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Thursday 31 January 2013 19 Rabial I 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5596 Price: QR2

Swiss set up QTF to host top investment event for Qatari agency in Qatar juniors

Business | 22 Sport | 32

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Emir meets Greek PM OPINION Donors pledge Emergency in Egypt again gyptian over $1.5bn EPresident Mohammed Mursi declared a 30-day state of emergency for Syria on Sunday in riot-hit Khalid Al Sayed areas of Suez, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Listen to cries of people, says Ban Port Said and Ismailiah. The announcement KUWAIT: Donor countries $1.5bn in pledges. About $1bn is came after violent protests have pledged more than $1.5bn earmarked for Syria’s neighbours swept the country, which left 46 to aid Syrians stricken by civil hosting refugees and $500m for people dead. Mursi had imposed war, UN Secretary-General humanitarian aid to Syrians dis- a night curfew in three other Ban Ki-moon said yesterday placed inside the country. cities earlier. after warning that the conflict The $500m would be channelled What is surprising is that the had wrought a catastrophic through UN partner agencies in decision to impose emergency humanitarian crisis. Syria and the entire aid pledge comes from a leader who had In a pointed message for Syria’s would cover the next six months, promised not to do so when he leader, Ban told a fund-raising Ban said. took power. conference that President Bashar But in the Syrian capital According to the new consti- Al Assad bore primary respon- Damascus, the thud of artillery The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras at the Emiri tution of Egypt, the President sibility to stop his country’s suf- drowned out any optimism on Diwan yesterday. Talks dealt with bilateral relations and ways to develop them. must inform the parliament fering after nearly two years of the streets. Asked about the aid within seven days of declar- conflict that have cost an esti- promises, Damascenes were unin- ing an emergency. Article mated 60,000 lives. terested or despairing. (148) of the new Constitution “Every day Syrians face unre- “Where’s the money going to go Court rejects Villaggio fire accused plea reads: “The President shall lenting horrors,” Ban told the to? How does anyone know where proclaim, after informing the gathering in Kuwait, adding these it’s going? It all seems like talk,” government, a state of emer- included sexual violence and arbi- said Faten, a grandmother from a DOHA: A court hearing the children were in school. fire, testified in the court and gency and this proclamation trary killings. Sixty-five people middle-class family in the capital. Villaggio Mall fire case yes- The lawyer said in his plea that cited in detail what ignited the must be submitted to the par- were shot dead execution-style Another middle-class terday turned down the plea since the hearing in the case was blaze. liament in seven days. If the in Aleppo on Tuesday, opposition Damascene, a woman in her 70s of the defence lawyer of the now being held at short intervals, Also, for the first time yester- parliament is not in session, activists said. who asked not to be named, said husband-wife co-owners of the the couple be allowed not to be day, the lawyer for an insurance an emergency session must be “We cannot go on like this.... the money would not make it Gympanzee nursery gutted in present during the proceedings. company with which the mall convened for this purpose. In He should listen to the voices and to Syrians. “Tomorrow all that the blaze, that his clients be The court rejected the plea and might apparently have a policy, case of dissolution of the par- cries of so many people,” Ban said. money will get stolen. (The mid- exempted from attending court said the duo must attend the attended the proceedings. liament, it must be referred to “I appeal to all sides and par- dlemen) steal everything. If they proceedings. hearing when it happens. The court yesterday asked one the Advisory Council.” After the ticularly the Syrian government could steal people’s souls, they The plea was made on the The next hearing has been of the defence lawyers to produce ouster of Hosni Mubarak, the to stop the killing ... in the name would. I wouldn’t count on the ground that the couple, who are scheduled for February 7, a week his witnesses in the court during Egyptian parliament approved of humanity, stop the killing, stop money,” she said. Kuwait, Saudi first and second accused in the later. At yesterday’s hearing, only the next hearing. the extension of emergency law the violence.” Arabia and the United Arab case, were based abroad, with one witness, from the forensic The list of the witnesses is said for a period two years. Ban said the one-day confer- Emirates each promised $300m the husband being a diplomat. It laboratory, who had prepared a to be long. Continued on page 4 ence had exceeded the target of at the meeting. REUTERS was also pointed out that their report on the cause of the mall THE PENINSULA

Black Bloc Man arrested for stealing cash from cars

DOHA: Law-enforcement offi- cials have arrested an Asian allegedly involved in a series of car break-ins to steal cash. The arrested man, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Interior yesterday, used a novel modus operandi to commit the alleged crimes. He would keep an eye on people withdrawing cash from ATMs or bank branches and follow them until they left their cars parked. He would then break the window glass of the car and steal the cash. The police recovered QR150,000 from the suspect who was caught in the act by the Criminal A member of the Black Bloc group throws a stone at riot police dur- Investigation Department (CID) of ing clashes in Simon Bolivar Square, which leads to Tahrir Square, in the Ministry of Interior. Cairo, yesterday. See also page 12 Sleuths acted after several complaints from citizens and expatriates about the car break- ins. The CID formed a specialised team to arrest the culprit who Qatar plans law to regulate was trailed before being caught while trying to break into a car. During questioning, the man real estate valuation confessed to the crime. He has been transferred to the Capital DOHA: Qatar hopes to soon registration fee. “The state has Security Department for com- have a law to regulate the proc- been losing money. Such a prac- pleting legal formalities, the min- ess of real estate valuation that tice is making the state lose rev- istry’s press statement said. would likely help the state pre- enue,” H E Hussain bin Abdullah THE PENINSULA vent people from under-quoting Al Ghanem said. the market value of a property He added that his ministry Mali unrest survey and paying less registration fee had set up a committee late last while selling or buying land or year to prepare a draft law to DOHA: 83 percent respondents building. regulate the real estate valua- to an online survey by Al Sharq The Minister of Justice said tion process. on whether foreign military yesterday that since Qatar didn’t “Such legislation is very impor- intervention in Mali against have a legislation that regulates tant, particularly considering that Islamic insurgents was justi- property evaluation process and mega development projects are fied said they didn’t support the profession, the state had been being launched in the country and move. Barely 12 percent said losing revenue, since in many real estate transactions are on they did back the military inter- cases people provided incorrect the rise.” THE PENINSULA vention. THE PENINSULA valuation of a property to pay less Continued on page 4

THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME HMC holds public lecture on religion and psychiatry today Qtel launches BlackBerry Z10

DOHA: As part of its series of monthly “Open Day” lectures to raise awareness about mental health issues, the Psychiatry Department at The new version of smartphone to hit the firm’s retail shops soon Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) will hold a public lecture today on the relationship between religion and psychiatry. DOHA: The highly-anticipated offer the ground-breaking new smartphone delivers a powerful enhancements in high density It will be held at 6pm at the department near The Center rounda- BlackBerry Z10 smartphone, BlackBerry Z10 smartphone new platform for BlackBerry pixel and screen technology, bout, and will be delivered by Dr Taher Shaltout, Senior Consultant of powered by BlackBerry 10 powered by BB10. We expect customers. both feature a microHDMI Psychiatry at HMC. (BB10) platform, will be avail- strong demand at our retail Combined with Qtel’s network outport for presentations and “There is a considerable overlap between religion and psychiatry, whether able in Qtel’s retail shops soon. shops for the BlackBerry Z10,” and service plans, BlackBerry advanced sensors such as NFC positive or negative. An example of a negative relationship between the two Customers will also be able to Mohammed Al Marri, Chief Z10 customers will be delighted (near field communications) to manifests in folk beliefs or superstitions which may impede or delay proper place orders online. Sales and Service Officer at Qtel, with a re-invented communica- support mobile payments and diagnosis and treatment, and make a patient’s recovery more difficult. “Qtel will inform customers said. tion experience, seamless multi- the exchange of information “These superstitions include belief in witchcraft or that an illness is the in the coming weeks when the The BlackBerry Z10 is a touch tasking, easy access to multiple with a tap of the smartphone. effect of jealousy or the work of fairies,” Dr Shaltout said. product is in stock,” said a com- screen device with a 4.2-inch social networks and the peace of They also have a removable “Instead of seeking medical attention, people who believe in these super- pany statement yesterday. 1,280x768 touchscreen display mind BlackBerry security gives battery. stitions may employ incantations for patients suffering from severe psy- Although Qtel did not specify a and a 356-pixel density, front- them, said Carlo Chiarello, EVP, The BlackBerry Z10 and chological problems that need urgent treatment, such as schizophrenia, date, traders reveal that the lat- and rear-facing cameras. Global Smartphone Business at BlackBerry Q10 smartphones depression and mania. est edition of BlackBerry smart- Research in Motion (RIM), BlackBerry. will each come in white and “If medical treatment is not sought, these conditions may lead to severe phone will be available in the the Ontario-based developer BB10 was launched with over black. complications,” he added. Qatari market after February of BlackBerry smartphone and 70,000 applications, along with Qtel is offering Qatar’s large Dr Hazim Hashem, Chairman of the Psychiatry Department, said lec- 10, coinciding with its arrival in tablet, announced the change BlackBerry Flow, a feature that base of BlackBerry smartphone tures are delivered by physicians from the department to familiarise the the UAE. of its corporate name into allows users to move between customers reliable network public with psychological health issues and ways of coping with them and Pricing will vary, but will BlackBerry Limited, with the apps by using swipe gestures coverage and a wide range of safeguarding their health. remain unsubsidised and the unveiling of the new BlackBerry instead of a home button. BlackBerry subscription pack- “The event encourages discussions between the physician and the public, product will retail for AED Z10 and BlackBerry Q10 smart- Additionally, BB10 smart- ages, starting from QR15/ which allows the physician to get acquainted with specific challenges being 2,599, according to a report. phones at events held simulta- phones feature 1.5 Ghz dual core week for 250 MB of data for faced by individuals, respond to their inquiries and help them enhance The company is expecting neously in New York, Toronto, processors with 2GB of RAM, BlackBerry Hala customers and their mental health and that of their loved ones,” Dr Hashem added. strong demand from customers London, Paris, Dubai and 16GB of internal storage and an QR60/month for 1 GB of data for Dr Shaltout will welcome questions and comments from the audience in Qatar. Johannesburg. expandable memory card slot. Shahry customers. after his lecture. THE PENINSULA “We’re delighted to soon “The BlackBerry Z10 Apart from the latest THE PENINSULA

Scholars should not justify declaration of emergency Continued from Page 1

On September 10, 2011, the Military Council, which had taken the reins of power from Mubarak, decided to impose emergency after the storming of the Israeli embassy in Cairo. However, Mursi announced at a press conference before the presidential election that “we do not need emergency laws, and there will be no emergency in future”. This is not the first time – and it is widely believed that this will not be the last time – Morsi goes back on his promises. Emergency has returned to Egyptian life again, but under Muslim Brotherhood’s rule, which had rejected it. It was also rejected by all segments of Egyptian popula- tion and human rights and civil organisations. We reject and condemn what is happening in Egypt because we see Egypt as a real model for the rest of the Arab world and want the country to lay the founda- tions for good governance and democracy which can later spread throughout the Arab world. We also hope that scholars don’t issue a fatwa and provide justification for declaring emergency because it will give legitimacy to other rulers who can use it as a weapon to destroy the will of people. Islam should not be misused by those in power. Sheikh Muhamed Sharawy’s words are relevant here: “I hope that religion help politics and not politics vitiate the religion”. Real estate valuation

Continued from Page 1 The minister said the importance of such a law was not known in the country until a few years ago when a slew of mega infrastructure projects were launched. “We later realised how crucial such a law was.” Al Ghanem was addressing a symposium held on ‘Real Estate Valuation’ by the Legal Studies Department of his ministry here yesterday. The aim of the symposium was to familiarise citizens about the importance of real estate valuation. About the committee that has been formed to frame the draft law, Al Ghanem said several state agencies had coordinated in its establishment and celebrated experts were on it. “We have asked the panel members to draw heavily from the experiences of fellow Arab countries as well as of other nations in framing the draft. We want a very effective law.” Such a law would also be highly beneficial to banks and the private sector that need to know the exact market value of a property, whether land or building. There, cur- rently, are a number of real estate valuation agencies in the country that provide valuations but, in most cases, they may not be correct, the minister said. “At the real estate registration department of our min- istry, we are facing difficulties in the absence of such a law, as in many cases, property valuations are incorrect and the state loses revenue due to under-quoted market prices.” The undersecretary at the Ministry of Justice, H E Ibrahim Al Hitmi, who also heads the Legal Studies Centre, in his address to the symposium said he hoped that the committee that was set up last September would come out with a competent draft. The minister earlier said he expected the draft to be ready within two months. Over 14,000 Qatari students get benefit of education voucher

DOHA: More than 14,000 Qatari students have so far benefited from the educational voucher programme this academic year, the Supreme Education Council (SEC) has disclosed. The programme allows Qatari children to pursue education in 32 private schools with state support. Each student will get amounts up to QR28,000 to pay their school fees. For children of Qatari government employees, the respective ministries and government departments will pay the fees, while SEC will pay on behalf of chil- dren of Qataris working with private companies, inde- pendent schools and other SEC sections. SEC will also pay on behalf of those students whose parents are not employed. All government institutions have already released the first installment of the voucher amounts, benefiting a total of 14,413 students, Al Sharq reported yesterday, quot- ing a SEC official. THE PENINSULA

THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Qatar Airways bags Emir meets outgoing Afghan envoy four travel awards In-flight service and operational excellence recognised

DOHA: Qatar Airways has picked up two key travel awards within weeks of the launch of its Warsaw route. The Doha-based carrier has been named ‘Best Traditional Airline’ for its out- standing in-flight product and operational excellence at the annual Best Airline Awards, hosted by Pasazer.com. Pasazer.com is a business portal on airlines and aviation business in Poland. The portal is recog- nised as a source of information for professionals and passengers. The Best Airline Awards is held annually and winners are The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani met the outgoing Afghan Ambassador, Khaled Ahmad Zakaria, selected by votes from the public; at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. The Emir presented the envoy the Sash of Merit in appreciation of his efforts to this year’s edition gathered 27,000 promote relations between the two countries, and wished him success in his future assignments. Internet votes. Winners of addi- tional awards are chosen by a jury of aviation experts, journalists and airport representatives. Qatar Airways cemented its Rent dispute rules to be amended position as a world leading airline by taking the top position among Qatar Airways Country Manager Eastern Europe Martin Sprongl (right) DOHA: The Prime Minister the proposal of the Minister of agreement for cooperation in the 25 carriers in the category, to receives the award at the Airline Business Awards in Warsaw. and Foreign Minister H E Education and Higher Education, legal field between the govern- take the honours in front of an Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem who is also Secretary General of ments of Qatar and Peru. audience of leading global aviation We are very pleased with the suc- from four-times-weekly to daily bin Jabor Al Thani yesterday the Supreme Education Council, The Cabinet also took the industry executives who attended cess of the Warsaw route so far, flights from February 1. chaired the weekly meeting of reorganise the equalisation cer- necessary measures for ratify- the awards, held at the Congress and we thank the authorities and It is an active time for the air- the Cabinet at the Emiri Diwan. tificates committee and improve ing a framework convention on Center in Wroclaw. the Polish travelling public for the line in Poland as it also gears up Following the meeting, the the committee’s functioning. economic, trade, investment and The airline also received two strong support we have received.” for the opening of its European Deputy Premier and Minister It agreed a draft decision on technical cooperation between the additional accolades at the cer- The airline also scooped a pres- Call Centre based in Wroclaw, of State for Cabinet Affairs, terms of licensing providers Cooperation Council for the Arab emony, for the Route Of The Year tige award at an event organised which is expected to create over H E Ahmed bin Abdullah Al of global business consultancy States of the Gulf and the United in recognition of the Warsaw– by the Polish Airport Authority, 100 jobs. Martin Sprongl, Qatar Mahmoud, said the Cabinet services in view of the outstand- States of America. Doha start-up and also for the where Qatar Airways won the Airways Country Manager approved a proposal from the ing services provided by them to It also took steps to ratify an airline’s Chief Executive Officer, award for “Development of Non- Eastern Europe, said: “To receive Ministry of Municipality and the state in the fields of trade and agreement on legal cooperation Akbar Al Baker, who was named European Flight Connections four awards is a fantastic achieve- Urban Planning to amend rules finance. between the governments of Qatar Aviation Industry Manager of the 2012.” ment and recognition of our con- of the rental disputes settlement In addition, the Cabinet and Pakistan, and an agreement Year.” The awards come just days tinued commitment to service committees in order to speed up approved a draft agreement for on cooperation on endowments Al Baker said: “Expanding into before Qatar Airways increases and quality of overall operations settlement of disputes between cooperation in the field of cul- and Islamic affairs between the Poland has been a focus for the its commitment to the Warsaw in the air and on the ground. landlords and tenants. ture between the governments two governments. airline for a long time running. market by upgrading its schedule THE PENINSULA The Cabinet also approved of Qatar and Kosovo, and a draft QNA Texas A&M hosting international liberal arts conference

DOHA: Texas A&M University president of Royal Asiatic Society. at Qatar will host an interna- In his address, he will discuss the Katara set tional liberal arts conference characteristics of the modern next week at Education City’s nation state and its implications to present Hamad Bin Khalifa University for citizenship, multiculturalism, Student Center. and globalization. The event, sponsored by Qatar Dr Linke is Professor of exciting events Petroleum, is organised by the Chemical Engineering at Texas university’s liberal arts pro- A&M University at Qatar DOHA: Thousands of peo- gramme in collaboration with The and Chief Engineer at the ple visited Katara this month, Initiative in Professional Ethics Qatar National Food Security attending diverse events hosted (TIPE) – an umbrella organisa- Programme. His address will at its various venues. tion for all ethics-related activi- delineate the opportunities and The key events included Artist ties at Texas A&M. challenges faced by the QNFSP, as Talk and Workshop by Lisa The theme of this year’s con- well as the programme’s ongoing Milroy; the exhibition, Encounter: ference is “Ethical Engagement strategies. The Royal Academy in the Middle with Globalization, Citizenship Dr Phillip W. Gray, visiting East; the opening of the Magnum and Multiculturalism: assistant professor of political 65 exhibition; and a Magida Al Multidisciplinary Perspectives” science at Texas A&M at Qatar Roumi concert. (EGCM 2013). This theme is and director and co-founder of Dr Khalid Al Sulaiti (pic- Human resources experts meeting at Qatar University. geared towards raising aware- TIPE, said: “This conference tured), General Manager, said: “It ness about the relationship and promises to be quite stimulating, has been a pleasure to see so many complexities that exist between bringing scholars from across the people from various cultures and the notions of citizenship within globe to our campus and Qatar. backgrounds come together at a globalized world and the means This is a marvellous opportunity Katara. We remain committed HR experts meet to formulate by which universalistic and/or for researchers to connect and to showcasing the best of Qatar particularistic ethical systems expand in their ideas, as well as and the world and I would per- and structures fit into a multi- a perfect opportunity to showcase sonally like to thank everyone for new criteria for job skills cultural globe. the academic environment within their continuous support as we The two-day event will run Education City.” continue delivering on our prom- from February 3 to 4 and will Dr Troy Bickham, Liberal ise, bringing Qatar a rich calendar DOHA: Human Resources provision of guidelines for job Continuing Education, Dr Taj feature lectures and panels for Arts programme chair at Texas of events while also updating you experts from across the country competencies — the integrated Kardaman, said: “This is an students, faculty and staff of edu- A&M University at Qatar, said: with what’s new and exciting at met at Qatar University (QU) knowledge, skills, judgment, and important project which will help cational institutions and research “The conference promises to be Katara.” this week to launch the latest attributes that people need to per- identify areas where we can fur- centres in Qatar. The conference an exciting international event Next week will see yet phase of a programme designed form a job effectively. These can be ther support organisations across will be attended by more than 50 that draws on the research and another exciting event as Katara to help companies create new general employability skills, such Qatar as they focus on selecting leading scholars representing 35 expertise of scholars from a wide presents the second Artist Talk job skills’ criteria and better as communicating effectively, as and promoting the best talent to universities from 17 countries. variety of disciplines around the and Residency Programme by design their training and devel- well as technical abilities. While lead Qatar in the future.” The keynote speakers at the world. The conference is a fur- Encounter: The Royal Academy opment programmes. widely used internationally, com- Kevin Lamb, Managing Partner event are Francis Robinson and ther sign that Hamad Bin Khalifa in the Middle East, artist, The Qatar University Initiative petency frameworks are a rela- of Keystone Global Consulting Patrick Linke. Dr Robinson is University and its branch cam- Richard Deacon. The Artist Talk, for Life-long Learning (QUILL), tively new concept in Qatar. Group, who is working with Professor of the History of South puses are quickly emerging as which begins on Monday at 6pm launched last year, aims to ulti- Working in teams, the experts QUILL on the project, said: “This Asia at the Royal Holloway global leaders in higher education at Katara Building 15, will be open mately enable companies to will then evaluate the usefulness is one of countless efforts under University of London, Sultan of and academia.” to the public, while the Residency attract, retain and successfully of developing such competency way by many ministries and other Oman Fellow, and has served as THE PENINSULA Programme will commence on promote key talent. Part of the frameworks in Qatar, looking organisations to prepare the Tuesday and run until February university’s Continuing Education at the benefits and challenges, workforce in Qatar for the QNV 9 in Katara Art Studios, Building Office, QUILL has a number of before drafting prototype frame- 2030 goals.” 19. The Artist Talk will comprise projects, all of which are under- works for employability skills Community College of Qatar’s Registration open for HBKU masters course a conversation session between pinned by the Qatar National and the field of HR on a range Associate Dean, Dr Abdulnassir DOHA: Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member artists featured in Encounter: Vision 2030 of helping to sup- of skill levels. Finally they will Al Tamimi, said: “It is great that of Qatar Foundation, is accepting online applications for its The Royal Academy in the port the development of Qatar’s create draft process guidelines Qatar University’s Continuing Translation and Interpreting Institute’s (TII) Master’s Degree Middle East, Richard Deacon workforce. to implement these frameworks. Education Office is leading this in Translation Studies program. and Qatari Artists Faraj Daham One of QUILL’s key projects They will also review the training initiative in looking at the pos- TII will be offering this program starting in September 2013. and Mubarak Al Malik, as well – the Competency Frameworks needs, provision of training and sibility of developing and using Eligible applicants will have a Bachelor or equivalent degree from as Katara’s Curator, Sa’id Costa. Initiative – includes HR profes- development and quality of train- competency frameworks that are a nationally or internationally recognized institution, a strong com- Other events in the upcoming sionals from a number of fields ing programmes in organisations useful across all organizations in mand of English, and a strong command of at least one of TII’s weeks include the celebration of of expertise in Qatar. They are across Qatar. Qatar.” working languages: Arabic, French or Spanish. National Sport Day. assessing organizations’ current The head of the Office of THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Qatar improves press freedom ranking

BY FAZEENA SALEEM landscape, in the first study of its kind in Qatar. DOHA: Qatar has improved its The study aims to probe issues ranking four notches to 110 in related to press freedom and the latest Press freedom Index freedom of information in the of the Reporters Sans Borders country. (RSB). The assessment will be held The country jumped from 114th under the guidance of an advisory position in 2011-12, according to committee comprising Qatari the index for 2012-13 released yes- media experts. terday. Neighbours Saudi Arabia They will support and advice and Oman tumbled. researchers by making recom- But Qatar’s media watch- mendations on implementation dog, the Doha Centre for Media of media assessment, including Freedom (DCMF), said the RSB’s research methodology, and review FROM LEFT: Essa Al Mannai, Director of Rota, Abdullah Saleh Al Raisi, Deputy CEO of CBQ, Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani, Board Member of assessment could not be consid- the assessment process on a regu- Rota, Sheikh Khalid Al Thani, Head of Qatar Cycling Federation and Faisal Al Medehkah, Head of Social Investment, Maersk Oil Qatar, during the press ered as the best as its rankings are lar basis. conference at Qatar Foundation, yesterday. ABDUL BASIT based on comparisons and it did A working group and the not provide proper explanations. research team will formulate Qatar ranked a notch below and submit recommendations to Bolivia and two slots above Israel. the committee before presenting Stars line up to grace Wheels ‘n’ Heels In the 2011-12 benchmark, their findings. it was above Peru and below “Media development in Qatar Panama. will be evaluated with five indica- Rota-sponsored annual family day to be held on February 8 Oman ranked 117th last year tors,” said Bardawil. but lost several spots to end up MDIs look into different BY RAYNALD C RIVERA personalities and celebrities are Sponsor Maersk Oil Qatar, In the Active & Health Zone, at the 141st position in the cur- aspects of the media environment expected to come to the commu- Wheels ‘n’ Heels 2013 is making people will learn more about first rent index. as a system of regulation, plural- DOHA: Qatari sports stars nity event which attracts thou- special efforts to promote Action aid, how to prevent accidents and Saudi Arabia met a similar fate, ity and diversity of the media as Mishal Al Naimi and Abdulaziz sands of people. on Diabetes, offering checkups and get free health checkups. losing its 158th rank in last year’s well as the media as a platform for Al Kuwari are among the celeb- With the theme ‘Reach Out advice on preventing and managing Civil Defence staff will teach index to slide to 163rd. democratic discourse, professional rities to attend the sixth edi- By Having Fun’, the family day diabetes. children the importance of road Kuwait is the only GCC country capacity building and infrastruc- tion of Wheels ‘n’ Heels Family partners with the final stage of “With our partners from safety, traffic rules, fire safety and that figures among the first 100 ture development. Fun Day organised annually by the Tour of Qatar to give fami- ‘Action on Diabetes’, we will also how to use a fire extinguisher. countries worldwide in the index The indicators are structured Reach Out To Asia (Rota). lies opportunity to cycle at the be setting up our diabetes aware- Aspire, Qatar Cycling Federation in terms of media openness and to develop regulation condu- “For this year’s event at the same circuit used by professional ness village to compliment the and Girls on the Go promise hours freedom. cive to freedom of expression to Museum of Islamic Art Park, cyclists, take part in fitness activi- event’s activities. A healthy life- of fun sports and fitness activities. “I believe there was an encourage plurality and diversity celebrities, entertainers and ties and watch celebrities perform style is a very important factor in There will also be a big screen improvement in the media free- of the media and transparency sports stars are joining and on The Stage. preventing Type 2 diabetes, and for people to follow the day’s dom situation in Qatar. But the of ownership, develop the media helping Rota promote benefits The circuit will see adults, chil- we are pleased to join with Rota in events and a food zone offering approach of Reporters Without as a platform for democratic dis- of regular exercise, healthy diet dren and celebrities jog, walk, this important event,” said Faisal healthy snacks. Borders cannot be taken as the course, support institutions that and enjoying life,” H E Dr Sheikha cycle or wheelchair three kilome- Al Medehkah, Head of Social Present at the press confer- best assessment as its rank- strengthen freedom of expression Aisha bint Falah Al Thani, Rota tres along the Doha Corniche to Investment, Maersk Oil Qatar. ence were Abdullah Saleh Al ings are based on comparison and develop infrastructure capac- board member, told a press help Rota raise funds to provide Kids Zone will provide children Raisi, Deputy CEO of Commercial and proper explanations are not ity to support independent and conference held at the Qatar quality education to 48 million non-stop entertainment, bouncy Bank, the leadership sponsor, and given,” Ayman Bardawil, Manager, pluralistic media Foundation Recreation Centre needy children across Asia. castles, face painting, fun games, Sheikh Khalid Al Thani, Head of Programmes, DCMF, told The “The research will analyse yesterday to launch the event. “In particular, funds raised from interactive sports and perform- Qatar Cycling Federation. Peninsula yesterday. development of the media as part Other famous personalities this event will go to scholarships ances by well-known singers and Other organisations partici- “Within a few weeks we will of the country’s development,” who have already confirmed their for students in Indonesia,” said dancers. pating in the event include Civil begin a research to evaluate said Bardawil. attendance for the event sched- Rota Executive Director, Essa Al The Childhood Cultural Centre Defence, Qtel, Qatar National media development in Qatar,” he Seven researchers from the uled for February 8 are Iraqi Mannai. will provide books and arts and Cancer Society, Qatar Institute added. university’s Department of Mass singer Rahma Riyadh, Bahraini He said that the event reflects crafts materials at the event. for the Elderly and National DCMF and a Qatar University Communication and DCMF actors Ali Al Ghrair and Khalil “Rota’s mission towards education There will also be an auto- Programmes. The event runs at research team will use Unesco’s Research Department staff have Al Rohaithi and Kuwaiti singer and highlights the importance of a graph signing session with local MIA Park on February 8 from internationally recognised been trained by Unesco to assess Bashar Al Shati. healthy lifestyle.” and international celebrities and 2pm until 8pm. Media Development Indicators Qatar’s media development. More local and regional sports In partnership with Flagship sports stars. THE PENINSULA (MDIs) to assess the local media THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME CNU-Q focus on technology for health New technology Sport Zone at unveiled to push DOHA: In anticipation of Qatar’s National Sport Day virtual court celebrations, Carnegie Mellon DOHA: The Qatar International West Bay to University in Qatar (CNU-Q) is Court and Dispute Resolution encouraging students to facili- Centre (QICDRC) has officially tate better health and wellbeing launched a series of technologi- using the power of technology. cal innovations that allow for “The Information Systems cases to be conducted remotely, host NSD events programme is not just about providing a platform for a vir- benefitting businesses. It is about tual court service. practically changing people’s lives A new case management sys- Athletics and Basketball top the chart through technology,” said Daniel tem supplied by Visionhall allows Phelps, assistant teaching profes- documents to be filed at the Court DOHA: Smashing Olympic and 12am and the second between sor at the CNU-Q. electronically and for cases to be sports Athletics and Basketball 6pm and 9pm. As Qatar prepares to celebrate assigned to judges remotely, effec- head up a catalogue of spectac- Basketball is the most antici- National Sport Day, CNU-Q is tively opening the Court for busi- ular and amazing sports exhib- pated team sport at the Olympic reaching out to high schools to ness 24 hours a day. ited at a special designed Sport Games. The new trend which inform them on how technology Witnesses, lawyers and even Zone in West Bay, which will was introduced at the 2010 Youth and information systems can judges can take part in cases from open on February 12 and will Olympic Games in Singapore is improve not only business best across the globe via multi-channel feature all-day sport and rec- rapidly gaining worldwide accept- practice, but health and liveli- video-conferencing and can even reational activities for free until ance and expanded as Basketball hoods, as well. participate via mobile phone or 16 February. 3X3. In this year’s Ibtikar competi- tablet. All activities will be held under The national team of Qatar, tion, teams of high school stu- CEO Robert Musgrove said: the auspices of Qatar as part of along with other competitive dents had eight weeks to come up “QICDRC is a modern business the nationwide celebrations to team will roll out the increasingly with an innovative mobile-based court designed for the needs of mark National Sport Day, a spe- popular sport in a mini-tourna- game that will support sustain- international modern businesses. cial day dedicated to sports which ment, which will excite the spec- able healthy lifestyle habits in Through the use of technology we also enhances the objectives of the tators and attract new “hoops” Qatar. are able to offer a global ‘virtual Qatar National Vision 2030. fans, in an already huge database The winning team from Doha court’ service where the parties do Highly-rated Athletics, the of basketball maniacs. College designed Qatar Lifestyle, not have to be physically present sport which globally attracts hun- For Basketball 3X3 two ses- a bilingual application for adults in Doha, allowing businesses to dreds of millions of TV viewers sions, lasting one hour each, will and children to encourage healthy control and present their dispute and is considered the “King of the be held between 9am and 10am eating and lifestyle choices. from wherever they are located. Olympic Games” will be presented and 7pm and 8pm. The National They proposed a holistic Companies generally want their to all attendees by experienced Sport Day is celebrated every approach to weight loss that is disputes to be resolved as quickly specialists, whereas kids will be second Tuesday of February and adapted to Qatar’s environment Doha College designed Qatar Lifestyle, a bilingual application for adults and economically as possible there invited to try out their abilities in is an initiative adopted by the and culture, and created a game and children to encourage healthy eating and lifestyle choices, won the are significant time and travel the following disciplines: Hurdles, Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent that can be monitored by health Ibtikar competition. costs to be saved by conducting an event which requires speed H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al specialists. disputes remotely.” and technique, Throwing Ball, a Thani. Across the country, min- Qatar Lifestyle’s goal is to allow players, simulating life in a real Qatar National Research Fund “The QICDRC also provides discipline which tests strength, istries, government departments, players to virtually discover and city. through their Undergraduate more conventional access to its Long Jump, where speed, tech- public and private sector organi- learn how to maintain a healthy Last weekend’s outreach Research Experience Programme renowned international judiciary, nique and jumping ability are con- sations and sports clubs will be lifestyle (characters learn about programme is just one facet of to enhance young Qatari health but it is important that businesses sidered the main skills and finally organising sporting activities for healthy food options and ways to the Information Systems pro- behaviour using mobile applica- are provided with the widest Relays, an event which develops all on February 12. exercise). gramme’s health-related initia- tions. The application deadline for choice in how they want their and promotes team spirit. The event aims to create It uses the features of smart tives and research. students interested in Carnegie disputes resolved” he added. Athletics will be demonstrated awareness about sports and their phones to mix real physical exer- At the undergraduate level, Mellon’s Information Systems Shithal Shetty, QICDRC Senior and performed in two sessions. health benefits. cise with virtual play and allows information systems students programme is March 1. IT Development Officer said: The first will be between 11am THE PENINSULA for communication amongst have been using a grant from the THE PENINSULA “Technology is evolving at a fast pace and in contrast to the old- fashioned concept of a courtroom, the QICDRC has a highly mod- ernised IT infrastructure to offer user-friendly solutions to our cli- ents, no matter where they are MDR Radio Choir to perform at Katara Opera House located.”

DOHA: Qatar Philharmonic expression…a welcome experi- Oman to participate in Orchestra, music director mental detour from the norm of Michalis Economou and the today and in the relatively con- Mice Arabia Congress MDR Radio Choir of Leipzig formist world of classical compo- DOHA: Oman’s Ministry of will feature in a concert on sition…he is positively brand new” Tourism is set to take part Sunday at Katara Opera by the Daily Star, it’s no wonder in the Mice Arabia Congress House. that Rami Khalife has emerged which is taking place here on The choir will perform Marcel as one of the most exciting young February 27 and 28. Khalife’s Orientale to texts by composers of the 21st century. “Mice Arabia Congress is Arab poets along with traditional The celebrated Korean soprano a timely event as we need to Arabic texts. Coloratura soprano Whalran Seo is a coloratura work regionally to build busi- Whal-ran Seo will then join the soprano as well as lyric soprano. ness and meetings tourism. We Philharmonic for the world pre- She studied voice at Sook-myung have leading airlines, hotels miere of Rami Khalife’s Requiem. Woman’s University and con- and visitor experiences but the Unesco Artist for Peace Marcel tinued her studies in Europe, region attracts a relatively small Khalife is a Lebanese music com- graduating from Santa Cecilia proportion of international and poser, oud master and singer. Conservatorio in Italy and Geneva global events. I am sure this will Committed to humanitarian Conservatoire in Switzerland. be an important area of discus- issues, his revolution against She won the 58th Geneva sion among delegates,” Khalid oppression, violence and war tran- International Competition as Al Zadjali, Director of Tourism scends the struggle to a deeper well as numerous other compe- Events and Cruise Shipping, said. essence to seek the liberation of titions. An active concert singer, Organised by QNA the man from all restrictions. Whalran Seo has appeared as a International, the congress will Khalife played a fundamen- soloist at Montpellier Festival, bring together government offi- tal role in the establishment Guewiller Festival and Ohrid cials, marketing and adminis- and development of the Qatar Festival in Macedonia. trative heads, travel managers, Philharmonic Orchestra as an Rami Khalife Marcel Khalife The Philharmonic’s next academicians, event directors, artistic consultant, composer and concert is Beethoven’s Ninth PR and communication heads member of the board of directors it is bold, ranging from impro- the El Mayadine Ensemble, com- Mahmoud Darwish, only to switch Symphony, also with the MDR and hospitality service provid- has composed many masterpieces vised concerts, recording a posing contemporary works for it all up with classic-electro group Radio Choir on February 8, ers to discuss the importance for the orchestra. Prokofiev concerto with Globalis orchestra, producing sound tracks Aufgang. at Qatar National Convention of business tourism in the GCC Musical shape-shifter Rami Orchestra, performing world for film and documentary, col- Heralded as “a musician Centre Theatre. region. Khalife’s works are as eclectic as music with Marcel Khalife and laborating with poet and author of extreme calibre and pure THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Macedonian president delivers lecture Indian artist showcases works at SFS-Q DOHA: Georgetown University School of Foreign DOHA: Georgetown University traced the history of the Balkans Service in Qatar (SFS-Q) yes- School of Foreign Service through the paradigm of an terday opened an art exhibi- in Qatar (SFS-Q) welcomed autochthonous understand- tion titled “Opus: Abstracted”, Professor Gjorge Ivanov, ing of the region, to highlight a featuring works of Doha-based President of the Republic of long tradition of religious toler- Indian artist Vibha Nanda. Macedonia, who shared his per- ance and inter-ethnic coopera- The exhibition presents a spectives on “The Balkans and tion that he argued remained collection of colourful acrylic the Gulf: The Crossroads of the key to a future of peaceful canvases that trace dramatic Civilisations” in a distinguished coexistence. lines and geometric silhouettes lecture at the SFS-Q campus on Rejecting entrenched defini- against a backdrop of move- Tuesday. tions of the geopolitical term ment, colour and form. Likewise, “It is always a deep honour “Balkanization” as an “oversimpli- her ceramic sculptures are and unique opportunity to host fied and shallow interpretation”, striking glazed abstractions of a world leader at SFS-Q. But Dr Ivanov instead pressed the constructed angles and sweep- in President Ivanov’s visit we need for self-reflection in redefin- ing curves. have the added privilege of also ing conceptual frameworks about A law graduate and masters in welcoming him as a thinker, a both the Balkans and the Gulf. business studies, Vibha started researcher, and a renowned visit- “With only one book, Orientalism, her career teaching postgradu- ing scholar in his own right.” said Edward Said changed the percep- ate business courses in Bahrain. Dean Gerd Nonneman. tion about the Orient, about the She subsequently left teaching Long before becoming East.” he said. to pursue her passion for art, Vibha Nanda with her colourful acrylic canvases and ceramic Macedonia’s fourth elected presi- Citing examples from history, joining the Qatar Youth Arts sculptures. dent on 12 May 2009, Dr Ivanov he painted a picture of a Balkan Center to study ceramics under Prof Gjorge Ivanov, President of the was actively involved in civil soci- society that “showed themselves famous Iraqi ceramicist and Miller and Jerry Fresia to fur- Out to Asia (Rota). The expo Republic of Macedonia, delivering ety and youth organisations as a to be unusually open to foreign sculptor Waleed Qaisi, where ther her techniques in ceramics is open for public viewing until university student. His interest lecture at the SFS-Q campus. religious influences”, absorbing she presently continues to work. and painting. February 27 from 3pm to 6pm in understanding complexities of political and social traditions She attended workshops with Part of proceeds from art at the SFS-Q campus. multi-ethnic societies culminated Macedonia.” from the Romans, the Ottomans, artists like Gregory Hamilton sales will be donated to Reach THE PENINSULA in a doctoral thesis “Democracy Dr Ivanov examined these and each successive ruling empire. and Divided Societies:the Case of complexities in his lecture, and THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Israel hits Syria arms convoy to Lebanon UN’s Ban decries ‘horrors’ in Syria, urges end to civil war; crisis escalating as more flee

BEIRUT: Israeli forces attacked a convoy on the Syrian-Lebanese border yesterday, sources told Syria accuses Israel of Reuters, after Israelis warned their Lebanese enemy Hezbollah against using chaos in Syria to striking research centre acquire anti-aircraft missiles or chemical weapons. DAMASCUS: Syria accused opposition chief Moaz Al Khatib “The target was a truck loaded Israel of staging an air raid said on his Facebook page that with weapons, heading from Syria on a military research centre. he was ready for conditional to Lebanon,” said one Western The strike came as an opposi- talks with Assad’s representa- diplomat, adding that the con- tion chief laid down conditions tives. The Syrian National signment seemed unlikely to have for talks with Assad’s regime, Coalition leader said the condi- included chemical weapons. and as world outrage at a mas- tions included releasing “160,000 A source among rebels fight- sacre piled pressure on all par- detainees” and that embassies ing Syrian President Bashar Al ties to halt their bloodletting. abroad renew the passports of Assad said an air strike around The Syrian army accused exiled citizens. dawn (0430 GMT) blasted a con- Israel of launching a dawn Until now, Syria’s main oppo- voy on a mountain track about strike targeting a military sition groups have said they are 5km south of where the main research centre in Jamraya, near prepared to talk only if Assad Damascus-Beirut highway crosses Damascus, in a statement car- steps down. “I announce I am the border. Its load probably ried by state news agency SANA. ready for direct discussions included high-tech anti-aircraft “Israeli fighter jets violated our with representatives of the and anti-tank missiles. airspace at dawn today and car- Syrian regime in Cairo, Tunis “It attacked trucks carrying ried out a direct strike on a sci- or Istanbul,” Khatib said. sophisticated weapons from the entific research centre in charge “While it is not right for any- regime to Hezbollah,” the source of raising our level of resistance one to bargain with the freedom said, adding that it took place and self-defence,” the general for which our people have paid inside Syria, though the border command said. so dearly in blood, I say there is poorly defined in the area. The warplanes entered Syria’s are basic conditions before I sit A security official in the region airspace via Mount Hermon, or down with representatives of also placed the attack on the Jabal El Sheikh in Arabic, at low the regime.” But he added that Syrian side. A Lebanese secu- altitude and under the radar, the “we cannot trust a regime that rity official denied any strike in army said, adding that two site kills children, attacks bakeries Lebanon. It was not clear whether Syrian girls sing victory songs to celebrate after rebel fighters took over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern workers were killed. “They... bombards universities, destroys special forces took part. Idlib province, following fighting against pro-regime forces, yesterday. Syria’s opposition chief Moaz Al Khatib carried out an act of aggression, Syria’s infrastructure and mas- The Israeli government declined said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar Al Assad’s regime, subject to conditions including bombarding the site, causing sacres innocent people.” comment on the issue. Such a that some 160,000 detainees are released. large-scale material damage and Assad proposed earlier this strike would fit its existing policy destroying the building,” state month a national dialogue, but of pre-emptive covert and overt policy of pre-emptive strikes and a heavy presence of Israeli jets Dome rocket-interceptor system television quoted the military made it clear this would apply action to curb Iranian-backed may have been intended to limit over its territory throughout to around the northern city of as saying. only to groups not linked to the Hezbollah and does not necessar- surprise in world capitals. the night, following several days Haifa, which came under heavy The reported air strike came armed insurgency, effectively ily indicate a major escalation of The head of the Israeli air force of increased incursions into Hezbollah missile fire during a after the UN and Arab League excluding the National Coalition. the war in Syria. It does, however, said only hours before the strike Lebanese airspace. Israeli jets brief war in 2006. envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, Khatib said the unprecedented indicate how the erosion of Assad’s that his corps, which has an array routinely fly and there have been Israeli Vice Premier Silvan issued a fresh warning of the statement expressed his own family rule after 42 years is seen by of the latest jet bombers, attack unconfirmed reports in previous Shalom said on Sunday that any conflict spilling over. “None of opinion only and that his group Israel as posing a threat. helicopters and unmanned drones years of air strikes on Hezbollah sign that the Syrian army’s grip the neighbours is immune to the would meet today to discuss the Some analysts suggested at its disposal, was involved in a arms shipments. on its presumed chemical weap- fallout consequences of the con- proposal.The Syrian National Hezbollah was moving its own covert “campaign between wars”. An Israeli attack inside Syria ons stocks was slipping could flict,” he told the UN Security Council swiftly rejected his arms caches from stores in Syria, “This campaign is 24/7, 365 could be diplomatically provocative, trigger Israeli intervention. But Council. proposal. fearing rebels would overrun them. days a year,” Major-General particularly since Assad’s Iranian Israeli sources said on Tuesday In a surprise move yesterday, AFP Though Israel this week echoed Amir Eshel told a conference on ally said on Saturday that it would that Syria’s advanced conventional concerns in the United States Tuesday. “We are taking action to view such a strike as an attack on weapons, much of it Russian-built about Syrian chemical weapons, reduce the immediate threats, to itself. Israel views Iran as its prin- hardware able to destroy Israeli unrelenting horrors,” Ban told But in the Syrian capital officials say a more immediate create better conditions in which cipal enemy and is engaged in a planes and tanks, would represent the gathering in Kuwait, adding Damascus, the thud of artillery worry is that the civil war could we will be able to win the wars, bitter confrontation over Tehran’s as much of a threat to Israel as these included sexual violence and drowned out any optimism on see weapons that are capable of when they happen.” nuclear programme. chemical arms in the wrong hands. arbitrary killings. Sixty-five peo- the streets. denting its massive superiority in On Sunday, Prime Minister In Kuwait, UN Secretary- ple were shot dead execution-style Ban said that much more airpower and tanks from reach- JETS OVER LEBANON Benjamin Netanyahu, who is set General Ban Ki-moon said the in Aleppo on Tuesday, opposition remained to be done to address ing Hezbollah; the group fought In Israel, where media oper- for a new term after an election conflict had wrought a cata- activists said. Syria’s humanitarian emergency. Israel in 2006 and remains a more ate under military censorship, earlier this month, told his cabi- strophic humanitarian crisis. In a “We cannot go on like this.... “The situation in Syria is cata- pressing threat than its Syrian and broadcasters immediately relayed net that both developments in pointed message for Syria’s leader, He should listen to the voices strophic and getting worse every Iranian sponsors. international reports of the strike. Iran and turmoil in Arab states, Ban said that Assad bore primary and cries of so many people,” day.” Four million Syrians inside Yesterday’s strike could have Channel Two television quoted notably Syria and Egypt, meant responsibility to stop his country’s Ban said. “I appeal to all sides the country need food, shelter and been a rapid response to an oppor- what it called foreign sources Israel must be strong. suffering after nearly two years and particularly the Syrian gov- other aid in the midst of a freez- tunity. But a stream of Israeli saying the convoy was carrying The Israeli military confirmed of conflict that have cost an esti- ernment to stop the killing ... in ing winter, and more than 700,000 comment on Syria in recent days anti-aircraft missiles. this week that it had lately mated 60,000 lives. the name of humanity, stop the more are estimated to have fled to was a reminder of a standing In Lebanon, the army reported deployed two batteries of its Iron “Every day Syrians face killing, stop the violence.” countries nearby. REUTERS Floods in Saudi

People cross a flooded area after heavy rains in Tabuk, 1,500km from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday.

Two Iraqis living in US sentenced in terrorism case

WASHINGTON: A US judge in Bowling Green, in the south- bomb found in Iraq, pleaded guilty on Tuesday sentenced two Iraqi ern state of Kentucky, “par- in December 2011 to all counts of men living in Kentucky to fed- ticipated in terrorist activities a 23-count federal indictment eral prison for their role in a overseas and attempted to con- that included conspiracy to kill plot to ship weapons to Iraqi tinue providing material support US nationals abroad and export insurgents and raise money for to terrorists while they lived Stinger shoulder-fired surface-to- the Al Qaeda terror network. here in the United States,” said air missiles. Mohanad Shareef Hammadi, Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney In August 2012 Hammadi 25, was sentenced to life in fed- General for National Security. pleaded guilty to a 12-count eral prison while his accomplice “With today’s sentences, both indictment that included similar Waad Ramadan Alwan, 31, was men are being held accountable,” charges. Alwan however received sentenced to 40 years in prison Monaco said. a reduced sentence because he followed by supervised release, Authorities arrested Hammadi cooperated with authorities, the the US Justice Department said. and Alwan in an FBI sting involv- Justice Department said. An Both had pleaded guilty to fed- ing an undercover agent posing undercover FBI agent posing eral terrorism charges, but were as part of a group sending money as an Al-Qaeda agent met with not charged with plotting attacks and weapons to insurgents in Iraq. Alwan and recorded their meet- within the United States. Alwan, whose fingerprints were ings starting in August 2010. The two Iraqis who were living found on an unexploded roadside AFP THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 10 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Importance of democracy Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

ERMANY yesterday commemorated the 80th anniversary of the takeover of Hitler as the chancellor. Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, while speaking Citizenship path possible hurdle Gat an event in Berlin to mark the ascension to the throne of probably the most reviled figure in modern history, said that democracy, even today, cannot be taken for granted. The location for the German chancellor’s speech could not have to US immigration rewrite been more appropriate. She talked about human rights, freedom and democracy at the ‘Topography of Terror,’ an exhibition in BY KATHLEEN HUNTER AND Berlin that shows the German dictator’s rise to power and the LISA LERER cheering audience on Tuesday at Del immigration overhaul to reevaluate atrocities committed by his regime on Jews. Sol High School in Las Vegas. “At this their position. A few days ahead of the anniversary, Merkel affirmed that moment, it looks like there’s a genuine An immigration rewrite has drawn Germany had a duty as far as the Holocaust is concerned and it roviding a path to citizenship desire to get this done soon.” the backing of religious organisations, for 11 million undocumented Still, differences between the presi- law enforcement and companies — has never shied from conceding the facts of history. Her words immigrants is emerging as a dent’s outline and the Senate framework including Wal-Mart Stores, Goldman may sound simple and rehearsed, but they are true. Ppotential stumbling block to are coming into focus, most notably over Sachs, Microsoft, Intel and Google — Ironically, as Germany marked the day when the perpetrator rewriting US immigration policy. conditions for allowing those already in that seek to hire more foreign workers. of the Holocaust was crowned, it also hosted Egyptian President Republican senators who endorsed a the country illegally to become citizens. Of the 47 million new workers enter- Mohammed Mursi. The man to succeed strongman Hosni bipartisan framework for the most sig- In addition to tightened border ing the labour force between 2010 and nificant revision of immigration law in security, Republicans want a citizen- 2050, a projected 37.6 million will be Mubarak in the most populated country in the Arab world, is almost three decades criticised a White ship path to hinge on tracking people Hispanic, according to an October 2012 reaching out to Merkel in the hope of consolidating Egypt’s House plan for not requiring tighter in the United States on visas. A com- Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The foundering economy and get a toehold in the German market. border security as a condition of a path mission of governors, community mem- percentage of Hispanics in the work- In 2010, the former Brotherhood leader is said to have to citizenship. bers, and attorneys general living on the force will grow to 18.6 percent by 2020 compared Jews with certain animals. He also purportedly “One of the things that’s very impor- Southwest border would make a recom- and to 30 percent in 2050, doubling advised Egyptians to bring up tant to me is to make sure that the mendation when the security measures from 15 percent in 2010, according to enforcement mechanisms happen,” are completed. the report. their children on a hatred of Jews. Sen Marco Rubio of Florida, one of The White House plan doesn’t link Speaking on Tuesday at a school In asking her Understandably, Mursi’s visit drew four Republicans citizenship to security, out of concerns where more than 62 percent of the people not to scorn from Germans with protesters backing the that a longer process could make it students are Hispanic, Obama warned coming out in large numbers in Senate blue- almost impossible for those immigrants that if immigration legislation is bogged be complacent the German capital. Driven into a print, said in an to gain full status. down in Congress, he would send his corner, Mursi said yesterday that he interview. “The US Immigration and Customs plan to the Capitol and insist that law- about democracy, mistake that’s Enforcement deported 396,906 people in makers vote on it “right away.” Angela Merkel was quoted out of context, a usual President Obama been made in fiscal year 2011 and a record 409,849 in Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, refrain for a politician who doesn’t the past is that fiscal 2012 according to figures released D-Nev, cautioned that the president has come out want to take responsibility for his is seeking to while the legali- by the agency, part of the Department “has put his arms around the four sen- with a great remarks. harness political sation happened, of Homeland Security. ators on the Democratic side and the As the German chancellor spoke the enforcement Obama also supports equal treat- Republican side, but with the caveat momentum didn’t, and it led ment of same-sex couples when one he’s not going to wait around forever truth. about democracy she implied that following his strong to the 11 million partner is from outside the US. That to actually have legislation that we her people should not take it as people that are provision isn’t included in the Senate move on.” given. The mention of democracy may sound axiomatic today. support from here.” framework and may be opposed by some Obama gave tentative endorsement As a political philosophy, it has much to be given credited Hispanic voters in President Republicans. to the framework that the Republican for— from the late twentieth century to the present. However, November to enact Obama is seek- “We hope the president is careful not and Democratic senators unveiled on the ground reality may be quite different. A large number ing to harness to drag the debate to the left and ulti- Monday, saying the proposal was “very new immigration political momen- mately disrupt the difficult work that much in line with the principles I pro- of nations are still struggling to taste real democracy. Even policy. tum follow- is ahead in the House and Senate,” posed and campaigned on.” elected governments which apparently look democratic and ing his strong Brendan Buck, a spokesman for House “Until the administration creates a swear by different norms of freedom, act otherwise when it support from Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said fol- comprehensive border security plan that comes to practice. From Venezuela to Singapore and Sri Lanka Hispanic voters lowing Obama’s remarks. includes a reasonable definition of oper- to Belarus, democracy looks imperiled in various degrees. The in November to Boehner is among Republicans who ational control we can measure, we can- Arab Spring was meant to usher in democratic governance, enact new immi- have said that the party must find a not quantify success or failure,” House gration policy. more positive approach to immigration Homeland Security Chairman Michael but most nations, including Egypt, which saw people throw out Democrats say they are encouraged that policy. Hispanics, a rapidly growing McCaul, R-Texas, said in a statement. dictators, are struggling with granting basic freedoms to their an increasing number of Republicans group of US voters, cast 71 percent of “The Senate blueprint appropriately citizens. The insurgency in Syria has become more of a sectarian have dropped their opposition to pro- their votes for Obama on November 6, made securing our borders a priority, conflict than one to pull down an authoritarian government. viding a path to citizenship as part of according to exit polls. while the administration appears con- There is a need to cherish every moment of democracy. It is such a move. The increasing political clout of tent to once again neglect to do so.” “The good news is that, for the Hispanic voters, who make up 10 per- An effort by President George to be nursed and protected, coddled and preserved—for its own first time in many years, Republicans cent of the electorate and 16.7 per- W Bush in 2007 to rewrite immigration good and for the good of the world. Ask those who don’t have it • and Democrats seem ready to tackle cent of the population, has prompted law failed amid public ire over illegal this problem together,” Obama told a Republicans who long opposed an immigration. WP-BLOOMBERG The Other side Quote of Calm cooperation can defuse North Korea’s nuclear bombast the day ITH his bombastic threat by one of the world’s most opaque and A sliver of hope comes from China, Korea. With North Korea lurching from of “high- profile” retaliation oppressive regimes. North Korea’s biggest trading partner crisis to crisis, Chinese policymakers are against the US (translation: The United States, which is techni- and supplier of aid. Not only does China finding it harder to balance their inter- Wmore tests of nuclear cally still at war with North Korea, has now support tighter sanctions — albeit ests: stability on the peninsula, influence I am very sad to bombs and missiles), North Korean predicated peace talks on the North’s not as tight as the US wanted — but over North Korea, better ties with the US leave all of you, and leader Kim Jong Un seems determined willingness to give up its pursuit of Xi Jinping, the general secretary of the and South Korea, and a more positive to tantrum his way to the top of President nuclear weapons. Six-nation talks — Communist Party, has also called the international image. to leave behind the Barack Obama’s second-term foreign- involving the North, the US, China, North’s nuclear program “intolerable.” Unfortunately, China’s stiff words — policy agenda. Japan, Russia and South Korea — to The newly installed Xi has little interest which included a hint of a reduction in institution here As the mythical orientalism goes, in ease tensions haven’t been held since in another regional dust-up, especially aid — will probably not dissuade the crisis there is opportunity. North Korea’s December 2008. In its most recent given China’s territorial spat with Japan North from holding another nuclear test. where I have been bellicose response to tighter United statement, the North said it will only give and the need to make nice with a re- For North Korea, a nuclear deterrent is so proud to serve Nations sanctions has raised tensions up its nukes when everyone else gives elected Obama administration. a cheaper and more effective means of with its closest ally, China. That, along up theirs, and that the six-party talks and As a recent report by Bonnie Glaser of ensuring regime survival than a million on behalf of the with the confluence of several political a previous agreement of principles with the Center for Strategic and International or so troops armed with mostly obso- American people. transitions, offers a chance to contain the US are null and void. Studies notes, there is ample evidence lescent technology. Hillary Clinton and even reduce the dangers posed That’s the bad news. of friction between China and North THE WASHINGTON POST US Secretary of State THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Education should have local roots

Nations can be seriously teachers and prevent the stu- ahead. In doing this, these schools the educational officials who RASHID AL AWDA AL FADLY threatened when their educa- dents from humiliating them? have done away with our history, caused all this mess concede their tional and health systems are Our esteemed teachers are language and educational values. mistakes by either resigning or turned into mere profit-oriented subject to tremendous pressure, Books have turned into a lucra- allowing themselves to be fired A decade has passed since the ventures, not ones aiming at uti- being judged by unfair perform- tive business for a group of people to pave the way for more quali- lising the intellectual capabilities ance assessment mechanisms who only care about their per- fied people to take their place? implementation of the National Initiative of those nations. applied by people who are far sonal interests. Where have our This will be the first step on the Our educational and teach- from being qualified for the job. original curricula gone? road to reform and saving a whole for Education Development. But education ing talent has already quit the Why did slogans about the We have been a part of the generation from worse and more schools, having got tired of irre- Arab and Muslim identity disap- experience of the council and dangerous things. is ailing in ways that negatively affect sponsible practices whereby pear from our school curricula? its schools. This experience has The bottom line here is that unqualified workers are promoted Our schools have opened their been nothing but precious time progress should not necessarily both individuals and the society in this and worthy ones demoted. With doors wide for experimentation spent doing the wrong things mean severing ties with our coun- all due respect to the Arab teach- (essentially destruction), claim- and achieving disappointing try’s roots. To be an advanced country. It has received the greatest ers in our schools, can a salary ing that adopting the sciences of results. Should we continue to nation, we should not necessarily portion of criticism from people who are raise preserve the dignity of others will take us several steps do what we do now? When will neglect our values and identity. busy denouncing educational policies and strategies.

n doing this, these people Council officials seem bent on only repeat the pompous going ahead with their policies comments of educational although these policies have theoreticians about the resulted in fatal mistakes. They ailments of our educa- are adamant on not conceding tion system; comments that they are not up to the job Ithat boil down to nothing more of reforming the education sys- than mistakes in the signs at the tem in this country. This has entrances of schools and other made our education lose its noble educational institutions. meaning even as we continue to Our schools are torn between figuratively call it education. abidance by the articles of Chaos and confusion reign the agreement with RAND supreme in the corridors of our Corporation in implementing schools and the offices of our edu- their plans and objectives, and cational institutions. The victims commitment to the instruc- are always our sons and daugh- tions of the Supreme Education ters, mothers and school workers. Council; instructions that Abidance by sound educational mainly reflect the whims of a rules could have saved these peo- limited group of individuals ple all this suffering. Education inside the council, and are not should first return to its right based on national interest or our track and then be upgraded and requirements. modified, and additions can fol- The Ministry of Education is low, depending on the need of the no longer in the picture as it con- hour. tinues to lose its way. The prob- How can education turn into a lem is that officials lack the zeal commodity or a commercial ven- to get the Supreme Education ture with schools converted into Council officials out of the dark branches of companies aiming at as far as the real condition of our profit? Is this the independence education system is concerned. we have been promised?

JAWAHER BOJASSOOM AL BADER Fostering talent in our universities Finding a way out ostering students’ tal- Second, giving our students ents is an important DR RABI’A BIN SABAH AL KUWARI the chance to be independent task that universities and be different, while paying of traffic jams Fperform. Universities special attention to students have become fertile grounds for citizenship and human rights ways that allow them to express with special needs exploring talent, grooming it and must be at the core of all this. their opinions and accept those Third, creating institu- putting it to the best service of Advancing all these in stu- of others in an atmosphere of tions that offer special care to society. dents’ personalities aims, at transparency and honesty. This bright students in schools and This, however, is not an easy the end of the day, to help the will ultimately prove a great universities. thing to do, particularly if we do students translate these values boon to educational institutions Fourth, providing moral and not have a clear national strat- and principles into greater affili- and help them move forward. financial support to outstanding egy aiming at attending to the ation and loyalty to their coun- This will happen by adopting students in schools and colleges. personality of each student and try. They must learn how to use up-to-date programmes aimed at Fifth, benefiting from interna- strengthening it in ways that these principles to benefit their fully utilising the mental, emo- tional experience in the field of helps the students think with universities and also sharpen tional and physical skills of tal- student programmes, with the full freedom. It is important to their innovative skills. ented students. Easing students’ aim of diversifying our experi- have institutions that support Universities must beef up access to knowledge so that they ence and enriching it. smart students in schools and their activities, whether these can interact with everyone in Sixth, formulating new edu- universities. are sporting, social, cultural, society is of utmost importance cational policies and introducing Nurturing students’ talents political or artistic. Scholars and in this regard. advanced methods in nurturing makes it necessary for every- researchers are united in their We must be aware of the fact talented students in our schools body to cooperate to usher in a belief that innovation and talent that overlooking talent in our and universities. new generation capable of inter- have mental, physical, emotional students will cost us dearly in To sum up, I need to underline acting at every level on politi- and social aspects to them. the future. By so doing, we are the importance of technological cal, scientific and intellectual It is important for us to look simply destroying the future of activities, which keep most of issues, both inside and outside after innovative and talented these students. our students riveted. We need s it was built to ease traffic congestion, everybody had the country. students in universities across Charting strategies to encourage more students to hoped that February 22 Street would be a blessing. Promoting students’ spirit our country. These universities This whole argument is about participate in these and motivate The objective was to reduce travel time by at least half This can be done by encourag- buzz with such students. In so looking after our gifted students outstanding students. Aan hour. But drivers are now suffering from conges- ing the students to value team- doing, we will be serving the best by applying long-term strategies, American inventor Thomas tion on the street and complaining about frequent accidents work, stimulating spiritual and interests of our country. including the following: Edison said, “Genius is one per- that take place under and over the bridge. moral values in them, and fur- Helping students build their First, well-calculated strategic cent inspiration, ninety-nine The Ministry of Interior posts news of traffic violations, thering the principles of free- capabilities planning in pre-university edu- percent perspiration”. And accidents and congestion on Twitter. People follow these posts dom and democracy in their Students must be encouraged cation, university education, and Greek philosopher Plato said, on their smartphones. Do we follow such posts on Twitter to minds. The important issues of to think with full freedom and in post-university education “Great talent is often buried”. keep track of what is happening on Qatar’s streets? Have you ever been stalled on the bridge knowing nothing about what is happening ahead of you? Have you ever been drained of energy after an exhausting day’s work waiting for the road to get clear? Have you ever been accompanied by children or an elderly person, waiting desperately for the way to get clear? All of us have experienced these situations. What really Time to put an end to profiteering from visas bothers me are the faces of tired people and worried children. Do we consider this daily toil a civilized aspect of life in Qatar? It is not a civilised circumstance to be stuck in traffic. t is no secret that some should make sure that no visa Certainly, it is not acceptable as it is a waste of time. We usu- greedy individuals, peo- AHMED AL MOHANNADI is issued unless companies take ally start an hour early to be on time for our appointments. It ple who have no religious the necessary measures to safe- is a mess when an hour is wasted in traffic. In such a scenario, Ior ethical principles, sell guard workers’ human rights. we could be spending all our time outdoors! entry visas to Qatar. These peo- bogus companies trade in visas authorities know this well. They There should be supervision over Two questions come to one’s mind here: Can this problem be ple, who profit from trading and profit from the dreams of sometimes cause traffics jams as the issuing of visas so that for- sorted out, and when will it end? In my opinion, there should in human beings, work now in the poor who seek a better life in they stop passing cars to plead eign labour is not exploited by be a provision for diverting traffic when a road gets blocked broad daylight and under every- this country. for a job. vampires. due to an accident. The traffic police should stop traffic on body’s noses. Officials say there Job-seekers are paid between Some company owners even It is time we put an end to this the street if a fatal crash occurs. Motorists should take routes is nothing illegal about this kind QR800 and QR1,000 a month. make poor workers pay QR20,000- kind of business. Business should leading away from the traffic jam. People should not be stuck of business. Worse still, they pay an additional 30,000 to renew their business be done in accordance with the in their cars, crammed between concrete walls or held up on a A visa may sell for as much QR1,000 to renew their residence registration. If they refuse, their saying by Prophet Muhammad bridge that has no exit. as QR50,000, although its origi- permit every year. visas will be cancelled, and con- (PBUH): “Everyone is a shep- In case of minor accidents, the crash scene can be marked nal cost is only QR300. The Unfortunately, this business of sequently they will be deported. herd and responsible for his with tape so that traffic on the rest of the road is not disrupted. prices, however, vary according selling visas has boomed for those Numerous tragedies of this flock.” I wish drivers would not get out of their cars to take a closer to market conditions. When the who do not have a job in Qatar. kind take place in our society due look at accident-hit vehicles. We should remember it is a tragic authorities stop issuing visas, But the poor, who pay high sums to profiteering in visas. The views expressed in the articles on this accident, not a Hollywood movie! the prices of unused visas sky- to get into the country, never It is time we stood up against page do not reflect the viewpoint of the rocket. One wonders how many have a permanent job, and the this phenomenon. The authorities newspaper. THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Merkel urges Mursi to hold crisis dialogue Egyptian president cancels Paris leg of Europe trip; opposition calls for talks; three more protesters shot dead

CAIRO/BERLIN: German and his crowd who are now in Chancellor Angela Merkel prison,” said Ahmed Mustafa, urged Egypt’s Islamist presi- 28, a youth who had goggles on dent yesterday to open a dia- his head to protect his eyes from logue with all political forces in teargas. the crisis-ridden Arab country Opposition politician Mohamed after a week of violence that has ElBaradei called for a meeting killed more than 50 people. of the president, ministers, the President Mohammed Mursi ruling party and the opposition flew to Germany to try to con- to halt the violence. But he also vince Europe of his democratic restated the opposition’s pre- credentials, but in a sign of the condition that Mursi first com- political tensions back home, he mit to seeking a national unity restricted his trip to a few hours government. and cancelled a planned Paris leg. Mursi’s critics accuse him of “One thing that is important betraying the spirit of the revo- for us is that the line for dialogue lution by keeping too much power is always open to all political in his own hands and those of forces in Egypt, that the differ- his Muslim Brotherhood, the ent political forces can make their Islamist movement banned under contribution, that human rights Mubarak which won repeated are adhered to in Egypt and that elections since the 2011 uprising. of course religious freedom can be Mursi’s supporters say the experienced,” Merkel told Mursi protesters want to overthrow at a joint news conference. Egypt’s first democratically The Egyptian leader, who has elected leader. The unrest has faced months of protests by lib- prevented a return to stability eral and youth groups opposed ahead of parliamentary elections to a new Islamic constitution, due within months, and worsened replied that dialogue was possible an economic crisis that has seen and that Egypt would be a state the pound currency tumble in based on the rule of law, not run recent weeks. by the military. The worst violence has been in But he refused to give a com- the Suez Canal city of Port Said, mitment sought by the opposition where rage was fuelled by death to form a national unity govern- sentences passed against soccer ment, saying that would be for the fans for deadly riots last year. new parliament to decide after Mursi responded by announcing elections expected in April. on Sunday a month-long state of Three more protesters were emergency and curfew in Port Said shot dead before dawn near and two other Suez Canal cities. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi (right) shake hands after they address a news conference at the Chancellery Cairo’s central Tahrir Square Protesters have ignored the in Berlin, yesterday. on the seventh day of what has curfew and returned to the become the deadliest wave of streets. Human Rights Watch depends on it sticking to demo- remarks were “unacceptable”, by the National Salvation Front, Facebook page he ridiculed “the unrest since Mursi took power called for Mursi to lift the cratic reforms”, he added. Westerwelle said. “But at the at the forefront of which are a leaders of the Salvation Front, in June. decree. Mursi was keen to allay Germany has praised Mursi’s same time President Mursi has national salvation government who seem to know more about the The army chief warned on the West’s fears over the future efforts in mediating a ceasefire played a very constructive role and a committee to amend the people’s interests than the people Tuesday that the state was on the of the most populous Arab coun- between Israel and Palestinians mediating in the Gaza conflict.” constitution,” ElBaradei said on themselves”. brink of collapse if Mursi’s oppo- try in his meetings with Merkel in Gaza after a conflict last year, Asked about those remarks at Twitter. German industry leaders see nents and supporters did not end and powerful industry groups in but became concerned at Mursi’s the news conference with Merkel, Those calls have also been potential in Egypt but are con- street battles that have marked Berlin. efforts to expand his powers and Mursi said they had been taken backed by the hardline Islamist cerned about political instabil- the two-year anniversary of the fast-track a constitution last year. out of context and he was not Nour party — rivals of Mursi’s ity. “At the moment many firms revolt that toppled autocrat Hosni ‘DISTURBING IMAGES’ Berlin was also alarmed by against the Jewish faith. Brotherhood. Nour and the Front are waiting on political devel- Mubarak. “We have seen worrying images video that emerged in recent Egypt’s main liberal and secu- were due to meet on Wednesday, opments and are cautious on Near Tahrir Square yesterday in recent days, images of violence weeks showing Mursi making larist bloc, the National Salvation signalling an unlikely alliance of any big investments,” said Hans morning, dozens of protesters and destruction, and I appeal to vitriolic remarks against Jews Front, has so far refused talks Mursi’s critics from opposite ends Heinrich Driftmann, head of threw stones at police who fired both sides to engage in dialogue,” and Zionists in 2010 when he with Mursi unless he promises a of the political spectrum. Germany’s Chamber of Industry back teargas, although the scuf- German Foreign Minister Guido was a senior Brotherhood official. unity government including oppo- Brotherhood leader Mohamed and Commerce. fles were brief. Westerwelle said in a radio inter- Germany’s Nazi past and strong sition figures. “Stopping the vio- El-Beltagy dismissed the unity Mursi’s supporters blame the “Our demand is simply that view ahead of Mursi’s arrival. support of Israel make it highly lence is the priority, and starting government proposal as a ploy for opposition for preventing an eco- Mursi goes, and leaves the coun- Germany’s “offer to help with sensitive to anti-Semitism. a serious dialogue requires com- the Front to take power despite nomic recovery by halting efforts try alone. He is just like Mubarak Egypt’s transformation clearly Mursi’s past anti-Jewish mitting to guarantees demanded having lost elections. On his to restore stability. REUTERS

Yemen fighting Hamas allows Gaza stops; tribal voter registration leaders in bid to

GAZA: Palestinian officials the process of ending division,” release hostages will begin registering voters CEC chairman Hanna Naser told SANA’A: Yemen suspended a in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip reporters here yesterday. military operation against Al next month to pave the way Registration will begin on Qaeda-linked militants in the for elections aimed at healing February 9, the CEC said, when south yesterday while tribal a nearly six-year split between Palestinian factions are due to leaders tried to secure the Palestinian factions. meet in Cairo to begin integrat- release three Western hostages Hamas had barred the ing Gaza-based militant parties the Islamists are holding, a Palestinian Central Election Hamas and Islamic Jihad into the tribal leader said. Commission from Gaza, a territory Palestine Liberation Organisation, About 8,000 soldiers have been it seized from the Fatah movement which is now close to Fatah. taking part in the offensive, which in a brief 2007 civil war, accusing Palestinian law requires elec- was launched on Monday against the body of bias in favour of the tions to be held within three on Al Qaeda in the Arabian Fatah-led Palestinian Authority months of voter registration. Peninsula’s (AQAP) stronghold which rules the West Bank. The rivals have agreed they will in the small town of Al Manaseh, Following Egyptian-brokered form a unity cabinet of techno- in Al Bayda province south of the talks, the two factions agreed that crats as an interim measure, but capital Sana’a. The army began registering Gaza voters ahead of have bickered over the details. its offensive after the militants national parliamentary and pres- Palestinian President and Fatah rejected demands to release the idential polls would be the first chief Mahmoud Abbas has said hostages being held in the town. step towards forming a national ministers must have no affiliation The Finnish couple and an Palestinians wait in front of a petrol station next to empty gas cylinders in Rafah, southern Gaza, yesterday. unity government. to either party, but Hamas wants Austrian man were snatched last Throughout the Gaza Strip there are shortages of gas which is used for cooking after Israeli petrol companies “We are confident this process to make sure they are not bound month by tribesmen in Sana’a. A have been curtailing the gas allocation to Palestinians as a result of the international boycott against the Hamas- will begin soon and will be accom- to support any initiative Abbas may Yemeni official said they were led government. plished, and through it we would make toward reviving peace talks later sold to Al Qaeda members have achieved the first stage in with Israel. AFP and transferred to Al Manaseh. “We will meet today with both parties to discuss all issues but most importantly the release of the Israel to give Palestinians $100m in withheld funds hostages,” Sheikh Nasser Al Aji, a tribal chief, said in a written state- JERUSALEM: Israel will give a lead to head the next Israeli govern- this week in a meeting between Netanyahu as soon as today”. Israel has previously ment about the mediation efforts Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ ment, also set the stage for more moderate and Tony Blair, peace envoy for the United frozen payments to the PA during times with al Qaeda representatives. administration around $100m in tax rev- statecraft by boosting centrist challengers States, United Nations, European Union of heightened security and diplomatic Aji said the Islamist militants enues that had been withheld in retalia- whom he must now consider as coalition and Russia, an Israeli official said. tensions, provoking strong international had demanded that the military tion for his statehood bid in the United partners. Following those talks, the official said, criticism, such as when the UN cultural immediately halt its attacks and Nations, Israeli officials said yesterday. Israel collects some $100m a month in “we have agreed to transfer one month’s body Unesco granted the Palestinians full retreat to base. A senior govern- The sum is roughly a third of the funds duties on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, payment, because of the difficult financial membership in 2011. ment official in Al Bayda said the Israel is meant to have transferred to the money Abbas badly needs to pay public sec- situation there”. “This is a one-time deci- Abbas’ UN victory was a diplomatic set- military operation would resume Palestinian Authority since November under tor salaries. It began withholding the funds sion and there is no decision yet on what back for the United States and Israel, which if the mediation efforts faltered. interim peace accords, but has instead kept. after Abbas, sidestepping stalled diplomacy, will happen next,” the official said. were joined by only seven other countries in Foreign Minister Abu Bakr Al Israeli officials describe the handover secured a Palestinian status upgrade at the Al Helou said he expected Israel to voting against upgrading the Palestinians’ Qirbi has assured Finland that as a one-time deal, signalling rightist United Nations in November. renew normal payments in mid-February, observer status to “non-member state”, like security forces will “safely secure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu PA tax authority official Ahmed al- when the Palestinians hope to get back $114 the Vatican, from “entity”. the release of the hostages,” has not formally scrapped sanctions that Helou told Reuters that Israel spent the million owed from December. Hours after the UN vote, Israel said it Yemen’s state news agency Saba have hurt the Palestinian Authority (PA) October levies to help pay off $200m it says An Israeli Finance Ministry spokes- would authorise 3,000 new settler homes reported. Saba reported earlier in the occupied West Bank and worried the Palestinians owe the Israel Electric woman said she knew of no such decision. in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and that dozens of Al Qaeda-linked world powers. Corporation. Israel said last month it The handover of money announced yester- expedite plans for thousands more in a sen- militants had been killed and The decision follows surprise setbacks would withhold revenues from the PA until day, she said, represented January’s levies. sitive area close to Jerusalem. Critics say injured during the offensive, with- for Netanyahu in a national election this March at least. Asked when the $100m payment would these plans would kill off Palestinian hopes out giving details. month that, while giving him enough of The PA’s economic troubles were raised be made, the spokeswoman said “possibly of a viable state. REUTERS REUTERS THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

Merkel receives Diplomatic Corps Girl who performed Russia ends law for Obama shot dead in Chicago

CHICAGO: A 15-year-old girl enforcement who performed at US President Barack Obama’s inauguration last week was shot dead in Chicago by a gunman who opened fire on deal with US a group of kids hanging out in a park, police said yesterday. “It is believed that the offender mistook the group for gang mem- Putin’s foreign policy rhetoric rises bers and fired at them,” Chicago police office Laura Kubiak said. MOSCOW: Russia scrapped using the mission to interfere in Hadiya Pendleton — described a law enforcement agreement politics. The government statement by a relative as a “walking angel” with the United States yester- said Russia’s Foreign Ministry had — was sheltering from the rain day, further turning back the been told to inform US authorities under a canopy with about 10 or 12 clock on a “reset” in relations about the withdrawal from the other teenagers on Tuesday when since President Vladimir Putin’s 11-year-old law enforcement agree- the gunman leaped over a fence, return to the Kremlin last year. ment. The US Embassy in Moscow opened fire and then jumped into An order to end the deal, declined comment. a getaway car at 2:30pm. signed by Prime Minister Dmitry Russia announced last October Her friends scrambled in fear Medvedev, was posted on the that it was withdrawing from a and did not stay to help Pendleton government’s website. It said decades-old agreement under or the two boys were were also the agreement, under which which Washington helped it dis- injured, Kubiak said. “As usual, Washington provides financial mantle nuclear and chemical German Chancellor Angela Merkel (centre) with female ambassadors to Germany during the reception for the bad guy aims, but he never assistance for law enforcement weapons. Russia argued it now the Diplomatic Corps at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin, yesterday. All accredited heads of mission were hits the other bad guy,” her godfa- and drugs control programmes, had the power and finances to invited to the Federal Chancellery for a traditional New Year’s reception. ther, Chicago police officer Damon “does not address current realities carry out disarmament itself. Stewart, lamented to the Chicago and has exhausted its potential”. Dmitry Trenin, director at the Sun-Times. “I changed her dia- Lawmaker Alexei Pushkov, a Carnegie Moscow Center think pers, I played with her growing Putin ally who heads the parlia- tank, said Putin was playing on up. My heart is broken.” mentary committee on interna- Russians’ patriotism by portray- The park where Pendleton was tional affairs, welcomed the move. ing Washington as a meddling shot is about a mile away from “Russia is reformatting its relation- foreign power in an attempt to French troops secure Kidal airport Obama’s South Side home. Chicago ship with the USA: this is already cast dissenters as traitors work- is struggling to control an epidemic the third agreement cancelled in ing for an outside threat. DOUENTZA, MALI: French the Islamist radicals, say they are greater autonomy for the desert of gang violence, which helped push the last half-year. We are saying “Putin’s goal is to reduce as troops took control yesterday of ready to fight Al Qaeda, but many north, said they had moved fight- the city’s murder rate up 16 per- farewell to our dependence on much as he can U.S. influence on the airport of Mali’s northeast Malians blame them for trigger- ers into Kidal after Islamists left cent to 506 people in 2012. The city ‘Power No. 1’,” he said on Twitter. Russia internally,” he said. “I’m town of Kidal, the last urban ing the collapse of democracy and the town earlier this week. has already logged more than 40 Since Putin’s return to the sure there will be a lot of damage stronghold held by Islamist division with their northern revolt. “For the moment, there is a murders so far this year. Kremlin in May, his foreign pol- but they believe the pay-off will be rebels, as they moved to wrap France’s military operation in coordination with the French The shooting also comes as the icy rhetoric has become increas- bigger: whoever opposes the lead- up the first phase of a military its former West African colony troops,” said Moussa Ag Assarid, nation is embroiled in a debate ingly focused on external threats, ership here will be seen as a fifth operation to wrest northern involves around 3,500 troops on the MNLA spokesman in Paris. over gun violence in the wake of including from the United States column who is doing the bidding of Mali from rebel hands. the ground backed by warplanes, There were no reports of Malian the massacre of 20 young chil- which Russia has accused of try- the United States, unpatriotic at A three-week ground and air helicopters and armoured vehi- government troops being in the dren and six staff members at a ing to meddle in Russian politics. minimum and very likely a traitor.” offensive by French forces aimed cles. It is aimed at heading off town. The MNLA took up arms Connecticut elementary school. Moscow was infuriated by a Several members of a protest at initially ending a 10-month the risk of Mali being used as a against the Bamako government The White House said yester- US human rights bill that barred movement against Putin, which Islamist rebel occupation of major springboard for jihadist attacks in a year ago, seeking to carve out day that Obama — who has often Russians accused of human rights started after allegations of vote towns is expected to eventually the wider region or Europe. a new independent desert state. spoken of the need to address abuses from entering the United rigging after a 2011 parliamentary hand over to a larger African French and Malian troops retook But as the French wind up the less spectacular but far more States and freezed any assets they election, have been portrayed by force. The Africans’ task will be the major Saharan trading towns the successful first phase of their deadly gun violence on the streets have there. It responded with a the media as being on the payroll rooting out insurgents hiding in of Gao and Timbuktu at the week- offensive, doubts remain about of Chicago and other cities — is bill in December imposing similar of foreign countries. the desert and mountains near end. There were fears that many just how quickly the UN-backed praying for Pendleton’s family. measures and banned the adoption The United States withdrew Algeria’s border. thousands of priceless ancient African intervention force, known “It’s a terrible tragedy any time of Russian children by American from a bilateral civil society group “They (the French) arrived manuscripts held in Timbuktu, a as AFISMA and now expected to a young person is struck down families, clouding what was left earlier this month to protest late last night and deployed in Unesco World Heritage site, might exceed 8,000 troops, can be fully with so much of their life ahead of of the “reset” in ties hailed by US against what it said was Moscow’s four planes and some helicopters,” have been lost during the rebel deployed in Mali to hunt down them, and we see it far too often,” President Barack Obama at the clampdown on civil rights and Haminy Belco Maiga, president of occupation, but experts said the the retreating Al Qaeda-allied spokesman Jay Carney said. start of his first term. public activism. Russia’s Foreign Kidal’s regional assembly of Kidal, bulk of the texts were safe. insurgents. “And as the president has said, Moscow also outlawed Minister Sergei Lavrov described said. However, the deployment of The United States and French Foreign Minister we will never be able to eradicate US-funded “non-profit organi- the US human rights bill, named French troops to remote Kidal European governments strongly Laurent Fabius said the French every act of evil in this country, sations that engage in political after lawyer Sergei Magnitsky puts them in direct contact with support the Mali intervention military operation, codenamed but we — but if we can save any activity” and last October ordered who died in detention in 2009, as pro-autonomy Tuareg MNLA and are providing logistical and Serval (Wildcat), was planned to one child’s life, we have an obliga- the US Agency for International “odious”, but said Moscow wants rebels operating there. surveillance backing but do not be a lightning mission that would tion to try when it comes to this Development to cease operations constructive ties with the United The Tuaregs, whose separatist intend to send combat troops. last just a few weeks to avoid get- scourge of gun violence.” in Russia, saying Washington was States. REUTERS rebellion last year was hijacked by The MNLA rebels, who want ting bogged down. REUTERS AFP

Floods in Queensland Polish is second-most spoken Britain could language in Britain: Census

allow foreign LONDON: Polish is the second-most spoken language in England and Wales, new figures from the 2011 census revealed yesterday, followed by Punjabi and Urdu. Over 92 percent of residents spoke police chiefs English as their main language, and the majority of the rest spoke it well, although 138,000 residents — less than half a percent — did not LONDON: Britain launched speak English at all, the Office for National Statistics said. One per- a consultation yesterday on cent of the population, or 546,000 people, listed Polish as their main allowing foreign police chiefs language, a reflection of the wave of eastern European migrants to run British forces, as part of who moved to Britain after the enlargement of the European Union the biggest shake-up of police in 2004. Nationwide, Punjabi was the third-most spoken language, recruitment for 30 years. spoken by 273,000 people or half of one percent, concentrated in the The British government is West Midlands, where it is the second most popular language. Urdu reportedly keen to recruit US was in fourth place, spoken by 269,000 people, followed by Bengali “supercop” Bill Bratton, credited (221,000), Gujarati (213,000), Arabic (159,000), French (147,000), with slashing crime in New York Chinese excluding Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese Chinese and Los Angeles, to take charge (141,000), and Portuguese (133,000). of London’s Metropolitan Police. The 65-year-old was unable to Senate confirms Kerry as Secretary of State apply for the top job when it became available in 2011 under current WASHINGTON: The US Senate confirmed that Senator John legislation, which bars foreigners Kerry will be the next secretary of state, approving President from running British police forces Barack Obama’s pick to replace Hillary Clinton as America’s top on national security grounds. The diplomat. Kerry — a senator from Massachusetts — was nominated People make their way through floodwaters in East Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia, yesterday. In Bundaberg, planned change in policy is part of last month to take over the foreign affairs portfolio in Obama’s about 1,200 people remained in official evacuation centres, with 2,000 homes affected by flooding as a result a package of reforms unveiled by second term team. The Senate voted 94-3 in favor of the veteran of tropical cyclone Oswald. policing minister Damien Green Democratic lawmaker after the chamber’s Foreign Relations to attract fresh talent to the top Committee, which Kerry chairs, approved the nomination. Clinton, echelons of the British police. 65, is expected to leave her post tomorrow, amid speculation about “The issue of choosing our police whether she will run for the presidency in 2016. leaders is of the highest importance to the future of the police,” said Elections on September 14: Australian PM Assange to run for Australian Senate Green. A new fast-track scheme aimed at graduates, also up for con- SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday SYDNEY: WikiLeaks founder the Australian Associated Press. Australian Electoral Commission, sultation, will allow talented recruits said the nation would go to the polls on September 14, announcing Julian Assange will run for a Assange, who announced his inten- The Age newspaper reported at to join the police at inspector level, the date early to give “shape and order” to the year. Australians seat in the Australian Senate tion to stand for Senate last year, the time. skipping the two compulsory years usually know only weeks before when an election will be held, but during this year’s elections, his has been holed up in the Ecuadoran To do so he would require the on the beat for most officers. the Labour leader, whose minority government holds power by organisation announced yester- embassy in London since June, support of 500 eligible voters, A separate planned scheme only a narrow margin, surprised pundits by giving close to nine day, with his mother saying he after claiming asylum in a bid to the paper said, adding that if he would allow “exceptional” outsid- months’ notice. “I do so not to start the nation’s longest election would be “awesome” in the role. avoid extradition to Sweden, where were elected while still out of the ers from the business world, as well campaign, quite the opposite,” Gillard told the National Press WikiLeaks unveiled the plan he faces allegations of sex crimes. country a nominee would occupy as former members of the armed Club in Canberra. Parliament will be dissolved on August 12. with a tweet that read “Australia: Britain has refused to grant the Senate seat. It was unclear forces and security industry, to join Julian Assange has confirmed he him safe passage out of the coun- whether being elected a senator at the higher rank of superintend- Couple held for locking daughter in cage will run in the 2013 national elec- try. The former computer hacker would have any bearing on his ent. But the plans came under fire tion for the Australian Senate”. fears Sweden will allow him to be status in Britain and whether from Britain’s Police Federation, LOS ANGELES: A US woman and her boyfriend have been The 41-year-old’s mother, extradited to the United States to London would allow him to leave which represents 124,000 rank- arrested for leaving their 8-year-old adoptive daughter locked Christine Assange, was delighted. be questioned over the WikiLeaks the country of his own accord. and-file officers. in a cage while they went out to see a movie, police said. Cindy “He will be awesome. In the House release of thousands of US diplo- Despite the allegations against “The Police Federation does Patriarchias, 33, and Edmond Gonzales, 37, were both charged with of Representatives we get to choose matic cables. A later WikiLeaks him Assange remains a popular not support proposals that would child negligence after the girl, who has a developmental condition, between US lackey party number tweet said Queensland-born figure in Australia. WikiLeaks allow external candidates to join was found in the homemade wooden cage in their mobile home in one and US lackey party number Assange would “run on WikiLeaks enraged the United States in 2010 the police service at any rank above Las Cruces, New Mexico. The cage measured roughly 29 inches two — between the major parties. party ticket”. by publishing hundreds of thou- that of constable,” the union’s vice- wide, 60 inches long and 49.5 inches tall (74 cm wide, 152 cm long, “So it will be great to ‘Assange’ Assange said last year that sands of classified documents on chairman Steve White said of the and 126 cm tall), had two latches on the door and a baby crib’s mat- the Senate for some Aussie over- he was planning to register the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. fast-track schemes. tress inside on the floor, said police. AGENCIES sight,” she was quoted as saying by a WikiLeaks party with the AFP AFP THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES

Attack on Dhaka protest Manila to Garment unit buy 12 South Korean FA-50 bosses held fighter jets MANILA: The Philippines will buy 12 South Korean FA-50 fighter jets to strengthen its poorly-armed military, govern- after blaze ment spokesmen said yesterday, amid increasing maritime ten- sions with China. Dhaka to inspect 4,500 factories The FA-50s will be the first fighter jets to be operated DHAKA: Bangladesh yester- Having found the fire exits on by the Philippine Air Force day ordered an inspection of all lower floors locked and bolted, the since it retired the last of its its 4,500 garment factories and workers fled to the top floor as US-designed F-5 fighters in 2005, arrested bosses of a plant at the flames climbed. Many leapt said President Benigno Aquino’s the centre of the latest deadly to their deaths. spokesman Edwin Lacierda. blaze as it tackled the industry’s The tragedy prompted wide- “We don’t have any existing “alarming” safety record. spread protests in Dhaka and jets right now that are in use, As part of the safety overhaul, pledges by the government finally therefore it is necessary for us authorities ordered the garment to get tough with the industry, one to upgrade. This is part of the industry to end the practice of of the mainstays of the economy. ongoing process of modernising locking exit doors during pro- According to the factory our military hardware,” he told duction in the aftermath of two inspectorate’s figures, 139 work- Pro-government activists attack a man they believe to be a Jammat-e-Islami supporter during a rally in reporters. factory infernos since November ers died in factory accidents in Dhaka yesterday. The rally was organised by Jamaat-e-Islami to protest against the trial of its leaders who Lacierda said the jets would in which 118 workers were killed. 2012, up from 56 in 2011. are facing charges of war crimes. be used for “training, interdic- “The number of workers dying Around 700 garment workers tion and disaster response” and and being injured in fire incidents have been killed since 2006, most would use their aerial cameras to has risen alarmingly, creating of whom burned to death or died survey areas. an adverse impact at home and of smoke inhalation in factories He stressed that the planned abroad,” Habibul Islam, the coun- where the gates were locked. purchase was “not aimed at any try’s chief factory inspector, said. In the latest deadly blaze on US Navy to dismantle ship particular country” despite the The fires in the factories where Saturday, seven women were new tensions with China over clothing for retailers, including killed at the Smart factory in conflicting maritime territorial Walmart and Sears, were being Dhaka when they found the fire claims in the South China Sea. made have highlighted the indus- exits locked. Police arrested two stuck on Philippine reef Defence Department try’s notorious safety conditions, of the plant’s owners late on Spokesman Peter Galvez said the raising concerns about the future Tuesday after the father of one MANILA: A badly damaged The US Navy had previously there was no other way to shift it FA-50 was chosen because it fit- of the $20bn sector. of the dead workers filed a case minesweeper stranded on a said the boat, which has a wood off the reef. ted all the country’s requirements Islam said 20 inspection teams accusing them of gross negligence. World Heritage-listed coral reef and fibreglass hull, was too badly “If this is the only option, then and because of its cost, adding that had begun to check whether the The owners “did not have any in the Philippines for nearly two damaged to be towed away, but the sooner they can remove it, the 18.9bn pesos ($464m) had been factories — most of which are on fire licence for the factory and weeks will need to be disman- had not come up with a firm better. They cannot risk that the budgeted for their acquisition. the outskirts of Dhaka — had fire there was no fire equipment or tled before it is removed, the US alternative plan as to how it ship simply break apart,” he said. Manila will now begin negotia- and building safety permits and emergency exit to tackle any fire Navy said yesterday. would move the vessel off the reef. The US Navy has repeatedly tions for the aircraft, he said, add- enough fire equipment and whether accident”, Dhaka police spokes- The drastic measure of pull- Thousands of litres of oil on apologised for the incident but has ing that the government will seek their exit doors were locked. man Masudur Rahman said. ing apart the 68-metre USS board the Guardian have been refused to explain publicly why to have two planes delivered as The locking of exits is banned The factory also employed Guardian was proposed in a sal- removed but the vessel is being the Guardian was sailing so close soon as possible so Filipino pilots under labour laws, but most of under-age workers as two of the vage plan to Philippine authori- battered by huge waves, causing it to the reef. can begin training on them. the garment manufacturers defy dead were found to be under 18, ties, navy spokesman Lieutenant to gouge a destructive trail along This has fuelled anger over In recent months the cash- them in a bid to stop clothing a police official said. Commander James Stockman the reef, according to superin- the incident in the Philippines, strapped Philippines has stepped from being stolen. Spanish retail giant Inditex, said in a statement. tendent of the Tubbataha marine a former American colony and up efforts to modernise its military Islam said managers had been owner of the popular Zara brand, “The US Navy has presented park Angelique Songco. important US ally in the Asia- in the face of increasing Chinese told instead to employ more secu- has announced it has cancelled a salvage plan... that involves the She said dismantling the ship Pacific region. assertiveness in pressing its claims rity staff and the inspectors had contracts with two of its suppliers, dismantling of the ship. This was would further damage the reef Vessels sailing into the marine to most of the South China Sea. been instructed immediately to including a Bangladeshi manufac- determined to be the best option but letting it remain there longer park need permission, but Although the Philippines has shut down any factories whose turer which allegedly sub-con- and would involve the least damage would lead to even more harm. Philippine authorities said the long relied on its defence ties with exit doors were locked. tracted the work to Smart. to the Tubbataha Reef,” he said. “It will cause more damage the crew of the Guardian had made the United States for most of its The push for better safety was Garment workers in The Guardian became grounded longer it is left there,” she said. no request to enter and had even arms, it has recently been seek- prompted by a fire on November Bangladesh, the world’s second on the Tubbataha Reef, a Unesco The head of the Philippine ignored radio messages from ing more weaponry from other 24 when 111 were killed at the largest apparel maker, are often World Heritage Site in a remote office of the World Wildlife Fund, government rangers that it was countries like Poland, Spain, Italy, nine-storey Tazreen plant in the paid as little as $37 a month. part of the Sulu Sea, on January Jose Maria Lorenzo Tan, agreed about to hit the reef. Canada and France. Ashulia industrial district. AFP 17. the ship should be dismantled if AFP AFP

Thailand blocks 200 Rohingya Myanmar bucks slide in media freedom, says RSF BANGKOK: Myanmar’s In August, Myanmar in Asia, according to the Paris- has not in any way changed and the regions of Kashmir and boat people, “paper revolution” has brought a announced the end of pre-publi- based media watchdog. the regime’s absolute control of Chhattisgarh become increasingly sharp improvement in freedom cation censorship that was a hall- Japan suffered an “alarming news and information,” it noted, isolated”. of information in the former mark of decades of military rule fall” from 22nd to 53rd place referring to state control by After the “Arab springs” and says Navy pariah state, bucking a general which finished in 2011. because of censorship of news Pyongyang. other protest movements that deterioration across much of “Legislative reform has only related to the nuclear accident Malaysia fell 23 places to 145th, brought many changes in the BANGKOK: Thailand’s navy Asia, a report said yesterday. just begun but the steps already at a tsunami-stricken power its lowest-ever, “because access to index in 2012, this year “marks a blocked more than 200 Rohingya Thanks to “dramatic changes”, taken by the government in plant in Fukushima, the report information is becoming more and return to a more usual configura- boat people from entering the Myanmar rose to 151st out of 179 favour of the media, such as said. more limited”. tion”, according to the report. kingdom as part of a new crack- in the 2013 World Press Freedom an end to prior censorship and North Korea (178th), China The Indian subcontinent also Turkmenistan (177th) and down on refugees from violence- Index, an improvement of 18 the permitted return of media (173rd), Vietnam (172nd) and saw a sharp deterioration, with Eritrea (179th) joined North hit western Myanmar, officials places, according to Reporters organisations from exile, are sig- Laos (168th) also languish near journalists around the region fac- Korea again at the bottom of the said yesterday. Without Borders. nificant steps towards genuine the bottom of the table as they ing the threat of violence. table, along with Syria (176th), Thousands of Rohingya — “There are no longer any jour- freedom of information,” RSF “refuse to grant their citizens the In India (140th), “the authori- Somalia (175th) and Iran (174th), members of a stateless Muslim nalists or cyber dissidents in the said. freedom to be informed”, RSF ties insist on censoring the web while Finland, the Netherlands minority group described by the jails of the old military dicta- The blossoming of media free- said. and imposing more and more and Norway retained the top UN as one of the most persecuted torship,” RSF (Reporters Sans dom stands in stark contrast to “Kim Jong-Un’s arrival at the taboos, while violence against three ranks. in the world — have fled Myanmar Frontieres) said. worsening repression elsewhere head of the Hermit Kingdom journalists goes unpunished AFP in recent months, mostly believed to be heading for Malaysia. A Thai navy official in Bangkok said more than 200 Rohingya were Kilinochchi airport found on Tuesday about 40km off the Thai mainland. “We took them Three more pygmy food and water before pushing them towards a third country,” said the offi- cial, who did not want to be named. Local media said the boat peo- elephants found dead ple were found near Raja Noi island in the Andaman Sea off KUALA LUMPUR: Three State officials on Tuesday Phuket province — a magnet for more endangered Borneo pygmy released photos of the original 10 foreign tourists. elephants were found dead yes- pachyderms, including a heart- National Security Council terday in Malaysia of suspected breaking shot of a baby elephant Secretary-General Paradorn poisoning, wildlife officials said, nuzzling its dead mother. Pattanathabutr said on Monday adding to 10 carcasses discov- The young elephant appears that Thailand would turn away ered earlier this month. unharmed and has been taken to any more Rohingya boat people They may have ingested poi- a wildlife park in the state, Ambu who tried to land on its shores. son spread by oil palm plantation said. A chemists’ report on the 10 The tougher stance came after workers to keep “pests” from eat- dead animals would be completed Thai authorities said they were ing the palm fruit, said Laurentius next week and could reveal what investigating allegations that Ambu, wildlife department direc- killed them, he added. army officials were involved in tor of the Malaysian state of WWF-Malaysia says about the trafficking of Rohingya. Sabah on Borneo island. 1,200 Borneo pygmy elephants, An explosion of tensions between He warned that the elephants which are smaller and have more Buddhist and Muslim communi- travel in herds numbering up to rounded features than full-sized ties in Myanmar’s western state of dozens and still more carcasses Asian elephants, are estimated to Rakhine since June 2012 has trig- could turn up. “We are trying to be left in the wild. gered a huge exodus of Rohingya. comb more areas. My hunch is Activists say deforestation — More than 1,300 members of that there may be more,” he said. for logging and to clear land for the minority group have been “I don’t think it’s an accident.” agriculture, especially palm oil detained by Thailand after land- Ambu said three highly decom- plantations — severely threaten ing on its shores in recent months. posed carcasses were found yes- the habitat of the elephants and Myanmar views its population terday in Sabah’s remote Gunung other endangered Borneo wildlife. of roughly 800,000 Rohingya as Sri Lankan Air Force personnel work on a new runway in northern region of Kilinochchi yesterday, the former Rara Forest Reserve not far from Borneo is a vast island shared illegal Bangladeshi immigrants stronghold of Tamil Tiger rebels who were defeated by security forces in May 2009. Troops captured the where officials found the 10 other by Malaysia, Indonesia and and denies them citizenship. Iranamadu air strip from the rebels during the war and now it is being developed as a domestic airport. dead pygmy elephants, a rare sub- Brunei. AFP species of the Asian elephant. AFP THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Afghan camp worth $7.3m sitting empty The Nato facility was built to help increase the number of military and police forces to 352,000

WASHINGTON: A $7.3m base Reconstruction (Sigar). need to construct a site of this Most of the force would be dis- pots they were using were larger for the force they plan. camp built to house 175 Afghan Inspectors who visited the site size and design at this location.” persed throughout the region than the available cooking area on Inspectors also determined that Border Police was sitting vir- to ensure construction by Omran The inspectors found no major for daily operations, so the camp the stoves provided. The Afghans sustaining the Border Police facil- tually empty two months Construction, Consulting and construction quality issues, the would rarely be at full capacity, have now built a new larger stove ity would require people with the after it was handed over to Engineering Company was car- report said, but they were only the report said. and are using that, the report said. skills needed to do maintenance Afghan authorities, and some ried out according to contract able to inspect three of the build- The inspectors said most of The Border Police camp was on electrical generators, fuelling equipment like wood-burning found only a dozen Afghan per- ings because the caretakers did the buildings “appeared unused” built based on plans to grow the stations, water treatment systems stoves had been dismantled, sonnel at the camp and nearly all not have keys for most of the and wood-burning stoves made of size of Afghan military and police and heating and air conditioning US inspectors reported on of the buildings locked, Sigar said. site. The 12 Afghan personnel brick near the base dining facility forces to 352,000 people. The systems. Tuesday. “These findings are simi- said they were not aware of any had been dismantled. Afghan force is later expected to “There is neither an operation The facility, located in Kunduz lar to a July 2012 inspection of plans to move additional staff to The report included a photo of shrink to a more sustainable size. and maintenance contract nor a Province, consisted of 12 build- Afghan Border Police facilities in the facility, Sigar said. piles of bricks outside the empty The special inspector general plan to train Afghan personnel to ings, including a dining hall, that Nangarhar province, where we The Nato Training Mission building where the stoves had recommended the US Army operate and maintain equipment,” were contracted by the Army noted that $19m was spent to con- for Afghanistan said in response stood two months earlier when Corps of Engineers and the Nato the report concluded. “This raises Corps of Engineers and completed struct four Border Police sites, yet that the Afghan Border Police had the camp was completed. training mission re-evaluate plans questions about the Afghan gov- on September 3, 2012, accord- the facilities were unoccupied or decided to reduce the size of its The Nato training mission, in a for constructing Afghan police ernment’s ability to sustain the ing to a report by the Special not being used as intended,” Sigar force in the area to 59 by the time response, said the police had dis- facilities and determine whether facility.” Inspector General for Afghanistan said. “As a result, we question the the camp had been completed. mantled the stoves because the contracts are appropriately sized REUTERS

Forces destroy a dozen rebel Malala to have skull reconstructed in Britain LONDON: A Pakistani school- She has become an internation- Queen Elizabeth Hospital in girl shot in the head by the ally recognised symbol of resist- Birmingham, central England, bases near Taliban for advocating girls’ ance to the Taliban’s efforts to which has treated hundreds of education is to return to a spe- deny women education and other soldiers wounded in conflicts in Afghan border cialist hospital in Britain for rights, and more than 250,000 Afghanistan and Iraq. surgery to reconstruct her skull. people have signed online peti- Dave Rosser, the hospital’s Fifteen-year-old Malala tions calling for her to be nomi- medical director, said a proce- PESHAWAR: Pakistani secu- Yousufzai, who was shot in nated for a Nobel Peace Prize for dure to insert a cochlear implant rity officials broke up more than October and brought to Britain for her activism. to restore her left side hearing a dozen militant sanctuaries in treatment, was discharged from British doctors who treated and the complicated skull recon- the Khyber tribal region this the hospital earlier this month to Yousufzai say the bullet hit her struction surgery would be car- week and killed 23 fighters, spend time with her family after left brow but instead of pen- ried out by a team of 10 doctors they said, while tribal sources her initial treatment phase. etrating her skull, travelled and nurses. said pro-Taliban groups killed Her doctors said yesterday she underneath the skin along the The skull will be repaired with 20 pro-government militants. would return to hospital within side of her head and into her a 0.6 mm plate moulded from a The Lashkar-e-Islam and the next 10 days to undergo sur- shoulder. 3D model created using imaging Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) gery known as titanium cranio- The shock wave shattered the data from Malala’s skull. militant groups attacked villages plasty to repair a missing area of thinnest bone of the skull and the The cranioplasty, which is in the Tirah region and killed her skull with a specially moulded soft tissues at the base of her jaw expected to take between one residents when they tried to titanium plate. were damaged. The bullet and its and two hours, will be carried stop them entering the area, the The shooting of Yousufzai, in fracture lines also destroyed her out first, followed by the cochlear security officials said, requesting the head at point blank range as eardrum and the bones for hearing, implant operation, which should A television grab image made in London shows a custom-made titanium anonymity. she left school in the Swat valley, rendering her deaf in her left ear. take around 90 minutes, Rosser plate which doctors will use to repair a hole in the skull of Pakistani Tirah is a maze of valleys on drew widespread international She is being cared for in a said in a statement. schoolgirl Malala Yousufzai. a route from Afghanistan to the condemnation. specialist department of the REUTERS Pakistani city of Peshawar. The Pakistani military and pro- government militias have since Voters verification 2009 clawed back territory from the Taliban, who once controlled Afghan ‘economy will land a few hours’ drive from the capital of Islamabad. Pakistani government offi- cials say the Nato withdrawal of survive US departure’ troops from Afghanistan in 2014 might strengthen the Taliban GENEVA: Afghanistan’s econ- “Six percent is not bad growth, in Pakistan. The Afghan and omy will easily survive after and it certainly is not an eco- Pakistani Taliban are separate the withdrawal of US and other nomic collapse,” he said. In July, groups but strong allies. international troops next year, donor nations pledged $16 billion Tribal sources said 43 people, Afghan Finance Minister Omar to prevent Afghanistan, one of the 20 of them members of the pro- Zakhilwal said yesterday. poorest countries in the world, government militant group Ansar “There will be an impact, no from sliding back into turmoil ul-Islam, had been killed and doubt about it, but... the depar- after foreign combat troops leave. more than two dozen wounded ture of the (US) military will not Zakhilwal said that during two days of heavy fighting lead to the collapse of our econ- Afghanistan, which has been in Tirah. omy,” he reporters at the United heavily dependent on aid, was The sources said TTP and Nations Office in Geneva. intent upon moving towards self- Lashkar-e-Islam militants had Zakhilwal, who is set to give reliance within the next decade. captured four important posts a lecture today on his country’s He said that Afghanistan from members of the Ansar outlook after 2014, brushed aside had an abundance of mineral ul-Islam. concern that the corruption-hit resources, valued at more than $1 They also advanced towards the economy could crumble following trillion by US experts, and it also strategically important Maidan the drop in foreign funding once produced high quality fruit such area which is close to Bara sub- the troops have gone home. as pomegranates popular in India. division, near Peshawar. Peshawar The withdrawal “will bring “The opportunities are abun- is 160km east of Islamabad. down economic growth,” he dant,” he said. Pakistani troops were sent to acknowledged, but said that the He announced a new partner- fight alongside the tribesmen and country over the past decade had ship with the UN’s Institute for Ansar ul-Islam to stop the fall of enjoyed double-digit growth. Training and Research to create Bara, the sources said. Pakistan Election Commission staff verify a voter during a door-to-door campaign with army protection in After 2014, he said, growth had a 12-month Executive Master REUTERS Karachi. Verification of voters in the city was ordered by the Supreme Court after complaints about irregulari- been projected to dip to about six Degree Programme for 20 pro- ties in enrolment of about three million people. percent. fessionals from his ministry. AFP Private schools may be Non-politicians chosen for interim government

ISLAMABAD: As part of its of integrity, citing the name of committee also discussed the suggested by the PML-N, but closed under new law election strategy, the ruling former ambassador to the United name of the proposed new prov- they may not be cleared by intel- Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Nations Hussain Haroon as an ince and recommended that ligence agencies. In that case, ISLAMABAD: Owners of The bill says that if a school has decided in principle to example. instead of Bahawalpur Janoobi the PML-N will have alternative private schools in the federal is not registered, its owner can have non-political personalities According to the PPP leader, Province, the new province be names in mind the PPP would like capital of Islamabad yesterday be imprisoned for up to one year inducted as caretaker prime the date for dissolution of assem- named as Bahawalpur Seraiki to discuss through the Khursheed claimed that if the bill in par- and fined Rs5,000 daily. minister and provincial chief blies was discussed, but it was Province irrespective of the PML- Shah committee. liament is passed into a law, it Facilities of laboratory, play- ministers, dissolve assemblies agreed that they should be dis- N’s reaction. He said the PPP would also would lead to closure of their ground and security would be by mid-February and hold elec- solved by mid-February and He said the PPP had decided for float names of its nominees after institutions. mandatory for registration of an tions for national and provincial elections held within 90 days by the time agreed on the introduc- consultations with allied parties The Islamabad Capital institution. assemblies on the same date in mid-May. tion of a bill or recommendations and try to reach a consensus with Territory Educational Institutions However, they cannot be pro- the middle of May. He agreed that delaying elec- of a parliamentary commission the PML-N. (Regulation and Promotion) vided by most schools running in A senior PPP leader, who tions beyond mid-May was not in on new provinces in the National Asked how the PPP planned Bill 2007 was approved by the residential buildings, Mehmood attended a meeting of the party’s the interest of the PPP because Assembly to create one province to deal with the situation in National Assembly on January said. core committee on Monday, said of hot weather and loadshedding. as opposed to two suggested by the Balochistan given the suspension 23 and is yet to sail through the Malik Abrar, president of the that the party would not approve He said the PPP would pro- PML-N. of the provincial assembly, he said Senate. association, said that there were of any retired military officer or pose holding national and pro- He said the PPP leadership the chances of restoration of gov- Members of the joint action around 1,200 private schools retired judge for the interim prime vincial elections on the same day. believed that if the PML-N agreed ernment in the provinces did not committee of the private school in Islamabad and 90 percent of minister or chief ministers. A committee, headed by Religious to the creation of Bahawalpur arise, given the fact that the con- and college associations at a news them had been charging Rs300 He spoke at length about the Affairs Minister Syed Khursheed Seraiki Province, it would be stitution provided for governor’s conference at the National Press to Rs1,000 monthly fees. key decisions taken by the PPP Shah and comprising one mem- considered a victory and political rule for two months and by that Club said if the bill became a law, They cannot afford to hire a for elections, but declined to ber each from four provinces, gain for the PPP but the chances time all other assemblies would over 140,000 children would not be teacher at Rs15,000 monthly sal- speak on record. will hold talks with the Pakistan of such a breakthrough were be dissolved. able to continue their education. ary, he added. He said the PPP leadership had Muslim League-N this week apparently limited. In the event of To another question, the official Arshad Mehmood, a member, Abrar said that the government decided that the five key positions on the possibility of dissolving PML-N opposing the new prov- said the committee had not dis- said that in 2006 an ordinance should amend the bill and support — the interim prime minister the assemblies on the same day ince, it would still be a political cussed as yet names for caretaker was promulgated to set up a private educational institutions and four chief ministers — would because the Punjab Assembly’s gain for the PPP. prime minister because the lead- regulatory authority for private financially so that they can meet be filled with non-controver- term would expire in a few days He said the meeting also dis- ership wanted to hold consulta- schools but it lapsed after four all the requirements. sial personalities like reputed after that of the other assemblies. cussed two names for the post tions with allied parties first. months. INTERNEWS former bureaucrats or persons The PPP leader said the of caretaker prime minister INTERNEWS THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Kamal Hassan threatens to quit country TN ban on Vishwaroopam stays

CHENNAI: An emotional light. The film was to release on Kamal Hassan yesterday January 25 in Tamil Nadu but saw threatened to quit India if the the light of the day only in a few ban in Tamil Nadu on his con- places in Kerala, Karnataka and troversial film Vishwaroopam Andhra Pradesh. wasn’t lifted but the Madras It was banned in these places High Court reimposed the too after the first show. As the ban. The actor was likely to protests became vocal, it was challenge the fresh ban in the also banned in Malaysia and Sri Supreme Court, sources said. Lanka after two days of run. But As controversy swirled over the the movie is now running in the Rs95 crore multilingual espionage other southern states. thriller, the acclaimed actor said Kamal said he was still trying he had agreed to make cuts in the to understand why “some mem- movie that some Muslim groups bers with strong political backing” found objectionable. were against his film. “The film Sources close to Kamal said the is running successfully in other film star was likely to approach states and the feedback from the the Supreme Court today. audience has also been positive.” Kamal, 58, and one of south- Yesterday, the Madras High ern cinema’s most success- Court overturned Tuesday’s sin- ful stars, said if the ban on his gle bench ruling revoking the ban Tamil-Telugu film was not lifted, on Vishwaroopam, which revolves Actor and film-maker Kamal Haasan speaks with the media in Chennai, yesterday. he might have to look out for a around the story of an Al Qaeda “secular state” abroad. plot in the US and an Indian cou- Saying he was fed up with the ple. The high court bench chaired opposition to the movie, Kamal by Justice Dharma Rao asked the Ridiculous and unfair, say film fraternity said here: “If there is no secular filmmaker and the Tamil Nadu state in India, I would go overseas. government to respond by Monday. MUMBAI: Actors, movie mak- gains. So be it. Nobody is forcing because of the government. condemned in the strongest pos- I think Tamil Nadu wants me out. The film fraternity are back- ers and other members of the the film down anyone’s throat. KALPANA LAJMI: Once the sible terms. Our cultural space is “M F Husain had to do it and ing Kamal and his film, cleared film fraternity yesterday reacted The space for freedom of expres- certificate of release is issued by increasingly being taken over by now Haasan will have to do it. by the Central Board of Film strongly to the ban imposed by sion is shrinking and we must act the censor board and after the the right-wing discourse. All of It’s fine. What would change is Certification (CBFC). CBFC the Tamil Nadu government on now to stem the tide. film is released, no private or us need to be on guard against my passport. I would still be an Chairperson Leela Samson said Kamal Hassan’s controversial SHYAM BENEGAL: What is judicial institution or government, this invasion of freedom and we Indian. I have pledged all my that the ban was “an infringe- film Vishwaroopam. This is what happening to Kamal’s film is very be it the state or centre, should must protest against it. I stand property for the film. I have lost ment on freedom of expression”. they had to say: peculiar. It reeks of some kind of exercise its diktat and influence by Kamal Haasan and am deeply my house because of delay in (its) “This is hounding of an artist, an SHABANA AZMI: The a vendetta. It doesn’t make any to ban the film, whatsoever be alarmed at the decision taken by release,” he said. icon of Tamil Nadu,” Samson said. Supreme Court ruled in the case sense. The fact is the hero of the its content. A ban is also tanta- the Tamil Nadu government. He said he had invested his Said Actor Siddharth: “What of Prakash Jha’s film Aarakshan film plays a patriotic Muslim mount to curbing the freedom of KHUSHBOO: If this can hap- lifetime’s savings, including all a sad day. What a horrible week. that once a movie was cleared doing good things for the country. expression. pen to a man who has put in 50 his assets, on the film that has Taliban Tamil Nadu.” Director by the Censor Board Of Film They’ve simply gone against KETAN MEHTA: This is com- years and every penny he has also been dubbed in Hindi and Mahesh Bhatt said Kamal was a Certification no state can impose their own rules. Once the cen- plete nonsense. The government earned into films, and someone which has been released in the victim of state terrorism. a ban on a film. It is the govern- sor board clears the film and is succumbing to cultural terror- who eats, drinks, breathes and US and Canada. Soon afterwards, As Kamal’s critics and fans ment’s business to give value to its if any section of the audience ism in spite of the censor board lives for the love of cinema, I won- he met Muslim leaders here and took to the streets, sporadic vio- own certification and ensure the has any doubts or fears, the clearing the film. Isn’t freedom of der what lies in store for others. announced he was ready to make lence was reported in Tamil Nadu. film is shown. Those who protest matter must be referred back expression a fundemental right? MANI SHANKAR: It’s a gross cuts said to be maligning India’s Miscreants attacked with have the right to do so. But if they to the censor board. You (the Democracy is meaningless with- travesty of creative freedom. I largest religious minority. petrol bombs a theatre plan- do so violently then the law of the state) cannot do things entirely out it. Please stop this recurring can’t understand how any state “There is no (more) differ- ning to screen Vishwaroopam in land must apply to them. on your own. If you are doing blackmail of creativity and the arts. government can usurp power ence between me and my Muslim Ramanathapuram, 310km from If people are offended by things on your own then why PRIYADARSHAN: Nobody from the CBFC which has cleared brothers. It is our duty to take here. Tyres were set on fire out- Vishwaroopam let them not watch have the censor board in the has the right to ban the freedom Vishwaroopam. Is one censor care of them. There are four side a Chennai theatre. the film. How can they take away first place? A censor certificate of expression. board not enough? Do filmmak- scenes that are being pointed out In Chennai, DMK chief M the right of others who want is valid in the entire country, SUBHASH KAPOOR: I think ers have to please every govern- and I am willing to remove these Karunanidhi wondered whether to watch it? The Tamil Nadu and should not be disregarded this is an attack on freedom of ment and non-government body scenes from the movie,” he said. the ban was linked to Kamal’s com- government is being unfair to in one state. A censor certifi- expression of a filmmaker. It is to release a film? The lavishly mounted film, ment obliquely supporting Finance Vishwaroopam and to the minori- cate has semi-judicial status. not only undemocratic but also ANANTH MAHADEVAN: I which stars Kamal and is written, Minister P Chidambaram as India’s ties it claims to protect. R BALKI: What if all the sets a dangerous precedent. The haven’t seen Vishwaroopam as yet. produced and directed by him, prime minister. In New Delhi, For starters, have they even people, Muslims or Hindus, who state should not succumb to such But from what I’ve gathered after was banned by the Tamil Nadu Congress spokesman P C Chacko watched the film? India’s audience have no issues with the film want pressure tactics by politically its Cochin and New York shows, government after some Muslim said Kamal’s threat to leave India is not a monolith. Some may be a ban on the government? Will motivated groups. the film is as much an entertainer groups complained that it por- “was an unfortunate statement”. moved, some may be offended, or the courts hear that? We are ANUSHA RIZVI: The ban as any mass appeal film. trayed the community in poor IANS claim to be offended for political scared of law and order issues is ridiculous and needs to be IANS

Ranbir in Pahalgam Air India to Army denies decapitating hive off two 12 Pakistani soldiers subsidiaries NEW DELHI: The Indian The Director General Military MUMBAI: As part of its turn- Army yesterday described as Operations of the two countries around plan, Air India will hive “erroneous and speculative” a have since agreed to stick to the off two of its subsidiaries from media report that Indian sol- 2003 ceasefire along the LoC. tomorrow, an official said here diers had tortured and decapi- yesterday. The national carrier’s tated Pakistani troops. NO INTRUSION ground handling and mainte- The army said in a statement Not a single incident of intru- nance, repair and overhaul will that it was a “highly professional sion from Pakistan took place be operated as separate profit force and does not indulge in in the last six months along centres from February 1. unsoldierly acts as alleged” in the the international border in the Under this, Air India Air newspaper story. Jammu region due to vigil by the Transport Services Ltd. “The very fact that Pakistan Border Security Force (BSF), an (AIATSL) will take over ground has not raised any such issue in official said. handling at airports and expand bilateral interactions since 1998 The security forces have also its operations to other carri- bears testimony to the allegations stepped up vigil along the inter- Actor Ranbir Kapoor arrives for a shooting in Pahalgam, some 105km south of Srinagar, yesterday. The ers while performing the same being misleading,” it said. national border (IB) after the Bollywood film industry is making a comeback to the restive region following a decrease in levels of violence. jobs for Air India. Similarly, Air It said it was incorrect to say killing of two Indian soldiers by India Engineering Services Ltd. that there was no agreed mecha- Pakistani troops in Mendhar sec- (AIESL) will take undertake nism to regulate conflicts along tor of Poonch district of Jammu engineering maintenance, repair the Line of Control (LoC) that and Kashmir. and overhauls activities for Air divides Jammu and Kashmir The BSF intensified its vigil HC suspends warrant against Raj Thackery India and offer the same to other between India and Pakistan. along the 198km long interna- carriers. It said that “existing hotlines tional border following the dis- NEW DELHI: The Delhi High were made by lawyers Sudhir Seeking exemption from per- The proposal was approved were effective in reducing the ten- covery of a 400-metre long and Court yesterday suspended a non- Kumar Ojha from Bihar and sonal appearance during trial by the Cabinet Committee on sions along the LoC recently”. 20-foot deep tunnel that origi- bailable warrant (NBW) against Sudhir Kumar from Jharkhand court proceedings, senior advo- Economic Affairs following which A front-page story in a newspa- nated from Pakistan into the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in 2008. cate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing the Air India decided to hive off per yesterday reported classified Indian side on July 28, 2012, BSF chief Raj Thackery on two com- The lawyers said that Thackery for Thackery, said there are as the two subsidiaries. Pakistani protests to the UN that Inspector General Ravi Krishna plaints lodged for alleged hate had humiliated people from Bihar many as 16 private criminal com- Accordingly, all employees accused Indian troops of torture told reporters. speeches he made against the and Uttar Pradesh in a February plaints against him that have been working in the ground han- and decapitation of at least 12 “We had taken a serious note people of Bihar. 2008 speech, while ridiculing the transferred to Delhi on an order dling and maintenance, repair Pakistani soldiers in cross-LoC of this misadventure of Pakistan Justice Sunil Gaur granted performance of Chhath Puja. from the Supreme Court. and overhaul facilities would be raids since 1998. and lodged a strong protest with the stay on the NBW issued by a Justice Gaur also issued a Rohatgi added that the sum- deputed to these two independ- The report and the army Pakistani Rangers on the issue, trial court for allegedly promoting notice to Sudhir Kumar Ojha and mons by the Muzaffarpur court ent companies with service con- denial follow tensions along the and on our own side we stepped enmity between different groups. sought his response on the plea of had been issued on “bald com- ditions, emoluments and perks LoC after a Pakistani soldier was up the vigil on the border as also The court posted the matter for Thackery. plaints of a lawyer, and moreover remaining unchanged. killed on January 6 by the Indian strengthened our intelligence net- April 16. Thackery moved the court The court granted exemp- the complaints do not satisfy the AIATSL was formed in 2003 Army and Pakistani troops killed work,” he said. and sought quashing of the sum- tion from personal appearance provisions of Section 504 (inten- and AIESL the following year. two Indian soldiers two days later. “There has been no incident mon orders passed in 2008 by a for a day to Thackery, who was tional insult with intent to pro- The functions included passenger One of the Indian soldiers was of intrusion across the IB (inter- lower court at Muzaffarpur, Bihar. to appear before a Delhi court voke breach of the peace) of the handling ramp, security and cargo beheaded and the head carried national border) since then,” he The complaints for initiating Thursday in connection with the Indian Penal Code”. handling for Air India. away. The other soldier’s body was added. proceedings against Thackery two cases. IANS IANS reportedly mutilated. IANS THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17

Martyr’s Day Chidambaram Govt will pursue rules out poll spending spree Verma panel’s NEW DELHI: India’s gov- ernment will not embark on a pre-election spending splurge in next month’s budget as it suggestions: PM seeks to bring down the deficit, the finance minister said in an interview published yesterday. Finance Minister P Committee takes a dig at police, people Chidambaram is due to unveil a budget at the end of next month NEW DELHI: Prime Minister women organisations against it. as the Congress-led administra- Manmohan Singh yesterday The panel recommended that tion tries to reverse a slowdown assured Justice J S Verma stalking, acid attacks and voyeur- in growth in Asia’s third largest that the government would be ism should be considered separate economy ahead of elections due prompt in pursuing the recom- crimes, but suggested seven years early next year. mendations of the committee he imprisonment for acid attacks on The government’s decision in headed on sexual assault cases women and for voyeurism, includ- September to hike the price of die- against women. ing making MMS clips and pass- sel by 12 percent as well as ration Singh wrote to Justice Verma ing them on to others. the number of subsidised gas cook- thanking the three-member com- It said trafficking in women ing bottles was deeply unpopular mittee. He said: “The committee should be punishable with rig- among voters and prompted a key submitted its report within a orous imprisonment for a term ally to quit the coalition. short period of 30 days is testi- between seven to 10 years. But having targeted growth of mony to your commitment and “Stalking or attempts to con- between six and seven percent in concern for the public good. tact a person repeatedly through the coming year, Prime Minister “I am writing to thank you for any means shall be liable to get a Manmohan Singh’s administra- your labour of love in completing term of up to three years,” it said. tion has stressed that bringing the work of the committee our The committee, however, did the budget deficit down to below government had constituted to not suggest lowering the legally five percent is its top priority. recommend amendments in law defined age of “juvenile” from 18 “The red lines are that the fis- to be able to deal effectively with to 16 years, a demand by women cal deficit for the current year cases of sexual assault of extreme activists after one of the accused will be no more than 5.3 percent nature against women.” in the Delhi gang-rape was found and the fiscal deficit for the next The prime minister assured the to be below 18 years of age. year will be no more than 4.8 committee of prompt action on its In its recommendations, the percent,” Chidambaram told The recommendations. “On behalf of committee came down heavily on Financial Times. our government, I assure you that the administration, including the “So I think all that we have said we will be prompt in pursuing the police and citizens, for not help- and all that we have done points recommendations of the commit- ing the grievously wounded young to a responsible budget. The tee,” the Prime Minister said. woman and her male friend who budget can be nothing except a The Justice J S Verma were thrown off the bus after the responsible budget.” Committee, set up by the govern- gang-rape. India’s central bank cut inter- ment on December 23, 2012, to It also took an open dig at the est rates Tuesday for the first review laws to provide speedier “peculiarity” of the Delhi govern- time in nine months and reduced justice and enhanced punishment ment of not having the power over the amount of cash banks must in cases of aggravated sexual police in the city and said this keep in reserve as it tried to boost assault, submitted its report to “ambiguity” needs to be removed investment and kick-start the the government on January 23. to maintain law and order and Schoolchildren dressed as Mahatma Gandhi assemble to mark his anniversary in Chennai yesterday. India flagging economy. The panel was set up in the ensure accountability. observes Gandhi’s death anniversary as Martyr’s Day. AFP wake of outrage over the grue- In Washington, meanwhile, some gang-rape and brutali- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ties committed on a 23-year-old lamenting the double standards woman in a moving bus in south faced by women around the Delhi on December 16. world, hopes to see “big changes” Life imprisonment for gang- in India following the gang rape Food park scheme receiving good response: Official rape, but no death penalty even if of a woman in New Delhi. “The the victim dies or is reduced to a young woman who essentially was MUMBAI: The central gov- are at an advanced stage of com- “As per the National Food peripheral areas. Ideally one mega vegetative state, were among the raped and then died of her terrible ernment has given approval pletion and expected to be opera- Processing Mission launched on food park would serve as a cluster recommendations of the panel. injuries, who knows what she could for 30 mega food parks across tional soon,” he said. April 1, 2012, project assessment of about four districts. The cen- The committee, tasked to look have contributed to India’s future?” the country, Food Processing Kacker was speaking at the the can be sanctioned by the state tral processing centre would have into possible amendments to she said at the Newseum here. Industries secretary Rakesh National Summit on ‘Mega Food government itself. Further, 100 dry warehouses, cold chain infra- criminal laws for quicker trial and “When you put barriers in the Kacker said here yesterday. Parks: An Investment Destination’ percent foreign direct investment structure, irradiation centre and enhanced punishment for rapists, way of half the population, you, in “The mega food park scheme organised by Federation of Indian is permitted in the food process- facilities for sorting, grading and submitted its report to Home effect, are putting brakes on your has received good response with Chambers of Commerce and ing sector,” he said. packaging. The Mega Food Park Minister Sushilkumar Shinde 29 own development as a nation,” 13 such parks being under vari- Industries and the Food Processing The Mega Food Park scheme project is expected to bring large days after it was set up. Clinton said in response to a ques- ous stages of implementation. Industries ministry. is envisaged to be set up on the scale benefits to farmers as well Justice Verma said the commit- tion from India about difficulties Out of these, seven food parks Kacker said the investment in hub and spoke pattern. The core as consumers, by addressing key tee has not suggested death pen- faced by woman politicians to each located in Punjab, Andhra food processing industry is set to processing facilities would be infrastructure and supply-chain alty for rapists because there were access political space. Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam and grow with the decentralisation of located in a central area with management challenges. overwhelming suggestions from IANS Tripura and two in West Bengal the approval process. processing plants spread over IANS Karnataka CM: No Rushdie cancels Kolkata visit more resignations KOLKATA: Booker Prize-winning programme did not list Rushdie as a speaker writer Salman Rushdie cancelled his visit and the organisers said he was not a partici- expected from BJP to Kolkata yesterday to promote Deepa pant at the book fair and its literary meet. BANGALORE: Karnataka Chief Mehta’s film Midnight’s Children, based on There were reports that Kolkata Police offi- Minister Jagadish Shettar yesterday his homonymous novel. cials advised the trip organisers against host- said that no more resignations were PVR Pictures, the Indian distributors of ing Rushdie in the city. Neither the organisers expected from the ruling BJP, though the movie, confirmed that Rushdie had can- nor police confirmed this. speculation continued that several celled his visit. “We had some plans with “I don’t know anything about Salman party law makers would soon quit and Salman (Rushdie) to promote the film in Rushdie’s visit. I have nothing to say,” join the 12 who resigned on Tuesday. Kolkata, but he did not go to Kolkata. It was said Kolkata Police Joint Commissioner “All ministers and MLAs (Members his personal call. We now plan to do some (Headquarters) Jawed Shamim. The state of the Legislative Assembly) are in more programmes in Mumbai,” PVR Pictures government was also in a denial mode. touch with me. I do not expect any one (vice-president, marketing) Arun Nair said. “The government had no definite news of of them to resign,” Shettar told report- The 65-year-old author of the controversial Rushdie’s visit. After receiving information, ers here. State Bharatiya Janata Party The Satanic Verses was slated to hold a media Kolkata Police contacted their counterparts chief and deputy chief minister K S meet about the film and attend an autograph in Mumbai, who confirmed that Rushdie did Eshwarappa also said that he did not session. not have any programme in Kolkata. Kolkata expect any more resignations from the Last January, Rushdie had to call off a visit Police conveyed the information to the home assembly and the party. to the Jaipur Literary Festival following pro- secretary,” said an official at the state secre- “We have been maintaining that only tests by Muslim groups and death threats. tariat Writers’ Buildings. 13 or 14 MLAs will leave. And 12 have In Kolkata, Muslim groups under the ban- now quit,” he said. On Tuesday, 13 BJP ner of Milli Ittehad Parishad demonstrated SECURITY REASONS law makers submitted their resignation Wednesday morning near the Netaji Subhas Nair also denied that the trip was cancelled letters to assembly speaker K.G. Bopaiah, Chandra Bose International Airport against due to security reasons. “Wherever he is going, who accepted 12 and held one back on Rushdie’s visit. security has been extremely high. I don’t think technical grounds. The 13th resignation “We withdrew the protest after authorities there was a security problem,” he said. is expected to come through soon. assured us that Rushdie’s visit has been can- The development comes almost concurrent The 13 who submitted resignation let- celled,” said Kamruzzaman, general secretary, to the protests against actor-director Kamal ters are followers of former BJP chief All Bengal Minority Youth Federation, which Hasan’s film Vishwaroopam, which Muslim minister B S Yeddyurappa and would had sent protest mails to the state govern- groups say militates against their beliefs. now join the Karnataka Janata Party ment Tuesday on learning that the author Asked about the protests at the airport, (KJP) led by him today. would fly into Kolkata Wednesday. author Amitav Ghosh, who inaugurated the “We will fax our resignation from Kolkata Literary Meet, said: “It is very unfor- the primary membership of BJP,” B LITERARY MEET tunate that Rushdie is not allowed to go wher- P Harish, one of the 12 who quit the According to some reports, Rushdie also ever he wishes.” assembly on Tuesday, told reporters. planned to visit Kolkata Book Fair — that The main cast of Midnight’s Children, along The resignations have left the Shettar started on January 26 and would continue with Rushdie, has toured Delhi, Mumbai and government with a wafer-thin majority till February 10 — and attend a session at the Bangalore over the past week. Kolkata was to in the assembly. If more party MLAs Kolkata Literary Meet on his book Midnight’s be the last port of call. quit, the BJP would have to depend on Children yesterday evening. The Kolkata The film is based on Rushdie’s 1980 Booker independents for survival. Literary Meet, held as part of the book fair, Prize winning novel and he has written the The BJP strength now stands at 106, began during the day. screenplay for its movie adaptation. including the speaker, in the 225-mem- The film’s producer David Hamilton, direc- Rushdie has for long been embroiled ber assembly. Two seats are vacant. The tor Deepa Mehta and actor Rahul Bose were in controversy over his book The Satanic party has the support of one of the seven listed as speakers at the session. Verses, which has been perceived as anti- independents, who is also a cabinet minis- A Kolkata Literary Meet spokesman said Islamic. He had received death threats ter. There is one nominated member who Mehta and Hamilton also cancelled their visits after it was published in 1988, while a fatwa belongs to the BJP. The Congress has 71 and the session on Midnight’s Children would was also issued against him by the Iranian members, and the Janata Dal-Secular 26. feature only Bose. Islamic clergy. IANS However, the Kolkata Literary Meet official IANS

Thursday 31 January 2013 19 Rabial I 1434 Volume 17 Number 5596 Price: QR2

Switzerland sets up trade agency

Business | 22

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 QNB sees 40pc net profit from foreign operations Group aims at becoming Middle East and Africa icon: Chairman; General assembly nod for QR6 per share dividend

BY SATISH KANADY

DOHA: QNB Group has pro- jected a 40 percent of its net profit coming from the bank’s international operations in 2013. An estimated 21 percent of its 2012 full year net profit derived from foreign operations, H E Yousuf Hussein Kamal, Chairman of the bank said. The QNB is aggressive on its international expansion plans. There is a strong competition in the financial sector. Qatari market is too mall and we need to expand our operations beyond the borders, he said while replying to the sharehold- ers’ questions at the bank’s ordinary general assembly yesterday. “At least 21 percent of the group’s 2012 net profit came from QNB Chairman H E Yousuf Hussein Kamal (fourth left) addressing the ordinary general assembly, yesterday. (ABDUL BASIT) international operations. We are targeting a total of 40 percent in countries like Egypt, where the NSGB deal, QNB Group main- completed during 2012 the acquisi- all the items on its agenda includ- the private sector for the period of the bank’s net profit from our group has made a 77.17 percent tained its high credit ratings with tion of a 49 percent stake in the Bank ing the proposal by the Board of 2013-15. The new members include international operations this year. stake in National Societe Generale an affirmation of the bank’s rat- of Commerce and Development in Directors to distribute a cash Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz bin The aim is to transform QNB Bank-Egypt (NSGB). “The process ings from Moody’s, Standard & Libya with a management agree- dividend of 60 percent of the Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Broog Group into a Middle East and of getting regulatory approvals is Poor’s and Fitch. This affirmation ment. The bank has increased its nominal share value, represent- Trading Company represented Africa icon,” he added. under way. This transaction, the represents a clear indicator of the stake in a number of associate ing QR6 per share. The assembly by Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Despite the political uncertain- largest acquisition in the bank’s group’s strong financial position companies, along with opening new also approved the appointment Khalifa Al Thani, Bader Abdullah ties in some countries, where we history, is a significant step towards and the confidence in its strategy branches and expanding the range of Ernst & Young as External Darwish Fakhroo, Ali Hussain Ali have major operations, the bank’s strengthening regional presence,” and expansion plans. of products and services across the Auditors for the year 2013. Al Sada and Fahed Mohammmed revenue got doubled in 2012. The said Yousuf Hussein. Also in line with QNB’s interna- international network. The meeting approved the elec- Fahed Buzwair. QNB foresees long term prospective Following the announcement of tional expansion plans, the bank has The general assembly ratified tion of five board members from THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Switzerland sets up investment agency in Qatar Bilateral trade sees 33pc growth

BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB meets our expectations,” said H E Sultan Rashid Al Khater, DOHA: Switzerland has set up Under-secretary at the Ministry a trade and investment promo- of Business and Trade. tion agency here to boost trade He added: “Mobilising and with Qatar. Known as OSEC, using the Qatari resources and the move has been encouraged abilities together with the Swiss by the fact that the volume of know-how, experience and tech- trade between Switzerland and nology will, without doubt, boost Qatar witnessed a phenomenal the socio- economic development 33 percent growth between of the country.” 2010 and 2011. To achieve the objectives, QBA The volume of trade between and OSEC signed a memorandum the two countries has soared from of understanding (MoU), and QR1.5bn in 2010 to nearly QR2bn in both the nations are now look- 2011, said a senior official of Qatar’s ing forward to sign a free trade Ministry of Business and Trade. agreements (FTA) soon to boost The ceremony to launch OSEC trade and investments. was held at St Regis Hotel yesterday. Also present at the event were The recently opened Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Switzerland embassy in Qatar Thani, Vice-Chairman of Al Faisal organised a seminar in collabo- Holding and Aamal and Member ration with Qatari Businessmen’s of the QBA; Ambassador Eric Association (QBA) and Qatar Martin, Delegate of the Federal OSEC CEO Daniel Kung giving a presentation at the launch of the Swiss trade and investment promotion agency in Qatar at the St Regis Hotel yesterday. Chamber to discuss the trade and Council for Trade Agreements; (QASSIM RAHMATULLAH) investment opportunities between Daniel Kung, CEO of OSEC; the two countries. Sherida Saad Jubran Al Kaabi, “Our trade volume has gone QBA board member, among others. importance of this step as it will allocated to various countries Swiss mining giant Xtrata. the current economic situation. up from QR1.5bn in 2010 to The seminar was initiated by also support the bilateral rela- including Switzerland where Khalifa Al Misnad, partner at Kung highlighted the economic nearly QR2bn in 2011, which is Martin, followed by a welcome tions and strengthen trade ties Qatar has acquired the head Al Misnad and Rifaat Co, pre- structure of Switzerland and below the level our ambition speech by Al Khater, who spoke between the countries. quarters of the Swiss banking sented the major legal regula- the characteristics of the Swiss for both sides. We hope for a about the bilateral relationship. He also spoke of the foreign group Credit Suisse in London tions on how to start a business economy. greater increase in future that Sheikh Faisal highlighted the investments of Qatar that were and increased its stake in the for foreign entities in Qatar and THE PENINSULA EQ, Mowgli launch mentoring programme Iran seeks help to

DOHA: Enterprise Qatar businesses, help entrepreneurs to Global Entrepreneurship Summit the financial facilities necessary to (EQ) and Mowgli Foundation, generate employment and wealth held in Dubai in December, Mowgli transform Qatar into a regional together with co-sponsors while facilitating the development was recognised with the Mohammed entrepreneurial and SME hub. rescue sunken rig Norman Broadbent and Social of leadership capabilities in the bin Rashid Award for Young Business The two co-sponsors of the pro- Development Centre (SDC) have Qatari business community. Leaders for ‘the Best Mentor gramme, Norman Broadbent and DUBAI: Iran has called for foreign help to recover a $40m launched Qatar’s first year-long Mowgli Foundation is an award Network in the Arab Region’. Social Development Centre (SDC), gas platform from the Gulf seabed, its Mehr news agency Mowgli Mentoring Experience winning, UK-headquartered organi- EQ, Mowgli’s partner in Qatar, have also each made their own reported, in a rare request by an industry isolated by (MME) programme to provide sation which has run 30 mentoring already supports Qatari entrepre- mark on the development of Qatari sanctions. trained mentors to support start- programmes across the UK, Middle neurship though providing a wide entrepreneurship and leadership. The South Pars project to develop Iran’s part of the world’s up and growth-orientated entre- East and North Africa (Mena) range of educational programmes Held at the K108 Hotel, the largest gas field has been hampered by a withdrawal of interna- preneurs in the country. region. Mowgli supports over 250 to build and refine administrative programme brought together 8 tional energy companies, under pressure from US and European The aim of the programme is to entrepreneurs and Qatar is the skills of entrepreneurs and owners predominantly Qatari start up governments, and difficulties in acquiring technology due to support and encourage the develop- first country in the GCC to receive of SMEs. EQ also provides a compre- and growth phase entrepreneurs, sanctions on trade. ment of sustainable and successful Mowgli programmes. During the hensive sector database and identifies and 8 high calibre multinational The platform’s huge metal support jacket plunged 80 metres investment opportunities to attract mentors with MENA experience; below the surface after a crane broke during installation. entrepreneurs and owners of SMEs. from Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, India, The structure, one of four planned for South Pars, weighs QATARI MARKET Additionally, EQ provides entre- England and Ireland. well over 1,000 tonnes, and the companies involved — state-run Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P preneurs and owners of SMEs with THE PENINSULA service company Sadra and a National Iranian Oil Company Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 105.13 0.78 % Aa2 AA (NIOC) subsidiary — have asked for foreign companies to help rescue it, Mehr said yesterday. Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.75 1.62 % Aa2 AA “Without the help of foreign companies... it is forecast that Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 125.88 2.07 % Aa2 AA it won’t be possible to retrieve the jacket for several months,” Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 119.13 2.27 % Aa2 AA an unidentified NIOC official told Mehr. Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 114.75 2.64 % Aa2 AA An official with Pars Oil and Gas Company, Sepehr Sepehri, Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 177.50 3.67 % Aa2 AA earlier told Mehr that crisis groups had been set up on the site Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 136.25 4.15 % Aa2 AA and in Tehran and that steps to recover the giant structure Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 126.63 4.16 % Aa2 AA could begin when the weather and sea conditions improved. But the NIOC official told Mehr that calls for help had been Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.00 1.44 % Aa2 AA sent out to several international companies that might have Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 115.75 2.66 % Aa2 AA the specialised equipment needed, without having received any Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 105.38 1.94 % A1 A- response by Wednesday afternoon. Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.19 2.32 % A1 A- Tight banking restrictions, which Western governments have QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.50 2.12 % NR NR imposed to pressure Tehran to stop its disputed nuclear pro- QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.38 1.88 % Aa3 A+ gramme, have made it difficult for companies to get paid for QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.19 2.29 % Aa3 A+ supplying goods and services to Iran. Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 103.88 2.50 % A2 A- REUTERS Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.00 1.97 % A2 A Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 130.88 2.58 % A2 A Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 111.50 3.12 % A2 A Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 111.50 3.85 % A2 A Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 106.75 1.36 % Aa3 A Brent oil touches Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 108.88 3.24 % Aa3 A Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 112.38 3.45 % Aa3 A SOVEREIGNS three-month high Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 105.88 0.49 % Aa2 AA NEW YORK: Brent crude touched a three-month high yes- Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 128.00 1.93 % Aa2 AA terday after better-than-expected European data spurred Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 110.50 2.62 % NR NR optimism over the global economy, but oil later pared gains on surprisingly weak US growth figures. Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.25 3.07 % NR NR Sentiment drew further support from declines in US refined Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 126.50 3.75 % NR NR product stocks, although crude oil inventories rose sharply. Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 118.44 4.04 % NR NR Brent crude futures were 24 cents higher at $114.60 a barrel Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.25 1.30 % Aa2 AA by 12.01pm EST (1701 GMT) after hitting $115.24, their high- Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 115.81 3.26 % NR BBB est since October 16, 2012. US crude oil was down three cents Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 111.00 3.74 % NR BBB at $97.54 a barrel. Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 99.00 5.92 % B2 /*- B- The US economy unexpectedly contracted in the fourth quar- Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 104.38 3.84 % NR BBB- ter, suffering its first decline since the 2007-09 recession as businesses scaled back on restocking and government spending *Periodic Distribution Amount IMPORTANT NOTE: plunged. Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which US crude oil inventories jumped by 5.95 million barrels in is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services the week to January 25, the US government said. Analysts had Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary forecast a 2.6-million-barrel crude build. data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not But the recent run of economic optimism overshadowed the take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds inventory numbers and weak US data. can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant “Overall, global macroeconomic trends such as the dollar liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not and global equity indices hitting new 52-week highs have been a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. pushing crude higher,” said Chris Jarvis, president of Caprock Risk Management in Boston. Euro zone economic sentiment improved more than expected across all sectors in January, rising for the third month in a row in a sign that the region’s economy could be emerging from a low point in the fourth quarter of 2012. REUTERS THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Salah Jasim Banking sector named Ahli Bank CEO

DOHA: Ahli Bank’s Board of pushes Qatar Directors have appointed Salah Jasim Mohamed Ahmed Murad as CEO of the bank, effective from January 29. On Tuesday, shareholders of Exchange up Ahlibank Qatar approved the sale of 37.374m shares held by the Bahrain-based Ahli United Bank to Qatar Foundation (QF), Egypt rebounds from 4-week low at their extraordinary general assembly meeting. DOHA: Qatar Exchange kept percent. Orascom Telecom gained The nank’s new capital has its upswing trend yesterday, 2.8 percent. become QR1.270bn, represented adding 38.14 points (0.44 per- Elsewhere, petrochemical by 127.1 million shares. cent) to advance to 8,727.83 stocks helped lift Saudi Arabia’s The extraordinary general points from 8,689.69 on the pre- index as better-than-forecast assembly ratified the Board of vious day. European data spurred optimism Directors decision to distribute The volume of the shares traded for the global economy and drove of cash dividends of 30 percent, up to 4,249,104 from 4,158,320 on oil prices higher. which is equivalent to QR3 per Tuesday and the value of shares Brent crude reached its highest share. decreased to QR192,100,244.03 level in three and a half months Ahli Bank officials during the extraordinary general assembly. THE PENINSULA from QR249,792,704.52. yeserday, passing $115 a barrel. Among the top gainers were Heavyweight Saudi Basic Commercialbank which was up Industries added 0.5 percent, 0.26 percent to QR77.20 and National Industrialisation Rayan which rose 0.59 percent (TASNEE) climbed 0.4 per- to QR25.60. Barwa Real Estate cent and Rabigh Refining and Oman rules may spur Islamic finance reforms gained 0.54 percent to QR27.80 Petrochemical gained 1.2 percent. while Doha Bank was up by 0.54 Saudi petrochemical stocks percent to QR27.20. tend to track oil prices, with SYDNEY: Oman’s new Islamic law, which aims to achieve a and serve a maximum of two could be perceived to be a threat The banking and financial sec- crude impacting their bottom banking rules could encourage higher level of good govern- consecutive terms, thus requir- to independence and objectivity”, tor index rose 0.50 points while line. Oil is also seen as a proxy the development of a larger pool ance and avoidance of conflicts,” ing banks to hire new scholars recommends that institutions consumer goods and services for global economic activity and of Shariah scholars and ulti- said Washington-based scholar periodically. rotate at least one Shariah board sector index lost 0.48 points. therefore demand for petrochem- mately help to raise operating Muddassir Siddiqui, president and Such term limits are rare in member every five years. But The industrial sector gained 0.34 ical products. standards for them around the chief executive of ShariahPath Islamic finance, where scholar Oman’s rules go further by apply- points and the insurance sector The kingdom’s index gained 0.2 world, according to bankers and Consultants LLC. appointments have often been ing term limits to all members. rose 0.47 points. percent, its third gain in the last scholars. “Oman came from behind but it considered long-term or even Oman’s rules struck a chord in Meanwhile, Egypt’s bourse five sessions. Last month, the sultanate’s is now among the very few juris- permanent. “I believe this is a the Islamic finance community recovered yesterday from a In the United Arab Emirates, central bank released an exten- dictions to introduce such a com- good practice as it will provide because loose regulation of scholars four-week low as bargain hunt- Dubai’s Emaar Properties hit sive Islamic banking rulebook prehensive set of rules. I am sure an avenue to more scholars to is acknowledged by many people in ers shrugged off political unrest, a 39-month high as investors which included provisions for it will inspire others to follow.” share their expertise in the delib- the industry to be a major weak- while Gulf markets were mixed. bet the developer will announce Shariah scholars, such as fit- The objectives behind the rules eration of a Shariah supervisory ness, and an obstacle to growth. Cairo’s main index rose 1.5 per- market-pleasing earnings and and-proper criteria and term include enlarging the pool of qual- board (SSB),” Mohamad Akram There have been a series of cent, halting two sessions of sharp dividends for 2012. limits on scholars’ appointment ified scholars as well as addressing Laldin, Executive Director at the calls for reform in the indus- declines after the government Emaar climbed 1.5 percent to to Shariah boards, which decide issues of scholar capacity and con- Malaysian-based International try and AAOIFI has said it will declared a state of emergency in Dh4.88, its highest close since whether products and activities flict of interest, Siddiqui added. Shariah Research Academy for conduct consultations on how three cities on the Suez Canal. October 2009. The intra-day obey Islamic principles. Capacity refers to the amount Islamic Finance, said. Shariah boards operate. “The market rebound today peak of that month — Dh5.01 Oman is the last country in of time scholars can devote to Both Laldin and Siddiqui are A final draft of its conclusions is a correction after a sharp — is a major resistance level for the six-nation Gulf Cooperation each of their board appointments; members of the sharia stand- is not expected to be ready before decline yesterday, but we expect the stock. “Foreign flows con- Council to introduce Islamic multiple commitments raise con- ards committee at the Bahrain- the end of this year at the earli- the bourse will break 5,500 again tinue... the market is predomi- banking, but the level of detail in cerns that scholars may not be based Accounting and Auditing est, however, and analysts warned to target 5,300 next week,” said nantly led by Emaar — we will the rules could help set it apart able to carry out their supervisory Organisation for Islamic Financial that it remained to be seen Ahmed Sharaby, Cairo-based tech- need to see earnings to see if the from the others, and even give it roles effectively. Institutions (AAOIFI), a major whether Oman’s approach would nical analyst at Mawarid Egypt. rally is justified,” said Anastasios some influence over global trends In an attempt to build a standard-setting body. be adopted in other jurisidictions Heavyweight Orascom Dalgiannakis, institutional trad- in the industry. larger talent pool, Oman’s rules AAOIFI, recognising that where entrenched interests might Construction Industries and ing manager at Mubasher. “I admire the positive spirit state that scholars can only be lengthy appointments “could be reluctant to change. Telecom Egypt each climbed 0.8 AGENCIES behind many articles in the appointed for three-year terms lead to a close relationship which REUTERS THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS

Britain’s shrinking economy: US rating still at risk despite Level of debate is farcical BY ADITYA CHAKRABORTTY reduced Republican threats hen the news came in last Friday that the British econ- omy was shrinking yet again, I slogged through the BY LUCIANA LOPEZ late last year. It was also thought that increase to about 90 percent in that time WGDP report, the City analyses and the this-is-going- Republicans would force drastic spending frame, “a downgrade of the rating would to-hurt-you-more-than-it-ever-hurts-us justifications by cabinet he retreat by Republicans from cuts by refusing to raise the debt limit, until become more probable.” ministers. Yet none of them seemed to me as acute a guide to threats to push the United States recently merely a procedural matter. For some context, in 2011, US public debt our present mess as an old comedy sketch by Armando Iannucci. into a debt crisis has stayed the However, even with the parties in rose to 67.8 percent of GDP, according to It begins with an estate agent taking a young couple around a hand of at least one credit rat- Washington behaving, that is still not the CIA World Factbook, and the path of house. The dialogue is perfect: The broker waxes inanely on (“A ings agency, but that does not enough until debt levels are addressed. this key measure is uncertain. Australia is lovely space”), and the prospective buyers ooze gratitude at being Tmean the United States is suddenly safe. Moody’s has said specific measures to currently at 26.7 percent, but Canada is at granted a viewing. But after tapping mannishly at the fixtures, the The country has retained its top triple- trim the debt-to-GDP ratio over time would 87.4 percent. husband detects a problem. A big one: “This thing’s made of paper.” A rating from Moody’s Investors Service likely get the US Aaa rating affirmed and Nevertheless, the US economy is at Rip! His fist goes through the parchment microwave. The draw- and Fitch Ratings, despite rising debt levels. remove the danger of a downgrade. Budget least growing steadily, if not briskly. The ers and cupboards are torn apart. And when the water’s turned It was downgraded by one notch in 2011 deals that do not do that, or do it too slowly, International Monetary Fund estimates on, the soggy paper taps wilt. by Standard & Poor’s after a chaotic debt will imperil the credit rating. GDP growth of 2 percent this year and 3 “It’s this new Japanese thing” is the agent’s half-explanation, ceiling battle. On Monday, Fitch said the The agency said it will probably resolve percent next. Economic growth generally before scarpering. The couple give chase, just in time to see the recent debt ceiling extension eliminates the the country’s negative outlook by the end helps reduce debt-to-GDP ratios because white woman slough off her outfit and turn into a black schoolboy. immediate risk to the rating. of this year, whether the budget questions tax revenues increase and more goods are His mates are clutching huge crayons. And the home is exposed But going forward, the emerging signs of get ironed out or not. produced. Should growth disappoint, a lower as a primary-coloured cartoon. lawmakers working together are not likely The other potential risk is that, instead rate of expansion in coming years would Aired in 2001, Iannucci’s skit predates the real property frenzy: to be enough to head off more downgrades of a stalemate, the warring parties in make “growing out of debt” harder. those months when the Mail and the Express would take turns of US government debt, which is used as a Washington delay tough decisions in much By contrast, triple-A rated United in sticking a house-price survey on their front pages; the stories benchmark for borrowing costs and consid- the same way they have put them off in Kingdom is flirting with its third recession about first-time buyers being offered 50-, 100-year mortgages. ered the safest of safe havens. the past, said Nikola Swann, a director of in five years and Germany, the euro zone’s Yet the Potemkin home serves as a useful metaphor not just There is no exact formula for what will sovereign ratings at Standard & Poor’s. workhorse, is only projected to grow 0.6 per- for the noughties housing hysteria, but for much that has gone trigger a downgrade, but statements and Short delays are one thing, Swann said, cent in 2013 and 1.4 percent in 2014. wrong with our economy. For most of the noughties, the majority reports released by the agencies give some “but when you start talking about years While Moody’s is agnostic on the mix of of British politicians, economists and voters were just as gullible clues. Specifically, the US debt-to-GDP ratio, and years of delay, this eventually raises revenue-raising and spending cuts, at least as that viewing couple: we accepted as real and glorious what was currently at about 68 percent, is better than the question, will this ever be implemented?” one round of belt-tightening could come patently fake and plastic. triple-A rated nations such as Canada, but The most recent deal, a three-month soon with automatic spending cuts set to Take the golden age we apparently enjoyed under Tony Blair. far worse than Australia or Norway. extension of the debt ceiling while the roll out in March. Let me quote again here the finding from Manchester University’s “The negotiations for the medium-term Senate sets out a budget, does little to The so-called sequester could work like Centre for Research on Socio-Cultural Change that in the deficit and debt trajectory are the most resolve either of the major risks to the US a crash diet — slimming, but with the Midlands, the north, Wales and Scotland between 1998 and 2007 important things in our ratings,” said rating - rising debt and political dysfunction. potential for a sharp, swift shock. Whether the private sector created almost no net new jobs. North of the Steven Hess, lead US sovereign credit ana- All three of the major rating agencies have that would be good or bad for the rating is Watford Gap, it was left to the state to provide employment, and lyst at Moody’s Investors Service. negative outlooks on the US rating. Hess said unknown. effectively cover up for the inertia of businesses. “We’re looking for a convincing downward Moody’s does not have a “particular number” The relative calm that has descended Meanwhile, new recruits to the workforce were told they had to trajectory in the debt ratios and we don’t when it comes to a debt-to-GDP ratio. on Washington might be just a temporary get a degree — and a shedload of debt — to get ahead, only to come think that that’s yet there.” Moody’s said in a September report that ceasefire. Squabbling led S&P to cut the out and find there weren’t the commensurate jobs for them. Sure, The US government has jumped from the Aaa rating would likelier be safe if the United States to AA-plus on August 5, 2011, Oxford mathematicians could toddle off to Barclays Capital. But crisis to crisis in recent years, beginning federal debt-to-GDP ratio peaked in 2014 and all three agencies have made it clear a graduate with a history degree from a former poly soon learned with the 2011 debt ceiling battle, followed by and then was projected to fall below 60 that reliable policy remains important to the truth of this verdict from Ewart Keep, economist at Cardiff the threat of the “fiscal cliff” of major tax percent by the early 2020s as a result of a maintaining high credit ratings. University: “Statistically, he’s unlikely to earn any more than if increases and spending cuts that emerged budget deal. But if the ratio is projected to REUTERS he’d simply left school at 18.” And that was before the slump. Between 2003 and 2008 when the economy grew 11 percent, the typical English worker outside London saw their disposable incomes actually fall. Of course, it felt as if we had money back then; it’s just that we were getting this cash either as credit or by using our houses as ATMs. Let me quote another, shocking conclusion from Cresc: under Thatcher and Blair, the amount Britons took out in housing equity withdrawal outstripped GDP growth. Let me put that differ- ently, under our two most popular prime ministers since the second world war, the UK was as much housing bubble as actual economy. Which isn’t to say that some people didn’t get seriously rich; it’s just that they weren’t me or (probably) you. Take the grandest boardrooms of Britain’s biggest firms: between 1983 and 2002, sales at FTSE-100 businesses rose an average of 2.7 percent a year. Not bad, not great — but in line with the growth of the economy. FTSE company directors, on the other hand, filled their boots: pay up 26.2 percent a year above inflation, every year. If you’re saving for a pension, that money could have gone towards your retirement. And of course, there were the banks: set free after the Big Bang to direct more money towards productive businesses, but instead using their newfound latitude to fuel ever bigger consumer bubbles. And just as Iannucci’s couple eventually discovered that their house was made of paper, so in 2007 Britain’s economic boom was revealed to be little more than a finance bubble. The reason for this barrage of facts and stats is simple: you don’t often get them elsewhere. Since the banking collapse, what purports to be a serious debate over the future of the economy has been whittled down to little more than a ping-pong match: On the one side, you have David Cameron and George Osborne with their “tough choices” and stupid austerity. But on the other, you have the equally false position staked out by Ed Balls: That with a wave of a Keynesian wand we can be magicked back to 2006. Well, here’s the thing about 2006: The economy was in better shape than today, but it still wasn’t working for the majority of Britons. And unless we’re honest about just how crocked our economy is, how the private sector doesn’t create jobs and hasn’t done serious investment for decades, we won’t get out of this mess. We’ll just be trying to rebuild a paper house. THE GUARDIAN Latin America lays out defences in currency war BY KRISTA HUGHES much a desire for a weaker peso Tools to combat appreciating estimated to be about 30 percent energy reforms being promised emerging markets at PIMCO. as it does concerns about growth. currencies include buying dollars, higher than the “hot money” by its new government. That has London-based Capital atin American policymak- Low interest rates in developed as Colombia and Peru are doing; period immediately before the helped propel stocks and bonds to Economics sees Mexico’s peso ers are manning their economies encourage investors to capital controls as in Costa Rica; global financial crisis in 2008. record high levels. as the currency with the most defences ahead of what look for yield elsewhere, pushing and macroprudential measures, Brazil and Mexico, as the Pacific Investment upside this year, due mainly to Lcould be a new battle in up the currencies of countries at such as Peru’s move to raise region’s two biggest economies, Management Co, the California- the lower risk of intervention by the “currency wars” as flows of the receiving end of their atten- deposit requirements on dollar are likely to attract the bulk of based firm known as PIMCO that laissez-faire policymakers, in con- hot money put unwelcome upward tions. Stronger currencies make bank accounts. inflows in 2013, although Brazil operates the world’s largest bond trast to the record $13.9bn bought pressure on their currencies. exports less competitive, hurting Mark Mobius, who helps over- has managed to deter a lot of fund, sees opportunities to make by Peru’s central bank in 2012 as Economists and investors pre- economic growth. see $51bn in emerging market speculative investors with capi- money if Mexico’s central bank the sol hit a 16-year high. dict that an easing in the euro It is a problem that has battered assets at fund manager Franklin tal controls introduced during cuts interest rates later this year, Chile is likely to join Peru and zone’s debt crisis, new economic Brazilian manufacturers for sev- Templeton, expects a huge influx 2010-2011, when a rush of capi- pushing up the price of bonds. Colombia in intervening to check stimulus measures in Japan and eral years. The government pushed of funds into emerging markets tal pushed the real up 12 percent Mexico’s central bank has gains in the peso while shunning a return of risk appetite will fuel back by slashing interest rates and this year as investors tire of low- against the dollar. made a U-turn from warning of capital controls, said Capital’s bumper investment flows into intervening in the currency mar- yielding government bonds. Foreign portfolio inflows rate hikes to warning of rate cuts, Neal Shearing, while Brazil is in Latin America and other emerg- ket to weaken the real, introducing Global stock markets are up into Brazilian stocks and bonds prompting many to suspect it is the unusual position of trying to ing markets in 2013. capital controls and offering tax 4 percent already this year, and totalled $16.5bn last year, down worried about the peso. The peso strengthen its currency to fend Some policymakers are already breaks for several industries. fund tracker EPFR said it noted from $67.8bn in 2010. hit a 10-month high the day cen- off rising inflation. at the barricades. But Brazil has less room for a clear preference for emerg- In its January fund managers’ tral bankers met to discuss rates, The central bank had inter- Colombia cut interest rates on manoeuvre than other leading ing market equities over bonds, survey, Bank of America Merrill and it only came off those highs vened in the market in recent Monday and said it would ramp Latin American economies this which attracted most money in Lynch said Brazil had the biggest when policymakers warned the months to keep the real weaker up dollar purchases. Peru plans year as policymakers are con- 2012. The VIX index, a gauge of share of “underweight” ratings in following morning that they could than 2 per dollar, but this week to pre-pay up to $1.5bn in foreign cerned about inflation, which investor stress, fell this month to the history of the survey. cut rates. Lower rates would rolled over currency swaps that debt this year and is interven- rose above an annualised rate of its lowest levels since 2007. Mobius likes small to mid-cap make the peso less attractive to mimic the sale of dollars in the ing aggressively to curb cur- 6 percent this month. The Institute of International companies in the region and firms foreign investors. futures market - a move with the rency gains. And tiny Costa Rica Latin American finance minis- Finance banking group predicts exposed to the consumer sector, “It’s no surprise that with the opposite effect. unveiled a steep hike in taxes on ters complained last month about capital flows to Latin America such as banks. Citigroup, which peso being weaker in the sec- The real strengthened past the foreign investments this month. the impact of stimulus policies in will jump 5.6 percent this year raised its stock ratings for Latin ond half of (last) year that they 2-per-dollar mark on Tuesday Even Mexico, which has a developed economies, and Group from 2012 to a record $32bn. America to “overweight” as it cut were a little bit more hawkish, for the first time since July, and hands-off approach to currency of 20 economic policymakers are Inflows to the region in 2012, back other emerging markets, and now we have had a very nice analysts said they believed poli- market intervention, is consider- set to address the impact of mone- including foreign direct invest- likes industrials. run in the peso year-to-date per- cymakers would allow it to firm ing an interest rate cut that some tary policy on currency valuations ment as well as stock and Mexico, for its part, is benefit- haps they would be more dovish,” further if needed. economists believe reflects as next month at a meeting in Russia. bond investment, were already ing from optimism about tax and said Michael Gomez, co-head of REUTERS THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,727.83 0.44 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,538.1 0.63 % QE Total Return Index 11,811.9 0.44 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,094.2 0.36 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,028.08 0.50 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 4919.053 8.205 0.17 4919.053 4664.6 QE All Share Industrials 2,766.71 0.34 % QR195.4135 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 1,387.7 0.48 % Cac 40 Index/D 3783.31 -2.51 -0.07 3789.92 3680.61 UK ...... QR 5.7098 QR 5.7894 QE All Share Real Estate 1,603.8 0.39 % SILVER Euro ...... QR 4.9033 QR 4.9714 QE All Share Insurance 1,909.39 0.47 % Dj Indu Average 13954.42 72.49 0.52 13970 12035.1 QR 3.6829 QE All Share Telecoms 1,138.4 0.01 % CA$ ...... QR 3.6006 QR 3.6716 QE All Share Consumer Goods & Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 4,789.64 0.48 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9464 QR 4.0031 Services Hang Seng Inde/D 23822.06 166.89 0.71 23736.02 22860.25 Yen ...... QR 0.0396 QR 0.0403 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7645 QR 3.8382 Iseq Overall/D 3550.83 -5.18 -0.15 3569.51 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0677 QR 0.0691 30-01-2013 29-01-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 17205.27 33.23 0.19 17180.04 16036.31 Index 8,727.83 8,689.69 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0370 QR 0.0377 Change 38.14 24.50 Nikkei 225 Index 11113.95 247.23 2.28 11002.86 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0888 QR 0.0906 % 0.44 0.28 $ 114.56 SL Re ...... QR 0.0285 QR 0.0291 YTD% 4.41 3.66 S&P 500 Index/D 1507.84 7.66 0.51 1509.35 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0452 QR 0.0464 Volume 4,249,104 4,158,320 Straits Times/D 3285.9 26.15 0.8 3281.46 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0423 QR 0.0432 Value (QAR) 192,100,244.03 249,792,704.52 $ 112.32 Trades 2,974 2,410 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3988 QR 0.4067 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 29 | Down 08 | Unchanged 03

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 30-01-2013

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED

A C C-A/D 1325.5 19.8 19176 Chola Invest-B/D 281.4 3.6 9872 Hind Motors-B/D 10.07 -0.14 75498 Kg Denim-T/D 14.14 0.62 13304 Rallis India-B/D 132 0.6 133021 Hsbc Holdings/D 726.1 6 6707739 Aarti Drugs-T/D 227.3 -5.9 1453 Chowgule St-B/D 16.6 0.05 3302 Hind Org Chem-/D 17.25 -0.25 40817 Kilburnengg-B/D 17.65 0.25 1938 Rallis India-B/D 132 0.6 133021 Imperial Tobac/D 2349 -117 2815766 Aban Offs-B/D 350.25 -6.15 70493 Cimmco-B/D 42.3 1.2 9247 Hind Unilever-/D 477.75 9.25 145737 Kin.Motor-B/D 10.38 0.31 5752 Reliance Indus/D 441.05 -0.45 54475 Kingfisher/D 274 1 2993726 Ador Welding-B/D 133 -1.6 3661 Cipla-A/D 407.75 10.7 143693 Hind.Petrol-A/D 332.75 -0.15 321368 Kinetic Eng-T/D 105.65 -2.95 5044 Ruchi Soya-B/D 69.7 1.2 16492 Land Secs Grou/D 807.388 1.5 475606 Aegis Logis-B/D 167.6 -1.55 2181 City Union Bk-/D 61.55 0.7 672118 Hindalco-A/D 115.05 -0.15 635476 Klg Systel-T/D 16.5 -0.5 6938 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 459.7 -0.55 4727 Legal & Genera/D 152.425 0.8 2052497 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 135.65 -1.4 1475 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1371.4 35.15 4607 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 797.6 -5.4 69468 Kopran-B/D 19.05 0.05 7973 Salora Inter-B/D 17.3 -0.3 2674 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 51.3582 -0.57 66105569 Alembic-B/D 16.7 0.2 14860 Colgate-A/D 1384.5 19.95 51371 I F C I-A/D 33 -0.9 2567277 Lakshmi Mach-B/D 2119 -22.15 1441 Savita Oil-B/D 509.4 -0.45 1590 Marks & Sp./D 385.4 2.9 1342039 Alok Indus-B/D 10.8 -0.12 565484 Dai-Bichi Kar-/D 41.7 -0.3 2052 Idbi-A/D 106.4 -0.7 222889 Lgb Broth-B/D 243.65 -6.85 1372 Thirumalai-B/D 120.2 1.2 18648 Next/D 4087.9422 6 53700 Andhra Paper-B/D 234.95 -6.15 7437 Dcm Financia-B/D 1.39 -0.01 15003 Ifb Agro-B/D 208.2 -7.15 25662 Lloyd Steel-B/D 15.86 0.7 467365 Timexgroup-T/D 22.2 0.9 37456 Pearson/D 1188 10 574501 Apollo Tyre-A/D 85.9 0.9 160924 Dhampur Sugar-/D 45.35 0.2 20526 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 95.15 1.9 3881 Lloydsfin.-T/D 1.02 -0.02 30319 Tinplate-B/D 48.2 -0.2 6883 Prudential/D 971.3124 16.5 1444241 Asahi I Glass-/D 50.35 1.7 30418 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1934.6 -5.35 4157 India Cement-B/D 88.05 1.55 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Univcable-B/D 38.6 -1.4 1451 Severn Trent/D 1647 -3 117517 Bayer Crop-A/D 1202.95 17.8 4277 Escorts-B/D 65.45 -0.9 75269 Jagson Phar-B/D 12.71 0.04 1361 Max India L-A/D 245.3 -3.4 9399 Uppergsugar-B/D 40.9 0.65 11535 Smith&Nephew/D 733.5 3.5 548345 Beml Ltd-B/D 266.25 -0.6 7660 Essar Oil-A/D 75.55 -0.05 263681 Jamnaauto-B/D 84.15 -0.25 1868 Mrpl-A/D 62.55 0.35 57276 Smiths Group/D 1235 -2 229168 Bharatgears-B/D 48.6 -0.4 4932 Eveready Indu-/D 21.35 -0.05 50193 Jbf Indu-B/D 121.7 -0.25 5256 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 23.1 1.2 3649 Standrd Chart /D 1677.5 5.5 734259 LONDON Bhartiya Int-T/D 180.9 2.05 3511 F D C-B/D 92.6 -1.05 6003 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.68 -0.02 11000 Nath Seeds-B/D 6.08 -0.26 12668 Tate & Lyle/D 827.2917 4 230753 Bhel-A/D 222.45 -1.25 360975 Federal Bank-A/D 508.8 3.8 33192 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.38 0 67242 Nation Alum -A/D 50.6 3.8 1016131 Tesco/D 359.188 -2.2 5379400 Bom.Burmah-B/D 131.1 -1.6 19904 Ferro Alloys-B/D 6.05 -0.34 63766 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 3.73 -0.02 9669 Navneet Pub.-B/D 64.2 0.2 26815 3I Group/D 270.3 3.5 1696055 Unilever/D 2560 1 636214 Bombay Dyeing-/D 121.6 -1.05 91277 Finolex-B/D 78.75 3.55 319187 Jik Indust-B/D 1.7 -0.08 522988 Nepc India-B/D 2.36 -0.04 12023 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1757 22 429095 B United Util Gr/D 745 5 1127904 Cable Corp.-B/D 20.45 -1.15 3825 Gail-A/D 338.95 -11.75 176773 Jindal Drill-B/D 241.6 2.5 1599 Neuland Lab-B/D 131.25 -4.9 6575 Sky B/D 804.5 1.5 480572 Vodafone Group/D 173.9 1 19099881 Camph.& All-B/D 181 11.1 105705 Gammon India-B/D 35.9 -0.15 32058 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 117.15 1.4 7900 Nrb Bearings-B/D 35.25 -0.55 8621 Barclays/D 298.15 -2.75 13447464 Whitbread/D 2587 21 82214 Canfin Homes-T/D 171.4 0.8 15573 Gangotri Tex-T/D 2.85 -0.01 5223 Jmc Projects-B/D 107.85 1.3 4606 O N G C-A/D 338.15 5.35 1231198 Bg Group/D 1146.413 -4.5 2546470 Caprihans-B/D 49.6 0.35 1465 Goodricke-B/D 146.35 -2.25 6199 Kabra Extr-B/D 30.9 -0.5 4985 Ocl India-B/D 150.1 0.15 6664 Bp/D 480.8 5.15 8142504 Castrol Ind-A/D 295.95 -0.3 15318 Goodyear I -B/D 317 0.75 1488 Kajaria Cer-B/D 211.25 -0.7 1671 Oil Country-B/D 48.9 -0.9 10043 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3271.5 -30 1594526 Bt Century Enka-B/D 124.65 5.75 102182 Hcl Infosys-B/D 37.4 0.2 59252 Kalpat Power-B/D 95.6 -1.45 6519 Onward Tech-T/D 43.4 0.7 13544 Group/D 247.6 1.4 8251228 Century Text-A/D 394.05 5.4 143301 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 9.54 -0.12 190098 Kalyani Stel-B/D 55.55 0.55 80515 Orchid Chem-B/D 87.3 -0.7 67275 Centrica/D 351.9 0.4 2189437 Chambal Fert-B/D 66.6 1.3 672626 Himat Seide-B/D 38.45 -0.35 8223 Kanoria Chem-B/D 39 -0.2 9082 Radico Khait-B/D 146.75 0.35 83854 Gkn/D 246.8 1.9 1098779 THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT IOC plans to cut one Lakers hold off Hornets sport, add Los Angeles register third straight victory; Warriors defeat Cleveland another LOS ANGELES: The Los points and eight rebounds to flirt Angeles Lakers continued to with a triple-double. BERLIN: One Olympic sport build on their recent momen- “I tried to do everything he will learn next month that its tum with a 111-106 win over the could do and then I realised my Games future is in jeopardy New Orleans Hornets yester- growth spurt stopped at 6ft-5in.” when the International Olympic day, as the home team staved off Eric Gordon top-scored for the Committee (IOC) meets to a late rally to register a third Hornets (15-30) with 25 points decide the shape of the summer consecutive victory. while Greivis Vasquez added 15 Games from 2020. Kobe Bryant dished out 11 points and 15 assists as the visi- The IOC’s executive board, assists and Dwight Howard tors lost for the third time in meeting in Lausanne on February scored 24 points as Los Angeles, their last four games. 12 and 13, will pick a core of 25 comfortably in control at 98-80 Top overall pick Anthony Davis summer Olympic sports that will midway through the fourth quar- added 18 points but could not stop be put to a single vote at their ses- ter, almost blew the win when the New Orleans from losing their sion in Argentina in September. Hornets put together a 16-2 run ninth game in a row against the “The IOC in February is in the closing stages. Lakers. expected to make a recommen- New Orleans pulled to within Los Angeles continued to get dation on the 25 core sports to be 102-101 in the final two minutes points from many sources with put up for a vote in Buenos Aires,” before Bryant found Earl Clark Clark tallying 20 to go with his 12 an IOC official said yesterday. for a score and Steve Nash calmly rebounds, while the bench added The organisation will recom- sank a three-pointer to open up 38 points. mend one sport to be cut from some breathing room. “Our second group played the original list of 26. After a well-publicised team really well,” Lakers coach Mike Rugby and golf, which are being meeting to address the group’s D’Antoni said. “That’s something added to the Games from the 2016 struggles last week, Los Angeles that’s going to be very important Rio de Janeiro Olympics, will not (20-25) appear to have found a going forward.” be part of the process. new lease of life. Despite enjoying the optimism The decisions of the executive Flourishing in his new role as of a three-game winning streak, board will need to be ratified by lead facilitator, Bryant has racked the new-look Lakers will be thor- the session in Buenos Aires but it up 39 assists during the winning oughly tested on a seven-game is unlikely that the board’s recom- streak while Pau Gasol is thriving road trip starting in Phoenix mendation would be overturned. as a reserve. today. Robin Lopez (left) of the New Orleans Hornets pulls in a rebound against Dwight Howard (right) of the Los Angeles The IOC is eager to revamp “People forget Magic (Johnson) Meanwhile, Klay Thompson Lakers during their NBA match at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, yesterday. the Games sports programme was my first idol,” Bryant told scored a career-high 32 points, in an effort to keep up with the reporters after finishing with 14 including a personal best six times and attract younger fans 3-pointers, to power the Golden fifth time in seven games despite but was benched to rest a sur- guys come in and do big things,” and sponsors as well as to rein in State Warriors over Cleveland the absence of Stephen Curry gically repaired ankle, as well Thompson said. “It shows the the size of the Games and keep NBA Results 108-95 in an NBA game yesterday. with an ankle injury. as Carl Landry and Harrison depth of this team.” the number of summer sports at Golden State 108 Cleveland 95 Thompson hit 13-of-24 shots Golden State was also without Barnes. At 28-17, the Warriors have not a maximum of 28. Milwaukee 117 Detroit 90 from the field, including a 6-of-8 Australian center Andrew Bogut, “We could have just laid down started so well so deep into an There are seven candidate Portland 106 Dallas 104 showing from beyond the 3-point who returned to the lineup on when we didn’t have four of our NBA season since the 1991-1992 sports for a place on the pro- LA Lakers 111 New Orleans 106 arc, as the Warriors won for the Monday after missing 38 games premier players but we had bench campaign. AGENCIES gramme with baseball and soft- ball, off the Games since Beijing in 2008, making a joint bid for re-entry. Chinese martial arts sport wushu, sport climbing, roller Rangers’ captain Callahan injured in win over Flyers sports, squash, karate and wake- boarding are also in the running NEW YORK: The New York “We were holding each other coach John Tortorella of his Meanwhile, Brad Marchand for an Olympic spot. Rangers turned the tables on up and his shoulder popped out or team’s defensive effort. “We’ve scored the winning goal as Boston NHL Results The sport recommended by the Philadelphia Flyers with a something,” Talbot told reporters. been on the other end of it, not Bruins rallied to a 2-1 win over Boston 2 New Jersey 1 February’s meeting to be dropped 2-1 victory at home yesterday “It was unfortunate. I let him go. scoring (on power-plays). It’s an New Jersey Devils. will automatically become a can- but it came at the price of goal- I kind of felt it, but then I saw his important part of the game.” Bruins’ Nathan Horton scored Toronto 4 Buffalo 3 didate sport, with the IOC then scoring captain Ryan Callahan face as well.” New York had built an early late in the third quarter to force NY Rangers 2 Philadelphia 1 recommending one of the eight who suffered a shoulder injury. After trailing 2-0 by the sec- cushion courtesy of Michael Del overtime. bidding sports for inclusion at The Rangers, beaten by the ond period, the Flyers pegged Zotto who scored in the first Bruins’ Tyler Seguin and New Montreal 4 Winnipeg 3 their board meeting in late May same score by the Flyers on back a goal in the third through period, then assisted on Callahan’s Jersey’s Ilya Kovalchuk both Ottawa 3 Washington 2 in St Petersburg. Thursday, lost Callahan early in Kimmo Timonen, who converted goal in the second to give the scored for their teams during the Olympic acceptance gives the third period when he was a power-play. Rangers a 2-0 lead. shootout. NY Islanders 4 Pittsburgh 1 a sport instant publicity and injured during a tussle with But the visitors could not find The victory was New York’s After failed attempts from both Tampa Bay 5 Florida 2 increased funding while Games Philadelphia’s Maxime Talbot. an equaliser as New York killed (3-3-0) third in four games fol- sides, Marchand put his team exclusion, especially for less-pop- Callahan skated straight off off a pair of power-plays and goal- lowing a slow start to the sea- in the driving seat and Bruins Detroit 4 Dallas 1 ular sports, translates into money the ice and did not return. The tender Henrik Lundqvist made son. Atlantic division rivals later won when Marek Zidlicky’s Minnesota 3 Columbus 2 problems and severely limited glo- injury would be evaluated further 26 saves. Philadelphia (2-5-0) have now Tuukka Rask saved Marek bal exposure across the stage. on Wednesday, the team said. “It was really big,” said Rangers dropped two straight. Zidlicky’s shot. AGENCIES San Jose 3 Anaheim 2 REUTERS

Nadal keeping expectations Tunisia win community low ahead of beach soccer tournament comeback DOHA: A dramatic conclu- with three goals apiece after full FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup sion to the Qatar Nations time and with neither side pro- 2013 – Asian Qualifiers Qatar, MAJORCA, Spain: Spaniard Beach Soccer Cup saw Tunisia ducing a goal in extra time– the Nasser Al Khater, said more Rafa Nadal is keeping his crowned champions as they two teams went to sudden death programmes will be organised expectations low ahead of defeated Egypt on penal- penalties to decide the match. by the Qatar 2022 Supreme his long-awaited return to ties in the final match of the Tunisia converted their first Committee. competitive action in early tournament. spot kick and their goalkeeper He said: “This is but the first February after seven months The Qatar 2022 Supreme produced an outstanding save to part of Q22’s new local engage- out of tennis with a knee Committee, in association with deny Egypt the title after the ment initiative for the general injury. QSports Leagues and Stenden Egyptians blew a one-goal lead public in Qatar and resident The 26-year-old French Open University, launched the Qatar in the closing moments to level fans from other countries to champion has not played since Nations Beach Soccer Cup the match. enjoy fun events and join in losing to Czech Lukas Rosol in this month, as part of the France claimed 3rd place in their national teams’ football- the second round at Wimbledon Committee’s community out- the tournament defeating Qatar ing aspirations.” in June due to a partial tear of reach programme for last week’s 9-4. “Our community initiatives the patella tendon and inflam- FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Qatar 2022 Supreme will continue throughout 2013 mation in his left knee. 2013 - Asian Qualifiers Qatar Committee Communications and we will announce more tour- His planned return at the held at Katara. and Marketing Director and naments and programmes in the end of last year was delayed An epic final saw the Egyptian Vice Chairman of the Local coming months,” he added. due to illness and he is sched- and Tunisian teams finish tied Organising Committee for the THE PENINSULA uled to play on his favoured clay at three events next month, starting in Vina del Mar, Chile, on February 4 and taking in the Brazil Open in Sao Paulo from February 11 and the Mexico Open in Acapulco from February 25. “Well I am going to play (after) a long time in a tennis Tunisian Beach tournament, professional ten- Soccer team, nis tournament, after seven winners of the months,” Nadal told reporters community yesterday. beach soccer “The motivation, the illu- tournament, cel- sion is big, so very happy to be ebrate their win back in the competition but at Katara Beach. just you know, with patience to know how the knee will answer after a long time without the top level.The most important thing for me is the knee...that I can support the pain of the knee and then if I am able to play these three tournaments.” REUTERS THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29 Broad’s England not Al Sadd battle past Al taking Kiwis lightly AUCKLAND: England will we’ll concentrate on... we’ll have not allow New Zealand’s recent to be at the top of our game.” woes to lull them into a false England arrived Tuesday sense of security, the tour- night in New Zealand after Rayyan; Al Arabi win ists’ Twenty 20 captain Stuart winning their recent four-Test Broad insisted yesterday. series in India 2-1 but losing the England head into the tour as subsequent one-day series 3-2. Al Rayyan face Eljaish in semis; Al Sadd, Al Arabi to clash firm favourites over the Black The tour begins with three Caps, who lost two recent Test T20s, followed by three one- matches in South Africa by an dayers then three Tests. BY DANOTZKI SANTOS innings and have been destabi- Broad was reluctant to com- lised by Ross Taylor’s axeing as ment on New Zealand’s Test DOHA: Al Sadd overpowered captain. prospects, a format in which the Al Rayyan, 71-61 in the Qatar But Broad pointed to New hosts are ranked eighth in the Basketball League at Al Gharafa Zealand’s face-saving one-day world and England second, say- Indoor Arena, yesterday. series win over the Proteas ing his side would approach each The result means that the after their Test losses as proof section of the tour separately. reigning Emir Cup champions had the Black Caps will still pose a “If we focus on New Zealand to settle for second place in the threat on the tour, particularly cricket and what is going to QBL standings, after Al Rayyan’s as they will be playing on home happen ahead we’ll lose sight of better record this season. soil. what we need to do,” he said. Al Rayyan will face Eljaish “We know New Zealand have The Blacks Caps appear set while Al Sadd will square off with just beaten South Africa in to be without veteran spinner Al Arabi on February 5 when the the one-day format and having Daniel Vettori in the Test series best-of-five-semi-finals stage of played a lot of Twenty20 cricket as he continues to struggle with the league begin. against them, we know they’re an Achilles injury. Al Sadd took the first period, very dangerous,” Broad said. “The Test matches against 18-12 as Michael Benjamin “We’ll have to prepare for that England may be a stretch for Southall and Thomas Ibrahim and get used to the conditions as me,” he told Fairfax Media, say- lorded the shaded area and domi- much as we can. We know New ing he hoped to be back for New nated the boards. Zealand have some fantastic Zealand’s tour of England in The blackshirts continued to Twenty20 players and that’s who May. AFP dominate their counterparts in the second period. Mousa Daoud and Chris Dela Rosa led the line as Al Sadd Khawaja replaces Pakistan suffer went up to their biggest lead at 31-17, with 3:40 to the mid-game injured Warner Umar blow ceasefire. Al Rayyan, who defeated for Windies ODIs ahead of SA Test Eljaish 75-65 six days ago in their last QBL match, broke the pass- ing lanes and came up with a 7-2 SYDNEY: Australia opener KARACHI, Pakistan: flurry behind Targuy Ngombo to David Warner will miss the Pakistan yesterday suffered a cut the deficit at 33-24, with 2:04 first two one-day internation- crucial blow when experienced in the period. als against West Indies with a opener Taufeeq Umar was ruled The two teams would exchange fractured thumb and has been out of the tour of South Africa baskets there on, settling down at replaced in the squad by Usman just two days before the first 38-28 in favour of Al Sadd after Khawaja, Cricket Australia said Test starts in Johannesburg. 20 minutes of play. yesterday. The 31-year-old suffered a Al Rayyan came out blazing at Warner was struck by a muscle injury in his shin and the the onset of the third canto and Mitchell Johnson delivery while team management decided to call with Targuy Ngombo finding his batting in the nets at Perth, suf- for a replacement. range during the match. fering a minor left thumb frac- “The team management has Harold Boney Watson was ture and ruling him out of the informed us that after MRI also able to extricate through Al matches tomorrow and Sunday reports on his injury doctors Sadd’s defence wth the reigning at the WACA. have advised him four to five QBL champions beginning to get “While the fracture is very weeks rest, so Umar will return back in to match. Al Sadd player Thomas Ibrahima attempts to score a basket during his side’s Qatar Basketball League (QBL) minor, it is not worth taking any and a replacement will be sent,” Al Rayyan climbed back and match against Al Rayyan at Al Gharafa Indoor Arena, yesterday. RIGHT: Al Sadd’s Micheal Southall (right) scores risks,” physiotherapist Kevin Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) inching their way to within a bas- despite the challenges from Al Rayyan’s Mohammed Saleem Ambadi and Saleem Malik Ambadi. Al Sadd won Sims said. spokesman Nadeem Sarwar said. ket at 51-49 before the start of the 71-61. PICTURES BY: KAMMUTTY VP “The injury will keep him out Umar has played 43 Tests since final period. of at least the next two matches making his debut in 2001 and has In the fourth quarter of the the expense of Al Ahli, to notch and which set up a semi-final Jalloh set up the stage for Arabi’s against West Indies. We’ll assess so far scored 2,943 runs. match, Southall led Al Sadd’s 6-0 their 11th win of the season, in the clash against Al Sadd which took early control of the match as the how he is progressing after that He missed Pakistan’s four- onslaught at the pushing Al Sadd earlier match that was played at second best in the QBL team duo combined for 21 of their to determine his availability for day side-match in East London a bit farther at 57-49. Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. standings. team’s 41-point output as against the remainder of the series,” the and was expected to be fit before Meanwhile, Al Arabi sailed Yesterday’s result puts them in Al Arabi stalwart Mansour Ahli’s 25 in the first half. team’s physiotherapist added yes- the first of three Tests in South smoothly towards a 68-53 win at third place in the team standings Elhadary and ace guard Abdulai THE PENINSULA terday. REUTERS Africa. AFP

Liverpool Aspire Qatar reach quarter-finals after 4-2 win sign Brazil’s Coutinho

LONDON: Liverpool have com- pleted a deal to sign Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan on a long-term Two players between contract, the Premier League Saudi Arabia’s Al club said yesterday. The 20-year-old becomes Nassr and Brazil’s Liverpool’s second signing of the Fluminense in action January window after Daniel during the Al Kass Sturridge joined from Chelsea U-18 International Cup earlier this month. group match at Aspire The transfer fee was undis- Academy yesterday. closed, but was reported by Fluminense won 2-1. British media to be around £8.5m BOTTOM: Aspire ($13.39m). Qatar and Tunisia’s “I’m feeling very happy, it’s a Esperance Sportive very important step in my career players in action. and I’m expecting to come here Aspire Qatar won and play good football to give my 4-2. The victories contribution on the pitch,” the for Aspire Qatar and player said on the club website Fluminense mean (www.liverpoolfc.com). both clubs qualify for “Liverpool is a great club the quarter-finals. with great players. We’ve always heard about Liverpool’s history In other matches, in Brazil. They are the club that Aspire Academy have been interested in me and drew 2-2 with Egypt’s that have showed this interest so Zamalek, and Italy’s I know they believe in me and my Inter Milan and football.” Argentina’s Boca Coutinho has won one cap for Junior shared the Brazil and moved to Inter from points in their 1-1 Vasco da Gama in 2010. draw. After showing early promise, The quarter-finals will he failed to nail down a starting be played tomorrow. spot at the Serie A club and was frequently criticised for being too lightweight for the demands of the Italian top flight. He was loaned out to Spanish side Espanyol last season and enjoyed a purple patch in which he scored five goals in 16 appear- ances for the La Liga club during that period. REUTERS THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

The Stages Stage 3, Thursday 31st January: Al Thakhira – Madinat Al Shamal (112.5km) Stage 4, Friday 1st February: A pack of riders in Sealine Beach Resort – Doha action during the Corniche (86.5km) second stage of the Ladies Tour of 15 teams of 6 riders Qatar yesterday. 3 jerseys The second stage started from the Gold - General individual classification Camel Race Track and ended at Al Silver - General points Khor Corniche. classification The four-day Pearl White - Best young rider race concludes classification tomorrow. Team classification €21.600 of prize money includ- ing €2.350 for the overall winner 2 bonus sprints per stage and a bonus at every stage finish In-form Wild wins stage 2 Overnight leader Chloe Hosking retains golden jersey with strong finish

BY RIZWAN REHMAT reporters. Hosking said it was dif- ficult to manoeuvre her way close DOHA: Two-time champion to the finish line when a group of RIGHT: Dutch rider Kirsten Wild of the Netherlands 10 riders surged ahead for the top Kisrten Wild is yesterday won stage two of the honours. seen with Sheikh Ladies Tour of Qatar in a bunch “I was outnumbered at the fin- Khalid bin Ali Al sprint but overnight leader ish,” Hoskings said. Thani, President of Chloe Hosking of Australia “The Specialised girls were the Qatar Cycling retained the golden jersey by attacking so I was happy not Federation (QCF), finishing in top four. to lose too much time,” the after the second Top-10 riders from Wild, winner in 2009 and 2010, Australian explained. stage of the Ladies stole the thunder from Hosking “I know I lost to Kirsten (yes- stage two at the finish line, sprinting with terda) so tomorrow (Thursday) Tour of Qatar at control to take stage two with a and the next day would be quite Al Khor yesterday. 1 Kirsten Wild (Ned) Team Argos-Shimano BELOW, LEFT: Wild 2:38:54 time of 2hrs 38mins 54secs. difficult. I will try for another It was the 30-year-old’s fourth stage win and hopefully things speaks to reporters 2 Trixi Worrack (Ger) Specialized- stage win in Qatar where the rid- would be okay,” the 22-year-old after winning the lululemon ers were tested by strong north- said. second stage. 3 Elen Van Dijk (Ned) Specialized- westerly winds yesterday. Starting from the Camel Race BELOW, RIGHT: lululemon Hosking finished in fourth spot Track, a group of 88 riders took Australian rider to retain the golden jersey, end- off for Al Khor in windy condi- Chloe Hosking 4 Chloe Hosking (Aus) Hitec Products UCK ing stage two behind Wild, Trixi tions. But it was Wild who sealed wears the golden 5 Emma Johansson (Swe) Orica-AIS Worrack of Germany and Elen the deal in a sprint dash to the jersey after receiving van Dijk of the Netherlands. finish line once the pack reached 6 Gracie Elvin (Aus) Orica-AIS it from Magid Al Worrack was the runners-up Al Khor Corniche. Naimi, Secretary 7 Malgorzata Jasinska (Pol) MCipollini last year whereas Van Dijk won Despite the stage win, Wild General, QCF, in Giordana the Qatar title in 2011. remained composed about the Al Khor yesterday. Wild was ecstatic with her next two days. 8 Tiffany Cromwell (Aus) Orica-AIS PICTURES: SALIM stage win at Al Khor Corniche “It is just a stage win. We have MATRAMKOT 9 Loes Gunnewijk (Ned) Orica-AIS after the riders completed a dis- a strong team and if we do well in 0:00:06 tance of 96kms. the next two days, we have a good “Yes, it was really a fantastic chance (to win),” Wild said. 10 Amanda Spratt (Aus) Orica-AIS 0:00:14 race. I did well for my team. It “We spoke to coach as we 11 Audrey Cordon (Fra) France 0:01:12 was really hard work. In the end wanted to some confidence. He we made it count in the sprint gave us the confidence,” Wild said General classification and I won,” Wild, who finished when asked about her interaction sixth fastest on Tuesday, said. with her coach during the stage. 1 Chloe Hosking (Aus) Hitec Products UCK The Dutchwoman admit- The Dutchwoman quickly 5:02:33 ted strong winds proved to be a denied elaborate plans for today 2 Gracie Elvin (Aus) Orica-AIS 0:00:06 mighty challenge for most of the and tomorrow. 3 Kirsten Wild (Ned) Team Argos-Shimano riders. “We haven’t thought about 0:00:09 “Last hour was really hard,” tomorrow (Thursday) yet. We she said. “In the beginning it was will see. 4 Trixi Worrack (Ger) Specialized- a pack of three girls who took off. “We were only planing for lululemon 0:00:16 Once we went ahead, we closed today and tonight we will plan 5 Elen Van Dijk (Ned) Specialized- the gap, as you saw, and charged for tomorrow,” she said. lululemon 0:00:18 ahead. It was really hard out “The field here is very strong. there,” she added. The top riders and girls are here. 6 Emma Johansson (Swe) Orica-AIS Hosking maintained her six- So it is really hard racing. We 0:00:19 second lead over compatriot and have a strong peloton. There’s 7 Tiffany Cromwell (Aus) Orica-AIS team-mate Gracie Elvin (Orica- always a chance but you have to 0:00:21 AIS) but Wild’s stage victory yes- work hard (for wins). The girls terday moved the Dutchwoman are strong and we are working 8 Lisa Brennauer (Ger) Specialized- up to third overall. Despite finish- hard,” she said. lululemon 0:01:38 ing in fourth spot, Hosking was Today’s stage three will start at 9 Rochelle Gilmore (Aus) Wiggle Honda delighted with her outing. Al Thakhira and ends at Madinat 0:01:50 “I did hold on to the gold jer- Al Shamal after the riders com- sey and also the young rider’s plete a distance of 112.5km, the 10 Marta Tagliaferro (Ita) MCipollini jersey. So it was a good day,” longest route of the four-day race. Giordana 0:01:51 the Australian told a clutch of THE PENINSULA Barshim, Trost win

Action from one of the seven high jump event races held at the Qatar Racing and TRINEC, CZECH Equestrian Club in REPUBLIC: Qatar’s top ath- Doha yesterday. lete Mutaz Barshim (pictured) Peter Anders was and Italy’s Alessia Trost won an guided home by international high jump event jockey Stephan in the eastern Czech town of Ladjadj to win in Trinec on Tuesday. Wathnan Cup, the Barshim managed a best of feature race of 2.34 metres while 19-year-old the day. The same Trost leaped a season-leading 2.00m, becoming the third Italian venue will be the woman (after Sara Simeoni and centre of attention Antonietta Di Martina) of all time for horse racing to go over the mythical mark. fans from February Results - Men 5 to 7 when the 1. Mutaz Barshim (QAT) Heir Apparent 2.34m Sword Festival will 2. Aleksey Dmitrik (RUS) be held. 2.31 PICTURE: JUHAIM 3. Jaroslav Baba (CZE) 2.28 Women 1. Alessia Trost (ITA) 2.00m 2. Venelina Veneva (BUL) 1.91 3. Olena Kholosha (UKR) 1.91 REUTERS THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 31 Barca eyes QPR frustrate Man City match in Newcastle win over fellow strugglers Villa; Wigan rally to hold Stoke Bangladesh DHAKA: Spanish football giant LONDON: The post-Mario hitting back with an early pen- Barcelona is pushing for a game Balotelli era at Manchester City English Premier alty from Christian Benteke, but in Bangladesh next August, began in lacklustre fashion as Newcastle held on despite late nearly two years after its top they were held to a 0-0 draw League Results pressure from the home side. star Lionel Messi dazzled a huge at Queens Park Rangers on “We played the football crowd in the country’s capital, Tuesday night that prevented LONDON: English Premier League results on Newcastle fans want to see in that officials said yesterday. Tuesday night: them from making up ground first half. They haven’t seen that “Barcelona has approached on Manchester United. Aston Villa 1 (Benteke 49-pen) Newcastle much this year,” said Newcastle us with a proposal that they are Victory for City would have cut United 2 (Cisse 19, Cabaye 31) coach Alan Pardew. willing to play in Bangladesh,” United’s lead to just two points Eliminated from both the Bangladesh Football Federation but instead Alex Ferguson’s Queens Park Rangers 0 Manchester City 0 League Cup and the FA Cup by (BFF) president Kazi Salahuddin side will tackle Southampton on lower-league opposition last week, said. Stoke City 2 (Shawcross 23, Crouch 48) Wednesday with an opportunity Villa have now slipped into the The Spanish league leader has Wigan Athletic 2 (McArthur 50, Di Santo 61) to re-open a seven-point lead at Premier League relegation zone to sought three million euro ($4m) the Premier League summit. Sunderland 0 Swansea City boot, while Newcastle climb one as appearance fees, almost the AC Milan claim Balotelli has place to 15th. same amount Bangladesh spent agreed to join them and the trou- Lambert tried to focus on the to host a friendly tie between the blesome Italian striker is expected shape of Edin Dzeko, but still the positives in his side’s performance. Messi-led Argentina national side to complete a switch to San Siro, goal eluded them, with Aguero “I’ve never seen a standing ova- and Nigeria in September 2011. but City could have done with shooting over from 12 yards before tion after getting beat before but “If everything goes well, they some extra firepower at Loftus Julio Cesar produced another fine that shows the effort we put in in may visit Bangladesh any time Road. reflex save to repel Silva. the second half,” he said. around August when the club will An injury to Vincent Kompany City manager Roberto Mancini “We never played well in the be touring Asia,” Salahuddin said. obliged the champions to start confirmed Balotelli was set to first half all but I couldn’t fault BFF general secretary Abu with Spanish midfielder Javi leave, telling Sky Sports: “We love them after the break.” Nayeem Shohag said the authori- Garcia at centre-back, but they Mario like a guy, we love Mario Wigan Athletic capitalised on ties were eyeing different options began with both Carlos Tevez and like a player, but I think he had Villa’s slip-up by storming back to raise the fees and also looking Sergio Aguero in attack as they this big chance to go back to Italy from 2-0 down at Stoke City to for a strong opponent to face the sought to exploit bottom club and play for a big club like Milan.” earn a 2-2 draw that lifted them Catalan side in Dhaka. QPR’s defensive frailties. QPR remain bottom of the out of the bottom three. Football is a popular sport Joleon Lescott blazed an early table, but they are now just four Goals from Ryan Shawcross in cricket-focused Bangladesh, chance over the crossbar from points from safety. and Peter Crouch looked to with many waiting up until after close range, while Pablo Zabaleta Newcastle United claimed their have put the hosts in command, midnight to watch English and headed against the bar from a first away win of the season with but James McArthur’s fine goal Spanish league games. AFP David Silva cross and Aguero had a 2-1 victory at Aston Villa that immediately halved the deficit a goal ruled out for offside. further deepened the gloom hang- and Franco Di Santo equalised in Adel Taarabt provided a ing over Paul Lambert’s side. the 61st minute with an emphatic Drogba still reminder of QPR’s threat with a French debutant Moussa volley. low shot that Joe Hart had to keep Sissoko teed up Papiss Cisse for League Cup finalists Swansea out but the hosts were indebted Newcastle’s 19th-minute opener City were held to a goalless draw a Shanghai to Julio Cesar for a superb save to and another Frenchman, Yohan at Sunderland but the point deny Gareth Barry and keep the Cabaye, made it 2-0 just after the was still sufficient for Michael scores level at half-time. half hour with a glorious, dipping Laudrup’s men to clamber above Queens Park Rangers’ goalkeeper Julio Cesar taps his boots on the post player: Club City added a third striker to half-volley. West Bromwich Albion into during the English Premier League football match against Manchester City the mix in the second half in the Villa stirred in the second half, eighth place. AFP at Loftus Road in London, England on Tuesday night. SHANGHAI: Star striker Didier Drogba’s Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua expressed outrage over his move to Turkish side Galatasaray yes- Africa Cup of Nations: Burkina terday, saying it breached his current contract and he was still their player. Galatasaray and Drogba him- self announced earlier this week Faso the improbable qualifiers that the Ivory Coast star had signed for the Turkish league NELSPRUIT, South Africa: draw, and that it to the semi- Belgium after receiving a three- leaders, apparently ending a For a team that arrived in South despite Alain finals once but year suspended prison sentence two-and-a-half year deal with the Africa with modest ambitions Traore, the that was when we for match-fixing. He was found Chinese Super League side. of ending a sorry winless run competition’s were the hosts. guilty of taking money from a “Currently, Drogba is still a stretching back to 17 Africa Cup leading goal- “Our first Chinese betting syndicate dur- player of the Shanghai Shenhua of Nations matches, Burkina scorer, being target at this ing his time as coach of Lierse to Football Club, and the contract Faso haven’t done too badly. stretchered Nations Cup was influence players to fix results. between both parties is still within Coach Paul Put (pictured) off injured in to do better than Put, who coached Gambia the term of validity,” Shenhua must have added something to the the opening previous tourna- before replacing former Burkina said in a statement on its website. Stallions’ water supply for they minutes. ments by win- boss Paulo Duarte last year, added: “The club is deeply shocked by have not only achieved that but That left ning a match. We “We knew Zambia had nothing to the Galatasaray Football Club’s The 2014 World Cup poster is seen also stampeded through the first them topping did that against lose, we expected them to attack. violation of rules by contacting a in Rio de Janeiro, yesterday. round, clinching an improbable Group C on goal Ethiopia, then So over the last two days in train- player still under contract.” top spot in Group C. difference from we set our next ing we’ve been concentrating on Shenhua planned to appeal to The Burkinabe qualified for the Nigeria, and target, qualifica- defensive tactics. football’s international governing quarter-finals the hard way. crucially avoid- tion, and we’ve “It wasn’t pretty, but you have body FIFA over the matter, the Brazil unveils Drawn in one of the toughest ing 2013 favour- achieved that. to be realistic, the most important statement said. first round groups, they opened ites Ivory Coast “We had the thing was to qualify.” “The Shanghai Shenhua with a 1-1 draw against two-time in the quarter-finals. belief that we could do bet- Put and Burkina faso fans Football Club is collating all the official poster former champions Nigeria. Instead they will play the Group ter. “I told the players they had everywhere must have thought evidence and materials and pre- Then followed the 4-0 demo- D runners-up Togo or Tunisia. the chance to write history for their dream had turned into a paring to submit them to FIFA for 2014 lition of Ethiopia, a remarkable Their presence in the last eight Burkina Faso, and they went out nightmare when on eight min- so as to protect the club’s inter- result given they played much of is an enormous achievement for and wrote it.” utes Traore, whose deadly left ests and prevent greater losses,” the match with 10 men. a team that has suffered first Despite the heavily-criticised foot has struck three times, was it said. World Cup That put them on the brink of round knockouts in all but seven playing surface at Nelspruit, Put stretchered off. A spokesman for the club the quarter-finals, but there was of their eight appearances in the said he was happy to be staying Put acknowledged: “We had a declined to comment. SAO PAULO: Brazil presented still the not insignificant task of competition. here for their quarter-final, in plan, and when Alain came off I In a posting on his website, the official poster for the 2014 facing Herve Renard’s reigning The Stallions’ only previ- contrast to Nigeria who will face had to tear it up.” Drogba, who arrived in China World Cup at a ceremony in Rio champions Zambia on Nelspruit’s ous appearance in the knockout Ivory Coast in Rustenburg. The Lorient midfielder sus- last July, gave no clue as to the de Janeiro yesterday, unveiling tricky threadbare pitch on stages was back in 1998, when “That’s an advantage, this is tained a left thigh injury, but Put circumstances surrounding his bright colors and fluid patterns Tuesday night. they finished fourth on home soil. our home ground now,” said the expressed cautious optimiism exit from Shenhua, where he that evoke the tropical nation’s Tactically astute, Put’s men Put reflected: “This is our big- 56-year-old, who is banned from that he would be fit in time for was reportedly earning $300,000 rich flora and fauna. succeeded in eking out a goalless gest ever achievement. We made coaching in his home country Sunday’s last eight fixture. AFP a week. AFP Designed by the Crama agency, it shows a map of Brazil between two players challenging for a ball. Qatar seek to “The official poster is an important step to showcase extend winning Brazil and the FIFA World Cup in the host country and abroad,” streak against said retired soccer star Ronaldo, one of the three members on the World Cup’s local organising Lebanon committee. “It is important to convey DOHA: Qatar will be eye- the message of a country that is ing a hat-trick of wins against modern, innovative, sustainable, Lebanon when the two sides happy, united and, of course, pas- clash in a friendly today at the sionate about football,” he said. Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. The winning poster was chosen Last year, Qatar beat Lebanon over two others by a panel that by identical 1-0 margins in two included: Ronaldo, former player 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying Bebeto, artist Romero Britto and games. In both matches, striker Brazilian Culture Minister Marta Sebastian Soria scored the goals Suplicy. to help Qatar pick up valuable Brazil’s 12 host cities released points. their individual posters in However, those two games were November. The country has cho- played with coach Paulo Autuori sen an armadillo named Fuleco as who has been replaced by Fahad the official mascot. Thani earlier this month. The presentation was to have Qatar failed to go past the taken place on Monday, 500 days group phase of the Gulf Cup in before the tournament kicks off. Bahrain, prompting a change However, the ceremony was in coach. Today’s match will be The members of the Qatar football team during a training session at Aspire Academy yesterday. Qatar will play Lebanon in a friendly match today. Qatar delayed because of a nightclub Thani’s first assignment as the is preparing for the 2015 Asian Cup qualifier against Malaysia which will be held on February 6. Qatar will also play Bahrain in a friendly on March 22, fire in Santa Maria that killed coach of the Qatar national team. four days prior to their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Korea. RIGHT: A Lebanon player during a practice session in Doha, yesterday. 235 people. AFP THE PENINSULA Thursday 31 January 2013 19 Rabial I Safar 1434 Volume 17 Number 5596 Sport Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 FIFA tests Garcia the man goal-line technology to beat in Dubai in Germany BERLIN: Football’s governing body FIFA has had two different Westwood top-ranked player at the Classic systems tested at a Germany Stadium as they look to intro- duce goal-line technology into DUBAI: Sergio Garcia will coming into this tournament. it’s going to make the year go so top-flight football. be looking to cash in on a rich “Obviously, two years ago, I was easy and so much better.” Both ‘Goal-Ref’, a system which vein of form and break into the en route to doing that, and got a England’s Lee Westwood is can verify whether a goal has been top-10 of the world rankings terrible break on 17 on Saturday the highest ranked player in the scored by using a chip in the ball, this week at the Dubai Desert (after opening with two rounds tournament at No.8, and having and ‘Hawk-Eye’, the camera sys- Classic. of 67), and that kind of back- relocated to Florida during the tem already used in tennis, were The world No.14 Spaniard is tracked me a little bit. No, I think winter break, he is hoping to reap tested at the Duesseldorf Arena one of the top attractions in the it should be fine. Hopefully, we’ll rich rewards of the hard work he from today. $2.5m (1.8m euros) tournament, change that this week.” has put in the last few weeks. A number of factors were which forms the last leg of the Garcia, who had a corrective “I played a lot more this win- included to create realistic fac- three-event Desert Swing of the eye surgery done after the Ryder ter than I would normally play,” tors which could affect the sys- European Tour. Cup last year, said he was excited said the former world No.1, who tem, with testers using smoke Garcia narrowly missed out about the season after the start has played every year in the tour- machines and strobe lighting on winning the Qatar Masters in he has had. nament since joining the Tour to replicate different weather Doha last week when England’s “I feel pretty good about my barring 2002 and has finished conditions. Chris Wood jumped ahead of game. Do I feel like it’s the best runner-up three times. “The goal-line technology will him and South Africa’s George I’ve played in my career? Probably “There’s no rust. The main be tested for performance and Coetzee with an eagle on the last not. But I feel fairly good for the reason for moving to Florida reliability. There will be static hole to win by one shot. most part,” said the 33-year-old. was to get more games of golf and dynamic tests to stimulate That was his first start of 2013 “It would be great if I break because I wouldn’t play normally day and night situations,” said after finishing the previous year into the top-10, but it’s not some- when I’m at home because of the FIFA in a statement. on a strong note with a win at thing that bothers me at all. It has weather. A decision on which system will the Iskandar Johor Open and not bothered me for a while. I’ve “Last week I had my shorts on be used is expected to be made a fourth place at the Thai Golf always said it; if I play well, those and was out playing with Luke at the International Football Championship. things will come. Donald. Living in England I’ve Association Board’s (IFAB) next In his five previous attempts at “I’m excited because I know always finished the year, gone meeting in Edinburgh from the Majlis course, Garcia’s best how I’m feeling. I know how my home, packed the clubs away and March 1-3. finish is a tied 11th, a fact that attitude is on the course. I know came back out trying to catch Goal-line technology was is surprising given his great ball- how my will is to try to do things everyone else. My short game already in use at December’s striking ability and how the golf to get better. So that’s very excit- is sharper from being out there, Club World Cup in Tokyo and is course, with its numerous dog- ing for me. especially my putting.” expected to be used at both the leg holes, forces players to hit all “And we had a good start of Spain’s Rafael Cabrera-Bello is 2013 Confederations Cup and the kinds of shots. the season, which is always nice. the defending champion, while the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Asked if he was surprised that So I just want to make sure that tournament also features Wood The new technology could be he had not done well on the golf everything stays the same. I’m and Jamie Donaldson, winners of used in the Bundesliga as early as course so far, Garcia replied: going to have bad weeks, but if I the previous two week’s tourna- Sergio Garcia of Spain in action at the Qatar Masters golf tournament at the start of the 2013/14 season in “Maybe a little bit. I guess that can manage to stay with the right ments in Doha and Abu Dhabi. the Doha Golf Club (DGC) on Friday. Garcia, finished second in the $2.5m August officials said here yester- maybe I haven’t been on top form attitude, even on the bad weeks, AFP event in Qatar which was held from Febraury 22 to 26 at DGC. day . AFP Warne calls for new QTF to host top event for Qatari juniors

DOHA: The country’s top 55 Australian coach boys and girls will compete at the Total Qatar National SYDNEY: Test great Shane criticism from other greats of the Junior 2013 Youth tournament Warne yesterday called on game. “I think CA really need to which gets under way tomor- Australia coach Mickey Arthur look at the people who are making row, Qatar Tennis Federation to be replaced by former New decisions on all facets of cricket in (QTF), said yesterday. Zealand skipper Stephen Australia, we r seriously becoming Yesterday’s press conference Fleming days after brand- a joke!” Warne said. at Dana Club also saw gas and ing the nation’s cricket chiefs “We have the best batsmen oil company, Total sign a part- “muppets”. / captain in the world in @ nership with the QTF to become The outspoken leg-spinner, MClarke23 (Test captain Michael the main sponsor of the five-day who said he was “frustrated on Clarke) - He needs current event. many levels at present”, praised cricket people to help him out not The tournament, which Fleming as “the best opposition muppets,” he added. will take place at Khalifa captain we played against” on his Cricket Australia CEO James International Tennis and Squash website www.shanewarne.com. Sutherland has told Warne he is Complex, will involve six cat- “I believe he brings a lot to the happy to discuss Warne’s ideas egories for the boys. These are: table, a calmness, an intelligent but has expressed disappoint- Under-8s, Under-9s, Under understanding of the game and ment with the manner in which -10s, Under-12s, Under-14s and a very good cricket brain. He’s a he expressed his concerns, CA Under-18s. good communicator too as well as said on its website. Meanwhile, four categories will a good leader of men.” Australia, third in the Test be contested in the girls’ event – Warne, 43, who also wants and one-day rankings, lost the Under-8s, Under-10s, Under-12s fomer Test wicketkeeper Rod recent Twenty20 series against and Under-14s. The tournament, Stephane Michel (second left), Managing Director of Total E&P Qatar and Tariq Darwish Zainal (third left), Assistant Marsh as chairman of selectors, Sri Lanka after drawing the one- that ends on February 5, will fea- Secretary General of Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) shake hands after exchanging agreement documents during said the current Australian set- day series and beating the visitors ture singles and doubles matches. a press conference at Al Dana Club yesterday. Yousef Al Nesf (left), Public Relations Manager at Total E&P Qatar up was not working as the play- in the Test series. Tariq Darwish Zainal, and Sultan Khalfan, Local Tournaments Director at QTF are also seen. PICTURE BY: SHAIVAL DALAL ers gear up for two Ashes series Warne was last week fined Assistant Secretary General of against England over the next Aus$5,000 ($5,250) for a code of QTF said: “The group of 55 play- we will have Under-18 events by their support of this youth to reinforce its partnership with year. behaviour breach in the domestic ers are the best players of Qatar. which will help girls play on the tournament.” the Qatar Tennis Federation In a post entitled “Where Big Bash League. These are the players that rep- world tour.” He added: “The future of Qatar by becoming the main sponsor is Australian cricket at? Part And he apologised earlier this resent Qatar during the Gulf and Due to the International tennis is on display during this of the Qatar National Junior 1” on his website, Warne said: month after a foul-mouthed rant Arab competitions.” Tennis Federation (ITF) rules, event and the Qatar Tennis Tournament 2013. We are con- “The next 12 months is the big- against West Indian all-rounder With no Under-18 category the winners of the respective cat- Federation takes pride in grow- fident that Total’s sponsorship gest 12 months of cricket for the Marlon Samuels that earned him for the girls in this year’s event, egories will not receive any prize ing the game and creating the will help expand the interest and Australian cricket team in a long, a ban and a Aus$4,500 fine. Zainal said that he hopes it will money, but will instead receive stars of tomorrow.” popularity of tennis amongst the long time. Warne claimed 708 Test wick- be added in the future tourna- gifts up to the value of $750, Stephane Michel, Managing youth in Qatar.” “If we do nothing now, we will ets in a celebrated career that ments which will allow the young according to the ITF rule book. Director of Total E&P said his “Supporting sports and Qatari be where we were 30 years ago. also courted controversy, includ- tennis players to gain experience. Speaking of the partnership company are proud to be the youth is a main part of our cor- There needs to be urgent action ing a fine for taking money from Zainal said: “We want the girls with Total, Zainal said: “The main sponsor of a tournament porate social responsibility pro- and a new strategy/plan put in a bookmaker. to start growing with us (in this QTF is proud to partner with that will help the young Qatari gram as it is a major contribution place.” Also yesterday, CA said that competition) and play in the big Total in the Total Qatar National players reach their poten- to social development, the fourth In Twitter comments on Australian pace great Dennis future tournaments. We have the 2013 Youth Tournament. Total’s tial by competing locally and pillar of Qatar National Vision Monday, Warne blasted Cricket Lillee had been appointed to CA’s Under-8s, Under-10s, Under 12s continued involvement in com- internationally. 2030,” he added. Australia’s policy of rotating play- high-performance team as a fast and Under-14s, so in the future munity initiatives is highlighted Michel said: “Total is proud THE PENINSULA ers, which has attracted stinging bowling advisor. AGENCIES