqab owned Al Mourtajez with port sports activities in our country runners from UAE and Oman such and therefore it is our responsibility as Abu Alabyad and Shaheer as well to support those activities that con- as Arkan. Hamad bin Abdul Rahman Al Attiyah (right), President of QEF, is seen tribute to the development of our The Qatar International Cup with Hisham bin Saleh Al Mana, Chairman & Managing Director of Saleh community,” Al Mana said. features another horse from the Al Hamad Al Mana Company, after a sponsorship signing ceremony “We hope that our partnership combination of Thomas Fourcy and Nasser Al Kaabi (left), General Manager of the Qatar Racing and yesterday. PICS: LOTFI GARSI with QEF will open the doors for Al Shaqab in Aba’ath who won at the more opportunities for collaboration Qatar Derby meeting for Purebred Equestrian Club, is seen with Mohammed Al Emadi, CEO of Al Emadi and will encourage other entities to Arabians. So Big is Better will make Enterprises, after a sponsorship signing ceremony yesterday. Khalid Al Thani and Bassem Has- national riders.” follow suit in supporting community the trip from Abu Dhabi for his Amer- san Mohammed will also feature Al Attiyah said QEF had arranged service and Qatar heritage, thereby ican trainer/owner Mark Powell. running of the Katara Sprint Cup over RACE CALENDAR at the event over the course of next for family areas at the Outdoor Arena, helping Qatar achieve the develop- The H H the Emir’s Sword Meet- six furlongs for three-year-olds and Today’s schedule at Qatar Racing three days. the venue of the three-day event. ment goals to which we aspire. ing will see the introduction of a new up and the running of the H H the and Equestrian Club: “The prize money is high because He said entry into the venue is free “We wish every success for QEF thoroughbred, turf, race programme Emir’s Shalfa (Laffan Mile) over one the riders will be competing for the for fans. “It is the first time that the at the local and global levels,” Al over the three days with the Qatar mile. 4:30pm: Longines World Fegentri Emir’s Sword, the biggest show jump- Emir’s Sword event will be a 5-star Mana said. International Thoroughbred Cup, The Katara Sprint Cup sees recent Championship for ladies, 1,600m ing event staged by Qatar Equestrian now sponsored by Irish Thorough- Lingfield Park winner Rivellino being 5:00pm: Purebred Arabian Cup, Federation (QEF),” Hamad bin Abdul- SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FROM FEBRUARY 25 TO 27 bred Marketing, for three year olds entered by Karl Burke as well as the 1,400m rahman Al Attiyah, President of QEF, and up over a mile on the Saturday. Marco Botti-trained Golden Steps. 5:35pm: Thoroughbred Maiden Plate said yesterday. Today The Richard Hannon-trained and Brian Meehan could return to (Class 5), 1,200m The second competition of the Time 09:00-10:30 & 11:00-12:30 Horse inspection Technical meeting; Draw and Al Shaqab owned Moheet heads the Qatar with Al Rayyan Stakes victor 6:05pm: Purebred Arabian Maiden day will commence at 4:30pm while Warm up sole UK entry with one entry from Perkunas whilst Richard Hannon has Plate, 1,400m the third and final contest kicks off France in the Francois Graffard- Tony Curtis in the saddle. Thursday 25 February 6:40pm: Thoroughbred Handicap at 6:30pm. trained and Al Shaqab owned Snaad. Also yesterday, QREC signed a (Class 5), 1,400m Al Attiyah said QEF has increased Time: 9:00 Horse re-inspection Mike de Kock has entered Anaerobio sponsorship signing ceremony with 7:10pm: Thoroughbred Handicap the number of events held in Doha Time:1:00pm Competition No 1: CS12 Two Phases Article (274.5.3) Fences: Height and Abdulla Kuwaiti has Bartack in Al Emadi Enterprises who was repre- (Class 3), 1,200m primarily because home riders 125cm Speed 350m/m (one horse per rider) prize (QR40,000) the race. sented by CEO Mohammed Al Emadi. 7:45pm: Qatar Local Purebred Arabian needed maximum exposure in their Time: 4:30pm Competition No 2: CS15 Two Phases Article (274.5.3) Fences: Height Nasser Al Kaabi, General Al Emadi said: “We’re very proud Trophy, 2,000m build-up to the Rio Games in August 145cm Speed: 350m/m (one horse per rider) prize (QR122,100) LR Manager of the Qatar Racing and to be associated with the prestigious 2016. Time: 6:30pm Competition No 3: CS15 Table (A) Against the Clock Article (238.2.1) Equestrian Club (QREC), said: “The H H the Emir’s Sword Meeting. We’re “This year we have a lot of events Fences: Height 150cm Speed: 350m/m (one horse per rider) prize (QR307,200) LR at the federation premises and at Al Friday 26 February Shaqab. We have the Doha Tour and Time:1:30pm the final event in Katara,” Al Attiyah Competition No 4: CS12 accumulator woth Joker Article (269) Fences: explained. Height 125cm Speed: 350m/m (one horse per rider) prize (QR42,000) “Our riders will also be com- Time: 4:30pm Competition No 5: CS15 Article (263-Table C 239) Fences: Height peting in Europe. They compete in 145cm Speed: 120se (one horse per rider) prize (QR122,100) LR five-star events. After this event, they Time: 6:30pm Competition No 6: CS15 The 50th best rider Qualifier for the com- will head to CHI Al Shaqab and then petition number 9 (Grand Prix) Table (A) Against the Clock with Jump Off Article travel back to Europe to prepare for (238.2.2) Fences: Height 155cm Speed: 350m/m (one horse per rider) prize the Olympic Games,” Al Attiyah said. (QR307,200) LR “There’s a deadline for us to name Saturday 27 February the horses next month. We have to Time:1:00pm Competition No 7: CS15 Table A against the clock Article (238.2.1) find one or two best horses. It is not No.J.Off Fences: Height 155cm Speed: 350m/m (one horse per rider) prize easy to find the best horses but we (QR460,300) LR are doing our best,” Al Attiyah said. Time: 4:30pm Competition No 8:CS12 Final Table (A) Against the clock with jump “One of our targets was to qual- off Article (238.2.2) Fences: Height 145cm Speed: 350m/m (one horse per rider) ify for the Olympic Games and we prize (QR122,100) LR got that (in February 2015). The other Time: 4:30pm Competition No 9: CS15 (Grand Prix) Open to the 50 top riders from target was something to do to reach competition 6 qualifier for OG RIO 2016 + EC 2017 (certificates capability) Two rounds the podium at Rio. We are looking with jump off (Table A) Article 273.3.4.1 & 273.4.5 +273.2.2 + Annex VIII art.6) Fences: Nasser Al Kaabi, General Manager of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), members of the for the gold medal at Rio and we will Height 160cm Speed: 375 m/m (one horse per rider) Prize (QR766,900) LR be working towards that target,” Al organizing committee and sponsors are seen following a press conference in Doha yesterday. 36 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT

C ommittee questions Guatemala soccer TV contracts

Reuters

GUATEMALA CITY: An audit by a committee appointed by FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, has concluded that broadcasting contracts between Guatemala’s soccer federation and Mexican media magnate Angel Gonzalez were awarded below market value, say sources with knowledge of the report. The committee is running the Guatemalan soccer federation (Fedefut Guatemala) after the fed- eration’s president and another of A worker puts finishing touches to a billboard outside the Hallenstadion its top officials were arrested on arena in Zurich where the Extraordinary FIFA Congress will be held bribery-related charges as part of tomorrow. The Congress is being held in order to vote on the proposals wide-ranging US probe into global for amendments to the FIFA Statutes and choose the new FIFA President. soccer corruption. It presented the findings of its audit to Primo Corvaro, FIFA’s head of member associations, ear- lier this month in Guatemala. A source on the committee said the contracts, which have been reviewed by Reuters, appeared to be “excessively unfavorable” FIFA rivals in final push for votes to Fedefut, and fell short of inter- national standards because the price was so low and given the have so far stayed clear of the contro- football legend. An appeals decision deals were reached after exclu- versy over balloting. had been expected by Tuesday at the sive negotiations with Gonzalez. Infantino and Sheikh Both were in FIFA’s home city of latest, and no reason has been given The so-called “normalization Salman are front Zurich trying to assemble the coali- for the delay. committee” has also handed the tion of supporters needed to replace It was Platini’s sudden and dra- audit to the Guatemalan Comptrol- runners as rival the disgraced Sepp Blatter and win matic downfall that threw the race ler’s office, which is a government candidate Prince Ali the most powerful job in world wide-open and led Infantino, his dep- accounts watchdog, and recom- football. uty at European confederation UEFA mended to FIFA’s Corvaro that bin Al Hussein calls But rival candidate Prince Ali bin to enter the race. Fedefut’s statutes be changed to for suspension of al Hussein of Jordan has appealed to While the hotly contested election assure fair and transparent ten- tomorrow’s election the Court of Arbitration for Sport remains too close to call, the two- ders for future TV and sponsorship (CAS) to suspend tomorrow’s election. thirds majority needed to secure a contracts. He has said transparent vot- first-round victory seems unlikely for The Comptroller’s office ing booths must be used to ensure any candidate, meaning the poll could did not respond to a request for that delegates do not take pictures go to at least two rounds of voting. comment. AFP of their ballots, a move required by Only a simple majority is required The broadcasting contracts certain regional confederations as to win from the second round. were signed by former Fedefut proof of loyalty to a specific candi- FIFA has 209 national associ- president Brayan Jimenez, who is date, according Prince Ali. ations, but currently only 207 are awaiting extradition to the United ZURI CH: FIFA presidential favourites Jerome Champagne of France, approved to vote, following the sus- States on corruption charges Gianni Infantino and Sheikh Salman who along with South Africa’s Tokyo pensions of Kuwait and Indonesia, Swiss-Italian UEFA interim chief Gianni Infantino (left) and Asian Football related to the sale of broadcast bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa embarked on Sexwale rounds out the list of five although both countries could be rights to another company. a final scramble for votes yesterday presidential challengers, has joined Confederation President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa. They cleared to participate tomorrow. Jimenez’s lawyer Francisco ahead of the election to lead world the Jordanian prince’s call for greater are considered as the favourites to succeed Sepp Blatter as President The poll will take place nearly Garcia said the committee was football’s scandal-tainted govern- transparency. of FIFA, the governing body of world soccer at the Extraordinary FIFA eight-months to the day after Swiss artificially making an issue out of ing body. The Lausanne-based CAS has Congress which will be held tomorrow. police stormed the plush Baur au the contracts awarded to Gonzalez, The poll is seen as crucial to asked FIFA to respond to Prince Ali’s Lac hotel in Zurich before dawn and adding that Fedefut’s contracts repairing the organisation’s reputa- concerns and said it will rule on his arrested seven football executives for broadcasting rights had been tion, which has been battered by a request for “urgent provisional meas- headquarters on the outskirts of Separately, a FIFA appeals com- indicted in United States for corrup- awarded without a tender process series of unprecedented corruption ures” by Thursday, although it was not the city. The executive committee is mittee is expected to rule on the pleas tion. Since then, 39 people within “for many years,” including before scandals, but just two days before the clear if the court could force a vote expected to finalise reform propos- filed by Blatter and his one-time heir football and two companies have Jimenez became president. vote, protests over the secrecy of bal- delay. als to be presented for approval by apparent Michel Platini, who are been charged by the US, Blatter and “This is not the first time that lots have mounted. As closed-door campaigning con- the congress tomorrow. seeking to overturn the eight-year Platini have been banned, while FIFA’s the contracts were not tendered, Front-runners Infantino - the tinued at the luxury Zurich hotels FIFA has said the reform pack- bans. Both were punished in Decem- former secretary general Jerome Val- this has been happening since Swiss-Italian acting chief of Euro- favoured by football power-bro- age is crucial to cleaning out the graft ber over a 2 million Swiss francs (1.8 cke has been sacked and thrown out administrations prior to Brayan pean football - and Sheikh Salman kers, FIFA’s top brass met for a final that has plagued world football for million euros, $2 million) payment of football for nine years over various Jimenez,” Garcia said. of BBahrain,ahrain, AAsiansian football’s ppresident,resident, prepre- electionelection meetingmeeting at the body’ s decades. that BlatterBlatter approvedapproved forfor the FrenchFrench corruptioncorruption allegations.allegations. Sport tribunal to rule on FIFA voting L awmaker says FIFA candidate secrecy amid delay demands in ‘cash for votes’ scandal AFP Collins said that if Sheikh Salman was chosen, the British gov- AFP as a solution to that problem but that FIFA rejected ernment should withdraw support his idea. for any English Football Association “On February 22nd, I appealed to CAS and LONDON: A British lawmaker has bid to host FIFA tournaments. requested an expedited hearing to resolve the accused Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Using a public petition to raise ZURICH: FIFA contender Prince Ali bin al Hussein matter before Friday’s election. FIFA blocked an Al Khalifa, a frontrunner in the FIFA the issue Collins -- whose com- said the international sports tribunal should delay expedited hearing,” said Prince Ali. presidential race, of being involved ments are protected from any legal the world football leadership election tomorrow if it With FIFA in desperate need of a clean start and in a “cash-for-votes” scandal. defamation action as he was speak- cannot be guaranteed to be “free, fair and honest”. reforms to improve its tainted image, the complaints Damian Collins said in Britain’s ing in parliament -- said that “prior The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said it have again cast a new shadow over the election House of Commons that Sheikh Sal- to Sheikh Salman’s election to the would rule by Thursday, the eve of the vote, whether campaign. man, one of the favourites to succeed presidency of the Asian Football to order FIFA to change the organisation of the vote. Champagne, a former FIFA official from France, Sepp Blatter in charge of the tainted Confederation in May 2013, details The prince has been joined by Jerome Cham- has separately demanded that the world body world body, had questions to answer of the flights that the football feder- pagne, another of the five contenders to replace cancel accreditations for the Asian Football Con- over his election as president of the ation of the Kyrgyz Republic (FFKR) Sepp Blatter, in demanding greater guarantees over FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali Al federation and UEFA, saying they will be used to Asian Football Confederation in delegation would be taking to and the integrity of the increasingly tense election. Hussein of Jordan speaks at the Press Club lobby for Sheikh Salman and Infantino. 2013. Sheikh Salman strongly denied from Kuala Lumpur were emailed to Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa and in Geneva, Switzerland, in this February 11, He has indicated he could also go to CAS if any wrongdoing. Collins, a mem- the private account of the IT man- Gianni Infantino are favourites in the race to 2016 file photo. Lawyers for FIFA presidential FIFA’s electoral commission rejected his request. ber of Britain’s ruling Conservative ager of the Olympic Council of Asia, become the next leader of the scandal-tainted world candidate Prince Ali bin Al Hussein have urged But electoral commission chairman Domen- Party and a campaigner for better of which a close associate of Sheikh governing body. Tokyo Sexwale of South Africa is the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to ico Scala wrote to Champagne saying “FIFA has governance in sport, said there were Salman was head.” the fifth candidate. suspend tomorrow’s vote for a new head to acted in absolute compliance with the pertinent “strong grounds to suspect” the Kyr- His petition noted that “three Tomorrow’s vote is meant to be secret. But lead the world soccer body out of its worst circumstances” for the election. Scala added that gyz Republic’s delegation to the AFC days before the vote, requests for Prince Ali and Champagne have both raised sus- the observer numbers do “not constitute any viola- had voted for Sheikh Salman in the support for 53 projects for Kyr- ever corruption crisis. picions that FIFA delegates -- under pressure from tion of the principle of equal treatment of the FIFA belief they would receive “signifi- gyzstan football to the tune of some regional confederations who have publicly presidential candidates”. cant financial support” for football millions of pounds were discussed, backed specific candidates -- will take photos of Champagne accused Sheikh Salman, the AFC projects from the Olympic Council although there seems to be no legit- their voting paper to prove who they signed for. used, the candidate sent a letter himself to voters president, and Infantino, UEFA general secretary, of of Asia (OCA). The OCA is headed by imate reason for the FFKR, part of FIFA’s electoral committee said portable phones to clarify his position. seeking to “swamp” tomorrow’s vote with support- an ally of the sheikh. FIFA, to be seeking funding from the and cameras would be banned from the booths, “The FIFA presidential election should go ahead ers. He added that those accredited were mainly A spokesman for Sheikh Salman OCA, part of the International Olym- but it had rejected the prince’s initial demand for as planned but only if it is free, fair and honest,” members of Sheikh Salman and Infantino’s cam- told Britain’s Times newspaper last pic Committee.” transparent booths. he said. Prince Ali described FIFA’s plan to tell paign teams. week there was no “credible evi- A fresh denial was issued on CAS has called on FIFA to explain its rejection of delegates to leave their phones outside as “unen- “It is clear that this reveals the objective to dence” behind the allegations. behalf of Sheikh Salman late Tues- the prince’s requests. Prince Ali has also demanded forceable and without sanction”. swamp the Congress hall with confederation Collins also told MPs that emails day, saying: “Sheikh Salman has that independent scrutineers are used for the vote. “I want this election to occur as soon as possi- employees able to access the voting FAs and their between the delegation and the OCA and had no knowledge whatsoever The Lausanne-based tribunal said the prince ble, but not at the risk of undermining its integrity,” delegates.” prior to the confederation’s presiden- of any inducements offered, or of any has asked for “urgent provisional measures” but did he added. Prince Ali said he had written to the FIFA Champagne called on the electoral committee tial election in May 2013, included payments made by the OCA to any not say whether a vote suspension could be ordered. Electoral Committee on February 11 to express his to cancel “these unfair and undue privileges” and requests for funding despite there football associations and absolutely After Prince Ali’s lawyers said he wants CAS concerns that pressure would be put on delegates. warned of other action if there was no response by being “no legitimate reason” for such no evidence has been forthcoming to delay the election if transparent booths are not He said he offered to provide transparent booths Tuesday. requests. to show this to have been the case. SPORT THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 37 Qatari ruggerites off to UAE for Asia Rugby Development Sevens

Qatar up against 11 other Asian Sevens Rugby teams during the two-day tournament with their eyes on 2016 and 2020 Olympics

The Peninsula

DOHA: The Qatar National Rugby Sevens Team will travel to Al Ain, UAE Abdul Karem for the two-day Asia Rugby Devel- Al Muhannadi opment Sevens Tournament which Qatar National Rugby Sevens team will kick off tomorrow at the Al Ain Amblers ground. The seven-a-side Asian rugby member of Asia Rugby (AR). Asia growth and development of the sport. as possible. Right now due to World for this event since Dubai last year.” development tournament will host 12 Rugby covers a territory of over 44 Qatar as a member of Asia Rugby will Rugby player criteria we have selected When asked about his expec- Qatar National men’s teams; Chinese Taipei, India, square million kilometers and home bid for as many international compe- a good composite team including tations he said, “We want to win Rugby Sevens Iran, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Paki- to more than 3 billion people. titions to be held in Doha.” Qataris from the 2006 Asian Games because the winner of this men’s stan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, “It’s important that we enter as “Currently we are in discussion who will compete at Al Ain”. series will win a place for their union Team Syria, Thailand, and the hosts UAE. many international meets as possible with Asia Rugby about hosting the When asked which team poses the to participate in the Asia Rugby Sev- An integral addition to the region’s affording our players the opportunity ARC Division III competition in early biggest threat at Al Ain, Al Malki said, ens Series later this year”. Rhys Anthony Higgins, rugby calendar, the tournament will to compete at such high levels. Tour- April. This would involve international “The teams to watch are the top three On the first day, matches will Rakan Saleh Al-Mutawaa, Tom focus on the ongoing development of naments like Al Ain also allow Qatar teams from Lebanon and Iran touring from last week’s Chennai series. They commence at 11.00am and the last Featherstone, Talal Abdulla emerging rugby nations through the Rugby to measure up against the best our shores to take on our best XV’s” include Chinese Taipei, Thailand and game kicks-off at 5.44pm. Mujalli, Abdulkarem Abdulla sevens format. from the region” said the Chairman Kuwari said. the Philippines. The UAE and Leba- On the second day, matches will Al-Muhannadi, Thomas Ayling, The Development Sevens Series of Qatar Rugby Yousef Al Kuwari. Speaking about the national Sev- non also look strong and always give start at 11.00am and conclude with Jonathan Peter Davies, Mubarak for both men and women will be the “With the inclusion of rugby at the ens team, Ali Al Malki QRF General us great rivalry” Al Malki said. the finals being played at 5.00pm Al Malik, Omer Bin Abdulrahman second leg of the two-tournament 2016 Rio Olympics and 2020 Japan Secretary said, “We have a long term Senior Qatari player, Abdul Karem (5th and 6th place decider), 5.22pm. Bahamed, Mohamed Shirath Amit, series with the other leg held last Olympics, World Rugby is focusing on program for our national side which Al Muhannadi told reporters, “I am (3rd and 4th place decider) and Samuel Higgs and Maciej Jan week in Chennai, India. Asia Rugby and Qatar is seen a major we hope to implement very soon. We really excited about the Asian Sev- 5.44 pm (champion and runner-up Lenartowicz Qatar Rugby Federation is a full market with huge potential for the want youth participation as much ens in Al Ain. We have been preparing decider).

Gunners ‘still Barcelona’s Lionel Messi scores China could win World alive’ after through a penalty during the UEFA Barca loss, Champions League Round of 16 first leg soccer match against Arsenal Cup in 10 years: Eriksson at the Emirates Stadium in London, says Cech Britain on Tuesday.

AFP AFP national goals, even though the country is currently ranked a lowly 93rd in the world by FIFA. PRAGUE: Arsenal goalkeeper Chinese Super League clubs have Petr Cech yesterday said that his BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jin- spent an unprecedented 317 million team still had a chance to reach the ping’s dream of his country winning euros ($349 million) during the cur- Champions League quarter-finals the World Cup could come true in a rent winter transfer window, which despite a 2-0 loss to reigning title- decade, former England coach Sven- closes tomorrow, to bring in foreign holders Barcelona. Goran Eriksson said, according to stars, many of them internationals. “We are still alive,” the reports. The Chinese transfer fee record 33-year-old Czech Republic keeper “Now, in 2016, it seems that has been smashed four times during said on his website following Tues- every player wants to come to China the period, culminating in Jiangsu day’s loss at the Emirates. for the same reasons,” Eriksson, Suning paying Shakhtar Donetsk 50 Cech, who joined Arsenal from now the manager of Shanghai SIPG, million euros ($55 million) for Alex Chelsea before this season, offered said in Australia ahead of an Asian Teixeira. a few good saves on Tuesday but Champions League match against “It’s not only the top of football failed to stop Lionel Messi who Melbourne Victory. in China that’s getting bigger and scored 71 minutes into the game “Maybe 10 or 15 years ahead, I’m richer,” Eriksson said Tuesday, “also before adding a second from the sure China’s national team will com- the Chinese clubs are opening foot- penalty spot on 83 minutes. pete well to win the World Cup,” he ball schools more or less every day, “The second goal trimmed was cited as saying by the official and young boys and girls will start our chances for the second leg. news agency Xinhua. to play football. But nothing’s lost yet,” said Cech. Under avowed football fan “The future for football in China “If we play the same way and Xi, China has made success at the is great I’m sure about that.” improve productivity, we still have sport a political priority, rolling out Eriksson came to China to coach a chance to turn the fight for the a 50-point plan to build thousands Guangzhou R&F in 2013. His current last eight into a drama.” Masterful Messi’s late of football academies and culti- club paid 18.5 million euros ($20.3 vate domestic talent. Xi specifically million) to sign Brazilian striker declared that hosting, qualifying Elkeson from Guangzhou Ever- West Ham win for, and winning a World Cup were grande last month. appeal over double sinks Arsenal

Kouyate red Reuters Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The Catalans FOOTBALL: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE began to move through the gears Bayern rue missed chance card though and either side of halftime wasted two glorious chances. Reuters LONDON: Barcelona’s Lionel Messi Nou Camp next month, will take their Suarez, who has 41 goals in all to kill off Juventus broke free from Arsenal’s shackles place in the last eight for the ninth competitions this term, headed Dani to score two late goals and put the season in a row. Alves’s dinked cross wide with the LONDON: West Ham United have Champions League holders on the “I liked everything we did goal gaping before Neymar was Reuters boxed the Italians in, launching won an appeal against the red card brink of the quarter-finals with a tonight,” the Spaniard told reporters. denied by goalkeeper Petr Cech after attack after attack with 70 percent shown to midfielder Cheikhou clinical 2-0 victory at the Emirates Messi has proved a thorn in Arse- being played in by Andres Iniesta. possession in the first half. Kouyate during Sunday’s FA Cup Stadium on Tuesday. nal’s side on each of the last two Starved of the ball for long peri- Goals from Thomas Mueller and fifth-round win at Blackburn Rov- The irrepressible Argentine, along occasions the teams have met in the ods, Arsenal still posed a threat and TURIN: Bayern Munich were left to Robben gave them a comfortable ers. with strike partners Luis Suarez and Champions League. In 2010 he scored Ter Stegen did well to keep out Olivier rue a number of missed chances in lead, but they wasted other chances The 26-year-old midfielder Neymar, had been subdued for most four times in the last 16 second leg to Giroud’s close-range header from a their Champions League last 16 first that could have put the tie beyond was adjudged by referee Jonathan of the last 16, first-leg tie but came send Barca through and a year later Mesut Ozil cross. leg against Juventus on Tuesday after doubt. Arturo Vidal had a powerful Moss to have denied Rovers a clear alive late on, clinically finishing off he struck twice in a 3-1 win in Spain Arsenal grew in belief but it cost the Germans squandered a two-goal volley saved, Mueller twice went goal-scoring opportunity when a lightning counter-attack and then after Arsenal had edged the first leg. them dear as they committed players lead to draw 2-2 despite dominating close, while the normally clinical he brought down defender Adam dispatching a penalty. Messi, Suarez and Neymar had forward and got stung on the break. for much of the game. Robert Lewandowski was guilty of Henley during the 5-1 win. “They are 95 percent through to scored 91 goals in all competitions With 19 minutes left they lost the “It is not only the coach who is missing his share of chances. The Football Association said the quarter-finals certainly,” Arse- this season heading into Tuesday’s ball near Barca’s goal and Suarez disappointed. It is all of us,” said Bay- Juve made the most of the on its website (www.thefa.com) nal manager Arsene Wenger, whose game but none of the feared trident and Neymar combined in devastat- ern winger Arjen Robben, who had reprieve, battling back to score twice that an independent regulatory side had defended solidly for 71 min- managed an effort on target in the ing fashion, the Brazilian unselfishly netted in the 55th minute to give the in 13 minutes as Bayern’s confidence commission had overturned the utes until crumbling, told reporters. first half as Arsenal’s fans cranked picking out Messi who steadied him- visitors a two-goal cushion. was shaken. Paulo Dybala scored in decision and withdrawn the auto- “It’s a shame we didn’t get any up the decibel levels. self before beating Cech for the first “We should have killed it off after the 63rd minute against the run of matic one-match suspension that satisfaction because we put every- Arsenal were patient and should time in his career. the 2-0. What happened to us after- play, before Stefano Sturaro levelled accompanies the offence after thing into it.” have gone ahead midway through Suarez then hit the post when wards should not happen,” said the to set up a nail-biting return leg in West Ham appealed. Luis Enrique’s Barca side the first half when Hector Bellerin’s he should have scored before Messi Dutchman. “We should have been Munich on March 16. Kouyate is now available to extended their unbeaten run to 33 scuffed shot fell for Alex Oxlade- scored again, this time with a calmly cooler and calmer.” “Obviously a win would have face Sunderland in the Premier matches and, barring something Chamberlain but he scooped his struck penalty after substitute Math- The Bavarians were in com- been better,” Bayern coach Pep League on Saturday. extraordinary in the return at the effort straight into the arms of keeper ieu Flamini had tripped him. manding form for an hour, having Guardiola said. 38 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT

Smith takes dissent charge on the chin

Reuters

CHRISTCHURCH: Steve Smith’s joy at leading Aus- tralia to a Test series win over New Zealand that took them back to the top of the world rankings yesterday was tem- pered by the news he had been charged with dissent for his role in a confrontation with an umpire. The International Cricket Council (ICC) charged both Smith and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood after the pair confronted umpire Ranmore Martinesz when a decision went against them on the fourth day of the second Test The Australian cricket team poses for a photograph with the Trans-Tasman Trophy after winning the at Hagley Oval on Tuesday. Retiring New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum (left) looks on second Test against New Zealand on day five at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand, yesterday. With New Zealand bat- tling to build a second innings next to his wife Melissa and his children after making a speech lead, Hazlewood was con- following his final Test Match against Australia at the Hagley Oval in vinced he had trapped Kane Christchurch, New Zealand. Williamson lbw only for umpire Martinesz to deny Australia complete NZ the appeal. Captain Smith asked for Time’s right to quit, a review, though ‘hot-spot’ technology showed William- son had got a thin inside edge departing McCullum rout, return to the top onto his pad, so ball tracking was not examined. The big screen did not show a clear picture of AFP said he knew it was “time to move the hot-spot and Hazle- on”. SCOREBOARD wood exploded, with stump “The time’s right. I came to that Visitors’ 2-0 AUSTRALIA TOUR TO NZ: microphones capturing realisation when I made the deci- New Zealand (I innings): 370 SECOND AND FINAL TEST his expletive-laden tirade, CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand sion and I knew I could steel myself series win hit by Australia (I innings): 505 and Smith then confronted captain Brendon McCullum insisted for another couple of challenges,” controversy after fine New Zealand (II innings): 335 Martinesz. the time was right to quit interna- he said. Australia (II innings): had a great time.” The animosity Hazlewood was later tional cricket yesterday despite “Hopefully I’ve left and brought on captain Smith over throughout the series, which came fined 15 percent of his match hitting one of his best innings just some fun and enjoyment and some J Burns b Boult 65 row with umpires to a head on Tuesday, was put aside fee for swearing while Smith days earlier. real culture back into the set-up in D Warner c Watling b Wagner 22 the moment Voges hit the winning was fined 30 percent for dis- It was not the way the 34-year- the time that I’ve had as captain. U Khawaja c McCullum b Southee 45 runs with a four. sent after Australia wrapped old wanted to retire, as Australia “When someone’s career winds S Smith (not out) 53 Smith immediately searched out up the match on Wednesday. completed a 2-0 series sweep by down, other cricketers want to McCullum to shake his hand and con- The ICC said Smith admit- winning the second Test by seven show their respects in some way as AFP A Voges (not out) 10 gratulate him on his career, which ted the offence and accepted wickets. well. You never foresee that level Extras (LB-4, NB-2) 6 included a record 54-ball century in the sanction, and there was But McCullum did mark his of respect that Steve Smith and Total (for 3 wkts) 201 the first innings. no need for a formal hearing. swansong in trademark fashion, set- the Australian team showed with Fall of wickets: 1-49, 2-113, 3-179. “The way he played in the first Smith had said after the ting records for the fastest century that guard of honour would ever CHRISTCHURCH: Australia sealed Bowling: Boult 17-1-60-1; Southee 7-2-30-1; innings to score the fastest-ever Test match he had only sought and most sixes in Test history (107). eventuate.”

a 2-0 series victory over New Zea- Henry 9-1-33-0 (nb1); Wagner 18-4-60-1 100 is testament to the guy’s charac- clarification from Martinesz When the match ended, with an Reflecting on his career, McCul- land to reach the top Test ranking (nb1); Anderson 3-0-14-0. ter,” Smith said. as to why other technology Adam Voges four getting Australia to lum said he now felt relieved it was yesterday but captain Steve Smith “They were under the pump had not been used to con- the 201 they needed for victory, there all over. was forced to defend their aggres- and he came out and took the game firm the decision on the field. were emotional scenes as McCullum “What comes with the good sive style as he was fined over a row our goal as a team to be number one on and got them into a pretty good “I thought I was well led his side from Christchurch’s tree- times also comes with its challenges. with the umpires. in the world in every format of the position.” within my rights to go up to lined Hagley Oval. You walk away knowing that you’ve With Smith smacking 53 off 46 game,” Smith said. McCullum’s rollicking 145, in the umpire and ask him why Australian captain Steve Smith, been able to front up and try to go balls, Australia polished off the 131 However Smith also had to dis- which he also reached a record 107 we didn’t use the real time not out 53, ran over to shake McCul- out there and get a performance on runs they needed on the last day to pute suggestions that Australia, often career sixes, was not enough to save Snicko,” Smith told reporters. lum’s hand. the board and I guess now you’re a reach their 201 target just after lunch controversial over their uncompro- New Zealand. “I guess out in the field we When New Zealand had needed little bit relieved,” he said. in what was New Zealand captain mising play and habit of sledging After resuming Wednesday at 70 couldn’t see a hot-spot and patience to occupy the crease for McCullum finished his Test Brendon McCullum’s final Test. (insulting) the opposition, were crick- for 1, with David Warner (22) out late I’ve been informed since then long periods of time to save the Test, career with 6,453 runs at an aver- The match had no sooner finished et’s bully boys. the previous evening, Australia took that if there’s a hot-spot they McCullum could not hold back his age 38.64. He scored 12 centuries than Smith was charged over Tues- “I don’t think we’re not nice guys. 34 overs to score the remaining 131 don’t go to real time Snicko, so natural aggression. and 31 half-centuries. His swash- day’s profanity-laced confrontation We play a good hard, aggressive runs required. that was basically what I was He smashed a first innings 145 buckling style has produced multiple over an lbw decision that had already brand of cricket,” Smith said. Khawaja took his overnight 19 to doing at the time. in 79 balls, including the first ever records. He is the only New Zea- seen fast bowler Josh Hazlewood “For us it’s about knowing where 45 before giving Tim Southee his first “That’s deemed to be dis- 54-ball century, and 25 off 27 in his lander to score a triple century, with fined 15 percent of his match fee. that line is and myself and Josh wicket of the Test after 29 overs. sent and I’ll cop that on the second bat. 302 against India two years ago. The ICC later said Smith was Hazlewood have crossed that line in Southee had bottled up Khawaja chin and I need to be better But despite his own heroics, what He also holds the record for the fined 30 percent of his match fee this Test match and that’s not what for eight consecutive deliveries before as a leader, I need to set the mattered most for McCullum was most consecutive Tests, never miss- after he admitted showing dissent by we’re about. getting an edge with a ball angling example and that was not the result and it did not turn out as ing a game since his career began in questioning the decision that bats- “Hopefully we can learn from away outside off stump which went good enough.” wanted in his 101st and final Test. 2004, and he is New Zealand’s sec- man Kane Williamson was not out. that and continue to develop as a to McCullum at first slip. The Australians were “It’s not the ideal way to go out ond most successful captain with a Adam Voges finished on 10 not team and get better.” Man-of-the-match Joe Burns, booed by the crowd after the but at the same time, I’ve had a great winning percentage of 35.48, behind out, while the only wickets to fall on For New Zealand the drubbing having laid the foundations for vic- incident, while former players time,” he said. Geoff Howarth’s 36.66. day five were those of Joe Burns for by their arch-rivals put a cloud over tory with his 170 in the first innings, were divided on social media “We’re obviously disappointed In Twenty20 internationals, 65 and Usman Khawaja for 45 as Aus- the much-loved McCullum’s farewell, scored his fourth Test 50 before as to whether the tourists had to lose the Test match and the series where his big hitting was welcomed, tralia closed on 201 for three to win as their captain made his bow on the being bowled by Trent Boult for 65 overstepped the mark. but the right team won,” said the star he holds world records for the most by seven wickets. world stage after 101 Tests. just before lunch. “I don’t think we’re not Kiwi player. runs (2,140), most centuries (two), The victory confirmed Australia’s “We’re obviously disappointed to The series sweep made Australia nice guys,” Smith said of Aus- As he shut down his interna- most 50s (15), most sixes (91) and superiority after they won the first lose the Test match and the series but world number one and earned them tralia, who have previously tional career there were no tears most fours (199). Test by an innings and 52 runs, and the right team won,” McCullum said. a US$1m prize at the end of their been accused of pushing the from McCullum, although he was He scored his fastest ODI 50 in allowed them to overtake India as the “We threw everything at them cricket year. This was the last Test boundaries of sportsmanship moved by a guard of honour by the 18 balls and has hit four ODI 50s in world’s top Test side. at key times but they were able to before cricket’s attention turns to and criticised for sledging,” Australians. 20 balls or less, second only to Paki- “It’s always special when you get withstand us. It’s not the ideal way the World Twenty20 championship said the captain. McCullum has been sidelined by stan’s Shahid Afridi who achieved to number one in the world. That’s to go out but at the same time, I’ve in India next month. a back injury in recent weeks and he the feat six times.

MCCULLUM’S MEMORABLE KNOCKS Afridi reconsidering retirement decision February 2010, Christchurch, 116 not out vs Australia McCullum became just the second player after the West Indies’ Chris Gayle to smash a century in Twenty20 internationals when he belted an unbeaten 116 against Australia in Christchurch. His scintillating knock helped New Zealand to victory -- just -- when they prevailed in a one-over tie-breaker AFP in India but my elder family mem- in the shortest format of the game when the scores were tied at 214 after both innings. McCullum later became bers and some friends are putting with 91 in 90 matches but his recent the only man to hit two tons in Twenty20 internationals with 123 against pressure on me to continue playing form has not been good. Bangladesh at the 2012 World T20 in Sri Lanka. Twenty20 cricket, so I am thinking “I have to look at the results of DUBAI: Pakistan captain Shahid on that,” said Afridi. the team in the Asia Cup and then at January 2014, Wellington, 302 vs India Afridi yesterday said he was recon- Afridi will also lead Pakistan World Twenty20 and that will help An innings where McCullum showed he could put aside his batting bel- sidering plans to leave Twenty20 in the five-nation Asia Cup which me take a final decision. We have not ligerence and instead graft away for the good of the team. India led by international cricket as he is facing started in Dhaka yesterday. Paki- been doing well because we do not 246 on the first innings and had New Zealand at 94 for five in the second pressure from his elder family mem- stan play India in their first match have quality youngsters coming up. before McCullum began a near 13-hour stand in which he made 302, the bers and close friends. on Saturday. “So if I feel that the team needs only triple-century by a New Zealander, and saved the Test. He faced 559 Afridi, who turns 36 next week, Afridi said he takes all his deci- me then I will continue but if I feel balls and hit 32 fours and four sixes. had retired from one-day cricket last sions with mutual consultation. otherwise that I am taking place of a November 2014, Sharjah, 202 vs Pakistan year to add to his departure from the “I have a family who told me that better player then I will leave.” Test arena in 2010. He was due to I retired from one-day on my own so Pakistan lost 3-0 to England in An emotionally drained McCullum produced a double century follow- retire from all international cricket I have to consider their advice on the the United Arab Emirates in Novem- ing the death of Australia’s Phillip Hughes with whom he had previously after the World Twenty20 in India fin- Twenty20 retirement, but I have to ber last year and 2-1 in New Zealand played at New South Wales. Batting with the initials PH beneath the silver ishes in April. look at all the factors before taking a last month -- a performance which fern on his shirt, McCullum said he was relying on instinct as he reached Shahid Afridi may not retire after three figures in 78 deliveries, at the time the fastest century by a New Zea- World Twenty20 in India. “I had announced that I will leave final call,” said Afridi. left them in sixth position in the all cricket after the World Twenty20 Afridi is the highest wicket-taker Twenty20 rankings. lander. He was finally dismissed for 202 off 188 balls. SPORT THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016 39 Asia Cup T20: India draw first blood

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA TO FACE THE India’s Rohit Sharma’s knock INDIA Mohammad Mithun b Nehra 1 UAE TODAY Sharma of 83 sets up easy R Sharma c Soumya b Al-Amin 83 Sabbir Rahman c Dhoni b Pandya 44 acknowledges S Dhawan b Al-Amin 2 Imrul Kayes c Yuvraj b Ashwin 14 the crowd 45-run victory over V Kohli c Mahmudullah b Mortaza 8 Shakib Al Hasan (run out) 3 Twenty20),” he said. “I was focus- after scoring hosts Bangladesh in ing on my basics on this kind of the S Raina b Mahmudullah 13 Mushfiqur Rahim (not out) 16 a half century opening match pitch, use the pace of the bowlers. It during the first Y Singh c Soumya b Shakib 15 Mahmudullah c Sharma b Nehra 7 was a good wicket and the ball was Asia Cup T20 H Pandya c Mahmudullah b Al-Amin 31 Mashrafe Mortaza c Jadeja b Nehra 0 carrying.”

match against M S Dhoni (not out) 8 Taskin Ahmed (not out) 15 Skipper MS Dhoni, who passed Bangladesh AFP R Jadeja (not out) 0 Extras (LB-4 W-6) 10 a late fitness test to play the game, reserved some praise for young all- at the Sher-e- Extras (B-1 LB-2, W-3) 6 Total (for 7 wkts in 20 overs) 121 Bangla National rounder Pandya. Total (for 6 wkts in 20 overs) 166 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-15, 3-50, 4-73, 5-82, Cricket Stadium “Batting fearlessly is Hardik 6-100, 7-100. in Dhaka, Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-22, 3-42, 4-97, 5-158, (Pandya)’s strength and that’s why yesterday. DHAKA: Rohit Sharma made a half- 6-158. Did not bat: Al-Amin Hossain, Mustafizur we want to give him more matches, century as India crushed Bangladesh Bowling: Taskin 3-0-22-0; Al-Amin 4-0-37-3; Rahman he’s a good fielder too and a useful by 45 runs to get their campaign in the Mustafizur 4-0-40-0 (w2); Mortaza 4-0-40-1 Bowling: Nehra 4-0-23-3 (w1); Bumrah 4-0- third seamer,” said Dhoni. Asia Cup Twenty20 tournament off (w1) Mahmudullah 2-0-9-1; Shakib 3-0-15-1. 23-1; Pandya 4-0-23-1 (w3); Ashwin 4-0-23-1; Sri Lanka will face the United to a flying start in Dhaka yesterday. Arab Emirates in the second match BANGLADESH Jadeja 4-0-25-0 (w2). Big-hitting opener Sharma of the tournament at the same venue Result: India won by 45 runs. smashed 83 off 55 balls to help India Soumya Sarkar c Dhoni b Bumrah 11 today. overcome a shaky start to score 166-6 India and Pakistan will renew before some excellent bowling by left- cricket’s most bitter rivalry this week arm pacer Ashish Nehra and other first on a rain-soaked pitch and made the innings with a 55-run fourth after a two-year gap when they face medium pacers restricted hosts Bang- good use of the conditions to put India wicket partnership before Pandya, off in the Asia Cup, a contest for ladesh to 121-7. in trouble early in their innings at who scored 31 off 18 balls, joined regional supremacy which is also a One-down Sabbir Rahman made the packed Sher-e-Bangla National the opener to provide India a much- final rehearsal for the World T20. the highest 44 off 32 balls for Bang- Stadium. needed impetus. Local supporters will be looking ladesh after an early innings jolt saw Al Amin Hossain bowled opener Sharma was dropped by Shakib Al to see if Bangladesh’s sharp improve- the home side lose both their openers Shikhar Dhawan for two before skip- Hasan on 21 off Taskin Ahmed and he ment in 50-over cricket will translate Mohammad Mithun (one) and Soumya per Mashrafe Mortaza got rid of an promptly made Bangladesh pay dearly into an upturn in their performances Sarkar (11) for 15 runs. in-form Virat Kohli, who offered an as he hit two fours and a six in the in the shortest form of the game, with Bangladesh could never recover easy catch to Mahmudullah at mid off next three balls of the over. the World T20 in India only weeks from the damage and kept losing for eight, putting India’s formidable He struck seven fours and three away. wickets at regular intervals as expe- batting on the back foot. sixes for his 10th half-century in a But most eyes will be on Satur- rienced Nehra finished with 3-23. With the first six overs yielding Twenty20 international. day’s glamour tie when India and Indians Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik just 31 runs, India began to feel the “It’s important for me to start Pakistan take to the field together for Pandya and Ravichandran Ashwin pressure once Mahmudullah bowled afresh and not look back too much,” the first time since the last World T20 claimed one wicket each, and all con- Suresh Raina for 13 to leave the visi- said man of the match Sharma. in 2014. India-Pakistan showdowns ceded 23 runs. tors struggling at 42-3. “This is a perfect platform for usually draw hundreds of millions of Bangladesh earlier opted to bowl Sharma and Yuvraj Singh steadied us before the World Cup (World television viewers. Benn’s late brace lifts NBA: Wall, Wizards shut Dallas over Winnipeg

Agencies NHL RESULTS down Davis and Pelicans NEW JERSEY 5 NY RANGERS 2

CAROLINA 3 PHILADELPHIA 1 NEW YORK: Two late goals by cen- NASHVILLE 3 TORONTO 2 AFP tre Jamie Benn lifted the Dallas Stars DETROIT 2 COLUMBUS 1 (SO) to a 5-3 victory over the Winnipeg TAMPA BAY 2 ARIZONA 1 Jets Tuesday night. NY ISLANDERS 4 MINNESOTA 1 Benn gave his club some breath- DALLAS 5 WINNIPEG 3 WASHINGTON: The Washington ing room when he whipped in his OTTAWA 4 EDMONTON 1 Wizards weren’t about to grant New 31st goal of the season with 5:52 left LOS ANGELES 2 CALGARY 1 Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis in the game while Winnipeg was another sensational scoring night in shorthanded to give his club a 4-2 the NBA on Tuesday. lead. It turned out to be the winner. the first three goals of the game and Wizards guard John Wall notched He then notched his 32nd into an the Nashville Predators held on to his second triple-double of the season empty net. defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 and Washington smothered Davis in Hurricanes 3, Flyers 1 on Tuesday. a 109-89 triumph over the Pelicans. The Carolina Hurricanes finished Defenceman Roman Josi added In Davis’s first game since he with a flourish after taking nearly two assists for the Predators, who dropped 59 points on the Detroit Pis- half the game to get going, defeating earned at least one point in each of tons in a win on Sunday, he was held the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1 on Tues- their past nine road games. to just nine points on three-of-nine day at PNC Arena. Left winger Josh Leivo and shooting. Left winger Joakim Nordstrom, defenceman Morgan Rielly scored “I just think they tried to double- center Jordan Staal and center Eric for the Maple Leafs in the third team me, deny me the ball -- a lot,” Staal scored for the Hurricanes in period. Davis said. a matchup of two Metropolitan Lightning 2, Coyotes 1 “They did a great job on him,” Division teams trying to move into The Tampa Bay Lightning con- Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry added playoff position. tinued their hot streak Tuesday night, of the Wizards defense on Davis. “A Devils 5, Rangers 2 getting a shorthanded penalty-shot guy gets 59, I guarantee you game- Right winger Lee Stempniak goal from center Cedric Paquette on plan for him the next game.” scored the go-ahead goal late in the way to a 2-1 win over the Arizona With Davis wrapped up, none of the second period as the New Jer- Coyotes at Amalie Arena. his team-mates were able to step up. sey Devils defeated the depleted the Tampa Bay (34-22-4) has now No Pelicans starter scored in double New York Rangers 5-2 at Prudential won four straight – its second- figures as New Orleans shot a sea- Center on Tuesday night. longest win streak of the season son-low 34.9 percent. The Rangers were without Ryan – heading into a four-game road Wall, meanwhile, finished with 16 McDonagh and Marc Staal, two of trip. Backup Lightning goalie Andrei points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for their top defensemen, due to injury. Vasilevskiy took a shutout into the the Wizards, who have won three of Predators 3, Maple Leafs 2 third period Tuesday as starter Ben four games since the All-Star break. Left winger Filip Forsberg scored Bishop got the night off. Washington outscored the Peli- cans 31-14 in the third quarter for an 85-65 lead, and led by 23 points in the fourth. Wizards centre Marcin Gortat had Washington Wizards guard John Wall (front) dribbles beside New Orleans Pelicans guard Toney Douglas 21 points, and forward Jared Dudley (back) during the first half of their NBA game at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC, on Tuesday. sank six three-pointers for 18 points. The effort on the other end of the court fueled the victory. Wizards won the rebounding battle Favors produced a put-back bas- forced a miss from Hawyard at the “I think we came out and got 55-48. ket late in overtime and Houston buzzer. some defensive stops, held them Davis wasn’t surprised by the missed two potential game-tying In a close contest in Denver, Sac- from scoring, and (Dudley) got hot,” extra defensive attention he received three-pointers in the final seconds. ramento’s DeMarcus Cousins scored Wall said. after his big game against the Pistons. The Jazz, who had lost three of 39 points ot lead the Kings to a 114- Davis did pull down 20 rebounds “That’s why we tried to prepare their last four games, improved to 110 victory over the Nuggets. for the second straight game. But the for it in practice yesterday and then 28-28 and moved past 28-29 Hou- Cousins, who had 37 points and shoot-around,” he said. “We worked ston for eighth place in the Western 20 rebounds in Sacramento’s home on it, but we missed shots early, and Conference standings. win over Denver on Friday, was dom- NBA RESULTS they just stayed with their coverage.” Harden connected on 16 of 30 inant again, connecting on 14 of 24 Orlando 124 Philadelphia 115 The Utah Jazz withstood a shots from the floor, but the Rock- shots from the field and grabbing nine 42-point performance from Houston ets couldn’t get the lead in overtime rebounds. Washington 109 New Orleans 89 guard James Harden to post a much- after forcing the extra session with In a game tied 107-107 with 1:27 to Sacramento 114 Denver 110 needed 117-114 overtime victory over a fourth-quarter comeback. Veteran play, Cousins’s two free-throws and the Rockets. Jason Terry hit a game-tying three- a put-back layup in the final minute, Utah 117 Houston 114 Gordon Hayward scored 28 points pointer with 11 seconds remaining in along with his block of Nuggets for- Boston Bruins left wing David Pastrnak (left) and Dallas Stars left wing Portland 112 Brooklyn 104 with seven rebounds and five assists regulation for the Rockets. ward Darrell Arthur’s attempted and forward Derrick Favors added 19 The Jazz had a chance to win in layup with less than four seconds left Jamie Benn fight for the puck during the third period of their NHL points and 12 rebounds for the Jazz. regulation, but Houston’s Trevor Ariza helped the Kings seal the win. game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Tuesday. 40 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2016

Radwanska passes Niculescu test to advance in Doha

In her six appearances at the Bouchard, Kvitova Qatar Total Open, Radwanska has reached the quarterfinals or better and Wozniacki five times, but is still looking for her among early exits as first final in Doha. Asked about the increasing par- surprises mount at ity that the WTA has seen in 2016, Qatar Total Open. the reigning BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global champion theorized that the upsets are part of what makes her tour so The Peninsula fun to watch. “I think this is women’s ten- nis; you never know what’s going to happen! Every day, we’re playing dif- DOHA: World No.3 Agnieszka Rad- ferent, but it makes us interesting. wanska yesterday recovered from a We’re always fun to watch, a lot of double break to Monica Niculescu to different scores, a lot of surprises on ease past the unseeded Romanian, the way to the final. 7-5, 6-1 in the Qatar Total Open ten- “That’s the way we play!” nis tournament which continued at Up next for Radwanska is the the Khalifa International Tennis and winner of the third round between Squash Complex. No.9 seed Roberta Vinci and wild- Grabbing the opening set, Rad- card Cagla Buyakakcay, who upset wanska played impeccable tennis defending champion Lucie Safarova throughout, striking 31 winners to in her opening match. just 15 unforced; Niculescu wasn’t Meanwhile, Chinese sensa- Russia’s Elena Vesnina hits a return to Caroline Wozniacki during too far behind with 24 winners and tion Zheng Saisai, who surprisingly during the Qatar Total Open after Suarez Navarro crushed Switzer- 32 errors. knocked out Australian Open cham- Tuesday saw seven seeds knocked land’s Timea Bacsinszky in straight their Qatar Total Open third round match played at the Khalifa “I think she has the best hands pion Angelique Kerber from the out. There were more shock exists sets to advance to the quarter-finals International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. Vesnina on tour, very tricky player and very Qatar Open, claimed another high- yesterday and among them were the of the seven-day tournament. beat Wozniacki 7-5, 5-7, 6-3. uncomfortable to play against,” Rad- profile scalp yesterday when she number five seed and double Wim- In another match yesterday , wanska said of her opponent during outplayed 21-year-old Canadian bledon champion Petra Kvitova and Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko shocked her on-court interview. Eugenie Bouchard in straight sets. former world number one Caroline fifth seed and two-time Wimbledon QATAR TOTAL OPEN WOMEN’S SINGLES ROUND 3 RESULTS “I knew it was going to be tough Zheng, 22, won 7-6 (7/1), 6-1 to Wozniacki. Kvitova was defeated by champion Petra Kvitova of the Czech and a long one. What can I say? She march into the final eight in Doha. Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko, 5-7, 6-2, Republic to reach the last eight of the really made me play my best tennis, The world number 73 won in an 6-1. Ostapenko is ranked 78 places tournament. Zheng Saisai (CHN) bt Eugénie Bouchard (CAN) 7-6 (7/1), 6-1 so I’m very happy to win that match hour and 35 minutes against Bou- behind world number eight, Kvitova. Ostapenko, who is 18 years old, Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) bt Petra Kvitova (CZE x5) 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 in two sets”. chard, who is returning to the circuit Meanwhile Russia’s Elena won 5-7, 6-2, 6-1. Garbine Muguruza (ESP x4) bt Timea Babos (HUN) 6-2, 7-5 “I think when you play someone from a freak injury she sustained at Vesnina - who came through into The Latvian said: “I feel really Andrea Petkovic (GER) bt Coco Vandeweghe (USA) 6-3, 6-4 like Monica, you know there will be the US Open last September. the main draw as a qualifier - beat great that I could play like this. It a lot of weird shots all around the Zheng’s victory came just 24 former world number one Caroline was one of my best matches. It was Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x3) bt Monica Niculescu (ROM) 7-5, 6-1 court, and every shot is going to be hours after she dumped Kerber out Wozniacki 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 in 2 hours really great and I’m really happy.” Carla Suárez (ESP x8) bt Timea Bacsinszky (SUI x11) 6-2, 6-2 different. She had a lot of highlights with a 7-5, 6-1 win. 37 minutes. The Qatar Total Open concludes on Elena Vesnina (RUS) bt Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x13) 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 herself!” Surprises continued to mount Earlier yesterday, Spain’s Carla Saturday.