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Monday 23 September 2013 17 Dhul-qa’da 1434 - Volume 18 Number 5831 Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Only a third of 51pc of public proposals get response: CMC

DOHA: The Central Municipal services to go Council (CMC) says that author- ities respond to only less than a third of its recommendations. The CMC made 111 recommen- dations in its current session but online in Qatar it received responses from the authorities for only 37 of these, said a report issued by the general secretariat of the Council. Govt set to go paperless: Study The Council expects that the current and fourth term would DOHA: With Qatar among the shows the study. 87 percent of break all previous records, with top countries in the region and the government organisations more than 200 recommendations. the world in Internet penetra- surveyed indicated that they The Council during its first tion and e-governance, 51 per- have fully or partially automated term made 59 recommendations, cent of the public services in the processes for areas such as human which rose to 53 and 114 in the country will go online over the resources, finance, procurement, second and third terms, respec- next one year, according to a and inventory processes and tively. The recommendations study released by the Ministry of systems. include issues important to the Information and Communication 58 percent of government citizens and expatriates, like price Technology yesterday. organisations reported that they hike, absconding domestic helps, This will show an impressive have already deployed or are used car showrooms, manpower 15pc increase in one year, with planning to deploy new mobile agencies and shortage of parking an estimated 35 percent of public applications for citizens and spaces among others. services currently being offered residents and 50 percent have People wonder what the special online. The services will include extended or plan to extend exist- committees set up at several min- inquiries, transactional services, ing applications. German Chancellor and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel (left) and CDU secretary general istries to coordinate with CMC and transactions with online pay- While mobile applications have Hermann Groehe celebrate on stage after the German general elections in Berlin yesterday. are doing, Al Sharq reports. ment option. clearly caught on in Qatar, use The committee for coordina- According to the study-Qatar’s of cloud computing services has tion and follow up met every ICT Landscape 2013 — every not. 68 percent of the government Merkel back as German chancellor month and its last meeting was 100 permanent government organisations do not yet use cloud held before the summer vacation. employees in the country have computing services. IANS 101 personal computing devices, While half of the organisational BERLIN: Chancellor Angela Bavarian Christian Social Union coalition partner for her third including desktop computers, lap- representatives surveyed indi- Merkel won a landslide personal (CSU) — on 42.5 percent, which if term when the final votes are Swiss region bans tops, and tablets. cated there were no barriers to victory in a German election confirmed would be their strong- counted. “This is a super result,” The study indicates that in further ICT adoption, 29 percent yesterday, putting her within est score since 1990, the year of Merkel told cheering supporters. full-face veil the next three to five years mentioned lack of in-house tech- reach of the first absolute German unification. The outcome “Together, we will do all we can mobile applications along with nical expertise, 26 percent cited majority in parliament in half a could give Merkel an edge of a few to make the next four years suc- GENEVA: Voters in face-to-face meetings will be the the inability to hire IT profes- century, a ringing endorsement seats over the combined opposi- cessful ones for Germany.” Switzerland’s Italian-speaking most popular ways government sionals with the required skills, of her steady leadership in the tion in the Bundestag Lower Despite the resounding vic- region yesterday slapped a ban employees can communicate with and 16 percent mentioned budget euro crisis. House for the first time since tory, Merkel’s third term won’t on wearing full-face veils, a citizens and residents, while social constraints. Partial results put her con- conservative Chancellor Konrad be a cakewalk if she does end up move that drew condemnation. media will increase in popularity. 30 percent of employees name servative bloc — the Christian Adenauer achieved that feat in ruling alone. REUTERS AFP ictQATAR commissioned work-related pressures and lack Democratic Union (CDU) and 1957. But she may still need a See also page 10 Full report on page 10 International Data Corporation of time as limitations on their ICT (IDC) to conduct the study focus- use at work. ing on the current state of ICT All government organisations penetration and usage within are connected to the Internet at the government community in speeds of 2 Mbps or greater, with Suicide bombers 2013, following similar studies in 55 percent having an Internet 2008 and 2010. It was conducted connection of between 4 Mbps through personal interviews with and 16 Mbps, and 42 percent of kill 78 outside 408 employees representing 34 organisations with connections of government organisations 32 Mbps and above. Pakistan church Qatar is well on its way to THE PENINSULA becoming a paperless government, Continued on page 3 PESHAWAR: A pair of suicide bombers blew themselves up outside a 130-year-old church in Pakistan after Sunday Mass, Most Kenya mall hostages freed killing at least 78 people in the deadliest attack on Christians NAIROBI: Most of the hostages trapped in a Nairobi shopping in the predominantly Muslim mall by Islamist gunmen have now been rescued and most of the South Asian country. complex is secure, the Kenya army announced late last night. Violence has been on the rise in “Our concern is to rescue all hostages alive and that is why the Pakistan in past months, under- operation is delicate,” the Kenya Defence Forces said in a situation mining Prime Minister Nawaz update on Twitter. Sharif’s efforts to tame the insur- “All efforts are under way to bring this matter to a speedy con- gency by launching peace talks clusion,” it said. The army said four of its soldiers were wounded in with the Pakistani Taliban. the latest fighting inside the upmarket Westgate mall, which was An assault of this scale is stormed by gunmen from Somalia’s Al Qaeda-linked Shebab rebels certain to give ammunition to midday on Saturday. At least 68 people have been killed and 200 Sharif’s critics. REUTERS wounded in the attack, officials said. AFP See also page 13 See also pages 3, 8,&10 Nepal envoy wades into controversy DOHA: The Nepalese ambas- to Qatar from UCPN-M quota by against her,” it added. sador to Qatar Maya Kumari the then Baburam Bhattarai-led Some other Nepalese news- Sharma has run into a contro- government in May 2011, said the papers have also published versy back home, with reports report. According to the report, similar reports. When con- circulating in a section of the the party had decided to seek her tacted for comments yesterday, Nepalese media saying that resignation “after it came to light Sharma strongly denied the she has been asked to quit that her activities in Qatar were allegations. by the Unified CPN-Maoist against diplomatic practices and “I was appointed by the (UCPN-M) party in Nepal etiquette and could spoil Nepal- Nepalese government, not by any which reportedly recom- Qatar relations.” political party and I am account- mended her for the post. “Nepali diaspora in Qatar had able only to the government. I In remarks to The Peninsula demanded that she be recalled have not received any letter from yesterday, Sharma laughed off following her undiplomatic behav- the government asking me to step the reports saying they are iour, including her effort to deport down,” she told this daily. “politically- motivated”. a Nepali migrant worker, who crit- She alleged that the reports According to a report in the icised her for her incompetence. were part of a political game. Nepal-based Himalayan News Also in an interview to BBC’s Sajha “Such reports are part of dirty Service on Friday, UCPN-M chair- Sawal, she said Qatar was an ‘open politics. There is no adequate man Pushpa Kamal Dahal called jail’ for Nepali workers. The gov- press law in Nepal to prevent the Sharma over phone and asked ernment of Qatar took exception media from carrying such base- her to resign and return to Nepal. to her remarks and asked the less reports,” she added. She was appointed ambassador Nepali government to take action THE PENINSULA MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Silatech to fight poverty, create jobs in region MoU signed with Grameen-Jameel Microfinance

DOHA: Silatech has signed a programmes have proven to be and Grameen-Jameel will work Memorandum of Understanding one of the most effective and towards creating a certified (MoU) with Grameen-Jameel adaptable strategies in the fight training programme to build the Microfinance for cooperation on against poverty and youth unem- capacity of loan officers to support poverty alleviation and job crea- ployment in the Arab world,” said poor entrepreneurs with credit. tion targeting women and youth Dr Yousef. This training will focus on youth in the Arab world. “We are hoping to see financing as an integral part. They will work on introducing Grameen-Jameel join Silatech in With projects in 11 Arab coun- microfinance to Arab countries launching Narwi, our web-based tries, since 2009 Silatech micro- where it has not yet taken root. crowdfunding platform for young enterprise partnerships have fully This will start with a full sup- microentrepreneurs,” he added financed over 35,000 businesses ply and demand study of the “With Silatech’s experience in and provided assistance to over microfinance market in Libya to youth development and our long 200,000 young people. introduce innovative solutions to experience in supporting the Grameen-Jameel Microfinance help fight poverty and increase growth of microfinance institu- is the first social business in the the access of low-income people tions around the region, we will Middle East and North Africa to finance. work together to provide financial (Mena) region. Special focus will be given to and technical support to entre- A venture between Grameen youth. preneurs — with a focus on youth Foundation and Abdul Latif The agreement was signed and women — to further combat Community Initiatives, a sub- by Silatech Chief Executive poverty and unemployment in the sidiary of Abdul Latif Jameel Silatech CEO Dr Tarik M Yousef and Grameen-Jameel Chairman Zaher Al Munajjed exchanging documents. Officer Dr Tarik M Yousef and Arab world,” said Al Munajjed. Group, its mission is to help Zaher Al Munajjed, Chairman of In addition to microfinance alleviate poverty by providing help better serve the poor. succeeded in helping partner partners through a suite of cus- Grameen-Jameel. landscape mapping in the Arab financial and technical assist- Grameen-Jameel supports organisations reach over 2.1 tomised financial and non-finan- “While they are no panacea, world and a potential partner- ance to microfinance institu- 18 microfinance institutions million borrowers. cial products and services. smartly deployed microenterprise ship on crowdfunding, Silatech tions throughout the region to across 10 countries, and has Grameen-Jameel supports its THE PENINSULA HMC Ambulance Service participates in ITS road safety forum

DOHA: Hamad Medical Service plays in saving lives. “The aim is to deliver a safe, Corporation’s (HMC) They shed light on Ambulance efficient and sustainable trans- Ambulance Service participated Service’s operating princi- port network together.” in the Intelligent Transport ples, infrastructure, deployable The Ambulance Service also Systems (ITS) and Safety Road resources, the dispatch response had a stand at the event as part Forum at St Regis Doha Hotel process and main challenges the an exhibition on the sidelines. recently. organisation faces, including “Being part of this event was a As part of the forum, which awareness and the increase in great opportunity for us to talk to brought together road safety demand for services. the public about our ‘Know the 5 experts to discuss latest devel- “Our participation in this event to Save Life’ campaign,” Andaila opments and issues in the field, was important as it provided an said. “The campaign aims to save HMC Ambulance Service’s Chief ideal opportunity to meet key lives by asking the public to help Operations Officer Brendon stakeholders and road safety us help them. Often the first per- Morris and Rashid Andaila, experts to discuss future coop- son on the scene of an emergency Operations and Public Relations eration and potential for sharing can play a crucial role in saving Manager, gave a presentation on technological support,” Morris a life.’ the crucial role the Ambulance said. THE PENINSULA The HMC Ambulance Service stand at the exhibition. MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Prime Minister receives guests

FROM LEFT: The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with the Head of the Liberation and Justice Movement and President of the Darfur Regional Authority Dr Tijani Sese and HRH Sophie, Countess of Wessex and wife of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, in Doha yesterday.

Emir, PM greet Agro-industrial park Scribes not welcome Mali president at Indian Open House DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani DOHA: The Indian embassy has decided to keep journalists out sent a cable of greetings to to boost food security of its monthly Open House held to address any urgent consular the President of Mali, Ibrahim and labour issues of community members. Boubacar Keïta, on his coun- “Salient information would be sent to the media after the Open try’s Independence Day. House,” the mission said in a press release yesterday. The Prime Minister and QNFSP explores private-public partnership for the project Usually a press briefing will be held after the monthly event and Interior Minister H E Sheikh journalists are informed about the major concerns of the community. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa BY SATISH KANADY link the GCC countries, and the technologies for the successful “There won’t be a session with the media and information would be Al Thani sent a similar cable to bridge being built between Qatar launch of the project and ana- sent after the Open House,” Suman Sharma, Second Secretary, told the president. DOHA: The State-supported and Bahrain. lysing the current and future The Peninsula yesterday. However, she didn’t explain reasons behind Qatar National Food Security The upcoming infrastructure demand for food processing in the decision to keep the media out of the ‘Open House.’ Programme (QNFSP) is look- will permit Qatar to export its the country. The Open House at the embassy for September will be held on Qatar condemns ing for a private or private- goods to neighbouring countries Sources said it is also work- Thursday between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. The public could submit their public partnership to develop a and internationally. ing on the estimate of potential written complaints between 5.30pm and 6pm. Officials will meet the Nairobi attack massive agro-industrial park in The QNFSP has embarked on costs of establishing institutional public between 6pm and 6.30pm. THE PENINSULA Qatar. an ambitious plan to boost Qatar’s arrangements and industry devel- DOHA: Qatar has strongly The project, which would domestic output of agricultural opment initiatives. condemned the armed attack emerge as a designated area for products to 40-60 percent of its Qatar maintains strategic food on Westgate shopping mall country’s food processing indus- actual demand from the existing reserves for wheat, rice, sugar, oil, in Westlands neighbourhood try, will be located at a strategic 8 percent. and milk. Women’s Hospital holds workshop in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, area as it wants to take advantage QNFSP has already presented It also stores barley and wheat which has left several people of Qatar’s fast expanding trans- its national plan to the ‘higher barn as part of its strategic on breastfeeding for clinicians dead and injured, including port infrastructure. authorities’. reserves for animal feed stock. DOHA: The role of healthcare professionals in encouraging new nationals from the UK, France, “As QNFSP is a policy deci- The QNFSP is exploring the With the establishment of mothers to breastfeed their babies was discussed during a three- Canada and the US. In a state- sion body, we will not be directly scale and potential applications the park, it will be necessary day workshop as part of Women’s Hospital’s preparation for ment, an official source at the involved in the project. Our idea the park will have, including to expand storage facilities to accreditation as a child-friendly healthcare facility by World Health Foreign Ministry expressed is to help develop the project with sources of raw materials and ensure the constant supply of Organisation (WHO). Qatar’s solidarity with the peo- the support of private entities like potential markets for its proc- raw materials to the processing The workshop, ‘Developing Medical Skills in Breastfeeding’ was ple and governments of Kenya, Qatar Chamber and discussions essed products. industry. attended by physicians and nurses. Dr Amal Abu Baker, Head of the the UK, France, Canada and US. are going on,” sources told The It is also looking at identifying The QNFSP is not only looking Breastfeeding Unit and Consultant at the Family and Maternity Section The source stressed that Peninsula yesterday. potential processing industries at ways of improving Qatar’s sup- at the hospital, said the workshop focused on giving Women’s Hospital Qatar condemns such cowardly The park, arguably the first of where feasibility studies would ply chain for imported goods, but clinicians practical skills to promote breastfeeding in the hospital’s and criminal acts which aim to its kind in the region, will take be warranted. also at different levels of infra- wards and clinics. “The breastfeeding awareness project focuses on destabilise security and stability full advantage of Qatar’s emerg- The QNFSP, which is in structure which will be needed issues, including educating new mothers on how to breastfeed; includ- and terrorise innocent people, and ing transport infrastructure, search of potential public-pri- to support the food processing ing starting as early as 30 minutes after giving birth, ensuring direct denounces the killing of innocent including the New Doha Port, the vate partnership opportunities, industry within the park. skin contact with their babies and the ideal breastfeeding positions,” people. He also expressed Qatar’s upcoming rail network that will is also working on appropriate THE PENINSULA Dr Abu Baker said. THE PENINSULA condolences and sympathy to the friendly governments and the families of the victims killed in this criminal attack.

Haj mission not part 95pc of government entities have web presence of state’s quota

Continued from page 1 Qatar has also made signifi- continue to be a challenge. training by mid-2014. In terms of prioritisation by the government, DOHA: The Department of Government employees who cant progress in improving its While government employees’ recruitment, government organi- according to the World Economic Haj and Umrah at the Ministry use a PC report that they spend online presence, with 95 percent confidence in their ICT skills has sations are actively looking for IT Forum’s Global Information of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs approximately 26 hours per of government entities having increased since 2010, still only professionals. Technology Report 2013. reiterated that the quota for week on a computer for work- a web presence, and 82 percent 36 percent reported that their The least widely available skills Qatar also ranked 48th out Qatar for this year’s Haj is 1,200 related purposes, a substan- having a bilingual (in Arabic and computer skills are adequate and among government organiza- of 193 countries in the United pilgrims and the members of tial increase over the 19 hours English) site. there is no need for improvement. tions in Qatar are those related Nations’ 2012 e-government the Haj mission are not part spent in 2010. Government organisations also Seventy-five percent of to mobile technology, geographic development index, which meas- of this quota. The department They use the Internet most indicate that, on average, roughly employees indicate they have information systems, and IT ures the willingness and capac- also pointed out that the total commonly for sending work- 30 percent of their ICT spending not received any ICT training security. ity of governments to use ICT to number of the mission mem- related emails, searching for was allocated to IT security and within the last three years, but Qatar ranks among the top deliver public services, a jump bers, which is 300, is much lower work-related information, and that ICT training and recruit- anticipate they will receive more 10 countries worldwide when from 53rd in 2008. than the figure being circulated. communicating with colleagues. ment of IT professionals in Qatar than 11 hours, on average, of ICT it comes to ICT usage and THE PENINSULA QNA Region has higher risk of aggressive breast cancer: Study

DOHA: Women in the Middle cases are reported in Arab popu- The report also found breast is going to be the reference for He said breast cancer mor- East often suffer from more lations. For example in Tunisia, cancers in women in Arab pop- anybody who wants to undertake tality could be reduced if the aggressive forms of breast can- seven to 10 per cent of all breast ulations have different charac- studies about breast cancer in Arab disease was detected at an early cer than their Western coun- cancer is inflammatory. Similarly, teristics from those reported in populations and researchers will stage by implementation of terparts, researchers at Weill in a population-based study in the women in the US and Europe. refer to it because here we describe proper awareness and screen- Cornell Medical College in Qatar Gharbiah region of Egypt, inflam- At 48, the average age of pres- all the characteristics of breast ing programmes that would be have found. matory breast cancer was con- entation of breast cancer in Arab cancer in Arab populations based possible in countries with suf- Arab populations have some firmed as more prevalent than in women is 10 years younger than on our findings and based on the ficient resources. Dr Chouchane particularities in terms of can- the US, constituting up to 11 per patients in the US and Europe. literature found. said further research on cancer cer, especially breast cancer, and cent as opposed to 1-2 per cent The Lancet Oncology is a peer- “Although several awareness should be given priority in Arab clinical features of breast cancer in the US.” reviewed and edited journal rec- campaigns have been undertaken, countries. among Arab women are different Breast cancer is a major health ognised for providing a global, no structured national programmes Dr Chouchane’s study was from other populations, according problem in developed and devel- authoritative, and independent exist for population mammography supported by the Biomedical to the research. oping countries and the research forum for the highest quality screening in Arab countries,” Dr Research Programme fund at WCMC-Q’s Assistant Dean for was published in the latest edi- clinical oncology research and Chouchane said. WCMC-Q and grants from the basic science curriculum, Dr Lotfi tion of The Lancet Oncology, an opinion. With an impact factor “The cultural value of mod- Qatar National Research Fund. Chouchane, was lead author of the internationally respected medi- of 25.12, it ranks among the top esty and misconceptions about The rapidly expanding Research research report. cal journal. three oncology journals world- cancer, coupled with insufficient Department at WCMC-Q has Dr Chouchane “Inflammatory breast cancer is Co-authors were Dr Konduru wide and is the leading clinical levels of education about breast established a state-of-the-art the most lethal form of the dis- Sastry, a research associate in research journal in oncology, in cancer and difficulties in access- biomedical research programme ease and constitutes 1-2 per cent microbiology and immunology at incidence of breast cancer was the top 0.5 percent of all scien- ing healthcare facilities can often focused on tackling the most press- of all breast cancer tumours in WCMC-Q, and Dr Hammouda lower in Arabic countries than tific journals of any discipline in prohibit women from participating ing health needs in Qatar and the the US,” said Dr Chouchane. Boussen from Tunisia. in Europe and the US but was the world. in breast screening. And this can region. “But a higher proportion of The report found that the rising fast. Dr Chouchane said: “This report lead to delayed detection.” THE PENINSULA MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Qatar Airways extends wings to Ethiopia Three-flights-a-week service to Addis Ababa celebrated with community initiative

DOHA: Qatar Airways cel- diaspora of Ethiopians in the US, ebrated the launch of its new Schedule expecting to benefit from the new route to Ethiopia’s capital city Doha–Addis Ababa service and Addis Ababa in a unique way by DOHA-ADDIS ABABA contribute strong business and providing uniforms and books leisure traffic to Qatar Airways’ for school-age children par- Three-times-a-week, effective network. ticipating in the ‘Our Father’s September 18, 2013 With three-flights-a-week on Kitchen’ programme. the route, Qatar Airways offers ‘Our Father’s Kitchen’ is a feed- Mondays, Wednesdays and an excellent alternative gateway ing programme which provides Saturdays with great connections via Doha daily meals for about 216 under- to an exciting range of business privileged children in three neigh- QR530 departs Doha at 2215 hrs, and leisure destinations across bourhoods of the Addis Ababa arrives in Addis Ababa at 0140 hrs North and South America, the community. next day Middle East, Europe and Asia “At Qatar Airways we have a Pacific. Popular destinations strong sense of corporate social ADDIS ABABA–DOHA include Washington DC, New responsibility and that is why we Three-times-a-week, effective York, Houston, Chicago, Montreal, always endeavour to lend a help- September 19, 2013. London and Dubai. ing hand to the communities we The Doha–Addis Ababa serve in,” said Akbar Al Baker, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays route is served with an Airbus Chief Executive Officer of Qatar A320 featuring up to 12 seats Airways. QR531 departs Addis Ababa at in Business Class and up to 132 “Ethiopia is one of the driving 0250 hrs, arrives in Doha at 0615 in the Economy Class. The air- forces behind the change which hrs craft offers seatback TV screens is taking place in the African providing all passengers with economy, hence opening up a the next generation interactive new route to Addis Ababa makes Home to the African Union and on board entertainment system a great deal of business sense,” he the second most populous coun- featuring a choice of more than said. try in the continent, Ethiopia is 800 audio and video on demand “However, if we are going to do often called the political capital options. business here it is important to us of Africa due to its historical, Qatar Airways has seen rapid Qatar Airways marked its Ethiopian operations by providing uniforms and books for school-age children participating that we become an active mem- cultural and political significance. growth in 16 years of operations, in the ‘Our Father’s Kitchen’ programme. ber of the community. Partnering There is a growing Ethiopian currently flying a modern fleet with ‘Our Father’s Kitchen’ will population living and working in of 129 aircraft to 131 key busi- Besides Addis Ababa, Qatar (Saudi Arabia), Najaf (Iraq), (Iraq), Sulaymaniyah (Iraq) and enable us to make a difference, Qatar and the Middle East. ness and leisure destinations Airways has so far launched eight Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Chicago Chengdu (China). even if in a small way,” he added. There is also a significant worldwide. destinations this year — Gassim (the US), Salalah (Oman), Basra THE PENINSULA

Metro Manila to be screened at Katara

DOHA: Katara DFI Cinema is set to present the Mena pre- miere of the Philippine film Metro Manila next month. It will be presented between October 3 and 8 at Katara Drama Theatre, Building 16. It’s a thrilling crime drama that will entertain audiences in Doha. Metro Manila is the story of Oscar Ramirez and his family who leave the mountains of the Northern Philippines and move to Manila in the hope of a better life. Ideal prey in this ruthless city, Oscar unwittingly becomes embroiled in the murky crimi- nal underworld inhabited by his new boss and is caught between wanting to do the right thing and A scene from Metro Manila. needing to protect his family. The movie received the many across the globe. 1pm and 7pm. Audience Award at the 2013 For tickets, Box Office timings The Katara Drama Theatre Sundance Film Festival and is and full film listing, public could Ticket Outlet (Katara Building directed by Academy Award log in to www.dohafilminstitute. 16) will be open from October and BAFTA-nominated direc- com or visit the DFI Ticket 3 to October 8 and until 30 tor, Sean Ellis. Don’t miss the Outlet in Katara, Building 26 minutes prior to the day’s first opportunity to watch this strong where tickets are on sale start- screening start time. drama that won admiration of ing from September 29 between THE PENINSULA

Bulgarian foreign minister praises Qatar’s leading role

SOFIA: Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin met here yesterday Qatar’s Ambassador Mohamed bin Ali Al Nuaimi in the capital Sofia. He appreciated the role Qatar is playing at the regional and international levels. He also praised existing relations between the two friendly countries sand said: “In my capacity as foreign minister I will exert maximum efforts to maintain them and develop them in the future.” Talks dealt with relations and means of developing them in various fields, especially the encouragement of Qatari investments, in addition to the development of investments in infrastructure, construction, real estate, agriculture, animal wealth and food process- ing projects. Ukrainian deputy premier meets Qatari Ambassador

KIEV: Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Konstantin Grischenko met yesterday Jassim bin Rashid Al Khalifa on the occasion of his assumption of office as Qatar’s Ambassador to Ukraine. Talks dealt with rela- tions and means of developing them in various fields. Grischenko wished Al Khalifa success in his mission and relations between the two friendly countries fur- ther progress. Qatari envoy to Ecuador presents credentials

QUITO: The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ecuador, Ricardo Patino, received a copy of credentials from Hassan bin Ibrahim Al Malki as the Ambassador of Qatar, in Quito. Patino wished Al Malki success in his mission and relations between Qatar and Ecuador further progress. QNA MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 India to have varsity with Quranic approach International Objective University expected to start its first academic session in 2014 BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB

DOHA: India is set to have its first international university to teach social studies and human- ities with a focus on “concep- tual and investigative research on the Quranic approach” to address human problems and problems of Muslims, said a New Delhi-based prominent social scientist and the chair- man of Institute of Objective Studies (IOS), a leading think- tank, here yesterday. The institute, which organ- ised 14 international conferences across the country in 2011 mark- ing the silver jubilee, has taken the initiative to establish an inter- national university in New Delhi as part of efforts to address socio- economic and political challenges faced by the people, especially the minorities in the world’s largest democracy. “The world today is going through a critical phase, and fac- ing many big challenges. It has become nearly infertile or sterile in terms of producing big revo- lutionary concepts or ideas akin Members of the Indian community listening to Dr Manzoor Alam (RIGHT), Chairman of Institute of Objective Studies, at the Ibn Hajr Library in Bin Omran. to ‘democracy’, ‘capitalism’ and ‘socialism’ for the last several decades. The need for establishing So far IOS, established in 1986, The report, prepared under the “And I firmly believe that the in community building initia- group protecting minorities’ rights institutes promoting modern edu- has made significant contribu- chairmanship of Justice Rajender convergence of modern educa- tive, which will not only benefit — said that in democracy ‘adult cation with Quranic approach to tions by conducting and promot- Sachar, has made recommenda- tion with Quranic teachings and the Muslim Ummah but also the franchise’ is a great power for restore moral and human values ing empirical and conceptual tions to improve the socio-eco- true Islamic values can provide a whole humanity. people, especially the minori- was long due, said Dr Manzoor research related to ideologies and nomic condition of Muslims. sustainable solution with humane He advocated studying chal- ties, which should be exercised Alam. problems relevant to Indian pol- For its achievements over face,” added Dr Alam. lenging subjects instead of opt- strategically. The university on an area of ity, society, economy, religion and the past 27 years, the IOS Leading a delegation, Dr Alam ing only for engineering and However, describing lacunas of over 30 acres will be located in the culture. has received recognition from is in Qatar on the last leg of their medicine. democracy, he said theoretically outskirts of New Delhi at Palwal, The Sachar Committee Report, national and international organi- tour to Gulf states to create “Throughout history, in every democracy is against the ‘rule of the 21st district of neighbouring published in November 2006 by sations, including the Economic awareness and mobilise resources era there have been some sig- elite’ where leaders are not able to Haryana state in the north. the Indian government, finds its and Social Council of the United for the university. He addressed nificant areas of studies. For ignore the interests of people for The non-profit International roots with the IOS. Nations. members of the Indian commu- instance, today, law is the rising a long time, whereas in practice Objective University is expected The landmark piece of work, “With the emergence of the so- nity at the Ibn Hajr Library in subject in the US and Europe as a the distinction has been blurred. to start its first academic session which testifies the pathetic con- called global village, the world has Bin Omran. result of the ‘New World Order’,” “There is a need for serious in 2014. It will put emphasis on ditions of Indian Muslims, with been witnessing thousands of new Dr Alam highlighted key he said. intellectual endeavour for concep- disciplines such as economics, empirical data and statistical issues and challenges related to issues faced by Indians in gen- Dr Alam, also President of tual and investigative research on Islamic finance, law, comparative reports, sourced about 30 per- various fields such as cyber laws, eral and Muslims in particular. Indo-Arab Economic Cooperation the Quranic approach to address religion and studies, moral science cent of information collected by space laws, moral crimes and He also invited the audience with Forum and General Secretary of human problems and problems of and others. the IOS. bankruptcy of human values, etc. Quranic references to participate All India Milli Council — a pressure Muslims.” THE PENINSULA

Fire destroys warehouse

A warehouse in Umm Salal Al Ali storing mainly wooden items was partially destroyed in a fire that broke out last afternoon. Civil Defence personnel had a hard time fighting the blaze due to strong winds. There were no casualties. Indian singer Yesudas to perform in Doha DOHA: In a rare occasion, 25 classical music students in Qatar would get an opportunity to meet legendry south Indian singer Padmashree Dr K J Yesudas and listen to his con- cert for free. Selected students studying vocal Carnatic music, a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, will be able to listen to ‘Yesudas @ Doha’ a classical concert on October 11 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. Interested students should submit a letter from the music institute they are studying at to The legendary singer Padmashree Dr K J Yesudas (second left) addressing Marzook Al Salman and Sons, the a press briefing prior to the launch of tickets for a ‘Live Classical Concert’ organisers of ‘Yesudas @ Doha’. by the singer at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Doha yesterday. With him are “Twenty-five children will be the CEO of Doha Bank, Dr Seetharaman (left), the Managing Director of allowed to listen to Dr Yesudas for free and if he agrees they Marzooq Al Shamlan and Sons (MSS), Mohammed Al Shamlan (third left), would be able to get his blessings and the General Manager of MSS, K V Ravi. SALIM MATRAMKOT as well,” Mohammed Al Shamlan, Managing Director, Marzook Al classical music properly as a tunes. Entry ticket was officially Salman and Sons, told a press basic.” launched yesterday by Yesudas conference, attended by Yesudas, Yesudas sings Indian classical, and the CEO of Doha Bank, R at the Radisson Blu yesterday. devotional and popular music. Seetharaman. The concert is Stressing the importance of Yesudas has recorded more expected to attract around 2,000 learning classical music for peo- than 50,000 songs in many lan- people from Tamil and Malayalam ple who wish to build a career guages. His concert will be a rep- communities in the country. in music, Yesudas said: “Learn ertoire of famous Indian classical THE PENINSULA MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Egypt ready More building materials allowed into Gaza GAZA: Israel began allowing construction materials for pri- vate projects into the Gaza Strip for overhaul of yesterday for the first time in six years, in response to a request from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, an Israeli defence official said. constitution Abbas, chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), which governs the West Bank but not Gaza, restarted peace talks Push to reverse changes by Mursi with Israel in July. Gaza, which is run by Hamas Islamists, has CAIRO: Egypt is likely to com- been struggling with a shortage of pletely rewrite the constitu- building material that has wors- tion adopted under Mohammed ened since July, when the Egyptian Mursi, a spokesman for the com- military began a crackdown on mittee amending it said yester- tunnels used to smuggle goods day, in a further push to reverse and weapons from Egypt into the changes introduced under the neighbouring Palestinian enclave. deposed Islamist president. The Israeli defence official said The 50-member committee, on Tuesday that 350 truckloads a which includes two Islamists week of gravel, cement and steel but no representative of Mursi’s would be delivered to Gaza for Muslim Brotherhood, was use by private builders for the appointed by the interim govern- first time since Hamas took over ment installed after the army the territory in 2007 and Israel overthrew Mursi in July following imposed a blockade. A truck loaded with gravel crosses into Rafah town through the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and the protests against his rule. At Kerem Shalom, the only southern Gaza Strip yesterday. More than 2,000 Islamists, Israeli-operating crossing with mostly from the Brotherhood, Gaza, witnesses saw a column of have been arrested in the past Amr Moussa, chairman of the trucks carrying building material needed to meet construction the import of building materials to restrictions at the end of last year. two months, including Mursi and committee to amend the country’s enter the facility, where the cargo requirements. Gaza out of concern Palestinian Construction has slowed in recent most of the group’s other lead- constitution, at a news conference would be offloaded and transferred “Gaza is in need of up to 400 militants would use them for for- weeks in Gaza due to Egypt’s sev- ers. The government said the in Cairo yesterday. to Palestinian vehicles. trucks of gravel, 200 trucks of tifications and weapons. ering of the underground smug- Brotherhood declined an offer to But Raed Fattouh, the West cement and 100 trucks of steel Under international pressure, gling lines, a sharp economic blow join the committee. The committee is also consid- Bank-based Palestinian coordina- every day. We have been urging the Israel began to ease the blockade to a territory where the UN esti- The Mursi constitution, drafted ering scrapping an article in the tor of supplies into Gaza, said the Israeli side to increase the work- in 2010 and allowed international mates unemployment has risen by an Islamist-dominated assem- 2012 constitution that allows jour- 70 truckloads Israel was expected ing hours at the crossing to allow aid agencies to bring in construc- above 30 percent. Local assess- bly and approved in a referendum nalists to be jailed for what they to transfer each work day would more goods to enter,” Fattouh said. tion material. ments put the figure at 50 percent. in December, was seen by Mursi’s write. fall far short of the number Israel had said it was restricting It further lifted some REUTERS opponents as failing to guarantee “You cannot have prison terms human and women’s rights and to in any legal case that has to do reflect Egypt’s diverse population. with something that has been “The amendment can be par- published in the press. You can tial or can be total,” committee have fines,” Salmawy said. Saudi women call new day of spokesman Mohamed Salmawy The new constitution is also Powerful union told a news conference. likely to drop a ban on Mubarak- “The general drive inside the era figures from public office, in Tunisia calls committee is for total change of according to an early draft leaked defiance against driving ban the constitution, so probably every to the media this month. single article of the constitution is Amr Moussa, Mubarak’s for- RIYADH: Saudi women activ- women have obtained abroad some stopped by police and for protests going to be amended or changed eign minister who is chairing the ists have called for a new day the driving licences they are forced to sign a pledge not to or deleted or a new one added.” committee, said: “I don’t think the of defiance next month of the denied in their homeland. take to the wheel again. One major change is likely to be a discussion has addressed the role longstanding ban on women “There is not a single text in “I can’t drive because of the to topple govt reversal of a change to the voting of individuals ... The people will driving in the kingdom. the Shariah Islamic law that pledge I signed,” said Najla Al system, made after the ouster of elect the member they find suit- An online petition entitled prevents us (from driving). Hariri, who took part in the TUNIS: Tunisia’s trade union President Hosni Mubarak in 2011, able to represent them.” “Oct 26th, driving for women” Any pretexts used to do that protest in 2011, expressing body announced mass protests by which two-thirds of parliamen- Moussa added that the com- had yesterday gathered more are based on inherited customs,” strong support for the new yesterday to force out the gov- tary seats went to party lists and mittee had not yet addressed the than 5,800 signatories, as activ- said the online petition. campaign. ernment, accusing the Islamist- one-third to individuals. question of the threshold for the ists try again to push authori- “Just as revered women In addition to the driving ban, led coalition of delaying crisis Under that system, the Muslim number of votes necessary to pass ties to end the unique ban. (at the time of the Prophet - Saudi Arabia imposes other talks on the country’s political Brotherhood and other Islamist the constitution when it is put to “I will drive on October 26,” PBUH) rode horses and cam- major restrictions on women, future. parties won about 80 percent of a referendum after the commit- activist Nasima Al Sada said els, it is our right to drive cars including a requirement to cover The powerful UGTT union had seats in elections, so any change is tee has finished its 60-day drafting yesterday, saying that some 20 — the mode of our modern age, from head to toe when in pub- been acting as mediator between expected to reduce those parties’ process. Although endorsed by a women are going to take part in unless you want us to go back lic. The 2011 call, which spread the government and the secu- electoral chances. 64 percent when put to a referen- the campaign in the kingdom’s to mules and horses,” the peti- through Facebook and Twitter, larist opposition, but said talks “The individual political figure dum, Mursi’s constitution ignited Eastern Province. tion said. was the largest mass action stalled on Saturday due to the makes more sense to the public some of the bloodiest street pro- “Many women are enthusi- The last day of defiance since November 1990, when 47 ruling Ennahda party’s refusal than a party list of names they do tests of his turbulent year in astic about learning to drive, or against the ban was on June Saudi women were arrested and to announce its immediate not know,” Salmawy said. power. REUTERS to teach other” women how to 17, 2011, when few women severely punished after demon- resignation. drive, she said, as many Saudi answered a call to drive, with strating in cars. AFP The UGTT said it would stage protests across the country and then a huge rally in the capital to force the government out. “All options remain possible” Suicide bomber UGTT spokesman Sami Tahri Counting under way in Iraqi Kurd election said, referring to the possibility kills 12 at Sunni of a general strike. Another offi- ARBIL: The count was cial hinted that a change in heart funeral in Iraq under way yesterday in Iraqi from the government could avert Kurdistan’s first election in four mass protests. BAGHDAD: A suicide bomber years, with opposition groups “The door is still open for struck a Sunni funeral in hoping to end the decades-old those who refuse this initiative,” Baghdad yesterday, killing at dominance of the two main ex- UGTT official Hussein Abassi told least 12 people, Iraqi officials rebel parties. reporters. “We can still wait for a said, a day after blasts target- The vote itself went off largely few hours or days, but we cannot ing Shia mourners killed more without incident on Saturday, wait for long.” than 70. with turnout pegged at 73.9 The UGTT has been pushing Major attacks have alterna- percent. both sides to accept a proposal for tively hit Sunnis, Shiias, and then But sporadic violence hit the three weeks of talks after which Sunnis again over the past three main opposition grouping in the Ennahda would hand over to a days. Iraq was ravaged by bloody run-up to the election, and one caretaker administration until Sunni-Shia violence that peaked man was reported killed in a elections were held. in 2006-2007 and killed thousands shooting after polls closed. Tunisia, where the ouster of of people, and there are persist- The United Nations praised President Zine al-Abidine Ben ent fears that the country could the “smooth conduct” of the Ali in 2011 triggered the wave of return to all-out sectarian con- vote, while the British embassy “Arab Spring” revolts, had been flict. The suicide bombing in the in Baghdad termed it “a signifi- considered as one of the more Dura area of south Baghdad hit cant step” and said the turnout successful among the region’s a funeral tent for a Sunni man was “very impressive.” fledgling democracies. who had been shot dead three Preliminary results are due in But unrest broke out after the days before, and also wounded 46 the coming days. assassination of an opposition people. The election for the autono- figure in July. The opposition On Saturday, two bombings mous region’s parliament came accused the moderate Islamist targeted people mourning a tribal as two and a half years of tur- party Ennahda of tolerating sheikh in Sadr City, a Shiite dis- moil around the Middle East Employees of the Independent High Electoral Commission take part in vote counting at an analysis centre in Arbil, Islamist militants and demanded trict of north Baghdad, killing raised renewed questions about capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region, about 350km north of Baghdad, yesterday. it step down. at least 73 people and wounding the political future of the Kurds, Whereas in Egypt military more than 200. And on Friday, who are spread across a number power decided the Islamist gov- two bombs exploded in a Sunni of neighbouring states. of basic services, as well as on how has been heightened by leader- would give it access to interna- ernment’s fate, in Tunisia the mosque near Samarra, north of Supporters of Iraqi Kurdistan’s the energy-rich region’s oil rev- ship questions as the party’s vet- tional energy markets, sent crude economic muscle of the 800,000 Baghdad, killing 18. biggest bloc, the Kurdistan enues should be spent. eran chief, Iraqi President Jalal across the border to neighbouring member union may prove deci- The United Nations had earlier Democratic Party of regional The elections, the first since Talabani, recuperates in Germany Turkey, and signed deals with for- sive. A single day of strikes last warned against revenge attacks president Massud Barzani, took July 2009, saw three main parties from a stroke. eign energy firms. July cost the country hundreds for the Sadr City bombings. to the streets of regional capital jostling for position in the 111-seat After polls closed in Arbil, one It has also capitalised on its millions of dollars and sent its “Retaliation can only bring Arbil after polls closed, honking Kurdish parliament, with implica- man — apparently a PUK sup- reputation for greater safety and currency to a historic low against more violence and it is the car horns, waving KDP flags and tions beyond Iraq. porter — was reported killed stability, as well as a faster-grow- the dollar. The Tunisian army responsibility of all leaders to take firing off celebratory gunfire. The KDP is widely expected to in a shooting, although election ing economy than the rest of Iraq, may have played a role in Ben strong action not to let violence Similar scenes were reported win the largest number of seats, officials insisted the death was to solicit investment independent Ali’s overthrow by refusing to escalate further,” Gyorgy Busztin, elsewhere in the three-province although it is unlikely to obtain a unconnected to the vote. of the federal government. shoot demonstrators. But unlike the UN secretary general’s deputy autonomous region, with support- majority on its own. Internationally, the focus is All this has angered Baghdad, the Egyptian military, which also special representative for Iraq, ers of various parties in a festive But the Patriotic Union of likely to be on the region’s drive and the two sides are also locked helped protesters to topple auto- said in a statement. mood. Kurdistan (PUK), which for for greater economic independ- in a protracted dispute over the crat Hosni Mubarak in 2011, it “Attacks like these are per- About 2.8 million Kurds were decades has held a duopoly on ence from the federal govern- Kurds’ long-standing demands for remains politically weak. petrated by a small minority of eligible to vote. power alongside the KDP, faces a ment, with which it is locked in the incorporation of other tradi- It has few strings to pull and, terrorists who wish to destabilise The campaign centred on calls challenge from the Goran move- multiple disputes over oil rev- tionally Kurdish-majority areas unlike the Egyptian military, lit- Iraq,” the British embassy said of for more to be done to fight cor- ment in its Sulaimaniyah prov- enues and territory. Arbil has into their autonomous region. tle economic privilege to protect. the Sadr City blasts. AFP ruption and improve the delivery ince stronghold. The challenge sought to establish a pipeline that AFP REUTERS MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Mortar hits Russia’s Damascus embassy Moscow accuses Washington of blackmailing it to win a tough UN resolution on Syria’s chemical weapons

DAMASCUS: A mortar round destruction of Syria’s weapons weapons. The deal was worked hit the Russian embassy com- arsenal. out after Washington threatened pound in Damascus yester- “Our partners are now blinded military action in response to day, injuring three, as Moscow by their ideological goal of regime an August 21 chemical weapons accused Washington of black- change (in Syria)” Lavrov said. attack outside Damascus. mailing it to win a tough UN “All they talk about is that Most Western governments resolution on Syria’s chemical (President) Bashar Al Assad and the Syrian opposition accuse weapons. must leave. forces loyal to Assad of unleash- “On September 22 as a result “They are only interested in ing the chemical weapons that of shelling by the rebels of the proving their own superiority. killed hundreds in suburbs of the Damascus neighbourhood of Not in the goal that is guiding us, capital. Mazzeh, one of the shells exploded to solve the problem of chemical The Syrian conflict is expected on the territory of the Russian weapons in Syria,” he added. to take centre stage at UN head- Embassy in Syria,” the Russian The OPCW said on Saturday it quarters when the annual General foreign ministry said. had received a complete inventory Assembly opens on Tuesday. “Three employees received from Syria of its chemical arsenal President Hassan Rowhani non-life threatening injuries. and was scrutinising the data. of Iran, a leading Syrian ally, is Right now an investigation of the CNN later quoted a senior US among the keynote speakers and incident is under way.” administration official as say- has offered to mediate between The ministry added that the ing that US officials were sur- the opposition and the Damascus embassy was considering addi- prised and encouraged by the government. But the opposition tional security measures after the volume of information provided Syrian National Coalition has dis- Smoke rises after what activists said is shelling from forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in Muadamiyat attack, which is the first time the by Damascus. missed the offer as “not serious”. Al Sham, a suburb of Damascus, yesterday. compound has been hit. “The official said the decla- AFP In Moscow, Russia’s Foreign ration was more complete than Minister Sergei Lavrov lashed what the officials had expected out at the US. the Syrians to put forth,” CNN He accused Washington of reported. Turkey says will not tolerate Syria-linked radicals using “blackmail” to push for a A tentative Saturday deadline tough UN resolution enshrining had been set for the full account- the deal under which Syria is ing of Syria’s arsenal under the ANKARA: Turkey’s President Gul was speaking to reporters more than 500,000 Syrian refu- Turkey changed its rules of turning over its chemical weap- plan which calls for its chemi- Abdullah Gul said his country en route to New York where he gees as well as providing shelter engagement after the downing ons for destruction. cal weapons to be destroyed by will not “tolerate” Al Qaeda- is due to attend the UN General for rebels. of one of its fighter jets by the The US, Britain and France mid-2014. type groups emerging in the Assembly. Meanwhile, Turkey’s air force Syrian air force in June 2012. want a tough resolution that could There are hopes that the deal Syrian conflict following fight- Last week, Turkey temporar- yesterday paid tribute to the crew The government had warned include sanctions or use of force could pave the way for peace ing between rebels and jihadists ily shut its border after fight- who shot down a Syrian military that any military approach from under the UN Charter’s Chapter talks to end the 30-month con- last week. ing between Syrian rebels and helicopter which it said had vio- Syria on the Turkish border VII if Syria fails to implement the flict which has killed more than “We will not allow any for- an Al-Qaeda front group in the lated Turkish airspace. would be considered a threat. deal. 110,000 people and forced two mil- mation beyond our borders that northern town of Azaz. Air Force Commander General Relations between once close “Our American partners are lion more to flee abroad. would threaten Turkey and the The Islamic State of Iraq and Akin Ozturk has “honoured the allies Damascus and Ankara have beginning to blackmail us: if But the plan has been greeted entire region,” Gul was quoted as the Levant (ISIS) on Wednesday personnel who applied rules of deteriorated since the outbreak Russia won’t support a resolu- with scepticism by the Syrian saying by the Milliyet newspaper seized control of Azaz amid engagement toward a Syrian heli- of the Syrian conflict in March tion under Chapter VII in the opposition. yesterday. “We can never toler- increasing reports of fighting copter which refused to leave the 2011. UN Security Council, then we will The OPCW, which enforces the ate this.” between ISIS and non-jihadist airspace last week despite warn- The long and volatile border stop the work in the Organisation Chemical Weapons Convention The president said the threats rebels seeking to oust President ings,” the air force command said between the two countries has for Prohibition of Chemical that Syria has applied to join, of radicalism and terrorism Bashar Al Assad’s regime. in a statement. become increasingly tense, with Weapons,” Lavrov told Channel postponed a meeting of its emerging from Syria’s civil war Turkey has cut off ties with the Turkish warplanes on Monday a number of incidents in the area, One, Russian agencies said. Executive Council due Sunday were “Turkey’s most important regime in Damascus since Assad’s downed the Syrian helicopter which prompted Nato to station The Hague-based OPCW is to discuss the practicalities of issues” which were often dis- deadly crackdown on popular which Ankara said was detected Patriot missile batteries there for charged with overseeing the disposing of Syria’s chemical cussed with the military. dissent and has so far taken in 2km inside Turkish airspace. defensive purposes. AFP

Iranian military trucks carry some long-range Sejil ballistic missiles during the annual military parade marking the Iraqi invasion in 1980, which led to an eight-year war (1980-1988) in Tehran, yesterday. Rowhani seeks right to enrich uranium, shows off 2,000km range missiles

TEHRAN: Iranian President parade marking the anniversary the UN nuclear watchdog said Hassan Rowhani demanded of the outbreak of the 1980-88 at the end of August that Iran is yesterday that Western govern- Iran-Iraq war. continuing to expand its uranium ments recognise Iran’s right to The stated range of both mis- enrichment programme under enrich uranium in any nuclear siles would put not only Israel but Rowhani’s presidency. deal, ahead of his departure for also US bases in the Gulf within Rowhani has made several dip- key talks at the United Nations. reach. lomatic overtures since his elec- Rowhani, a moderate on Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad tion in June, and there has been political scene whose election in Javad Zarif is already in New speculation that he could also June had raised Western hopes of York for talks with his British and meet US President Barack Obama a breakthrough in long-stumbling French counterparts, and with on the sidelines of the General nuclear talks, said a deal to allay European Union foreign policy Assembly, which opens tomorrow. Western suspicions was depend- chief Catherine Ashton, who rep- But Washington warned on ent on acceptance of Iran’s enrich- resents the major powers in the Friday that while welcome, the ment programme. nuclear talks. overtures were not enough for “If they accept these rights, Rowhani has said he wants it to consider loosening crippling the Iranian people are a rational those talks to resume as quickly sanctions on Iran’s oil and banking people, peaceful and friendly. We as possible but insisted on sectors that Rowhani has said he stand ready to cooperate and Sunday that they do so “without wants eased. together we can settle all the precondition.” White House national secu- region’s problems and even global The UN Security Council has rity spokesman Ben Rhodes said ones,” Rowhani said. imposed four rounds of sanc- Washington was waiting for more His comments, at an annual tions on Iran for failing to heed concrete evidence that Iran was military parade, came on the six successive ultimatums to sus- ready to make concessions. eve of his departure for the UN pend uranium enrichment, which “We’ve always made clear that General Assembly in New York Western governments suspect we’ll make judgements based on where he is scheduled to deliver a conceals a covert drive for a weap- the actions of the Iranian govern- keynote address and meet French ons capability. ment not just on their words,” he President Francois Hollande on When Rowhani served as said. the sidelines. Iran paraded 30 chief nuclear negotiator under Rhodes said the United States missiles with a nominal range of reformist president Mohammad had made it clear “that we do 2,000km, the first time it had dis- Khatami in the early 2000s, Iran have a preference for resolving played so many with the theoreti- agreed to a suspension of the this issue diplomatically,” but cal capacity to hit Israeli targets. sensitive process, which in highly warned: “We want to make clear Iran displayed 12 Sejil and 18 extended form can produce the that there’s not an open-ended Ghadr missiles at the annual core of a nuclear warhead. But window for diplomacy.” AFP MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Terror in Kenya Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

HE attack on the Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi, which claimed at least sixty-eight lives and terrorized an entire nation, is the result of an The American dream has Tabsolute failure of Western powers and African countries to end more than twenty years of bloodshed and anarchy in the failed state of Somalia. The international community or Western powers mostly intervene in a country become a burden for most when their interests are at stake or when they want to BY GARY YOUNGE protect the interests of their allies, while leaving countries “The language around the American is reconciling itself to going backwards. on the verge ruin or already ruined by violence to rot further. dream wasn’t carrying the same reso- A Heartland Monitor poll last week Somalia for long hasn’t appeared on the international HE final chapter of America’s nance,” Joel Benenson, one of Obama’s showed that two-thirds of adults believe community’s radar, big enough to be noticed. And the attack Promise, a high-school textbook key pollsters, told the Washington Post. their children will enjoy less financial in Kenya must change that, before more blood is shed. Ton American history, ends with a “Some of the symbols of achieving the security than they do and face more rallying cry to national mythology. “The American dream were becoming bur- challenges than opportunities. Last year Such has been the devastation and intensity of the attack history of the United States is one of dens – owning that house with the big the same pollsters found a slim majority that it will take a long time for Kenyans to recover from its challenges faced, problems resolved, and mortgage was expensive, owning two defining getting ahead as simply “not shock. It’s also a personal challenge for President Kenyatta, crises overcome,” it states. “Throughout cars and more debts; having your kid falling behind”. This lack of confidence who is facing his first major security challenge since being their history Americans have remained go to college. The cost and burden of in the ability to get ahead is twinned elected in March. But the president himself has suffered an optimistic people, carrying this taking out those loans was making a lot with almost total despair that the politi- optimism into the new century. The of Americans ambivalent. They weren’t cal class has neither the means nor the personally. He said he lost a nephew and the man’s fiancée in full promise of America has yet to be sure a college education was worth it.” will to reverse the trend. the raid. realised. This is the real promise of This wasn’t just about the recession A Pew poll this month showed that The mall attack is a retaliation by Somalia’s Al-Shabaab America; the ability to dream of a bet- – though of course that didn’t help – they believed the government poli- terrorist group for Kenya’s successful military operation in ter world to come.” but a far more protracted, profound cies since the recession had helped the southern Somalia by 4,000 Kenyan troops, which form part Such are the assumptions beamed and painful descent in expectations rich, banks and corporations and done of a larger African Union-led from the torch of Lady Liberty, cours- and aspirations that has been taking nothing for the poor, the middle class ing through the veins of the nation’s place for several decades. For underpin- or small businesses. They are right to peacekeeping force. This is not political culture and imbibed with moth- ning that faith in a better tomorrow be sceptical. The international the first time Al Shabaab has ers’ milk. Their was an understanding that inequality in With the budget battle and raising tried to punish African countries nation, many will wealth would be tolerated so long as it the debt limit looming, the narrative will community for sending troops to Somalia. It tell you, is not was coupled with a guarantee of equal- once again be that America’s deadlocked must act more is said to have ordered the 2010 just a land mass ity of opportunity. In recent years they political culture is crippling its economy. bombings in Kampala that killed As wages but an ideal – a have seen both heading in the wrong It’s true that it certainly doesn’t help. forcefully to shining city on direction – the gap between rich and But it has done far more damage when 74 people, in protest at Uganda’s stagnate and the hill beckon- poor has grown even as possibilities for its components have worked together. decimate Al participation in the peacekeeping costs rise, ing a bright new economic and social advancement have For the root causes of this decline force. tomorrow and stalled. are not difficult to fathom. “One of the Shabaab in The Kenyan attack is also said US workers a dazzling dawn Between 2007 and 2010 the median biggest drivers is deindustrialisation,” Somalia. to be the result of infighting in recognise the for all those who American family lost a generation of explains James Meadway, senior econo- want it badly wealth, putting them on a par with mist at the New Economics Foundation. Al Shabaab, with rival groups guiding ideal of enough. Such where they were in 1992. Last week the “Manufacturing used to provide good trying to establish supremacy. The this nation for the devout opti- census revealed that median household paying secure jobs for skilled workers attack is an effort by Ahmed Abdi Godane, the Al Shabaab mism, even (and income is roughly the same as it was in the west but much of that work has leader, to show that he is capable of striking when he wants. delusional myth at times par- in 1988 and that the poverty rate had gone to emerging economies.” Godane consolidated his power in June in an internal coup it is. ticularly) in the actually increased since 1973. Meanwhile, Both parties supported the financial and executed four top commanders, two of whom were midst of adversity median male earnings in 2010 were on deregulation and international trade makes America, a par with 1964. This is not for want liberalisation that laid the foundations co-founders of the group. in equal parts, both exciting and delu- of effort. American workers continue to for this despondency. Each blames the Kenyatta has declared he will not succumb to terrorist sional. According toGallup, since 1977 make gains in productivity and American other for its consequences. Neither pressures and vowed not to abandon the ‘war on terror’ in people have consistently believed their companies continue to reap the benefits. is capable of doing anything about it Somalia. He also has vowed to punish swiftly and severely financial situation will improve next Last year corporate profits, as a share of because the very monied interests that those who perpetrated the crime. year even when previous years have the economy, were the highest since the made this situation possible also make The African Union and the international community must consistently been worse. second world war. The trouble is, none of the politicians. But when President Barack Obama the benefits went back to them. Little of this is unique to the US. The draw their lessons from the Kenya attack. The attack shows was planning his run for a second term And while wages have stagnated and main countries within the European that Al-Shabaab is a deadly force and is able to sow terror his pollsters noticed a profound shift wealth has dissipated, costs have shot Union, including Britain, are suffer- in neighouring countries, where security is lax and almost in the national mood. The optimism up. A family’s health insurance contri- ing from wage stagnation, creating a impossible to avert every strike. The AU needs to act more was largely gone – and with it both the butions have increased 90% over the squeezed middle class. The retraction forcefully in Somalia to root out Al-Shabaab. Somalia needs excitement and the delusion. The time- past decade. Over the past five years tui- has not been taking place as long as honoured rhetorical appeals to a life of tion costs have leapt 27% at state uni- it has in the US, but has been on the a government that is able to enforce its will on every inch of relentless progress, upward mobility versities and 13% at private institutions same trajectory for quite some time. But its territory and the international community should not rest and personal reinvention didn’t work above inflation. A nation that has long there are two key differences. until this objective is achieved • the way they used to. prided itself on being forward-thinking THE GUARDIAN The other side Quote of A new chapter the day

HE RESOUNDING victory of Rajapaksa’s government, the Army, government has been under intense administration, accusing senior offi- the Tamil National Alliance the TNA and importantly, the Election international pressure to ensure that cials of waging a disinformation cam- (TNA), an outfit that had in Commission. C.N. Wigneswaran, the elections were held on schedule paign against the international body. Tthe past been associated with who is likely to take over as chief and conducted smoothly. It is also Rajapaksa told the UN Human the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam minister of the northern province, and facing demands that those accused Rights panel chief that his compatriots (LTTE), in provincial elections in Sri seen as a moderate, has asserted that of war crimes, allegedly commit- believed the international organisation Together we will Lanka, is a welcome development his party — an amalgam of smaller ted towards the end of the civil war to be a biased institution and that the and should herald a new chapter in outfits — is for an undivided Sri Lanka. that got over in 2009, be booked. panel’s probe into alleged war crimes do everything in the nation’s once troubled northern “We are willing to work under a unitary The government, while rejecting the would be pre-judged. region. state,” declared the former Supreme charges of human rights violation, The provincial election results the next four years The very fact that the elections Court judge after his party’s victory recently ordered a probe into mass should help ease some of the pres- to again make were conducted in a fair and free was announced on Sunday. “We are disappearances of Tamils towards the sures on the government, which is manner is a sign that the situation not talking about a separate state.” end of the war. preparing to host the Commonwealth them successful is gradually returning to normalcy. A Sri Lankan government minister The UN Commissioner for Human heads of government meet in Credit must go to all the leading also described the election outcome Rights, Navi Pillay has been engaged November in Colombo years for Germany. players including President Mahinda as “a victory for democracy.” The in a battle of words with the Rajapaksa Khaleej Times Angela Merkel German Chancellor MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 The death toll from firearms American gun use is out of control. in the US suggests that Shouldn’t the world intervene?

ignoring the second, you can bet the country is your last pound that the State Department would be warning gripped by against travel to that country and no American would set foot in it without body armour. civil war. But no nation sees itself as out- siders do. Half the country is sane BY HENRY PORTER and rational while the other half simply doesn’t grasp the incon- AST week, Starbucks sistencies and historic lunacy of asked its American its position, which springs from customers to please the second amendment right not bring their guns to keep and bear arms, and is into the coffee shop. derived from English common law This is part of the and our 1689 Bill of Rights. We Lcompany’s concern about cus- dispensed with these rights long tomer safety and follows a ban in ago, but American gun owners the summer on smoking within 25 cleave to them with the tenacity feet of a coffee shop entrance and that previous generations fought an earlier ruling about scalding to continue slavery. Astonishingly, hot coffee. After the celebrated when owning a gun is not about Liebeck v McDonald’s case in ludicrous macho fantasy, it is 1994, involving a woman who suf- mostly seen as a matter of per- fered third-degree burns to her sonal safety, like the airbag in the thighs, Starbucks complies with new Ford pick-up or avoiding sec- the Specialty Coffee Association ondary smoke, despite conclusive of America’s recommendation evidence that people become less that drinks should be served at safe as gun ownership rises. a maximum temperature of 82C. Last week, I happened to be in Although it was brave of New York for the 9/11 anniver- Howard Schultz, the company’s sary: It occurs to me now that the chief executive, to go even this city that suffered most dreadfully far in a country where people in the attacks and has the great- are better armed and only slightly est reason for jumpiness is also less nervy than rebel fighters in among the places where you find Syria, we should note that deal- most sense on the gun issue in ing with the risks of scalding and lower than in 1980). If this per- NY mayor Michael Bloomberg – America. New Yorkers under- secondary smoke came well before ennial slaughter doesn’t qualify one of the few politicians to stand stand that fear breeds peril and, addressing the problem of peo- for intercession by the UN and There have been fewer than up to the NRA lobby – explain- regardless of tragedies such as ple who go armed to buy a latte. all relevant NGOs, it is hard to ing why he was against enhanced Sandy Hook and the DC naval There can be no weirder order of know what does. background checks on gun own- yard, the NRA, the gun manu- priorities on this planet. To absorb the scale of the may- 20 terror-related deaths on ers yet was committed to “finding facturers, conservative-inclined That’s America, we say, as news hem, it’s worth trying to guess real solutions to violence”. politicians and parts of the media of the latest massacre breaks – the death toll of all the wars in American soil since 9/11 and About their own safety, will continue to advocate a right, last week it was the slaughter American history since the War Americans often have an unusual which, at base, is as archaic as a of 12 people by Aaron Alexis at of Independence began in 1775, ability to hold two utterly opposed witch trial. Washington DC’s navy yard – and and follow that by estimating the about 364,000 deaths caused ideas in their heads simultane- Talking to American friends, move on. But what if we no longer number killed by firearms in the ously. That can only explain the I always sense a kind of despair thought of this as just a problem US since the day that Robert F by privately-owned firearms. past decade in which the fear that the gun lobby is too powerful for America and, instead, viewed Kennedy was shot in 1968 by a .22 of terror has cost the country to challenge and that nothing will it as an international humanitar- Iver-Johnson handgun, wielded by the last 45 years than in all wars as well as vehicles. The result is hundreds of billions of dollars in ever change. The same resigna- ian crisis – a quasi civil war, if you Sirhan Sirhan. The figures from involving the US is a staggering a steadily improving record; by wars, surveillance and intelligence tion was evident in US President like, that calls for outside inter- Congressional Research Service, fact, particularly when you place 2015, forecasters predict that programmes and homeland secu- Barack Obama’s rather lifeless vention? As citizens of the world, plus recent statistics from icasu- it in the context of the safety-con- for first time road deaths will be rity. Ten years after 9/11, home- reaction to the Washington shoot- perhaps we should demand an end alties.org, tell us that from the scious, “secondary smoke” obses- fewer than those caused by fire- land security spending doubled ing last week. There is absolutely to the unimaginable suffering of first casualties in the battle of sions that characterise so much arms (32,036 to 32,929). to $69bn. The total bill since the nothing he can do, which under- victims and their families – the Lexington to recent operations in of American life. Plainly, there’s no equivalent attacks is more than $649bn. scores the fact that America is in maiming and killing of children – Afghanistan, the toll is 1,171,177. Everywhere you look in effort in the area of privately One more figure. There have a jam and that international pres- just as America does in every new By contrast, the number killed by America, people are trying to owned firearms. Indeed, most been fewer than 20 terror-related sure may be one way of reduc- civil conflict around the globe. firearms, including suicides, since make life safer. On roads, for politicians do everything they deaths on American soil since 9/11 ing the slaughter over the next The annual toll from firearms 1968, according to the Centres for example, there has been a huge can to make the country less and about 364,000 deaths caused generation. This has reached the in the US is running at 32,000 Disease Control and Prevention effort in the past 50 years to safe. Recently, a Democrat sena- by privately owned firearms. If point where it has ceased to be a deaths and climbing, even though and the FBI, is 1,384,171. enforce speed limits, crack down tor from Arkansas named Mark any European nation had such a domestic issue. The world cannot the general crime rate is on a That 212,994 more Americans on drink/drug driving and build Pryor ran a TV ad against the record and persisted in address- stand idly by. downward path (it is 40 percent lost their lives from firearms in safety features into highways, gun-control campaign funded by ing only the first figure, while GUARDIAN NEWS Despite thaw, resolving Iranian N-row a huge challenge BY MYRA MACDONALD be at that dangerous level of undetectable Experts estimate that enough uranium at Fordow, including using remotely con- breakout.” for one bomb would correspond to 25 kg trolled cameras. HE diplomatic thaw between Iran has insisted it is not seeking of weapons-grade uranium, or roughly the West and Iran could nuclear weapons — an assertion reit- 250 kg enriched to 20 percent. WIDER INSPECTIONS quickly chill again if the two erated last week by President Hassan Netanyahu’s “red line” appears to With the primary concern for now sides are unable to master Rowhani (pictured), whose diplomatic have partially worked. Iran has kept being the speed of breakout, the West has the many moving parts of overtures to the West have raised hopes below the threshold by converting some also been pushing for greater access by TTehran’s disputed nuclear programme of progress in the long-running nuclear of its stockpiles of 20 percent enriched IAEA inspectors so they could detect any under the weight of more than three dec- dispute. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, uranium into reactor fuel. According to shift to a weapons programme before it ades of distrust. who has ultimate authority over the an August report by the International was too late to stop it. That would include The dispute is not only about the West nuclear programme, has issued a fatwa, Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), its at a minimum Iran signing the IAEA’s stopping Iran building a bomb, but also or religious ruling, against nuclear stockpile had increased since May by Additional Protocol, which gives IAEA about preventing it expanding its capa- weapons, saying these are against Islam. just 3.8kg to 185.8kg, largely due to fuel inspectors greater access and informa- bilities to the point where it could make Western nuclear experts believe that conversions. tion and enhances its ability to detect a dash for nuclear weapons — known as holds, for now. Yet at the same time it has developed undeclared nuclear activities, including “breakout” — if it chose to. But Khamenei’s fatwa could change, advanced centrifuges used to enrich ura- at any so far undiscovered sites. Many different conditions need to said Mehdi Khalaji, a trained Shia theolo- and Tehran resolving differences dating nium, thereby improving the efficiency Even then, concerns remain about be met even for an interim agreement gian and Iran scholar at the Washington back to the 1979 Iranian revolution. and speed of enrichment and narrowing other parts of Iran’s nuclear programme, to slow Iran’s nuclear programme and Institute for Near East Policy, for exam- Some analysts have suggested a com- the potential breakout time. including its Arak nuclear reactor, stop it reaching a point — expected by ple if Iranian rulers faced what they bination of processes, whereby US-Iran So while suspension of enrichment to 20 expected to come on stream by mid- to some nuclear experts by the middle of believed to be an existential threat. talks on non-nuclear security issues, percent is seen as essential for any interim late next year. While there is nothing next year — when the United States and “In Shia jurisprudence we believe that including Syria, would build trust, under- deal, probably followed by its eventual ces- in the NPT to prevent Iran building the Israel could be drawn into military action we don’t have access to the truth, so it is in pinning progress in nuclear negotiations sation in any lasting settlement, that alone reactor for electricity, it could theoreti- to prevent it advancing further. a way very relativistic.” Decision-making in between the five permanent members of is not sufficient to allay Western fears. cally yield plutonium for nuclear bombs. “The debate is more about breakout,” Iran, he said, is also driven by “the principle the Security Council plus Germany (the In a paper published in July by the As a result, both the United States and said Shashank Joshi at the Royal United of expediency of the regime ... Therefore, P5 +1) and Iran. Institute for Science and International Israel are watching it warily, largely Services Institute (RUSI) in London. the logic of the decision-making is more But if managing the moving parts of Security (ISIS), authors David Albright because once it does become operational Unlike India and Pakistan, which pragmatism and survivalism rather than parallel negotiating tracks would be hard, and Christina Walrond argued that cen- it would be impossible to bomb it without developed nuclear weapons in secret the Islamic legal system.” agreeing even basic conditions for an trifuge development meant Iran would causing huge environmental damage. before publicly testing in 1998, Iran is a Moreover, the fatwa covers only nuclear interim deal could be even harder. reach a “critical capability” — the ability Any interim deal could try to convince member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation bombs. “He never said that nuclear capa- That is partly because the speed to produce enough weapons-grade ura- Iran to postpone operations at Arak until Treaty (NPT), subjecting it to interna- bility is against Islamic law; he never said of breakout depends on multiple fac- nium from its stocks for a nuclear explo- the nuclear dispute is resolved. Finally, even tional inspections. As a result, the out- that militarising the nuclear programme tors, including the size of Iran’s stocks sive without being detected - in mid 2014. if an interim agreement were reached to side world would know fairly quickly if it is against Islamic law. Everything he says of enriched uranium, its technological “Preventing Iran from reaching criti- slow or suspend Iran’s nuclear programme, made a break for a nuclear bomb. is about the actual bomb.” progress, the extent of international cal capability will require a broad set of the process would have a long way to go But Iran is advancing its nuclear capa- inspections and whether it has any pre- responses, but the most important is lim- before a final settlement, including clear- bilities — including the ability to enrich PARALLEL TRACKS viously undisclosed enrichment sites. iting the number and type of centrifuges ing up lingering Western anxieties about uranium — at such a rate that it has nar- With Iran insisting on its sovereign Over the last year, much attention Iran builds,” it said. Iranian weapons research. rowed the time it would need for break- right to enrichment for peaceful pur- focused on Iran’s enrichment of uranium Along with curbs on stocks of enriched Although a 2007 US intelligence assess- out, meaning it could build a bomb before poses, any resolution of the dispute to 20 percent, a level that can quickly be uranium and limits on centrifuges, west- ment said Iran had likely suspended what the West had time to detect and stop it. would have to find some kind of balance enriched to 90 percent weapons-grade, ern countries are worried about Iran’s it said was its weapons programme in 2003, “In as much as they have the ability between Tehran’s desire to maintain its after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Fordow enrichment facility. Because its an IAEA report in late 2011 suggested that to indigenously develop a nuclear bomb, capabilities and the West’s determination Netanyahu said Israel would not allow enrichment halls are buried 91 metres some weapons-related research activities they already have a nuclear-weapons to restrict them. Tehran to acquire enough enriched ura- underground they are harder to bomb, may have continued after 2003 up until capability,” said Joshi. “Now the issue Any agreement could be an interim nium to produce one nuclear bomb. should the West or Israel ever decide they 2009. Among other details sought by the that is looming is enrichment capacity. deal in return for a partial lifting of sanc- Israel, the only country in the Middle needed to take military action. Among West is information on past nuclear weap- By the middle of next year, capacity will tions, a longer-term nuclear settlement, East with a presumed nuclear arsenal, the conditions for an interim deal would ons research, including access to scientists. be so high that some fear that it would or a “grand bargain” between Washington sees Iran as an existential threat. therefore likely be continuous monitoring REUTERS MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Kenya forces battle to end mall siege Three Britons, two Frenchwomen, two Canadians and two Indians among 68 dead; more than 200 wounded

NAIROBI: Kenyan troops Shebab rebels said the carnage launched an assault yester- at the partly Israeli-owned com- day to end a terrifying siege by plex was in retaliation for Kenya’s Somali militants holding hos- military intervention in Somalia, tages inside a shopping mall, where African Union troops are with police warning the death battling the Islamists. toll of 68 people could rise “They shall not get away with “much higher”. their despicable and beastly acts,” Shortly after night fell with Kenyatta said in an emotional the siege well into its second day, speech. “We will punish the mas- teams backed by Israeli agents terminds swiftly, and indeed very moved in to end the bloodbath at painfully.” the upmarket Westgate complex. More than 1,000 people have “Major engagement ongo- been rescued, but between 10 to 15 ing”, Kenya’s National Disaster attackers — reportedly both men Operation Centre said in a mes- and women — are holding out in sage on its Twitter site. The disas- the multi-storey complex “as well ter centre, which said the assault as many unarmed, badly shaken, “will end tonight” reported “spo- innocent civilians”, Kenyatta said. radic gunfire” as the troops bat- Kenyatta said a nephew and his tled the remaining attackers, fiancee were among those killed while witnesses outside the mall during the sometimes ferocious heard a loud explosion as helicop- gun battles. ters flew overhead. The dead also included three “The criminals are now all Britons, two French women, two located in one place within the Canadians including a diplomat, building... We have as good a chance a Chinese women, two Indians, a to successfully neutralise the ter- South Korean, a South African rorists as we can hope for,” Kenyan and a Dutch woman, according President Uhuru Kenyatta said in to their governments. Also killed a speech to the nation. was Ghanaian poet and former Kenyatta, who called for UN envoy Kofi Awoonor, 78, while patience, said he had received his son was injured. “numerous offers of assistance Kenyan troops take position inside the Westgate mall in Nairobi. from friendly countries” but that WORLD FLAYS ATTACK for now it remained a Kenyan The attack was condemned first floor of the mall, said it was children taken away on stretchers. operation. However, a Kenyan by world powers. US President a “miracle from God” that he Shebab said the attack was Ghanaian poet killed security source confirmed that Barack Obama called Kenyatta managed to escape the approach- retaliation for Kenya’s nearly Israelis “are rescuing the hostages offering support “to bring the ing gunmen. “I remember them two-year-old military presence and the injured”. The Israeli for- perpetrators of the attack to saying ‘you killed our people in in war-torn Somalia in support ACCRA: Renowned Ghanaian shooting started. “I think the son eign ministry refused to confirm justice”, while UN chief Ban Somalia, it is our time to pay you of the internationally-backed gov- poet and statesman Kofi went to pick up something at the or deny its agents were involved. Ki-moon said the violence was back’,” he said. ernment. “If you want Kenya in Awoonor (pictured) was among mall. Professor Awoonor was in Terrified witnesses recounted “totally reprehensible”. One teenage survivor told how peace, it will not happen as long the 68 people confirmed dead in the parking garage waiting for scenes of horror as the masked Kenya’s Vice President William he played dead to avoid being as your boys are in our lands,” the attack on a Nairobi him,” Dawes, said. “The gunmen tossed grenades and Ruto has asked the International killed. “I heard screams and Shebab spokesman Sheik Ali shopping mall. son was shot while he sprayed automatic gunfire in the Criminal Court to delay his trial gunshots all over the place. I got Mohamud Rage said. The announcement of was inside the mall. packed centre in a brazen attack for crimes against humanity over scared... (and) hid behind one The group also issued a string his death led to an out- We don’t know at what around midday on Saturday, send- deadly 2007-08 post-election vio- of the cars,” 18-year-old Umar of statements via Twitter, one of pouring of grief in his point the professor was ing panicked shoppers fleeing for lence because of the mall standoff, Ahmed said. them claiming that Muslims in home country. President shot,” Dawes said. their lives. his lawyer said. In the hours after the attack the centre had been “escorted out John Dramani Mahama Awoonor was Ghana’s Officials have estimated some Mall worker Zipporah Wanjiru, began, shocked people of all ages by the Mujahideen before begin- expressed his “shock” at representative to the 200 people have been wounded in who emerged from the ordeal and races could be seen running ning the attack”. the news, adding: “Such United Nations under the more than 30-hour-siege. alive but in a state of shock, said from the mall, some clutching Israeli interests in Kenya a sad twist of fate.” the presidency of Jerry But police sources who had she hid under a table with five babies, while others crawled along have come under attack before. Awoonor, 78, was Rawlings from 1990 to entered the building yesterday other colleagues. walls to avoid stray bullets. In November 2002 there were killed and his son 1994. He was also presi- evening said they feared that “They were shooting indiscrim- As well as Kenyan troops, two simultaneous attacks in the was wounded at the dent of the Council of death toll “could be much, much inately, it was like a movie seeing foreign security agents — from Mombasa area. A missile tar- Westgate mall, Ghana’s Deputy State, an advisory body to the higher... judging from the bodies people sprayed with bullets like Israel as well as the United States geted an Israeli charter flight as Information Minister Felix president, a post he left earlier sighted inside,” reporting that the that,” she said, bursting into tears. and Britain — were also seen in it took off from the port city’s Kwakye Ofosu said. this year. He was most noted for attackers continued to fight back. “I have never witnessed this in my the mall, which is popular with airport, but missed. At the same Kwame Dawes, a cousin of his poetry inspired by the oral Nine bodies were taken out the life. Only God can heal us and our wealthy Kenyans and expatriates. time a car packed with explosives Awoonor as well as a poet who tradition of the Ewe people, to centre shortly after troops went country.” An AFPTV reporter said she smashed into the Israeli-owned was in Nairobi at the time of the which he belonged. His books in, updating an earlier toll of 59. Cafe waiter Titus Alede, who saw at least 20 people rescued Paradise hotel, killing 10 Kenyans attack, said Awoonor and his included Rediscovery and Other Somalia’s Al Qaeda-inspired risked his life and leapt from the from a toy shop, some of them and three Israelis. AFP son were not together when the Poems, published in 1964. AFP

Celebrations in Germany Miliband stakes future on cost of Swiss region bans living poll fight full-face Muslim veil BRIGHTON: Britain’s opposi- GENEVA: Voters in another loud expression of social tion leader Ed Miliband accused Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Islamophobia”. Prime Minister David Cameron region yesterday slapped a ban “We in the Council see this as of stoking a cost of living cri- on wearing full-face veils, a part of a string of attempts to sis yesterday, attempting to move condemned by the coun- make life increasingly difficult for overcome dire poll ratings and try’s Muslim community and Muslims in Switzerland and to ban convince sceptical voters that Amnesty International. symbols of Islam from the public Labour can be trusted to run Results from a referendum in arena,” it said in a statement. the economy. the southern canton of Ticino “It restricts the fundamental Three years into his leader- showed that 65 percent of the constitutional rights of Muslim ship, Miliband is under pressure electorate backed a proposal to women without any pressing need from party activists to assert forbid the covering of faces in or national legal basis.” his authority and give a clearer public areas by any group. Amnesty International also idea of what he stands for after Echoing bans in France and condemned the vote. “Fear, and Labour’s lead over Cameron’s Belgium, the measure does not sin- the creation of a problem where Conservatives narrowed. gle out Muslims directly. It states there isn’t one, have beaten rea- In an attempt to draw the bat- that “no-one may mask or hide son and respect, to the detri- tle lines ahead of the 2015 election, their face on the public highway, ment of the basic rights of the Miliband will try to use the party’s nor in places open to the public, entire population,” the head of Supporters of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) wearing T-shits which read “We remain Chancellor” conference to blunt Cameron’s except places of worship, nor those Amnesty’s Swiss section, Manon celebrate after exit polls were broadcast on television in Berlin yesterday. Chancellor Angela Merkel won a message of prudence as the econ- offering a public service”. Schick, said. She added that she landslide personal victory, putting her within reach of the first absolute majority in parliament in half a century. omy recovers from its worst crisis But in a clear nod to the Islamic hoped the Swiss parliament would since the Second World War. tradition of veils for women, it speak out, given that the right to “For generations in this coun- adds that “no-one may require religious freedom is inscribed in try, when the economy grew the another person to cover their the country’s constitution. majority of people got better off,” face for reasons of gender”. The Referenda are the bedrock of Miliband told the BBC in Brighton, measure was the brainchild of Switzerland’s system of direct Obama calls for gun-control push a seaside resort on England’s south right-wing Ticino populist party democracy, with citizen-cam- coast where Labour’s annual con- “Il Guastafeste” — whose king- paigners able to force votes if WASHINGTON: US President Americans’ constitutional rights. the headlines. Last Monday, a ference is being held. “Now that pin Giorgio Ghiringhelli makes no they collect enough signatures Barack Obama urged support- “We fought a good fight ear- government contractor killed vital link between the growing secret of his criticism of Islam. from voters. With 350,000 peo- ers to “go back at it” and pur- lier this year, but we came up 12 people during rampage at the wealth of the country and people’s “This is an historic vote ple, Ticino is one of the smallest sue gun-control measures after short, and that means we’ve got Washington Navy Yard before family finances has been broken for Ticino,” Ghiringhelli told cantons in Switzerland. There mass shootings in Washington to get back up and go back at it,” police killed him in a gun battle. and the question is, for the British Switzerland’s Italian-language are some 400,000 Muslims in and Chicago in the past week Obama told an awards dinner for On Thursday night in Chicago, people, is there a party that’s going broadcaster RSI. “And not just for Switzerland. put the spotlight back onto the the Congressional Black Caucus the president’s hometown, sus- to tackle that?” Ticino, but also for Switzerland They represent five percent of problem of gun violence in the Foundation. pected gang members opened fire Miliband has struggled to and abroad, where the Ticino the population of Switzerland— United States. “As long as there are those who with an assault weapon late at a establish economic credibility example could spread.” but an even lower proportion of Obama made passing tough gun fight to make it as easy as possible park, wounding 13 people includ- with the voters since he beat his It is the first time that any of just two percent in Ticino, the laws a top priority after a gunman for dangerous people to get their ing a 3-year-old child. brother David for the leadership Switzerland’s 26 cantons — the Central Islamic Council said. killed 20 children and six adults at hands on guns, then we’ve got to However, despite the violence of Labour after Gordon Brown’s equivalent of US states — has “This result underlines a certain an elementary school in Newtown, work as hard as possible for the and Obama’s remarks, the politi- 2010 electoral defeat ended 13 imposed such a ban. It will be degree of disquiet in the popula- Connecticut, in December, stun- sake of our children ... to do more cal appetite for gun control on years of Labour governments. anchored in Ticino’s constitution, tion,” said Swiss President Ueli ning the nation. work to make it harder,” he said. Capitol Hill has not changed, and Promising a stronger minimum making it tough to overturn, and Maurer. He underlined that it came But Congress rejected his pro- The Obama administration a broad new effort by the admin- wage, Miliband said his party local lawmakers will now have to in the wake of a nationwide refer- posals to restrict sales of certain has largely moved on to other istration is unlikely as it works on would not borrow more for day- craft legislation to implement it endum in November 2009 which types of guns and require greater priorities since the gun meas- immigration reform and budget to-day spending, but repeatedly and impose penalties on those led to a ban on the construction of background checks. Gun-rights ures were defeated in Congress, battles that threaten to shut said it was too early to give details who fail to respect it. new mosque minarets beyond the groups opposed the measures, but a recent spate of shootings down the government. of Labour’s fiscal plans. Switzerland’s Central Islamic four already built in the country. saying they would infringe on has brought the issue back into REUTERS REUTERS Council slammed the vote as “yet AFP MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 ASIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Suu Kyi urges Sri Lanka Tamils diaspora to win landslide return home

SINGAPORE: Thousands of Myanmar nationals living in in self-rule vote Singapore gave Aung San Suu Kyi an emotional welcome yes- terday as the democracy icon TNA wins 30 out of 38 seats urged them to consider coming home to help rebuild the impov- JAFFNA: Sri Lanka’s main have been relaxed. Civilians say erished nation. Tamil party won a landslide they are still under surveillance. The two-hour event, held on the victory yesterday in landmark The TNA swept all five districts third day of opposition leader Suu elections in the battle-scarred in the election for the semi-autono- Kyi’s first visit to the city-state, north, raising hopes of self-rule mous Northern Provincial Council, saw Myanmar nationals working for the ethnic minority after results from the Department of or studying in the wealthy city- decades of war. Elections showed. state turn up in traditional attire The opposition Tamil National The poll for the council was and T-shirts emblazoned with her Alliance (TNA) won 30 out of 38 held amid claims the military portrait to hear her speak and put seats in the first elections for a tried to intimidate and harass questions. provincial council in the former voters and a Tamil candidate. The crowd, estimated at 5,800 war zone. Saturday’s vote was President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s by organisers Myanmar Club held amid international pres- United People’s Freedom Alliance Singapore, gave Suu Kyi a pro- sure for the majority Sinhalese won just seven seats in a humili- Deposed Chinese regional leader Bo Xilai (centre) at the Jinan Intermediate Court yesterday. longed standing ovation as she to share power with Tamils four ating defeat. His party has won entered a convention hall. “Of years after the end of the bloody almost every major election since course it is an emotional moment separatist conflict. he led the campaign that crushed for many of us. Today, after see- The US, which leads inter- Tamil Tigers in 2009. China’s disgraced Bo Xilai ing The Lady in Singapore for national calls on Sri Lanka to A Muslim party won one seat the first time, I feel proud to be improve its human rights record, on the council. In the district of (from) Myanmar,” said 28-year- said the landmark ballot was a Jaffna, 400km north of Colombo old nurse Zaw Lei Win. “starting point” in reconcilia- and home to over a million Tamils, given life term for graft Student Myat Kaung Min said tion. “These elections provided a the TNA secured more than 84 Suu Kyi in her speech in the starting point for that process,” percent of the vote, exceeding its Myanmar language urged her com- the US embassy said in a state- projections of 66 percent. There JINAN: A Chinese court sen- The court in the eastern city his feisty defence at his five-day patriots in Singapore to consider ment issued in Colombo. were no public signs of celebra- tenced ousted senior politician of Jinan, where Bo was tried, trial, said Zhang Ming, a pro- returning home or to “find some TNA leader C V Wigneswaran tions in Jaffna where the military Bo Xilai to life in jail yesterday ordered that all his personal fessor at Renmin University in way” to give back to Myanmar. said the results were an over- maintains a large presence. after finding him guilty of cor- assets be seized, and deprived Beijing. “My predication was for “She said everyone is wait- whelming vote for self-rule for Wigneswaran said he was open ruption and abuse of power, a him of his political rights for life, shorter,” he said. “His denial of ing for her to become president Tamils. He repeated his demand to talks with the president on tough term that gives him lit- according to a transcript released guilt led to a longer sentence.” before returning to Burma, but for the military to withdraw from power-sharing arrangements in tle chance of staging a political by the court’s official microblog. The court showed a picture of a that she cannot become president the Tamil-dominated north, say- the north, and was seeking devo- comeback. “Bo Xilai was a servant of the handcuffed Bo, with clenched fists if we don’t come back and help,” ing there was no reason for its lution in a united Sri Lanka, as Bo was a rising star in China’s state, he abused his power, caus- in an apparent show of defiance, said the 21-year-old, who has per- presence since the end of the war set out in a statute in 1987, rather leadership circles and cultivated ing huge damage to the country flanked by two towering police- manent residency in Singapore. in 2009. “That (army presence) is than separation. a loyal following through his cha- and its people ... The circum- men who held him by his shoul- AFP the primary problem the Tamils “There is a fear of separation, risma and populist, quasi-Maoist stances were especially serious,” ders and forearms. Two more of the northern province are but all we are asking for is a fed- policies, especially among those left the court said in its judgement. policemen stood by. having today,” Wigneswaran told eral state which exists within out in the cold by China’s anything- State media said he would Heavy security and roadblocks Bangla garment foreign media here shortly after the boundaries of Sri Lanka,” for-growth economic policies. probably appeal, in which case the around the courthouse kept results were announced. Wigneswaran said. “We are for But his career was stopped short supreme court in Shandong prov- bystanders back, with no signs of workers protest “You have to get rid of the an undivided Sri Lanka and self- last year by a murder scandal in ince, where Jinan is located, would any Bo sympathisers present. army. They must be put in bar- rule under a federal system.” which his wife, Gu Kailai, was con- have to hear the case within two At the end of Bo’s trial last DHAKA: Police fired rubber racks somewhere else,” said President Rajapaksa’s brother, victed of poisoning a British busi- months. As all courts are party month, prosecutors demanded a bullets and tear gas at thou- Wigneswaran, who is set to Basil, who is also the minister nessman, Neil Heywood, who had controlled, they are unlikely to heavy sentence, saying his “whim- sands of Bangladesh garment become the region’s chief minister. for Economic Development, told been a family friend. overturn the verdict. sical” challenge to charges flew workers yesterday as violence Tamils are a minority nation- reporters that the government While Bo has the right to appeal While Bo could have been given in the face of the evidence. The erupted during a second day of ally but a majority in the north- was ready to cooperate with the within 10 days from today, the sen- the death penalty, many observers court rejected Bo’s defence almost protests to demand a $100 mini- ern province. Access to the Jaffna newly elected council. “We are tence effectively puts an end to his had felt this was unlikely as the entirely, aside from one small sec- mum monthly wage, police said. peninsula is still controlled by the ready to cooperate with them,” political ambitions and the glamor- party would not have wanted to tion of the bribery charge related Angry workers attacked gar- military, although some of the minister Basil Rajapaksa said. ous lifestyle he enjoyed as a mem- make a martyr of him. to travel expenses for Bo’s wife ment factories during protests in more stringent security checks AFP ber of China’s ruling elite. Bo did himself few favours with and their son, REUTERS key manufacturing areas outside of the capital Dhaka. Police said they forced more than 100 plants, which make clothing for Western retailers, to shut down for the day. Workers hurled bricks and Typhoon hits southern China stones at factories in the Tongi and Kaliakoir areas, prompt- BEIJING: The year’s most powerful typhoon The typhoon landed near the city of Shanwei ing police to move in to stop has slammed into southern China, forcing in the Chinese province of Guangdong, about the attacks and leaving dozens hundreds of flight cancellations, shutting down 140km north-east of Hong Kong, and was mov- injured, senior officers said. A fire shipping and putting a nuclear power plant on ing west-north-west at 14mph, the Hong Kong was lit outside one factory. alert after pummelling parts of the Philippines Observatory said. It was expected to skirt about “We were forced to fire rubber and Taiwan with heavy rains and fierce winds. 60 miles north of Hong Kong overnight. bullets and tear gas to disperse Typhoon Usagi veered away from Hong Kong Ferry services between Hong Kong and the workers who attacked about at the last minute and made landfall north-east nearby Macau and outlying islands were sus- half a dozen factories,” local police of the former British colony. Forecasters had pended as the observatory raised the No 8 storm chief Omar Faruq said. warned earlier that it posed a “severe threat” warning signal, the third highest on a five-point Some 30,000 workers took to the southern Chinese city. scale. It reported winds as strong as 42mph part in the numerous protests Usagi — Japanese for rabbit — was classified and warned that a storm surge and heavy rains to demand wage rises, including as a severe typhoon, with sustained winds of could cause flooding in low-lying areas. a march along a main highway in 109mph (175km/h) and gusts of up to 132mph. The typhoon wreaked havoc on airport sched- Kaliakoir which brought traffic to The storm was downgraded from a super ules in Hong Kong, nearby Macau and mainland a halt, Faruq said. typhoon on Saturday as it passed through the China, upsetting travel plans for many passen- Mustafizur Rahman, deputy Luzon strait separating the Philippines and gers who were returning home at the end of the police chief of the region, said at Taiwan, probably sparing residents in both places three-day mid-autumn festival long weekend. least 50 people including several People watch waves hitting the shores as Typhoon Usagi approaches in Shantou, from the most destructive winds near its eye. Hong Kong international airport said 370 arriv- policemen were injured. The situ- Guangdong province, yesterday. In Taiwan nine people were hurt by fall- ing and departing flights had been cancelled and ation was still tense, Rahman said. ing trees on Kinmen island off China’s coast. another 64 delayed. GUARDIAN NEWS AFP Impasse leaves Cambodia at crossroads PHNOM PENH: Despite mass parliament when it convenes holding the hunger strike. protests, accusations of rigged today unless Hun Sen agrees to Experts say that ultimately the elections, a brief hunger strike its demand for an independent emergence of a more vocal and by a prince and a threatened probe into the disputed July polls. emboldened opposition should be boycott of parliament by his Several rounds of talks between positive for a country that has rivals, Cambodia’s long-ruling Hun Sen and opposition leader been run almost single-handedly strongman Hun Sen remains Sam Rainsy over the past week by Hun Sen for 28 years. firmly in control. failed to break the deadlock, rais- “We’re moving towards a But after his worst poll result ing fears of a protracted dispute two-party system, which is good in 15 years and a series of dem- and further mass protests. for the country, for a healthy onstrations drawing tens of thou- The two sides agreed to seek democracy,” said independent sands of people, experts say the a non-violent solution to the analyst Lao Mong Hay, a former former Khmer Rouge fighter- impasse and made a vague pledge researcher for the Asian Human turned-premier must now realise to set up a mechanism to bring Rights Commission. that something has to change. about election reform. According to official results of “Hun Sen got a huge kick — a The key demand of the opposi- the July election, the Cambodian huge wake-up call — during the tion Cambodian National Rescue People’s Party (CPP) won 68 election,” said Ou Virak, presi- Party (CNRP) is for an independ- seats against 55 for the CNRP. dent of the Cambodian Center for ent “truth committee” to inves- The opposition has rejected the Human Rights. “So I think Hun tigate Hun Sen’s controversial tally, alleging widespread vote Sen is getting the message that election victory. On that, the pre- irregularities. people are not happy with the way mier has refused to budge. The CNRP has warned of fur- he runs the country.” The crisis took a new twist on ther protests unless Hun Sen Three days of demonstrations Friday when a pro-opposition agrees to its demands, which descended into violence earlier Cambodian prince — the cousin also include an overhaul of the this month when a protester of King Norodom Sihamoni — National Election Committee. was shot dead as security forces went on hunger strike in pro- The question now, say experts, clashed with a stone-throwing test at Hun Sen’s contested win, is how much ground Hun Sen will crowd. demanding “justice for voters”. be willing to cede to the opposi- Cambodia’s political crisis faces His protest ended on Saturday tion, and how his rivals will use a crucial juncture this week with after military police expelled him their new-found political clout. the opposition set to boycott from the pagoda where he was AFP MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PHILIPPINES Charges filed against MNLF leaders Captured rebels reveal details of Zamboanga City attack which left many dead and thousands homeless

MANILA: Charges of rebellion into Zamboanga City and who government forces and the MNLF and violation of human rights possibly financed them. rebels in Zamboanga continued on were filed on Friday against President Aquino earlier its 13th day with increasing civil- four leaders of a faction of the said they received reports that ian casualties. Moro National Liberation Front the firearms and ammunition The number of civilians killed (MNLF) that laid siege in were gradually brought inside in the conflict increased to 52 Zamboanga City for two weeks, Zamboanga City over a period of with the death of an elderly leaving scores dead and thou- one year as the siege was being woman and three others in sepa- sands of people homeless. planned. rate incidents. Authorities filed charges of The President also said the A mortar round hit a residen- rebellion and crimes against evidence on Misuari’s involve- tial building yesterday, killing an International Humanitarian Law ment in the siege was becoming elderly woman in a village more under Republic Act 9851 with the clearer, especially after he can- than a kilometre from where prosecutor’s office in Zamboanga celled a meeting in Indonesia for government forces are engaged City against Habier Malik, the review of the implementa- in a gunbattle with MNLF rebel Asamin Hussin, Bas Arki and tion of the 1996 peace agreement forces. Handji Ami Adjirin, all ranking between the government and the The military said the wayward MNLF leaders now being hunted MNLF. mortar round hit the second floor by authorities. Aquino said he wanted the of the building owned by Norma Police also charged 25 other charges against Misuari to be Lladones in Barangay Tetuan of rebels who were captured or who airtight so he could not escape this city. surrendered during the fighting. from responsibility again in case Lladones, 71, died instantly Senior Superintendent Edgar he really masterminded the siege from the explosion that also Danao, chief of the regional to sabotage the ongoing peace destroyed the entire second floor police Criminal Investigation and process with the Moro Islamic of the three-storey residential Detection Group (CIDG), said Liberation Front (MILF). building. they used as evidence the confes- There are suspicions that Earlier, a bomb exploded inside sion of other MNLF rebels detail- groups or personalities also do not a passenger bus, killing three peo- ing how the attack on Zamboanga want the peace process with the ple in Barangay Labuan several President Aquino with secretaries Mar Roxas and Voltaire Gazmin, Philippine National Police chief Director General City was planned. MILF to succeed. Other groups kilometers away from the city Alan Purisima, Armed Forces chief Gen Emmanuel Bautista, Western Mindanao Command chief Gen Rey Ardo Manila said the investigation may want to humiliate the Aquino proper. Authorities suspected the and other military officers in Zamboanga City yesterday. into the Zamboanga City caper administration in general. rebels are launching diversion- of the MNLF faction will also But Valte said they could not ary attacks to ease the pressure include possible financiers or speculate on such motives. from government forces against “A total of 174 civilian hostages who also took dozens of civilians under international law, and other backers. She said the focus of the gov- the MNLF. were also rescued,” Maj. Angelo as hostages. every measure must be taken to “Maybe we will see that in the ernment right now is to drive out The government sustained 10 de Guzman, assistant information The United Nations Children’s ensure their protection,” Unicef coming days... We know that the the rebels to ensure the safety of casualties while the number of chief of the Armed Forces of the Fund (Unicef), meanwhile, Philippine representative Tomoo President has ordered an investi- civilians and bring back normalcy the wounded also increased to Philippines, added. expressed concern over the plight Hozumi said. gation into the incident,” deputy in Zamboanga City. 123 yesterday. The fighting has displaced more of the thousands of children Unicef called on the govern- presidential spokesperson Abigail “Moving forward, we will see in Policemen killed in the fighting than 100,000 people who fled from affected by the armed conflict. ment to take active measures to Valte said. the investigation if the (MNLF) remain at three, with 13 others their homes and are now staying “We condemn in the strong- prevent the outbreak of diseases There have been questions on forces received help from other wounded. at evacuation centres. est terms any action undertaken in the evacuation areas and pro- how the MNLF faction of Nur people or other groups,” Valte The troops, however, killed six Most of the evacuees have no in conflict situations that vio- vide special care for the children Misuari managed to sneak in said. more rebels, bringing to 98 the place to return to since their lates children’s rights. Children caught in the conflict. heavy firearms and ammunition The intense gunbattle between total casualties of the MNLF. homes were razed by the rebels, have a right to special protection THE PHILIPPINE STAR Lawyer seeks No smiles: Lifted photo spoils contest Finance rule new venue creates stir MANILA: An amateur pho- owner to personally convey to him for Janet’s tographer apologised yesterday my deepest and personal apology,” and withdrew his participation Solis said. at customs in a photo contest after it was In a comment he posted on arraignment found that the entry that won Rappler, Smith suggested that MANILA: A directive crafted him the top prize belonged to a Chile’s Ambassador Roberto by the Department of Finance MANILA: Citing security Brazil-based social worker. Mayorga give the prize instead to (DOF)’s newly formed Revenue reasons, businesswoman Janet Mark Joseph Solis, a political his foundation, which also helps Cluster headed by Bureau Lim-Napoles will ask for her science graduate of the University children in the Philippines. of Internal Revenue (BIR) arraignment today to be trans- of the Philippines who is study- Smith said he would be visit- Commissioner Kim Henares ferred from Makati to Fort Sto ing public administration also in ing Manila early next year for has created a stir at the Bureau Domingo in Sta Rosa, Laguna UP, won $1,000 plus round-trip a project in Manila’s Smokey of Customs (BOC). where she is detained. air fare and accommodations to Mountain. Rappler reported that The DOF order directed all Napoles’ lawyer Lorna Kapunan Chile and Brazil for the entry he it was not the first time Solis had BOC officials and personnel to said she will file the motion today called “The Mettle of the Filipino joined a photo contest with an return to their mother unit. with the Makati Regional Trial Spirit.” entry taken by another person. In an interview with The Court, which last Friday denied a The entry in the 2nd Calidad He also entered Smith’s photo in STAR last Friday, Henares said motion to defer the arraignment. Humana National Essay the United Nations International the directive is only the first Napoles, the centre of contro- Photography Competition organ- Year of Water Cooperation con- in a series of sweeping changes versy over the pork barrel scam ised by the embassy of Chile, with test, with the child identified as that the Revenue Cluster would involving lawmakers, is facing the theme “Smiles for the World,” however, Gregory John Smith, by our programme at the time,” an Indian. In the same contest, be implementing to reform the charges of serious illegal deten- (pictured) supposedly depicted a a social entrepreneur with the Smith told GMA News Online. Solis entered a second photo also BOC. The cluster covers the BIR, tion filed by her cousin turned boy from Zamboanga City helping global network Ashoka and He pointed to his Flickr lifted from the Flickr album of the BOC and the Bureau of Local whistleblower Benhur Luy. his father gather seaweed. founder of the Children at Risk account featuring the same photo, Children At Risk Foundation. Government Finance. The arraignment is scheduled The contest was supposed to Foundation in Brazil, said it was dated 2006 and titled “Neptune of Photos lifted from other peo- “There are phases of reforms in at 1:30 pm today. celebrate uniquely Filipino human his photo. the Sea,” together with photos of ple’s Flickr accounts were also the BOC. This is one phase, there Kapunan, however, said they qualities or calidad humana. “The photo was actually taken other children in Brazil. entered by Solis in competitions is a second phase and there is a are not opposing the arraignment The STAR ran the story after by me in Brazil in 2006, while on Solis admitted lifting the photo organised by Papworth Trust, third phase,” Henares said. but urged the court to have it the awarding ceremonies last Christmas holidays at the coast from Flickr. “I’m deeply sorry. VinylPlus and even the Office of The first wave of reform was conducted at Fort Sto. Domingo, Wednesday that coincided with together with four brothers from I’m in deep remorse. Right now, the Presidential Adviser on the implemented through Customs headquarters of the police Special the National Day of Chile. the same poverty-stricken fam- I already contacted the organis- Peace Process, Rappler reported. Personnel Order (CPO) B-134- Action Force (SAF), where it After the story came out, ily in Brazil, who were supported ers and I’m about to contact the THE PHILIPPINE STAR 2013 mandating all BOC officials would be much safer for Napoles. and personnel to return to their The Philippine National Police mother unit, effectively revoking (PNP) on Saturday gave assur- their current designations. ance they are ready to provide Ranking officials, including security for the arraignment district collectors who will lose of Napoles. The Makati police, Typhoon moves away but heavy rains to continue their present positions, have tasked to secure the Makati City threatened to take legal action Hall building where the court- MANILA: Super Typhoon It was forecast to move against Customs Commissioner rooms are located, also expressed Odette (international name west northwest at 19kmph. Ruffy Biazon, the signatory in the readiness. Senior Superintendent Usagi) left the country on The typhoon is expected to be revamp order. Jose Erwin Villacorte, director of Saturday night but it will con- 720km northwest of Itbayat or “This is illegal. We will bring the Southern Police District, said tinue to enhance the southwest in the vicinity of Hong Kong this this issue to the courts,” a district proper security preparations have monsoon, bringing rains over morning. collector said in an interview. been laid down. some parts of the country until Odette, the strongest typhoon Henares, however, said there “We will field substantial Wednesday, the sate weather to hit the country so far this year, is nothing illegal about the order. number of policemen for her pro- bureau said. battered Northern Luzon areas “The order merely says that tection. We feel that she is very Philippine Atmospheric, over the weekend. you go back to where your item important for the pork barrel Geophysical and Astronomical At least two people were is. What’s illegal about that? case,” Villacorte said. Services Administration reported dead while two oth- Anyway, they are free to file a The court allowed Napoles to be (PAGASA) weather forecaster ers were missing due to the legal action,” the BIR chief told transferred custody to Fort Sto. Aldzar Aurelio yesterday said onslaught of Odette, according The STAR. Domingo, noting the threats on light to heavy rains would per- to the National Disaster Risk Henares said the directive was her life since she is considered the sist in the next three days over Reduction and Management issued to correct wrong practices major player in the pork barrel the western section of the Visayas Council (NDRRMC). in the bureaucracy. scam. Napoles was arrested for and Luzon, including Metro Close to 20,000 persons in five “In government, especially at allegedly detaining Luy to keep Manila, as well as Mimaropa and regions were also affected by the BIR and Customs, they don’t him from revealing details of the Calabarzon. Odette. care what item they get as long scam involving several legislators Yesterday, the monsoon rains The National Disaster Risk as they get in. When they get in, to siphon off money from their flooded parts of Metro Manila. Reduction and Management they will do whatever they can pork barrel funds. PAGASA raised a yellow rain- Council (NDRRMC) said the to get a certain assignment. For The Department of Justice rec- fall alert over Metro Manila, 19,788 affected persons were based example, there are messengers ommended the filing of charges Cavite, Pampanga, Rizal, Bulacan in Ilocos, Cordillera, Cagayan, or utilities but they are assigned of plunder against Napoles and and portions of Batangas and A woman struggles to control her umbrella as she walks on an overpass in Central Luzon and Mimaropa elsewhere,” she said. several prominent legislators and Laguna at 3:05pm yesterday. the rain in Manila, yesterday. regions. “Now, (with the order) we can officials for allegedly conniving Under a yellow rainfall warn- A C-130 Hercules is due to see the real strengths of the peo- with several lawmakers in putting ing, moderate to occasionally occasional intense rainfall were Batanes, as of 4am yesterday, arrive in Batanes this morning ple. If there is a vacancy, that’s up fake non-government organi- heavy rains may be experienced also experienced in Bataan and with maximum sustained winds to assess the damage caused by where the BOC will add people,” zations to embezzle funds. for the next three hours. Zambales yesterday. Odette was of 160kmph near the centre and Odette. she added. THE PHILIPPINE STAR Moderate to heavy with spotted 320km west of Itbayat, gustiness of up to 195kmph. THE PHILIPPINE STAR THE PHILIPPINE STAR MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Drone strike Bombers kill 78 at Pakistan church kills six in 34 women and seven children among the dead; 11 out of more than 100 wounded critical tribal belt PESHAWAR: A twin suicide spoke out against the violence, bombing killed at least 78 peo- calling it “a bad choice of hatred ple at a church service in north- and war”. MIRANSHAH: At least six west Pakistan yesterday in Sahibzada Anees, one of people were killed in a US drone what is believed to be the dead- Peshawar’s most senior officials, strike on a militant compound in liest attack on Christians in the told reporters the bombers struck a northwestern Pakistani tribal country. when the service had just ended. area yesterday, officials said. The two attackers struck at “We are in an area which is a tar- The attack took place in the end of a service at All Saints get of terrorism and within that Shawal , about 55km west of Church in Peshawar, the main area there was a special security Miranshah, the main town in town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa arrangement for the church. We North Waziristan tribal district, province, which has borne the are in a rescue phase and once it along the Afghan border. brunt of a bloody Islamist insur- is over we will investigate what “US drones fired four missiles gency in recent years. went wrong,” Anees said. into a militant compound. At least Federal interior minister Former minister for inter-faith six militants were killed and three Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said at harmony Paul Bhatti and provin- others were wounded,” a security least 78 people had died and 11 out cial lawmaker Fredrich Azeem official said. A second security of more than 100 wounded were Ghauri both said the attack official confirmed the attack and in a critical condition. was the deadliest ever targeting death toll. The officials said the “There are 34 women and seven Christians in Pakistan. identities of those killed were not children among the dead,” Khan The small and largely impov- yet clear. told reporters in Peshawar, adding erished Christian community Pakistan’s foreign ministry said that the federal government had suffers discrimination in the it “strongly” condemned the drone announced a three-day period of overwhelmingly Muslim-majority attack. “These unilateral strikes national mourning. nation but bombings against them are a violation of Pakistan’s sov- Pakistan’s umbrella Taliban are extremely rare. ereignty and territorial integrity. movement claimed responsibility, School teacher Nazir Khan, Pakistan has repeatedly empha- saying it had set up a new faction, 50, said at least 400 worshippers sised the importance of bring- Junood ul-Hifsa, to kill foreign- were greeting each other after the ing an immediate end to drone ers to avenge US drone strikes on service when there was a huge strikes,” it said in a statement. Taliban and Al Qaeda operatives. explosion. “A huge blast threw Members of the Christian community and civil society in Lahore hold placards and candles during a protest against US drone attacks are deeply “We carried out the suicide me on the floor and as soon as I a twin suicide bomb attack on a church in Peshawar yesterday. unpopular in Pakistan but bombings at Peshawar church and regained my senses, a second blast Washington views them as a vital will continue to strike foreigners took place and I saw wounded with bodies of the victims to pro- association of leading Muslim across Pakistan will fear for their tool in the fight against Taliban and non-Muslims until drone people everywhere,” Khan said. test against the killings, wit- scholars, branded the attack as lives,” he warned. Only around two and Al Qaeda militants in the law- attacks stop,” Ahmad Marwat, Witnesses saw shreds of human nesses said. Christians in Karachi, “shameful”. percent of the country’s popula- less tribal areas along the border a spokesman for the group, said flesh and bloodstains on the walls Lahore, Multan and other cities Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a tion of 180 million are Christian. with Afghanistan. The Pakistani by telephone. In June, the group and floor of the church, whose also staged protest rallies to con- deeply conservative province bor- The community complains of government has repeatedly pro- claimed responsibility for killing windows had been ripped out demn the attacks and demand dering the tribal districts along growing discrimination. tested against the strikes and 10 foreign climbers at a base camp by the blast. Pages of a the Bible state protection for their lives the Afghan frontier which are Christians have a precarious there has been a recent decrease of Nanga Parbat, the second high- were scattered near the altar and and properties. home to Taliban and Al Qaeda existence in Pakistan, often living in their use. est mountain in Pakistan after rice meals mingled with dust on In Karachi, angry protest- militants. in slum-like “colonies” cheek-by- During a visit to Islamabad at K-2. the floor amid shattered benches. ers clashed with police when Provincial lawmaker Ghauri jowl with Muslims and fearful of the start of August, US Secretary Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Walls were gouged with ball bear- they tried to clear a road in Isa said there were about 200,000 allegations of blasphemy, a sensi- of State John Kerry suggested strongly condemned the “cruel” ings used in the explosives, he said. Nagri, a low-income Christian Christians in the province, of tive subject that can provoke out- that drone strikes targeting attack, saying it violated the ten- Grieving relatives blocked the neighbourhood. whom 70,000 lived in Peshawar. bursts of public violence. Taliban and Al Qaeda operatives ets of Islam. Pope Francis also main Grand Trunk Road highway Pakistan’s Ulema Council, an “Now after this attack Christians AFP in Pakistan could end “very soon” as the threat of militancy recedes. According to an AFP tally there were 101 attacks in 2010, killing more than 670 people, compared with just 19 so far this year, killing Successful women can create just over 100 people. AFP better societies, forum told Remote sensing satellite system KARACHI: Successful women keynote address at the session on can be agents of positive ‘Game Changers’. Rehman said on cards: Minister change in society, noted speak- that women can be serious game ers at the fourth Ladies Fund changers. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Entrepreneurship Conference “No game can be changed with- Minister for Planning and in Pakistan have said. out them, as women are the best Development Ahsan Iqbal said Held over the weekend in agent of positive change in the that the country’s first Remote Karachi, the conference was society,” she said. “From fighting Sensing Satellite System is in organised by the Dawood Global for education like Malala, to trans- the offing and it will be launched Foundation and brought mainly forming communities like Perveen soon to meet the national and women leaders from Pakistan and Rehman, to leading from the front international user requirements abroad together to discuss on a like Benazir Bhutto, women truly in the field of satellite imagery. number of topics. have the power to create, lead, nur- “The government is commit- The speakers noted that as ture and transform.” ted to make the country’s satel- women were the dominant spe- Rehman added that becoming lite system more sophisticated cies — outnumbering males in an entrepreneur is a good tool for which can be helpful in the socio An attendee looks at her tablet during Afghanistan’s First Social Media Summit in Kabul yesterday. the total world population — they women to prove themselves and economic development of the should not accept any situation play their part in the development country,” the minister said while which disempowering. Rather, of world across. addressing the 8th convocation Afghan Twitter, Facebook users meet they should remain courageous, Dr Diana Kisro-Warnecke, a of Institute of Space Technology passionate, determinant and con- speaker from Germany, said her (IST). He said space technol- KABUL: More than 200 of Ahmad Shuja, one of the organ- “There are around 3-4 million sistent. Thus they can achieve mother was her mentor, who ogy has an important role in the Afghanistan’s most active users isers of the Paiwand (connection) Internet users and 19 million peo- goals they have set for the bet- helped her becoming a successful development of different sectors of Twitter and Facebook gath- meeting in Kabul. ple who have access to telephones terment of society and for them- entrepreneur. “My mother is just including agriculture, fisheries, ered yesterday for the country’s “Social media is picking up pace in Afghanistan,” said Aimal selves, the speakers said. not a mother for me. Rather, she infrastructure development, edu- first-ever social media summit as elections get closer. Some of Marjan, the head of the govern- “Don’t accept any situation is a coach for me, a mentor and a cation, health and transportation. to explore how the Internet is the possible candidates have sur- ment’s information and commu- of being disempowered,” Sherry role model,” she said. The minister said the present transforming traditional society. faced on social media and want nication technology department. Rehman, chair of Jinnah Institute, Shahrukh Hasan, Group government is a strong proponent Two days of panel discussions to be in touch with their support- “Around 10 years ago, there was and former foreign minister of Managing Director of Jang of modern science and technol- and workshops are being live- ers through that. Social media no TV, radio or other media, but Pakistan, said while addressing Group, moderated a panel dis- ogy as without this, no nation can streamed, blogged and tweeted on users who are young and edu- today we talk about the issues the conference. She said that cussion on the subject ‘Global achieve success and prosperity. He subjects ranging from the impact cated can bring a major change that people in Washington talk women should not accept dis- Game Changers’. He said that said due to lack of political stability of technology on next year’s elec- in Afghanistan.” about.” crimination at any place including the Jang Group and The Times of and policy discontinuity, the rate tions to how women can avoid Technology activists, Internet While much of Afghanistan offices, schools, clubs, and even at India have joined hands together of country’s economic development being harassed by mobile phone. entrepreneurs, government offi- remains deeply rural, cites such home. “They should draw a thin to change hostile relationship remained very low. He said stu- “We have brought together cials, authors and NGO staff are as Kabul, Herat and Mazar-i- line at all places.” between Pakistan and India into dents should play their role in the social media users from all among the delegates at the gath- Sharif are at the centre of busy Meanwhile, men and women a friendly one and preserve peace country’s development by applying around Afghanistan, so that ering at the American University and vocal Twitter and Facebook should work together like a and harmony for 1.6 billion people their research based knowledge in they share their experiences and in Kabul, capital of the war-torn communities. team, for the betterment of soci- of Pakistan and India. their professional careers. expand social media use,” said country of 30 million people. AFP ety and the world, she said in her INTERNEWS INTERNEWS

Freed Taliban leader awaits fate in Karachi safe house

ISLAMABAD: Mullah Abdul Ghani from Peshawar early yesterday. He is Assembly. “The timing of his release was But some are sceptical, with critics say- Baradar (pictured), a former Taliban being kept in a safe location in Karachi,” tied to his (Sharif’s) departure so that ing his years in detention have eroded his second-in-command released in one Pakistani intelligence source said. Pakistan is seen as doing all it can (for sway over the evolving insurgency. There Pakistan this weekend, is being kept A government source with knowledge the Afghan peace process),” said the gov- are also doubts whether real decision-mak- in a safe house in Karachi as regional of the situation said separately: “He will ernment source. ers such as Mullah Omar, who is himself in powers debate what role he could play not be sent to Afghanistan. He is in a safe Afghanistan has called for Baradar’s hiding, would agree to talk to him. in the Afghan peace process, sources in house in Karachi. ... Everything will be release for years, and Baradar’s captiv- A source in Afghan President Hamid Pakistan said yesterday. decided between Pakistan, Afghanistan ity in Pakistan has been a source of ten- Karzai’s administration said Baradar was Afghanistan sees Baradar as a respected and the United States.” sion as anxiety grows ahead of a planned kept in “protective custody” by Pakistani figure who could use his influence among It was unclear how long Baradar would withdrawal of most US-led troops from intelligence but did not say where exactly. the Taliban to help coax moderate com- stay in Karachi, a sprawling and violent Afghanistan at the end of next year. Known as a calm and level-headed manders to the negotiating table and con- port city. Sources had earlier said that Baradar, who is in his forties, was negotiator, Baradar is believed to be will- vince warring parties to stop fighting after he might eventually be sent to Turkey, once a close friend of the reclusive, one- ing to play the role of a peace ambassador, more than a decade of war. Saudi Arabia or Dubai to help kick-start eyed Taliban leader, Mullah Mohammad having once reached out to Kabul to seek The whereabouts of Baradar, one of peace talks with Taliban representatives. Omar, who gave him his nom de guerre, a peace settlement. the founders of the Taliban insurgency, The government source said Pakistan “Baradar” or “brother”, and he still enjoys A source with the Taliban-linked mili- has been the subject of speculation since decided to announce his release to coin- much respect among Taliban fighters. tancy in Pakistan said Baradar had now Pakistan announced he would be released cide with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s An appeal to lay down arms coming been reunited with his family in Karachi, some time on Saturday. There has been visit to New York, where he is expected to from a man of his stature is likely to be where he was arrested in 2010 in a joint no official confirmation of his location. meet US President Barack Obama on the treated seriously by commanders in the US-Pakistani raid. “Mullah Baradar was flown to Karachi sidelines of the United Nations General field, Afghan officials believe. REUTERS MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Modi exhorts Sangam beckons diaspora to help BJP win Leader speaks to Indians in US online

WASHINGTON: Comparing to all problems, he said: “This the upcoming 2014 parliamen- election is not about any post but tary poll to the one in 1977 after to wipe the tears of the poor.” the 18-month emergency rule, “Individuals are small, they Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime come and go, the nation is eter- ministerial candidate Narendra nal,” Modi said asking the party Modi reached out to the Indian workers to “work very hard as diaspora seeking its help to win only six months are left for the power. elections.” “Like 1977, 2014 will be the Modi also asked all Indian voice of the people,” said the passport holders abroad to regis- Gujarat chief minister address- ter as voters saying the informa- ing the annual national con- tion was available on the party’s vention of the US chapter of India 272 website. Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) “A question is asked who can at Tampa, Florida on Saturday rid India of the current problems? through satellite video. And the answer comes that BJP Modi, dressed in a half-sleeved can do that,” he said asserting grey shirt in the backdrop of a National Democratic Alliance saffron screen with the party’s governments led by BJP have lotus symbol, spoke in Hindi for created trust in the minds of the Hindu devotees take an evening boat ride at the Sangam, the confluence of the Yamuna and Ganga rivers in Allahabad, yesterday. over an hour. His speech was tel- people. Modi opened the speech ecast live on TV Asia across USA, with a reference to the terror Canada, Europe, and India. attack in a Nairobi mall earlier The theme of the conference is in the day in which some Indians “Mission 2014: BJP 272+”, a ref- too were killed saying “terrorism erence to the party’s ambition to is strengthening its roots, it is secure absolute majority on its own challenging us.” Govt denies role in Ramdev’s UK detention in the 543 member Lok Sabha. “As Mahatma Gandhi’s land, “The elections after Emergency who gave message of peace it is for NEW DELHI: The External London’s Heathrow airport for was also questioned by customs said in a statement. (former prime minister Indira us to spread message of human- Affairs Ministry yesterday eight hours by British immigra- about certain medicines he was “This incident is a case of gross Gandhi had imposed a state of ity,” he said. “Let us get the forces denied that it had any role in tion and customs officials and carrying with him. insult to the pride and prestige of emergency in 1975 that lasted of humanity together and make the detention of yoga guru Baba then released on Saturday. “He (Ramdev) asked several 1.25bn Indians. Swamiji had vis- 18 months during which politi- the world free of terror.” Ramdev at London’s Heathrow Ramdev’s spokesman S K times to immigration authorities ited the UK several times in the cal opponents were jailed, civil The two day convention kick airport. Tejarawala said the yoga guru was why he was detained as he had done last seven years and conducted liberties curtailed and press cen- started OFBJP’s campaign “No truth whatsoever in such neither asked any question nor no crime or illegal thing in his life, many yoga camps.” sored) were not fought by leaders for “Congress Mukt Bharat malicious rumours whatsoever,” was his luggage checked. but the authorities kept mum and Ramdev is visiting London or parties,” Modi said. “Neither Nirman” or building India with- External Affairs Ministry spokes- “Swamiji felt harassment replied nothing,” Tejarawala said. to attend a function organised did papers and pundits influence. out Congress — by winning power man Syed Akbaruddin tweeted in there,” Tejarawala said. Ramdev “Swamiji was carrying only four by the Patanjali Yogpeeth on It was people’s voice!” at the centre “with new thought reply to a tweet asking whether was reportedly questioned by the sets of clothes and a diary contain- the 120th anniversary of Swami Asking Indians abroad to and new hope to build one and the ministry had issued any Red immigration officials as he trav- ing facts and figures related to his Vivekananda’s speech at the dream about everyone’s progress excellent India” among the Indian Corner alert against Ramdev. elled to Britain on a visitor visa agitation and movement, and Ved World Parilament of Religions in and development as the solution diaspora. IANS Ramdev was detained at instead of a business visa, and he mantras in Sanskrit and Hindi,” he Chicago in 1893. IANS Kerala delays opening dam gates IDUKKI (KERALA): Kerala our inferences, we do not see the TV channel crews have also yesterday decided to put off the possibility of opening the shutters. been camping in the area for opening of the sluice gates of a But if need be, we will reconsider the past two days to capture the dam to release surplus water the decision,” said Karuppankutty. moment on camera. from the nearly-full Idukki res- If the shutters are indeed The Idukki reservoir, commis- ervoir, a spectacle that hun- opened, it would be only the third sioned in 1975, is impounded by dreds of people are waiting to time in the history of the reser- three dams: Idukki arch dam, see. The Idukki reservoir has voir, according to officials of the the Kulamavu dam and the three dams and its water level KSEB. Cheruthoni dam. has reached 2401.66 feet. The shutters were earlier Of the three, only the “There is no reason for opening opened on October 29, 1981 and Cheruthoni dam has shutters. the shutters in the coming three October 11, 1992. The KSEB, meanwhile, is mak- days,” said K K Karuppankutty, With Onam holidays ending ing the best use of the water in chief engineer for dam safety, yesterday, there has been an the reservoir as a record 18.19 Kerala State Electricity Board unprecedented rush of people million units of power was gen- (KSEB), yesterday. from districts like Kottayam, erated in one day. When the water level touches Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta and Revenue authorities have 2,402.15 feet, the shutters will be also from parts of Idukki to the opened 14 control rooms in and opened, he said the day before. areas near the dam to see the around the areas where the water “We are monitoring the water spectacle of the sluice gates being would flow in case the shutters of level on an hourly basis and from opened. the dam were opened. IANS

Canine awards IAS official’s suspension revoked LUCKNOW: The suspension of IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal has been revoked by the Uttar Pradesh government, an official statement issued here yesterday said. The 2010 batch Indian Administrative Service officer was suspended for allegedly ordering the razing of the wall of a mosque in Gautam Budh Nagar. Nagpal was suspended as sub- divisional magistrate on July 27, attached with the State Revenue Board and served a charge sheet on August 4. The state government in the charge sheet had accused her of taking a hasty administrative decision that lacked foresight and imperilled communal harmony in the region. In her reply, Nagpal had said that the boundary wall of the under-construction mosque at Kadalpur village in Gautam Budh Nagar was being built on Gram Sabha land and not on private land. Actor Amitabh Bachchan felicitates Mumbai police bomb detection On Saturday, she and her squad member sniffer dog Max at the ‘Pawsitive Peoples’ Awards’ in bureaucrat husband Abhishek Mumbai yesterday. Singh met Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. IANS MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Kerala Muslims Two Indians killed in Meet today to take back lower age up communal rift for girls marriage KOCHI: Political parties in Kerala yesterday opposed the Kenya mall attack NEW DELHI: Incidents of the NIC meeting with an aim to decision of nine Muslim organi- communal violence would evolve consensus on the issue. sations to approach the Supreme be high on the agenda of Recently, a group of Muslim Court with a plea to allow mar- Embassy officials in touch with authorities Prime Minister Manmohan leaders who met the prime min- riages of minor Muslim girls. Singh when he addresses the ister over incidents of communal Speaking to reporters here, NAIROBI/NEW DELHI: Two New Delhi yesterday. Natarajan’s are proactively in touch with National Integration Council violence across India stressed the Communist Party of India state Indian families came in the line wife Manjula Sridhar was injured members of the families of those meeting here today, informed need for a bill to effectively deal secretary Pannian Ravindran said of gunfire by Islamist militants in the militant attack, while the who died or have been injured to sources said. The meeting, with the issue. the demand was unfair. in an upscale mall in Nairobi, mother and sister of Paramshu provide all necessary assistance. coming against the backdrop The meeting assumes signifi- “At a time when the girls should with two Indians, including an — Mukta Jain, 38, and her daugh- They are also in constant touch of the September 7 riots in cance as the Union Home minis- be studying and planning their eight year-old boy, among the 59 ter Poorvi Jain, 12 — were also with Kenyan authorities and lead- Muzaffarnagar of western Uttar try has estimated that instances of future, marrying them off would fatalities. injured. ers of the Indian community in Pradesh which left over 40 dead communal violence could go up in not augur well,” said Ravindran. Four Indians were among the The fourth injured is Natarajan Kenya. and thousands displaced, will an election year, as these would be Bharatiya Janata Party state 200 injured in the hail of bullets Ramachandran, an employee of The Indian and Indian-origin discuss ways to curb hate prop- engineered in a bid to polarise vot- president V Muraleedharan fired inside the popular Westgate Flamingo Duty Free, Nairobi, community in Kenya totals aganda and deal with incidents ers. Five states are set for assem- said it was strange that while shopping mall on Saturday, offi- according to official sources. 70,000. India has also condemned of communal violence. The secu- bly polls this year-end, and general the country has a law to check cials yesterday said. Senior officers of the Indian the heinous and cowardly assault rity of women and weaker sec- elections 2014 are scheduled to be minors’ marriages, some groups Those killed were Sridhar high commission in Nairobi, and extended its solidarity to tions of society will also be on held around April next year. were trying to disrespect the law. Natarajan, 40, from Tamil Nadu including High Commissioner the government and people of the agenda of the meeting, the The NIC was constituted to Congress state spokesperson and an employee of a local phar- Sibabrata Tripathi, were present Kenya as they bravely continue sources said. combat the evils of communal- M M Hassan said: “It will not be maceutical firm Harley’s Limited; in the two major medical facili- to deal with the situation, the The NIC would take up the use ism, casteism, regionalism, lin- good for the Muslim community and Paramshu Jain, eight, the ties that received casualties official sources said. The Somalia- of social media by certain sections guism and narrow-mindedness, if the age of marriage for girls is son of Manoj Jain, the branch during the day — the Aga Khan based militant group Al Shebab in fanning violence. Fake videos as a follow-up of the National reduced. The Muslim religious manager of Industrial Area University Hospital and MP Shah has claimed responsibility for put up on social media were cited Integration Conference under groups should not go ahead with Branch, Bank of Baroda (Kenya Hospital, the sources added. the shooting spree in Westgate by police as the spark that set off then prime minister Jawaharlal the plan to move the top court.” Limited), official sources said in The high commission officials Shopping Mall. IANS the Muzaffarnagar conflagration. Nehru in September-October Leaders of nine Muslim organi- The meeting would consider 1961. sations met in Kozhikode on how the social media could also In the meeting held in 1968, Friday and nominated K Bapu be tapped to promote national the NIC declared its objectives Musaliyar as the chairman and integration and reduce communal as unity in diversity, freedom of Indian Union Muslim League tension. The controversial anti- religions, secularism, equality, leader C P Mayin Haji as the con- communal violence bill, which justice — social, economic and venor of a newly-formed Samithi has been hanging fire for some political — and fraternity among to approach the apex court. years, would also be discussed at all communities. IANS IANS

IAS officer arrested over mining scam BANGALORE: The CBI has district,” a CBI spokesperson told 2011 in connection with another arrested senior IAS officer IANS here. illegal mining case in the neigh- Shivalinga Murthy here for The premier investigation bouring state of Andhra Pradesh. his alleged involvement in agency, which is probing the case “Murthy has been specifically the multi-million rupee min- on the Supreme Court direc- charged with issuing the mineral ing scam in Karnataka and he tive, filed a charge sheet against dispatch permit to AMC without has been remanded to 12 days Murthy on May 30, 2012 for the consent of the central govern- judicial custody, an official said unauthorised issue of permits ment for transfer of rights after yesterday. as the state’s mines and geology the mining firm was taken over “The serving officer (Murthy) director to Associated Mining by Reddy and his wife Lakshmi was arrested and remanded to Company (AMC) of mining baron Aruna a decade ago. The permit judicial custody till Oct 3 after and former state minister G was in violation of the Mines he surrendered before the spe- Janardhan Reddy during 2009-10. and Minerals Development & Members of the community pay their respects at the cremation ceremony of one of the two Indians killed during cial court late on Saturday in Reddy has been jailed in Regulation Act (MMDR), 1957,” the shooting spree at the Westgate Shopping Centre, in Nairobi, yesterday. the illegal mining case in Bellary Hyderabad since September 5, the official said. IANS MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Dad delivers News in Numbers BUSINESS Optimism Index his baby by CHART: 1 36 Fajr (Dawn) 4:06 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:23 the roadside – Zuhr (Noon) 11:26 Asr (Afternoon) 2:53 on his birthday Maghrib (Sunset) 5:31 CALIFORNIA: On September Isha (Night) 7:01 3, Elijah Meeker got the birth- day gift of a lifetime: He got to deliver his son. Wife Celeste Meeker woke up WEATHER just after 4am on Elijah’s birth- day. She knew it was time to head to the hospital. Today Tuesday Weather Wednesday Conditions: Actually, the time to go to Clear Clear Partly cloudy the hospital would have been a Transport & Communications Sector Hot and few hours earlier. The surprise slightly dusty appearance by baby Augustine Blue Meeker (the family calls High: 41° to dusty. 32pc of the businesses in this sector do not foresee any negative factors High: 39° High: 39° him August) happened sooner Low: 30° Low: 31° Low: 31° — way sooner — than expected. impacting their business operations in Q2 2013. Fluctuating demand for products Even though the couple had been / services is seen as the biggest challenge by 25pc sector respondents. Delay through this before with their other three kids, they thought in receiving payments from customers is highlighted as a chief concern by DOHA - SUN & SEA they had timed it right. 12pc of the sector respondents. Another 11pc of the businesses that took part “Honestly, I thought I had time,” SUN TIDE SEA Celeste, 34, told Fox 40 News. “I in the survey, have cited competition as the major factor impacting business SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND didn’t want to be dramatic.” while an equivalent percentage have quoted lack of availability of skilled But the way their baby came 05:23 17:31 07:15 & 18:45 00:30 & 13:30 05-15- 18-25 KT into the world was exactly that labour to be a key challenge affecting business in the second quarter. Around — dramatic. Mum did her best to THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW 5pc businesses indicated constrained availability of reasonable finance as the keep the baby from coming out HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER too soon. “I sat up thinking, ‘Oh, major factor expected to impact business operations in the second quarter. I’ll just hold him in,’ and the pain was overwhelming, excruciating.” Transport & Communications Sector: Composite Index MUSCAT 35/30 Partly cloudy 37/29 Partly cloudy Elijah floored it. His wife was KUWAIT 40/29 Clear 40/28 Clear so worried about his speeding she BAHRAIN 37/30 Clear 38/30 Clear told him, between contractions, to 80 SANAA 29/16 Partly cloudy 28/15 Partly cloudy slow down. RIYADH 41/27 Clear 40/26 Clear When his wife moved her seat 70 DUBAI 38/30 Clear 36/30 Clear back in their Honda Odyssey, 62 BAGHDAD 35/23 Clear 35/21 Clear Elijah told Fox 40 News, he 60 thought, “OK, so we’re doing it 54 THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW there.” He pulled over and called 51 911. The dispatcher told him, 50 46 47 45 44 HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER “Support the head, look for the 43 39 shoulders and catch,” he said. 40 36 ATHENS 24/19 Chance of rain 26/20 Clear The umbilical cord stayed 35 WASHINGTON 20/10 Clear 23/10 Clear intact until the couple arrived at 29 30 SYDNEY 29/15 Partly cloudy 28/16 Clear the hospital. Instead of in a hos- 23 LONDON 24/11 Partly cloudy 23/11 Partly cloudy pital bed, the parents welcomed PARIS 24/13 Clear 23/13 Partly cloudy their son into the world along 20 17 ISTANBUL 23/16 Chance of rain 23/15 Chance of rain Highway 65 near Sacramento, 13 13 California. Once the Roseville MANILA 29/24 T-storm 30/24 Chance of storm 10 Fire Department arrived, Elijah,

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Q1-2010 Q3-2010 Q4-2009 a professional photographer, cap- Q2-2010 DELHI 34/29 Partly cloudy 33/28 Partly cloudy tured the event on video. 0 ISLAMABAD 34/21 Clear 35/21 Clear AGENCIES Source : https://www.qfc.com.qa/

New York Health US college student eats Department office Woman trying to reach bugged — with his way through tuition ones that crawl MADISON: A University of Wisconsin student with a nickname of all US states ‘jet-hiking’ “Silo” is eating his way through school — competitively. NEW YORK: New York Computer engineering student Eric Dahl now ranks third in the City’s Department of Health WASHINGTON: Amanda and started brainstorming ideas.” along the way, taking temporary world of competitive eating as determined by All Pro Eating rankings, and Mental Hygiene has a Nolan’s story might not sound She’ll have officially knocked out jobs in some of the 250 towns she though he once held the top spot. Dahl has earned more than $18,000 problem — and it sounds all that original at first. She’s all 50 states once she’s able to has visited along the way until she in prize money or merchandise to help pay for his education. more like one for which it attempting to hitchhike around hitch a ride to Alaska, Hawaii, has the funds, and a ride, to head “I’m eating for my education,” he said. “It helps me get through.” might issue a citation than the country. But this is what Utah, Kansas, Oklahoma, out on her next leg of the trip. Dahl was drawn to competitive eating in 2011, at the former Big find in its own backyard. sets her journey apart: Nolan Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. Interestingly, Nolan is not a Red’s Steakhouse in Madison. Dahl didn’t want to pay for his meal The department said on is travelling to all 50 states Most of the states on that list are pilot herself but said she would so he signed Friday that its new $316m “jethiking” by private plane. clustered next to each other, so like to get her pilot’s licence once up for a chal- headquarters in the borough Nolan, a travel writer, started it’s entirely possible Nolan could her journey is complete. And she lenge: eat a of Queens has been infested her journey in July 2012 and only wrap up her quest before too long. hopes to inspire other travellers three-pound with bed bugs. has eight states to go before com- around the world to consider her cheesesteak Inspectors have “found a pleting the unusual voyage. NO EASY RIDE experience as a viable alternative sandwich in group of bed bugs living in one She’s been chronicling her jour- to typical hitchhiking and couch less than 10 area of one floor of our depart- ney on the Jet Hitking blog, and surfing ventures. minutes and ment’s Long Island City build- on her Facebook page, where she Still, the trip has been far from “I think an organised ride- skip the bill. ing,” the Health Department logs each of her stops along the easy. share system between pilots and He finished said in a statement. way. “I spend hours and hours con- travellers to cut costs on both in 5 minutes, “We have already taken “As a travel writer, I’ve been all tacting people,” Nolan said. “I’ll ends could make this a reason- 50 seconds. steps to address the problem, over the world but I hadn’t seen go to the airports and tell people able option for travellers with a “It just including conducting addi- much in my own backyard,” Nolan what I am doing and wait around limited amount of time,” she said. started roll- tional inspections, vacuuming, said in a recent interview with the — and sometimes it is days before “I definitely recommend visiting ing from steam-cleaning and applying Daily Mail. I find someone heading the direc- a local airport or flying club and there,” he small amounts of pesticide.” “I wanted to experience the tion I am.” seeing what the general aviation said. The New York Daily News United States in a unique way She’s even run out of money side is all about.” AGENCIES Dahl’s first reported late Thursday paycheck that staffers at the Health came from Department were “freaked Dickey’s out” after several weeks of bed Barbecue Pit bug sightings. in suburban The vampiric insects are Minneapolis, difficult to eradicate, and where he areas where they are spotted earned $250 require extensive - and expen- for inhaling sive - fumigation to completely nine pulled- get rid of them. pork sand- “Employees were given cop- wiches in six ies of the department’s own minutes. The bed bug information pam- former high Eric Dahl, a University of Wisconsin computer engineering phlet on Wednesday and told school ath- student with a nickname of “Silo,” fills up on a 13-pound to declutter their desks and lete found put their belongings in plastic the competi- bowl of Vietnamese noodles known as pho. The competitive bags,” an unnamed source told tion and its eater has become a top-ranked competitor nationally, using the newspaper. over-the-top prize earnings to help pay for his UW-Madison degree. Bed bugs were common atmosphere throughout most of the 20th reminiscent of professional wrestling. century, but were believed to “I really get pumped when the crowd starts cheering,” he said. “I’m have been all but eradicated friends with other competitive eaters, but once I’m on stage I don’t from the United States by have any friends.” 1995. But they have made a The 6-foot-3 Dahl said he walks a few miles a day, lifts weights dramatic resurgence. twice a week and plays intramural soccer and hockey to maintain his More than 13,000 bedbug 220-pound weight. complaints were registered The State Journal reports that he eats no more than 3,100 calories a with the city in fiscal year day, mostly vegetables to avoid increasing his waistline, and stretches 2011, according to a spokes- his stomach by eating 10 pounds of cabbage or broccoli in a single sit- man for the Department of ting followed by a lot of water. Housing Preservation and His next bout was on for Saturday. “Silo” will try to win $1,000 at Development. AP a national pizza-eating contest on Library Mall at the University of Amanda Nolan as seen on her Facebook page. Wisconsin-Madison. AP Monday 23 September 2013 17 Dhul-qa’da 1434 Volume 18 Number 5831 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Britain pushing Real estate transactions NPS Energy seeks to ease sanctions on BP gas field record 32pc increase DOHA: The real estate transaction rate in Qatar recorded LONDON: Britain could be close to a significant 32 percent growth during this summer months $700m in sale agreeing a deal to ease sanctions that compared to the same period last year. The June, July and have stopped gas production from the August months in 2013 saw transactions worth QR10.1bn North Sea’s Rhum field, jointly owned by compared to QR7.7bn during same months in 2012. HSBC Holdings appointed financial adviser BP and the National Iranian Oil Co, the Given Qatar’s real estate transactions’ history, the huge value Mail on Sunday newspaper said. of transactions held during the summer months is an excep- DUBAI: Dubai-based oil services top oil producing region, has there is a formal process now,” the Production from the field, which once tion. We have hardly seen such a heavy transactions during firm NPS Energy has put itself increased rapidly in the last few banking source said. supplied five percent of Britain’s gas output, summer months, Al Sharq reported quoting a market leader back up for sale, hoping to fetch up years. NPS Energy has appointed A second banking source said has been suspended since 2010 as a result of Ali Al Naimi as saying. to $700m after a deal to be bought British lender HSBC Holdings as around 30 potential buyers were international sanctions against Iran. Al Naimi noted the June 2013 saw real estate transactions by Norway’s Aker Solutions fell a financial adviser for the trans- approached initially and a final list But with signs of a thaw in relations worth QR4.2bn compared to the QR2.3bn in the same month apart last year, sources familiar action, according to the sources. of three bidders was likely to be between Iran and the West, the govern- in 2012, a whopping 82.6 percent increase. The July 2013 trans- with the matter said. NPS Energy CEO Adnan finalised this week. “We could see ment now hopes to win agreement from actions reached QR5.5bn, compared to QR2.7bn in the same Oil services company Aker Ghabris declined to comment, a consortium teaming up for this the European Union and the United States month in the previous year, up103.7 percent. agreed to buy NPS Energy for as did a spokesman for HSBC asset as it’s a big cheque to sign or for a sanctions waiver in the near future, However, the transactions value was modest during the about $460m in May 2012, includ- in Dubai. NPS Energy employs it could be one of the large energy the newspaper said, citing people close to month of August 2013. Data released by the Ministry of Justice ing $110m in debt, but the deal around 800-900 people and firms going for it. There’s still a the talks. by the end of August shows the month recorded transaction collapsed in November after the offers specialised services, such long way to go before a deal is One stumbling block to a deal, however, of about QR467m, he said. two parties failed to reach a final as coil tubing, wire-line services, sealed,” that banking source said. could be concerns from companies involved The first two weeks of this September saw transac- agreement. cementing, pressure pumping, After several sluggish years, in financing and servicing the field that tions reaching up to QR1.7bn. Al Naimi noted the real A formal sale process for the well logging and testing. mergers and acquisitions activity any exemption for the producers would estate sector has been witnessing strong deals in terms business was initiated earlier this The company, which one bank- within the Middle East is showing not fully protect them from legal action, of land deals for the first eight months of this year. The year, the sources said, speaking ing source said made earnings signs of revival, as economies in it added. land prices have gone up to up to 50 percent in some on condition of anonymity as the before interest, tax, depreciation the Gulf countries improve and A Department of Energy and Climate areas. He attributed the rise in land prices to the hike matter is not public. and amortisation of about $50 mil- the valuation gap between buyers Change spokesman said: “We are working to in total value. NPS Energy is part of oil- lion in 2012, counts firms such as and sellers narrows. ensure the long-term security of the Rhum Al Naimi said that the rental market is witnessing field services company National Saudi Aramco, the world’s top oil The value of announced M&A gas field but no decision has been made at a state of stability. The supply is still higher than the Petroleum Services, which was producer, and state-owned Qatar transactions with Middle Eastern this time on a solution.” A spokesman for demand. But the prices are expected to go up from next formed in 2004 from the merger Petroleum among its clients. targets reached $14.7bn during the BP declined to comment on the possibil- year supported by expectations of increased demand for of oil field businesses owned by “It’s a pretty sizeable asset and first half of 2013, 30 percent more ity of a waiver being granted. “As operator housing in the coming period. An estimated 120,000 new two large family-owned groups in this is not the first time that it than the $11.3bn in the region of the field our priorities are two-fold - to jobs are expected to be created in Qatar annually for the Saudi Arabia and Qatar. has come to the market looking during the same period last year ensure the field remains safe and that we next two years, which will put additional pressure o the Demand for oil field services for a buyer. It will be interesting according to Thomson Reuters data. remain compliant with the law,” he said. demand side. in the Middle East, the world’s to see who ends up owning it as REUTERS REUTERS THE PENINSULA MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Small firms Minister to quit move in on vast Afghan if Italy flouts mineral wealth

KABUL: Few companies showed up to Afghanistan’s fresh appeal for investment in EU deficit limits its vast mineral wealth yes- terday, apparently deterred by trouble plaguing two of its larg- Coalition to go ahead with tax cuts est projects and allowing small firms to emerge as the main ROME: Italian Economy vote,” Saccomanni was said to say contenders. Minister Fabrizio Saccomanni in the Corriere, explaining that The Mines Ministry pleaded will resign if the fragile coalition reforms and the management to a handful of local and foreign government flouts European of the public accounts required firms to bid on a near billion dol- Union deficit spending limits political stability. lar cement tender, luring inter- in favour of tax cuts, he told To meet the EU deficit target, est with attractive terms like Corriere della Sera newspaper Saccomanni needs ¤1.4bn and he free currency conversions and yesterday. indicated a one-percentage-point 100 percent capital repatriation. The departure of Saccomanni, increase of the main sales-tax rate Hopes are pinned on a former high ranking Bank of of 21 percent scheduled for October Afghanistan’s trillion dollar Italy official who is not affiliated 1 cannot be cancelled without wealth in resources weaning the to a political party, would be a worsening the public accounts. country off international aid, but blow to Italy’s credibility with The economic policy impasse early attempts to unlock its poten- financial markets as it battles to comes at an especially bad moment tial have hit serious setbacks. emerge from its longest recession for the coalition. Berlusconi is These appeared to have deterred in six decades. reeling from a definitive convic- International Monetary Fund Deputy Director and Mission Chief to Greece Poul Thomsen (right) arrives at the major international firms from Italy’s accounts are heading tion for tax fraud last month and Finance Ministry in Athens yesterday. attending — leaving the path open to toward overshooting the EU def- an impending vote to strip him small investors with unconventional icit limit this year, Saccomanni of his Senate seat, and the PD is backgrounds, prepared to take on said on Friday, just months after torn by an internal power strug- deteriorating security and uncer- the country was taken off a black gle between Letta and Florence Troika begins audit of Greece tainty ahead of next year’s election. list for running excessive budget Mayor Matteo Renzi, with a pri- Afghanistan has been at war gaps in the past. mary vote to pick a new leader set ATHENS: Greece called for Athens would not adopt any fur- recession also seems to be eas- for decades. It is now trying to While the minister said he for December 8. international creditors not to ther austerity measures. ing and recently there was a inject life into attempts to negoti- would do all it takes to keep Letta is travelling to the United enforce further austerity meas- “Whatever gap emerges for slight dip in the unemployment ate an end to an Islamist Taliban the deficit below the 3 percent States and Canada this week, but ures as they began a fresh audit of 2015 and 2016 will be covered by rate, which nonetheless remains insurgency as most Nato combat of output ceiling, senior coali- will return Friday to preside over the country’s finances yesterday. structural changes... not through extremely high, at more than 27 troops prepare to pull out by the tion members have pledged to go a cabinet meeting where a deci- Monitors from the so-called new (austerity) measures,” he was percent. end of 2014, leaving the country ahead with tax cuts amid a grow- sion over the sales-tax increase “troika” of international lenders— quoted by Kathimerini. “The signs of recovery are to handle its own security. ing sense that a national election must be taken. the EU, International Monetary Last week Greece saw wide- becoming clear,” Stournaras told “Too many big international may be just a few months away. Saccomanni toned down his Fund and European Central Bank spread protests as tens of thou- a conference last week. “No other companies are too afraid about “Promises must be kept, otherwise threat later yesterday in com- — were set to start their latest sands of public sector workers country has achieved such a large what is going to happen after I’m not staying,” Saccomanni was ments from the sidelines of a inspection of the Greek economy went out on strike against job cuts (fiscal) adjustment in peacetime.” 2014,”said Tom Watts, a director quoting saying in an interview with conference in Tuscany. “The by meeting Finance minister and transfers introduced by the Since 2010, Greece has received at SJH Group and former British Corriere. “I must defend my credibil- moment has come to have a calm Yannis Stournaras. government. And fresh strikes an overall of ¤240bn ($325bn) in paratrooper who served in Iraq. ity, and I have no political ambitions.” and serious debate over the pub- The audit will determine the are planned for this week. two EU-IMF packages, but it is “They’re sat on their backfoot Prime Minister Enrico Letta’s lic accounts,” Saccomanni said in release of a scheduled one billion Tensions are also running high now widely accepted that a third waiting to see what happens... government has been in near con- comments broadcast by SkyTG24. euro ($1.4bn) loan instalment from because of the murder last week rescue package will be necessary, Let’s bring it on, all three conces- stant turmoil since it was formed five “Italians deserve to know exactly Greece’s ongoing bailout. “The of an anti-fascist musician by an probably amounting to ¤10bn. sions, let’s have them all.” months ago by the country’s two big- how things stand instead of hear- main goal is to avoid new (auster- alleged member of the neo-Nazi The IMF has predicted Greece To reassure potential suit- gest parties, traditionally bitter rivals. ing only slogans and propaganda.” ity) measures,” said the Sunday party Golden Dawn this week. will need ¤4.4bn in 2014 and ors, Mines Minister Wahidullah Letta’s Democratic Party (PD) Letta fully supports his edition of liberal daily Kathimerini. Contrary to previous troika vis- another ¤6.5bn in 2015. Shahrani announced the opening of and Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia Economy Minister, a source in Another newspaper, weekly its, Greece has made some fiscal The auditors are expected to the near billion dollar cement ten- (FI) agreed to govern together the prime minister’s office said. To Vima, warned that adopting progress and recently announced inspect the restructuring of the der and also marked the publication after an inconclusive national vote “We will not continue to be part “even one new measure will cause a tentative primary surplus in its public sector, the drafting of a new of first official guide to investment in February, but both sides appear of a coalition whose government political cracks” for the Greek budget, enabling it to claim addi- property tax as well as efforts to in Afghanistan. “This information to be mulling an early vote as a wants to raise taxes on Italians,” government. tional financial aid from the EU privatise three ailing state indus- will be sufficient to give first-hand way out of the awkward alliance. Daniela Santanche, an influential These calls followed a similar later in the year. tries, mining company LARKO, information on whatever an inves- “I’m not going to make a des- lawmaker close to Berlusconi who one from prime minister Antonis A primary surplus is one truck manufacturer ELVO and tor requires to make the decision to perate search for a billion euros if favours an early vote, said yesterday. Samaras in Brussels last week which excludes the cost of serv- defence contractor EAS. come to Afghanistan,” Shahrani said. in February there’s going to be a REUTERS in which he was adamant that icing debts. Greece’s continuous AFP REUTERS

Bank of Israel seen holding rates for ExxonMobil holds fourth month Tamayoz training JERUSALEM: Israel’s central bank is expected to leave short- DOHA: ExxonMobil Qatar held and build human capacity,” said Jos term interest rates unchanged a four-day training course on Evens, Vice President Marketing for a fourth straight month due fundamental economic analysis for ExxonMobil Qatar Inc. “This to moderate economic growth concepts for commercial and course highlights the fundamen- and continued gains in home technical professionals from tal role of economic analysis in prices. Qatargas and RasGas. The decision-making and risk manage- Along with a tame annual infla- course is the latest in a succes- ment within today’s economies and tion rate of 1.3 percent, the most sion of training courses offered respective sectors – particularly compelling reason to ease policy under Tamayoz, a training the energy sector. We are very again would be a more than two- programme designed to share pleased to have received excel- year peak of the shekel against ExxonMobil’s technical, com- lent feedback from participants, the dollar at a level of 3.50. But mercial and operational exper- and will continue to work with analysts believe the Bank of Israel tise with Qatar’s workforce. our experts and partners to cre- has other tools — such as market The course was delivered to career ate additional courses to support intervention — it is more likely professionals in commercial, engi- Qatar’s growing workforce.” to use to try to prevent a further neering and geoscience functions Local and international appreciation of the currency. with the course content focusing ExxonMobil trainers shared That is because the bench- on economic modeling, incremental knowledge with the participants on mark interest rate is already at economics, integrated value chain assessing capital investments from 1.25 percent and a quarter-point opportunities, risk and uncertainty multiple viewpoints using various reduction would likely have mini- and economic analysis tools. methods and tools for economic mal impact on the shekel or the “We launched Tamayoz to share analysis. A competitive scenario- economy, they say. ExxonMobil’s knowledge in the based game and problem-solving The Bank of Israel’s monetary energy sector with our partners in activities were introduced to ensure policy committee has been led Qatar, and have been working dili- the trainees received hands-on expe- by deputy governor Karnit Flug gently with them to develop train- rience using applicable situations. since July, after Stanley Fischer Trainees attending the Tamayoz programme organised by ExxonMobil Qatar. ing courses that are stimulating THE PENINSULA stepped down at the end of June. Naming a replacement has hit a number of snags but the govern- ment is expected to announce a new governor in the coming weeks. The Bank of Israel is slated to China’s FTZ plan a political message to Hong Kong: Analysts announce its rates decision for October on Monday at 3pm (1200 GMT). It last lowered rates in HONG KONG: Plans for the new trade and finance hub. Lo, a social scientist at Hong Morning Post. Yu spoke to the outpacing economic development May, by a total of 50 basis points China’s first free trade zone — But senior Beijing officials Kong Institute of Education, said. same delegation, asking Hong in Chinese cities. in two reductions. seen as a threat to Hong Kong’s last week warned the ex-British Yu Zhengsheng, the leader Kong to “stay united and com- Doubts were cast over its abil- “The loose monetary stance status as a finance hub — are colony that it also needs to curb of Beijing’s top advisory body, ply with the Basic Law under all ity to retain its status after the that has been in place since the also a tool to dampen political increasing political dissent if it the Chinese People’s Political circumstances,” if it wanted to handover from Britain to China third quarter of 2012 remains protest in the city, analysts say. wants to thrive and analysts say Consultative Conference, and enhance its competitiveness, the in 1997, while Shanghai flour- intact but further easing is The FTZ in Shanghai will allow the promotion of Shanghai is an Wang Guangya, director of the Post reported. He described Hong ished during a period of stellar becoming unlikely,” said Tevfik unfettered exchange of China’s indirect message to Hong Kong to Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Kong society has having unwel- economic growth overseen by Aksoy, an emerging markets yuan currency as part of a bold cooperate politically, or be mar- Office, both called for “unity” in come “noise”, local media said. president Jiang Zemin. economist at Morgan Stanley. push to reform the world’s sec- ginalised economically. the city last week. Ma Ngok, a political scientist at After Jiang retired from the “The main issue (for the Bank ond largest economy, according “Beijing is using a softline “(Wang) called on us to think Hong Kong’s Chinese University, last of his national posts in 2005, of Israel) is the appreciation pres- to proposals revealed earlier this economic approach to groom clearly whether Hong Kong said the remarks by Beijing officials several members of his powerful sure on the currency,” he said, month. Shanghai to compete with, or should be a city for political strug- were a bid to “create a stabilising “Shanghai Gang” political clique adding the shekel should stay Experts have already urged possibly replace Hong Kong. The gle or economic development,” force” amid current political unrest. were dismissed in corruption tri- strong due to a sound economy Hong Kong to improve its eco- implicit message is clear that if said Walter Kwok, part of a Hong Under British rule, Hong Kong als, widely seen as a move by new and natural gas output boosting nomic environment, including Hong Kong continues to have Kong delegation addressed by was transformed into one of the president Hu Jintao to rein in the Israel’s current account surplus. tackling high rents and labour political squabbles, its economic Wang in Beijing Tuesday, accord- freest world economies and an city’s powerbase. REUTERS costs, if it wants to compete with status will suffer greatly,” Sonny ing to Hong Kong’s South China international finance centre, AFP MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Ireland should Russia warns stick to austerity target, Kiev against says Asmussen

DUBLIN: Ireland should not ease up on austerity in its annual EU trade deal budget next month but stick to a target of ¤3.1bn ($4.2bn) worth of spending cuts and tax hikes, European Central Bank FTA would be catastrophic: Kremlin Executive Board member Joerg Asmussen said. MOSCOW: The Kremlin and less than 30 percent of the Ireland has beaten several tar- has warned Ukraine that if people support closer ties with gets under its bailout, leading to the country goes ahead with Russia,” said Poroshenko. “Thank calls by government ministers a planned agreement on free you very much for that Mr for a more modest fiscal adjust- trade with the EU, it faces Glazyev.” ment for next year than agreed inevitable financial catastrophe Radek Sikorski, the Polish for- with lenders the European Union, and possibly the collapse of the eign minister, accused Russia of International Monetary Fund and state. a “19th century mode of operat- European Central Bank. Russia is making a last-minute ing towards neighbours”, and said “I would really suggest to stick push to derail the integration that it is only when Ukraine is to the budget plan for the next agreement, which is due to be properly allied with Europe that year and to stick to the figure signed in late November. Instead, Russia will begin to respect the The first A380 delivered to Singapore Airlines arrives at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse Blagnac, southern of ¤3.1bn”, Asmussen said in an Moscow wants to lure its neigh- country. “Poland’s relations with France. Almost 13 years after pulling the plug on its last attempt to enter the Indian market, Singapore Airlines interview with Irish state broad- bour into its own alliance, a cus- Russia are better now that we are is taking another stab at the country. caster RTE. toms union with Belarus and a member of the EU and Nato,” “It is crucial the authorities Kazakhstan, which critics have said Sikorski. “When the ques- stick to the programme’s objec- referred to as a reincarnation tion is open people feel entitled to Singapore Airlines sets sights on India tives as they have done to ensure of the Soviet Union. Russia has exert pressure; when the question the country remains on a sustain- made it clear that Ukraine has to is closed they have to live with a able path,” he said. choose between the two options sovereign country.” SINGAPORE: Almost 13 years value of $10bn, has changed It started Scoot, a long-haul Asmussen’s comments echo and cannot sign both agreements. Glazyev, speaking on the side- after pulling the plug on its last course in recent years. low-cost airline, last year to tap those by the International At a discussion forum in the lines of the discussion, said the attempt to enter the Indian Sources familiar with the air- the low-fare leisure markets that Monetary Fund in July when it Black Sea resort of Yalta over exact opposite is true: “Ukrainian market, Singapore Airlines Ltd line’s strategy say that the man- SIA left behind as it focused on called on the government to stick the weekend, European politicians authorities make a huge mistake is taking another stab at the agement, led by low-profile chief the premium business. Its one- to the target. gathered to pepper Ukraine’s if they think that the Russian country by again teaming up executive Goh Choon Phong, is third stake in short-haul LCC Credit Ratings agency Moody’s president and political elite reaction will become neutral in with the Tata Group as part of pushing ahead with a “portfolio” Tiger Airways Holdings Ltd on Friday said the country risked with encouragement to cement a few years from now. This will a broader strategic shift. strategy that revolves around could also potentially go up to a ratings downgrade if its fiscal the country’s turn away from not happen.” Last week, the two compa- increasing the company’s expo- 46.5 percent. consolidation faltered. Moscow and towards Brussels. Instead, he said, signing the nies applied to set up a new New sure to the fast-growing Asia SIA bought a stake in Virgin Members of parliament have At the same palace where in 1945 agreement will make the default Delhi-based full-service carrier, Pacific and the low-cost markets. Australia Holdings Ltd in late suggested cutting the fiscal Joseph Stalin, Winston Churchill of Ukraine inevitable and Moscow pledging a combined $100m to get By diversifying its revenue 2012 and increased this to 19.9 adjustment to between ¤2.5 and and Franklin Roosevelt met and will not offer any helping hand. it going. This follows an unsuc- streams and creating new ones, percent, ensuring access to the ¤2.8bn, but the government says carved up Europe, there were “Russia is the main creditor of cessful attempt to do the same like the Indian joint venture, Goh important Australian market. no decision has been made. angry exchanges between west- Ukraine. Only with customs union in the mid-1990s and a failed and his team plans to reduce SIA’s Silkair, SIA’s fully-owned regional Asmussen was upbeat about ern politicians and the Kremlin’s with Russia can Ukraine balance attempt to buy state-owned Air dependence on the flagship car- subsidiary, will retire its fleet of Ireland’s growth prospects, say- point man on Ukraine. its trade,” he said. Russia has India in 2000. rier over the medium term, say Airbus A320s and induct new Boeing ing recent data supported expec- Petro Poroshenko, Ukraine’s already slapped import restric- The new carrier, if approved, investors and analysts. 737s over the next few years as it tations of a gradual recovery in trade minister, gave Sergei tions on certain Ukrainian prod- will initially serve the 1.2 billion “They just have to address why grows its network of Asia-Pacific economic activity in the second Glazyev, adviser to Russian pres- ucts and Glazyev did not rule out Indian market. Barring no politi- their brand should still be at a services. SIA itself has ordered half that would help ensure the ident Vladimir Putin, a public further sanctions if the agree- cal or regulatory obstacles, it premium. They still have a lot dozens of new Airbus A350s, and country exits its bailout on target dressing down in a discussion ment is signed. could be airborne in about a year. to do to actually get investors to Boeing’s 777-300ERs and 787-10s. by the end of the year. session during which the Kremlin The Kremlin aide added that SIA, which will have a 49 per- be a bit more confident of their The Indian venture has its He said the risk of additional man was faced with jeering and the political and social cost of EU cent stake in the carrier, will be prospects,” said Kristy Fong, an challenges. SIA must success- recapitlaistion of Irish banks due catcalls for demanding that integration could also be high, and banking on its success. investment manager at Aberdeen fully chart a course around India’s to mortgage arrears was not a Ukraine abandon the EU pact allowed for the possibility of sep- Intense competition on its Asset Management, which holds a political and bureaucratic mine- particular concern. and turn to Russia. The minis- aratist movements springing up mainline medium and long-haul stake of about four percent in SIA. field for regulatory approval. But he also said he did not expect ter said that it was the Kremlin’s in the Russian-speaking east and markets from Gulf carriers like Despite the near term pres- Under existing regulations, it the government to be successful in heavy-handed tactics and threats South of Ukraine. He suggested Emirates Airline and neighbours sure on profits, SIA’s cash pile must serve the domestic market its bid to use the euro zone bail- of a trade war that had made that if Ukraine signed the agree- such as Garuda Indonesia and of $4.5bn — the biggest among for five years before it can operate out fund, the European Stability European integration inevitable. ment, Russia would consider the Malaysian Airline, and weak Asian airlines — means that it international flights. Taxes and air- Mechanism (ESM), to retroac- “For the first time in our his- bilateral treaty that delineates demand on services to Europe, has the ability to invest in existing port fees are high, and profitability tively recapitalise the country’s tory more than 50 percent of peo- the countries’ borders to be void. means that SIA, Asia’s second- and new airlines, the Centre for rare for the country’s airlines. banks, possibly by buying shares. ple support European integration, THE GUARDIAN biggest airline with a market Aviation (CAPA) said in a report. REUTERS REUTERS

Groupon fails to end lawsuit Brazil ready to finance Petrobras in offshore oil auctions RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil’s Petrobras and changes to the Brazil for the rights to Libra. The five months. wealthy oil companies with expe- alleging fraud government plans to finance terms of a 2010 oil-for-stock winning bidder will be the com- Decreasing output from older rience in the region declined to state-run oil company Petroleo swap, Estado said. pany or group that gives Brazil’s offshore oil fields, delays in bring- sign up for the sale. linked to IPO Brasileiro SA’s participation in Petrobras Chief Executive government the biggest share of ing on new areas, and government With Exxon Mobil Corp, BP Plc, the October 21 auction of Libra, Officer Maria das Graças Foster Libra’s future output to sell on its refusal to let the company charge BG Group Plc, Chevron Corp and country’s largest-ever oil dis- said this week that Petrobras own account. Brazilians world prices for gaso- other investor-owned oil compa- NEW YORK: Groupon Inc covery, the Estado de S Paulo has the capacity to explore and Under the law, Petrobras must line, diesel fuel and cooking gas nies choosing to stay away, Asian failed to persuade a federal daily newspaper reported. produce 100 percent of the oil take a minimum 30 percent stake has crimped revenue and forced state-owned companies, such as judge to dismiss a lawsuit accus- The government is also consider- from Libra, but does not have in the winning group and lead the company to borrow more to India’s Oil & National Gas Corp ing the daily discount deals pro- ing other measures to help cash- the financial capacity to cover the exploration and development in pay for investments. Ltd, Malaysia’s Petroliam Nasional, vider of misleading investors strapped Petrobras, as the company investments needed to develop the the area as the group’s operator. The Rio de Janeiro-based com- or Petronas, and China’s CNOOC about its financial prospects is known, pay for the large invest- area, Estado said. Petrobras must also supply at pany is also in the middle of a Ltd , dominate the list of 11 compa- and internal controls before it ments it is required to make in Under the oil law, Petrobras will least 30 percent of the estimated $235bn five-year expansion plan. nies that agreed to pay the 2.05m went public in November 2011. Libra under a 2010 Brazilian oil law, have to come up with 4.5bn reais 400bn reais ($180bn) over 35 years That plan, the world’s largest cor- real ($931,818) registration fee. US District Judge Charles Norgle Estado reported citing an unnamed no matter which of 11 companies that the government believes will porate spending program, does Magda Chambriard, head of in Chicago said the lead plaintiff government source. signed up for the auction win the be needed to develop the area. not include spending for Libra. Brazilian petroleum regulator plausibly alleged that Groupon used These measures include the offshore area, the paper said. Libra, Brazil’s largest-ever oil dis- On Thursday, the government ANP, said on Thursday that she improper “refund accounting” to raising of Brazilian fuel prices, The payment is Petrobras’ covery, has an estimated 8 billion said the Libra auction attracted had expected “more than 40” boost revenue and reduce operat- reduction of dividends on the minimum share of the 15 billion to 12 billion barrels of oil, enough only a quarter of the inter- companies to bid for Libra. ing losses in initial public offering government’s shareholding in real up-front fee winners will pay to supply world needs for three to est expected after many large, REUTERS materials and subsequent regula- tory filings, and knew or should have realised its statements were false. In his order dated September Positive economy report 18, Norgle also rejected requests by Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs Burst of IPOs follows and Morgan Stanley, which arranged the IPO, to dismiss claims against them. Groupon spokesman Nicholas Halliwell said gains in stock market the Chicago-based company does not discuss pending litigation. NEW YORK: September week since 2007, when 14 hit the The lawsuit seeks class-action stock-market rise fuels demand market at once, according to data status and is led by Michael Carter for IPOs, with sudden rush of provider Dealogic. Cohn, an individual investor. companies going public With the stock market hitting Norgle said he will decide later The stock market has been new highs, investors want to take whether Cohn has standing to heating up, driving demand for chances they might not otherwise pursue one claim on behalf of a IPOs. take in a flat or down market, said class given that he did not buy There have been 140 initial Scott Sweet, senior managing his shares directly from the IPO. public offerings of stock this year, partner at IPO Boutique, which Groupon went public at $20 per up 46 percent from the same time researches and invests in IPOs. share on November 4, 2011, valu- in 2012, according to IPO tracking The Standard & Poor’s 500 index, ing the company at the time at firm Renaissance Capital. Of the a broad gauge of the stock market, well over $10bn. eight companies that went pub- has risen nearly five percent this But five months later, Groupon lic this week, two —cybersecu- month. If that holds, it would be the unexpectedly revised its fourth-quar- rity software maker FireEye and index’s best monthly performance ter 2011 results by reporting a larger technology advertising company since January. Even with Friday’s net loss and “material weakness” in RocketFuel — nearly doubled in decline, stocks are near all-time its internal controls, saying it failed value on Friday. highs set earlier this week. to set aside enough money for cus- The pace does not appear be How many companies are going tomer refunds. The stock price bot- slowing down. Next week, mar- public and how much money tomed at $2.60 last November 12, but Writer, economist and honorary state counsellor Jacques Attali (centre, left) hands over a copy of the report ket watchers expect as many as they’re raising reflect investors’ has since recouped more than half of for a positive economy to French President Francois Hollande with the members of his think-tank during a 13 more companies to make their confidence and taste for taking its post-IPO decline. meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris. debuts. If all of them price, it will risks. REUTERS be the most IPOs in the US in one AGENCIES MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS IPO speculation weighs on Qatari bourse Egypt rises to fresh five-week high

DOHA: Qatar Exchange index technical challenges and, perhaps, dipped by 85 points, or 0.86 per- Qatar’s change of government in cent, to 9,785.90 points from June. So there is speculation that the previous closing of 9,870.90 to develop the stock market, the points. new government may proceed The volume of the shares fell with the Qatar Petroleum IPOs, to 3,105,746 from 6,459,146 on which might prove simpler and Thursday and the value of shares more straightforward. decreased to QR157,373,972.36 Meanwhile, renewed worries from QR319,222,967.97 on about the possibility of US mon- Thursday. etary tightening caused most Gulf Among the top losers were stock markets to drop yesterday, Industries Qatar whose share while Egypt rose on the back of an dropped 0.91 percent to QR152.20, interest rate cut by its central bank. Commercial Bank of Qatar lost Like other markets around the 1.15 percent to QR68.50, Qatar world, Gulf bourses rose last week Islamic Bank fell 0.72 percent in response to the US Federal to QR68.50 and Electricity and Reserve’s surprise decision to Water down by 1.94 percebnt to maintain its monetary stimulus. QR156.90. But on Friday, St Louis Federal The Banking and Financial Reserve Bank President James sector index dropped 0.64 points Bullard said in an interview on while Consumer Goods and Bloomberg TV that a start to Services sector index down 0.26 winding down the stimulus was Assa Abloy locks are displayed in a shop in Riga, yesterday. Despite the rapid pace of technology that has overhauled many consumer goods, the front points. The industrial sector was possible in October, depending on door lock and key is little changed since the 1800s. lost 0.88 points while insurance economic data. sector fell 0.12 points. So the euphoria surrounding “Renewed talk that the Fed could last week’s Fed decision is fad- Lockmaker eyes key to profits in the cloud be slowing down the stimulus and ing quickly. Although the boom- the US markets are affecting us — ing Gulf is less vulnerable than foreigners are cutting positions,” most regions to tighter US mon- STOCKHOLM: Despite the key cards in hotels now account inside the phone itself, thanks to features, designs,” Molin said. says Yassir Mckee, wealth manager etary policy, its markets are near rapid pace of technology that has for almost half of Assa Abloy’s Near Field Communication (NFC) Just this week Apple launched at Al Rayan Financial Brokerage multi-year peaks that were hit in overhauled many consumer goods, sales compared with 13 percent technology, or short range wire- its new iPhone 5S, with a finger- in Doha. “Some are selling now to August, leaving them vulnerable the front door lock and key is lit- a decade ago, and the company less that within a few years may be print scanner, replacing the need show cash on the books, because it’s to profit-taking. tle changed since the 1800s. That believes this is just the start of standard in most mobile devices. for passwords and PIN numbers almost the end of the third quarter.” In Dubai, the index gained is about to change — to virtual growing demand from consumers US research firm ABI Research with biometric security. Mckee said speculation that 0.6 percent to 2,681 points, a keys in data clouds, if the world’s for more flexible, high-tech lock- has estimated that the number of But selling locks is a delicate state-run Qatar Petroleum might near four-week high, as buy- biggest lockmaker gets its way. ing mechanisms. NFC enabled devices will exceed business and the market tradition- list its units on the exchange was ers returned after a dip early in Assa Abloy, which makes one in At its Stockholm headquarters, 500 million in 2014. ally conservative. Some consumers, prompting some local investors to the day. The market faces major ten locks worldwide, is the muscle some of Assa Abloy’s staff are tri- The new key technology could especially in Europe, are reluctant sell stocks and hold cash in order to technical resistance on its August behind brands such as Yale. But the aling different versions of virtual also unlock higher recurring rev- to move from the security of physi- buy into a possible initial public offer peak of 2,762 points. lock technology it is now develop- keys downloaded to mobile phones enues. While traditional locks last cal keys to a more opaque system, that could come as early as October. Egypt’s bourse rose to a fresh ing means consumers will be able that open a lock simply with a on average four decades, electro- particularly amid worries about Hussain Al Abdulla, executive five-week high as local investors to open doors with a tap of their swipe of the phone. The com- mechanical locks have lifespans of cybersecurity. Additionally the cost board member of Qatar Holding, bargain-hunted, and as Thursday’s mobile phones, visitors will be able pany is also working up versions 10-15 years and software coupled involved — a digital Yale lock is about the investment arm of the coun- 0.5 percentage point cut in official to download a key online and busi- where phones with bluetooth or with more fickle consumer elec- 30 percent more expensive than a try’s sovereign wealth fund, said interest rates helped sentiment. ness owners will be able to lock and wireless links could automatically tronics means these locks will need traditional one — currently limits the in May that Qatar Petroleum Shares in Arabia Cotton unlock their premises remotely. open doors when within a certain to be routinely replaced or updated. technology to high-end households. planned to offer shares in four of Ginning jumped 9.9 percent to “I think most people will go distance. Other keys can be set to It is a model Assa is confident So Assa Abloy’s strategy is to its units in coming years. 5.22 Egyptian pounds, their high- digital. People will rely more on switch on at a certain date and that consumers used to fre- make the technology a good fit A multi-billion dollar IPO of est since November 2010, after a secure identity than a physical expire on another date, meaning quently upgrading their phones with businesses and institutions Doha Global Investment Co, a the firm said it was looking to add key, provided over the net into someone renting a flat, for exam- and tablets will accept. “People like hotels and hospitals in order new $12 billion investment firm real estate as a business line and your mobile phone,” says Johan ple, need no longer hand over phys- will have the same kind of rela- to ‘normalise’ the new product, backed by assets from Qatar’s was waiting for approvals to sell Molin, Assa Abloy’s lean 54-year- ical keys at the end of their stay. tionship to their lock that they lower costs and ultimately drive sovereign wealth fund, appears some of the land it owns. old chief executive. The digital keys can be embedded have to their computer. They broader consumer acceptance. to have been shelved because of AGENCIES Electro-mechanical locks like in SIM cards, within software or will want to have the latest REUTERS US companies await reforms from China Chiquita seeks blocking

WASHINGTON: US compa- taking power, they said. The plenum could be an “open- project” for financial and eco- nies in China are taking a cau- Xi, who became head of the ing salvo” on Chinese reforms, nomic reforms, he said. Colombian case tious view of the new Chinese Communist Party last November, Jarrett said. Timothy Stratford, a mem- leadership, hoping a key has shown he will take “a more The AmCham Shanghai del- ber of the delegation, said the MIAMI: Faced with poten- Colombian cases should be tossed November Communist Party pro-market approach than egation was in the US capital for Shanghai FTZ could be used to tially billions of dollars in because of a US Supreme Court meeting will clear up the out- his predecessor (Hu Jintao),” their annual “doorknock” talks test a lowering of barriers to US legal liability, Chiquita Brands ruling last April in a case called look for economic reform. Kenneth Jarrett, president with top Obama administration investment in China. International is asking a federal Kiobel vs Royal Dutch Petroleum, Representatives of the of AmCham Shanghai, told officials, lawmakers, and members The relaunch of US-China appeals court to block lawsuits which imposed new limits on American Chamber of Commerce reporters. of leading think tanks, pushing negotiations on a Bilateral filed against it in the US by the ability of foreigners to use in China (AmCham Shanghai), But businesses were waiting to for a stronger US-China economic Investment Treaty in July was thousands of Colombians whose American courts to seek account- visiting Washington last week, see what comes out of a key meet- and trade relationship. an encouraging sign, the execu- relatives were killed in that ability and monetary damages for said that Chinese President Xi ing of the Chinese Communist Jarrett said that China has tives said. country’s bloody, decades-long human rights abuses. Jinping had indicated plans to Party leadership in November. only provided “sketchy” details The Chamber estimates that a civil war. Any decision by the 11th Circuit further open up the economy. The meeting — known as the on the planned free-trade zone successful conclusion of the BIT The produce giant, which long is likely months away, adding to But it was unclear whether he third plenum — traditionally is in Shanghai announced in early could open more than 100 Chinese had huge banana plantations in years Colombian family members had all the control levers at his used to unveil political and eco- September. industries to US investment. Colombia, has admitted paying a have already been waiting for the command less than a year after nomic reforms. The FTZ could be a “pilot AFP right-wing Colombian paramili- lawsuits to be resolved. The cases tary group $1.7bn over a seven- were consolidated in Florida in year period. The Charlotte, North 2008. Carolina-based company insists Three women who lost rela- BlackBerry woes it was blackmailed into paying tives to the AUC and are among GE wins $2.2bn or risking violence against its the plaintiffs in lawsuits against own operations and employees, Chiquita agreed to speak by Algeria contract although in 2007 Chiquita pleaded phone recently from the town of guilty to US criminal charges that Apartado, Colombia. They spoke ALGIERS: General Electric Co it had supported terrorists. It on condition that their names not has won a $2.2bn contract to paid a $25m fine. be used because they fear retri- provide turbines for six power The Colombian lawsuits, con- bution from former paramilitary plants in Algeria, state energy solidated for pretrial action members, many of whom still live giant Sonatrach announced before a federal judge in West in the area and have powerful yesterday. “GE has won the Palm Beach, want Chiquita held political connections. contract to provide the turbines liable for thousands of deaths Human rights groups say with a total capacity of 8,400 at the hands of the AUC, the many former paramilitary mem- megawatts for a sum of $2.2bn,” Spanish acronym for the right- bers have reorganised into what Sonatrach chief Nourredine wing United Self-Defence Forces are called “emerging criminal Bouterfa told state radio. of Colombia. The Colombian rela- bands” involved in extortion and Algeria plans to build six new tives have won several key pre- racketeering. power plants with capacities of trial rulings, but now Chiquita is One of the women, a 48-year- between 1,200 and 1,600 mega- taking its fight for dismissal to a old who makes a small income watts each by 2017. new level. sitting for a neighbor’s baby, said Bouterfa said the GE deal was In essence, Chiquita wants the paramilitary troops descended part of Algeria’s efforts to con- 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals on her home in 2000 while her struct its own power stations, to dismiss the lawsuits because, husband and a friend were work- buying the turbines only from the company claims, each mur- ing in their garden. The troops foreign suppliers and not the der cannot be tied specifically requested identification papers complete plant. He said the new to the company. It’s not enough, and demanded to know whether plants would allow Algeria to put Chiquita’s lawyers say in court there were weapons for the leftist an end to the frequent power cuts papers, to assume the company’s guerrillas hidden in the home. She that have hit consumers during A man is silhouetted against a video screen with the BlackBerry logo as he poses with a BlackBerry Q10. payments to the AUC meant said they ransacked the home and periods of peak demand, particu- BlackBerry Ltd warned it expects to report a huge quarterly operating loss next week and that it will cut more Chiquita knew about and sup- found none, and she fled with the larly in the heat of the summer. than a third of its global workforce. ported those individual killings. couple’s infant child. AFP Chiquita also says the AP MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Fed now seen tapering Microloans surging stimulus in December

BY JOSHUA ZUMBRUN AND CATARINA SARAIVA

OST economists surveyed now say the Federal Reserve in Silicon Valley will begin tapering asset purchases in December after BY MARTHA MENDOZA MChairman Ben S Bernanke reset the central bank’s time- developing country,” he said. “It’s something Fund teamed with Pacific Coast Ventures line by maintaining the pace of bond-buying earlier this week. a family can support itself with.” to target loans to Santa Cruz and Monterey Twenty-four of 41 economists surveyed on September 18-19 DAYCARE provider needed Paul Cruce tried banks, and even the high counties. said the Fed will now wait until December before taking the first cribs and high chairs. A coffee tech crowdsourcing route to get his Holy Because microlenders work closely with step in slowing its $85bn in monthly bond purchases, according truck needed a generator. A Cow Coffee Company to join the “upscale recipients, providing financial education and to a Bloomberg survey. The median estimate in an August 9-13 couple renting party supplies food truck brigade” before turning to business support, the microloans in the San poll projected the Fed would begin paring at this week’s meeting. needed to move from a garage Opportunity Fund. Francisco Bay area have a delinquency rate Instead, the Federal Open Market Committee opted to press Ainto a storefront. Today, with a new generator powering of under one percent, compared with loss on with asset purchases, saying it was dissatisfied with progress When these Silicon Valley small busi- the refrigerator, espresso machine, coffee rates of about five percent for more typical in the labour market. Policymakers’ surprising extension of the nesses needed an influx of cash, and fast, brewer and crepe griddle, the Holy Cow loans. Rates range from about eight to 12 programme sent stocks to record highs and triggered the big- they didn’t find help at a bank. They turned truck is a popular attraction at farmer’s percent, well below the 30 percent credit gest rally in Treasuries since 2011 as investors repositioned for a instead to a type of financing more com- markets. “I borrowed from Opportunity card rates many entrepreneurs use to try more accommodative central bank. “They cannot continue going monly associated with buying a sewing Fund rather than a bank because they are to launch businesses. full speed forever because the larger the balance sheet, the more machine for a Guatemalan tailor or a trac- more in tune with the needs of small busi- Despite a booming tech industry, the FOMC members will become uncomfortable,” said Roberto Perli, tor for an African farmer. ness and have more favourable credit terms,” region faces growing inequality, stagnant a partner at Cornerstone Macro in Washington and a former Microlending, a decades old form of said Cruce. job growth, soaring housing and transporta- Fed economist. Perli said the Fed’s meeting in December is the financing for the world’s poorest, is now Microlending was devised by Bangladeshi tion costs and widespread low wages. Small earliest it could revisit the decision to press on. booming in Silicon Valley. The region leads banker Mohammad Yunus, who won a business owners who are largely immigrants Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis President James Bullard the country for microlending as a growing 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for developing the point to their microloans, usually around in an interview on Friday on Bloomberg Television held out the echelon of would-be businesspersons who financial instrument that supports would- $15,000, as a turning point for “making it.” chance that policy makers could decide as early as next month can’t qualify for traditional bank loans be business owners too poor to qualify for Argentinian chef Manuel Godino had no to begin slowing the pace of bond purchases. meets money from cash-rich techies and traditional bank loans. credit but lots of demand for his empanadas, “This was a close decision here in September, so it’s possible you firms, including eBay and Microsoft, who Today, the global microfinance indus- which he cooked in an industrial kitchen could get some data that change the complexion of the outlook want to donate in innovative ways. try has more than 200 million clients with and sold to cafes and restaurants. A micro- and could make the committee be comfortable with a small taper “Our clients are entrepreneurial people, $73bn in outstanding loans, according to loan helped him launch his own storefront in October,” Bullard said. “It’s possible, but I’m not saying it will but the mainstream financial system doesn’t the London-based Centre for the Study of Venga Empanadas in San Francisco’s happen. You have other meetings after that.” work for them,” said Eric Weaver, founder Financial Innovation. Just a small fraction Mission District, where he employs another Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Esther George, and CEO of the San Jose, California-based of those — about $165m — are in the United eight people. who has consistently dissented against additional stimulus, today Opportunity Fund, which invested a record States, where about 400 institutions offer Confectioner Cristina Arantes tapped said financial markets were prepared for a reduction in bond $7.6m in loans to small businesses last year, microloans. Opportunity Fund to support her Kika’s purchases, so the central bank should have followed through. creating about 1,900 jobs. Those firms typically give about 45 loans Treats, making chocolate shortbreads “Clearly the actions at this meeting, and the expectations that Beneficiaries range from dry cleaners a year, compared with a record 1,200 from and caramels. Tina Ferguson-Riffe had been set relative to how markets were thinking about this, to barbeque joints, and the lender is now Opportunity Fund last year. The pro- turned her $20,000 loan into a barbeque created confusion, created a disconnect,” George said in a New believed to be the largest financer of food gramme, which is nonprofit and sustained joint, Smoke Berkeley, where she employs York speech to the Shadow Open Market Committee, a group of trucks in the state. “A food truck or a hot by donations, has extended to Los Angeles in seven others. economists that critiques Fed policy. dog cart is a US equivalent of a cow in a recent years. And this summer, Opportunity AP While the central bank meets on October 29-30, policymak- ers will have received just one new monthly jobs report from the Labor Department. The latest payroll figures showed employers added 169,000 jobs in August, less than the median forecast of economists and follow- ing gains in the prior two months that were revised down. The Fed forecasts the economy will strengthen later this year, and in 2014 projects growth of 2.9 percent to 3.1 percent, according to estimates released at their meeting. Gross domestic product has advanced an average 1.8 percent in the first half of the year. “We’ll be looking to see if the data confirm that basic outlook,” Bernanke said in his press conference following the conclusion of the Fed’s meeting. “If it does, we’ll take a first step at some point, possibly later this year.” The Fed’s third round of quantitative easing began in September 2012 and central bankers pledged to continue purchases until achieving “substantial improvement” in the labour market. So far they’ve purchased $386.8bn of Treasuries and $463bn of mortgage bonds, for a total of $849.8bn. Three of the 41 economists surveyed by Bloomberg project the Fed will wait until March before deciding to shrink the programme. Four project central bankers will slow the pace of purchases in October, while five said they will wait until the meeting in January. “Had we been looking at job growth of 200,000 or more and growth closer to 2.5 percent or three percent” the central bank may have tapered this week, said Millan Mulraine, Director of US rates research at TD Securities USA Inc in New York. Unless data show employment and the economy improving, the central bank may not begin reducing purchases until March, he said. “I don’t think we’re going to be in the environment in December where we have a substantially improved economic performance or economic outlook,” Mulraine said. The delay in winding down the program will swell its total size to encompass $763bn in mortgages and $705bn in Treasuries for a total of $1.47 trillion, according to the median of economist estimates. In a September 6 survey, before Bernanke’s press conference, econo- mists projected the programme would conclude with $1.29 trillion in purchases. One reason the expansion hasn’t gained momentum is that business investment has cooled. Spending on new equipment climbed 2.3 percent over the past four quarters, the smallest year- over-year advance since the end of 2009 when the world’s largest economy was beginning to emerge from the recession. WP-BLOOMBERG Tesla’s feat of (financial) engineering BY STEVEN MUFSON Tesla sold a total of about 10,500. a battery swap in 90 seconds. time to lose money while striving services. This helps entrepreneurs crowed: “Anyone hoping to Ford earned $2.8bn in profits in (Musk declined to be interviewed to turn a profit. It is the sort of as they grow their business and ratchet the Tesla Motors hype ESLA Motor’s stock six months, while Tesla lost $19m. for this article.) financial breathing room that few hire people, generates wealth down a notch will want to ignore is still in overdrive — Tesla’s $70,000-plus Model Musk’s cachet has been start-ups enjoy. for them and investment bank- the company’s second-quarter and not just because of S isn’t your grandfather’s enhanced by his other futuristic Goldman Sachs, for example, ing business for us,” said Stuart results delivered on Wednesday its sleek cars. To keep Oldsmobile (or Rambler). The visions, such as his commercial serves as analyst, investor, under- Bernstein, global head of the clean afternoon. Tesla turned a profit, racing forward over luxury sedan goes from zero SpaceX company and his outline writer and personal banker. It technology and renewables group much to the surprise of Wall Tthe past few months, Tesla has to 60mph in 5.4 seconds, it has for a solar-powered, 600-mph holds a 0.34 percent stake of Tesla at Goldman Sachs. “We think Elon Street analysts, and said it relied on feats of financial engi- retractable door handles, a “Hyperloop” to carry people in stock, down from 0.66 percent ear- Musk is one of the most exciting shipped a record number of its neering as much as automotive 17-inch touch-screen display and pods from Los Angeles to San lier this year. It also underwrote entrepreneurs of the century. He’s Model S luxury sedans that have engineering, wooing rich investors a liquid-cooled lithium-ion bat- Francisco in half an hour. (The Tesla’s stock offerings and has got qualities of Henry Ford, Steve become all the rage with the and selling additional shares as tery that lies beneath the car’s details haven’t been worked extended $275m in personal loans Jobs and Bill Gates all rolled up wealthy, eco-conscious set.” the stock price soared. body. out yet.) On Tuesday, Musk to Musk so he could add to his in one.” In fact, Tesla posted a loss of “There are many people that The company isn’t much like announced on Twitter that within own stock holdings. Musk owns Not everyone thinks Musk $30.5m, which included the sale thought Tesla would fail. Many any other car company, either. Its three years Tesla would build an 23.3 percent of the company, a belongs in that pantheon. An of regulatory credits. Under of them unwisely chose to short stock has behaved like a 1990s-vin- autopilot car that would drive stake worth more than $5bn. The unusually large number of inves- California law, auto companies our stock,” Tesla Chief Executive tage tech company, a firm whose itself over 90 percent of miles stock offering in May was quickly tors have bet against the com- must sell a certain percentage Elon Musk, 42, said at a June 4 disruptive potential and promise traveled; he also posted a call for organised and well-timed, just as pany by short-selling its stock of zero-emission vehicles. Those annual shareholders’ meeting. He shares more with Silicon Valley engineers to work on the project. the share price surged to $92.24. — a transaction in which inves- that fail to do so must buy cred- added, with a laugh, “I presume than Detroit. South African-born “Intense effort underway at Tesla Morgan Stanley, one of the tors profit when the stock price its from companies such as Tesla. those people are not here today.” chief executive Musk, who made to develop a practical autopilot managers of Tesla’s recent $600m falls. So far this year that’s been Tesla also sold credits to compa- Since then, the stock has a fortune on PayPal, the money- system for Model S,” he said. offering of convertible bonds, a bad bet, and the volume of Tesla nies seeking to meet US fuel effi- marched steadily higher, hitting transfer service, is a salesman “The expectations are sky- owns four percent of Tesla’s stock shorted has dropped from ciency standards. Together, these an all-time high of more than and a brand unto himself. He has high,” said Craig Pirrong, a shares. Toyota (2.4 percent) a stunning 40 percent of avail- credit sales amounted to $69.4m $180 a share on Thursday. It has turned his Model S into a product University of Houston finance and Daimler-Benz (four per- able shares to 25 percent, still 10 in the second quarter, 17 percent risen fivefold this year, bring- like a pricey watch, stylish hand- professor. “He has an almost cent), were both early investors times the level considered typical of Tesla’s revenue or $13,475 for ing the market value of Tesla to bag or nifty gadget rather than cultlike following among a lot of in Tesla that bestowed a seal of at most companies. each of the 5,150 cars sold. nearly $22bn, almost a third as simply a way to get to work. people. All those things create a approval from the established The company has benefit- By year’s end, the market for much as Ford Motor. Some other With great hoopla, Musk has risk of a very big fall.” auto industry. ted from glowing media cover- those regulatory credits will comparisons: In the first half of unveiled plans for stations that Yet Musk has been able to build “One of the things we try to do age. A Bloomberg Businessweek largely dry up as other car com- the year, Ford sold 1.29 million would offer free high-speed Tesla by relying on big-name at Goldman Sachs is to identify the cover article in August, which panies introduce new electric or vehicles in the United States and recharging or, borrowing an financial firms, which have played most promising people and com- surrounded the car with hearts hybrid vehicles. more than 400,000 in China, while idea from a now-bankrupt rival, multiple roles — and given him panies and provide them banking against a pink background, WP-BLOOMBERG MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary EXCHANGE QE Index 9,785.90 0.86 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER QE Total Return Index 13,981.8 0.86 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,797.38 0.53 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,460.91 0.76 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,396.6 0.64 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5288.594 58.236 1.11 5288.594 4610.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,906.15 0.26 % QR160.2984 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4213.64 43.24 1.04 4170.4 3575.17 QE All Share Industrials 3,080.49 0.88 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.7936 QR 5.8784 QE All Share Insurance 2,250.36 0.12 % Dj Indu Average 15676.94 147.21 0.95 15709.6 12471.5 Euro ...... QR 4.8803 QR 4.9791 QE All Share Real Estate 1,782.89 0.79 % QR 2.6888 CA$ ...... QR 3.5023 QR 3.5767 QE All Share Telecoms 1,467.09 1.69 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 1,813.05 0.87 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9605 QR 4.0507 Hang Seng Inde/D 23502.51 385.06 1.67 23944.74 19426.36 Yen ...... QR 0.0365 QR 0.0372 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.3811 QR 3.4669 Today Previous day Iseq Overall/D 4314.92 42.75 1 4308.14 3396.67 CRUDE OIL 22-09-2013 19-09-2013 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0576 QR 0.0589 Index 9,785.90 9,870.90 Karachi 100 In/D 23451.6 521.54 2.27 23944.99 16036.31 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0341 QR 0.0348 Change 85.00 37.80 BRENT Nikkei 225 Index 14766.18 260.82 1.8 15942.6 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0839 QR 0.0856 % 0.86 0.38 $ 110.81 SL Re ...... QR 0.0273 QR 0.0278 YTD% 17.07 18.09 S&P 500 Index/D 1725.52 20.76 1.22 1729.44 1343.35 Taka ...... QR 0.0465 QR 0.0474 Volume 3,105,746 6,459,146 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0358 QR 0.0365 Value (QAR) 157,373,972.36 319,222,967.97 Straits Times/D 3251.78 57.93 1.81 3464.79 2990.68 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3746 QR 0.3821 Trades 2,454 3,736 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77 $ 108.90 Up 08 | Down 27 | Unchanged 04

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 22-09-2013

The Federal Reserve shocks global markets

HE FX, equity, and bond tightening would lead to slowdown 1.5963, following direction ahead of supporting the case of Federal to 49.6 this month, the highest markets were presented of the economic recovery. Larry Summers’ the Fed’s decision. Reserve policy makers on their level since April 2010. The figure Twith a surprise decision by Anticipation ahead of the announcement. The Yen then gain decision to maintain the current surpassed the expected 45.0. the FOMC last week, sending the Feds’ decision weighed on the FX The GBP rose dramatically stimulus package that is aimed at United Kingdom investors to seek safety for their markets. The Euro started the against the USD, against a much sustaining the economic expan- Weekly Money Market Review assets. The Federal Reserve of week on a positive note, open- as good figures weaker US Dollar, sion of the United States. Housing Retail Sales Fall the Most in the United States decided to keep ing at 1.3294, and rising at the gave promise to touch a low of starts rose 0.9% to 891,000 annual 10-months the quantitative easing program early hours of the trading day to to a better economic future for 97.76. The Japanese currency then rate, higher than the previous The United Kingdoms’ retail unchanged at $85bn worth of pur- 1.3380 after US President Barrack the country, and after a report reversed its trend, weakening all months’ 883,000 which was also sales fell unexpectedly, dropping chases a month, while the market Obama, said that Former Treasury showed that inflation remained the way back to 99.62, as investors weaker than expected. to -1.0% in August, the biggest already priced in a cut on those Secretary, Lawrence Summers, above the Bank of England’s tar- started borrowing in low-inter- Sales of previously owned drop in 10-months, as demand for purchases by $10-15bn. The deci- has withdrawn from the race of get last month, amid signs that est-rate currencies to buy higher American houses unexpectedly food plummeted. Sales from the sion by the Fed sent the US Dollar the Federal Reserve Chairman confidence is growing in the UK yielding currencies. The Japanese climbed more than forecasted last retail sector declined 0.9% from to drop against all major counter position. Due to Summers’ bullish economy. Cable rose even further, Yen closed the week at 99.36. The month to the highest level in more July, and worse than what was parts, adding even more pressure stance on the economy, the USD after minutes from the Bank of Swiss Franc strengthened against than 6-years, as American buyers expected by economists at 0.0%. on the greenback following the dropped against the EUR, as the England showed that policy mak- a weakening US Dollar at the start rushed to complete their mort- Food demand climbed 2.7% in July, withdrawal of Former Treasury more bearish member, Fed Vice ers saw no need for more stimulus of the week, as investors seek the gage transactions before interest the biggest gain since April 2011, Secretary, Larry Summers, from President Janet Yellen, was left in the British economy, pushing safety of the currency ahead of rates rise any further. Purchases only to erase those exact gains in the race for Bernanke’s seat, leav- with no competition for the seat. the British currency to 1.5980 important figures in the US and of existing houses climbed by 1.7%, August, affecting the country’s ing more room for dovish Vice The single currency range traded against the USD. The Pound then Euro area, and uncertainty from to 5.48 million homes, the highest retail sales. President Janet Yellen. Major towards mid-week, in anticipation surged to break major techni- the Federal Reserve minutes out- level since February 2007. Commodities world indexes rallied following the of the Fed’s tapering decision. The cal levels against the US Dollar come. The CHF opened the week Europe decision, the S&P surged by 1.60%, Euro surged significantly against a to reach a high of 1.6165. The at 0.9297, strengthening to 0.9224 Gold Surged Amid US Dollar the Dow gained 1.55%, and the weaker US Dollar, as the Fed took Sterling Pound then erased some against the USD. The Swiss Franc German Economic Sentiment Fears Nikkei by 1.80%. The Fed decided the market by surprised, by hold- of its gains, as retail sales in the then strengthened further, in Climbs Gold surged on Thursday, fol- against the tapering of the asset ing the pace of purchases at $85bn. UK endured the biggest drop in tandem with the JPY, as the US German Investor Confidence lowing a 21-day drop since August purchases, citing that the Fed The Euro surged 230 basis points 10-months, shaking confidence in Dollar plummets against most rose to the highest level in more 28, as the Fed stimulus talks should “wait for more evidence that against the US Dollar, to a touch the British economy. The Pound majors, prompting investors to than 3-years this month, showing sparked fear on $holding inves- progress will be sustained before high of 1.3568. The Euro eased ended the week at 1.6006. The seek safer currencies in the midst optimism that Europe’s largest tors, hiking demand for the pre- adjusting the pace of purchases”. only slightly following the “Fed Japanese Yen opened the week of a global financial shock from the economy will continue to expand, cious metal. Climbing the most in Although the job market has shown Surprise” rally, falling to 1.3508 on at 99.38, strengthening against a Federal Reserve, to touch a low of in the midst of a global recovery. 15-months, Gold touched a high of signs of improvement, policymak- Friday. The Single currency closed weaker US Dollar at the begin- 0.9090. The Swiss Franc closed the The ZEW economic sentiment 1,368.41, from 1,296.44. The gold’s ers believed that the outlook has the week at 1.3524. The British ning of the week. The Japanese week at 0.9103. American build- index, which aims to predict eco- advance pulled silver, platinum, remained uncertain and they Pound followed suit, opening at Yen range traded between 99.00 ers started work on fewer US nomic development 6-months in and palladium higher. were concerned that premature 1.5880 on Monday, and rising to and 99.30, as FX markets lacking homes than expected last month, advance, rose from 42.0 in August THE PENINSULA MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Simon, Gulbis bag ATP Tour titles Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska beats Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Korea

METZ, France: Second-seeded Frenchman Gilles Simon won the 11th title of his career when LEFT: France’s Gilles he outplayed top seed and com- Simon holds the trophy patriot Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4, 6-3 in the final of the ATP Metz after defeating his French Open. opponent Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Simon, whose summer has been at the end of their ATP plagued by whooping cough and Moselle Open final in Metz, its after-effects, only entered the eastern France, yesterday. tournament on a wildcard. Simon won 6-4, 6-3. RIGHT: In beating Tsonga, the world David Marrero (left) and number eight who was playing Fernando Verdasco of Spain his first tournament for almost celebrate with their trophies three months after a knee injury, after defeating Britain’s Simon became the fourth player Dominic Inglot and Denis this season to win a tourna- Istomin of Uzbekistan in ment on a wildcard invite after the doubles finale of the St Argentina’s Juan Monaco in Petersburg Open. Marrero Duesseldorf, France’s Nicolas and Verdasco won 7-6, Mahut in Newport (USA) and 6-3. RIGHT (BOTTOM): Argentinian Juan Martin del Agnieszka Radwanska of Potro in Washington. Simon’s 11th title draws him Poland displays the trophy level with Guy Forget for career after winning the singles final wins by Frenchmen, still far off at the 2013 WTA Korea Open in the 23 won by Yannick Noah. Seoul yesterday. The top seed In Saint Petersburg, Russia, Radwanska rallied from a set Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis battled down to beat Russian Anastasia back from a set down to win the Pavlyuchenkova 6-7 (6-8), 6-3, fourth title of his career in beat- 6-4. ing Spaniard Guillermo Garcia- Lopez in the Saint Petersburg ATP final yesterday. The 25-year-old Gulbis, who was seeded sixth, won 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 to record his second win over Garcia-Lopez in their third meeting. Spanish veteran Garcia-Lopez, 30, got the better of a raft of breaks in the first set and broke RIGHT: Venus Williams of early in the second before racing the US signs autographs into a 4-1 lead. for fans after her victory But he failed to win another over Mona Barthel of game as world number 36 Gulbis Germany during their found another gear and reeled off first-round match in 11 straight games to storm to vic- the Pan Pacific Open in tory as Garcia-Lopez ran out of Tokyo yesterday. Williams steam. defeated Barthel 6-3, 6-1. Gulbis pocketed a $78,000 (57,700 euros) winner’s purse, while Garcia-Lopez earned $41,000. Gulbis promised to return next year to defend his title. Radwanska’s victory in the “I wanted to win this event gruelling final, which lasted two very much and it was the reason hours and 45 minutes, also gave I battled for every single point in the 24-year-old world number Venus advances in Tokyo today’s final,” Gulbis said. “I’m four her 13th career title. really happy to win this event Pavlyuchenkova, who lost to TOKYO: Former world number one Venus being diagnosed with the autoimmune dis- 2020 Olympic tennis. She shrugged when as Saint Petersburg is one of my Radwanska in the US Open last Williams, resplendent in a floral dress and order Sjogren’s Syndrome in 2011, faces an asked about Azarenka. most beloved cities and I’ll be month as well, came back after pink dreadlocks, showed glimpses of her uphill task to extend her stay, however, with “I’ve played so many matches in my career happy to come here next year to losing the first three games and old power by blasting past German Mona top seed Victoria Azarenka -- runner-up to I’m ready for whatever happens on the court,” defend my title.” saved four set points to eventu- Barthel 6-3, 6-1 to reach the second round Serena Williams at the US Open earlier this she told reporters after making her first Meanwhile in Seoul, Korea, ally win the opening set in the of the Pan Pacific Open yesterday. month -- her next opponent. appearance at the Tokyo meet since reaching Polish top seed Agnieszka tie-breaker. No longer the force of old and currently only Carefully coiffed braids poking through the the quarter-finals in 2009. Radwanska came from behind Radwanska wrested back con- 62nd in the world, the 33-year-old American top of her sun visor, Williams took the first set “I’ve seen so many big matches between to beat Russia’s Anastasia trol after breaking the third- still had too much firepower for Barthel in with a fierce forehand which caught the back Azarenka and Serena -- their final at the Pavlyuchenkova 6-7 (6) 6-3 6-4 seeded Russian early in the second Tokyo, taking just 63 minutes to sweep past of the baseline and wrapped up proceedings by (US) Open was awesome. Hopefully that will in the final of the Korea Open in set and closed out the match with her 34th-ranked opponent. bludgeoning a backhand past Barthel. help me. Seoul to bag her third WTA title a break in the 10th game of the The seven-time Grand Slam singles win- Williams celebrated with a polite curtsy to “I’m excited to be back and the next step is of the year yesterday. deciding set. AGENCIES ner, whose career has been blighted since an appreciative crowd at the venue for the just to go out and play well.” REUTERS Serena best ever, but I’m closing gap: Azarenka

TOKYO: Serena Williams may tennis has elevated and the evo- best ever and being their tough- schooling: “I was over it the next against a player like Serena you’ve pack a knockout punch and be lution of the game raised up so est opponent.” Azarenka, who day. I have a 24-hour rule, win or got to do that because that’s the greatest player ever to grace much that it’s hard to compare. has held the world’s top ranking, lose. You have to get up and keep what she does and that’s how she women’s tennis, according to It’s like comparing Muhammad called her 7-5, 6-7, 6-1 defeat at going.” pushes you.” Victoria Azarenka (pictured), Ali and Floyd Mayweather,” the the US Open a “learning experi- Her latest tussle with Williams Preparing for Tokyo, Azarenka but the world number two 24-year-old added. “How can you ence” but pointed to two victories was also a noisy affair, the feroc- showed her playful side with insists she is steadily closing the compare two eras? They’re both over Williams in 2013 as evidence ity of their hitting pushing the a parody of American pop diva gap. the greatest in the world but who she had the game to threaten the grunt-o-metre off the scale. Miley Cyrus’ controversial MTV Azarenka suffered another was the better boxer?” dominance of the 17-time Grand “In tennis it’s weird because Video Music Awards performance bruising loss to the mighty Despite defeat at Flushing Slam singles champion. everybody keeps complaining that on her Instagram account. American in the US Open final Meadows and the enduring bril- “Serena is always improving,” people grunt but if you watch any “I just thought it was a really earlier this month in a repeat of liance of Williams, Azarenka was twice Australian Open champion other sport (they do),” she said funny video to do,” she said of her the 2012 championship match in in buoyant mood. Azarenka said of her nemesis, with a laugh. It’s the same with effort at ‘twerking’. “I’m never New York. But the Belarusian “Serena is playing the best ten- who turns 32 this week. the guys’ tennis. You watch (Rafa) afraid to show my personality. quickly climbed off the canvas, nis of her life and so am I,” she “This is the beauty of the com- Nadal and (Novak) Djokovic. I I’m an entertainer myself. I was saying she was over it in 24 hours. said. “It’s been really noticeable petition. It’s a healthy competi- mean how less intense was that a little shy before. Now I’m out of “Serena is the best ever to the gap from last year we have tion and you have to rise to the (US Open final)? And nobody that zone I just want to show my me,” Azarenka said yesterday in in the matches has minimised. occasion and really step it up (to) talks about it. This doesn’t make world with my fans.” an interview before her opening I’ve beaten her twice this year. the next level if you want to be sense in my head. Weighing in on the debate rag- match at the Pan Pacific Open No one else has done that. It’s up there. Serena’s still not done.” “You take each other to the ing over Cyrus, Azarenka smiled: in Tokyo. “I cannot judge some- just exciting to be in the era of Azarenka, whose head-to-head limit of battle and give 100 per- “It’s up to everybody. I have dif- body who I never played before somebody and competing with record against Williams is still a cent in every point and when you ferent tastes. She’s definitely not but for me overall the game of somebody who is considered the lopsided 3-13, said of her latest play in the final of the US Open my role model.” REUTERS

The Washington Capitals set to Baseball Results Gale Sayers’ lawyer to drop Tampa Bay 5 Baltimore 1 host 2015 outdoor NHL game NY Yankees 6 San Francisco 0 concussion suit against NFL Chicago Cubs 3 Atlanta 1 WASHINGTON: The Washington Capitals will play host to the Oakland 9 Minnesota 1 CHICAGO: A lawyer for pro football Hall of Famer Gale Sayers National Hockey League’s annual New Year’s Day outdoor game in Cleveland 4 Houston 1 said yesterday he would drop a federal lawsuit filed on the former 2015, the league announced yesterday. player’s behalf that accuses the National Football League (NFL) of NY Mets 5 Philadelphia 4 The game will be staged on January 1, 2015, against an opponent to failing to warn him about and protect him against head injuries. be named later at a site yet to be revealed. Pittsburgh 4 Cincinnati 2 Attorney John Winters said he would voluntarily withdraw the Baseball franchise Washington Nationals have a ballpark only a few Detroit 7 Chicago White Sox 6 lawsuit, filed on Friday in United States District Court in Chicago, subway stops from the Capitals’ home arena and one of the minority Toronto 4 Boston 2 after hearing from the Sayers’ family that the Chicago Bears great no shareholders in the NHL club’s ownership group is the owner of the Texas 3 Kansas City 1 longer wanted to pursue the matter. Nationals. St Louis 7 Milwaukee 2 Attempts to get comment from Sayers were unsuccessful. But another possibility is the home stadium of American football’s The lawsuit came three weeks after the league agreed to pay $765m Arizona 7 Colorado 2 Washington Redskins, which would offer more potential seats. to settle a lawsuit brought by thousands of former players, many suf- The Capitals played their only prior outdoor game in a gridiron LA Dodgers 4 San Diego 0 fering from dementia and health problems, who accused the league of venue at Pittsburgh in 2011 before 68,111 spectators. REUTERS LA Angels 6 Seattle 5 hiding the dangers of brain injuries. REUTERS MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

The Tour Championship Stenson is still in the lead scores ATLANTA: Scores after the third round of the $8m The Swede fires one-under-par 69 to maintain a four-stroke lead US PGA Tour Championship (USA unless noted, par 70): ATLANTA: 199 Henrik Stenson (SWE) Sweden’s Henrik 64-66-69 Stenson fired a one-under par 69 203 Dustin Johnson 68-68-67 yesterday to keep a four-stroke Adam Scott lead after the third round of the of Australia 205 Steve Stricker 66-71-68 season-ending $8m US PGA hangs his head 206 Justin Rose (ENG) 68-68- Tour Championship. down while 70, Zach Johnson 69-68-69, If Stenson can keep his lead waiting to putt Billy Horschel 66-70-70, Jordan Spieth 68-67-71 over the final 18 holes at East on the third Lake today, he will claim the green during 207 Luke Donald (ENG) 70-70- $10m bonus for winning the tour’s 67, Nick Watney 72-65-70 the third round play-off title, the FedEx Cup, as 208 Bill Haas 70-69-69, Webb well as the tournament’s $1.44mn of the Tour Championship Simpson 68-71-69, Sergio top prize. Garcia (ESP) 68-71-69, Phil at the East “I don’t see myself being overly Mickelson 71-67-70, Gary aggressive tomorrow,” Stenson Lake Golf Club Woodland 70-67-71, Adam said. “I think it’s kind of up to in Atlanta, Scott (AUS) 65-69-74 the other guys to be aggressive.” Georgia, 209 D.A. Points 72-67-70, With a chance to stretch his yesterday. The Keegan Bradley 72-65-72 lead over the rest of the 30-man tournament 210 Jason Day 68-74-68, Jason field on a rainy day, Stenson stum- is the final Dufner 74-70-66, Hunter bled at the finish, making bogeys of the FedEx Mahan 70-69-71, Roberto on three of the final five holes, Cup play-offs. Castro 67-71-72 including a four-foot par putt RIGHT: Phil 211 Brandt Snedeker 69-75-67, miss at the 18th, that left him on Mickelson of Graham DeLaet (CAN) 11-under 199 after 54 holes. the US waits 68-71-72, Jim Furyk American Dustin Johnson was to make his 70-68-73 second on 203 after a third-round tee shot on the 67 with US veteran Steve Stricker 212 Matt Kuchar 69-74-69 third hole. third on 205 after shooting 68. 213 Tiger Woods 73-71-69, England’s Justin Rose, the Brendon de Jonge (ZIM) reigning US Open champion, 70-72-71 shared fourth on 206 with Americans Zach Johnson, Billy “To think you’re going to keep and chills and receiving IV fluids Horschel and Jordan Spieth. going like that, without any trou- to treat his flu symptoms. England’s Luke Donald and ble, is probably asking for too “I wasn’t feeling top drawer American Nick Watney were much,” Stenson said. The Swede last night and had a rough night,” Timely return to form for another stroke adrift. began the back nine with a bogey, Scott said. “Didn’t feel too flush Stenson birdied the second and added another at 14 and followed this morning so had to get some third holes and added two more a birdie at the par-5 15th with help. I feel a lot better now, but at the seventh and ninth holes, bogeys at 16 and 18. it was pretty rough this morning. stretching his edge over the field “I guess at the end of the day, “It was very disappointing to Johnson at East Lake at one stage to nine strokes. I got what I deserved,” Stenson wake up feeling like that. When I said. “I probably deserved to drop woke up this morning, I definitely ATLANTA: A week after had a lot of looks at birdies. Just with (coach) Butch (Harmon).” one on 17. I lost one at 18 instead.” wouldn’t have been going. I was struggling badly with his putting one bogey today, and it was play- His work with Harmon reaped Stenson and Zach Johnson really flat and not in a good way. and only just qualifying for the ing pretty tough out there, so I’m instant reward as he opened were the only two in the title fight So it was just enough to get me Tour Championship, Dustin very pleased with that.” with successive scores of 68 at among five players who can win going and hopefully I can rest up Johnson has regained form to Johnson, a seven-times win- East Lake and went on a 39-hole the play-off title by winning the tonight and feel better tomorrow.” give himself a chance of winning ner on the PGA Tour, was the stretch without a bogey until he tournament. Three bogeys and a double the PGA Tour’s season-ending last man to qualify for the elite made his only error in the third World number one Tiger bogey gave Scott a front-nine 40 event. field of 30 players after finishing round at the par-four 14th. Woods, the play-off points leader, that not even a birdie at 17 and The long-hitting American joint 62nd out of 70 at last week’s “You got to play good,” Johnson fired a 69 to stay 26th on 213, one eight back-nine pars could offset. played superb golf in difficult BMW Championship in Chicago. said. “I’m not driving a lot. When stroke behind US compatriot “It was a battle for me,” Scott scoring conditions at a rainy “Definitely a lot more excited,” I did miss the fairway, it was Matt Kuchar, who was also in the said. “When your body’s feeling East Lake yesterday, firing a he said of his mood change since just off. It was on a hole where top five in points. so lethargic and heavy, the club three-under-par 67 to end the his poor finish in the penulti- I could get it on the green from “I didn’t hit it very good today,” feels like it weighs 60 pounds and third round at seven-under 203, mate FedExCup play-off event. the rough. Woods said. “I hit everything to it was just hard work to get any- alone in second place, four strokes “Leaving Chicago, I was just frus- “It was just a good solid stretch the right or I flipped it left, but I thing moving. All your rhythm behind leader Henrik Stenson. trated that I was struggling. I like of golf. I think I’ve played about putted better. and everything is off when your His round included four birdies the golf course. I just really strug- the same from when I teed off (on Skiier Lindsey Vonn, girlfriend of “The goal is to go out and shoot body is feeling so poor.” at the long and challenging layout gled. I struggled with the putter Thursday) until now. I’m just hit- Tiger Woods, is seen with Woods’ a good round tomorrow and see Dustin Johnson, the last man to and he signed off with a stunning more than anything last week. I ting the ball solid, hitting it where son Charlie during the third round where the chips fall.” grab a berth in the field, sank a 30-foot par putt at the last. three-putted like 10 times, just I’m looking. of the Tour Championship by Australian Adam Scott, the 31-foot par putt at the par-3 18th “I played really good today, just wasn’t holing anything. “If I can keep driving it Coca-Cola at East Lake Golf Club reigning Masters champion, to stand second. “That’s the long- really solid all day long,” Johnson “After I got in on Monday, I just straight, then I’m going to give in Atlanta, Georgia. stumbled to a 74 to stand on 210 est putt I’ve made this week by said. came out and did a lot of work him (Stenson) a run tomorrow.” after starting the day with fever far,” he said. REUTERS “Made a lot of good shots and with the putter and the golf swing REUTERS

Windies greats Bresnan in doubt as hail Ambrose on his 50th Rankin eyes Ashes birthday ST JOHN’S: Former West LONDON: England know the bulk of a Test selector Ashley Giles of Rankin and Stokes’s Indies cricketers have lauded squad due to be announced today for a tour of Ashes prospects. their colleague Curtly Ambrose Australia that will see them try to win a fourth “Boyd is 6ft 10in or something, a huge man, on his 50th birthday. straight Ashes series for the first time since and he bowls at a good rate of knots. Sir Viv, Richards who cap- the 19th Century. “We tend to like our tall fast bowlers. Going tained Ambrose from 1988 to 1991, The fact England, who beat arch-rivals to Australia, playing on those wickets, those said the determined bowler put a Australia 3-0 in a Test series on home soil to attributes are important. lot of work into his game, calling retain the urn, rested regular captain Alastair “Ben is someone who has been on the radar him a “dream to captain”. Cook, batsman Ian Bell and bowlers James for a couple of years. I think he’s a really excit- “He is one of those individuals Anderson, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann ing cricketer,” former left-arm spinner Giles, an who spent time on the field. You from the subsequent 2-1 one-day series loss was Ashes-winner as a player in 2005, added. look at modern day fast bowlers, testament to the importance they place on the England face awkward decisions with they play two matches and miss Ashes. regards to both a second spinner and a reserve six, and things like that can- But while the first-choice XI, with star bats- wicketkeeper. not keep a steady routine,” said man Kevin Pietersen set to play his 100th Monty Panesar had provided slow Sir Viv during a programme on Test in November’s opener in Brisbane, bowling back-up to Swann on recent Observer Radio. largely picks itself, the choice of back-up England tours but the left-armer’s Walsh, who doubled with squad members is likely to have led to erratic behaviour -- he was effectively Ambrose to become the most some prolonged discussions for a selec- sacked by Sussex this season after dangerous pair in both Test and tion panel led by ex-England off-spinner urinating on a nightclub bouncer -- One-Day Internationals between Geoff Miller. has caused alarm among coach Andy 1988 and 2000, said they created One question regards the fitness of Flower’s staff. a bond that even today remains bowling all-rounder Tim Bresnan (pic- In Panesar’s favour is the hapless unbroken. tured), who missed the fifth Test at The Test debut of Lancashire left-arm spin- “I say it without fear anywhere Oval, as well as the one-dayers, with a ner Simon Kerrigan at The Oval but I go: Ambrose is like my brother. I stress fracture of his back. England could opt for off-spinner James played more against Winston, and Twice an Ashes-winner, Bresnan when fit fills Tredwell, deployed in one-dayers when Swann is Kenny in County cricket because the tricky position of third seamer in a four- unavailable. If England want a left-arm spinner ‘Ambi’ came on the scene late in man attack and the Yorkshireman played a key who isn’t Panesar then international exile Samit terms of that and didn’t like much role during England’s 2010/11 3-1 series win in Patel reminded them of his ability by taking of it and we have always been Australia. three wickets for 21 runs in Nottinghamshire’s friends; but Ambrose and I have Someone else who starred in that series, after 40-over final win against Glamorgan at Lord’s built up a certain bond and if it replacing Steven Finn in Perth, is Surrey fast on Saturday. wasn’t for cricket and the things bowler Chris Tremlett, whose career has been What happens to the England Test wicket- we did on the field probably that blighted by several injuries. keeper’s position should the reliable Matt Prior bond would not be there,” said Both Tremlett and Finn fit the mould of tall be injured remains a thorny issue. Walsh. fast bowlers favoured by England’s Australian Neither Jos Buttler, England’s one-day glove- Ambrose and his former team- bowling coach David Saker. man, nor middle-order batsman and occasional mates toasted champagne and a But so too does former Ireland international Yorkshire keeper Jonny Bairstow have much cake. Boyd Rankin who impressed for his adopted first-class experience behind the stumps. Ambrose took 404 wickets in country during the one-day series as did all- Should England want a ‘spare’ batsman, they 105 Tests. The tall fast bowler rounder Ben Stokes, also uncapped at Test level. may recall Nick Compton who has been on the also picked up 225 wickets in 176 “They certainly won’t have done them any outside looking in since being ousted as a Test One-day internationals for West harm,” said England limited overs coach and opener by Joe Root. REUTERS Indies. IANS MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Qatar World Cup AS Roma win derby should be played one month earlier: Keegan

DOHA: The FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar should be played one to go top of league month earlier than planned, according to English football legend Kevin Keegan (pictured). With FIFA President Sepp Blatter sug- Juventus edge Verona 2-1; Inter score seven at Sassuolo gesting the World Cup should be moved from summer to winter, the former England man- ager wants to see a change in date rather than MILAN: Second-half goals a season switch. from Federico Balzaretti and “The best thing is to stage Qatar 2022 World Adem Ljajic handed AS Roma Cup one month earlier,” Keegan told Qatar- a precious 2-0 derby win over based Pan-Arab magazine Estad-Aldoha. Lazio to send the Giallorossi top The former Liverpool striker said: “Yes, of Italy’s Serie A yesterday. the World Cup has to come to the Middle Napoli, who were leaders ahead East and it is better to come to Qatar. You of Roma but with the same goals know you look round it, (Qatar) has the sta- difference prior to this weekend, diums, infrastructure, airlines, the airports, are away to a depleted AC Milan the travel, the hotels, everything. The only side. problem everyone is talking about is the heat. Ahead of the San Siro fixture, That is the only thing, so we can try to switch the tournament to Roma take the lead with a two- another time of the year.” point cushion on Inter, who had Keegan added: “I don’t think the World Cup should go to the gone top provisionally earlier yes- winter, it can be one or two months earlier.” terday following a 7-0 rout away Keegan was in Doha as a television pundit for Al Jazeera Sport. to Sassuolo. During his trip, he visited Aspetar Hospital of Aspire Zone with Fiorentina, in third, and fourth- Senior Orthopaedic And Sports Medicine Surgeon Nebojsa Popovic. placed Juventus are also just two Keegan said that despite visiting a lot of sports hospital around points shy of Rudi Garcia’s league the world, what he has seen at Aspetar was unmatched in terms of leaders, with Napoli one point the expertise and facilities available. adrift in fifth. The 62-year-old started his career at Scunthorpe United, before Goals from Fernandez Mati scoring 68 goals in 230 appearances to help Liverpool clinch two and Giuseppe Rossi secured UEFA Cups, a European Cup, one FA Cup and three league titles. Fiorentina’s 2-0 away win at He then moved to Hamburg but returned to England with Atalanta while Juventus saw Southampton and Newcastle United. He ended his playing career Carlos Tevez level Fabrizio with Blacktown City in 1985. Cacciatore’s opener for Verona Having enjoyed a rich playing career, Keegan took charge at and Spain international Fernando Newcastle United, who narrowly missed out to Manchester United Llorente score his maiden goal on in the English Premier League (EPL) in 1997. One season before, his debut to secure a nervy 2-1 they finished runner-up. home win for the champions. After a spell with Fulham, Keegan was appointed England man- Roma, who finished seventh AS Roma players celebrate Adem Ljajic’s goal against Lazio during their Italian Serie A match at the Olympic ager in 1999, but resigned in October 2000 after a 1-0 defeat against last season, have enjoyed a posi- Stadium in Rome, yesterday. Germany. tive start to the campaign under Having guided Manchester City to the EPL, Keegan’s last manage- French coach Garcia and their rial position was an unsuccessful return at Newcastle United in 2008. run continued with a dominant first-time strike past beaten Lazio hero for Juventus after snatch- Storari, replacing the rested THE PENINSULA/AGENCIES but at times frustrating perform- goalkeeper Federico Marchetti. ing the winner for the champions Gianluigi Buffon, on 36 minutes. ance at the Olympic Stadium. Lazio suffered a blow when sec- who despite dominating Verona Juve, however, continued to Garcia’s men dominated a busy ond-half substitute Andre Dias throughout struggled to find the dominate and were soon back on first half and after Miroslav Klose saw red for a blatant foul on Totti net. level terms. spurned a chance just after the on 81 minutes. Juventus were made to lament Paul Pogba first saw an effort Olympique Lyon’s restart for Lazio, Roma took the Roma secured the points on their misses when unmarked from a corner saved off the line Maxime Gonalons lead just after the hour. the stroke of full-time Ljajic con- defender Cacciatore latched on and spirits were raised on 40 (left) challenges Francesco Totti delivered for verted from the spot after he had to Vangelis Moras’s header from minutes when Tevez ran on Jordan Veretout Balzaretti from deep on the right been fouled by Cristian Ledesma. a corner at the back post to to Leonardo Bonucci’s smart of Nantes during and the defender sent a superb Llorente, meanwhile, was the beat number two ‘keeper Marco through ball to beat Rafael with their French Ligue a superb angled drive. 1 match at the Juventus were unlucky when Gerland Stadium Tevez’s long-range strike came in Lyon, yesterday. off Rafael’s left-hand post, rolled Lyon won 3-1. In across the goalline and then other matches, bounced off the opposite upright. Juventus’ Lorient drew 3-3 Argentinian However, salvation came thanks to Llorente, who muscled with Bordeaux forward past his marker at the back post and Nice thrashed Carlos to head Vidal’s right-wing cross Valenciennes 4-0. Tevez past the keeper. AFP strikes the ball during the Serie Serie A Results A match Atalanta 0 Fiorentina 2 against Your TV guide for Hellas Bologna 1 Torino 2 Verona at Catania 0 Parma 0 live matches today “Juventus Juventus 2 Verona 1 Stadium” Roma 2 Lazio 0 Event Competition Time Channel in Turin, Sassuolo 0 Inter 7 yesterday. Brentford vs Leyton Orient English League One 21:45 +3 Played Saturday Espanyol vs Athletic La Liga 22:00 HD2 Cagliari 2 Sampdoria 2 Pacos Ferreira vs Setubal Portuguese League 22:15 +2 Chievo 2 Udinese 1 Genoa 0 Livorno 0 Espanyol vs Athletic La Liga 23:00 HD6 QMMF riders set for two races at Navarra Circuit

NAVARRA, SPAIN: Qatar He added: “I achieved a good Motor and Motorcycle result in Albacete but this track Federation (QMMF) team is is almost the opposite, as I said already at the Navarra Circuit there are many bumps in here. and it is going to be a good test We have tomorrow two races so especially for the riders. I hope to get a good result and It’s the first time that Saeed Al not have any crashes. As always, Sulaiti has come to the circuit, thanks to all my team and also to while Nasser Al Malki, who had the QMMF because without them electric problems make which it wasn’t possible being here.” prevent him to make many laps Al Sulaiti who is in 28th posi- will be competing for the second tion, said: “Yesterday was my first time. time in this track, I tried to do The two QMMF riders will be as much laps as I can trying to taking part in two races which understand the track and fine the will prove to be important test for lines. Today I tried to push a lit- their physical strength because tle bit more on the first qualify- Moto2 is the hardest category in ing session and I dropped some the Spanish Championship. seconds but it’s not easy. I am Al Malki, who finished 19th in comparing my time with people qualifying, said: “Yesterday was that has been here last year and a very bad test for me, we had a I think I am fast to be my first lot of problems with electronics. time.” Today we fixed the problem but He added: “During the free Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) rider Nasser Al Malki in action during the qualifying round at the 2013 Spanish Championship at I cannot be as fast as I could be practice we’ve made some changes Navarra Circuit, Navarra, Spain. RIGHT: QMMF rider Saeed Al Sulaiti is pushed by a team-member from the pit garage prior to qualifying. because to be fast is necessary to on the rear suspension and we practice a lot and I have not been improved the lap time, this track here since last year. It’s been very has lot of bumps and we are fix- QMMF and Moto2 rider evaluate these guys. It is the first problems at the exit of some cor- bumps but as long they keep it difficult because my bike is not a ing some problems. Everytime Anthony West was present in time also for Saeed and Nasser ners compared to the top five. But clean for the race they will find good bike for tight corners and that I am on the track I do my Navarra and admitted the two also didn’t have a good experience as soon as he is ready for the race, a good pace. It’s going to be hard bumps. In the qualifying I tried best and I push more. Give thanks races will be tough for both Al here last year but both of them he will fight for the top ten.” tomorrow because there are two to push more, I improved my lap to all the team, the QMMF and Malki and Al Sulaiti. are riding well. Nasser seems The Australian rider added: races. It’s going to be a real test time by more than half of a sec- Anthony West. All their support West said: “It’s my first time at to do very well at the entry of “The guys are taken some mis- for their fitness.” ond but this is not enough.” is very appreciate.” this track so for me is difficult to the corners, only he had some takes in this track because of the THE PENINSULA MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Mourinho City crush United in derby; gives Mata green light LONDON: Jose Mourinho has confirmed Juan Mata will start in Chelsea’s League Cup tie at Swindon in midweek after being Arsenal beat Stoke, go top left out of the matchday squad for Saturday’s victory over Fulham. Spurs’ Paulinho grabs late winner at Cardiff; Swansea pick up points Mata, the club’s player of the year in successive seasons, was sat behind the dugout for the 2-0 LONDON: Manchester City win in the Premier League, with thrashed Manchester United Oscar and John Mikel Obi getting 4-1 in an extraordinary derby the goals. match as Arsenal went top of The Spaniard took part in a the Premier League yesterday. training session on the morning In what was a first Manchester of the game and his next appear- derby for both City manager ance will be in tomorrow’s clash at Manuel Pellegrini and United the County Ground for his team’s counterpart David Moyes, Sergio third-round tie against League Aguero scored twice at Eastlands One opposition. with Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri Mourinho said: “He took it the also on target for the hosts. way I wanted. He trained in the The first match between the morning and my assistant told me two clubs since Alex Ferguson he trained very very hard. retired as manager of English “He plays from the beginning champions United at the end of against Swindon like the players last season saw Aguero open the who didn’t play in this match. scoring in the 16th minute when “I hope he tells me on the pitch he flicked in Aleksandar Kolarov’s ‘you are wrong, I am the best and cross despite the ball being behind I have to play in every game’. I him. would love that.” Toure made it 2-0 on the stroke Victory took Chelsea to the of half-time when he turned in Premier League summit before Alvaro Negredo’s header from a kick-off in yesterday’s games, corner. and it also ended a run of four Whatever Moyes said at the matches without a victory. interval to a United team miss- “We played a very good game ing injured striker Robin van against Everton and lost so the Persie had little effect as within the right before his cross was in eight games when he gave TOP LEFT: Manchester City’s Samir Nasri celebrates after scoring way we play is not important, the five minutes of the re-start City struck home by Nasri. Arsenal a fifth-minute lead after against Manchester United during their English Premier League match important thing is that we lost,” were 4-0 up. Wayne Rooney pulled one back Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England, yesterday. said Mourinho. Negredo saw his lofted cross for United when he beat fellow had palmed away a Mesut Ozil RIGHT: Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey smiles after his goal against Stoke at “The most important thing is to the far post volleyed in by the England international Joe Hart free-kick. the Emirates Stadium, London. BELOW: Tottenham Hotspur’s Paulinho the result.” unmarked Aguero. with a free-kick three minutes Stoke equalised when United (centre) celebrates against Cardiff City at the Cardiff City Stadium in Mourinho was also embroiled And, in another example of from time that gave the striker States international Geoff Cardiff, Wales. in a post-match row with Sky poor United defending, Jesus a record 11th goal in Manchester Cameron scored his first goal for Sports pundit Ruud Gullit, with Navas went unchallenged down derbies. the club in the 26th minute. the ex-Chelsea manager criticis- “Maybe the game meant a lit- Arsenal though were 2-1 up ing his old team during the inter- tle bit more to us than for them. before half-time through centre- val for a lack of creativity. English Premier We were looking forward to this back Per Mertesacker’s looping “Ruud Gullit is a different pun- fixture. We need to win these kind header. dit as he was also a manager and League Results of games. There was no reason Bacary Sagna then made Stoke he should not be a very proud LONDON: Collated English why we should fear the opposi- pay once more for failing to defend manager for what he did in the Premier League results on tion,” said City skipper Vincent a set-piece when he headed home last years,” Mourinho said after Sunday: Kompany. in the 72nd minute from another the match Arsenal 3 (Ramsey 5, “It’s too early to say it’s a defin- free-kick by £42.4m, ($66m, 50m The Chelsea coached added: Mertesacker 36, Sagna 72) ing game. You make a statement euros) club record signing Ozil, “It’s a great job (being a pundit), Stoke 1 (Cameron 26) over the course of the season.” the Germany international pro- an important job to make the peo- Arsenal went top with a 3-1 ducing a sparkling display on his ple at home understand football, Cardiff 0 Tottenham 1 (Paulinho win over Stoke at the Emirates Gunners’ home debut. read the game and analyse. 90) Stadium and remained there goal It seemed Tottemham would “England is full of good pundits Crystal Palace 0 Swansea 2 difference after north London have to settle for a goalless draw and that is no problem -- I respect (Michu 2, Dyer 48) rivals Tottenham Hotspur joined until, in stoppage time, Paulinho opinions.” Manchester City 4 (Aguero them on 12 points following a 1-0 turned in Erik Lamela’s cross for “My job is more difficult. It is 16, 47, Toure 45, Nasri 50) win away to Cardiff. his first Spurs goal. more difficult to be a manager Manchester United 1 (Rooney Wales midfielder Aaron Swansea won 2-0 away to than a commentator,” added 87) Ramsey made it seven goals Crystal Palace. AFP Mourinho. AFP Schalke Rodgers relishing Real Madrid win 4-1 as suffer worst home defeat Suarez return Bale injured in warm-up LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers (pictured) in 32 years admits the return of Luis Suarez cannot come soon enough after MADRID: Real Madrid the Real pressure began to mount. his side surrendered their unbeaten Premier League record with a shrugged off a warm-up injury And the hosts were in front 1-0 defeat against Southampton. suffered by Gareth Bale to move on 33 minutes when Michel was BERLIN: Schalke 04’s stars Dejan Lovren scored the only goal of the game for Southampton in back to within two points of harshly penalised for handling admitted they were left reel- the second half at Anfield on Saturday and, despite long spells of pos- leaders Barcelona yesterday Ronaldo’s driven free-kick inside ing after suffering their worst session, Liverpool were unable to get back on level terms. thanks to a 4-1 win over Getafe. the area. home league defeat in 32 years Deprived of Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho, who is out with Angel Lafita’s deflected strike The Portuguese confidently dis- having gone down 4-0 to Bayern a shoulder injury, Liverpool struggled to break down a disciplined had given the visitors a sur- patched the resulting spot-kick Munich. Southampton defence. prise early lead, but Pepe and a to move level with Mexican Hugo The Royal Blues’ defeat to However, Rodgers isn’t worried because he believes the imminent Cristiano Ronaldo penalty put Sanchez as the club’s fifth high- Pep Guardiola’s Bayern on return of controversial Uruguay striker Suarez from Madrid in front at half-time est goalscorer of all-time on 207 Saturday was their heaviest in suspension will do much to address the lack of spark before Isco and Ronaldo sealed goals. Gelsenkirchen since losing 6-0 in the final third of the pitch. the win in the second-half. Getafe came within inches of to Bochum in May 1981 and was Suarez, who attempted to enginner a move to However, it was a frustrat- an equaliser four minutes later their worst since moving to the Arsenal in pre-season before being forced to stay, has ing day for Bale, who had been when Pedro Leon’s thunderous Veltins Arena 12 years ago. now served the final game of his 10-match ban for named in the starting line-up, as effort from the edge of the area For the opening 20 minutes, biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic last season and is he was forced to miss what would was deflected just over. Schalke matched Bayern, but in contention to feature in their League Cup third- have been his home debut at the However, Madrid were still undid their good work when mid- round tie at Manchester United on Wednesday. Santiago Bernabeu after injuring well on top and Karim Benzema fielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, “I think that’s a positive; the fact that he is back his thigh in the warm-up. should then have given them a then striker Mario Mandzukic now, the ban has finished and he’s available from Isco was drafted in to take the comfortable half-time lead when were left unmarked to head home next week,” Rodgers said. Welshman’s place on the left side presented with a golden oppor- within 60 seconds of each other. “Sometimes in these games it’s players like Luis who can make the of a 4-4-2 formation and, despite tunity from Dani Carvajal’s fine Schalke were 2-0 at the half- difference. It’s going to be great to have him back. the disruption, the hosts should run and cross, but the Frenchman time break before Franck Ribery “I think he’s in a good condition and he’s been playing games, both still have been in front within miskicked and Moya was able to and Claudio Pizarro added sec- behind closed doors and ones that have been organised for him. He’s three minutes when Ronaldo was make a scrambling save. Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward ond-half goals, leaving Schalke been doing a lot of specific work with the conditioning teams. denied by two desperate blocks at Ronaldo had a fierce effort Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates captain Benedikt Hoewedes talk- “He’s obviously not going to be 100 per cent, when you come into close range. saved by Moya and Di Maria after scoring a penalty kick ing about a “difference in class”. these sorts of cup games that are at a greater intensity. The home side were stunned curled a free-kick inches wide during the Spanish league match “If you go into the half-time “But he’s a worker and he’s a fighter and his condition is good. He’s on six minutes though when ref- as Real looked to put the game against Getafe CF at the Santiago break 2-0 down against a team in a good place. He just needs to get games to bring him right up to eree David Fernandez Borbalan to bed at the start of the second Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, like Bayern Munich, then it is of full speed.” waved play on despite Ronaldo’s period. course extremely difficult,” said While Suarez will pep up Liverpool’s attack, Rodgers was particularly yesterday. claims for a foul in midfield and Isco did finally give Madrid the centre-back Hoewedes. disappointed with the manner of the goal his side conceded. Lafita’s effort deflected off Pepe two-goal advantage they craved “We tried everything to turn He included four centre-backs in his starting line-up only to see past the hopelessly wrong-footed when he ran onto Ronaldo’s met with the crowd’s disdain as things around, but in the end, you Liverpool lose a goal from a corner when Croatia international Lovren Diego Lopez. quickly taken free-kick and bent he failed to spot a clear foul on have to acknowledge that Bayern headed home. Madrid levelled in the 19th in his fifth goal in six games since Ronaldo by Moya as he raced deserved to win. “To have so many defensive-minded players, to lose a goal like that minute as Miguel Angel Moya joining the club. from his goal. “It’s not enough to just play well was criminal,” Rodgers added. could only parry Ronaldo’s effort Benzema was met by a chorus Getafe were reduced to 10 for 20 minutes.” “It hurts, because we haven’t tasted defeat for such a long time. from Angel di Maria’s free-kick of boos by his own fans 18 min- men when Michel was shown Schalke’s four-matching win- “But I’m still very optimistic for the season. Obviously the defeat and Pepe bundled home the utes from time when he somehow a straight red card for denying ning strea was ended in abrupt was hard to swallow, but our optimism is very much intact and we feel rebound. headed over Alvaro Arbeloa’s substitute Jese Rodriguez a clear fashion as Guardiola’s Bayern we can have a really good season. Ronaldo should have made it inch-perfect cross from just three goalscoring opportunity five min- enjoyed 70 percent possession. “We never really got going from the off. It was a bit lethargic and 2-1 from a carbon copy free-kick yards out. utes from time. “When you’re 2-0 down and technically we were short, so it was a very disappointing result and moments later, but this time the However, the Frenchman And the visitors’ misery was chasing after the ball like an idiot, performance for us. Portuguese volleyed off target. atoned for his error as he released completed deep into stoppage it’s pretty demoralising,” said “We were flat and slow in our game. Which hasn’t been like us. Di Maria then forced Moya into Ronaldo seconds later and this time when Ronaldo flicked home Schalke left-back Dennis Aogo. “We’ll just put it down as one of those days and now we need to go a fine flying save to his right as time it was the referee who was Sami Khedira’s cross. AFP AFP on another good run,” he added. AFP MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

FIBA Asia Champions Cup: Al Rayyan accorded warm welcome

Qatar’s Al Rayyan basketball team, which finished in second place at the 24th FIBA Asia Champions Cup, pose for a picture along with officials of Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) at Doha International Airport, yesterday. Al Rayyan lost 84-74 to Iran’s Foolad Mahan in the final on Saturday in Amman, Jordan. RIGHT: Yasseen Ismail of Al Rayyan greeted by officials of QBF upon arrival at the Doha International Airport. The FIBA Asia Champions Cup, previously known as the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) Champions Cup until 2002, is Asia’s premier club level competition, involving the champion clubs of Asian countries. A total of ten professional clubs qualify every year from the sub-zones of FIBA Asia for the event. PICTURES BY: ABDUL BASIT QREC and AI Emadi extend partnership Qatari firm to sponsor Group I racing event in Paris

DOHA: Qatar Racing and provided by QREC guaranteed Equestrian Club (QREC) and the success of our sponsorship Al Emadi Enterprises have of Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere last Qatar team members taking part in a march past during the Islamic taken yet a further significant year,” Mohammed said. Solidarity Games at Jakabaring Sports Complex in Palembang, South step in enhancing their ongoing Sponsored by AI Emadi Sumatra, Indonesia yesterday. partnership. Enterprises the 2013 edition The two leading organisations of Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere have signed a five-year agreement, is expected to be an event to marking AI Emadi Enterprises remember with 68 entries made as the sponsor of five editions of so far. Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, com- The 350,000 euros race run Islamic Games mencing with this year’s edition, over 1,400 metres will see high- which will be run at Longchamp class fillies and colts and many of Racecourse in Paris on the same them belong to Qatari owners. card of Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Initial entries have been open in Indonesia Triomphe on October 6. made for brilliant thorough- The Group I racing event breds owned by Sheikh Abdullah is reserved for two-year-old bin Khalifa AI Thani, Sheikh PALEMBANG, Indonesia: The Islamic Solidarity Games got thoroughbreds. Mohammed bin Khalifa AI under way in Indonesia yesterday despite a chaotic run-up to the Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh Thani and H E Sheikh Joaan bin event and debates over appropriate outfits for Muslim athletes. Al Thani, QREC Chairman, com- Hamad AI Thani. More than 1,800 athletes from 46 Muslim-populated countries mended the ever-renewed part- Some of these runners are are taking part in the games in the world’s most populous Muslim nership between QREC and Al already winners and will appear country, organisers said. Emadi Enterprises. Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh Al Thani, Qatar Racing and Equestrian in Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere to “Let’s put aside our political burden,” Indonesian President Susilo “We are very pleased to have Club (QREC) Chairman, and Mohammed Abdulkarim AI Emadi, CEO of present their credentials as the Bambang Yudhoyono said in the opening ceremony, as he paid par- Al Emadi Enterprises as the AI Emadi Enterprises exchange documents after signing an agreement new generation of champions and ticular tribute to the Egyptian, Syrian and Palestinian delegations main sponsor of Prix Jean-Luc in Doha. QREC and Al Emadi Enterprises signed a five-year agreement others have shown promising tal- attending the event. Lagardere. We are confident marking AI Emadi Enterprises as the sponsor of five editions of Prix ents that will evolve more as the “Through this event, let’s prove to the world that Islamic countries that this five-year sponsorship years go by. can live in unity and harmony,” he said. Jean-Luc Lagardere. will take the event to wider hori- H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad The opening ceremony in Palembang, a city on Sumatra island, zons. We wish to thank Al Emadi AI Thani’s Olympic Glory cap- was modest, reflecting the lack of funding for the event. Enterprises and Mohammed Al of AI Emadi Enterprises, lauded of the 2012 edition of Prix Jean- tured the title of the 2012 edi- Local organisers said they had yet to receive any cash from the Emadi for maintaining this excel- the long-term partnership Luc Lagardere, we did not hesi- tion of Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, central government. lent partnership, demonstrating between QREC and AI Emadi tate to renew the partnership and which was also sponsored by AI “It’s scary. The funding has not been disbursed until now, we the commitment of QREC and Enterprises. we even extended it to five years, Emadi Enterprises. are asking left and right for support so the event can go ahead as Al Emadi Enterprises towards “We are very pleased to stay making AI Emadi Enterprises It was a big day for Qatar and planned,” Djoko Pramono, a senior organising committee member, promoting the high standing of part of sport events hosted by part of the global mega event QREC and AI Emadi Enterprises said. AFP Qatar,” Sheikh Mohammed said. Qatar both at home and overseas. until 2017. have hopes this year will be no Mohammed Al Emadi, CEO Backed by the unrivaled success The efforts and facilities exception. THE PENINSULA Chennai Super Kings beat Titans by 4 wickets

NEW DELHI: Impressive batting by Suresh Raina and Michael Hussey helped Chennai Super Kings register 4-wicket win over Titans in their Champions League Twenty20 match in Ranchi yesterday. David Wiese gave the Titans an important breakthrough when he dismissed the dangerous Suresh Raina. Raina’s blistering 28-ball 47 helped the Super Kings revive their run chase soon after opener Murali Vijay was bowled for a first-ball duck by Roelof van der Merwe. Chasing a massive 186- run target, Raina and Michael Hussey pumped life in the Super Kings by stitching an impressive 89-run partnership for the sec- ond wicket. Just after Raina was caught by Morne Morkel, Hussey The Chairman of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh Al Thani, presenting a memento to the General Manager (47) too was dismissed. of Total E and P Qatar (TEPQ) Stephane Michel (second left) after they signed a sponsorship agreement at Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Doha. QREC and Chennai Super Kings captain Earlier, AB de Villiers’s hurri- TEPQ signed a five-year agreement extending Total’s sponsorship of some of the world’s mega racing events up to 2017. Under the new agreement, MS Dhoni sported a mohawk cane 36-ball 77 and skipper Henry Total will remain the title sponsor of HH the Emir Sword and Qatar Prix de I’Arc de Triomphe Day until 2017. The Public Relations Manager of TEPQ, when he took the field against Davids’ responsible 52 paved the Yousef Al Nesf (left) and General Manager of QREC, Sami Jassim Al Boenain (right) were also present. PICTURE BY: SALIM MATRAMKOT Titans in Ranchi yesterday. way for Titans’ challenging 185 for five. AGENCIES Monday 23 September 2013 17 Dhul-qa’da 1434 Volume 18 Number 5831 Sport Price: QR2 Tennis: Simon, Stenson still Gulbis win ATP leads at Tour titles Championship

Sport | 23 Sport | 24

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Vettel storms to Singapore treble German inches close to fourth successive championship title; Alonso finishes second

SINGAPORE: Sebastian Vettel The peerless 26-year-old has took a huge step towards his now won four of the last five Singapore Grand fourth straight world title yes- grands prix and is a racing cer- terday with a superlative victory tainty to become the sport’s Prix Results in Singapore that left his rivals youngest four-time world cham- fighting for scraps. pion, joining Michael Schumacher SINGAPORE: Results from The German, starting from and Juan Manuel Fangio as only the Singapore Grand Prix pole, fought off Nico Rosberg in the third man to win four in a yesterday: the first corner and despite a row. 1. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull-Renault), 61 safety car intervention, he was From the start, Rosberg Red Bull Formula laps (309.3 kilometres) in 1hr 59min 13.132sec untouchable as he scored his third arrowed past pole-sitter Vettel One driver (average speed: 155.671 km/h) win in a row and a hat-trick of going into the first turn but his Sebastian Vettel 2. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Ferrari) at 32.627 wins in Singapore. speed carried him wide at the of Germany cel- 3. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus-Renault) at Ferrari’s Alonso finished sec- second corner and the Red Bull ebrates with the 43.920 ond to keep up the title pres- man was able to nip back in front. trophy after win- 4. Nico Rosberg (GER/Mercedes) at 51.155 sure on Vettel, who now leads Behind them, Alonso pulled off ning the Singapore the championship by 60 points a masterful move as he used the 5. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) at 53.159 from the Spaniard with six races outside of the track to leap from F1 Grand Prix at 6. Felipe Massa (BRA/Ferrari) at 1:03.877 remaining. seventh on the grid to third in the the Marina Bay 7. Jenson Button (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) at Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen opening seconds. Street Circuit 1:23.354 braved back pain to finish third Hamilton passed Massa ille- in Singapore, 8. Sergio Perez (MEX/McLaren-Mercedes) at but there was disaster for Red gally and had to give back the yesterday. 1:23.820 Bull’s Mark Webber, whose late spot after a sharp warning from 9. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Sauber-Ferrari) at charge ended in a blown engine his team over the radio. 1:24.261 and a ride back to the pits on the But as the cars started to string 10. Adrian Sutil (GER/Force India-Mercedes) wing of Alonso’s Ferrari. out, it was all about Vettel as he at 1:24.668 Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg and hared off in front in his custom- 11. Pastor Maldonado (VEN/Williams-Renault) Lewis Hamilton claimed fourth ary fashion, establishing a seven- at 1:28.479 and fifth, Ferrari’s Felipe Massa second lead by lap seven. 12. Esteban Gutierrez (MEX/Sauber-Ferrari) at was sixth and McLaren pair As the cars behind him garaged 1:37.894 Jenson Button and Sergio Perez for medium tyres, Vettel strung occupied eighth and ninth. out his lead to 36 seconds and he 13. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Williams-Renault) at But yet again the race belonged was able to pit on lap 17 and still The safety car roared out, a frustrating retirement. Two squeezed up inside Hulkenberg to 1:45.161 to Vettel, who was literally streets maintain an eight-second lead erasing Vettel’s lead but when it more fastest laps and the incred- take sixth and Raikkonen pulled 14. Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) ahead of his rivals on the spot-lit over Rosberg. disappeared five laps later, it was ible Vettel had stretched his lead off a peach of a move outside at 1:53.512 Marina Bay circuit through the Force India’s Paul Di Resta deja vu as the German shot out to to more than 20 seconds by circuit Button for third. 15. Mark Webber (AUS/Red Bull-Renault) at highways of downtown Singapore. nipped in behind Rosberg for a 3.2-second lead on the first trip number 39, before coming in for Paul Di Resta ploughed his 1 lap “The start was quite hairy, Nico third place during the pits shake- round the circuit. his second and final tyre-change Force India into a wall but cru- 16. Giedo van der Garde (NED/Caterham- had a better start and I didn’t get up, frustrating Alonso who was And Vettel showed sheer class a few laps later. cially, there was no safety car and Renault) at 1 lap going,” said Vettel. “But unfortu- unable to pass and challenge for again as he scorched to the race’s He emerged comfortably ahead Webber slipped past Perez and 17. Max Chilton (GBR/Marussia-Cosworth) at nately he went a little too deep second. fastest lap and then powered out of the wily Spaniard Alonso and then Button to move into fourth. 1 lap and I could get it back. By lap 25 of the 61, Vettel was to a 12-second lead by lap 35. with 10 laps to go, the lead was It was building into a titanic 18. Jules Bianchi (FRA/Marussia-Cosworth) at “With the safety car it was dif- nearly 11 seconds ahead when Lotus’s Romain Grosjean cried pushed to more than 10 seconds finish until smoke started pour- 1 lap ficult but as soon as the safety car Daniel Ricciardo, heading to Red “No!” over the radio as his team as Vettel zeroed in on his seventh ing from the despairing Webber’s 19. Charles Pic (FRA/Caterham-Renault) at 1 lap came off we had very strong pace Bull next year, ploughed into the pulled him in over a hydrau- win of the season. engine and he eventually had to with the car. It was just a pleasure barriers at turn 18 and totalled lics problem which prompted a The real battles were in his abandon his fiery Red Bull and 20. Paul di Resta (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) to drive around this crazy race.” his Toro Rosso. lengthy stay in the pits, and then rear-view mirror, as Webber hitch a ride with Alonso. AFP at 7 laps

Platini pledges help for Afghan Rooney never close to football during Kabul visit joining Chelsea: Gill

KABUL: UEFA president LONDON: Wayne Rooney Meanwhile, Manchester Michel Platini yesterday (pictured) was never close to United manager David Moyes has vowed to help football grow in joining Chelsea in the summer revealed that he thought Rooney Afghanistan as he visited the because Manchester United had “gone soft” when he first capital Kabul and praised play- would not have sold him, former arrived at the club. ers for keeping the game alive chief executive David Gill said Although Rooney returned for through decades of warfare. yesterday. pre-season training in excellent Platini’s visit came amid a The close season was domi- condition, Moyes was worried he nationwide surge in interest in nated by a complicated transfer had lost his competitive edge. football after the national team saga in which Chelsea pushed “When I came, I thought he beat India 2-0 in the final of the hard to take Rooney to Stamford had gone a bit soft,” Moyes told South Asian Football Federation Bridge after the player appeared United’s in-house television sta- championship earlier this month to suggest he wanted to leave, but tion, MUTV. in Nepal. United would not budge. “I thought he had to get back The win was Afghanistan’s And according to Gill, still a to being a bit more aggressive. We first international trophy, and United director, there was never are challenging him to be that at the country erupted in joy with any chance of the 27-year-old the moment because when he is, happy crowds pouring onto the England forward leaving. punctuated by any direct quotes he is a handful to play against.” streets to mark the occasion as “We are not in the business from Rooney and even since Injuries also disrupted Rooney’s guns were fired into the air in UEFA president Michel Platini addresses a press conference at Kabul of strengthening our key com- the transfer window closed, the preparations for the new cam- celebration. Stadium, yesterday. Platini visited Afghanistan to lend his support to petitors in England,” Gill told former Everton front-man has paign but since returning from a “They have won matches football in the war-torn country, weeks after it claimed its first interna- BBC Radio Five Live’s Sportsweek refused to comment on the issue, facial injury sustained before the despite the insecurity, so they tional trophy. programme. saying only that he is concentrat- international break, he has scored have continued to play football “You have to see our response ing on his football. three goals in two games. during some difficult moments,” when Gabriel Heinze wanted to Yet he is believed to still be Although Moyes says there was Platini said. do, and we will be very proud to that we have good security here,” join Liverpool (in 2007). keen on leaving and working with never a chance of Rooney leav- “It is for that that I respect help Afghanistan.” “I’ve just seen he said. The country remains “We went to a Premier League Jose Mourinho, now returned to ing Old Trafford, he felt a need them a lot.” young players play football with in the grip of a violent Islamist arbitration panel to show that west London. to encourage the 27-year-old The 58-year-old former French some girls, that is very nice, that insurgency that erupted after a we didn’t commit to him moving Rooney could buy himself out England striker to raise his game. international, who is also vice- is my pleasure. When I see that US-backed uprising ousted the within England for a certain sum of his current contract at the “I didn’t think there was ever president of world body FIFA, I’m very happy.” Taliban in 2001. of money. end of the season, after which he a line to draw under between me chatted with young players at Danesh Morteza, spokesman The hardline Taliban regime “We wanted to keep (Rooney) will only have a year left of his and Wayne but now he realises the Afghan Football Federation for the AFF, said that other did not ban football for men, but in any event and not sell him estimated £250,000 ($400,400, the situation,” said the former (AFF) ground, and was also due football stars should follow in the all women lived highly restricted overseas. 296,000 euros) a week deal. Everton manager. to meet with President Hamid footsteps of Platini and David lives, unable to leave their homes “You don’t win football matches Despite his apparent dissat- “This is a big year for him with Karzai. Beckham, who visited British without a male escort and dressed with money in the bank. isfaction at the club, it has not the World Cup and he would say, “We are ready to help,” he troops in Helmand province in in an all-covering burqa. “You want players on the pitch. shown in Rooney’s performances by his standards, last season said. “We are not allowed to give 2010. The Taliban were also infamous Wayne Rooney has been, and will as he passed 200 goals for the wasn’t (his) best season. He has money, but we are allowed... to “Football has risen to such a for holding public executions of continue to be I am sure, a great club with a brace against Bayer set out his own stall to say he is help on the grassroots and with peak that Mr. Platini has come to criminals during sports games in player for Manchester United.” Leverkusen in the Champions going to improve on that.” many programmes that we can Afghanistan, and his visit shows Kabul. AFP The whole saga was never League in midweek. 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