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Tuesday 10 September 2013 4 Dhul-qa’da 1434 - Volume 18 Number 5818 Price: QR2

Qatar Serena Exchange index triumphs again drops 1.15pc in New York

Business | 18 Sport | 28

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Panic as Qatar Russian plan to avert Syria strike BEIRUT/LONDON: As President Barack Obama strug- gled to rally Congress and the American people behind mili- Airways plane tary action in Syria, Russia seized on a remark by his sec- retary of state yesterday to say Damascus should save itself hits turbulence by handing over its chemical weapons. John Kerry was quick to dismiss as hypothetical his own comment Dubai-bound flight returns to Doha that Syrian President Bashar Al Assad could avert US strikes by DOHA: A Dubai-bound Qatar the window. The pilot suddenly surrendering his chemical arse- Airways flight had to return announced that he was going to nal to international control. But to Doha apparently after being take a round of the airport in Assad’s ally Russia quickly turned caught in a storm cloud over Dubai before landing due to bad it into a firm proposal that was the Emirate late yesterday weather.” “welcomed” by Damascus and afternoon. While landing the plane slipped echoed by UN chief Ban Ki-moon. So turbulent was the weather into a thick cluster of clouds and Rebels fighting Assad’s forces that the plane, an Airbus 320- the descent became much faster, on the ground, where hundreds 100/200, had to make its way said the tweeter. “We felt that the are being killed by conventional back just as it was on approach pilot had lost control” bullets and explosives every week, to the Dubai International “There was fear and panic dismissed any such weapons Airport. (in the plane). We were expect- transfer as impossible to police Back in Doha, a shocked pas- ing the aircraft to hit (apparently and a decoy to frustrate US plans senger of the cancelled flight with a thud) the runway.” to attack. tweeted that the plane, while it But the pilot steered the plane The White House said it was was close to Dubai International up and saved it from hitting the “seriously sceptical” but would Airport on its approach, suddenly ground. take a “hard look” at the proposal. A group of anti-Assad demonstrators waving the Free Syria flag rally in front of the US Capitol on Capitol Hill, in slipped into a cluster of clouds “Everything became normal a Kerry later called Lavrov to Washington, DC, yesterday. and plunged. little later, and we were informed tell him that while his remarks The tweeter, Mohamed Al that we were headed back to had been rhetorical and the punished for what Washington he isn’t about to do it and it can’t Suwaidi, said that the sudden Doha,” said Al Suwaidi. United States was not going to says was a poison gas attack on be done.” plunge caused a number of women Contacted for comment, Qatar “play games,” if there was a seri- rebel areas that killed over 1,400 The State Department later GCC meet today and children on board to scream Airways said it was releasing a ous proposal, then Washington people on August 21. said Kerry had been making a RIYADH: Foreign minis- and throw up. media statement. would take a look at it, a senior The president surprised friends rhetorical argument about the ters of the Gulf countries “So sharp was the plunge that The release said flight QR112 US official said. and foes by turning to Congress impossibility of Assad turning will meet today in Saudi we thought for a moment that from Doha “experienced severe With President Obama pre- for approval, delaying any US over chemical weapons, which Arabia to discuss measures the plane would hit the ground, turbulence” on approach to the paring to make his case in televi- response. Assad denies his forces used. against Syria. Countries of but luckily, the pilot lifted it Dubai International Airport. sion interviews later yesterday to Asked by a reporter during a Less than five hours later, the Gulf Cooperation Council back.” “To ensure passenger comfort Americans wary of involvement visit to London whether there Russian Foreign Minister Sergei “support taking interna- Al Suwaidi said: “We could hear and safety, a decision was made to in another distant war, the arma- was anything Assad’s govern- Lavrov said he had put what tional measures to deter screams of women and children in return the flight to Doha and wait ments proposal could complicate ment could do or offer to stop a sounded like Kerry’s proposal to the Syrian regime,” the dip- the plane and many men could be for improvement in the weather,” his task — or give the president US military strike, Secretary of his visiting Syrian counterpart lomat told AFP yesterday. heard loudly recite verses of the said the airline. an alternative to military action. State Kerry answered: during talks in Moscow. Walid The ministers will meet in Holy Quran,” said Al Suwaidi on The flight was subsequently The outcome of votes in “Sure. He could turn over every Al Moualem said Damascus wel- Saudi’s western port city of his Twitter account. “There was cancelled and all the passengers Congress remains hard to predict. single bit of his chemical weapons comed the Russian initiative — Jeddah. The GCC has openly fear and panic.” were accommodated on the “next Obama has argued that Assad, to the international community while not spelling out whether voiced support for the rebel- The flight remained bumpy service reaching Dubai,” the air- fighting to continue his family’s in the next week — turn it over, Syria would, or even could, lion against President Bashar for almost five minutes, accord- line said. THE PENINSULA four-decade rule in a civil war all of it without delay and allow comply. REUTERS Al Assad. AFP ing to the tweet. “I was sitting at Continued on page 5 well into its third year, must be the full and total accounting. But More reports on page 5

German strength Ex-PM backs Egypt’s Sisi No remittances by CAIRO: Former Eg y ptian Prime Filipinos on Sept 19 Minister Ahmed Shafiq says he will back army chief General Abdel Fattah Al Sisi for presi- BY FAZEENA SALEEM 23 countries. Also, the OFW on dent, adding to speculation that its Facebook page has requested the man who led the overthrow DOHA: Filipinos in Qatar will compatriots based abroad to join of President Mohammed Mursi join millions of their country- the campaign. could become head of state. men overseas on September 19 However, several Filipinos here Shafiq, a former air force com- in a global campaign against told this newspaper they wouldn’t mander who came second in last alleged corruption in the send money home on September year’s presidential election, said Philippines and will not remit 19 as it is the middle of the month. he would not run if Sisi stood in money home on that day as a “It’s true the impact would the election expected next year. mark of protest. have been more if it was in the The comment suggests why, The unique protest is against beginning of the month, yet ‘Zero- just months before the election, alleged misuse of funds that Remittance Day’ would show the there are no declared candidates Congressmen are supposed to economic power of the Filipinos as politicians wait to see if Sisi is spend in their constituencies on working overseas,” said Marisol going to run. development work. Amihan, organising committee In separate comments, former Remittances by overseas chairman of Overseas Filipino Arab League chief Amr Moussa, Filipinos is a major source of for- Investors and Entrepreneurs said Sisi would win by a landslide. eign exchange for the Philippines, Movement. REUTERS Power sports athlete and multiple ‘Strongest Man of Germany’ title holder, Heinz Ollesch, pulls a 7 tonne truck and figures suggest an estimated “This is a very big scam in our Full report on page 6 in Chemnitz, Germany, yesterday. The German Truck Pull Championships will take place at the utility vehicle 10 million overseas Filipinos country, it has hit hard. I saw the trade show ‘Commcar’ in Chemnitz, on October 12 and 13. remitted $20.11bn in 2011. campaign on Facebook and appre- The symbolic protest on ciate the move, yet I’m not sure September 19, termed a Zero- how many people would actually Remittance Day, is to press need to send money home as it is Manila to abolish the system of in the middle of the month,” said allocating development funds to a Filipino, who gave his name as Fall in Arab migrant workers in GCC: Expert Congressmen (members of the Alihthar. He suggested the cam- country’s parliament). paign should have been waged in DOHA: The proportion of Arab migrant visas, but the 1991 Gulf war changed the sit- due to their ‘economic superiority’. This is already a big scandal the first week of the month. workers in the oil-rich GCC region has uation,” George Naufal, assistant professor Countries like UAE and Qatar, where over in the Philippines and has drawn “There are so many protests in dropped substantially over the past several of economics at the American University of 90 percent of the workforce comprises foreign- widespread protests. “We overseas the country and now the time has years, says a labour market expert. Sharjah, said yesterday. ers, for instance, found it economically viable Filipinos are joining our brethren come for Filipinos working over- In 1970’s post-oil boom, Arab migrants He was speaking on “The Economics of to employ Asians as they accepted low wages at home and expressing solidarity seas to show their resentment. constituted nearly 70 percent of the foreign Migration in the Gulf Cooperation Council and were also willing to work in more chal- with them by marking this token We usually send money in the workforce in the region while Asians were a Countries” at the monthly dialogue series lenging conditions. no-remittance day on September first week of the month. Even if meagre 18 percent. The situation continued of Georgetown University’s Centre for Naufal said the GCC states also viewed a 19,” a community member said. any emergency arises, I wouldn’t for a long time but reversed dramatically by International and Regional Studies (CIRS) majority of workers from the neighbouring Migrante International (MI), remit money on September 19 in 2005, when the sudden flow of Asian foreign in Doha. Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region an organisation of overseas support of the protest, said Josline, force reached 56 percent while only 21 percent Despite the proximity of Arabs from neigh- as ‘trouble’ and had strict policies in place for Filipinos, has laucnhed the ‘Zero- who had come to an exchange to of Arabs remained in the region. bouring countries like Egypt, Syria and Yemen issuing visas to them. Remittance Day campaign. MI is remit money yesterday. “During the late 1980s, the Gulf States to the Gulf, the six-member GCC states also THE PENINSULA an umbrella body of 145 organi- THE PENINSULA started making it hard for Arabs to obtain preferred South Asian workers over Arabs Continued on page 4 sations of overseas Filipinos in Continued on page 4 TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Doha to host major airport forum from today Nearly 100 senior delegates from the world’s aviation industry to take part in Airport Service Quality Forum

DOHA: Some 100 senior del- forum will share expert insights game, airports now need to cre- towards their key airline custom- in 2011. The airport catered to 1679 airports in 177 countries or egates from airports around the on how airports may improve the ate capacity fast, either through ers. “Furthermore, airports are more than 21 million passengers territories. ASQ is a comprehen- world will gather at the ASQ quality of service provided to pas- new innovations or by expand- increasingly becoming retail and during 2012 and the number of sive ACI initiative to help air- Airport Forum for Asia, Middle sengers, as well as to address the ing existing infrastructure,” said cultural destinations because pas- passengers passing through DIA ports in their continuing efforts East and Africa which opens at challenges and opportunities in Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al senger expectations demand it,” in 2013 is expected to grow to to improve the quality of service Oryx Rotana Hotel today. relation to passenger satisfaction. Baker, who will be speaking at Al Baker said. nearly 25 million. experienced by passengers. The three-day event hosted by The key topics on the agenda the event. As Doha continues to expand as The ASQ Airport Forum is It provides a range of core the Doha International Airport include airport security, smoking He said the concept of airport a major international travel and organised by Airports Council benchmarking programmes rang- (DIA) will explore best practices policies, airport cleanliness, wire- cities, which once was unheard off transit hub, DIA is becoming an International (ACI), the airport ing from customer satisfaction related to passenger satisfaction. less Internet provision, and a look is now a common goal for many increasingly busy airport. sector’s foremost voice on a glo- to performance and commercial This is the annual meeting of at what passengers want from a airport development projects In 2012, passenger traffic at bal level, consisting of some 597 services, in addition to customer participants in the Airport Service retail perspective. around the world. Airport DIA grew at a rate of 16.87 per- member airports and airport service certifications. Quality (ASQ) Programme. The “In order to stay ahead of the designs now have to be tailored cent compared with 15.16 percent authorities, and operating in over THE PENINSULA Business travellers open to better airline loyalty plans: Survey

DOHA: A recent airline con- in two or more airline loyalty sumer survey conducted by programmes, with one-third of Deloitte, a leading consulting overall respondents participat- and audit firm, has revealed ing in two or more programmes. that over two-thirds (67 per- Participation in multiple pro- cent) of business travellers are grammes among business trav- open to switching to a compet- ellers increased to nearly 44 ing airline loyalty programme, percent. and a surprising 72 percent of Furthermore, the survey high-frequency business trav- shows two-thirds of overall ellers participate in multiple respondents are receptive to the airline loyalty plans. idea of switching to a competing Deloitte has released “Rising loyalty programme — even after above the Clouds: Charting a achieving the highest status level course for renewed airline con- with their current programme. sumer loyalty,” an inaugural sur- The findings also indicate that vey that provides insights into the share of wallet for a “pre- consumer travel behaviour and ferred” airline is significantly Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker (fourth left) with oneworld officials Tom Horton, Willie Walsh and Bruce Ashby. loyalty programme satisfaction low. Only 44 percent of all trav- in the airline industry. The sur- ellers and 40 percent of business vey indicates airline loyalty pro- travellers fly at least three-quar- grammes are not as effective as ters of their air miles on their they could be in driving loyalty “preferred” airline, while nearly Qatar Airways to join Oneworld club among their core audience of one-third of business travellers frequent travellers. The survey fly fewer than half of their air has also revealed that more than miles on their “preferred” airline. DOHA: Qatar Airways will From its first flights on October cardholders will have Emerald Qatar Airways is already par- one-third of travellers partici- Perhaps even more worrying become a full member of one- 30, Qatar Airways will offer one- status in the oneworld pro- ticipating in Global Explorer, the pate in four or more. for airlines, the survey reveals world, a leading quality air- world’s full range of services and gramme. Privilege Club Gold round-the-world fare offered by “Our survey findings demon- that the importance of loyalty line alliance, with effect from benefits. will be equivalent to oneworld all oneworld members and various strate that airlines should con- programmes appears to be sur- October 30. From then, the three mil- Sapphire and Privilege Club Silver airlines that are not part of the sider taking a hard look at how prisingly low. Qatar Airways is the only one lion members of Qatar Airways’ will be oneworld Ruby. alliance. When it becomes part they are engaging with their loy- Travellers overall – and busi- of the “Gulf Big Three” carriers Privilege Club loyalty programme From October 30, Privilege of oneworld, Qatar Airways’ net- alty programme members if they ness travellers specifically – slated to join any of the global will enjoy frequent flyer privi- Club Platinum and Gold members work will be covered by the full want to cultivate genuine brand ranked loyalty programmes as airline alliances, said a statement leges whenever they fly with any will be able to access 550 airport and extensive range of oneworld loyalty,” said Jonathan Wall, only the 19th and 18th most yesterday. oneworld member airline, which lounges worldwide offered by fare and sales products. Assistant Director, Hospitality important attribute when It received clearance to board include leading brands from oneworld member airlines when More significantly, Qatar and Real Estate Advisory at selecting an airline (out of 26 oneworld after successfully com- each global region — airber- they fly with one of the alliance’s Airways will substantially Deloitte Middle East. attributes). pleting a thorough review of its lin, American Airlines, British carriers. Qatar Airways’ First strengthen the alliance’s cus- “With increasing competi- Over 75 percent of high-fre- readiness, conducted by British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, and Business Class passengers tomer offering by providing supe- tion and heightened consumer quency business travellers view Airways, which is sponsoring Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, will also be able to use oneworld rior routing alternatives across pragmatism, airlines may need more opportunities to earn Qatar Airways’ entry into the LAN Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, partner airline lounges. many hundreds of city pairs. to focus on personalising the cus- and redeem points as vital, as alliance, with oneworld’s central Qantas, Royal Jordanian, S7 Also from October 30, the 130 For example, passengers fly- tomer experience in a way that opposed to just 64 percent of all team. Airlines and some 30 affiliated million members of the estab- ing between Asia and Southern makes individual travellers feel respondents. Qatar Airways’ addition to one- airlines. lished oneworld airlines’ frequent Europe or between Asia and special.” Meanwhile, only 40 percent of world will come shortly before This includes earning and flyer programmes will be able to Africa will now have convenient Considering airlines use all respondents believe access to the airline moves into its new redeeming Qmiles for awards and earn and redeem awards and one-stop connections not previ- reward programmes to drive airport lounges to be important home base, Hamad International earning Qpoints for tier status tier status points and receive all ously available within the one- brand loyalty exclusively, a whereas 68 percent of high-fre- Airport, with an eventual capacity when flying with all these airlines. other oneworld benefits on Qatar world network. remarkable 50 percent of over- quency business travellers value for 50 million passengers a year. Privilege Club Platinum Airways. THE PENINSULA all respondents are enrolled such access. THE PENINSULA

Qapco holds diabetes awareness programme at Mesaieed facility

DOHA: A diabetes awareness sugar, diabetic feet and eyes for QDA’s Executive Director, Dr initiative was held by the Qatar diabetes related problems were Abdulla Al Hamaq said: “The Diabetes Association (QDA) at conducted. mobile unit helps us improve Qapco’s facilities in Mesaieed. The mobile unit is operated the quality of people’s life in The mobile unit of the QDA and supervised by physicians Qatar through raising aware- was used for the awareness and professional diabetes educa- ness about the importance of campaign. tors, and consists of three rooms: following a healthy lifestyle as The QDA medical team pro- Education and blood sugar test well as diabetes management and vided health education about room, eye examination room prevention.” diabetes for some of Qapco’s with retinal camera, and foot Qapco welcomed the initia- staff, where tests for blood care room. tive from QDA and considered the day was a success. Numerous employees attended the QDA’s awareness sessions about diabetes. Qapco’s Medical Section, headed by Dr Adham Abou El Zahab, has been very active in promoting fitness and healthy Al Ahli Hospital staff answering questions from guests. lifestyles within the company. As the health of its employees and their knowledge of health related issues is a priority, Qapco Al Ahli Hospital marks World Physiotherapy Day encourages such initiatives to raise awareness about ways DOHA: To create aware- physiotherapists from Al Ahli Their main is to treat pain and to prevent, identify and fight ness about physiotherapy Al Hospital gave highly informative disability and help people return diabetes. Ahli hospital held several presentations. The attendees were to active and productive life. Qapco praised QDA’s role and events recently and marked doctors and physiotherapists from The event was held in the pres- thanked all the volunteers who International Physiotherapy many hospitals and healthcare ence of Dr Abdul Azim Hussain participated in this day dedicated Day. providers from all over Qatar. the medical director, Jamal to Diabetes Prevention. The physiotherapists wel- Physical and rehabilitation Hammad the Deputy CEO and QDA used the mobile unit pre- comed the guests, answered their medicine in large and physiother- Dr Ahmad Al Khayer the head viously in different events at the questions and provided them apy in particular are pillars in the of the Physical and Rehabilitation Corniche, Katara and Al Khor with many brochures related holistic medical services. They Medicine department with A Qapco employee receiving tips from a Qatar Diabetes Association official City in cooperation with Al Khor to the most commonly treated play a leading role in prevention many consultant physicians and during the diabetes awareness drive in Mesaieed. Health Center. conditions. and management of all bone mus- physiotherapists. THE PENINSULA Also many consultants and cles and nerves related conditions. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Expert: Home is Foreign Minister meets Dutch envoy best place to control diabetes Light shed on role of family

DOHA: Families and health- MODERATION IS KEY care facilities play an important role in managing diabetes in Parents are advised children, says an expert. to help their diabetic The environment at home can child feel as normal as make a world of difference in the possible and allow small management of a child’s diabetes, says Dr Fawziya Ali Al Khalaf, portions of sweets during Head and Senior Consultant of special occasions. Being the Paediatric Endocrinology/ overcautious is not Diabetes section at Hamad helpful; moderation General Hospital. HMC’s care plan for managing is the best attitude. diabetes in children is designed to meet their needs as they grow. Dr that aren’t appropriate for any Al Khalaf says that as a child ages child, and in particular a diabetic HMC’s multi-disciplinary care child, so we encourage parents to team begins working directly with provide healthier options. We also him or her, teaching the proper work with school nurses to ensure ways to manage their care. they understand how to manage “When a child reaches the age emergency situations such as of seven we start incorporating low or high blood sugar and how him or her into the management to adjust the child’s medication of their care. Their parents are based on what they have eaten,” The Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah with the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Yvette van Eechoud, after receiving her cre- still involved, as a child cannot says Dr Al Khalaf. dentials yesterday. Dr Al Attiyah wished the envoy success in her mission and further progress in relations between both countries. be fully responsible, but we start Dr Al Khalaf says HMC also helping the child to understand assists parents and caregivers his or her condition,” says Dr Al with understanding the impor- Khalaf. tance of ensuring the child doesn’t HMC takes a holistic approach feel different than his or her Three more hospitals join health insurance scheme to the management of the diabetic friends. She says many parents child’s care, including incorporat- worry during holidays and cel- ing their school. When a child is ebrations like Eid and birthdays DOHA: Qatari girls and women Qatari women and girls over the explained Dr Faleh Mohamed The NHIS is being introduced diagnosed with diabetes HMC due to the presence of candy, cake aged 12 and over could ben- age of 12 living in communities Hussain Ali, acting CEO of in five stages over the next two contacts the nurse at his or her and other sweets. efit from the National Health outside Doha have easy access to the National Health Insurance years. school and provides the child’s “It is normal for children to Insurance Scheme (NHIS) at the services currently covered Company (NHIC) which manages The first phase, launched in diabetes treatment plan. Dr Al want to have a piece of cake and three more hospitals. under the scheme. the NHIS. July, covers Qatari girls and Khalaf says HMC’s multi-dis- candy. We advise parents to help Al Wakra Hospital, The Cuban “The addition of Al Wakra “By the end of August we have women aged 12 and over for ciplinary care team also works their diabetic child to feel as nor- Hospital and Al Khor Hospital Hospital, Al Khor and Cuban seen nearly 5,000 Qatari women gynaecology, obstetrics, mater- with both the school nurse and mal as possible and allow small are the new additions to NHIS hospitals to the National Health make use of the NHIS for their nity and related women’s health the child’s parents to educate portions of sweets during special provider network, joining HMC Insurance Scheme marks an maternity, obstetrics, gynaecol- issues. about the importance of a healthy occasions. Of course medications Women’s Hospital, Al Emadi important step, especially as it ogy and women’s health needs. Subsequent stages will expand lifestyle. must be adjusted accordingly. You Hospital, Al Ahli Hospital and comes just two months after the The addition of three more pro- services to cover all medical spe- “We encourage parents to need to support your child and Doha Clinic Hospital to bring scheme’s launch, as we work to viders to the scheme will ensure cialties, beginning with all Qatari send their child to school with guide him, but being overcautious the total number of participating expand the level of the services that we are able to accommodate nationals in early 2014 followed by a healthy breakfast and lunch. is not helpful; moderation is the hospitals providing inpatient and while at the same time offering the growing healthcare needs of a phased roll-out for non-nation- Some schools offer many foods, best attitude,” says Dr Al Khalaf. outpatient services to seven. citizens more choice when select- communities living outside Doha,” als in 2015. for example sweets and pastries, THE PENINSULA The hospitals will ensure that ing their healthcare provider,” he said. THE PENINSULA

QNL discusses novel to mark International Literacy Day Ashghal hands

DOHA: Qatar National Members of Qatar Foundation, Qatar Foundation’s Clubhouse to invited to participate in a Q remembered today in the Gulf as over 10 new Library (QNL) organised its the general public, QNL regis- discuss The Corsair novel. and A session with the author, a folk hero. first book discussion to mark tered members and librarians in Those present were given an Abdulaziz Al Mahmoud, a local The event was the latest in International Literacy Day. Qatar attended the gathering at overview of the book and then Qatari engineer and journalist an active year for QNL as it has schools and who previously worked as edi- taken a local, regional and inter- tor-in-chief of Al Sharq and The national leadership role by host- KGs to SEC Peninsula newspapers and also ing community events in Qatar, Aljazeera.net. conducting regional workshops, DOHA: With the beginning For more than 40 years the and forging high-level interna- of the new academic year, United Nations Educational, tional partnerships. the Public Works Authority Scientific and Cultural Dr Claudia Lux, Project (Ashghal) has handed over Organisation (Unesco) has Director of Qatar National 10 new schools and kin- been celebrating International Library, said, “Qatar National dergartens to the Supreme Literacy Day by reminding the Library is an active member of Education Council (SEC). international community that lit- the community and a vital part The facilities were con- eracy is a human right and the of the infrastructure in Qatar’s structed at a cost of QR717m. foundation of all learning. knowledge economy, empow- The schools are located in Al Mahmoud’s book is a thrill- ering people to unlock their Doha, Al Asiri, New Doha, ing and engaging novel set in the potential by providing tools for Madinat Khalifa North, early nineteenth century during lifelong learning. H H Sheikha Al Luqta, Al Gharrafa, Al one of the most important peri- Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Shahaniya, and Al Shamal ods of history in the Arabian Qatar Foundation for Education, while the kindergartens are Gulf. Science and Community located in Fereej Al Murra, Al The groundbreaking story Development, said the modern Thumama, Rawdat Egdeim, unfolds against the backdrop of reader’s role is not only to receive Al Wajba, Al Duhail, Al the brutal struggle between the data, but to interact and produce Kharaitiyat and Umm Slal Ali. British Empire and the Arab knowledge.” The estimated total cost of tribes of the Gulf for control of She said events like this exem- the schools is about QR513m, the area. It is based on the tale plify Qatar National Library’s and the kindergartens cost Qatari novelist Abdulaziz Al Mahmoud and the Project Director of Qatar National Library, Dr Claudia Lux, with of Erhama bin Jaber, a historical commitment to fulfilling that QR205m. other participants at the event. character feared and hunted as role for the modern library. They include various mod- a brigand by the British, and yet THE PENINSULA ern facilities including IT labo- ratories, sports halls, activity halls, libraries and classrooms. The design is in line with the Qatari Code for people with special needs providing ramps at entrances and exits and Qatar Charity, Silatech to promote Arab entrepreneurs special specifications for bath- rooms, and others areas. The design of these buildings DOHA: To promote employ- ways of supporting the new partnership between Silatech and also took into account the sus- ment and enterprise devel- “Narwi” e-giving Web portal being Qatar Charity is a major step, tainability elements and “green opment for young people developed by Silatech through and the beginning of a fruitful buildings” requirements which in the Arab world Qatar the creation of a Qatar Charity collaboration. Our organisational include installation of sys- Charity and Silatech yester- Matching Fund to match dona- strengths mutually complement tems and equipment that save day signed a Memorandum of tions gathered online. each other very well, but perhaps energy and water. Understanding. Scheduled for launch later this most importantly, we both recog- Ashghal had announced last Qatar Charity CEO Yousef bin year, “Narwi” will be the first nise the need to promote innova- July the commencement of Ahmad Al Kuwari and Silatech online micro-giving platform cre- tive new approaches to charitable construction of 44 academic CEO Dr Tarik M Yousef signed ated by Arabs for Arabs. giving, promoting sustainable institutions covering different the MoU. It will allow visitors to the site long-term development for the learning stages/academic lev- The agreement commits the to directly contribute toward Arab world.” els with a total cost of about parties to mutually support financing the young Arab entre- “This agreement will enhance QR2bn. These contracts include selected projects and initiatives preneur of their choice. Selected the efforts of the two organisa- the construction of 29 schools related to youth development youth development projects of tions for the development of the and 15 kindergartens in several through marketing and fund-rais- Qatar Charity outside of Qatar youth sector at several levels as places across the country. This ing campaigns, technology and may also be showcased on the a service to the Qatari society as project is set to be completed infrastructure, technical assist- “Narwi” portal for crowd fund- a whole and youth in particular,” Qatar Charity CEO Yousef bin Ahmad Al Kuwari and Silatech CEO Dr Tarik by the fourth quarter of 2014. ance and other avenues. ing opportunities. said Al Kuwari. M Yousef signing the Memorandum of Understanding. THE PENINSULA The two parties will explore Dr Yousef said: “I believe the THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Economy Minister Qatar takes part in Delhi legal forum meets top Indian delegation

Assistant Undersecretary of Legal Affairs calls for addressing challenges facing AALCO DOHA: The Minister of Economy and Trade H E NEW DELHI: The Assistant Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Undersecretary of Legal Affairs Mohamed Al Thani yesterday at the Ministry of Justice, met a high-level business del- Ibrahim bin Musa Al Hitmi, egation from the Confederation has stressed the importance of of Indian Industry. upholding the principles of the The Indian Ambassador to rule of law at the 52nd meet- Qatar Sanjiv Arora, who led the ing of the Asian-African Legal delegation, expressed his pleas- Consultative Organisation ure at meeting the Minister (AALCO) now under way here. of Economy and Trade and at Al Hitmi is leading Qatar’s del- the warm welcome accorded to egation at the meeting. them, which he said, reflects the He stressed the importance of depth of relations between India tackling the challenges facing the and Qatar and the mutual visits organisation through upholding between them at all levels. and consolidating the principles of The Indian Ambassador said the rule of law, respect for human that the delegation’s visit aimed rights, strengthening of transpar- at enhancing bilateral ties and ency, integrity, anti-corruption, investment and trade opportuni- countering of extremism as well as ties between the two countries. promoting tolerance and dialogue The delegation included sev- among civilisations and enhancing eral CEOs and representa- the sustainable development and tives of industry sectors in the environmental protection. Confederation of Indian Industry. Addressing the AALCO’s meet- QNA ing Al Hitmi referred to the many important initiatives Qatar has Katara to stage made in these various areas to reactivate and develop the organi- play inspired by sation at the regional and inter- national levels . life of Khalil Gibran He reaffirmed Qatar’s commit- ment to the goals and values of The Assistant Undersecretary of Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Justice, Ibrahim bin Musa Al Hitmi, with other official at the Asian-African Legal Consultative DOHA: A play on the life and the organisation which it seeks to Organisation meeting now under way in New Delhi, India. times of Lebanese poet, painter achieve, adding that the Ministry and writer Gibran Khalil Gibran of Justice in Qatar believes in the international legal issues of com- people, the growing Israeli settle- in African and Asian countries . legal advice, research and studies titled ‘Rest Upon The Wind’ important role of the organisa- mon interest. ments which is contrary to all the Qatar joined the organisation in which are considered a reference will open on September 12 at tion in creating an ongoing dia- He said this session coincides rules and norms of international 1976. This membership stemmed for the establishment of legal con- the Katara Drama Theatre. logue among member states and with the difficult conditions law, the stalled Palestinian-Israeli from the interest in international cepts that preserve the interests The play encapsulates Gibran’s between these states and interna- experienced by the international peace process, the high level of law that governs relations between of its members. The AALCO is life in America as an immigrant tional organisations such as the community due to the increasing poverty, marginalisation, unem- states. AALCC is the only organi- an international governmental artist and writer, in English as United Nations and other regional hotbeds of tension and instabil- ployment, political instability sation at the level of governments organisation formed in 1956, ini- well as Arabic. It is the story of organisations to unify the visions ity in a large number of regional worsening economic and social that specialises in international law tially to serve as an advisory board his struggle to spread the message and create mutual understand- states, in addition to the contin- development, desertification, scar- and brings together the continents to member states on matters on of love and peace, and how his dif- ing and cooperation towards ued suffering of the Palestinian city of resources climate change of Asia and Africa. It provides international law. QNA ficulties led him to seek the path to spiritual awakening, a Katara synopsis said. Jordanian-born actor Nadim Sawalha has written the script for the play. He weaves in Arab Awards panel discusses nominations 200,000 students back to school sense of humour and family values while depicting the relationship of DOHA: The 2013 judging panel the arts and journalism, including DOHA: About 200,000 students in Qatar will implementing disciplinary regulations to correct Gibran and his sister Myrianna of the ITP Arab Woman Awards Bothaina Al Ansari, Senior Director, return to their classes today, with reopening students’ behavior, maintain respect for teach- as they adapt to a new life in Qatar yesterday held a discussion Human Resources at ooredoo who of all the Independent schools and most pri- ers and provide good educational environment America. “Khalil Gibran has as a pre-event on this year’s Arab said: “The Arab Women Awards are vate schools after the long summer break. that will enable principals and school operators influenced the lives of millions of Woman Awards Qatar nomina- vital in inspiring younger generations Today also marks the beginning of the new to focus more on the educational process,” said people around the world. He is tions. The meeting was held at W of Arab women to strive for success academic year (2013-2014) for 178 Independent the Minister. acknowledged as one of the great Doha Hotel and Residences. in their chosen field.” schools and a number of private schools. The Minister also emphasized the importance spiritual teachers of all times,” The Arab Woman Awards recog- Other 2013 judges include The Supreme Education Council (SEC) said of active involvement of families in the edu- said playwright Sawalha. nise and reward inspirational Arab Dr Nawal Sheikh, Director yesterday that the number of students would see cation process. Another priority for this year The play opens at 8.30pm from women who have made a positive Communications for The Securities a significant increase this year compared to last is attracting more Qataris to education sector September 12 to 14 at Katara. impact on society in areas including and Exchange Commission and year. A total of 192,509 students have been reg- and making the profession attractive to them, QNA business, the arts, charity and fashion Mashael M. Al Ansari, Marketing istered currently including 98,332 Independent despite the many challenges, said the minister. and this will be the second consecu- and Communication Director for school students and 94,177 private school stu- According to the SEC, eight new kindergar- tive year ITP consumer has taken The Anti-Doping Laboratory Qatar dents. This year, about 13,000 new students tens associated with the Independent schools Rains likely today this prestigious award Qatar. as well as Amal Al Aathem, one of joined only the Independent schools through are opening this year, taking the total number ITP follows a set of strict criteria Qatar’s leading artists. Al Aathem the online registration system. of such facilities to 47. DOHA: Rains are expected in to ensure that winners of this award expressed her delight about being In a statement issued yesterday, the Minister The number of private schools and kindergar- the western parts of the coun- are nominated objectively, based on part of the carefully chosen judging of Education and Higher Education and tens that are starting their new academic year try today, according to the their accomplishments over the last panel saying: “It is fantastic to be Secretary General of the Supreme Education today is more than 150 including 11 new schools Meteorology Department. 12 months and their contribution to involved in the Arab Woman Awards Council (SEC) H E Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahid and six kindergartens. The Department has forecast Qatar. Qatar and to help ensure that these Al Hammadi said that in the new academic year, The figure also includes 82 international hot and hazy weather today with The judging panel is made up of inspirational women get the recogni- top priority will be given to student discipline schools and 13 Arabic private schools. The scattered clouds and rains in six inspirational women drawn from tion they deserve.” and building more confidence among teachers. number of community schools were not given. some areas. Temperature in Doha the worlds of commerce, medicine, THE PENINSULA “ This academic year we studied a number SEC said it was keen to give additional support would hover between 29 degrees of issues affecting education and identified the to students with physical and mental disabilities Celsius and 39 degrees Celsius. requirements. Top priority will be given to rein- according to specific guidelines and procedures. THE PENINSULA forcing the status of teachers. We will start THE PENINSULA Gulf states’ outlook on Arab workers not changed

Continued from page 1 labour importing regions in the world after “A lot of it was also due to political rea- North America and Europe. Additionally, sons. In the 70s, non-GCC Arab workers remittances from the Gulf also amounted were seen as trouble because they brought to nearly $71bn in 2011. domestic ideas and ideologies, which were “If you are a believer of the development not welcome here. They also wanted to set- impact of remittances, than Egypt, Jordan, tle here with their families.” Syria and Yemen missed out on many poten- Naufal, who is also a research fellow at tial investments, plans and economic con- the Institute for the Study of Labour (IZA), sumption.” He said that until the Gulf war, said that the outlook of Gulf states on Arab the money that was being sent out from workers had not changed much, particularly GCC countries was actually going to other in the backdrop of the protests across the Arab countries in the region, which after- Arab world as people were often judged by wards started going to South Asia. their political affiliations. Naufal also said that the Gulf countries He argued that the labour policies of continue struggle on what to call the labour Gulf countries also had a huge impact on force in their country. the economy and potential development of “The GCC countries struggle in official George Naufal during the Monthly Dialogue the Mena region at large. meeting about what to call them, and won- series on “The Economics of Migration in Over the past 10 years more than seven der if they are actual migrants, expatriates, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries” at million jobs were created in the GCC coun- foreign workers or contract workers.” Georgetown University. ABDUL BASIT tries, making this region the third largest THE PENINSULA

Filipinos second largest remitters after Indians

Continued from page 1 Filipinos in Qatar in 2012. Filipinos transfer money to the people send money,” the money However, community organi- Exact estimates of how much Philippines per month, and their exchange representative said. sations see the campaign as a money Filipinos send home every average remittance is around “But impact will be defi- way to send a message to their year from Qatar are not avail- QR1,500 ($412). nitely felt by the families in the country. able but Qatar Central Bank About 20 Filipinos come to the Philippines as everything will be The Philippines embassy was statistics for 2011 reflect they exchange house even in the third delayed by one day,” he added. not available for comment and were the second largest remit- week of a month, an official of There are around 10 million efforts to contact the labour ters after Indians. the firm said. OFWs around the world, or office failed. But figures given An exchange house active “It would affect our daily turn- roughly 10 percent of the coun- by the embassy earlier suggest on the Doha-Manila sec- over, but it would be made up on try’s population. there were an estimated 175,000 tor said approximately 11,000 the following day or as soon as THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 HOME / MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Fresh clashes near Damascus US, Russia clash over Fighting in Christian town; group appeals for release of abducted bishops Syria reactor at IAEA

BEIRUT: Syrian government VIENNA: US-Russian ten- its demand, US Ambassador forces launched an offensive to sions over Syria spilled into a Joseph Macmanus made wrest back control of an his- UN nuclear watchdog meeting Washington’s objections clear. toric Christian town north of yesterday when the two clashed “It is our view that requests for Damascus yesterday, activists over whether inspectors should comprehensive risk analyses of said. analyse possible risks involved if hypothetical scenarios are beyond In the past six days, the town a reactor near Damascus were the IAEA’s statutory authority,” of Maaloula has already changed to be hit during US-led strikes. he said, according to a copy of his hands three times between Russia said last week any mili- speech in the closed-door session. President Bashar Al Assad’s tary action against Syria’s gov- The IAEA “must determine forces and rebel groups, some of ernment could have catastrophic whether there is a scientific basis which are linked to Al Qaeda. effects if a research reactor near for conducting a highly specula- Combatants say the intensity the Syrian capital that contains tive investigation of this kind,” of fighting over the town is due radioactive uranium was struck Macmanus added. to its strategic location near the “by design or by chance”. IAEA Director General Yukiya road leading from Damascus to Russia’s Foreign Ministry Amano said the UN agency was the central city of Homs. called on the International considering the Russian request, But fighting in an area with Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to describing it as a “complicated such religious symbolism could urgently assess the issue with the issue” with technical, political as increase anxieties among the United States preparing for puni- well as legal aspects. Christian minority, who have tive strikes in Syria over an alleged Amano said the Syrian reac- watched sectarian violence poison gas attack in its civil war. tor holds about a kilo of highly- between majority Sunni Muslims But in a statement to an IAEA enriched uranium (HEU), saying and the Alawite minority over- board of governors meeting yes- this was not a “big amount”. shadow the revolt against Assad’s terday, where Moscow reiterated REUTERS rule. The fighting near Maaloula, in the Qalamoun mountains north Free Syrian Army fighters take up positions with their weapons behind a wall in Aleppo’s Sheikh Saeed neighbourhood. of the capital, threatens ancient Christian sites nestled in the hill- sides that were a site of pilgrim- place where the sick are miracu- leaders caught up in the revolt mainly Sunni Muslim uprising Cumulonimbus clouds over UAE age for Christians and Muslims lously healed. against Assad in which many against Assad, whose Alawite sect alike. A sizeable number of the prominent Muslim clerics have is an offshoot of Shia Islam. Continued from page 1 A weather forecaster, not The Britain-based Observatory, inhabitants of Maaloula, as well died. The statement on behalf of When told about the tweet of wanting his name in print, said which opposes Assad, said that as Sarkha and Jabaadeen, two Authorities have blamed the Austrian Cardinal Christoph a passenger of the Doha-Dubai he had no idea about what hap- troops and militia loyal to the nearby Sunni towns, still speak abduction on a “terrorist group”, Schoenborn and six other church flight, an official of the airline said pened to the Qatar Airways president re-entered Maaloula Aramaic, the language of Christ. the label they usually give to leaders called Christians in the she could say nothing further than Dubai flight, but added that early on Saturday but withdrew in Abdelrahman said 18 rebel anti-Assad rebels, but opposition Middle East “an essential and what was written in the media ‘cumulonimbus clouds’ had begun the evening when rebels brought fighters were killed and over 100 fighters in the northern province indispensable element of society” statement. forming over the UAE at 4pm in reinforcements. injured during Saturday’s fight- denied they kidnapped the two who would contribute to building According to the airline’s web- yesterday. Retreating government forces ing. He could not confirm the and said they were working for up a society characterised by peace site, the flight took off from Doha Talking to this newspaper at continued to shell and clash with extent of casualties among gov- their release. and mutual respect. International Airport on schedule 10pm Doha time, he said the cloud insurgents on the outskirts of ernment forces. A declaration from the Vienna- Signatories included officials of at 14.55 hours (2.55pm yesterday), formation was still there. This is Maaloula on Sunday and yes- Yesterday, a group formed to based Pro Oriente foundation the Antiochan Orthodox, Syriac and was slated to land at Dubai an air pocket. It is a cluster of terday, said Rami Abdelrahman, foster ties between the Roman called for the immediate release Orthodox, Melkite Greek Catholic, International Airport at 17.05 storm clouds. head of the Observatory, though Catholic and Orthodox churches of the clergymen and all others Chaldean Catholic, Assyrian and hours local time (Qatar Time “This might have actually violence inside the town abated appealed for the release of two kidnapped in Syria. It sought a Armenian Catholic faiths, it said. 4.35pm). caused downdraft (downward last morning. prominent Syrian bishops still negotiated end to the conflict The two missing bishops had The website said Airbus A 320- wind), which increases the speed Maaloula has several churches missing after their abduction in there without any “illegal external warned of the threat to religious 100 (200), a short-to-medium of wind,” said the forecaster. and important monasteries as Aleppo province in April. military intervention”. tolerance and diversity from range narrow body plane, has a When asked if the Qatar well as the Greek Orthodox nun- The Syriac Orthodox and Greek Christians make up less than 10 the conflict in Syria, which has passenger capacity of up to 180. Airways’ plane might have been nery Mar Thecla, visited by many Orthodox Archbishops of Aleppo, percent of Syria’s 23 million people killed more than 100,000 of their Its flight range is 4,800km and caught in those clouds, he said: “I Christians and Muslims who are Yohanna Ibrahim and Paul Yazigi, and, like other religious minori- compatriots. it flies at a top speed of 828km per can’t comment on this”. drawn by its reputation as a holy are the most senior Christian ties, many have been wary of the REUTERS hour. THE PENINSULA

Stars of Science returns to MBC4 DOHA: Qatar Foundation that will take the programme to science and technology amongst for Education, Science and Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Arab youth. Community Development (QF) Kuwait, Morocco, Jordan, Saudi The past four seasons have has announced the return of the Arabia and Lebanon. The live been watched by millions of view- science and technology edutain- finale will see a total of $600,000 ers across the region and the ment reality TV programme, in prize money awarded to the programme’s social media com- Stars of Science, on MBC4 for finalists, split between one win- munity has grown significantly to a fifth season. It has received ner and three runners-up. more than half a million active an unprecedented number of During the past five years, members. advance registrations from the programme, initiated by Stars of Science Season Five across the region. QF in 2009, has attracted more will consist of eight prime-time The nine-week series will begin than 25,000 candidates from 18 episodes plus the live finale, where its search for young Arab inno- countries in the Middle East and the public will be invited to vote vators on Friday, choosing 30 Africa, with the aim of discover- alongside the jury. contestants from a casting tour ing and nurturing innovation in QNA

123 students join UCQ

DOHA: A total of 123 new students joined the University of Calgary- Qatar (UCQ) last week and were welcomed to the campus in a special ceremony. The total number of stu- dent nurses at UCQ is now more than 400. UCQ’s new Director of Student Services, Justin Williams said, “We started in 2007 with seven stu- dents, and in the fall of 2012 there were 291. Today there are more than 400 of you.” Hissa Al Aali, Associate Director, College of Nursing Project, welcomed new and returning students with a commitment from UCQ faculty and staff. “We are here to support you in any and every way we can. Instructors at UCQ will spare no effort to get you to a place where you will be looked up to as bea- cons of quality education in Qatar. You are going to be an integral part of the healthcare system and Qatar Vision 2030.” UCQ nursing programs combine the academic excellence of the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary in Canada with the unique needs of Qatar. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST

Abducted Saudi Ex-PM backs diplomat asks family to stage Sisi as Egypt protests ABU DHABI: A Saudi diplo- mat held hostage in Yemen for 18 months has urged his family to organise demonstrations ask- ing the government to meet Al president Qaeda demands to free detained women and Muslim clerics as the best way to get him freed from captivity. Vote expected early next year He made the appeal in a record- ing posted online late on Sunday, CAIRO: Former Egyptian The army-backed interim gov- the fourth such statement by Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq ernment, with the support of a Abdullah Al Khalidi since mili- says he will back army chief sizeable section of the population, tants seized the Saudi vice consul General Abdel Fattah Al Sisi for has been cracking down hard in the southern Yemeni port city president, adding to speculation on the Muslim Brotherhood, a of Aden in March 2012. that the man who led the over- million-member movement that Khalidi, who wore a white robe throw of President Mohammed emerged from decades of repres- and headdress in the video, told Mursi could become head of sion under Mubarak’s military- his family that arranging meet- state. backed rule to win five popular ings with Saudi princes and offi- Shafiq, a former air force com- votes in all. Turkish leftist protesters take cover from riot policemen during an anti-government demonstration in the district cials would not ensure his release. mander who came second in last More than 2,000 Islamist activ- of Beyoglu in Istanbul yesterday. Instead he asked his family to year’s presidential election, said ists have been arrested since take to the streets and demand he would not run if Sisi stood in Mursi was ousted and most of the release from Saudi prisons the election expected next year. the Brotherhood’s leaders, includ- of women and some clerics held The comment suggests why, ing Mursi, have been jailed on on security grounds, saying this just months before the election, charges of inciting or taking part Kurdish rebels halt Turkey pullout would be the best way to get him there are no declared candidates in violence. Some have also been freed. All public protest in Saudi as politicians wait to see if Sisi is accused of terrorism or murder. ANKARA: Kurdish rebels Arabia is illegal. going to run before announcing Over the same period, more have halted their pullout from “Pressuring governments their own intentions. than 1,000 people have been Turkey, accusing Ankara of Clashes over teen in coma through street demonstrations In separate comments, former killed in political violence. Most breaking its part of a cease- ISTANBUL: Police and hundreds of protesters clashed yester- is a well-known policy worldwide Arab League chief Amr Moussa, were protesters killed by secu- fire deal, but vowed to respect day in Istanbul in the latest unrest over a 14-year-old left in a and if we look at neighbour- who also ran in last year’s elec- rity forces breaking up pro-Mursi a truce, a pro-Kurdish news coma during anti-government demonstrations in June. ing countries we will find it has tion, said Sisi would win by a camps in Cairo. Abound 100 were agency reported yesterday. Police used tear gas and water cannons to attempt to disperse a yielded results,” Khalidi said in landslide. Egyptians had become members of the security forces. Under a road map to end the crowd marching on Istanbul’s main court buildings shouting “We the video. “angry and afraid of anarchy and Even if Sisi does not run, ana- three-decade-old insurgency, the want justice for Berkin Elvan”. “Go out in demonstrations terrorism” and wanted a decisive lysts say the military will remain Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) The demonstrators, mostly masked members of far-left groups, and sit-ins with signs whether in leader, he said. at the heart of power, curbing the began in May withdrawing its threw rocks and Molotov cocktails and erected barricades. Dammam or Khobar or any place Sisi has said he does not seek influence of the next head of state. estimated 2,500 fighters from While the clashes had ended by later afternoon, both police and that can send the message to the authority though speculation he Analysts have suggested retired Turkey to safe havens in Iraq’s protesters remained in place as evening fell. Saudi government,” he said, refer- will run has mounted since he top- or serving military officers might autonomous Kurdistan region. Elvan was hit by a tear gas capsule fired by police, according to ring to areas in eastern Saudi pled the Muslim Brotherhood’s run if he does not. No deadline was set for the rights groups, having left his parents’ house to buy a loaf of bread Arabia where much of the coun- Mursi from the presidency on July Amr Moussa, who came fifth withdrawal, but a ceasefire agree- as violent demonstrations swept the city. try’s oil industry is based. 3. He is feted on state TV, while in last year’s election, told Al ment reached in March said the Some protesters were injured yesterday in the street battles, The authenticity of the record- his picture appears across Cairo. Shorouk newspaper that he did peace process could not proceed mostly by exposure to tear gas, and one protester suffered burns ing could not be verified. The time In an interview with Dream 2 not intend to run. further until it is completed. after a Molotov cocktail exploded nearby, a photographer witnessed. of its recording was also unclear television, Shafiq said he would He said Egyptians wanted a In a statement cited by Firat Many were arrested. although Khalidi also sent his run for president if he had broad president able to take “decisive News, the PKK armed movement AFP family greetings on the occasion support but he would not contest decisions regardless of their polit- said “the Turkish government’s of the holy month of Ramadan, an election if Sisi did. ical impact”. attitude of not progressing on the In the statement, the PKK attached to the principle of peace indicating he could have recorded “May God give him good for- A military president “imme- Kurdish question was behind this accused the government of fail- with the PKK. But he ruled out the message in July. tune. We would all support him diately comes to the Egyptian situation”, but it vowed to respect ing to pass democratic reforms a general amnesty for the rebels, Saudi officials were not imme- and I am the first one to support mind”, he said, adding that Sisi the ceasefire with Turkish forces. to reinforce the rights of Turkey’s including for Ocalan, and the diately able to comment. him,” said Shafiq, who came sec- was the most popular person in “The withdrawal of fighters has Kurdish minority, believed to right to education in Kurdish. Yemen is home to Al Qaeda in ond to Mursi in the presidential the country. been stopped,” said the statement number up to 15 million. Erdogan also questioned the the Arabian Peninsula, one of the election in 2012. “If Sisi is nomi- “If he runs he will win a land- from the PKK, which is listed as In return for withdrawing its extent of the PKK pullout, esti- most active militant franchises of nated I will not run.” slide, according to the current sit- a terrorist organisation by both fighters in Turkey, the PKK is mating that barely 20 percent the network founded by Osama Sisi has emerged as the pub- uation and the current moment,” Ankara and its Western allies. demanding amendments to the had left Turkey for bases in Iraqi bin Laden. The government of the lic face of the new order, enjoy- he said. “The truce will be main- penal code and electoral laws as Kurdistan and that most were impoverished country is struggling ing fawning coverage in Egyptian Hamdeen Sabahi, a leftist poli- tained... to allow the Justice well as the right to education children or elderly. to assert its authority following media and sowing doubts about tician who came third in the 2012 and Development Party (AKP) in the Kurdish language and a Ocalan has been in negotia- more than two years of political the military’s promise to hand election, has also said Sisi would government to begin initiatives degree of regional autonomy. tions since late 2012 with Turkish turmoil that began with protests over to full civilian rule with a win, while sidestepping questions supporting the (peace) plan” of Turkish Prime Minister Recep authorities for an end to the that eventually ousted veteran “road map” to parliamentary and on his own intentions. Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned Tayyip Erdogan said last month Kurdish conflict. president Ali Abdullah Saleh. presidential elections. REUTERS PKK leader, it said. that his government was still AFP REUTERS

Seven police 42 killed in Yemen sectarian violence among 13 SANAA: At least 42 peo- north of the capital, several Meanwhile, two bombs exploded ple have been killed in 10 days sources said. yesterday in Sanaa. dead in Iraq of clashes in Yemen between More than 30 people have been They targeted two buses carry- Sunni Islamists and Shia rebels, killed in the past 10 days in fight- ing members of the air force and BAGHDAD: Gunmen tribal sources and an official ing in Osaymat and Ozur, a tribal the military academy, a security killed five policemen said yesterday. chief said of two areas named official was quoted by the official in a checkpoint shoot- Tension is mounting with after the Sunni and Shiite tribes Saba news agency as saying. ing north of Baghdad national reconciliation talks, who live there. One bomb exploded on Airport yesterday, the deadliest begun after the ouster of former At least 12 others were killed Road and the other on Al Nasr of attacks that left 13 president Ali Abdullah Saleh last in firefights between Huthis and Street in eastern Sanaa, the offi- dead, officials said amid year, set to conclude this month. Sunni Islamists in the Rudma cial said. a nationwide surge in There have been days of clashes region near Ibb, a local official said. Southern separatists yesterday violence. between gunmen loyal to tribal The Huthis’ Ansaruallah web- returned to the talks after staging Gunmen opened fire chief Hamid Al Ahmar — a leader site accused Ahmar and his Islah a walkout last month over various on a police checkpoint of the Sunni Islah party, and Shia party of sending scores of gunmen demands. near Tikrit, capital of Huthi rebels in Amran province to Amran and Ibb. AFP Salaheddin province, kill- ing the five officers. Also in Salaheddin, two near simultaneous roadside bombs targeted an army patrol along a main road Byzantine-era near the Baiji oil refinery, killing two soldiers and gold hoard found wounding three. Six people died in vio- in Jerusalem lence elsewhere, among them an alleged militant JERUSALEM: Israeli archae- linked to Al Qaeda and two ologists have unearthed a policemen. Byzantine-era hoard of gold Iraq has seen a surge in in Jerusalem’s Old City, the unrest since the beginning Hebrew University of Jerusalem of 2013, in which nearly announced yesterday. 4,000 people have died so Dig director Eilat Mazar far, according to an AFP described the excavation of 36 gold tally. coins, a gold medallion inscribed Officials have vowed to with a Jewish ritual candelabrum press on with a campaign and a selection of gold and silver targeting militants they jewellery as “a breathtaking, say has led to the capture once-in-a-lifetime discovery”. of hundreds of alleged A statement said that the An Israeli archaeologist shows an ancient medallion dated to the early fighters and the killing of treasure was found about 50 seventh century, along with a ram’s horn and a Torah scroll icon, during a dozens more. metres from the southern wall of But the government the Al Aqsa mosque compound, press conference in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. has faced criticism for not known to Jews as Temple Mount doing more to tackle anger and venerated as the site of the area had revealed artifacts from “What is certain is that their in the Sunni Arab commu- Jewish temples of kings Solomon the time of Solomon’s temple, mission, whatever it was, was nity over alleged ill treat- and Herod. which according to Jewish tradi- unsuccessful. The treasure was ment at the hands of the Mazar, of the Hebrew University tion was razed by the Babylonians abandoned, and its owners could Shia-led authorities. Institute of Archaeology, said that in 586 BC, the seventh century never return to collect it.” AFP while excavations in the same finds were completely unexpected. AFP TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 France toughens ban on religion in schools UN urged to reopen probe Charter for Secularity in School to promote better understanding of principles into former PARIS: France yesterday see the aggressive promotion of The charter starts out by France’s intellectual elite. is enthusiastically backed by the unveiled a new charter designed secularity as an assault on their emphasising that France Outside minority faith commu- far-right, anti-immigration Front to reinforce rules banning reli- culture and traditions. Recent “respects all faiths” and that the nities, it also enjoys strong sup- National. Interpreting the rules chief’s death gion from schools which have years have seen a string of legal state is neutral in regard to them. port among the population. “To correctly has proved a headache been a recurring cause of tension disputes arising from the exclu- It goes on to explain, in child- me it’s not right people coming for school leaders. THE HAGUE: Investigators with Muslims and other faiths. sion from school of girls wearing friendly terms, that the absence to school with religious symbols,” Earlier this year a Muslim girl yesterday called on the United The “Charter for Secularity headscarves in defiance of a 2004 of religion from schools affords said 16-year-old Arthur Rivelois was excluded from her school Nations to reopen a probe into in School”, is to be displayed in law which prohibits the wearing of pupils the conditions to forge outside his Parisian Lycee. “Their after a headband and long skirt the 1961 death of UN secretary poster form in every state-funded “ostentatious” religious symbols. their own personality, exercise faith is their business, it’s nothing were deemed to constitute overtly general Dag Hammarskjold, cit- school in the country in a move Dalil Boubakeur, the chairman free will and become citizens in to do with the rest of us.” religious garb. The exclusion was ing “persuasive evidence” that pioneered by the Socialist gov- of the French Muslim Council, an environment free from pres- But critics wonder whether the overturned on appeal and her his plane was shot down. ernment’s education minister, said the charter’s emphasis on sure or proselytising. model is suitable for modern-day, parents are now suing the school The enquiry called on the US Vincent Peillon. The 15-point that law and to the equality of In practice, that means that multicultural France and accuse for racial discrimination. National Security Agency to statement contains nothing new girls and boys amounted to “allu- teaching staff must never give the government of double stand- The legislation has also caused release cockpit recordings from in legal terms. sions” to Islam which would trig- any indication of their religious ards. They question whether much anguish among France’s the time to confirm whether a Instead, Peillon says, it repre- ger concern in the community. (or political) convictions during a truly secular school system 30,000 Sikhs, whose male chil- mercenary fighter jet may have sents an attempt to promote better “Ninety percent of Muslims are lessons and that pupils cannot use would allow Christmas trees or dren are required by their faith to shot down the plane. understanding, and more consist- going to have the feeling they are their faith as a reason to chal- December visits by Santa Claus, cover their hair from an early age. Hammarskjold, the UN’s second ent enforcement, of long-estab- being targeted by this charter,” lenge the content of the national and whether it would still observe In practice, many primary secretary-general, died in mysteri- lished principles which have their Boubakeur said. curriculum, the manner of teach- holidays on Christian Saints days. schools have continued to allow ous circumstances in September roots in the anti-clericalism of the That interpretation was ing or the rules of the school. While the vast majority of school Sikh boys to wear the Rumal, a 1961 while on a peace mission to the French revolution and the coun- rejected by Peillon. “Secularity The notion of the “Ecole laique” canteens dish up fish every Friday handkerchief-type covering, but newly independent Congo, when try’s 1905 law enforcing a strict is about the equality of everyone (secular school) as one of the cor- — in keeping with Roman Catholic turbans are banned — a situation his plane crashed shortly before separation of church and state. in the Republic. There are those nerstones of the Republic and a tradition — any principal who pro- that effectively results in many landing at Ndola airport in Zambia Peillon’s initiative was greeted who think it is all about banning guarantee of the universal right vides halal meat for Muslim stu- Sikh teenagers giving up school (then Northern Rhodesia). coolly by leaders of France’s five things. In fact it was what allows to the freedom of expression and dents risks incurring the wrath of earlier than they otherwise would. The mineral-rich province of million Muslims, some of whom us to live together freely.” thought is one that is cherished by militant secularists, whose cause AFP Katanga was at the time fight- ing to secede from Congo, with the backing of the West and their commercial interests in Election poster in Germany the region. “There is persua- sive evidence that the aircraft Lawmakers mull Berlusconi expulsion was subjected to some form of attack or threat as it circled to land at Ndola,” said the 61-page ROME: Italian lawmakers yes- A Senate committee yesterday said: “We are not here to elimi- report released in The Hague by terday began hearings to decide held its first meeting to discuss nate someone. We just have to a privately appointed commission whether Silvio Berlusconi should the issue, even though stalling decide whether this law applies or consisting of high-profile interna- be expelled from parliament fol- tactics from Berlusconi’s support- not.” Berlusconi has complained tional judges and diplomats. lowing his criminal conviction in ers could drag the process on for that the law, intended to rid par- Fifteen people including an unprecedented case that has months before a compulsory final liament of criminals and approved Hammarskjold died when the stoked political tensions. Senate vote. with votes from his own party, in DC-6, known as the Albertina, Berlusconi’s defiance over the The meeting began with a fact violates his rights. smashed into the ground near possible sanction is unique in lengthy statement in Berlusconi’s The three-time premier has Ndola. Retired British judge Europe’s recent political history defence by PDL senator Andrea appealed to the European Court Stephen Sedley, the commis- and threatens the coalition between Augello who questioned the valid- of Human Rights in Strasbourg, sion’s chairman, called for the his People of Freedom (PDL) and ity of a new law adopted last arguing that the law should not UN to reopen its enquiry into the centre-left Democratic Party year with the aim of cleaning up apply for convictions relating to Hammarskjold’s death. (PD). As the eurozone’s third big- Italian politics. “We have to judge crimes committed before its adop- Hammarskjold, who was 56 at gest economy struggles to exit a on the basis of the law and not on tion, as in his case. the time of his death, is the only recession that has led to record political prejudice,” Lucio Malan, The law would also prevent UN secretary general to have died unemployment, the 76-year-old also from the PDL and one of 23 Berlusconi from taking part in while in office and also the only former prime minister and billion- senators on the committee, said. the next general election set for person to have been posthumously aire tycoon has once again taken Benedetto della Vedova from 2018 when he would turn 82. awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. the political centre stage. the centrist Civic Choice party, AFP AFP

Polish PM’s rule fragile after defection

WARSAW: The Polish govern- A person pastes a new election poster for the upcoming federal elec- ment’s majority in parliament tion of the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party featuring fell to two seats yesterday with an image of Chancellor Angela Merkel on top of a previous election the departure of one of its most senior lawmakers, leaving Prime poster in Hanover, Germany, yesterday. General elections will be held Minister Donald Tusk’s grip on on September 22. power at its most fragile since he took office six years ago. Tusk’s rule is not under imme- diate threat, but any further ero- sion of his support in parliament Putin ally wins Moscow poll, could lead to the collapse of his coalition and early elections, with hard-to-predict consequences for Navalny demands recount central Europe’s biggest economy. Jaroslaw Gowin, who unsuc- MOSCOW: Russian opposition In a nationwide day of local cessfully challenged Tusk for the leader Alexei Navalny yesterday elections the results of which may party’s leadership in a contest last warned of protests after nar- worry the Kremlin, opposition month, became the second mem- rowly failing to push Moscow’s anti-drugs campaigner Yevgeny ber of parliament to depart Tusk’s pro-Kremlin mayor into a run- Roizman also defeated the pro- Civic Platform party in the past two off in tight elections he claimed Kremlin candidate in Russia’s weeks in arguments over policy. were rigged. fourth-largest city Yekaterinburg. A first test for Tusk’s reduced Incumbent Sergei Sobyanin just Sobyanin, a long time ally of majority will come when the 460- crept over the finish line to win Putin, won 51.37 percent of the seat parliament votes on a gov- 51.3 percent of votes in Sunday’s vote and Navalny 27.24 percent, the ernment law on transferring some poll, which analysts saw as a cru- Moscow election commission said, assets from private pension funds cial test of the protest mood in in a count based on 100 percent to the state. Opponents, including Russia more than a year into of polling stations reporting. But some in Tusk’s own party, say it President Vladimir Putin’s new Navalny, 37, insisted that Sobyanin amounts to a nationalisation. Kremlin term. had polled less than 50 percent and Gowin said the pension reform Navalny, who campaigned demanded a vote recount. triggered his departure, but it was under the shadow of a controver- “We do not acknowledge the preceded by months of wrangling. sial conviction for embezzlement, published results,” he said on his Gowin led a conservative faction polled far more strongly than blog Monday. “They are fake,” he within the Civic Platform that projected with over 27.2 percent, added, noting he was ready to believed Tusk too liberal on issues but contended the results were hold talks with Sobyanin’s team. such as abortion and same-sex falsified and demanded a run-off. AFP partnerships. REUTERS

Fighting kills 60 in Central Africa

BANGUI: Central African loyalists infiltrated villages around the district of Bouca, on the road troops battled fighters loyal to Bossangoa destroying bridges and leading to Bossangoa, a military the ousted president yesterday other infrastructure and “taking source said. The clashes killed on the second day of clashes revenge against the Muslim popu- at least 10 people on Sunday in that have killed at least 60 peo- lation”, the presidency’s spokes- Bossangoa, including two local ple, one of the deadliest out- man Guy-Simplice Kodegue said. employees of the humanitarian breaks since a March coup. “At least 60 people were killed organisation ACTED. The fighting erupted on Sunday in these attacks,” he said. Michel The Paris-based NGO con- near Bossangoa, some 250km Djotodia, the man whose Seleka firmed the two deaths in a state- north of the capital Bangui, in the rebel group ousted Bozize in March, ment, stressing that the pair were home region of Francois Bozize, was sworn in last month as the involved in efforts to facilitate the who ruled the troubled nation for Christian-majority Central African evacuation of civilians affected 10 years until his overthrow six Republic’s first Muslim president. by the fighting and were clearly months ago. Yesterday morning, “heavy and identifiable as aid workers. Militiamen described as Bozize light arms fire” were heard in AFP TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Zardari’s legacy Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

T’S not often that Pakistan makes history on the democratic front. But this week, it was able to create one. On September 8, 2013, Asif Ali Zardari made The real threat to Pakistan Ihistory by becoming the first elected civilian president of the country to complete his constitutional tenure and to be replaced by an elected individual, Mamnoon Hussain. Completing a full term was also no small achievement for a isn’t terrorism, but energy man occasionally referred to as the ‘accidental president’. Zardari was catapulted to power on a sympathy wave after BY MICHAEL KUGELMAN the assassination of his wife Benazir Bhutto. lives at risk. Doctors report the crisis is blame their province’s water shortages Hussain was sworn in by chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad increasing stress and depression. on dams in upstream Punjab province. Chaudhry at a short ceremony which was also attended by T HAS been a bloody few weeks in Militants have naturally exploited Islamabad’s plans to expand generation Prime Minister Nawas Sharif. Zardari’s Pakistan People’s Pakistan, even by the country’s vio- Pakistan’s energy insecurity. In April, capacity by building more dams could Ilent standards. Sectarian extrem- the Pakistani Taliban destroyed the drive up tensions between Pakistan’s Party (PPP) had suffered a humiliating electoral defeat to the ists assaulted an open-air market. largest power station in Khyber- fractious provinces. Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) in May when Sharif Separatist militants executed bus pas- Pakhtunkhwa, the restive province This all has troubling implications was elected for a record third term as premier. sengers. Terrorists bombed a children’s bordering Pakistan’s tribal belt. Half for the United States, which has a Undoubtedly, luck had favoured Zardari in both his soccer game and a policeman’s funeral. of Peshawar, the provincial capital, strategic interest in a stable Pakistan. elevation to the position of president and in being able to A deadly jailbreak freed more than 200 lost power. Power shortages have also More unrest heightens the operational jihadis. And the nation’s capital went on sparked violent protest among ordinary challenges of the US withdrawal from complete his term, though allegations of corruption had lockdown after rumours of impending citizens. Rioters have attacked utility Afghanistan, which requires the use of tarnished his reputation in the past. But his was not a high-profile attacks. offices, law enforcement, banks, shops, Pakistani supply routes. lackluster performance in a country which is grappling with This unrelenting terror makes all and the homes and offices of ruling and During his recent trip to Pakistan, serious problems. He will be remembered as a president the more striking a recent statement opposition party politicians. Secretary of State John Kerry who strengthened the federation and stabilised democracy. by Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s water and The root cause of Pakistan’s power announced that US-funded projects Despite huge challenges, the power minister. Energy, he declared in crisis is a dysfunctional energy sec- have added more than 1,200 mega- an interview, is a greater challenge than tor that even Asif, the power minister, watts of power to the national grid. parliament was strengthened, and terrorism. admits is a “nightmare.” With multi- This is a mere sliver of Pakistan’s daily Asif Ali Zardari many laws were passed, especially Asif’s statement is striking — and ple ministries and agencies responsible demand, which averages 15,000 MW. to protect fundamental rights spot-on. Militancy grabs headlines for energy matters and no clear lines It hardly makes up for the estimated has made history and to ensure an independent internationally, of authority, the policymaking process 4,000 MW that would be generated by by becoming judiciary and independent election and it’s undoubt- is wholly uncoordinated. Inefficiency is a proposed gas pipeline with Iran, which commission. He must also be edly of grave rife; transmission and distribution losses Washington staunchly opposes. There’s the first elected concern. But have approached 30 percent. Finally, the only so much $1.5 billion in annual credited for leading his party at a Pakistan’s energy sector is burdened by so much debt that economic assistance for Pakistan — civilian president time of crisis. When Bhutto was More than crisis directly Pakistan literally can’t afford to provide authorised by Congress through next of Pakistan to killed, many had expected the anything else affects many energy. year — can do. PPP to remain in intensive care. more people than These are big problems, and solving Still, modest efforts are better than complete his full Though the party suffered a huge — corruption, the Taliban. More them will require big, politically risky none at all — and now is the right sectarianism, than anything moves: expanding Pakistan’s tax base, time to pursue them. Relations with term. defeat in recent elections, it’s still else — corruption, cracking down on theft and restruc- Islamabad have softened, and a broad- a powerful force in Pakistan’s inadequate public sectarianism, turing the power sector. Encouragingly, based strategic dialogue, suspended for politics. services — a inadequate public Pakistan’s new government has made several years, is expected to resume. On the other side, his term saw a rise in militancy and services — a lack energy its top priority, and proposed a Washington should use this opportunity a plummeting economy. He was also criticized for a record lack of power of power is desta- new national policy. to supplement its financing of high-cost 93 foreign trips he made during his term. He still has a is destabilising bilising Pakistan, Unfortunately, some of its correc- generation projects (such as dams) with a nuclear-armed tives could be as destabilising as the cheaper, smaller projects that subsidize blemished reputation due to charges of corruption and will Pakistan, a nation of 193 mil- crisis itself. The new energy policy calls electricity costs for the urban poor. have to face the consequences. nuclear-armed lion people. for emphasizing cheaper, unexploited President Barack Obama’s adminis- Hussain, the new president, has huge challenges ahead. Pakistanis — indigenous reserves. These include tration should also work with Pakistan A respected businessman from the financial capital of nation of 193 including those coal in Thar, an impoverished desert to establish a more welcoming envi- Karachi but with no political powerbase of his own, Hussain million people. in the militant- region in Sindh province. For decades, ronment for American energy inves- is Pakistan’s 12th president. He is a former president of the choked north- Pakistan has extracted natural gas from tors and entrepreneurs. A bilateral west — suffer as another arid, poor, resource-rich region: investment treaty, now under negotia- Karachi Chamber of Commerce and was briefly governor much as 20 hours of daily power out- Balochistan. Over time, the fruits of this tion, would be an excellent start. This of the southern province Sindh until Sharif’s second ages. Energy shortfalls have exceeded extraction have largely eluded locals, wouldn’t improve Pakistan’s security administration was deposed by the military. 40 percent of national demand and fuelling an anti-government insurgency situation or tax-to-GDP ratio, but it He will have to assist the government to tackle three most cost the country 4 percent of gross that blows up gas lines and severs elec- could strengthen intellectual property important challenges of the country: Taliban insurgency, domestic product. Hundreds of facto- tricity wires. rights. That would facilitate the entry of ries, including those in the dominant If Pakistan targets Thar’s coal fields, US technology, including solar-powered energy crisis and a sick economy. Being a close ally of Nawaz textile industry, have shut down, leav- the consequences could be similarly lanterns and electricity-independent Sharif, he will be able to strengthen the prime minister’s ing scores unemployed. Hospitals have explosive. Sindh is already embroiled sterilization technology for medical hands and overcome the challenges facing the country • had to curtail services, putting patients’ in natural resource disputes, as locals equipment. WP-BLOOMBERG The other side Quote of The effects of global warming the day ID global warming contribute Not every instance of bad weather phenomenon last year, very low Arctic less intensity and lower storm surge to the punishing heat wave is related to global warming. Of the 12 sea ice, “cannot be explained by natural than Sandy.” much of the country endured extreme weather events scientists stud- variability alone.” These findings, often expressed in Dduring the summer of 2012? ied, experts saw evidence of a climate- Sandy, meanwhile, was an unlucky percentages and probabilities, aren’t How about Superstorm Sandy? A group change component in only half. break, a big storm that slammed into as satisfying as sure proof linking one of 78 scientists led by experts from the One of them, though, was that 2012 New York during high tide, inundating effect to one clear cause. Get used to it; Who are we, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric heat wave: Global warming probably population-dense areas of the city. But, experts are still sorting out the best ways Europeans, to Administration (NOAA) last week gave factored into the magnitude of the highs. regardless of where the storm came to attribute weather events, and they their preliminary answers, releasing a One of the papers reckons that climate from, rising sea levels related to climate should be cautious. They also don’t offer demand that this series of peer-reviewed analyses on change was responsible for about 35 change make catastrophic flooding a total picture of the effects of climate event (World Cup) those and other major weather events percent of last year’s heat. “High tem- more likely; the probability of a Sandy- change on weather phenomena, let from last year. The picture they offer is of peratures, such as those experienced in like storm surge is already double what alone everything else. One thing NOAA has to cater to the a planet in which warming has boosted the U.S. in 2012, are now likely to occur it was in 1950. NOAA warns: “Ongoing is clear about, though, is that contin- the chances, in some cases significantly, four times as frequently due to human- natural and human-induced forcing ued warming will increase the frequency needs of 800 million that certain unwelcome weather or induced climate change,” NOAA notes, of sea level ensures that Sandy-level and severity of certain events, which will Europeans above all? weather-related disasters will occur. citing findings from a different paper in inundation events will occur more fre- require humans to adapt. Sepp Blatter its report on the same event. Another quently in the future from storms with The Washington Post FIFA President TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 What message will Assad understand? The Syrian president is no doubt willing to take some blows from the US for using chemical weapons on his people.

BY ROBERT M DANIN the narrow concern around chemical weapons.” first met Bashar Al Assad in his The primary goal of the resolution Damascus palace 10 years ago. In that the president proposed is deterring May 2003, I was part of a sen- the future use of chemical weapons or ior US government team that other weapons of mass destruction. went to Syria and told Assad to That may be the president’s message, Istop sending jihadists to Iraq to kill but Assad’s takeaway is sure to be dif- Americans; to stop supporting terrorist ferent. The Syrian leader will focus on groups in Syria, Lebanon and Palestine; the US’ self- imposed prohibitions on and to halt the development of weapons any military action — no US “boots on of mass destruction. the ground,” no effort to overthrow the US officials could not have been regime, no serious effort to tilt the bal- clearer as we dressed down the Syrian ance of power in Syria, no “long-term leader in his own home. Unfazed, he campaign.” politely denied the veracity of all of our And then he will sigh in relief. Assad allegations and asked for evidence. will take succour in Obama’s stated So, some months later, another team commitment to steps that “would be of US officials, including myself, trav- very limited and would not involve a elled to Damascus and went one step long-term commitment or a major oper- further, showing him incontrovertible ation.” And why not? This amounts to proof of the unacceptable behaviour saying that, other than using chemical that, we warned, he needed to stop weapons, Assad’s ruthless killing to date immediately. does not merit a US response. There was no ambiguity in our mes- The Syrian president is no doubt will- sage — or so we thought. ing to take some blows from the US But the message we thought we had for using chemical weapons on his own conveyed to Assad was not the one he people. Pro-Syrian demonstrators display placards with the image of Bashar Al Assad during a rally against possible military action against Syria. took away. Rather than feel frightened The Syrian regime can absorb such by our warning, Assad took comfort blows, just as it has taken other US has been called “the heaviest shore ratchet up his use of conventional weap- wants to send a message to Assad that from the fact that US officials went to strikes on the chin. bombardment since the Korean War.” ons against his own people, recognising he accurately understands, the US must the trouble of travelling to him to talk. In December 1983, the US Air Force Syria’s behaviour did not change, and that the international community has provide not only a credible response to From this, he deduced that his over- dispatched 28 fighter aircraft against US forces went home. been willing to avert its gaze from the his recent use of chemical weapons but riding concern — physical survival — Syrian military positions in Lebanon Amid Syria’s brutal civil war, lim- deaths of more than 100,000 Syrians also make him believe that response is was no longer a worry: The US wasn’t after the Syrians fired surface-to-air ited US air strikes in the coming weeks since 2011. part of a larger strategy to compel him going to topple him as it just had missiles at US aircraft. are likely to be used by Assad to rally Such a scenario would nonetheless to stop slaughtering his own people — Saddam Hussein in neighbouring Iraq. At the time, the Pentagon said the nationalist sentiment, both at home and allow the US to declare its limited by any means. This episode is worth recalling as goal was to prevent further targeting in the wider Middle East, against the objectives fulfilled. Such an approach would require a the country assesses what, if anything, of US reconnaissance flights. But it foreign “terrorist forces” and imperial- The alternative to such a limited US commitment to doing more than to do about Syria. President Barack didn’t work. Syrian anti-aircraft fire ists he has blamed for Syria’s violence. approach that allows Assad to win the limited strikes against facilities related Obama has outlined his key objective shot down two US jets. The use of US military force might battle of perceptions is not a US ground to chemical weapons. But it is the only in a military strike as sending a “shot In February 1984, the US pounded prompt Assad to halt further chemical- invasion. message Assad will understand. across the bow” so that Assad will “meet Syrian targets from warships in what weapon attacks, but he would probably But if the Obama administration WP-BLOOMBERG

Labour party must be Prodding Iran on human rights ready for next generation If Iran’s clerics are BY TOM WATSON told that a selective can still remember my first party card, proudly handed to me by Mum for my 15th birthday — a coming of age that showed reading of international I knew my class and tribe. But we have to accept that these I totemic expressions of belonging are not as potent for the next, digital generation, whose members expect parties to work harder law is acceptable, they for their loyalty. The Labour party does need to reform in order to be relevant to that generation. We need to build a party that sets out a sense of will feel free to violate long-term national purpose and mobilises broad political support. To govern effectively in the digital age will require a Labour party their arms-control working with lots of other organisations to build coalitions for real change. This is not solely a challenge for the party I love, but for politics as a whole. And with 24-hour political news coverage, it is obligations when they impossible to have an internal debate about this challenge without the inevitable headlines about party splits. become inconvenient. But if we are going to make politics relevant and real again, I believe there are only two options that stand a chance. Parties must either broaden their bases — becoming more pluralist and actively BY RAY TAKEYH engaging members in innovative ways — or change the electoral system to allow smaller parties into parliament. The results of the ith Iran’s new President, AV referendum do not bode well for the latter. Hassan Rowhani, proclaiming There is an unwise third option, preferred by David Cameron: to that he seeks not just greater Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rowhani. do nothing. It’s tempting for a prime minister to make this choice Wnuclear transparency but also because the effects will not be felt on their watch. But the result of a more tolerant society, Washington is once consistently pointing to congressional con- country could never truly join the interna- inaction — membership decline, electoral disengagement, civic insti- more contemplating an overture to Iran. The cerns could go a long way toward convincing tional community unless it stopped abusing tutions withdrawing from political debate — would be to decrease critical question is what role Congress will the Iranians that their international ostra- its citizens. parliamentary legitimacy. play. cism and economic distress cannot be fully More so than the arms race, it was the Reform of the Labour party must not be reduced to a debate about In recent years, the US legislative branch mitigated unless Iran improves its human steady drumbeat of human rights advo- opting in or opting out of trade union affiliation. That would be to has focused largely on sanctions, which have rights record. cates that subverted the entrenched Soviet miss the point and to scupper the opportunity — it is the tactics of done much to undermine Iran’s economy. There are a number of views of the rela- officialdom and sensitised a new genera- mid-level media managers. What we need is a strategy. Now Congress should complement its sanc- tionship between arms control and human tion of Russian leaders to prevailing global I think it is important the Labour party retains a clear and seri- tions policy with more sustained attention rights. Some suggest that, given the advances conventions. ous link to organised labour. Unions have always provided a pool of to Iran’s human rights transgressions and of Iran’s nuclear program, it is important to By ignoring Iran’s atrocious human rights people who learn how to represent and debate — outside the party establish an Iran Human Rights Committee. focus on that issue and not complicate the record, Western diplomats are subtly convey- machine — and who could then challenge the dominance of intel- Congress would be smart to take a page negotiating process. ing the impression that it is permissible for lectuals in the party. Unions brought organisation and campaign out of its Cold War playbook and model such Some veterans of the Reagan administra- Iran to violate certain international norms if support too. a committee on the Helsinki Commission, tion say that it is possible to pursue both an it adheres to its proliferation commitments. When you join Labour, you’re still joining a movement that which helped empower dissident forces in expansive arms-control agenda and a delib- If Iran’s clerical leaders are told that a stretches beyond the narrow definition of political party. And that the Soviet bloc. An Iran Human Rights erate human rights campaign. selective reading of international law is means building a place where everyone can feel at home, where Committee could highlight the Islamic In their telling, the Reagan experience acceptable, they will feel free to violate their decisions are dealt with transparently and people are given a fair republic’s provocations as well as suggest demonstrates that the two tracks need not arms-control obligations when they become hearing. Our sense of mutual responsibility should be at the heart benchmarks for improved behaviour. contradict each other. inconvenient. of our culture. The theocratic regime in Tehran violates For many reasons, pursuing a human Sanctions-induced economic duress may Still, we must find more ways to work in partnership with civic not just universal norms of human rights — rights agenda would be the best means of compel Tehran to sign a nuclear agreement, institutions. Look at the incredible work of Maurice Glasman, pulling on torture, wrongful imprisonment and fair ensuring that Iran complies with its arms- but given the perspective of its elite, it can together faith and community groups to use their power to improve judicial processes — but also its own consti- control obligations. be counted on to violate that accord when the lives of those around them. He wants to give power back to people tutional provisions promising civic freedom The experience of dealing with the Soviet its financial plight eases. in their communities by building new institutions. Yet talk to the and the rule of law. Union can prove constructive. Washington In a perverse manner, the Western dip- average Labour political adviser these days and Glasman is dismissed. Government censorship of the media and pursued an arms-control agenda for decades lomats who avoid the issue of human rights Unions need to think about their potential role in a wider move- the prevention of peaceful assembly are simi- but achieved a realistic breakthrough only are contributing to the Iranian mentality ment, involving civic and faith groups and other non-state institu- larly frowned upon. And it is a disgrace that after Mikhail Gorbachev came to power. that views international norms as a menu tions. The nascent Bank of Salford is just such a venture. Here is an Mostafa Pourmohammadi, a shadowy intel- That’s when the Soviet Union proved a of options to be rejected or accepted at one’s example of a union collaborating with other organisations to create ligence operator who was a pivotal figure in reliable negotiating partner, reducing its discretion. a new institution for the future. a 1988 massacre of Iranian prisoners, has nuclear arsenal and scrupulously adhering Rowhani needs new thinking on a spec- Labour is working with the Chicago activist Arnie Graf to implant become justice minister. to its agreements. trum of issues, not just a different nuclear a new culture at the heart of the party. It’s bottom up, it values US diplomats should include discussions of In retrospect, the Helsinki process, policy. By emphasising human rights, collaboration and self-help, develops new activists who never stop human rights in all of their encounters with launched in the 1970s, was instrumental in Congress could take an important step listening, and creates lasting partnerships with civic actors outside Iranian officials. Persistent congressional conditioning a segment of the Soviet elite toward convincing yet another recalcitrant the party. It’s more exciting than a stale debate about the Labour pressure could offer important leverage in about what was required to be a respected elite that the price of full admission to the rulebook. It is going to build Labour’s base and give the country a diplomatic dealings with Iran. global actor. international community is not merely new sense of purpose. But as we broaden our reach to new institu- In essence, the task is to convince Tehran Gorbachev and his close aides seem to restraining its nuclear ambitions but also tions and movements, what is needed is more affiliation — more that more humane treatment of its citi- have been affected by the Helsinki critique of mending its ways at home. co-operation — to challenge the party’s internal machine. Not less. zens is in its national interest. US officials the Soviet Union and appreciated that their WP-BLOOMBERG THE GUARDIAN TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Bill Gates, five Lawmakers undecided on Syria vote scientists win Obama ramps up lobbying blitz Lasker Awards

WASHINGTON: US President believing that President Bashar NEW YORK: Two scientists Barack Obama ramped up an Al Assad’s regime gassed its own who illuminated how brain cells intensive lobbying blitz yesterday people. communicate, three researchers to convince a sceptical Congress Almost six in 10 of the 1,022 who developed implants that let to support US military strikes adults questioned -- 59 percent deaf people hear and philanthro- against Syria, even as lawmakers — said Congress should not pass pists Bill and Melinda Gates have criticised the administration’s a resolution authorising even lim- won prestigious Lasker Awards approach and proposed alterna- ited military action against Syria, for medical research and contri- tive resolutions. a CNN/ORC International poll butions to public health. Obama planned six television found. More than seven in 10 said The Albert and Mary Lasker interviews, and was due to visit any such strike would not achieve Foundation announced the the Capitol today to speak directly significant US goals or serve US recipients of the $250,000 prizes to lawmakers before making a national interests. yesterday. The awards will be pre- nationally televised address from And even if Congress author- sented on September 20 in New the White House in the evening. ises military action against Syria, York City. The Gateses won the The intensifying public offen- a 55-percent majority would still public service award “for lead- sive comes ahead of a crucial oppose air strikes against Syrian ing a historic transformation in Senate test vote tomorrow military targets. Without con- the way we view the globe’s most whether to authorise military gressional support, the oppo- pressing health concerns and action in Syria, in response to last nents increased to 71 percent of improving the lives of millions of month’s chemical weapons attack respondents. the world’s most vulnerable,” the against Syrian civilians. However, most of those ques- Lasker foundation said. They have Some members of Congress tioned -- 57 percent — said their donated more than $26bn to their say Obama has lost support for representative’s vote in Congress philanthropic foundation. a strike over the last week. Mike would not make a difference in The Lasker clinical medical Rogers, the Republican chair- how they voted in upcoming 2014 research award will be shared man of the House Intelligence mid-term elections. The mid- by Graeme Clark, an emeritus Committee and a supporter term polls are usually dominated A group of Syrian Americans rally in favour of proposed US military action against the Bashar Al Assad regime, professor at the University of of strikes, said yesterday that by domestic issues. The CNN poll outside the US Capitol in Washington, yesterday. Melbourne in Australia, Ingeborg Obama had “fumbled” the mes- had a sampling error of plus or Hochmair of the company sage on Syria and faced a critical minus three percentage points. against the measure supporting Representative Chris van this time, the US would work to MED-EL in Innsbruck, Austria, moment. A separate poll of lawmak- military action — with 28 voicing Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, build international support and and Blake Wilson of Duke “Mr President, lay out the ers by USA Today found that support and 28 saying they are said he was writing a resolution create a global response on the University in North Carolina, case. It’s an important case for Obama faces a daunting task on against such a resolution. with Democrat Gerald Connolly use of chemical weapons in Syria,” for developing the modern coch- the future national security of Capitol Hill. Only a small fraction A Washington Post count of of Virginia that would be more Heitkamp said. lear implant. More than 320,000 this country. You’re right on your of the 533 US lawmakers — just support on the Hill found 25 sena- narrow than the Senate resolu- Ben Rhodes, deputy national people around the world use the decision, now show Americans 22 senators and 22 representa- tors were in favour, 17 opposed, tion. He said the resolution would security adviser, said the admin- implants for severe hearing loss, why you believe it’s right,” Rogers tives — said they will support the 10 leaning no and 50 undecided, “make it absolutely clear that the istration had been open to work- the foundation said. said on MSNBC. “And when he use of military force against the while in the House, 25 represent- only purpose of military action is ing with Congress on aspects of The Lasker award for basic does that, I think we’re going to Assad regime. Overall, 19 senators atives were in favour, 111 against, to deter Assad from future use of the authorising resolution but medical research will be shared get votes.” and 130 members of the House 116 leaning no and 181 undecided. chemical weapons”. lawmakers needed “to act with a by Richard Scheller of the bio- Lawmakers from both parties of Representatives said they will The Senate Foreign Relations Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a sense of urgency”. “The votes will tech company Genentech and worry even limited strikes could oppose a resolution authoris- Committee narrowly passed a res- North Dakota Democrat, said be there to act in the defence of Dr. Thomas Sudhof of Stanford lead to another prolonged US mil- ing military action. But a broad olution last week that prohibited she was working with Democrat the national security interests of University. With research they itary commitment in the Middle majority of lawmakers in both the insertion of US ground com- Joe Manchin of West Virginia on the United States,” Rhodes said began independently in the late East and spark a broader conflict. houses of Congress said they bat troops in Syria and limited an alternative that would give the on MSNBC, adding the videos of 1980s, they unraveled details of A poll showed yesterday that remained undecided. the intervention to a maximum Assad government 45 days to sign suffering victims of the chemical how brain cells release chemical the American public strongly Even among Obama’s fel- of 90 days. But with the hunt on an international chemical weap- attacks that were distributed to messengers to communicate with opposes a US military interven- low Democrats, lawmakers said for more votes, other alternatives ons ban and begin the process of lawmakers would help sway them. each other. tion in Syria, despite a majority they were as likely to vote for as were being explored. turning over its weapons. “During AGENCIES AP

US ‘tapped’ networks of Google, Petrobras British unions vote to back HS2 plans unrealistic: Report SAO PAULO: The US govern- to show new agents how to spy on ment tapped into computer net- private computer networks. strikes over pay LONDON: The government’s works of firms including Google In addition to Google and Petrobras plan for a high-speed rail- Inc and Brazilian state-run oil firm the presentation suggested the NSA LONDON: British unions way connecting London with Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras), had tapped into systems operated voted yesterday to back a Birmingham, Manchester and according to leaked US documents by France’s foreign ministry and the campaign of coordinated Leeds is beset by spiralling costs, aired by Globo, Brazil’s biggest tel- Society for Worldwide Interbank strike action against a a lack of expertise and unrealis- evision network. Financial Telecommunication, an public sector pay cap tic delivery timetables, a parlia- Globo said the agency had also international bank cooperative known imposed by the coalition mentary report has concluded. spied on major companies. It showed as Swift, through which many interna- government. The public accounts committee slides from an NSA presentation, tional financial transactions take place. At the Trades Unions (PAC) says the Department for dated May 2012, that it said was used AFP Congress conference in Transport has “not yet presented Bournemouth, unions a convincing case” for building the backed a motion calling £50bn HS2 project, which will take for “support for necessary 20 years to complete in two phases. industrial action, co-ordi- The project, which received nated across sectors where support from David Cameron possible” to end the pay cap. during his G20 trip last week, In March, Chancellor has been panned by the commit- An anti-high speed rail project (HS2) banner is seen nailed to a fence post George Osborne that tee, which found that £185m had near the village of Pickmere, northern England, yesterday. announced a freeze on pub- already been spent on consultants lic sector wage rises, limit- — a figure that is expected to rise urged doubters to “think big”. passing HS2 legislation by March ing increases to an average to £500m by the time building The report heavily criticises the 2015 as “unrealistic and overly of 1 percent, would be work begins in early 2016. department’s predictions for the ambitious”, the committee pre- extended until 2015-16. Pointing to the fiasco surround- project’s benefits. It finds that dicted that each month legislation A series of union lead- ing the franchise award of the after overestimating economic is delayed will cost £7m-£10m. ers spoke out against the Westcoast mainline in October, benefits by £8bn through a dou- Transport secretary Patrick pay freezes, falling wages the 56-page report, published ble-counting error, the depart- McLoughlin rejected the PAC and the general impact of yesterday, says the department ment has forecast smaller rises findings, insisting that the case the government’s austerity is suffering from a “shortage of in commuter numbers than was “absolutely clear” and that programme yesterday, as the commercial skills it needs expected. These latest figures without HS2, key rail routes Osborne announced Britain’s to protect taxpayers’ interests” have yet to be taken into account would be “overwhelmed” by rising economy had turned a corner and noted that costs for the first by HS2 planners and would push passenger numbers. “The project and was recovering. phase of the project had risen by down estimated economic gains. will free up vital space on our rail- Thousands of public sec- almost £5bn to £21.4bn. “So far the department has ways for passengers and freight, tor workers staged a coordi- On Friday, the prime min- made decisions based on fragile generate hundreds of thousands nated walkout in a protest ister threw his weight behind numbers, out-of-date data and of jobs, and deliver better con- over pension reforms in the plans, saying that he was assumptions which do not reflect nections between our towns and December 2011. “passionately in favour” of the real life,” it said. cities,” he said. REUTERS multibillion-pound scheme, and Describing the deadline for GUARDIAN NEWS

Former BBC boss defends severance payments

LONDON: Former BBC Director him reduce costs by at least £35m. Thompson’s successor, George Entwistle, General Mark Thompson, now chief exec- “In 2010, I believed ... that we had to do resigned in July 2012 to take responsibility utive of the New York Times Company, something very significant and very rapidly for a BBC news report which falsely accused yesterday defended large severance pay- to reduce the numbers and also the aggre- a former politician of child abuse. ments to senior BBC bosses that he said gate pay of senior managers at the BBC,” Thompson, a 56-year-old Oxford graduate, had ultimately helped the publicly funded said Thompson, who quit the BBC last year was grilled by lawmakers over £949,000 worth broadcaster cut costs. to join the New York Times Company as of payments to his deputy, Mark Byford, who British lawmakers are trying to understand chief executive officer and president. left the BBC in 2011 with what the National why Thompson sanctioned payments of at Chairwoman Hodge said she cherished Audit Office said was the largest BBC sev- least £1.4m ($2.19m) beyond contractual obli- the BBC as a broadcaster but its manage- erance payment. Byford received a £474,500 gations to senior BBC managers during the ment had dismayed the British licence fee redundancy payment and £474,500 in pay in lieu last three years of his 2004-2012 watch. payer — who has to pay £145.50 a year if of notice. Byford, who had 31 years of service, “I do not think we lost the plot,” Thompson they use a colour television — by making could not be immediately reached for comment. said when asked by the chairwoman of parlia- such large severance payments. “The cur- “An ordinary worker on average earnings ment’s Public Accounts Committee, Margaret rent arrangements under which the BBC would have to work 40 years to earn the mil- Hodge, about what she called “grossly exces- operates are bewildering. They are complex lion pounds which Byford got as his redun- sive severance payments”. The payments, he and they are confusing and they do very lit- dancy pay — in those circumstances you said, represented value for money. tle to help the licence fee payer understand can understand the sort of disgust ordinary Thompson said severance payments to who they can hold to account,” Hodge said. licence fee payers feel about their contribution senior managers — which cost the BBC The severance payment row comes after a being used in this way,” Hodge said. £25m from 2009 to 2012 — ultimately helped tumultuous year for the BBC during which REUTERS TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 ASIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 China school explosion kills two, injures 44 Motorcycle explodes as students arrive at main gate

BEIJING: An explosion outside A man and a woman were sitting on the ground bleeding. a primary school in China killed killed immediately and 44 were A local official in Lingchaun two people and injured 44 yes- injured, including 11 who were County, where the explosion terday, most of them schoolchil- in a serious condition, Xinhua occurred, confirmed the death dren, state-run media said. quoted police as saying. toll to AFP without offering fur- The blast in Guilin, in the The news agency earlier said ther details. Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous the injured included 26 pupils Police in Guilin have begun a Region in the south, occurred and two infants, who were taken search for illegal explosives in as a man riding a motorcycle to a military hospital in Guilin, the city, Xinhua said. passed by the school’s main gate with five of them in critical China has been hit by a number while children were arriving for condition. of attacks on schoolchildren in classes, China’s official Xinhua Local reports said that the recent years, including a spate of news agency said. motorcycle driver died in the five incidents in 2010 that killed “First, the motorcycle caught explosion. 15 children and two adults and fire and then exploded with a Pictures posted online wounded more than 80. tremendous noise that could be showed the mangled remains The attacks have led schools to heard from far, far away,” a wit- of a three wheeled motorcycle step-up safety precautions, mak- ness told Xinhua. on the ground and another two ing it harder for would-be attack- Damaged motorbikes and debris lie on the ground after an explosion outside a primary school in Guilin, southwest The cause of the explosion was wheeled vehicle in flames outside ers to enter. China’s Guangxi province, yesterday, not clear. the school, with several people AFP N Korea leader presides Japan dismantles stranded tsunami ship TOKYO: Workers in Japan it was a painful reminder of the 50m yen ($500,000) dismantling area to help them understand over second parade yesterday began scrapping a horror of March 2011. A recent bill. “I personally feel such disas- what happened and how it is still large fishing boat that was opinion poll found nearly 70 per- ter remains should be preserved affecting those whose lives or live- SEOUL: North Korea held its carrying brightly coloured flowers swept far inland by the 2011 cent of locals wanted it gone, so so that we can keep our memories lihoods were ruined. second mass parade in little in the pattern of a giant national tsunami and became one of the officials ordered it be broken up of the tsunami alive as a bitter but Japan’s Jiji Press news agency more than a month yesterday, flag. It was the second big parade most poignant symbols of the and scrapped. important lesson,” said Shunsuke quoted the ship’s owner as saying: with leader Kim Jong-Un pre- in little more than a month, but disaster. Television footage showed local Kumagai, an official at the city’s “I apologise for troubling disaster siding over a display of goose- unlike July 27 -- the 60th anni- A ceremony to bless the ship people and visitors looking on as tourist information centre. sufferers with the presence of the stepping paramilitary troops, versary of the end of the Korean was held nearby before workers construction workers began driv- “But it can’t be helped as the ship, but it helped show the dan- marching bands and flower- War -- there was relatively lit- began dismantling the 60-metre ing stakes into the ground to erect feeling of a majority of residents gers of the tsunami.” waving civilians. tle military hardware on display, (200-foot) vessel, said officials noise baffles around the vessel. is more important than anything The stranded vessel was swept Leading the parade was the with no drive-by of tank units or in the city of Kesennuma, which “I don’t know if it should be else. around 500 metres (yards) inland Worker-Peasant Red Guard -- a long-range missiles. was flattened when huge waves scrapped or not. I have mixed “However, there still are many by the tsunami on March 11, 2011, civilian militia with an estimated A few rocket launchers were rushed ashore. feelings,” a female visitor from other structures here showing and survived a subsequent fire strength of more than three mil- included among the goose-step- The No 18 Kyotoku-maru had Hokkaido, northern Japan, told the power of the tsunami. By that engulfed the small city on lion active members. ping formations of militia men become a much-visited site in the Tokyo Broadcasting System encouraging visits to such places, Japan’s northeast coast. At the start of the ceremony, and women, but otherwise the city, and a place to pay homage Television. we can explain the full extent of Since then, the partially tens of thousands of guards event was dominated by wave to some of the more-than 18,000 The work is scheduled to finish the horror of the disaster to many charred blue and red vessel has gathered in tight formation in after wave of patriotic floats, giant people who perished. by October 19, officials said, while people.” rested in the middle of a residen- Pyongyang’s Kim Il-Sung square, portraits of the leadership and Some in the local community local media reported the raw The information centre now tial district, drawing visitors who with hundreds of thousands flag- and flower-waving civilians. had wanted to preserve the ship materials salvaged from the ship organises a “disaster tour” where pray and leave flowers at the site. more civilians in the background AFP as a monument, but others found will be recycled to part pay the survivors take visitors around the AFP Mount Lokon erupts Japan sends HK electric bus 14 hurt as plane skids jets to islands TOKYO: Japan scrambled in drive against fighter jets yesterday after an unidentified drone flew near pollution off runway in Bangkok Tokyo-controlled islands at the centre of a bitter dis- HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s BANGKOK: A Thai Airways said in a statement. “The captain pute with China, a Defence first battery-powered public plane skidded off the runway in took control of the aircraft until Ministry spokesman said. It bus took to the streets yester- Bangkok after the landing gear it came to a complete stop and was the first reported inci- day as part of a drive against malfunctioned, slightly injur- passengers were evacuated from dent of its kind. Japan’s Air the city’s choking pollution. ing more than a dozen passen- the aircraft emergency exits. Self-Defence Force sent an Chief executive Leung Chun- gers as they evacuated the jet, The operation was conducted unspecified number of jets ying has pledged to make pol- the airline said yesterday. by the captain and cabin crew to the area, the official said, lution one of his top priorities The Airbus A330-300 was seen strictly according to emergency adding the drones did not during his five-year term, with resting on grass next to the run- procedures.” enter Japanese airspace. an official report saying it was way at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi About 14 people were slightly He said the nationality of the “greatest daily health risk” Airport with its evacuation injured when they escaped the drone was not clear, but to the city’s residents. slides still deployed and the Thai down the emergency slides, added that it came from the The new single decker bus Airways name and logo hastily Thai Airways president Sorajak northwest and was last seen revealed yesterday was manu- covered up. Kasemsuvan told local television. flying back in that direction. factured by Chinese automaker A spokeswoman for the air- The incident forced the clo- BYD and is powered by lithium line said concealing the name sure of one of two runways at Uzbekistan and iron phosphate batteries that and logo after an accident was Bangkok’s main international take three hours to charge and a measure previously agreed by gateway, causing delays of about China sign deal give the vehicle a range of about members of the Star Alliance 15 minutes for inbound flights 180 kilometres (110 miles). international network of airlines. and 30 minutes for departing TASHKENT: Uzbekistan The same company produced The carrier said 288 pas- flights, according to air traffic President Islam Karimov and the southern Chinese city’s sengers and 14 crew members controllers. Chinese President Xi Jinping first electric taxis, which were were on board the flight from The airline said it would take yesterday signed agreements launched in May. Guangzhou in southern China about 24 hours to remove the worth $15bn in key sectors, Secretary for the Environment when it suffered a landing prob- aircraft. including the exploitation of Wong Kam-shing said the gov- lem late on Sunday. Airbus said in a statement that oil, gas, and uranium fields ernment was investing HK$180m “Sparks were noticed from the it had sent a team of experts to in the Central Asian state. ($23m) in the pilot scheme over vicinity of the right landing gear support the investigation into the In the latest stop on Xi’s tour the next year, helping to subsi- near the engine; the matter is cause of the incident. of Central Asia, President dise the purchase of 36 electric under investigation,” the airline AFP Karimov praised his energy- buses that will be run by private Mount Lokon spews volcanic ash as it erupts in Tomohon, North Sulawesi rich country’s growing companies. Province, Indonesia, yesterday. ties with China which he “The long term goal is towards described as the locomotive of zero emissions along the road- the world economy. side,” he told a press confer- ence, without giving a timeframe Bribery: Cops for the expansion of the pilot Khmer Rouge court hit by new resignation scheme. plead not guilty Kowloon Motor Bus, the larg- PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s years amid allegations of govern- officials and donors were work- Number Two” Nuon Chea, 87, est operator involved in the trial troubled Khmer Rouge war ment meddling. Cayley, however, ing to resolve the budget crisis. and former head of state Khieu KUALA LUMPUR: Two scheme, said it would take time crimes court suffered a new said his decision was unrelated “But so far, there is no solu- Samphan, 82, -- are on trial for police officers pleaded and money if it was going to setback yesterday with the to the court’s woes. tion yet,” he said. war crimes, genocide and crimes not guilty in the Sessions transform its fleet of 3,800 buses, resignation of a key prosecu- “It’s really personal circum- UN chief Ban Ki-moon against humanity. Court here yesterday to a with each battery-run vehicle tor -- the latest in a string stances. I am not leaving out warned last month that the The court is currently in charge of agreeing to accept costing about HK$5m ($644,700) of departures from the of frustration with the court “very survival of the court is now recess and preparing to hear a RM4,000 bribe from a “Battery powered bus is still a UN-backed tribunal. at all,” the British lawyer, who in question”. closing statements in the first woman seeking the release new technology,” KMB managing The announcement came as a was appointed to the role in The tribunal has been fre- part of the trial in mid October. of her husband from custody. director Ho Tat-man said. strike by court staff over unpaid December 2009, said. quently short of cash since it was Led by Pol Pot, who died Assistant Superintendent “We still need to collect a lot wages entered a second week, At the same time he voiced set up in 2006 to seek justice for in 1998, the Khmer Rouge S Ravintharan, 50, and of operating data from the front- threatening to disrupt a high- concern about the cash crunch the deaths of up to two million wiped out nearly a quarter of Inspector Suriati Mohd line for us to do detailed analysis, profile trial of two former top at the tribunal, whose 250 people under the brutal commu- Cambodia’s population through Shafie, 31, are charged and to get customer feedback.” regime leaders from the “Killing Cambodian workers, including nist Khmer Rouge regime from starvation, overwork or execu- with agreeing to accept A study by the University of Fields” era in the late 1970s. judges and prosecutors, have not 1975-79. tion in a bid to create an agrar- the bribe from Nurullizean Hong Kong showed pollution- International co-prosecutor been paid since June. The UN pays for the interna- ian utopia. Yahya to release her hus- related illnesses killed more Andrew Cayley said in a state- “Of course, the financial situ- tional workers while the salaries So far the UN-backed court band, Tchouanseu Tchounga than 3,000 residents a year in ment that he was leaving for ation of the court is frustrating of the local staff are the respon- has achieved one conviction, Armand, a Cameroon the financial hub, with environ- “personal reasons”. to all of us,” Cayley said. sibility of the Cambodian gov- sentencing a former prison chief national detained for sus- mental groups blaming traffic It follows the resignation of Court spokesman Neth ernment, with both sides relying to life in jail for overseeing the pected involvement in a rob- emissions as the main source of three international lawyers and Pheaktra said the UN, the on international donors. deaths of some 15,000 people. bery case. AGENCIES the pollution. AFP two judges over the past two Cambodian government, tribunal Two defendants -- “Brother AFP TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PHILIPPINES Muslim rebels in stand-off with army Six people killed, 20 hostages taken as 300 extremists attempt to derail peace talks with government

ZAMBOANGA: Philippine belongings, ABS-CBN footage it marginalised his group and a troops were locked in a stand- showed. peace treaty it signed in 1996. off with hundreds of Muslim “They were trying to march Rommel Banlaoi, executive gunmen who killed six people on the city hall and we cannot director of the Manila-based and took at least 20 hostages in allow that,” military spokes- security think-tank Philippine the south yesterday in a bid to man Lieutenant-Colonel Ramon Institute for Peace, Violence, derail peace talks. Zagala said of the gunmen, adding and Terrorism Research, said Armoured troops sur- that two had been arrested. the action was likely designed to rounded the southern port city Zamboanga mayor Maria sabotage the peace talks. of Zamboanga after between 200 Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said two “Misuari’s motive is to convey and 300 Moro National Liberation security forces and four civilians a message... (that) the signing of Front (MNLF) gunmen entered had been killed, 24 people were the peace agreement between the six coastal villages on its outskirts wounded, and 1,500 others fled government and the Milf will no before dawn, the military said. their homes. At least 20 people longer guarantee the end of war,” “We want an independent had been taken hostage and were Banlaoi said. The gunmen identi- Mindanao,” one of the gunmen, being used as “human shields”, fied have been linked to Habier Asamin Hussin, told local ABS- Zagala said. Malik, Misuari’s top lieutenant, CBN television, referring to the President Benigno Aquino said Philippine military spokes- southern third of the mainly denounced the deadly attack and man Brigadier-General Domingo Catholic nation. sent his top security advisers to Tutaan. The attack came as the gov- the former Spanish colonial port The gunmen have not made any ernment and the Moro Islamic to handle the crisis, his spokes- demands apart from their wish to Liberation Front (Milf), which man Edwin Lacierda said. raise their flag at Zamboanga city split from MNLF in 1978, pre- “The authorities are respond- hall, he added. pared to resume peace talks ing to the situation in a manner Jose Lorena, a senior Aquino aimed at ending a 42-year-old that will reduce the risk to inno- adviser on the peace talks, dis- Govt forces take positions to confront MNLF rebels in Zamboanga City yesterday. rebellion that has claimed 150,000 cent civilians and restore peace missed Misuari’s concerns yester- lives. and order to Zamboanga City day, said that the group had been on his forces to “surround and He was held in a police camp However, analyst Banlaoi said: The city of nearly one million at the soonest possible time,” fed “misinformation”. secure all military, police and all near Manila until 2008, when the “The fear now is Misuari could people woke to loud pre-dawn Lacierda said. “It is an inclusive process, not other installations”. government dropped all charges create one united front along explosions as security forces The long-running Muslim just MNLF or Milf. Whether we In 2001 his men took dozens of against him. Military officials say with other threat (armed) groups exchanged fire with the gun- insurgency in the Philippines has like it or not, there is only one hostages and left many more dead Misuari no longer commands all against the Philippines.” men, who were still holding their led to a proliferation of armed people and one area,” Lorena in Zamboanga and in nearby Jolo of the MNLF, which has splin- Mindanao is also a hotbed of ground as night fell. groups that have left parts of added. island, his home base. tered into a number of groups. Islamic militants behind deadly Heavily armed soldiers and Mindanao in a constant state of Yesterday’s attack marked the The MNLF later freed all the “We do not support this. This bombings and kidnappings of police streamed into the streets lawlessness. second time that Misuari had hostages after several days, in is about power. This independence westerners, as well as a Milf firing machine guns at the rebels, MNLF chairman Nur Misuari publicly repudiated the 1996 peace exchange for free passage out thing is maybe secondary,” Abdul faction called the Bangsamoro sending terrified residents run- has criticised a preliminary peace deal. of the city as Misuari fled to Sahrin, secretary-general of a Islamic Freedom Fighters which ning from their homes clutch- deal signed last year by the gov- Last month, declaring inde- Malaysia, where he was arrested rival MNLF faction, told ABS- opposes peace talks. ing small children and scant ernment and the Milf, saying pendence in Mindanao, he called and deported. CBN in an interview. AFP

Manila gets top Extremists mobilise MNLF cries harassment over ‘attack’ OECD ratings PARIS: The Philippines MANILA: The Moro National The clash has spread to the vil- inside their houses or cars as a is the only emerging Asian fighters in Malaysia Liberation Front (MNLF) lages of Lustre and Sta Barbara, result of their own fear, especially nation with strong business denied that its members where at least 20 people have been those inside the convergence zone,” cycle momentum, the OECD MANILA: The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has attacked villages in Zamboanga reportedly taken hostage by the the MNLF added. Petalcorin said Development Centre said activated some 4,000 foreign trained Tausug fighters embedded City, claiming that their forces MNLF group led by Haber Malik, they have “no idea” about the yesterday. Chinese growth in Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysia, group spokesman Emmanuel were harassed by the Philippine a Moro rebel commander identi- reported attack yesterday. was now returning to trend, Fontanilla said yesterday. Navy yesterday morning. fied with former ARMM governor The Zamboanga City meriting a “Stay the same” Fontanilla said the mobilisation of the fighters was aimed to protect Lawywer Emmanuel Fontanilla, Nur Misuari. Government said in its official reading for the business Tausugs, who he claimed have been the subject of a crackdown by MNLF spokesperson, said in an In its Facebook account, the Twitter account that certain cycle, after a slowdown that Malaysian authorities. He said the MNLF fighters were in addition interview on ANC that their MNLF denied that an attack was residents still remain trapped at had weakened momentum to the Sulu Sultanate Army led by Agbimuddin Kiram, the brother of members arrived in Zamboanga initiated and that civilians were Baranagay Sta Catalina where across Asean nations. India Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, leading the armed struggle to reclaim City for a peace rally when they taken as hostages. some MNLF members are report- had a “weak” business cycle their ancestral land in Sabah. were allegedly harassed by the “Media published it as an edly stationed. It added that 11 reading with growth below MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari had declared Sarawak and naval personnel. “The other ‘ATTACK’. The truth is, there MNLF members were confirmed trend in latest Asian Business Sabah as part of the Bangsa Moro Republik (BMR). party has approached and har- was no ‘ATTACK’ because there arrested by the Zamboanga City Cycle Indicators report. Fontanilla however clarified the MNLF fighters in Malaysia will act assed some groups of the MNLF are no shootings yet,” the MNLF Police Office. Singapore and Malaysia were only in self-defence against any attack from Malaysian forces. and unfortunately, there was an said in its Facebook page main- Zamboanga City Mayor Beng rated as stable; Indonesia Fontanilla declined to elaborate how the armed group, called the encounter,” said Fontanilla. tained by John Petalcorin, the Climaco has also convened a cri- and Thailand had weak rat- Bangsa Moro Army in Malaysia, was “activated,” but a source revealed Reports said Philippine Navy group’s director for advocacy sis management meeting. Climaco ings. The OECD said the key at least five countries are supporting it with arms shipments that had forces clashed with about 300 sus- communication. has suspended office work and imminent downside risk fac- arrived in the disputed territory. pected MNLF members, who were “If you mean like a hold-up classes in all levels in both public ing Southeast Asia, China “Just like what happened in the early ‘70s at the height of Mindanao on board a large motorboat and hostage situation that you see in and private schools in the city due and India is the turmoil in conflict, Sabah and Sarawak will be the main base of the Bangsa Moro eight smaller vessels off the village movies, there is none. Everyone in to the reported clash. the financial market, trig- Army,” the source said. THE PHILIPPINE STAR of Rio Hondo, Zamboanga City. Zamboanga City now is a hostage THE PHILIPPINE STAR gered by the prospects of tapering of quantitative eas- ing policy in the US. It noted emerging Asian economies with large current account deficits that are more vulner- Military hails decision to clear officers in Burgos case able to rapid capital outflows such as India and Indonesia bore the brunt of the turmoil. MANILA: The Armed Forces affairs chief Lt Col Ramon Zagala protect. “We continue to be one Hermogenes Esperon, former The Justice department also The OECD warned volatile of the Philippines (AFP) said said in an interview yesterday. with our people in the quest for Army chief Romeo Tolentino, dismissed the murder raps against global oil prices due to ten- it respects the decision of the “Rest assured that we will truth and justice with hopes of retired general Alexander Yano Baliaga and other respondents, sion in the Middle East could Justice Department to clear continue to monitor the devel- finding the real perpetrators and former Philippine National saying that the complainant pose a problem. active and retired military offi- opments of the case and we will behind the Jonas Burgos case,” Police chief Avelino Razon. Also had failed to prove the death of cials in the disappearance of remain open (should) the higher he said. cleared were Colonels Melquiades Burgos, who is still missing. Four rebels activist Jonas Burgos. civilian authority requires our Earlier, the Justice department Feliciano and Eduardo Año. Burgos was reportedly kid- The military, nevertheless, cooperation and service,” he cleared active and former military The complaint was filed in 2011 napped by armed men in 2007 held in Negros remains open to helping authori- added. and police officials tagged in the by Edita Burgos, mother of Jonas. and was dragged to a Toyota ties handling the case. Zagala said the military under- disappearance of Burgos in 2007. State prosecutors, however, Revo van whose license plates BACOLOD CITY: Four sus- “The AFP fully trusts our jus- stands that the steps undertaken The charges of arbitrary deten- found amble evidence against were traced to another vehicle pected New People’s Army tice system. We respect the deci- by any judicial or investigat- tion were dismissed due to lack of Army Maj Harry Baliaga Jr earlier impounded by the military guerrillas were arrested by sion of the Department of Justice ing body are provided for under probable cause. after conducting a preliminary in Bulacan. the military following an to drop the charges,” AFP public the constitution it has sworn to Cleared were former AFP chief investigation. THE PHILIPPINE STAR encounter in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. Jessie Abing, Thomas Isugan, Dandy Demerin, and Ricardo Ricanillo were among 20 rebels encountered by sol- Taiwan fishermen testify diers in Sitio Hinobaan in Barangay Plagatasanon at about 12.50pm, officials said. The troops were responding against Coast Guard to reports about the presence of armed men in the village MANILA: Three crewmen from a Taiwanese fishing boat that was when the rebels opened fire at fired upon by Philippine Coast Guard in an incident that sparked a them, triggering a 15-minute diplomatic row submitted their sworn statements to prosecutors in shoot-out. Manila yesterday. The prosecutors are preparing homicide charges against eight Coast 1,600 sacks of Guards over the shooting to death of 65-year-old crew member Hung Shih-cheng on May 9. The charges were a key demand from Taipei as rice seized both sides move to mend ties. The two Taiwanese and an Indonesian were accompanied by diplomats and interpreters as they submitted MANILA: At least 1,600 their statements. The shooting occurred in waters near an island in sacks of undocumented the Philippines’ extreme north, which Taiwan claims as part of its rice were intercepted by economic zone. The Coast Guard had said the Taiwanese vessel was the Philippine Coast Guard fishing illegally and they were forced to fire in self-defence as it tried to (PCG) on Sunday night. At ram them. But a video of the incident released last month has shown about 11pm, the PCG and there was no attempt at ramming. the Navy intercepted M/B The Philippines and Taiwan began repairing a serious diplomatic Erwana, a wooden-hulled rift after Philippine authorities recommended homicide charges in cargo vessel. The crew failed August. Taiwan reciprocated by lifting a ban on the hiring of new to show proper documents for The three fishermen attend a hearing at the Philippine Department of Justice in Manila yesterday. Filipino workers on the island. Some 87,000 Filipinos work in Taiwan, the cargo. AGENCIES according to officials. AFP TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

JUI-F to join New Pakistan federal govt ISLAMABAD: Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) is president to join the coalition govern- ment of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as its MP Akram Khan Durrani is expected to be adminis- tered ministerial oath tomor- takes office row. President Mamnoon Hussain, who took oath yes- terday, would administer oath Mamnoon Hussain holds security meet to Durrani. As per an agree- ment between both parties, ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s new made by military rulers. the former KP chief minister President Mamnoon Hussain Hussain was sworn in by Chief would be inducted as minister took office yesterday, presiding Justice Iftikhar Muhammad for communications, mark- over a government battling to Chaudhry in a short ceremony ing yet another return of the overcome a Taliban insurgency, after political leaders gathered JUI-F to power in the centre. resolve an energy crisis and together for cross-party talks on Rehman’s party has been in repair the economy. how to tackle growing insecurity. power directly or indirectly Mamnoon Hussain (third left) is sworn in by Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry as Prime Minister Nawaz A respected businessman from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif since he started his political Sharif (right) and former president Asif Ali Zardari (left) look on during a ceremony at the presidential palace in the financial capital of Karachi but and outgoing president Asif Ali career in 1980s. He is close to with no political power base of his Zardari watched as Hussain took Islamabad yesterday. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif own, Hussain is Pakistan’s 12th oath, wearing a black hat in the and was a confidante of slain President and a ceremonial head style of Pakistan’s founding father low-key persona and lack of per- term in office and hand over to a record third term as premier. PPP leader Benazir Bhutto of state. Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The sonal power will put him in stark another at the ballot box. Hussain is a former presi- and enjoyed good relationship His time in office should cement 73-year-old Hussain was elected contrast to Zardari. Zardari’s Pakistan People’s dent of the Karachi Chamber of with former president Asif Pakistan’s transition back to a on July 30 by members of the four The widower of former prime Party (PPP) suffered a humiliat- Commerce and was briefly gover- Ali Zardari. strong prime minister and par- provincial assemblies and the fed- minister Benazir Bhutto presided ing electoral defeat to the Pakistan nor of the southern province Sindh liamentary democracy after his eral parliament. over the only civilian government Muslim League-N (PML-N) in until Sharif’s second administra- Plan to deal predecessor reversed amendments A close ally of Sharif, Hussain’s in Pakistan to complete a full May when Sharif was elected for tion was deposed by the army. AFP with rebels ISLAMABAD: Pakistan leaders yesterday discussed a strategy to deal with Islamic militancy ahead of Former president Zardari faces corruption trial the planned drawdown of international forces from ISLAMABAD: Though against Zardari which were closed merit of each case as all other issues like terrorism, energy crisis However, other legal experts Afghanistan, officials said. President Asif Ali Zardari has due to presidential immunity accused have been acquitted. and poor economic situation. were of the view that the convic- Heads of political par- left the presidency with a guard include SGS Reference, Cotecna He said the trial of Zardar PML-N leader and prominent tion of Zardari in all case would be ties, intelligence agencies of honour, he has to face six cor- Reference, ARY Gold Reference, in these cases would be a futile lawyer Zafar Ali Shah said it too hard as the principal accused and armed forces met in ruption cases pending against Ursus Tractor Reference, Assets exercise. was the constitutional and legal Benazir Bhutto, Begum Nusrat Islamabad to consider open- him, as he will lose the shield Reference, Steel Mills Reference He further argued that millions obligation that after ending of Bhutto, and 15 others includ- ing peace talks with the home- of immunity under Article 245 and Polo Ground Reference. of rupees had been wasted from immunity, the courts had to try ing former chairman Capital grown militants. However, after completing his five-year Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) national exchequer on these cases Zaradri. Development Authority (CDA) one official said such a move constitutional term. leader and prominent lawyer but they could not be proved. He said it was a legal matter Shafi Sahwani had been acquit- could anger the US and other Accountability Court No 1, Sardar Latif Khosa said that it If the Nawaz government and courts had to decide about ted by the accountability courts. Western nations fighting Al Islamabad, is now waiting to try would be the prerogative of the insisted on the trial of the cases, it them. However, he ruled out But legally he had to face the trial Qaeda and Taliban rebels in Zardari as his term ended on National Accountability Bureau would smack of political victimisa- any political victimisation. He in order to prove his innocence, neighbouring Afghanistan. September 8. (NAB) chairman to initiate hear- tion and wastage of time and the asserted that Zardari might be they added. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Currently the cases pending ings and he will go through the government should focus on real convicted in these cases. INTERNEWS chaired the meeting and sought support from opposi- tion parties for his plans to deal with rebels. UK drone use Islamabad to wait longer Top appointments in Pakistan on the rise LONDON: The British for US investments military fired nearly seven institutions may be delayed times as many missiles ISLAMABAD: It might take a attend the UN general assem- from unmanned drones in little longer for Pakistan to start bly session. There is goodwill for ISLAMABAD: The com- noted firm, AF Ferguson and Co Fearing that any hanky-panky Afghanistan last year as it blinking on the US investors’ the PM, with his background in mission constituted under the some weeks back but signed a con- during the scrutiny and proceed- did five years earlier, official radar. The bilateral trade vol- industry and a clear bend towards Supreme Court judgment for tract with it only three days back. ings of commission may result data show. In 2012, British ume, however, can increase by as market solutions,” commented a top-level appointments in pub- Now this firm will take a in leakage of information to the drones flew 892 missions, much as 20 per cent before the PML-N appointee at the mission. lic corporations and regulatory minimum three weeks to com- media and which could scandalise firing missiles on 92 occa- current fiscal ends in June next “Time is on his side. Much bodies would be able to start its plete its job after which the everything, the bureaucrats have sions, more than 10 percent year. This was gathered after dis- will depend how well his kitchen work after an HR firm hired for commission will make the final planned to suggest to the prime of all sorties, Junior Defence cussing the issue with some offic- cabinet and economic advisors scrutiny of documents of candi- appointments. minister not to send certain Minister Andrew Robathan ers manning the Asia desk at the succeed in projecting the coun- dates completes its assignment, However, there are many top important cases of top and cru- said in a written statement US State Department and the try as a responsible, resourceful said an official. positions for which only a handful cial appointments to the commis- to parliament. This compares Pakistan mission, as well as rep- and business-friendly nation that This will take at least three of candidates are to be considered sion by declaring that these posts to 2008 when the Reaper air- resentatives of the private sector is serious in pursuing peace and more weeks. or already functioning officials do not fall under the category of craft flew 296 missions, fir- and academics interested in the development for mutual benefits.” The Supreme Court had have to be appointed but even in positions which need to be filled ing weapons just five percent topic. Trade officials also tend to released a detailed judgment in their cases, scrutiny by the HR through the commission. of the time, on 14 occasions. It was , however, considered assume that the renewed focus the Khawaja Asif Case on June firm is a must. However, it will be quite dif- Used to target suspected unrealistic to expect overseas on bilateral economic relations 12, 2012 and the government On the other hand, the Baboos ficult for the bureaucrats to insurgents in Afghanistan, investors to become active in a over the past one year will pay decided that all the top appoint- have made all preparations to hide such postings from the Reaper drones are capa- country where local investors were dividends in the short run. ments would be made through frustrate this June 12 verdict media. Sources say the com- ble of carrying laser-guided reluctant to commit resources for But businesses generally do not this commission. under which the Supreme Court mission will be completed after Hellfire missiles. Heavy use capital spending. However, the rel- share their investment plans with An independent HR firm of has institutionalised the process return of Shams Kassim Lakha of drones by the US has been evant quarters are looking forward Pakistani officials. “I know for a international standing was to be of top-level hiring and appoint- on September 15 and will start one of the most controversial to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s fact that many deals between pri- hired for initial scrutiny/short ments in public corporations and functioning only when the list of aspects of its fight against Al visit to the US later this month. vate companies of the two countries listing of candidates but this took regulatory bodies by diminishing short-listed candidates is received Qaeda and Taliban militants “We are all set to arrange busi- are in the making, but we have not a very long time. the prime minister’s discretion- from the HR firm. in Afghanistan, Pakistan, ness meetings during his visit to been informed. INTERNEWS The government selected a ary powers. INTERNEWS Yemen and beyond. Drone fire has killed top leaders from both Islamist networks, Support for Aafia but it has also been blamed for scores of civilian deaths. Top court to hear voting 4.6 quake hits Pakistan ban on women today ISLAMABAD: A mod- ISLAMABAD: The Supreme on September 3 took up for pre- erate earthquake hit last Court of Pakistan is set to liminary hearing the appeal filed night four cities in northern decide a crucial issue related to against the judgment and issued Pakistan. The Meteorological disenfranchising women during notices to respondents, including Department said the magni- August 22 by-elections in two the personal staff officer (PSO) tude of the earthquake was National Assembly constitu- to the PHC Chief Justice Dost 4.6 on the Richter scale. It encies in Nowshera and Lakki Mohammad Khan on whose was reported in Islamabad, Marwat districts. report the chief justice had taken Peshawar, Swat and Hazara. In a significant judgment on suo motu notice of the issue and The epicentre was in Hindu August 26, the Peshawar High then the impugned judgment was Kush mountains. No damage Court had asked the Election delivered. The court is set to hear or loss of life was reported. Commission of Pakistan (ECP) the case today. to conduct re-polling in several Advocate Athar Minallah rep- Gunmen kill women’s polling stations in NA-5 resented PTI candidate for NA-5 Nowshera and NA-27 Lakki Imran Khattak and contended three cops Marwat. that in general elections only a The judgment has now been single female voter had cast vote ISLAMABAD: Three challenged at the apex court in NA-32 constituency of Upper Pakistani policemen were as the candidates of Pakistan Dir, but the high court had not killed when gunmen attacked Tehreek-i-Insaf, leading in those taken notice of that. a security check-point in constituencies, have been request- Heading a two-member bench northwest Pakistan. Officials ing the Supreme Court to set on August 26, the high court chief said the gunmen also took the aside the judgment and direct the justice had observed that it was weapons of the policemen and ECP to notify the results. regrettable that in a country escaped. Security forces cor- Members of a local group Paasban carry portraits of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a US citizen of Pakistani origin, during a protest A two-member bench of the where a woman twice became doned the area and started for her release in Peshawar yesterday. The New York federal district court sentenced her in 2010 to 86 years in Supreme Court comprising prime minister, the female voters investigation. prison for her alleged links with Al Qaeda. Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and had been deprived of their right AGENCIES Justice Ijaz Ahmad Chaudhry of adult franchise. INTERNEWS TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Many Indians Purple attack entering US illegally: Paper Central America the favoured route

WASHINGTON: The United to grant asylum. states has seen a mysterious In addition to the many hun- surge of asylum seekers from dreds who have already been India entering America ille- released, hundreds more remain gally through the southwestern in detention centres in Eloy and desert state of Arizona bor- Florence waiting for credible-fear dering Mexico, according to a hearings, the Republic said. media report. It is unclear, however, whether Hundreds, and perhaps thou- those asking for asylum are legit- sands, of Indians over the past imately fleeing persecution and year have asked for asylum claim- whether they intend to show up ing to fear they may be persecuted for their asylum hearings, the if returned to their country, the daily said. Arizona Republic published in In fiscal year 2012, nearly 10 Phoenix, said in an investigative percent of Indian asylum seekers report. failed to show up for their final They arrive after paying as asylum hearings in US immigra- much as $35,000 to be smuggled tion courts nationwide, the daily halfway around the globe, flying said citing the Department of from India to Central America Justice. and then embarking on an ardu- Homeland Security buses ous and often dangerous 3,000- staffed by Immigration and mile journey through several Customs Enforcement officers, countries, including Mexico, to routinely bring recently released Kashmiri government employees demonstrate as riot police spray purple-dyed water on them in Srinagar yesterday. Police detained dozens of reach Arizona, it said. immigrants, who are deemed employees, who were demanding regularisation of contractual jobs and an increase in retirement age. Some have been caught cross- low-flight risks and not a dan- ing illegally by the Border Patrol. ger to the community, to the bus More often, they are simply turn- station so they can arrange travel ing themselves in at legal border to meet relatives in other parts crossings in Nogales, Arizona, of the US. asking for asylum based on claims About half the migrants RSS-BJP meet undecided on PM candidate of political persecution, the US getting off the buses each daily said. night are Spanish speakers NEW DELHI: The two-day Narendra Modi as the party’s (RSS) leader Manmohan Vaidya The RSS is considered foun- On a nightly basis, as many as from Guatemala, Honduras, RSS-BJP strategy meet dis- prime ministerial candidate has told reporters after the meeting tainhead of BJP. two dozen Indians who have man- El Salvador and other Central cussed various issues, including been taken and the announce- concluded in Vasant Kunj area in RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had aged to establish so-called “cred- and South American countries, the current political scenario ment could be made in the com- south Delhi. met party veteran L K Advani ible fear” of persecution during the US daily said. The other half and the way ahead for the 2014 ing days. The two-day meeting dubbed and senior leader Sushma Swaraj hearings with US immigration are Indians. general elections, but not the “Various issues were discussed as coordination meeting was held in an apparent effort to reach a asylum officers are set free at a The Republic cited a US State announcement of the BJP’s during the two day-meeting. against the backdrop of intense consensus on Modi’s name. bus station near the Phoenix Sky Department spokesperson Nicole prime ministerial candidate, The (announcement of BJP’s) discussions in the party on the According to Vaidya, the meet- Harbour International Airport, it Thompson as saying she is una- a senior RSS functionary said prime ministerial candidate issue of naming Modi as the ing attended by senior RSS and said. Before their release, they are ware of any mass conflict in India yesterday. was not on agenda and was not prime ministerial candidate. The BJP leaders discussed issues given notices to appear in immi- that would be contributing to an However, Bharatiya Janata discussed. This meeting was RSS had said Saturday that it has to be included in the party’s gration court at a future date, increase in asylum seekers from Party (BJP) sources indicated a not held to take a decision,” conveyed its opinion to the BJP manifesto and the policies to be when a judge will decide whether India. IANS decision to name Gujarat Chief Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on the issue. implemented. IANS Kerala IT professionals shun job offers to help weavers

KOCHI: A group of young IT Raqib Rasheed, Ashik Salim, “Impressed by our proposal, the professionals in Kerala who Syamkrishnan P A, Anto state government gave us a two- shunned job offers from top D Akkara, Shehaz V B and year contract with the target of companies to start their own Muhammad Junaid. helping revitalise the handloom firm have taken up a project Under the two-year contract industry, keeping the weaver com- to revive the state’s handloom effective from July, the company munity as the major beneficiary,” sector where more than 50,000 will integrate all weavers’ socie- said Raqib. weavers are struggling to ties into a single production sys- According to the plan, all survive. tem and create linkage between products will be commissioned in Even before passing out from new generation fashion designers keeping with approved designs the College of Engineering in the passing out of national institutes, and market viability. capital city in the last academic and traditional weavers, with the Besides redoing and renovat- year, six IT students got together larger goal of breathing fresh life ing handloom showrooms, the to float their start-up venture — into the industry. programme will try to expand the The People’s Company. The group was actively involved market for handloom products. The firm has now won a con- in social causes even during col- A key element of the project is tract from the state government lege. In May, towards the end of to create a platform to connect to support the ailing handloom their course, they approached the existing infrastructure and sector as part of the first phase Additional Chief Secretary industry with the vast number of of gradually reviving sick public (Industries and Commerce) new generation fashion designing sector units (PSUs). V Somasundaran with a blueprint and arts graduates who are also The six students are for the revival of sick PSUs. looking for jobs. IANS

Back to confluence Arguments for Lalu begin in fodder scam case

RANCHI: Arguments on behalf of RJD chief Lalu Prasad yes- terday began in a case related to multi-million-rupee lapses in Bihar Animal Husbandry Department, popularly known as the fodder scam. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader’s lawyer presented his arguments in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special court in Ranchi. The lawyer told the court that the case was filed on the instruc- tions of Lalu Prasad, a former Bihar chief minister, when the scam was brought to his notice in 1996. He alleged Lalu Prasad was framed in the case. Lalu Prasad earlier moved the Supreme Court alleging bias in the trial and sought the trans- fer of the proceedings to another court. The plea was rejected by A Hindu priest returns through a marshland after flood waters receded the apex court which asked the in the sangam area in Allahabad yesterday. Ranchi court to complete the arguments in the trial. IANS TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Shoot-at-sight orders in riot hit area Death toll in Muzaffarnagar communal riots reaches 30; govt transfers top officials; judicial probe ordered

LUCKNOW: Shoot-at-sight orders were issued yesterday and the army carried out flag marches in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district as the toll rose to 30 in communal riots, one of the worst in the country in recent times. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav ordered transfer of top officials and setting up of a judicial commission to probe the violence even as he called the incident a planned conspiracy to malign his government. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called up Akhilesh Yadav to offer help while opposition parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) demanded president’s rule in the country’s most populous state of 210 million people. The ruling Samajwadi Party chief Mualayam Singh Yadav continued dis- cussions with party leaders and spoke to many religious leaders and asked them to appeal for calm. With violence refusing to abate in rural areas of the town, with a signifi- cant Muslim population, authorities gave shoot-at-sight orders against rioters in Muzaffarnagar district, known for its sugar mills amidst sprawling sugarcane A man injured in communal clashes receives treatment at a hospital in Muzaffarnagar yesterday. RIGHT: Soldiers keep watch during a patrol. fields. It is located barely 120km from the national capital. Officials said 27 bodies were recovered probe all events between August 27 and A ban was imposed on political leaders the 40-year-old first-time UP chief min- said a very “vicious face of politics was from various places in Muzaffarnagar and September 9 and would investigate the from entering Muzaffarnagar and BJP’s ister and assure him all help, officials in at play in UP” as he appealed for calm three bodies discovered from neighbour- reasons behind the communal flare up Ravi Shankar Prasad and Civil Aviation the chief minister’s office told IANS. and peace. ing Baghpat, Saharanpur and Shamli. and identify people behind the violence. Minister and RLD chief Ajit Singh Saxena said the state had asked for 50 Mayawati demanded imposition of The state government transferred top The commission is also expected to and his son and Mathura MP Jayant companies of paramilitary forces and so President’s rule in the state over the officials including the deputy inspector suggest ways to prevent a repeat of such Chaudhary stopped at Ghaziabad as they far had got 28. More are on the way, an bloodletting and criticised the regime general of police (Saharanpur range), incidents. were on their way to the town. official said. for “failing to control communal flare- the divisional commissioner of Meerut So far 90 people have been arrested Sectarian violence started when some As opposition parties demanded ups and (deteriorating) law and order”. and district police chiefs of Shamli and for their involvement in the violence people pelted stones at a bus carrying peo- Akhilesh quit or president’s rule be Congress, so long silent on the vio- Muzaffarnagar. and FIRs have been registered against ple to a “mahapanchayat” where elders of imposed in the state, he alleged that there lence, yesterday said time had come for Retired Allahabad High Court judge 1,000 unknown people. Police also moved two religious groups were meeting to sort was a political conspiracy to defame his Akhilesh Yadav to own up responsibility Vishnu Sahay was named to probe the to cancel arms licence of 1,744 people in out the simmering tension between Jats, government. and to step down for failing to anticipate violence, an official said. The one-member the three police stations where curfew a farming community, and Muslims ever “Political parties have joined hands to and contain violence in the western Uttar judicial commission has been asked to has been clamped. since three youth were killed on August defame my government as they have run Pradesh town. submit its report to the state government The district police also booked four BJP 27 over a case of stalking, allegedly of a out of tricks owing to our development The state government has also sent within two months. legislators — Hukum Singh, Bhartendu, Jat Hindu girl by a Muslim youth. agenda,” he said on the sidelines of an detailed reports on the violence to the Home Secretary Kamal Saxena told Sangeet Som and Suresh Rana and The spiralling violence prompted event here. state governor B L Joshi and the ministry reporters that the commission would former Congress MP Harendra Malik. Manmohan Singh yesterday to speak to Minority Affairs Minister Azam Khan of home affairs. IANS

Ganesh Chaturthi Telangana Delhi gang rape groups plan show of judgement today NEW DELHI: Today is the home for three years after con- judgment day for the four cluding that he was involved in strength accused standing trial in a Delhi rape and murder. court for the December 16, 2012, The board’s decision, which was HYDERABAD: After gang rape that sparked nation- the first punishment related to Seemandhra employees meet- wide protests and nudged the the case, however, left the wom- ing here to oppose bifurcation of central government into enact- an’s family members angry as Andhra Pradesh, it is now the ing a stringent anti-rape law. they said they wanted a harsher turn of pro-Telangana groups Additional Session Judge punishment for the youth. to organise a massive show of Yogesh Khanna will decide the The incident occurred after the strength to press the demand fate of four accused — Mukesh, woman and her male companion for speeding up the process for Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma and boarded the bus in Munirka in formation of Telangana state. Akshay Thakur — after almost south Delhi, police said. Telangana Rashtra Samithi nine months of the brutal crime The six accused threw both of (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhara in which a 23-year-old physi- them out of the vehicle — without Rao yesterday told reporters that otherapy intern was gang-raped clothes — on the streets in the ‘Telangana Grajna Sabha’ would in a moving bus. cold December night after com- be held in Hyderabad this month. The four accused were charged mitting ghastly crimes on them, He said the date and other details with gang rape, murder, attempt police said. The gang rape victim would be announced by Telangana to murder, unnatural offences, succumbed to her injuries on Joint Action Committee (TJAC). destruction of evidence and daco- December 29, 2012, at Singapore’s Government employees from ity, among other offences. They Mount Elizabeth Hospital, where Seemandhra, as Rayalaseema may face a maximum punishment she was airlifted for specialised and coastal Andhra are collec- of death if found guilty. treatment. tively known, held a meeting here A juvenile involved in the crime The gory attack sparked Saturday to demand the Congress Devotees carry a statue of Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, on a scooter on the first day of the ten-day-long was on August 31 sent by the widespread protests across the withdraw its July 30 decision to Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai yesterday. The idols will be paraded through the streets in a procession Juvenile Justice Board to a reform country. IANS carve out separate Telangana during the celebrations, accompanied by dancing and singing. state. A shutdown was observed in Telangana the same day on a call given by TJAC to protest the anti- Telangana attitude of the govern- Spurned suitor ment in allowing Seemandhra Need to decriminalise defamation: Experts meet while not permitting it to attacks parents organise a peace rally. NEW DELHI: While Britain at the Press Club of India here. against anybody — there has to and assistant professor at KCR, as Rao is popularly has amended its laws to decrim- Bahal said framing of charges be a British connection, he said. the National Law University, of girl in UP known, announced the plans inalise defamation, in India the can take from five to six years. The damages have also been mentioned the case of actress for the Telangana meeting after issue is still being debated with “All this is used as a means to limited, so people don’t have to Khusboo who was slapped with NEW DELHI: A 20-year-old talks with party general secretary journalists often being harassed harass people,” said Bahal, who face bankruptcy, he said. several cases over her comments man was yesterday arrested for K Keshava Rao, TJAC convenor on the basis of libel, said experts was involved in a sting exposing He said there was a need to pull on pre-marital sex. attacking a middle aged prop- M Kodandaram and other top here yesterday. bribe-taking politicians. libel out of the criminal sphere She said there was a conflict erty dealer and his wife in their leaders. According to journalist Peter Noorlander, CEO of and put it in an appropriate civil between the freedom of expres- house here when their daughter The TRS chief said there was Aniruddha Bahal of online mag- Media Legal Defence Initiative law environment. sion and the right to reputation. rejected his marriage proposal, nothing great about Seemandhra azine cobrapost.com, defamation (MLDI), London, said Britain Nani Jansen, an attorney with While Khusboo had resources and police said yesterday. meeting. “The number of drivers laws in India were used to harass had decriminalised libel two MLDI, related cases around could fight her case, a person with Pushpendra was arrested by who come to meetings organ- journalists with cases slapped on years ago. the world of journalists being less resources would appear in a Delhi Police from Uttar Pradesh’s ised by Telangana employees are them in courts in far off places Earlier, London was known as punished for libel for criticis- weak position, she added. Budaun district, police said. more than those who attended in the country where they were the libel capital as it was very ing the government despite the Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, pres- Pushpendra on Sunday Seemandhra meeting,” said the forced to appear in person. easy to slap libel cases. Powerful respective country having free- ident of the Foundation for Media morning opened fire on Yogesh MP from Mahabubnagar. According to the law, a journal- business houses from other coun- dom of expression as part of its Professionals, an independent Jain, 55, a property dealer, and He, however, said he was leav- ist or editor faced with a defama- tries would bring libel cases on constitution. journalist and an educator, said attacked his wife Poonam, 50, ing to the conscience of the speak- tion case had to appear in person websites, which were allowed to This, she said, “underlines the stories that need to be reported with a stick in Jyoti Nagar in ers who made certain remarks in court to give his or her defence. proceed in British courts. need for reforming of legislation... were not being reported due to east Delhi. about him and other Telangana “The court notices are issued Even scientists and artists were there should be more room for fear of the libel law. Police said he got the weapon leaders and the kind of language from distant places and the getting sued, he said. “The ability criticism of public individuals, or The discussion was organised from his friend. they used. KCR said formation journalist has to be present of companies to sue on libel was libel can be used as an instrument by the Centre for Communication The attack occurred around of Telangana state has reached a everywhere,” he said at a unlimited...and the damages were of political oppression”, she said. Governance at National Law 10am soon after he proposed to decisive phase and no force can panel talk on ‘Decriminalising huge,” he said. With the change in Chinmayi Arun, a research University, Delhi, and Foundation the elder daughter of the Jains to stop it. Defamation: Global Perspectives libel laws, things have changed. director with Centre for for Media Professionals. marry him. IANS on Punishments for Speech’ held Now you can’t launch proceedings Communication Governance IANS IANS TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Daniel Radcliffe ICT Penetration leaves Potter News in Numbers and Usage CHART: 1 123 Fajr (Dawn) 4:00 days far behind Shorook (Sunrise) 5:18 TORONTO: Daniel Radcliffe Zuhr (Noon) 11:31 has charted an ambitious course Asr (Afternoon) 3:00 ever further from his Harry Potter days, taking on very dif- Maghrib (Sunset) 5:45 ferent roles in no less than three Isha (Night) 7:15 films premiered at the Toronto film festival this week. The former boy wizard flexed his acting chops in Michael WEATHER Dowse’s romantic comedy The F Word, Alexandre Aja’s fantasti- cal murder mystery Horns and Today Wednesday Weather Thursday Conditions: as Beat Generation poet Allen Clear Clear Clear Ginsberg in Kill Your Darlings. ICT Penetration by Population Segment Hazy to misty “I’m excited that people will at first at places finally get a chance to see me becomes hot with do different stuff,” he said. “It Following global trends, Qatar’s youngest citizens High: 39° High: 40° High: 38° certainly wasn’t a strategy that Low: 31° Low: 30° Low: 31° scattered clouds and chance of rain they’d all be at TIFF (the Toronto are its most highly connected, and continue to to the west area. International Film Festival).” In Horns, based on Joe Hill’s lead the way when it comes to ICT penetration dark novel of the same name, DOHA - SUN & SEA Radcliffe plays a young man who and usage. The majority of young Qataris between grows horns after being accused SUN TIDE SEA of killing his girlfriend and the ages of 15 and 24 do not see any barriers SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND embarks to solve her murder, while as Ginsberg he is thrown to ICT use, and they are particularly enthusiastic 05:20 17:40 08:00 & 19:30 01:30 & 14:00 03-12/15 KT into New York’s wild jazz scene and parties. THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW adopters of the most cutting-edge technologies, Pressed repeatedly about his HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Potter years, and whether he has including smartphones and tablet computers. kept up friendships with his former MUSCAT 31/26 Partly cloudy 31/26 Clear Hogwarts classmates, Radcliffe 98% 99.8%100% 98% KUWAIT 42/32 Clear 44/31 Clear confides that he has not spoken 97% with Emma Watson in some time. 1100000 BAHRAIN 37/31 Clear 38/32 Clear 89% 90% “I’m sure I’ll bump into her at SANAA 28/15 Chance of storm 27/15 Partly cloudy one point,” he said. “But we were 76% 78% RIYADH 42/28 Clear 42/28 Partly cloudy all together for 10 years so we’re 800 DUBAI 40/31 Clear 39/30 Clear excited to be going off and working BAGHDAD 41/26 Clear 39/23 Clear with new people now.” He said he doesn’t particu- 6060 THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW larly miss Harry Potter, though HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER is grateful for the memories and the doors it has opened for him. 4040 ATHENS 29/23 Partly cloudy 31/24 Clear “We had a fantastic time. But it’s WASHINGTON 32/24 Partly cloudy 34/24 Partly cloudy really exciting to move on and SYDNEY 32/10 Mostly cloudy 27/09 Partly cloudy doing other things. 2020 LONDON 18/12 Cloudy 20/12 Partly cloudy “I’ll always be incredibly proud of it. I wouldn’t be sitting here PARIS 18/13 Chance of rain 20/13 Chance of rain talking to you all if it weren’t 0 ISTANBUL 25/18 Partly cloudy 28/20 Partly cloudy Computers Internet Mobile for Harry Potter. I have no illu- MANILA 31/25 T-storm 31/25 Chance of storm sions about that. But I don’t par- DHAKA 31/25 T-storm 33/25 Chance of storm ticularly miss it. “I’m very happy Mainstream Expatriates Qatari Youth Qatari Total Population DELHI 35/27 Clear 33/26 Partly cloudy doing other things now.” Source : Supreme Council of Information & Communication Technology ISLAMABAD 33/24 Chance of storm 31/22 Chance of storm AFP

James Bond’s submarine Fitness experts hail Nyad’s feat as reward for fit life car on sale NEW YORK: When Diana her, like Nyad, firmly among the skating championships, her goal is of doing something later in life.” and Community Health at the Nyad became the first person estimated 78 million baby boom- no longer to win but to try to gain Smith, 61, said after 35 years in University of Illinois at Urbana- in London to swim the 177km from Cuba ers who, defined as the group born something technically or to develop fitness, her message hasn’t changed Champaign, thinks Nyad’s swim to Florida without a shark cage, between 1946 and 1964, make up a new skill. but her workout has. says more about the human spirit LONDON: The “sub- baby boomer-aged fitness experts about 26 percent of the US pop- “It’s not the way a child would do “I started as a cardio animal, a than it does about ageing. marine car” used in greeted the 64-year-old’s achieve- ulation, according to US Census it,” she explained. marathon runner,” she said. “As I’ve “I think it’s astonishing, but James Bond film The ment with pride and delight but reports. Utah-based fitness professional gotten older, my strength training I don’t think it’s miraculous or Spy Who Loved Me is up not disbelief. “Bruises take a lot longer to heal, Kathy Smith has known Nyad has increased because as you lose voodoo,” he said “We could just for sale in London yes- The aging body, they said, is capa- and it’s harder to build and main- since the early days of the Women’s muscle mass, you notice you need as easily be having this conversa- terday, 24 years after it ble of more than previously thought. tain muscle but, guess what, you get Sports Foundation, a non-profit ten- more strength training.” tion about someone in the Boston was “discovered” in a “Today’s 60-to-65 is not what it was it back,” Smith said about boomers. nis great Billie Jean King founded in She said she can do many things Marathon.” US storage unit. one or two generations ago,” said Dr. “We know that you can maintain 1974 to empower girls and women she used to do if she builds in longer Relatively speaking, he said, The white Lotus Angela Smith, an orthopedic surgeon a lot more muscle mass than we through sports and activity. recovery time. world record performances decline Esprit, which trans- and past president of the American thought.” She said mental tough- Kathy Smith, author of Moving “I think this is the generation less with age in endurance activities, formed into a submarine College of Sports Medicine. ness, surely a factor in Nyad’s suc- Through Menopause, said what her that’s been there, done it,” Smith such as Nyad’s swim, than in short- during a sequence in “I thought my very active grand- cess, comes with experience. friend accomplished is the cumula- said. “I remember my parents, my burst power or sprint activities. the 1977 movie starring mother was fabulous because at 60 “We know that older people make tive effect of living a certain lifestyle. community saying that if you train “The idea that there is no loss at Roger Moore as 007, is she could still touch her toes. Now mental connections in ways differ- “You don’t just get up and say you won’t be able to get pregnant. all is unrealistic,” he said. “Diana estimated to sell for up fabulous is swimming from Cuba to ent from 20-something athletes,” ‘I’m going to do it.’ It’s like a bank We fought for the right to move.” Nyad in her 60s is not the same as to £950,000 ($1.48m). Florida. That’s a huge difference.” Smith said. “They use strategy, account you keep investing in with Dr Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko, an in her 40s, but a lifetime commit- Known as “Wet Smith is a competitive skater technique better.” lifestyle choices, mental habits,” she expert on ageing and physical activ- ment pays off. The change is less.” Nellie” on the set of on the verge of 60, which places When she competes in national said. “With that comes the reward ity and professor of Kinesiology REUTERS the film, the fully oper- ational submarine car was among the con- tents of a storage unit in Long Island, New York which was bought Long-lost Van Gogh painting by a couple in a “blind” public auction in 1989. Although six Esprit unveiled in Amsterdam body shells were used in filming, only one was converted into a AMSTERDAM: Amsterdam’s Van “This is a very, very special morning “submarine car”, RM Gogh Museum yesterday unveiled a and you’re seeing a very, very happy direc- Auctions said. newly discovered landscape painting tor in front of you,” Rueger said. “When I The car was placed from the height of the Dutch master’s was told that it had been authenticated as in a pre-paid storage career, abandoned for years as a forgery a genuine Van Gogh I could not believe it.” unit for 10 years after in a Norwegian attic. The museum declined to be drawn on filming. The contents of Sunset at Montmajour, a large oil land- the identity of the mystery collectors. storage unit were sold scape from 1888, was unveiled to applause “Unfortunately we cannot divulge too sight unseen in 1989 by the museum’s director Axel Rueger as a much about the identity of this collector when rental payments “unique experience that has not happened as we need also to protect his privacy,” for the unit fell into in the history of the Van Gogh Museum.” Rueger said. “But what I can tell you is delinquency. Depicting a landscape of oaks in the that the painting has been lying in the The auction house south of France, the painting was brought attic for most of this time.” previously sold the to the museum from a private collection. Rueger admitted that the museum had Aston Martin DB5 Researchers set to work and authenti- previously been approached by the collec- used by Sean Connery cated it based on comparisons with Van tor “but we did not have the technology as James Bond in Gogh’s techniques, style, paint used and at the time to authenticate the painting.” the Goldfinger and a letter he wrote on July 4 1888 in which The Van Gogh Museum reopened its Thunderball movies for he described the painting. doors to the public in early May with a £2.9m in 2010. It had been lying for years in the attic stunning new display of some of the Dutch REUTERS of a Norwegian collector who thought master’s greatest works, completing a trio the painting was a forgery, after buy- of renovations of the city’s most famous ing it in 1908. “This discovery is more museums. or less a once in a lifetime experience,” It is located on Amsterdam’s historic said researcher Louis van Tilborgh, who Museumplein where many other Dutch helped with its authentication. art treasures like Rembrandt’s Night “All research indicates that this is a Watch can also be found at the recently painting by Van Gogh,” he added. reopened Rijksmuseum. Director Alex Rueger of the Van Gogh Museum reveals a new discovered painting by Dutch artist Vincent The long-lost painting was made at The museum features 200 works, 140 by Van Gogh, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, yesterday. The painting is called Sunset at Montmajour and was around the same time as some of Van the Dutch master himself and the rest by painted in Arles in 1888. Gogh’s most famous works, including contemporary painters. Sunflowers and The Bedroom. AFP Tuesday 10 September 2013 4 Dhul-qa’da 1434 Volume 18 Number 5818 Price: QR2

Reinsurance premiums to grow faster

Business | 18

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar beats US, Italy in cost of construction EC Harris releases construction cost report

DOHA: The construction costs The EC Harris report noted: in Qatar are much higher than “Beyond government driven the countries like US and Italy. projects, progress is relatively An “International Construction slow (in many projects in Qatar) Cost Report” released yester- with developers preferring to hold day ranked Qatar as 15th most back from development in com- expensive country in the world mercial schemes until the infra- in terms of construction costs structure is in place. There is also and most expensive in the oversupply in commercial space.” Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada during the reception in Tokyo. Middle East. Qatar’s construction market With a 20th world ranking, is relatively small and histori- UAE has been placed second cally has been associated with a Qatar exported 2,000 LNG shipments to Japan most expensive country in the steady rate of development. All of GCC followed by Saudi Arabia. this is about to change with a set Hong Kong is the country with of major programmes linked to DOHA: Qatar has delivered outlined the strong foundations of LNG customer,” he added. and senior executives of Tokyo the world’s most exorbitant con- linked to the 2030 National Plan nearly 2,000 LNG cargoes the historic relationship between Dr Al Sada highlighted Qatar’s Electric Power Company. struction costs. US and Italy have and FIFA World Cup 2022. to Japanese customers since Qatar and Japan and said that position and record as “a reliable Dr Al Sada also held meetings been ranked below Qatar 16th and “Qatar’s resource challenge is 1997, Minister of Energy and “His Highness Sheikh Tamim and credible energy supplier”. He with Japan’s Minister of Economy, 17th place respectively. related to the speed of proposed Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir also thanked all the Japanese cus- Trade and Industry, Toshimitsu The 2013 International development. There is plenty of bin Saleh Al Sada has revealed. of the State of Qatar, was keen to tomers for their continued trust Motegi, and senior officials at the Construction Cost Report capacity in local supply chains The Minister was speaking at a develop them in all fields.” and their support of Qatargas. ministry for a review of bilateral released by Global Built Asset as these have already been put Qatargas reception held in Tokyo “As you know, energy occupies The Minister had earlier vis- cooperation in the field of energy Consultancy EC Harris assumes in place in anticipation of a fast in honour of Japanese officials and a very special place in the matrix ited Nagoya district, where he and a discussion of issues of significance in view of the recent start to programme delivery. senior executives from Japanese of our bilateral relationship. held meetings with the Chairman mutual concern. forecasts that Qatar’s construc- But contrast, there are potential partners, shareholders, financial However, our collaboration in the of the Board of Directors and sen- The Minister is accompanied on tion inflation would go up both in constraints in the availability of institutions, buyers, contractors field of natural gas has a special ior executives of Chubu Electric the visit and talks by a delegation short-term and mid-term. construction professionals and and service providers working significance not just because one Power Company on cooperation of senior executives from Qatar Market leaders in Qatar listed some imported materials, mainly with Qatar Petroleum and its can describe it as the backbone in the field of natural gas. The Petroleum, Qatargas, RasGas, and out higher prices of construction due to transport infrastructure. subsidiaries. of energy cooperation but also Minister later held similar talks Qatar Petroleum International. materials, huge demand for skill Currently, prices are stable, but In his address, Dr Al Sada because Japan was our founding in Tokyo with the President THE PENINSULA workers and higher cost of liv- have the potential to ramp up ing key reasons for the country’s quickly if procurement is not excessive construction costs. accelerated and additional capac- “The prices of essential con- ity built over the next two years. struction materials are higher in We have already warned that Brent crude slips Qatar compared to other coun- the risk of high rates of inflation Osborne hails growing economy tries in the region. For instance, resulting from a peak of workload the current market price of in Qatar from 2016 onwards. These by $2.05 a barrel steel rebar in Qatari market is programmes have got off to a slow LONDON: Britain’s Finance it will take even longer than we based and sustainable recov- QR2840/tonne. You will get the start, so as yet there is little price Minister, George Osborne, said hoped. But we held our nerve when ery, but we cannot take this for LONDON: Oil prices fell far same for something less than escalation in the system. This yesterday the UK economy had many told us to abandon our plan,” granted,” he said. from recent 28-month highs QR300-350 from the neighbour- could change as programme pro- turned a corner and that its Osborne said in a speech to econo- The opposition Labour party yesterday as weak US jobs data ing markets. Since some vital curement accelerates unless steps recovery was a vindication of his mists and the media. dismissed Osborne’s comments as helped to offset fears of Middle products like gabbro and lime- are taken to further build indus- focus on fixing public finances. “And as a result, thanks to an attempt to “rewrite history” East supply disruptions caused stone are mainly coming from try capacity in local and regional He accused his political oppo- the efforts and sacrifices of the and said his policies had stifled by a possible US-led military outside, the cost of these prod- markets.”, said Nick Smith, Head nents of promising a “disastrous” British people, Britain is turning growth for three years. strike against Syria. ucts are obviously higher than the of Cost and Commercial, Middle change of course from the auster- a corner,” he said at a London Both Labour and the Brent North Sea crude for neighbouring countries”, market East at EC Harris. ity he has imposed. building site where construction Conservatives are looking to set delivery in October shed $2.05 to sources told The Peninsula. The annual study, which bench- Osborne, his eye on elections had recently restarted. the agenda for their election cam- stand at $114.07 a barrel in late “The salary package of con- marks building costs in selected 47 due in May 2015, declared the Until now Osborne has been paigns at party conferences this London deals. struction professionals in Qatar is countries, found that relative con- government as the winner of the cautious about making political month. Osborne used Monday’s New York’s main contract, far higher than any other neigh- struction costs across the globe long-running argument over the capital from the signs of life in speech to counter opposition West Texas Intermediate (WTI) bouring countries. The prices have been affected by substantial pace of spending cuts. In a direct Britain’s economy. But, calling claims that he had done little to for October, fell 96 cents at $109.57 of some of the key construction fluctuations in currency through- rebuttal to the opposition Labour on a growing body of economic tackle a decline in living standards. a barrel. On Friday, WTI oil hit a materials are extremely higher out the year. With Gulf curren- party, he said anyone who wanted evidence from recent months, he The minister promised action 28-month high in New York trade when you compare them with cies closely tracking the US dollar, to borrow more in order to spend sounded his most upbeat note on to cut energy and water bills, owing to tensions between the US the neighbouring markets”, said the impact of these fluctuations on now was “not fit for government”. the recovery yet. transport costs and to reduce the and Russia over a potential mili- Ahmad Jassim Al Jolo, President Gulf countries has been limited. “The economic collapse was even “The evidence suggests tenta- cost of financial services. tary strike against Syria. of Qatar Engineers’ Association. THE PENINSULA worse than we thought. Repairing tive signs of a balanced, broad REUTERS AFP

Muntajat’s LPG carrier Gas Ionian to carry vinyl chloride monomer

DOHA: Qatar Chemical and strength emanates from its ability to Director Marketing and Sales at Petrochemical Marketing and reduce lead-times and decentralise Muntajat commented: “Taking on Distribution Company (Muntajat) distribution; we are always seeking this new ship clearly demonstrates yesterday announced inducting a new ways to maximise efficiency in Muntajat’s commitment to provid- modern 2011 built LPG carrier ‘Gas our operations for the benefit of our ing safe and reliable distribution of Ionian’ on time charter in Mesaieed, customers. We are pleased to add to Qatar‘s chemical products to our said a press statement. our fleet this state of the art vessel customers. Additionally the new ves- Muntajat holds the exclusive rights that will enable us to achieve new sel will be able to carry two grades to purchase, market, distribute and levels of efficiency and economy in of cargo at the same time, which sell Qatar’s production of chemical distribution. Muntajat will acquire provides Muntajat with additional and petrochemical products on the similar modern tonnage in the future flexibility.” global market. as we look to further expand our Dr Mark Betts, Muntajat’s The state-of-the-art vessel, with network.” Executive Director of Operations 9,000 cubic meter capacity, is recog- The CEO of QVC, Hamad Rashed commented: “The ship has her own nised for its high safety and efficiency Al Nuaimi, said: “QVC has been pro- nitrogen plant onboard which allows performance. It will be primarily used ducing VCM since 2001 and the prod- the Gas Ionian to nitrogen purge her to transport vinyl chloride monomer uct is mainly supplied to the Indian cargo tanks. The new ship had already (VCM) produced by Qatar Vinyl Subcontinent. I am sure this new ship shown impressive capabilities in gas- Company(QVC) to customers on the will add value and flexibility for trans- sing up and cooling down her cargo sub-continent and South East Asia. portation of VCM to valued custom- tanks in less than 24 hours compared Guests from Muntajat and QVC ers of Muntajat. QVC products are to the usual 48 hours. Furthermore met the crew onboard to discuss well accepted in the market and we the ship loaded a full cargo of 8,450 future plans and shipments. believe that Muntajat’s market pres- metric tonnes of VCM in a safe and The Chief Executive Officer of ence and service to its customers will efficient manner which benefits both Muntajat, Abdulrahman Ali Al be improved by this ship.” producers and customers.” A view of the new ship Gas Ionian. Abdulla, said: “Muntajat’s operational Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari, Executive THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Bahrain’s Al Reinsurance Salam Bank to buy BMI Bank DUBAI: Bahrain’s Al Salam premiums to Bank has agreed to acquire fel- low Bahraini lender BMI Bank, an affiliate of Oman’s Bank Muscat, through a share-swap deal as small banks in the king- grow faster dom consolidate operations to remain competitive. Islamic lender Al Salam will QFCA publishes reinsurance barometer exchange 11 of its shares for each BMI Bank share to cre- DOHA: Mena reinsurance pre- population of more than 370m ate the kingdom’s fourth-largest miums will grow faster than and generates a combined GDP commercial bank. The tie-up the region’s Gross Domestic of roughly $ 3.5 trillion, about five is still subject to shareholder Product (GDP), despite chal- percent of the world’s total. approval, with meetings to vote lenges arising from intense In 2012, the Mena non-life rein- on assent due to be held in either competition and pressure on surance sector was worth an esti- FROM LEFT: Dr Kai-Uwe Schanz, Shashank Srivastava and Akshay Randeva present the first annual Mena September or October, BMI said pricing, the first annual Mena mated $12bn in annual premiums, Reinsurance Barometer. in a statement. Reinsurance Barometer pub- almost a third of the primary Shares in Al Salam were 5.9 lished by Qatar Financial non-life insurance market volume retention rules and a lack of regu- positive effects on overall portfolio Akshay Randeva, Director percent higher at 0726 GMT in Centre (QFC) Authority has of more than $37bn. Reinsurers latory coordination and consist- diversification. Strategic Development of the muted trading. Bank Muscat, noted. operating in the region continue ency within the region being Shashank Srivastava, Chief QFC Authority added: “The which owns 49 percent of BMI, The survey builds on the GCC to benefit from the non-life insur- mentioned most frequently. Executive Officer and Board Mena Reinsurance Barometer was trading 1.4 percent lower as Reinsurance Barometer, first ance markets’ rapid expansion at Unchecked competition is con- Member of the QFC Authority is our fourth regular survey of part of a wider sell-off in Oman. released in 2011. 38 international an average annual growth rate of sidered to be the most serious said: “The Mena region continues the region’s reinsurance markets, BMI Bank and Al Salam first and regional reinsurers and bro- 7.6 percent from 2007 to 2012. challenge facing Mena reinsur- to be an attractive market place first covering the Gulf countries announced in May that they kers operating in the Mena region In light of these strong eco- ance markets. This long-standing for global and regional reinsur- and now the wider Mena region. were considering a merger. The participated in the study, repre- nomic fundamentals, it comes at concern is further exacerbated by ers, due to strong economic con- For the first time, the most tie-up will create a bank with sented by senior executives. no surprise that survey partici- a continued influx of frequently ditions and prospects, a largely recent study provides a numeri- assets worth BD1.79bn ($4.75bn), According to the interview- pants consider economic growth ‘naïve’ capacity in search for untapped primary insurance mar- cal value to overall reinsurance according to second-quarter ees, confidence in the future of as the main strength of the Mena instant diversification benefits. It is ket potential and limited expo- markets sentiment. This feature results from both institutions. the region’s reinsurance sector region. very closely followed by the need for sure to natural perils. As a result, adds to the report’s relevance as remains strong. In fact, 53 per- In terms of weaknesses, the increased political stability (with the region’s reinsurance markets a market Barometer which is ulti- KPMG meets US cent of respondents expect that Barometer confirms that Mena a focus on non-GCC countries), remain highly competitive. It is, mately designed to help improve Mena reinsurance premiums reinsurance markets are char- relating to both a lack of domestic therefore, a particularly encour- the transparency of the sector delegation will grow faster than the region’s acterized by fierce competition stability and geopolitical tensions. aging result of the most recent and facilitate more informed GDP. and an abundance of reinsur- Fifty percent of the executives Barometer survey that reinsur- decision-making.” DOHA: KPMG Qatar partner The Mena Reinsurance ance capacity, resulting in often polled expect reinsurance capac- ers operating in the region now Dr Schanz, Alms & Company and Head of Oil and Gas for the Barometer surveyed the countries unsustainable rates. Regulatory ity in the Mena region to grow pursue a more sophisticated and AG, a Zurich-based consul- Middle East and South Asia of the Gulf Co-operation Council deficiencies rank second, with further as the region remains disciplined approach to business, tancy conducted the executive region Gopal Balasubramaniam (GCC), the Levant, North Africa insufficient minimum capital an attractive high growth, with beneficial consequences for interviews. addressed a delegation from a and Turkey. The region has a requirements, a lack of minimum low-catastrophe market with the region’s primary markets.” THE PENINSULA bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce at a function hosted by the Qatar Chamber. Gopal presented on “Qatar: ever-changing landscape for investment and opportunities” Qatar Exchange index drops 1.15pc; Dubai plunges 2pc focusing on the local business environment and a timeline of Qatar’s major projects DOHA: Qatar Exchange index while International Islamic Bank taking place - investors are try- Syria, while Egypt rose after a below 2,300. A typical target is 2,220 pipeline. slipped by 106.53 points, or 1.15 lost 1.64 percent to QR54.10. ing quick hit and run transactions full acquisition offer for Orascom but because of news-flow, volatility The attendees comprised of a percent, to 9,151.28 points from Electricity and Water fell 4.59 per- and cashing out before the end of Construction. may rise so we might see lower lev- number of US representatives the previous closing of 9,257.81 cent to QR145.50 and Qatar Islamic the day rather than holding on Dubai’s benchmark dropped els.” Abu Dhabi’s index fell 1.4 per- and Qatari businessmen. The points. Bank lost 1.64 percent to QR66.10. to shares as the attack on Syria 2 percent to 2,325 points, giving cent, down for a fifth session and to chief guest and the leader of the The volume of the shares up The banking and financial sec- could come at any time,” said back Sunday’s gains to slump to slump to its lowest close since May 27. delegation US Congressman of to 6,125,579 from 3,770,089 on tor index dropped 0.81 points Yassir Mckee, wealth manager a two-month low. “This volatil- Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia’s Illinois Danny K Davis and the Sunday and the value of shares while consumer goods and serv- at Al Rayan Financial Brokerage. ity shows the market didn’t bot- measure climbed 0.1 percent, President and Managing Director increased to QR260,211,717.81 ices sector index lost 0.62 points. Meanwhile, most other Gulf tom out and the technical outlook up for a second session since of Bilateral US-Arab Chamber from QR169,225,148.03 on Sunday. The industrial sector was down bourses resumed declines yes- is still negative,” said Firas Al Thursday’s two-month low but of Commerce Aida Araissi and Among the top losers were 0.13 points while insurance sector terday as US Congress prepared Zghaibi, financial markets strat- gains were capped as geopolitical Nasser Al Meer, board member Qatar National Bank whose share fell 1.55 points. to debate on whether or not to egist at brokerage MENA Corp. risk weighed on sentiment. from Qatar Chamber also spoke. dropped 0.56 percent to QR159.60, “Heavy speculative trading is approve a military strike on “Most likely, the index will break AGENCIES THE PENINSULA/REUTERS TSB may still attract a buyer

LONDON: More than 600 deal with,” Pester told reporters them. The same would go with bank branches being rebranded at the launch of the new business things like risk appetite,” she said. as TSB by Britain’s Lloyds in central London. The return of An influential cross-party Banking Group could be bought the 200-year-old TSB brand to committee of lawmakers set up by a trade or financial buyer the high street after an 18-year to review standards within the before a flotation being planned absence is the result of action by industry said in June that a lack for next year, the head of the regulators and the government to of competition in UK retail bank- new business said. introduce greater competition in ing was an important reason why Lloyds was ordered to sell the the country’s banking sector. poor standards of conduct per- branches by European regula- Pester said TSB would focus on sisted in the industry. tors as a penalty for receiving a a local banking model, “support- Susan Kramer, a Liberal £45.5bn ($71bn) government bail- ing economic growth in the com- Democrat peer who sat on the out in the 2008 financial crisis. munities it serves”. It will become committee, said there was still However, a deal with the Britain’s 8th biggest retail bank a lot to be done to break the Co-operative Bank collapsed in with 4.5 million customers and a dominance of Britain’s biggest April amid concerns over the 4.3 percent share of the current four high street lenders — RBS, Co-op’s capital strength. account market. Lloyds, Barclays and HSBC — Lloyds now plans to run the However, Lloyds’ Group Retail which control around three-quar- business on a standalone basis Director Allison Britton told ters of retail accounts. ahead of a listing in summer 2014, Reuters TSB’s management would “There’s a long way to go to although TSB’s new boss Paul initially be granted only “semi- get to the point where consum- Pester said that could change. independence” from its parent. ers have a real range of choices, “It’s absolutely possible that “They can do quite a lot of things where competition bites in someone may come in and say themselves but they still might such a way that it changes the this is a fantastic business we’ll have to ask me about many things. behaviour of the big players,” make you an offer for it. That’s They can propose pricing changes she said. A pedestrian walks past a branch of the TSB bank in central London yesterday. something we can leave Lloyds to for products but I have to approve REUTERS China to help South Sudan develop mining

JUBA: China will help South Sudan develop a mining sector and is in talks to lend it between $1 and 2bn for road, power and agriculture projects, oil and mining minister Stephen Dhieu Dau said yesterday Speaking at a joint news conference with the Chinese ambassador Ma Qiang, Dao said China will provide $43m to conduct a geological study to help South Sudan’s plans to hand out mining licenses in its search for gold and other metals He gave no further details on the discussed loan. In March, South Sudan signed a mining law to attract foreign investment but officials and mining companies say it will take time to develop the sector because of the lack of almost any infrastructure or geological surveys. South Sudan separated from Sudan in 2011 following decades of civil war. Some officials in the new nation believe it has unexplored deposits of gold, diamonds, cop- per, uranium, chromite, manganese and iron ore. REUTERS TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

AB Foods WTO chief calls earnings growth driven for breaking by Primark

LONDON: Associated British Foods forecast “good progress” Doha deadlock in full year earnings per share after a strong finish to the year from its Primark discount fash- ion chain. System is in trouble, says Azevedo The retail and food group also said yesterday that adjusted oper- GENEVA: Negotiators must trading system is at stake.” ating profit for the second half of inject new life into stalled glo- Azevedo told reporters that its year to September 14 would be bal trade talks within weeks or the globe could reap huge benefits ahead of expectations thanks to risk seeing the world slide down from a wide-ranging trade deal, Primark’s performance. the road to protectionism, the potentially adding several hun- Recent data and surveys have new leader of the WTO warned dred billion dollars, or even over a shown a gradually improving out- yesterday. trillion dollars, to the annual sum look for UK consumer spending, Brazilian Roberto Azevedo, in of global commerce. which generates about two-thirds his debut address to the World That would represent a crucial of gross domestic product. Trade Organisation’s (WT) 159 boost in tough times. Primark has been the standout member-economies, urged them The WTO estimates that world performer in the clothing sector to break the deadlock ahead trade will grow by 2.5 percent this with its low prices pulling in cost- of a crunch summit in Bali in year, rather than the previously- conscious customers. December. forecast 3.3 percent, and by 4.5 AB Foods said full year sales “It is clear the system is in percent in 2014 rather than 5.0 The new Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Roberto Azevedo (left) of Brazil, arrives with Brazilian at Primark, which has more than trouble,” Azevedo said at the percent, due largely to a sluggish Foreign Minister Luiz Alberto at WTO headquarters in Geneva yesterday. 250 stores in Britain and Europe WTO’s Geneva headquarters. European Union recovery. and generates about a third of the Trading nations have been at Trade growth was 2.0 percent talks stalled amid clashes over the members out in the cold. you do. There’s no other way. It’s group’s profit, were expected to be odds for years over how to cut in 2012, down from 5.2 percent necessary give and take, notably The EU and United States are not going to go away if members 22 percent ahead of the prior year barriers to commerce, leaving in 2011. between China, the EU, India and exploring a free trade deal, as is don’t negotiate disciplines that at actual exchange rates, driven WTO-brokered talks moribund. Members of the WTO, which the United States. the United States with 12 Pacific will take care of it,” he added. by new store openings and sales “The perception of the world sets the rules of global commerce, “The world will not wait for the countries. Azevedo’s election in May growth at stores open over a year is that we have forgotten how launched their “Doha Round” WTO indefinitely. It will move The financial crisis has mean- underlined the growing diplomatic of close to five percent. to negotiate. The perception is talks at a summit in Qatar in on and will move on with choices while renewed calls for protec- clout of Brazil and other emerging The firm said Primark’s sec- paralysis. It is essential that we 2001. that will not be as efficient or as tionism, running counter to the economic powers. Seasoned nego- ond-half operating profit margin breathe new life into the negotiat- The goal was to craft a WTO- inclusive,” warned Azevedo. WTO’s aim of a level playing field. tiator Azevedo is a trade insider, would be in line with the first half, ing process. That’s why success at wide accord on opening mar- “The intermission is over,” “Today, protectionism is much having served as Brazil’s WTO beating internal expectations. the Bali ministerial conference is kets and removing trade hurdles he said. “The stakes couldn’t be more sophisticated than it was ambassador since 2008. Joint house broker Panmure vital,” Azevedo said. such as subsidies, excessive taxes higher. We have to deliver.” before. A lot of restrictive measures He took the helm on September Gordon increased its 2012-13 “While the benefits of success and red tape, and harness glo- Amid the Doha logjam, many take shapes which are more difficult 1 from former EU trade chief EPS forecast by 1.2 percent to would be great, the consequences bal commerce to develop poorer countries have focussed on bilat- to detect,” Azevedo told reporters. Pascal Lamy, a Frenchman, who 97.2 pence, equating to 11.4 per- of failure would be even greater. economies. eral and regional deals, which “Negotiating deals. If you want was in charge for eight years. cent growth year-on-year. The future of the multilateral But after early high hopes, the by definition leave other WTO to fight protectionism, that’s what AFP However, it cut its 2013-14 EPS forecast from 104.3 pence to 101 pence on concerns EU sugar prices are looking weaker than expected next year. AB Foods said full-year revenue Economy powerhouse Germany grapples with global role and adjusted operating profit for its AB Sugar business would be in line with management expecta- BERLIN: Chancellor Angela reluctance to strike out new paths”, decades after, refusing to send that Germany lacked “a compass” wrote zu Guttenberg, who resigned tions, while its agriculture busi- Merkel has been thrust into said Constanze Stelzenmueller of troops abroad and avoiding mus- in foreign policy and was “no in 2011 over a plagiarism scandal. ness would deliver revenue and leading Europe back from the the German Marshall Fund of the cular diplomacy. longer a reliable force, internally He also argued that “’chequebook profit substantially ahead of last financial brink, but Germany United States. It has since joined interven- or externally”. diplomacy’ by the biggest European year. remains reluctant to take on Josef Joffe, writing in influen- tions in Kosovo and Afghanistan, Merkel’s former defence minis- Union member is not a viable sub- For its grocery business, which global clout to match its eco- tial weekly Die Zeit, summed up where it has the third-biggest ter Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg stitute for contributing military includes Silver Spoon sugar, nomic prowess. German engagement abroad in a foreign contingent. But it disap- recently criticised Germany’s assets to the joint defence of our Twinings tea and Ryvita biscuits Beyond crisis efforts to save commentary headlined “Nothing pointed Nato allies again in 2011 “culture of reluctance” in foreign common values and interests”. it forecast a substantial improve- the euro, Europe’s top economy but words”, charging that by refusing to back the Libya and security matters in a joint The new flare-up in the Syrian ment in full-year adjusted oper- and export powerhouse remains “Germany follows the crises in campaign, abstaining alongside New York Times editorial. crisis again put Merkel on the ating profit after second half unable or unwilling to pull its the world according to the motto Russia and China. Leaders across Germany’s polit- spot, as she seeks to reassure allies revenues improved. weight on major international ‘hurt no-one, least of all oneself’”. Merkel’s erstwhile political ical spectrum still believed the that Germany is a reliable partner AB Foods added that year end crises, analysts say. Germany, shamed by its Second mentor, ex-chancellor Helmut nation’s economic might helped without spooking a history-scarred net debt is expected to be about Its foreign policy is still defined World War aggression, stepped Kohl who oversaw German reuni- compensate for its failure to pull and mostly anti-war electorate. $1.4bn. by “caution, pragmatism, a lightly on the world stage for fication, at the time complained its weight in Nato and elsewhere, AFP REUTERS

Petroceltic cuts full-year Gold eases as Fed tapering speculation resumes LONDON: Gold prices eased Spot gold was down 0.2 per- on September 17-18,” Andrey investors continued to bet on the stocks had become stuck at production yesterday, surrendering some of cent at $1,388.53 an ounce at 1355 Kryuchenkov, an analyst at VTB Fed trimming monetary stimulus Mumbai airport due to a lack of the gains made in the previous GMT, while U S gold futures for Capital, said. “It can still go either at its September meeting. clarity on rules. outlook session after disappointing US December delivery were up $1.30 way, and players will choose to “The Federal Reserve meeting Gold traders are closely watching jobs data, on expectations the an ounce at $1,387.80. Prices rose play it safe without commiting to remains an event risk for gold, Indian appetite for gold in the usu- Federal Reserve is still likely to 1.7 percent on Friday after a report fresh longs until then.” and I think there’s growing con- ally peak-demand fourth quarter, DUBLIN: Irish oil and gas com- press on with some tapering of showing US nonfarm payrolls grew Comments by two Fed officials sensus that tapering is going to after officials in the world’s larg- pany Petroceltic International monetary stimulus. less than expected last month cast that suggested stimulus unwinding come eventually,” Credit Suisse’s est gold consumer moved to curb cut its production forecast for Speculation that the US cen- doubt on the US recovery. The remained on track helped the dollar head of commodities research imports in an effort to cut its record the full year due to lower-than- tral bank is set to trim its $85bn unemployment rate, the Fed’s recover on Monday to near levels Tobias Merath said. current account deficit. “We should anticipated output in Egypt. monthly bond-buying pro- favoured measure of job market seen before the US jobs numbers. Indian jewellers expect a surge keep an eye on demand from Asia Petroceltic, which focuses gramme, a key driver of higher health, eased 0.1 point, however. German government bonds in gold shipments this week during the festival season,” Peter on the Middle East and North bullion prices, has helped knock “The much-awaited US August weakened meanwhile, reversing after the customs department Fertig, a consultant at Quantitative Africa region, the Mediterranean gold 17 percent lower this year jobs report provided little insight some of the sharp gains made on issued new import guidelines on Commodity Research, said. basin and the Black Sea region, after more than a decade of gains. into the Fed’s policy decision the below-forecast jobs data, as Wednesday. Previously imported REUTERS said it expected production to be between 24,500 barrels of oil per day (boepd) and 25,500 boepd in the year ending December 31. Sony launches PlayStation 4 The company said in January that it expected 2013 production Portugal’s Martins to to be between 25,000 boepd and 27,000 boepd. “Although there has been no consistent or on-going disrup- invest €1.4bn in Poland tion to the business, a number of separate factors caused Egyptian WARSAW: Portuguese food generates almost 70 percent of production to be slightly below distributor Jeronimo Martins our group’s revenues and there- anticipated levels in the first half,” will pump ¤1.4bn over three fore we channel 70 percent of the company said in a statement years into its supermarket our investment outlays here,” he on Monday. chain in Poland, its largest mar- added. The company’s pretax loss wid- ket, the CEO said in an inter- Present in Poland since 1995, ened to $5.29m in the six months view published yesterday. Jeronimo Martins has to date ending June 30, from $3.2m a year The group will invest around invested eight billion zloty into earlier. six billion zloty (¤1.4bn, $1.85bn) its stores in 800 cities across the Revenue rose to $104m from into the Biedronka chain through EU country of 38 million. $291,000 a year earlier. 2015, CEO Pedro Soares dos The group employs more than Petroceltic bought Melrose Santos told the Polish economic 40,000 people in Poland. Resources last year for 165 million daily Puls Biznesu. Worldwide the group posted pounds to gain access to produc- “This year our investment 165 million euros in profit in the ing assets in Egypt and Bulgaria outlays in Poland will reach first half of the year, up nine per- and strengthen its operations in approximately 2.1bn zloty, and cent on an annual basis, thanks North Africa and the Black Sea are likely to remain at the same to increased sales in Poland and region. level in the next two years,” dos Portugal. Egypt, which is enduring the Santos said. Biedronka, which means lady- worst internal strife in its modern He said the investment will bug in Polish, accounted for 65.5 history since the army overthrew increase Poland’s Biedronka store percent of Jeronimo Martins’s President Mohamed Mursi in count to 3,000 from more than sales in the first half of the year. early July, accounted for nearly 60 Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Asia President Hiroshi Kawano holds a new PlayStation Vita during 2,200 shops today. Its Portuguese brand Pingo Doce percent of Petroceltic’s revenue. a news conference in Tokyo yesterday. Sony Corp announced the Japanese release of its PlayStation 4. “Today Poland is the most accounted for 26.9 percent. REUTERS important market for us — it AFP TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS UK businesses in Gulf may be vulnerable Syria stance likely to be a roadblock

DUBAI/LONDON: Britain’s that which is available from the decision not to join a military United States, from a country strike on Syria may have more that is unlikely to realise its secu- than a purely political impact: rity commitments?” it could over time make it more Gulf governments have not difficult for British businessmen commented publicly on the British to win billions of dollars of con- parliament’s vote, and British offi- tracts in the Gulf. cials said they do not expect it to British companies are bidding affect commercial ties. for several big-ticket deals in the “We have no reason to believe region, including oil concessions that the UK Parliament’s deci- and contracts to supply dozens sion on Syria will impact our of fighter jets to the United Arab trade and investment relation- Emirates and Qatar. ship with Saudi Arabia,” the Most of the wealthy Gulf oil British embassy in Riyadh said exporters, particularly Qatar and in a statement. Saudi Arabia, are supporting the “The UK will continue to play Syrian rebels in their civil war a full role in seeking to bring an with the government of President end to the conflict and hold the Bashar Al Assad. Syrian regime to account for its So Britain’s refusal to get actions...UK exports to Saudi involved in military action could Arabia grew 26 percent in the weaken its position in the Gulf first five months of this year A man works at the booth of BMW Alpina as preparations are under way for the IAA (Internationale Automobil Ausstellung) international motor show in as it tries to secure contracts and we expect that growth to Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, yesterday. which depend heavily on close continue.” political ties and shared strate- Privately, however, some British gic interests. officials were jittery about a cool- BMW eclipses rivals with indoor test track Companies from the United ing of Britain’s traditionally warm States and France, which are relationship with the Gulf even considering a strike against before the decision on Syria. FRANKFURT: BMW has display during the Frankfurt Festhalle, the century-old venue three top German brands to allow the Syrian government over its Anger among unelected Gulf built a 300-metre, three-level show, Europe’s biggest, but BMW for the show which was inau- visitors to test its cars in action alleged use of chemical weapons, rulers over the West’s support indoor test track at this year’s is particularly hard-pressed to gurated by German Emperor at the 2009 Frankfurt event. The may benefit from any setbacks for for the 2011 Arab Spring upris- Frankfurt motor show — all to turn heads this year as its sales Wilhelm II and has space for show, which has been held since British firms. ings, and British media reports outshine German arch-rivals lead over Audi has been melting 13,500 people. 1899, is key to Germany’s flagship Jonathan Eyal, International seen as supportive of the Muslim Audi and Mercedes-Benz as it away. “It’s totally obvious that we’re nameplates, with BMW, Audi, Director at the Royal United Brotherhood, were blamed by battles to stay in pole position in Competition among the big eyeing each other,” said Andreas Mercedes and Porsche all head- Services Institute in London, said some analysts for British oil the world’s luxury car market. three has intensified since von Wallfeld, Mercedes’ event quartered within 400 kilometres parliament did not seem to have major BP’s temporary exclusion Incorporated into BMW’s Mercedes was overtaken by Audi communication chief. “Frankfurt of the Frankfurt fair. taken this into account in its sur- last year from the bidding to run 10,000-square metre exhibition in 2011 as the runner-up in the is by far the top show for the “The money’s worth it, no prise vote on August 29 against Abu Dhabi’s biggest oil fields over space, the figure of eight-shaped luxury car market by sales. German premiums. It’s that matter how expensive their show action in Syria. the next few decades. track will give visitors the chance Both want to replace BMW mutual competition that spurs stands are,” said Frankfurt- While legislators were clearly BP was allowed to bid again to test drive two dozen vehicles, in the top spot by the end of the us ahead in the global sales race.” based IHS Automotive analyst aware of the risk to Britain’s “spe- after British Prime Minister including BMW’s first all-elec- decade and are also determined to BMW outsold Audi by 85,000 Christoph Stuermer. “Every cial relationship” with the United David Cameron flew to Abu tric car, the ¤34,950 ($46,000) i3 make a splash in Frankfurt. cars last year, but Volkswagen- minute a customer spends inside States of their vote, the coun- Dhabi to promote his country’s hatchback. Audi has pledged “to turn the owned (VW) Audi’s steady a hall means face time for the try’s footprint in the Middle East energy and weapons companies “We’re keen to live up to our show upside down” by having imi- progress in China and North exhibitors. No dealership on earth appeared either to have been taken in November 2012. leadership claim in every possible tations of skyscrapers and city America shrank the margin to works that efficiently.” for granted or undervalued, he said. Britain’s BAE Systems is com- respect,” Steven Althaus, BMW districts sprout from the ceiling no more than 21,000 at the end Some 928,100 people visited “There was no understand- peting against France’s Dassault branding chief told Reuters. “That of its partly mirrored exhibition of July. the previous 2011 Frankfurt fair, ing that what was at stake was Aviation to sell around 60 planes central idea is reflected through pavilion, drawing attention to the Daimler-owned Mercedes, almost 10 percent more than in Britain’s reputation as a major to the UAE. Qatar is weighing our show stand” which took two challenges of urban mobility, the meantime, has reinforced its glo- 2009. BMW expects to see cars security actor in the Middle East whether to replace its ageing fleet months to build. brand’s event marketing chief, bal ambitions by pushing design putting in over 5,600 miles on its as a whole. What is the point of with BAE Eurofighter Typhoons German premium carmakers Bernhard Neumann, told Reuters. updates and compact models while test track over the course of the 13 buying equipment which, after or Dassault Rafales. traditionally compete against one Mercedes, meanwhile, has fixing distribution problems in show days from September 10-22. all, is only marginally better than REUTERS another for the most impressive a 250-metre track outside the China. BMW was the first of the REUTERS

QATARI MARKET Zain Iraq’s local Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Al Futtaim offers $86m for Kenya retailer Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 102.63 0.57 % Aa2 AA holding firm Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 103.38 2.08 % Aa2 AA DUBAI: Dubai-based con- biggest inflows of foreign invest- Futtaim, describing the offer as Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 117.75 3.07 % Aa2 AA appoints board glomerate Al Futtaim Group ment into the Kenyan economy the first step for the company in Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 110.25 3.44 % Aa2 AA is eyeing its first investment this year and showed the increas- an expansion drive across Africa. Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 104.13 3.92 % Aa2 AA in sub-Saharan Africa with an ing attractiveness of African com- Al Futtaim is a family-run Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 152.75 5.05 % Aa2 AA ahead of IPO offer worth $86m to take full panies to firms looking to expand conglomerate with interests in a Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 111.25 5.58 % Aa2 AA control of Nairobi-listed car in the continent, Al Futtaim, number of areas, including retail, Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 103.50 5.50 % Aa2 AA DUBAI: The local hold- retailer CMC Holdings. which operates through 100 com- real estate and hospitality and ing company of Zain Iraq, the Al Futtaim will offer 13 shil- panies across 20 markets, said. engineering. It has experience Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 104.00 1.32 % Aa2 AA country’s No.1 telecommunica- lings ($0.15) per share for CMC, CMC Holdings, which owns in car dealerships — it holds the Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 107.50 3.75 % Aa2 AA tions operator by subscribers, with 50.6 percent of existing dealerships in Kenya, Tanzania franchise rights to market Toyota Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 104.25 1.39 % A1 A- appointed seven board members shareholders having pledged to and Uganda and has exclusive dis- and Lexus vehicles in Dubai. Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 102.63 2.60 % A1 A- and a managing director yes- accept the takeover offer, it said tribution rights for Ford, has not Egyptian investment bank EFG QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.25 1.76 % NR NR terday, a step towards a manda- in a statement yesterday. traded publicly since September Hermes was advising Al Futtaim QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.13 1.66 % Aa3 A+ tory initial public offering (IPO) Gulf Arab companies are boost- 2011 when Kenya’s Capital on the transaction, the statement QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 103.00 2.46 % Aa3 A+ expected in 2014. ing their investments in Africa Markets Authority suspended added. CMC reported a 59 per- Zain Iraq, a unit of Kuwaiti lured by the continent’s untapped the stock due to a boardroom row. cent drop in first-half pre-tax Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 103.00 2.60 % A2 A- operator Zain, and its two rival resources and marking a shift Al Futtaim said its takeover profit in May, blaming it on low Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 103.88 2.07 % A2 A national mobile operators were away from their traditionally pre- offer would help CMC grow its demand in the period before the Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 120.50 3.86 % A2 A required to float a quarter of their ferred markets such as the United current stable of brands, with east African country’s presiden- Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 103.25 4.24 % A2 A shares and list on the Iraq Stock States and Europe. Marwan Shehadeh, group direc- tial elections. Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 99.00 5.11 % A2 A Exchange (ISX) as part of their The offer represents one of the tor corporate development at Al REUTERS Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 104.25 1.41 % Aa3 A 2007 licences, but all missed a 2011 Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 106.50 3.57 % Aa3 A deadline to do so. Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 106.25 4.26 % Aa3 A Asiacell — 64 percent owned by Qatar’s Ooredoo — listed on Wind energy boom SOVEREIGNS the ISX in February after selling Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P $1.27bn of shares in a public sale. Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 102.88 0.46 % Aa2 AA Zain Iraq’s IPO could be of Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 119.75 2.89 % Aa2 AA similar size — it had a 50 percent share of the country’s mobile sub- Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 107.75 2.82 % NR NR scribers at the end of 2012, com- Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 104.25 3.64 % NR NR pared with Asiacell’s 36 percent, Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 113.25 5.46 % NR NR while its second-quarter revenue Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 104.50 5.78 % NR NR was $434m. Asiacell’s revenue for Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 103.75 1.22 % Aa2 AA the same period was $487m. Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 110.00 4.12 % NR BBB Zain Iraq was a foreign-dom- Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 98.00 5.87 % NR BBB iciled company, which would prevent it from joining the Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 87.50 8.23 % Caa1 CCC+ ISX, so a local joint stock com- Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 100.50 4.42 % NR BBB- pany Al Khatem Company for *Periodic Distribution Amount IMPORTANT NOTE: Telecommunications was created Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which to hold Zain Iraq’s assets. is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services Al Khatem — 76-percent owned Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary by Kuwait’s Zain — has now held data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising its first annual meeting, electing out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds Mohammed Charchafchi as chair- can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant man, Asaad Al Banwan as deputy liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not chairman and Bader Al Kharafi a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and as managing director, according consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. to a Zain statement yesterday. “(These) are preparatory steps in A cyclist and a skater pass by windmills on the Pellworm island, northern Germany, yesterday. Home to about order to list Al Khatem on the ISX,” 1,000 people, 2,000 cows and 3,000 sheep, the sleepy North Sea outpost, set amid vast tidal mudflats, has for Wael Ghanayem, Zain Iraq chief decades been a pioneer in solar and wind power. Like a growing number of German communities, Pellworm financial officer, said in the statement. has made sure the shift towards a zero-carbon future is driven by local people, not energy companies. REUTERS TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

TSB is showing more The British recovery? competition, but we need more than that Don’t believe the hype BY KAREL WILLIAMS south-east, and more especially in London. turns out to be no more than another boost BY CHUKA UMUNNA The caution is that an 8 percent increase for London and more of the same for the conomic policy is about framing in London house prices over the past year regions, which are falling further behind in an n the mid-1990s TSB disappeared from Streatham High Road the world and labelling events could easily turn into an unsustainable burst increasingly unbalanced economy. That’s very following the bank’s merger with Lloyds. Today it will reap- as much as it is about interven- of growth driven by a reinflating property different from the investment and export- pear on Europe’s longest continuous high street, following ing in the economy by pulling bubble. This upturn offers very little for led recovery promised in Office of Budget Ithe hiving off of 631 Lloyds-TSB branches into a new entity policy levers. In the UK we have anybody in the north and west. Responsibility forecasts and the chancellor’s rebadged “TSB”. Ereached a point where we need to change The quarterly GDP growth figures give March 2011 budget speech which talked of a This is because Lloyds was ordered to sell those branches the frame that leads us to regard “recovery” national aggregates without regional break- “march of the makers”. The revival of manu- by the European commission as a condition of the Labour as little more than GDP growth. downs. But growth has historically been dis- facturing hasn’t happened. government’s bailout of the bank, now 39 percent owned by The story so far is that the Treasury has tributed unevenly, with the lion’s share of The chancellor and mainstream econo- the taxpayer. handed active policymaking to the Bank of nominal GDP growth captured by London. mists never engaged with rebuilding supply The next big milestone for Lloyds will be the bank’s privatisation. England, which runs ultra loose monetary As public expenditure cuts are dispropor- chains in a sector like cars, where imported When that happens the chancellor, George Osborne — who policy through quantitative easing and pro- tionately hitting employment in the north components account for nearly 40 percent said when it was bailed out in 2009 there was “no guarantee motes a particular definition of economic and west, we would now expect the periph- of the value of output. Manufacturing was that this will get lending flowing in the real economy, help real recovery. This is implicit in Mark Carney’s eral regions to be doing relatively worse. So and is a source of decent jobs and valuable businesses to stay afloat or keep people in work” — will seek guidance that interest rates “won’t be raised a “recovery” with aggregate growth of 1 per- exports, but there are limits to how much to take the credit. until jobs and income are really growing”. cent-2 percent of GDP will include no growth more British manufacturing can deliver. But any future privatisation — likely to be at a profit — will By the beginning of 2013 the government or contraction of output in a region such as Isn’t it time to get real about where we be a vindication of the action taken by his predecessor Alistair was claiming 500,000 new jobs had been cre- the north-east while London grows strongly. are nationally and what can be done about Darling and the then prime minister, Gordon Brown to save the ated, while GDP did grow by 0.7 percent in The apparent growth of private employment the unbalanced economy? Isn’t it time to banking system from itself. They deserve credit for that. the last quarter of 2013 and various indexes in the north and west is no compensation. stop hoping for export-led recovery that will As the Independent Commission on Banking, set up by of purchasing and business confidence sug- Why? Because increases in the volume of never come and to stop hyping London’s con- Osborne and my opposite number, Vince Cable, said: without gest more to come. Economic policymakers employment and declines in the rate of unem- tinued good fortune as a national recovery? the intervention of the last Labour government — along with are relieved because the economy appears ployment are increasingly meaningless indica- Firms such as supermarket chains take those of other governments around the world — “the conse- to be responding to management after a tors in a flexibilised economy. Jobs ain’t what our money and we need to ask them: what quences of the 2008/9 global financial crisis would have been period when fiscal austerity and non-stand- they used to be in an earlier age, when full- have you done for us lately? Then we need immeasurably worse”. ard monetary policies left us bumping along time positions distributed welfare through local and regional initiatives to build sup- No amount of rewriting of history by Messrs Osborne and Cable the bottom. Conservative backbenchers are wages and created independence. It is time ply chains, develop firm capability and can obscure this rather salient fact. cheered because positive vibes about recovery to shift from measuring the stock of jobs to deliver decent jobs. With this revolution From the middle of next year, once the new TSB is floated by could win them the next election. But as the mapping the flow of workers between jobs in thinking we could begin to engage the Lloyds — as is planned — it will become a properly independent Guardian has pointed out, figures on inflation, of different quality. This could change the problem of regional decline. At the moment, bank. This is hugely welcome. the unemployment rate, total investment and employment portfolio. And that portfolio is mainstream thinking keeps it hidden and Why? Because we know our country’s small businesses and wages tell a more complicated story. almost certainly deteriorating as low quality standard policies do little to address it. The entrepreneurs have been getting a raw deal for far too long from Politicians might have reasons to be private jobs replace decent public jobs. rhetoric of “recovery” is part of the problem. the banks, with lending down £538m in the second quarter of cheerful because there is a recovery in the Looked at like this, the so-called recovery THE GUARDIAN this year and small firms missold interest rate swap products by the banks and now being made to wait an inordinate amount of time for compensation. If we are to turn this around and improve the service our busi- nesses get, there must be more competition in the retail banking sector — particularly business banking where lending to almost five million businesses is concentrated in the hands of just high five street banks. Nationwide, the UK’s biggest building society, had planned to start lending to small firms from this year but has had to put on hold its plans until 2016 due to regulatory issues. Nationwide’s move should have been worrying the existing players given the building society’s customer satisfaction levels are far higher than theirs. So it is timely that, with TSB’s re-emergence, we will see a much needed new entrant into the business banking market this year, before Nationwide joins the party. However, more competition “in” banking is not enough — we need more competition “to” banking as well if we are to ensure our businesses get access to the finance they need. We want to see more sources of alternative finance, from inno- vations in factoring such as MarketInvoice or in peer-to-peer lending such as Funding Circle which Labour local authorities are now using to support and invest in local businesses. Reform cannot stop there. We are the only country in the G20 without state-backed invest- ment institutions to help get credit to businesses who want to start up and grow. The government talks about its Business Bank but this won’t be up and running until 2014 at the earliest and it not a proper independent bank as we know it but a fund run by civil servants behind desks in the business department. This won’t do. That’s why Labour would set up a proper British Investment Bank, providing funding which is not reliant only on the existing banking network but flowing through a new network of geographi- cally mandated regional banks. If we are to ensure our economy is fit for the future, piecemeal change of the type Cable famously complained about in his leaked letter to the prime minister and deputy prime minister last year is not enough — we need to radically transform support for our entrepreneurs and wealth creators. THE GUARDIAN Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Syria crisis: Fed shift complicates trading strategy

BY MARC JONES and that is the obvious way to play present similar problems: Both market has not taken this episode Russia and China, which oppose with assets they could not get SINEAD CRUISE it.” In past periods of geopolitical became overpriced due to fears too seriously yet,” said Derek US action. rid of easily as their value fell. uncertainty, highly liquid US or about the state of the financial Mitchell, senior UK equities fund This time they are likely to ome investors trying to German sovereign bonds were the system that have since ebbed. manager at Royal London Asset MARKET VOLATILITY favour liquid assets, even if hold- protect themselves from perfect investment bunker dur- Short-term demand is grow- Management. In smaller previous conflicts, ing bonds incurs short-term any market gyrations ing crises from Kosovo to Iraq to ing for oil as well as energy- “We have not seen many new such as in Libya in 2011 and losses. Sprovoked by a deepening Libya. linked stocks and currencies positions with regards to oil firms. Kosovo in 1999, market volatility “We are concerned about Syria, Syrian crisis are looking to oil as Investors parked funds in that tend to rise during Middle Most people are still very under- rose as tensions escalated but the but in all honesty, there’s not an alternative to top-rated gov- Treasures and bunds to wait until East conflicts. weight, if they are in it at all.” effect on stocks and other finan- much that you can do in prepa- ernment bonds, a traditional but the outcome became clearer, and Apart from that, constructing In the currency market, the cial markets was limited. ration for something like this,” currently unappealing haven in markets rallied relatively quickly trades on the options markets Canadian dollar and Norwegian Didier Duret, Chief said Matt Eagan, a Boston-based uncertain times. anyway. aimed at benefiting from a rise in krone have risen against the yen. Investment Officer at ABN co-manager of the $22bn Loomis With US Treasuries and This time the option of sitting volatility from current low levels Canada and Norway are oil pro- Amro, said his base scenario is Sayles Bond Fund. German bunds on course for it out is less attractive. seems one of the few alternatives. ducers which would benefit from that Syria will also be a “short- “We don’t like US Treasuries their biggest annual losses since The US Federal Reserve is “Volatility is another way to any major price rises, while Japan term disturbance” for markets in the main but... we know that the mid-1990s, oil is being touted planning at some stage to start think about it,” said Nakisa. would suffer as one of the biggest that won’t derail the global eco- they are one of the most liquid as a better bet. winding down the huge purchases “Volatility always spikes when crude importers. nomic recovery. instruments in the bond world.” Although many investors of bonds it has been making to you have geopolitical events and World stocks slid in the run up Historical data supports that “The year 2008 definitely gave remain ready to endure some stimulate the American economy, obviously volatility is very limited to both US-led wars with Iraq in view. Global purchasing man- you a different idea on what was short-term pain in return for and growth also appears to be at the moment.” 1991 and 2003, but rallied once agers’ indexes, which track the genuinely liquid and what wasn’t,” the liquidity that the huge gov- picking up at last in other major the extent of the conflicts became manufacturing and services he said. ernment bond markets offer. Western countries. UNCERTAINTY clear. economies, did not react when Other countries with top credit Some analysts believe crude oil This has helped bring a virtu- Over the last 10 days the The main worry now is that Western government bombed ratings offer alternatives. prices could jump more than 20 ally unbroken 20-year bull mar- STOXX oil and gas share index Iran, an ally of Damascus, could Libya during its civil war. “We also have some Canadian percent if a US military strike on ket in government bonds to an has outperformed the general get involved if the US goes ahead While the PMIs, which are dollar positions, Canadian govern- Damascus drags other countries end, although the credit quality STOXX 600 by roughly 5 percent with attacking Syria. seen as a good gauge of general ment bonds,” said Eagan. into the Syrian conflict. of core government bonds and and a number of institutions have The entire region could become economic confidence, plunged “We have Norwegian bonds “Our oil team think oil could go the way they can be traded like issued buy recommendations on inflamed yet further, causing before the Iraq conflicts, they that are AAA, and when you add as far as $150 if we get the all-out cash remain critical attributes of the sector. major oil supply problems. swiftly picked up once the wars all these up we have around a scenario,” said UBS global macro “safety” plays. However, so far the gains have There are also concerns about were underway. fifth of the portfolio in high liquid strategist Ramin Nakisa. “We Other familiar safety plays been modest. “While it’s a hor- how the crisis could affect rela- During the financial crisis of instruments.” have gone overweight energy, such as Swiss franc cash or gold rifying humanitarian tragedy, the tions between Washington and 2008 many investors got stuck REUTERS TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 9,151.28 1.15 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 13,075.08 1.15 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,635.89 0.69 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,314.6 1.00 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,248.49 0.81 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5179.395 35.368 0.69 5229.8 4610.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,612.35 0.62 % QR162.7595 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4030.62 -18.57 -0.46 4123.89 3575.17 QE All Share Industrials 2,921.22 1.13 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.6736 QR 5.7527 QE All Share Insurance 2,181 1.55 % Dj Indu Average 14922.5 -14.98 -0.1 15658.4 12471.5 Euro ...... QR 4.7766 QR 4.8433 QE All Share Real Estate 1,633.96 1.18 % QR 2.7768 CA$ ...... QR 3.4748 QR 3.5443 QE All Share Telecoms 1,360.54 1.64 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 1,694.82 0.89 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.8642 QR 3.9193 Hang Seng Inde/D 22750.65 129.43 0.57 23944.74 19426.36 Yen ...... QR 0.0363 QR 0.0370 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.3212 QR 3.3871 Today Previous day Iseq Overall/D 4227.52 2.14 0.05 4285.01 3396.67 CRUDE OIL 09-09-2013 08-09-2013 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0553 QR 0.0564 Index 9,151.28 9,257.81 Karachi 100 In/D 22838.84 72.97 0.32 23944.99 16036.31 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0345 QR 0.0352 Change 106.53 52.89 BRENT Nikkei 225 Index 14205.23 344.42 2.48 15942.6 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0816 QR 0.0833 % 1.15 0.57 $ 115.79 SL Re ...... QR 0.0271 QR 0.0277 YTD% 9.48 10.75 S&P 500 Index/D 1655.17 0.09 0.01 1709.67 1343.35 Taka ...... QR 0.0465 QR 0.0477 Volume 6,125,579 3,770,089 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0349 QR 0.0356 Value (QAR) 260,211,717.81 169,225,148.03 Straits Times/D 3088.2 39.85 1.31 3464.79 2990.68 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3604 QR 0.3675 Trades 3,481 2,849 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77 $ 110.38 Up 10 | Down 24 | Unchanged 06

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

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A C C-A/d 963.2 22.8 55353 CIPLA-A/d 437.6 18.8 438763 I F C I-A/d 20.85 0.45 1415578 MAFATLAL IND-B/d 94 -1.05 1349 TANFAC INDUST-/d 7.4 -0.37 3200 LLOYDS BNK GRP/d 75.9972 0.6 48294910 AARTI DRUGS-B/d 186.7 -3.35 1352 CITY UNION BK-/d 41.6 0.7 28827 IDBI-A/d 56.35 -0.55 304617 MANGALAM CEM-B/d 95.4 -0.05 1336 THIRUMALAI-B/d 70 0.85 1677 MARKS & SP./d 497.2 -1.5 1282475 ABAN OFFS-B/d 223.95 6.65 127381 COLGATE-A/d 1227.75 -1.8 4657 IFB IND.LTD.-B/d 51.2 0.85 1858 MARAL OVERS-B/d 13.74 0.57 3730 TINPLATE-B/d 34 0.25 5955 NEXT/d 5065 15 88005 AEGIS LOGIS-B/d 129.85 -3.35 13727 CONTAINER COR-/d 712.95 10.95 2925 INDIA CEMENT-B/d 49.4 -0.05 116633 MASTEK-B/d 127.05 3.2 4539 UB ENGINEER-B/d 10.78 0.78 4325 PEARSON/d 1285 -6 310537 AHMED.FORG-B/d 94.5 -0.1 5600 DHAMPUR SUGAR-/d 30.95 -0.05 21238 INDIA GLYCOL-B/d 96.95 -1.45 3840 MAX INDIA L-A/d 156.25 2.7 32723 UCAL FUEL-B/d 41.85 0.2 4039 PRUDENTIAL/d 1129 8 1469693 ALEMBIC-B/d 24.75 0.1 29187 DR. REDDY-A/d 2283.9 -9.3 29514 INDIAN HOTEL-A/d 46.15 -0.15 68090 MRPL-A/d 31.6 0.7 188340 UCAL FUEL-B/d 41.85 0.2 4039 RANK GROUP/d 154 -2 12631 ALOK INDUS-B/d 6.89 0.28 462618 E I H-B/d 52.9 0.25 21551 INDO-TCOUNT-T/d 26 1.2 5728 NAHAR SPG.-B/d 74.8 -0.25 4657 UNITECH P -A/d 16.95 -0.1 2999487 RENTOKIL INITI/d 106.7 0 556648 ANDHRA PAPER-B/d 253 1.1 3485 E.I.D PARRY-B/d 119.7 1.65 6339 INDUSIND-A/d 411.85 14 445952 NATH SEEDS-B/d 4.25 0.02 3975 UPPERGSUGAR-B/d 25.95 1.2 1000 ROLLS ROYCE PL/d 1135 -6 549171 APOLLO TYRE-A/d 65 -0.1 134329 ELECTROSTEEL-B/d 11.63 0.55 54251 J.B.CHEMICAL-B/d 85.3 1.8 22566 NATION ALUM -A/d 33.4 -0.3 135426 RSA INSRANCE G/d 119.9 0.8 1935706 ASAHI I GLASS-/d 33.9 -0.05 2528 EMCO-B/d 12.6 0.25 17575 JBF INDU-B/d 94.15 2.65 448271 NAVNEET PUB.-B/d 52.65 0.35 5647 LONDON SAINSBURY(J)/d 392.7 -0.8 448707 ASHOK LEYLAND-/d 12.97 0.01 839343 ESCORTS-B/d 84.55 -0.15 334097 JCT ELECT P -T/d 0.48 0 46500 NEPC INDIA-B/d 1.8 0.11 2520 SCHRODERS/d 2422 12 34444 BAJAJ HOLD-A/d 824.05 29.45 3323 ESSAR OIL-A/d 60.8 0.95 223092 JCT LTD-T/d 2.2 0.09 335756 NEULAND LAB-B/d 236.55 7.7 1460 3I GROUP/d 367.9 0.2 704708 SEVERN TRENT/d 1691.75 -13 92700 BALLARPUR IN-B/d 9.32 -0.24 89859 EVEREADY INDU-/d 17.35 0.7 314449 JENSON&NICH.-B/d 2.3 0.02 6411 NRB BEARINGS-B/d 33.5 0.05 4936 ASSOC.BR.FOODS/d 1804 -47 588442 SMITH&NEPHEW/d 761 -8 350502 BATA INDIA-A/d 823.7 -3.15 14995 F D C-B/d 83.15 0.05 5146 JKTYRE&IND-B/d 88.45 2.35 22001 O N G C-A/d 289.15 19.35 721597 B SKY B/d 843 -7 284867 SMITHS GROUP/d 1341 -2 90674 BAYER CROP-B/d 1560 17.15 1248 FEDERAL BANK-A/d 280.9 6.7 120979 JMC PROJECTS-B/d 61.45 2.45 1102 OIL COUNTRY-B/d 31.7 -0.85 1849 BARCLAYS/d 299.0946 2.2 7510311 STANDRD CHART /d 1449.875 -22.5 780009 BEML LTD-B/d 146.7 -3.15 64517 FERRO ALLOYS-B/d 4.13 0.23 18648 KABRA EXTR-B/d 24.85 -0.1 1903 ONWARD TECH-T/d 42.95 0.6 4424 BG GROUP/d 1224.5 -57.5 6484332 TATE & LYLE/d 778.8961 -28 810517 BHANSALI ENG-B/d 17.9 -1.95 1608 FINOLEX-B/d 109.45 4.55 35652 KAJARIA CER-B/d 225 -1.6 1288 ORCHID CHEM-B/d 42.35 0.25 98939 BP/d 442.6 -2.95 3066956 BHARTIYA INT-B/d 163.95 -4.4 8657 GAIL-A/d 301.3 3.9 68655 KAKATIYA CEM-B/d 63.7 -1.9 5023 ORIENT HOTEL-B/d 17.4 0.85 1890 TESCO/d 366.942 -0.05 2198961 BRIT AM TOBACC/d 3315.5 26 1020460 BHEL-A/d 141.55 4.35 1435593 GAMMON INDIA-B/d 9.59 -0.15 61261 KALPAT POWER-B/d 59.9 -0.55 7219 ORIENT.CARB.-B/d 92.95 3.85 2052 TOMKINS/d 0 0 0 BRITISH AIRWAY/d 276.4574 0 0 BOM.BURMAH-B/d 89.6 -1.3 20138 HCL INFOSYS-B/d 26.4 -1 51096 KALYANI STEL-B/d 39.3 0.5 15186 OUDH SUGAR-B/d 17 0.35 1549 UNILEVER/d 2430.64 -26 764347 BT GROUP/d 341.65 -1.1 2124433 BOMBAY DYEING-/d 46.25 -0.1 48340 HIM.FUT.COMM-B/d 7.29 0.08 58726 KG DENIM-B/d 13.72 -0.17 14012 PUNJAB CHEM.-T/d 36.75 1.75 1232 UNITED UTIL GR/d 671.6703 -9 690160 CENTRICA/d 393.5 -2.3 1922374 CANFIN HOMES-B/d 117.6 -0.85 1342 HIMAT SEIDE-B/d 32.7 0.9 25163 KILBURNENGG-B/d 9.5 -0.44 2800 RADICO KHAIT-B/d 117 -2.25 44541 VODAFONE GROUP/d 210.501 -0.2 47424535 GKN/d 349.3 1.9 1011755 CASTROL IND-A/d 316.7 -0.2 14169 HIND MOTORS-B/d 7.01 0.09 36515 KLG SYSTEL-T/d 5.25 0.25 1776 RALLIS INDIA-B/d 149.1 -1.4 20280 WHITBREAD/d 3213 46 167846 HSBC HOLDINGS/d 701.6 -6.7 4536731 CENTURY ENKA-B/d 102.5 1.15 1451 HIND ORG CHEM-/d 8.4 0.55 42679 KOPRAN-B/d 14.35 0.01 12656 RALLIS INDIA-B/d 149.1 -1.4 20280 CENTURY TEXT-A/d 226.3 1.65 117577 HIND UNILEVER-/d 617.2 -10.15 91420 LAKSHMI MACH-B/d 2023.95 32.3 1162 RELIANCE INDUS/d 299.1 4.15 89444 IMPERIAL TOBAC/d 2230 -31 400829 CHAMBAL FERT-B/d 34.6 0.8 326991 HIND.PETROL-A/d 184.35 10.3 345753 LLOYD METAL-T/d 18.15 0.6 20171 S BK BIKANER-B/d 330.85 -2.25 2984 KINGFISHER/d 410.6 4.2 1487358 CHOLA INVEST-B/d 213.3 2.1 1186 HINDALCO-A/d 108 0.15 901690 LOK.HOUS&CON-B/d 10.6 0.13 15954 SAUR.CEM-B/d 12.49 0.49 1768 LAND SECS GROU/d 892.5 8.5 514990 CHOWGULE ST-B/d 9.85 0.35 8234 HOUS DEV FIN-A/d 761.95 11.6 177696 LUPIN-A/d 839 -14.35 121672 TANFAC INDUST-/d 7.4 -0.37 3200 LEGAL & GENERA/d 193.5314 2.8 2827146 TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Pictures of Serena Williams reacting after defeating Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in three sets in the final in Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on Sunday. Williams won her second consecutive US Open title by defeating Azarenka 7-5, 6-7, 6-1. At the age of 31, she has won 55 titles with a career prize money of $50,862,995m. For Billie Serena ‘excited’ about Jean King, 40 years after feats, Grand Slam possibilities women have The American says it’s a ‘honour’ to equal Federer’s 17 Slam titles ‘so far to go’ BEVERLY HILLS, NEW YORK: Serena Williams titles as well as taking her sec- California: The two women is enjoying the moment rather ond French Open crown earlier who battled in Sunday’s final than chasing history, but win- this year. of the US Open tennis tourna- ning a fifth US Open on Sunday “Being older, it’s always awe- ment earned prize money equal just 18 days before turning 32 some and such a great hon- to their male counterparts and has given her some age-defying our, because I don’t know if I’ll perhaps no person was more and record-rivaling Grand Slam ever win another Grand Slam,” instrumental in bringing about ideas. Williams said. that parity than Billie Jean World number one Williams “It has more meaning in his- King. defeated second-ranked Victoria tory. It’s definitely a different And yet, the 39-time Grand Azarenka of Belarus 7-5, 6-7 (6/8), feeling. It was amazing winning Slam title-winner is disappointed 6-1 to defend her title and win her at 17. The difference is it hasn’t with the progress of equality 40 17th career Grand Slam crown, settled in yet. I’m thinking still years after her groundbreaking as many as men’s record-holder about what I could have done bet- achievements for women’s ten- Roger Federer has collected. ter and why I didn’t do that. nis and the women’s movement, “It’s an honour to be even “I think I’m a little crazy in that perhaps most notably her defeat with Roger,” Williams said. “He part, like something must be not of Bobby Riggs in 1973’s “Battle has been such a great champion right because I don’t even relish of the Sexes.” throughout the years and he’s the moment enough. I just auto- “Sports are a microcosm of just an unbelievable competitor. matically think, ‘What’s next?’” society and women have so far It feels really good to be in that Williams served for the match to go,” King, 69, said. “We don’t same league as him.” twice in the second set, each time Photographers take pictures of Serena as make as much money, we don’t Williams remains seven shy of being broken by Azarenka, a two- she poses with the trophy. Sunday’s victory have the opportunity to play as Margaret Court’s all-time major time Australian Open champion. was Serena’s fifth US Open title, her 17th many sports at the pro-level, record of 24 titles and five adrift After faltering in the tie-breaker, Grand Slam title at the age of 31. It is the we are not even scratching the of Steffi Graf’s Open-Era mark of she dominated the third set for surface.” ninth trophy for the American in 2013. She 22, but a fourth major title after the victory. King’s contributions to sports became the first woman to defend her title turning 30 has made her think “I got a little uptight, which and the women’s movement are about collecting many, many probably wasn’t the best thing,” since Kim Klijsters in 2010. chronicled this week in the PBS more. Williams said. “It was just good “American Masters” series. It is “I feel great. I have never felt to get through that. At that point, the first profile of a sports figure better,” Williams said. “I feel just getting the win under your blew it to her waist at times. House and several times at the her more than $9m this year and in the programme’s 27-year his- really fit. I can play a tournament belt is awesome.” “The wind was unbelievable. It US Open,” she said. “It was inter- more than $50m lifetime. tory. It airs in the United States like this, singles and doubles, with By winning the rematch of last just got worse and worse and esting because we actually have That endears her to another tonight. tough schedules. I haven’t felt like year’s final, Williams became the never let up,” Williams said. “I a history. That’s kind of unique US government figure Uncle It blends the story of King this in a number of years. first top seeded US Open cham- didn’t think about changing. Not to have a history with a former Sam, the fictional character who with testimonies from those who “I’m excited about the possi- pion since Justine Henin in 2007 at all.” president of the United States of is sometimes used to symbolise played against her, those who fol- bilities. I don’t know what can and the first woman to defend Among her well-wishers after America.” America’s tax man. lowed in her footsteps and those happen.” the crown successfully since Kim the triumph was former US It was the 55th career title “Someone told me today I who were inspired by her feats Williams, who won her first Clijsters in 2010. President Bill Clinton. for Williams and her ninth of passed $50m, but half of that goes both on and off the court. Grand Slam at the US Open in Williams said after she never “We reminisced about when I the year, a one-season personal to my Uncle Sam. I love him. I’m King grew up in a middle-class 1999 at age 17, has also won five considered changing her pink was a teenager and how he first best. She took home $3.6m in always giving him half my money.” family in Long Beach, California Wimbledon and Australian Open dress despite gusting winds that saw me then coming to the White prize money and bonuses to give AFP As she rose to be a top-ranked player, winning her first Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon A in 1966, the lack of equality with men rankled King. Azarenka feels pain of defeat She was one of the “Original 9” members of the Virginia NEW YORK: Victoria determination,” Azarenka said. Slims Circuit, created in part to Azarenka walked off court with “It felt from every point, it was address pay inequity with men, her head held high after a gal- rising, the level.” and founded in 1973 the Women’s lant loss to Serena Williams in Azarenka paid tribute to Tennis Association, which made the US Open final on Sunday, Williams after the American won big inroads on pay and still runs and while satisfied she had the 17th major singles title of her women’s tennis today. given her all there was no doubt career. For all her accomplishments, the defeat stung. “Well, there’s one word,” it was the match against a man, “I’m not going to lie. It hurts Azarenka said of Williams. former champion Bobby Riggs, bad,” she conceded after a 7-5, “She’s a champion, and she that took on mythical status in 6-7(6), 6-1 at Flushing Meadows. knows how to repeat that. She King’s career. She has no regrets “It’s okay. I did everything I could. knows what it takes to get there. I about that. I gave my heart. I fought as hard know that feeling, too. And when “I knew it would get exposure. as I could. two people meet who want that It was a seminal moment. And the “I lost to a great champion and feeling so bad, it’s a clash. That’s B timing could not have been more I’m still going to have my head what happens out there with important,” she said, noting that a up.” those battles. woman at that time still couldn’t After losing the first set, “And in the important get a credit card without a man’s Azarenka produced a phenome- moments, it is who is more brave. backing. nal second where she fought back Azarenka wipes her face as she sits by the winner’s trophy (left) after Who is more consistent. Who “American Masters” shows from 1-4 and 3-5 down to force a being defeated by Serena. RIGHT: A) Former US President Bill Clinton takes more risk. You can never footage of King holding her own in decider at an electrified Arthur watches the final. B) Former player Monica Seles speaks during her play safe.” the media circus, calmly respond- Ashe Stadium as Williams twice induction into the Court of Champions before the final. Seles won nine Williams was reaching the pin- ing to Riggs’ baiting. To keep up blew chances to earn a straight- Grand Slams. She became the youngest winner of the French Open in nacle of her career, said Azarenka. her end of the prime-time spec- sets victory. 1990, at the age of 16. “She’s playing definitely her tacle, King boldly entered the But the 24-year-old Azarenka best tennis right now. It really arena Cleopatra-style, held aloft was unable to carry momentum shows how focused and how com- by bare-chested men. into the deciding set as Williams, a moment in the third set that world. Azarenka showed enor- posed and how much she can raise “It could be a pivotal moment who had thrown her racquet the momentum changed a little mous determination to recover the level,” she added. for women and men, how men into her chair at the changeover, bit, and I kind of felt like I lost from two breaks down in the sec- She explained: “That’s just looked at us and how women took care of the third set to com- that momentum. In that par- ond set, but her fightback took exciting for me, to be able to com- looked at themselves,” she said. plete victory in two hours and 45 ticular moment she was tougher its toll. pete against that type of player “It gave women more courage to minutes. today. She was more consistent Come the third set, she was who can be the greatest of all ask for what they wanted.” “She really made it happen,” and deserved to win.” running on empty. time. I’m playing against that per- King ended up winning the Azarenka said. The ball-striking was superb “It was raising from the first son in the finals of grand slams.” match in straight sets. “There was no letdown. It was from the top two players in the point, the tension, the battle, the REUTERS REUTERS TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Japan pins hopes on 2020 Games Analysts say the spirit of 1964 could be revived as Tokyo prepares for Olympics again

TOKYO: The 2020 Olympics Now they hope that a sec- to 960bn yen,” Ishiguro said. could seal the revival of Japan’s ond bite of the Olympic cherry “Likewise the synergy effect this A flame relume long-stagnant economy, analysts could cement that recovery and time will be much bigger than on the Olympic say, an echo of the 1964 Tokyo recharge the country. Tokyo’s estimate.” cauldron, which Games that showcased a nation “The most important thing Daiwa Securities strategist Eiji was used the 1964 risen from the ashes of defeat. about the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Kinouchi forecasts the knock-on Tokyo Olympics, Staging the world’s biggest is that it has reduced risks of effect of the Olympics will be 150 is seen during an sporting jamboree “is clearly Abenomics failing in the middle,” trillion yen, comprising some 55 event celebrating a plus to (economic) growth”, said Hideyuki Ishiguro, senior trillion yen in investment and a Tokyo being chosen Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told strategist at Okasan Securities. bump in tourism worth a whop- to host the 2020 journalists in Buenos Aires, hours The Tokyo Metropolitan gov- ping 95 trillion yen between now Olympic Games, after the Japanese capital was ernment estimates hosting the and then. at the National named as host. Olympics will see about three tril- Japan’s plan to double the Stadium in Tokyo, in “Japan has had 15 years of lion yen ($30bn), or less than one number of foreign tourists by this photo taken by economic stagnation... and we’ve percent of Japan’s Gross Domestic about 2020 “will be easier to Kyodo September lost confidence in ourselves. But I Product, being spent in the seven achieve with the Olympics”, hope this will be a chance for us to years to 2020. Kinouchi said. 8, 2013. Tokyo was regain that confidence,” Abe said. But Ishiguro says the real The tsunami of 2011 and result- awarded the 2020 In the 1960s the Games were impact will be much bigger. ing nuclear disaster at Fukushima summer Olympic the coming-out party for a coun- “The Tokyo government’s esti- precipitated a sharp drop in Games on Saturday, try that had grown its way to mate doesn’t include redevelop- the number of foreign visitors, beating Istanbul in a respectability after the ignominy ment of roads and other social although this has already begun head-to-head vote. of occupation after World War II. infrastructure in the greater to recover, thanks in part to a The 1964 Olympics heralded the Tokyo area, nor the government’s much weaker yen. arrival of what was to become the plan of repairing and rebuilding But the lingering catastrophe, focused on clearing up the mess. “Although the cumulative boosters that staging of the world’s second largest economy infrastructure nationwide”, he including regular revelations of Hosting an Olympics is a costly impact of the Olympic Games on Games will bring is offering a con- before it all came to a shuddering said. new problems at the site, could affair and rarely an unqualified macroeconomic growth should be fidence prop to both investors and halt at the end of the 1980s. Ishiguro said the actual eco- act as a brake, especially because success -- many countries find quite limited at around 0.5 (per- consumers. Two decades of anaemic growth nomic impact of Tokyo 2020 of its affect on international con- themselves saddled with expen- centage points) of GDP, it will “The Abe administration can’t and investment-sapping defla- would not be as large as that fidence, experts say. sive white elephants as venues fall have a non-negligible impact on avert painful reforms such as of tion saw China push a flounder- from the 1964 Games, when the Abe sought to allay fears in his into disuse. several sectors and future pros- tax to achieve sustainable growth,” ing Japan into third place, as country had to kit itself out with final pitch to the International Athens spent an estimated 13bn pects of Japan’s economy,” he said. said Yoshikiyo Shimamine, sen- repeated attempts to kick-start all manner of big ticket items -- Olympic Committee in Buenos euros ($17bn) on the 2004 Games, In a July report, the firm said an ior economist at the Dai-ichi Life the economy did little but add to including the impressive bullet Aires, stressing the plant, 220 kil- with Olympic chief Jacques Rogge Olympic Games in Tokyo “would Research Institute. a mountain of debt. Abe’s elec- train network. ometres (140 miles) from Tokyo, saying they “played a part” in affect Japanese economic activ- “If the hosting of the 2020 tion in December kindled hope In the early 1960s, “the cost of was under control. Greece’s current economic woes. ity in both tangible and intangi- Olympics proves successful in of a recovery, and his economic building facilities for the Games “It has never done, and will Tomo Kinoshita, chief econ- ble ways; for example, by further every aspect, then it will impress plan, dubbed “Abenomics”, has was just about 30bn yen, but never do, any damage to Tokyo,” omist at brokerage Nomura raising awareness of the impor- the world with the image that encouraged the green shoots of a including construction of infra- he said. Securities said it was not easy to tance of internationalisation”. Japan is back from two lost recovery that optimists say might structure such as expressways, Analysts say public proclama- quantify the extent of the boon Most commentators agree decades,” Shimamine said. really take hold. water and sewage, it amounted tions like this will help keep Japan the Games will bring. that one of the most important REUTERS China offers grudging Erdogan says Istanbul rejection congratulations to Japan

BEIJING: China grudgingly congratulated Japan yesterday on its successful bid to host the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, after the govern- as 2020 Games host was unfair ment had initially refused to offer any praise over the supposedly non-political event. ANKARA: The choice of Tokyo Ties between the world’s second and third-largest economies have instead of Istanbul to host the been shadowed for years by what Beijing says has been Tokyo’s refusal 2020 Olympic Games was unfair The president of to properly atone for wartime atrocities committed by Japanese soldiers and meant the International the International in China between 1931 and 1945. More recently, relations have been Olympic Committee (IOC) was Olympic troubled by a sovereignty row over tiny, uninhabited islands in the East turning its back on the Muslim China Sea known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China. Committee world, Turkish Prime Minister “We have noted the decision by the International Olympic (IOC), Jacques Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as Committee,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a saying yesterday. Rogge (left) and daily news briefing. Tokyo beat Istanbul by 60 votes Turkish Prime Asked specifically whether China had offered congratulations, to 36 in a head-to-head vote by Minister Recep Hong said such a question should be directed to the Chinese Olympic IOC members in Buenos Aires Tayyip Erdogan, Committee. on Saturday, giving the Japanese head of Turkey’s In a statement posted on the ministry’s website after the news con- capital the Games for the second delegation for ference had ended, Hong said that the Chinese Olympic Committee time. the Istanbul had in fact expressed its congratulations. It did not elaborate. Madrid had been eliminated in 2020 bid, talk Hong told reporters that China valued its relations with Japan, but a first round of voting. during the IOC’s it was up to Japan to stop its provocations over the disputed islands “Both Tokyo and Madrid have 125th Session, in and correctly face its wartime past. hosted the games before; Istanbul Buenos Aires, in “We have said many times that we pay great attention to relations hasn’t. It hasn’t been fair,” this September 7, with Japan,” he said. “At the same time we ask Japan to earnestly face Erdogan was quoted as saying in 2013, file photo. up to history and facts.” Turkish media. China hosted a highly successful summer Olympics in Beijing in “In a way, they are cutting ties 2008, and Hong said this was an experience China could share with with the 1.5-billion-people Muslim Japan, as he stuck a slightly more conciliatory note. REUTERS world.” Civil unrest, the unstable politi- cal situation on the country’s Italy could doorstep and a wave of high- profile athletics doping cases are Rio tells IOC they will be ready bid for 2024 seen as the chief culprits for the IOC’s decision to overlook Turkey, BUENOS AIRES: Organisers of the 2016 International Olympic Committee on Sunday progress in the last year but there was still a Olympics: PM which has a predominantly Rio Olympics have been told to get a move to allay fears that things were off track. lot of work to do. Muslim population, again after on because of increasing concerns they are He conceded things had fallen behind but “Over recent months, the social and political ROME: Italy could bid to host Istanbul failed in bids to land the falling further behind schedule as unrest said he was confident everything would be environment and operations has significantly the 2024 Olympic Games, Prime 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Games. builds in Brazil. ready for 2016 and on budget. changed,” she said. Minister Enrico Letta has said, While the unrest in neighbour- With less than three years to go before the “We have made significant progress,” “There is a need, more than ever before, after Tokyo clinched victory in ing Syria was seen by some as first Olympic Games in South America, most Nuzman said. “I can assure you Rio will be that all stakeholders need to work together. the competition for the 2020 counting against the bid, others of the facilities in Rio have yet to be completed ready. “There is a lot of work ahead but we “Key decisions need to be made collectively Games. felt a heavy-handed police crack- because of construction delays and soaring fully understand the complexity of our task.” and communicated with one voice.” After the Olympics in Brazil in down during recent anti-gov- costs. Nuzman’s admission came just a week after She urged the Rio organising team to focus 2016 and Japan in 2020, the 2024 ernment protests also damaged Earlier this year, millions of Brazilians took an IOC co-ordination commission visited Rio on getting the venues and infrastructure right edition is likely to go to Europe, Turkey’s image. to the streets to protest against the billions before heading to Argentina for the IOC as well as taking the “matrix of responsibility” North America or Africa accord- Tokyo, which hosted the 1964 of dollars being invested into staging the 2014 Congress. The commission was led by Nawal and would return to Brazil next year to see ing to an unwritten rule for the Games, had an estimated non- soccer World Cup then the Olympics instead El Moutawakel, who won a gold medal for how things were progressing. IOC which tends to alternate Games budget of around $4.4bn of health, education, public transportation, Morocco in the women’s 400 metres hurdles “We remain confident Rio and Brazil have continents. for 2020 plus $3.4bn for the actual and security. at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. the resources and the energy and ambition to London held the last event. Carlos Nuzman, the president of the Rio El Moutawakel told the IOC Congress deliver a memorable Olympic Games in 2016.” “European” Olympics in 2012. Istanbul’s proposal had a total 2016 Olympics Committee, addressed the on Sunday that Rio had made “reassuring” REUTERS Rome had to drop its 2020 bid cost of $19bn, making it more because of economic troubles ambitious but also risky given after then prime minister Mario the country’s lack of experience Monti made it clear budget cuts in staging major sports events. Squash star David feels disappointed and austerity would not allow it. “Instead of giving the Olympics It could face a still tentative to a city that has hosted the KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian “We just hope that we deserve campaigner for Olympic squash attempted to gain Olympic entry rival bid from Paris. “I am work- Games before, they could have world number one Nicol David better in the end.” but the 2020 failure likely dashes over the past decade. It topped a ing on this. We can be serious made a better choice along said yesterday she was disap- “But no doubt this is a really her medal hopes. vote of Games aspirants in 2005 candidates for the 2024 Games,” the values of globalising (the pointed squash failed to make it good position we are in to really Even if squash makes it into but failed to get a required two- Letta said late on Sunday. Olympics),” Erdogan was quoted into the 2020 Olympics but that spearhead forward our tours, the 2024 Olympics, David would thirds of the ballots. Rome hosted the Olympics as saying. the sport’s run for the Games with the men’s and the women’s be in her 40s by then. It “would “Today’s decision is heart- in 1960 and its mayor, Ignazio Another worry for Istanbul had raised its profile. tour, and also squash in general,” be pretty tough because squash breaking for the millions of Marino, said the city was ready has been the wave of doping The International Olympic she said in Kuala Lumpur. is very brutal on the body and, to squash players around the to do so again. Italy’s economic cases which have resulted in the Committee (IOC) on Sunday Malaysia’s most dominant be competitive then, it’s difficult.” world, particularly given the capital, Milan, which is already Turkish Athletics Federation restored wrestling as an Olympic athlete, David has ruled wom- David said she would happily 10-year journey we have been developing its infrastructure for banning dozens of athletes for sport, leaving other short-listers en’s squash. She has held the top support any future drives for on to join the Olympic Games hosting the World Expo in 2015, drugs violations, most recently squash and baseball/softball on rank for seven straight years, Olympic squash. Sports Programme,” said squash could also be selected for the bid double European 100m hurdles the sidelines for the 2020 Games, won a record seven world titles, “For squash, we have a strong federation chief Narayana instead of Rome. Several cities champion Nevin Yanit. which will be hosted by Tokyo. and would be a solid bet to bring case and I don’t think we will Ramachandran. He had earlier in the US are considering taking Turkey’s Sports Minister Suat “I think this is the closest that home her country’s first-ever back down that easily. We will said that squash would try again a shot at it and South African Kilic yesterday said doping was the sport has ever been to the Olympic gold medal. really stick to our guns,” she said. for inclusion in future Games. sports official Sam Ramsany has not an issue peculiar to Turkey. Olympics,” David, 30, said. She has been a passionate Squash has repeatedly REUTERS said the city of Durban could REUTERS make a bid. REUTERS TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Formula one title race far from over, says Vettel I am not really thinking about the points situation: Vettel

MONZA, Italy: Sebastian Fernando Alonso of Ferrari, he good position and I am just think- also pledged to fight on. “We have Vettel left the Monza paddock revelled in the contest. ing about Singapore. I am trying to improve - very soon,” he said, trying not to grin from ear to Vettel left Monza facing a fight to keep focused because, in order nudging Ferrari again to raise ear after his dominant triumph and he responded by winning the to stay at the top of our game, it their game and performance. for Red Bull in Sunday’s Italian next four in a row - in Singapore, is important to focus -- because Hamilton, 81 points behind with Grand Prix and doing his best Japan, Korea and India - to set up a lot of things have to go right for seven races remaining, admitted: to avoid all talk of a fourth con- a triumphant finale to the year. us to have success. “When I got out of the car I was secutive drivers’ title. This season’s calendar has “So we won’t think about what angry and definitely thought that But after claiming his sixth win provided the same sequence of might happen in six, seven or was it. But I’ve been back with of the season in flawless fashion, Grands Prix with Vettel poised, eight races... just the next one.” my engineers and I’m not going there were few observers not on form, to wrap up his fourth Vettel was also very good- to give up. I basically need to win supporting the claim that this title before he flies to India. natured about the booing directed every race, which is the tallest year’s title race is all over bar the He knows that if he wins three at him on the victors’ podium order ever, but I can do nothing shouting. in a row and nearest rival Alonso, after the race, pointing out that but try.” Briton Lewis Hamilton of who trails by 53 points after fin- it would have been different if he The 28-year-old Briton is pin- Mercedes admitted his hopes ishing second in front of the tifosi was driving for an Italian team. ning his hopes on the return to were over after he stepped out on Sunday, finishes second each He added: “I am just enjoying high down-force circuits like of his car, having finished ninth, time, he will require only two myself, I have always liked this Singapore. and though he later rescinded points from the final four outings track. “Our car was good in Hungary that view - and pledged to do his to claim the crown. “The car is very light, but when where we had higher down-force utmost to halt the Vettel express Vettel, however, was in no mood you feel comfortable in a car then and we’ll have that going into - he knows he faces a massive to contemplate the statistics after you are really quick around here. Singapore where we can hope for challenge. a stunning triumph at the old “I think that made the differ- some improvements. Last year, when the 26-year-old Autodromo Nazionale. ence today but really I am just “I hope we’ll be strong and German Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing adjusts German was pushing hard for his “I am not really thinking about happy to go driving.” get some more wins this year. I his helmet on the grid ahead of the Grand Prix of Italy at the Italian third title in a close scrap with the points situation,” he said. While Alonso heaped praise on wish it was a closer battle -- it’s Formula One Circuit in Monza, Italy, on Sunday. two-time champion Spaniard “Obviously, we are in a very Vettel’s dominant weekend, he a shame it is the way it is.” AFP Cowboys take advantage of error-prone Giants

NEW YORK: The New York Wilson’s second fumble -- and Giants kept giving Dallas the New York’s fourth turnover -- ball and it was only a matter of was returned 27 yards by Barry time before the Cowboys started Church for a touchdown. doing something of substance A muffed punt by Trumaine with the gifts. McBride gave Dallas another Quarterback Tony Romo and golden opportunity at the New the Cowboys took advantage of six York 16. Two plays later, Romo turnovers to hold off the Giants found Witten in the end zone. 36-31 before 85,348 fans at AT&T The Giants answered with an Stadium yesterday- the first win 80-yard march, punctuated by for Dallas in five tries against Manning’s second touchdown pass New York in the Cowboys’ $1bn to Cruz. They hooked up again in home. the fourth quarter to get New The six turnovers led to 24 York within 30-24 with nearly Dallas points, 21 coming in the nine minutes left. second half. Romo passed for 263 The Giants had the ball with yards and two touchdowns, both less than three minutes left, but to Jason Witten. Romo left the Manning’s third interception was game late in the first half after returned 49 yards for a touch- getting the wind knocked out of down by Brandon Carr to seal him but returned to start the Dallas’ win. third quarter. The Cowboys took a 13-10 lead Giants quarterback Eli into the locker room but lost Emirates Team New Zealand tacks upwind against Oracle Team USA during race four of the America’s Cup Manning did his best to overcome Romo in the final minute of a first Finals on the San Francisco Bay in San Francisco, California, USA, yesterday. the turnovers, which included half dominated by turnovers. Romo was hit in the midsection NFL Results on his last pass of the half and had Miami Heat star LeBron James New England 23 Buffalo 21 to be helped off the field, but he checks out the stadium prior Tennessee 16 Pittsburgh 9 downplayed the injury in a post- to the Cowboys and New York New Orleans 23 Atlanta 17 game interview. US scuttles Kiwi sweep Giants game at AT&T Stadium “I just took a hit and it caught NY Jets 18 Tampa Bay 17 in Arlington, Texas, yesterday. me pretty good and just had to Kansas City 28 Jacksonville 2 take a little bit of time,” he said. Seattle 12 Carolina 7 three interceptions. The two-time “It’s just part of playing football. of America’s Cup Chicago 24 Cincinnati 21 Super Bowl winner connected You take some hits sometimes ... Miami 23 Cleveland 10 with Victor Cruz for three touch- No one really cares. That’s the Detroit 34 Minnesota 24 downs as New York tried to rally truth with people who are banged SAN FRANCISCO, average race” but finishing only Oracle held its lead on the Indianapolis 21 Oakland 17 down the stretch. up in football. California: Oracle Team USA eight seconds behind Oracle. downwind leg of the race. The Giants coughed the ball up “I’m going to be fine. I haven’t San Francisco 34 Green Bay 28 scored its first victory of the Oracle took the lead early The powerful AC72 catamarans twice in the third quarter, allow- got any X-rays yet. We’ll do all 34th America’s Cup on Sunday, in the fourth race and fought dueled fiercely during the third St Louis 27 Arizona 24 ing Dallas to go up 27-10. David that stuff tomorrow.” REUTERS scuttling a budding sweep by relentlessly to fend off powerful leg with an exchange of tacks challenger New Zealand. thrusts by the challenger to grab and jibes that ended with New The defending champion won the lead. Zealand seizing the lead. the fourth race after finishing in Oracle nearly lost its advan- The Kiwis fended off Oracle the wake of Emirates Team New tage early with a slip, dropping a and built on their lead to cross Zealand in the previous three dagger board into the water and the finish 28 seconds ahead of the QMMF’s Nasser finishes ninth battles on the San Francisco sending the bow plunging during defending champion. Bay. a turn at a gate. “Those guys came out firing,” “It was huge,” Oracle skipper “It was an obvious mistake and Barker said after the opening race Jimmy Spithill said of the impor- put us under pressure right away,” of the day. in second round of CEV tance of the victory to him and Spithill said. “But, I was happy The winds on the Bay climbed his crew. to see these guys really keeping through the afternoon and at MADRID: QMMF riders “A lesser team would probably their cool.” one point the Kiwi catamaran Nasser Al Malki and Saeed Al have crumbled,” he continued, The mistake let the Kiwis appeared as though it would go Sulaiti finished in the ninth and referring to the pressure for a nearly even the race, but Oracle airborne. a twenty-third position respec- win. managed to tack ahead and push Despite controversy that has tively in the second round of the “It feels good to shift the the challenger to a less-favored followed the decision to use the CEV, the Spanish championship momentum over towards us and part of the course. AC72 speedsters for the first for young riders. we will come out with the same Oracle held tenuous control of time in Cup history, rocketing Achieving the top ten in the attitude on Tuesday.” the race with the Kiwis closing maneuvers excited spectators who Spanish Championship is atough The next two races of the best- the gap and trailing by just five referred to matches with terms feat but Nasser did it yesterday. of-17 series are scheduled for seconds at the last marker. such as “nail-biter.” “Today I started in the tenth Tuesday. New Zealand had won the first “It probably looked a little like position and I finished ninth. I am The Kiwis are in the enviable race of the day, snatching an early that,” New Zealand team member very happy because. This is only position of needing only six more lead from Oracle. Adam Beashel said when someone the beginning and for the next victories to take yachting’s cov- “We did a good job on the first compared racing the catamarans race we will try to improve our eted Cup home to New Zealand. one to get back in front,” Barker to riding bucking broncos. positions. We still have to grow Oracle needs 10 more wins said. “The second one, we could “But on board, you kind of get up and get some experience. We to keep possession of the prize, have done things a little better used to it.” will try our best in the next race”, thanks to a two-point penalty than we did.” At a press briefing after the said Nasser. imposed on the team before rac- Oracle got a slight jump at the races Sunday, Barker playfully In less than two weeks the ing began. start in the first race of the day assured Spithill that he would be QMMF riders will face the next New Zealand skipper Dean and boldly crossed ahead of New free to visit the Cup if the Kiwis race at Navarra and this will be Barker said his team remained Zealand at the first marker, draw- take it home to New Zealand. the second time that the team will QMMF rider Nasser Al Malki returns to the paddock at the end of the confident, having sailed ing the first racing penalty of the “Two much rain,” Australia- go to this circuit. second round of the CEV, the Spanish championship for young riders. “what we thought was a pretty series. born Spithill retorted. AFP THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Blatter defends winter switch Rescheduling 2022 World Cup will reflect sport’s worldwide appeal: FIFA chief

PARIS: FIFA president Sepp close season in Europe and chang- Blatter defended his support of ing the dates would disrupt their World Cup switching the 2022 World Cup domestic leagues. to winter in Qatar, saying in an Temperatures in Qatar can qualifying interview published yesterday reach a blistering 50 degrees that rescheduling reflected the Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) PARIS: World Cup Brazil 2014 qualifying matches today sport’s worldwide appeal. but cool to the mid-20s in (all times GMT): Blatter told Inside World December. Football that members of the Blatter accepted that, despite Africa Zone federation who have complained knowing that technology was Group G about the proposed change in available to cool venues, playing At El Gouna dates should have been well in Qatar’s summer was “simply Egypt vs Guinea (1400) aware of the possibility, as it was not a responsible thing to do”. Group H contained in the bidding process But he said there needed to be At Blida documents. flexibility to ensure that as many Algeria vs Mali (1930) “The loudest critics, the ones countries as possible have the South America Zone who should know better because chance to host the tournament, At La Paz they signed the exact same bid- rather than it being organised to Bolivia vs Ecuador (2000) ding documents as Qatar did... suit European nations. must know that point 1.2.1 stipu- “If we maintain, rigidly, the At Montevideo lates that the 22nd edition of the status quo, then a FIFA World Uruguay vs Colombia (2200) FIFA World Cup is ‘scheduled to Cup can never be played in coun- At Puerto La Cruz take place’ in June and/or July ‘in tries that are south of the equa- Venezuela vs Peru (2355) principle’,” he was quoted as say- tor or indeed near the equator,” At Asuncion ing on insideworldfootball.com. he added. Paraguay vs Argentina (0140 Wednesday “It does not say that it ‘must’ “We automatically discrimi- Sept 11) take place in these months, nor nate against countries that have Caribbean, Central and North America is it a ‘condition sine qua non’ to different seasons than we do in Zone host the World Cup in June and Europe and we make it impossible At Kingston July. What the document does is for all those who would love to FIFA President Sepp Blatter addresses the official opening ceremony of Doha Goals Forum at Aspire Dome Jamaica vs Costa Rica (2400) express FIFA’s wish to host the host the world’s biggest game in in Doha, in this December 12, 2012 file picture. Blatter has defended his support of switching the 2022 World At Tegucigalpa World Cup in June or July.” a global tournament to ever get Cup to winter in Qatar. Honduras vs Panama (0100 Wednesday Sept European countries, in par- the chance to do so.” 11) ticular England, have cried foul He went on: “I think it is At Columbus at the possibility of holding the high time that Europe starts to on to others in far away places “It has become the world sport issue at FIFA’s next executive USA vs Mexico (0006 Wednesday Sept 11) world’s most-watched sporting understand that we do not rule and we must accept that football that billions of fans are excitedly committee meeting on October event in January and February the world anymore and that some has moved away from being a following every week, everywhere 3-4 before consulting more widely Asia Zone because Qatar initially bid to host former European imperial powers European and South American in the world.” on the impact of rescheduling on At Tashkent the tournament in the June-July can no longer impress their will sport. Blatter said he would raise the the international calendar. AFP Uzbekistan vs Jordan (1400) Europe Zone Group A Uzbeks eye At Cardiff England set for key Ukraine clash Wales vs Serbia (1845) At Skopje World Cup FYR Macedonia vs Scotland (1830) KIEV: A lack of available for- scoring and laying on two goals useful to us.” Win, and England Group B ward players means England for Welbeck against Moldova, as will move three points clear at Frank Lampard will be forced to rely upon a Jermain Defoe remains short of the top of the group, ahead of chance At Yerevan factfile Armenia vs Denmark (1600) makeshift attacking configu- match fitness. the home games against second- KIEV: Factfile on Chelsea midfielder Frank ration in today’s pivotal World The importance of the game place Montenegro and Poland in SINGAPORE: Uzbekistan can At Ta’Qali Lampard, who is scheduled to make his Cup qualifier against Ukraine in means that James Milner is set October with which they will con- take a huge step towards becom- Malta vs Bulgaria (1800) 100th England appearance in today’s World Kiev. to replace Welbeck, with Hodgson clude their campaign. ing the first Central Asian team At Turin Cup qualifier against Ukraine in Kiev. Friday’s breezy 4-0 win over having lauded the Manchester Lose, however, and England will to reach the World Cup when Italy vs Czech Republic (1845) Moldova elevated Roy Hodgson’s City midfielder’s defensive quali- cede top spot to the Ukrainians, Name: Frank James Lampard they host Jordan in the second Group C side to the top of European ties after the game against and with it the initiative in the Age: 35 leg of their Asian play-off today. At Torshavn qualifying Group H, but a book- Moldova. group. Date of birth: June 20, 1978 The Uzbeks brought home Faroe Islands vs Germany (1845) ing for Danny Welbeck ruled the “We know what James can do,” England needed an 87th-minute Place of birth: Romford, England a precious away goal from last At Vienna Manchester United forward out the England manager said. penalty from Frank Lampard Position: Central midfielder week’s 1-1 draw, giving them Austria vs Republic of Ireland (1845) of today’s game. “James isn’t and doesn’t pre- to salvage a 1-1 draw when the the edge as they seek to reach Clubs: West Ham United (1995-2001), At Astana Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge tend to be as exciting as some of teams met last October and with an intercontinental showdown Swansea City (loan; 1995-1996), Chelsea Kazakhstan vs Sweden (1600) was subsequently ruled out due the wingers we sometimes use Mykhaylo Fomenko’s men having against a team from South (2001-date) Group D to a thigh strain, and with Wayne these days. just demolished San Marino 9-0, America. Rooney and Andy Carroll cur- “But the game in Kiev is going the Chelsea midfielder is antici- National team: England Uzbekistan have been this far At Budapest rently injured, it leaves Hodgson to be a game where we’re going to pating another difficult game. Appearances: 99 before, only to see their hopes Hungary vs Estonia (1830) with a quandary at the sharp end need the experience, we’re going “I have been very impressed Goals: 29 dashed by some bizarre officiat- At Andorra La Vella of the pitch. to need the strength, we’re going with them,” said Lampard, who Debut: October 10, 1999 (v Belgium, ing in the 2005 play-offs against Andorra vs Netherlands (1830) Rickie Lambert, the 31-year- to need the quality. is set to win his 100th cap at the Sunderland) Bahrain. At Bucharest old Southampton striker, is “He’s not a winger, but the Olympic Stadium. Honours Club But Friday’s draw in Amman, Romania vs Turkey (1800) expected to lead the line after qualities he brings could be very “They had a bad start to the where Jordan beat Asian giants Premier League (3): 2004-05, 2005-06, Group E group, but against us they played Japan and Australia earlier in 2009-10 At Oslo with a lot of talent. They have a qualifying, has raised hopes of FA Cup (4): 2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, Norway vs Switzerland (1700) lot of technical ability and pace better luck this time for the 2011-12 At Reykjavik on the wings. White Wolves. Iceland vs Albania (1900) “We’ll go there conscious League Cup (2): 2004-05, 2006-07 “We achieved the minimum At Nicosia they’re a strong team but confi- Community Shield (2): 2005, 2009 goal and now I believe we will do Cyprus vs Slovenia (1830) dent in our own abilities. We’ve UEFA Champions League (1): 2011-12 our job in Tashkent and qualify Group F England’s Frank got the team to get a result, with- UEFA Europa League (1): 2012-13 for the next round,” said Uzbek At St Petersburg Lampard attends out a doubt.” Records coach Mirdjalal Kasimov. a media confer- Lampard will become the It will be decided in Tashkent, Russia vs Israel (1500) Chelsea all-time leading scorer (205 goals) ence at a hotel eighth England player to reach but with our supporters we will At Luxembourg Most consecutive Premier League in Watford on the 100-cap milestone, after Peter play for them and I believe we will Luxembourg vs Northern Ireland (1815) appearances for an outfield player (164) Sunday. England Shilton (125), David Beckham qualify,” he added, according to Group G are due to play a (115), Bobby Moore (108), Bobby the Asian Football Confederation At Marijampole 2014 World Cup Charlton (106), Billy Wright (105), denied a goal despite a shot from (AFC) website. AFP Lithuania vs Liechtenstein (1530) qualifying match Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard Marko Devic crossing the line in At Zilina against Ukraine (both 104). Ukraine amassed only their 1-0 loss to England in the Slovakia vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (1815) two points in their first three fix- group phase at Euro 2012. Asian Zone in Kiev today. At Piraeus tures, drawing with England and In spite of England’s long injury Lampard will Asian zone qualifying play-off for the 2014 Greece vs Latvia (1845) Moldova, and losing at home to list, which also includes defend- become the eighth World Cup today: Group H Montenegro, but they will face ers Glen Johnson and Phil Jones, England player England gunning for a fifth suc- Fomenko says his side will take At Tashkent At Serravalle to reach the 100- San Marino vs Poland (1845) cessive victory. no chances. Second leg - Uzbekistan vs Jordan at 7:00 cap milestone in Fomenko’s appointment in “The match with England is pm (1400 GMT) At Kiev today’s match. December was the catalyst for without doubt the most impor- Ukraine vs England (1845) their resurgence and June’s tant for us,” he said. First leg score: 1-1 Group I superb 4-0 win over Montenegro “But all of the remaining games The winner will play the fifth-placed side At Tbilisi in Podgorica amply demonstrated are important as well. The situ- from South American qualifying over two Georgia vs Finland (1700) how far they have come. ation in our group is unusual, as legs in November for a place at the World At Gomel The hosts are also nursing a four teams have a real chance of Belarus vs France (1900) sense of injustice, having been finishing on top of the table. AFP Cup in Brazil. Argentina, Colombia set to seal Brazil berth

MONTEVIDEO: Argentina bruising clash with Ecuador August before Friday’s big win. today. Argentina are already Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. win for Ecuador would put them and Colombia need only a point in June, with Gonzalo Higuain, Paraguay’s resurgence has guaranteed at least a play-off That result saw the 2010 World level on points with third placed each to guarantee their places Javier Mascherano and defenders probably come too late -- it spot but could be assured of auto- Cup semi-finalists tighten their Chile, who have a bye. at the World Cup today -- and Federico Fernandez and Ezerquiel would take an unlikely sequence matic qualification before a ball grip on fifth place, and another Venezuela and Peru meanwhile more teams from South America Garay suspended. Argentina were of results elsewhere for them to is kicked in Asuncion if results three points against the highly face a must-win game but depend- could also confirm their tickets 3-1 winners over the Paraguayans scrape into contention for a play- elsewhere go their way. rated Colombians would all but ing on the results of Tuesday’s depending on results. in their home fixture a year ago, off berth -- but they could well Second-placed Colombia mean- guarantee them at least a play-off earlier games involving fourth- The Argentines travel to and Paraguay, quarter-finalists at cause problems for Argentina while face the trickiest test of any spot. Colombia all but secured a placed Ecuador and fifth-placed Asuncion to face resurgent the 2010 World Cup, have had a today. of the leading contenders when top-five finish after their 1-0 win Uruguay, their faint hopes may Paraguay, who are all but math- miserable campaign which leaves “It will be a difficult match,” they travel to Montevideo to face over Ecuador in Barranquilla on already have been extinguished. ematically eliminated despite them languishing second from Argentina captain Lionel Messi two-time World Cup winners Friday and look certain to be The top four finishers in South recording a thumping 4-0 win bottom of the standings. said. “But things have been going Uruguay. heading to their first World Cup America’s qualifiers are guaran- over Bolivia in Friday’s round of However, under new coach well for us and I hope we can con- The Uruguayans have struggled since their appearance at the 1998 teed places at next year’s finals in qualifiers. Victor Genes, the Paraguayans tinue in the same way.” through the qualifying campaign finals in France. Brazil. The fifth placed team faces Argentina coach Alejandro have shown signs of a recovery, Argentina’s game against but dug out a vital 2-1 victory over Elsewhere today, fourth placed a two-legged play-off with their Sabella is without four first securing a creditable 3-3 draw Paraguay is the last of four South Peru in Lima last Friday thanks Ecuador travel to La Paz to face Asian counterpart, either Jordan choice players following the in a friendly with Germany in American qualifiers to kick off to two goals from their talismanic Bolivia in a high-altitude derby. A or Uzbekistan. AFP TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Starc out with back injury Australia’s Clarke glad of for ‘prolonged period

SYDNEY: Mitchell Starc is expected to be out for a “pro- return to winning ways longed period” with a back stress fracture in a further blow to Australia’s fast bowling stocks, Cricket Australia said Captain tastes first victory over a Test nation in seven months yesterday. Starc returned home earlier MANCHESTER, England: charge for Tuesday’s 200-run ODI Australia’s Michael this month from Australia’s one- Australia captain Michael thrashing of non-Test minnows Clarke plays a shot day series in England with lower Clarke was a relieved man after Scotland in Edinburgh. during the second one back soreness and CA’s worst a century in an 88-run one-day “It’s better than my last few day international (ODI) fears were realised with confir- international win over England press conferences,” said Clarke. match against England mation of his injury. at Old Trafford played a key role “I think it’s probably the one at Old Trafford in “Mitch Starc had scans follow- in his first victory over a Test thing that I’ve emphasised to the ing his arrival back to Australia Manchester, north-west nation in seven months. Test boys but also the one-day and they have shown an early England, on Sunday. Clarke’s 105 off just 102 balls guys, that sometimes it might stage low back stress fracture,” was the centrepiece of Australia’s not look pretty or feel great but CA’s chief medical officer Justin 315 for seven in the second ODI if you get over the line and get Paolini said in a statement. at Old Trafford on Sunday against that winning feeling, it’s a nice “His management plan will be an England side resting several side of the fence to be on, that’s determined in the coming days members of their Ashes-winning for sure.” but he is expected to be unavail- attack. Clarke’s innings came just over able for a prolonged period.” England, also giving a break to a month after he scored a brilliant The left-arm fast medium regular captain Alastair Cook and 187 at Old Trafford in the drawn bowler endured a frustrating tour fellow one-day opener Ian Bell, third Ashes Test. of England, playing in the first, were then dismissed for 227 as “I’d like to play every Test and third and fifth Tests of the five- Australia went 1-0 up in the five- every one-dayer at Manchester match Ashes series while being match series following Friday’s -- I seem to be scoring some runs dropped for the second and the washout in Leeds. here,” he said. fourth. CA had better news con- For man-of-the-match Clarke, “It’s about trying to help the cerning another paceman Jackson it was the first time he’d been on team win. Fortunately today I Bird, who also returned home early the winning side against a Test played my part.” from England with back trouble. nation since Australia’s five- England’s daunting chase was “Jackson returned home with wicket victory in the fourth ODI derailed from the outset when some lower back soreness. We against the West Indies in Sydney often erratic left-arm fast bowler have ruled out a major injury but on February 8. Mitchell Johnson, not selected for will review scans in two weeks to His winless spell has encom- the Ashes squad, took two wick- confirm this,” Paolini said. passed a 4-0 Test series whitewash ets in three deliveries to dismiss could happen).” England, despite Sunday. However, Morgan said: and New Zealand. “With a par- “We expect that he will be in India and the 3-0 Ashes defeat Michael Carberry and Jonathan a maiden ODI 50 from Jos Buttler “Regardless of the (balance of ticularly inexperienced and young available during The Ashes (in in England, while the length of Trott. (75) and further half-centuries for the) side, if you get after one side, the guys are learning,” said November).” the current tour of the UK can “He bowled really well,” Clarke Kevin Pietersen (60) and stand-in or two bowlers, it makes it Morgan. Starc joins other Australian be judged from the fact Australia said of Johnson. “He’s bowling skipper Eoin Morgan (54) were difficult.” “We are certainly looking at the fast bowlers James Pattinson and are now on their third Prime good pace and he swung the new never in the hunt as they lost with But Morgan insisted his youth- bigger picture with these (young) Pat Cummins on the sidelines Minister following Saturday’s ball so they’re positive signs for nearly six overs remaining. ful team could bounce back in guys. with back injuries. Pattinson was election of Tony Abbott since the not only Mitch, but Australian By resting the likes of James the third match of this series at “It’s certainly not short-term. diagnosed with a stress fracture team arrived in Britain. cricket going forward.” Anderson, Stuart Broad and Edgbaston tomorrow and that The type of characters they are, in his back after the second Test Clarke, who no longer plays As for Johnson gaining a Test Graeme Swann ahead of the there were also wider issues for we expect them to deal with this at Lord’s in July, while Cummins Twenty20 internationals, missed recall, Clarke added: “If Mitch return Ashes in Australia in England to consider in develop- and bounce back on Wednesday is expected to miss most of the the recent 1-1 T20 campaign continues to bowl the way he’s November, England looked short ing a squad capable of winning when they’ll have another oppor- 2013-14 domestic season with against England but was in bowling, there’s no doubt (that of frontline bowling options on the 2015 World Cup in Australia tunity to do well.” AFP recurring back trouble. AFP

GCC Under-17 football: Saudi Arabia finish fifth

Saudi’s Abdulrahman Mohamed Alharthi (white) and Yousef Husasin Ali of Kuwait vie for ball possession during their GCC Under-17 tournament at Aspire yesterday. CENTRE: Abdulaziz Faisal Abbas (second left) of Kuwait tries to disposses Saudi Arabia’s Mashour Abdulla (second right). Saudi Arabia beat Kuwait 3-0 in the penalty shootout. At the end of full time play the teams were locked 0-0. In today’s semi-finals, Oman take on Bahrain at 4.00pm. The second semi-final will be played between hosts Qatar and UAE at 7:00pm. PICTURES BY: ABDUL BASIT Pool: Gama stuns Bustamante; Appleton advances

DOHA: Portugal’s Manuel Gama stunned Francisco Bustamante Results of the Philippines 9-6 to advance Winners side matches. Winners Group 8: Wang Can (CHN) bt Ramil to the Round-of-64 knockout advance to the final 64. Loser gets Gallego (PHL) 9-1; Mika Immonen (FIN) bt stage of the World 9-Ball Pool one more chance today. Jeffery De Luna (PHL) 9–6 Championship at Al Arabi Indoor Group 9: Wu Chia Qing (CHN) bt Karl Hall here yesterday. Group 1: Darren Appleton (GBR) bt Jeong Boyes (GBR) 9–4; Oi Naoyuki (JPN) bt Bustamante, seeking his second Young H (KOR) 9–5; Hsu Kai Lun (TPE) bt Mohamed Zulfikri (INA) ) 9-1 World 9-Ball crown after topping So Shaw (GBR) 9–2 the 2010 edition, will now have to Group 10: Israel Rota (PHL) bt Abdullah try his luck of qualifing for the next Group 2: Antonio Gabica (PHL) bt Al Yousef (KUW) 9–5; Mario He (AUT) bt stage through the losers bracket. Dominic Jentsch (GER) 9-7; Omar Al Alex Pagulayan (CAN) 9-7 Shahen (KUW) bt Marlon Manalo (PHL) On Saturday, Bustamante, had Group 11: Lo Li Wen (TPE) bt Alexander 9-1 opened his title bid with a narrow Kazakis (GRE) 9-4; Manuel Gama (POR) 9-7 victory over Mario Morra. bt Francisco Bustamante (PHL) 9–6 Also making it to the next Group 3: Ko Pin Yi (TPE) bt Waleed stage were defending champion Majed (QAT) 9–4; Jalal Yousef (VEN) bt Group 12: Nick Van D. Berg (NED) bt Darren Appleton of England, Imran Majid Jasem (GBR) 9–5 Raymund Faraon (PHL) 9-6; Enrique Mika Immonen of Finland and Rojas (CHL) bt Aloysius Yapp(SIN) 9-6 Dennis Orcollo of the Philippines. Group 4: Konstanin Stepanov (RUS) bt Group 13: Nick Malaj (ALB) bt Lee Van The Englishman defeated Jeong John Morra (CAN) 9–7; Chang Jung Lin Corteza (PHL) 9–8; David Alcaide (ESP) Young of Korea 9-5 to book a (TPE) bt Marc Claramunt (ESP) 9–1 bt Mohanna Al Obaidly (QAT) 9-5 place in the next stage. Group 5: Ralf Souquet (GER) bt Cheng Group 14: Ruslan Chinakhov (RUS) Immonen edged past Jeffery De Yu Hsuan (TPE) 9–4; Vilmos Foldes bt Nguyen K. Hoang (VIE) 9–5; Fabio Luna of the Phillipines 9–6, while (HUN) bt Yukio Akagariyama (JPN) 9–8 Petroni (ITA) bt Oliver Ortmann (GER) Orcollo got past the challenge of 9-7 Tomasz Kaplan of Poland 9–4. Group 6: Toh Lian Han (SIN) bt Jasson Of the two Qatari players in Klatt (CAN) 9–7; Cheng Yu Lung (TPE) bt Group 15: Marlon Villamor (PHL) bt action yesterday, both of them Manuel Gama of Portugal deliberates over his next move during his match against Francisco Bustamante Chris Melling (GBR) 9-5 Nick Ekonomopoulos(GRE) 9–0; Daryl Peach (GBR) bt Robb Saez (USA) 9–6 lost their matches. Waleed Majed of the Philippines at the World 9-Ball Pool Championship at Al Arabi Indoor Stadium in Doha, yesterday. Group 7: Shane V Boening (USA) went down to Ko Pin Yi of Taiwan The Portuguese stunned the former champion, winner at the 2010 edition in Doha, 9-6 to advance to the bt Nguyen Anh Tuan (VIE) 9–6; Toru Group 16: Dennis Orcollo (PHL) bt T 9-4 and David Alcaide of Spain Round-of-64 knockout stages of the tournament. The 12-day event hosted by Qatar Billiards and Snooker Korubaiyashi (JPN) bt Dimitri Jungo Kaplan (POL) 9–4; Neils Feijin (NED) bt defeated Mohanna Al Obaidly 9-5. Federation will end on September 13. PICTURE BY: KAMMUTTY VP (SUI) 9-5 Ryu Seung Woo (KOR) 9-4 THE PENINSULA Tuesday 10 September 2013 4 Dhul-qa’da 1434 Volume 18 Number 5818 Sport Price: QR2

Vettel ignores Blatter defends claims title winter World race is over Cup switch

Sport | 25 Sport | 26

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All-time Grand Slam singles wins Serena triumphs Margaret Court (AUS) 24 Steffi Graf (GER) 22 Helen Wills Moody (USA) 19 Chris Evert (USA) & Martina Navratilova (USA) 18 Serena Williams (USA) 17 again in New York Billie Jean King (USA) 12 Serena’s Career The American wins 17th Grand Slam title wins Career singles titles: 55 NEW YORK: Serena Williams Grand Slam singles titles: 17 (Australian repeated as US Open wom- More on page 23 Open 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, French en’s champion by holding off Open 2002, 2013, Wimbledon 2002, 2003, a battling Victoria Azarenka 2009, 2010, 2012, US Open 1999, 2002, of Belarus 7-5, 6-7(6), 6-1 in a 2008, 2012, 2013) windblown final at Arthur Ashe Career prize money: $50,862,995 Stadium on Sunday. Best US Open result: Champion (1999, 2002, Williams bounded in a series 2008, 2012, 2013) of joyous jumping jack leaps after Azarenka’s backhand sailed long Past US Open on the second match point of a thrilling, two-hour 45-minute champions final that earned her a fifth US 2013 Serena Williams (USA) Open singles title that took her total to 17 Grand Slams. 2012 Serena Williams (USA) The big-hitting American, who 2011 Samantha Stosur (AUS) turns 32 later this month, became 2010 Kim Clijsters (BEL) the oldest US Open women’s win- 2009 Kim Clijsters (BEL) ner since tennis turned profes- 2008 Serena Williams (USA) sional 45 years ago, eclipsing 2007 Justine Henin (BEL) Serena embraces her trophy after defeating Azarenka in the final. The Australian Margaret Court, who 2006 Maria Sharapova (RUS) victory was the American’s fifth title at Flushing Meadows and is seven was 31 years and 55 days when 2005 Kim Clijsters (BEL) Slam titles away from emulating Margaret Court with the most number she won the title in 1973. of Grand Slam title wins. The triumph moved Williams 2004 Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) to within one grand slam singles crown of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova for a tie for fourth place on the all-time list behind Court (24), Steffi Graf (22) and Helen Wills Moody (19). It had looked like it was going to be plain sailing for Williams after she won a difficult first set, Serena Williams of the US celebrates after defeating Victoria Azarenka boosted by a late break in the of Belarus in their final match at the US Open in New York on Sunday. 11th game for a 6-5 lead and then served out a love game before rac- ing to a 4-1 second-set lead. second seed said about the qual- good measure to make it 5-1 Williams, who earlier looked ity of the match. “It was really before she claimed victory when confounded by the gusty wind kind of like boiling the water. It the Belarusian sent a backhand that affected service tosses and felt from every point, it was rising long on the second match point. the direction of bounces off the level.” Williams blasted 36 winners in groundstrokes and was muttering The Belarusian showed her the match against 17 for Azarenka, to herself between points, finally fight and took advantage of a and blasted nine aces against just settled into a rhythm in the sec- string of Williams errors to break two for the Belarusian, who won ond set. right back for 4-2 and rode that an impressive 10 of 15 points at “The wind was unbelievable,” momentum. the net when she stepped up the said the champion. “And it just Twice Williams served for the pressure on Williams. got worse and worse and it never match, at 5-4 and again at 6-5, “Victoria, you played unbeliev- let up. But at this point you have but Azarenka rose up to break able,” said Williams at the trophy to play under any circumstance.” the American’s serve and force ceremony. She claimed the 4-1 lead after a tiebreaker. “What a great match and what Azarenka double-faulted three Williams took a 3-1 lead but a great person. Vika is such a times in the fifth and her US Azarenka won five of the next great opponent, she’s such a great Open repeat looked a certainty six points to seize a 6-4 advantage fighter. It was never over until as she begun to find her range on and sent the match to a third set match point,” added Williams her imposing service game that when Williams belted a backhand after the match. saw her serve broken only twice long to lose it 8-6. The top seed collected the in six previous matches. “I think I got a little uptight,” $2.6m top prize and pocketed an But Azarenka was not ready to Williams said about squandering addition $1m bonus for having capitulate. her chances. “I wasn’t playing won the US Open run-up series “I think it was raising from smart tennis. (But) you have to of tournaments. the first point, the tension, the keep fighting for everything.” Azarenka said she had been battle, the determination,” the The third set stayed on serve beaten by the better player. until the fourth game when “It is a tough loss. But the best another double fault, her seventh player deserves the win today. I “Thank you all for your sup- of the match, sank Azarenka and gave it all again this year,” said port. I love you all. Room handed Williams a 3-1 lead. Azarenka, who lost 7-5 in the service and now bed...” With the stadium crowd roar- third set to Williams in last year’s Tweet by Serena after her victory ing their support for the home final. at Flushing Meadows favorite, the American broke She added: “We gave it every- Azarenka two games later for thing we got.” REUTERS

Serena holds up the US Open championship trophy while posing for photographers in front of the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park the day after winning the US Open in New York, USA, yesterday. It was her 17th Grand Slam trophy overall.